bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projections of river floods in Europe using EURO‐CORDEX, CMIP5 and CMIP6 simulations
Authors: Di Sante Fabio , Coppola Erika , Giorgi Filippo
Published: January 2021

A large ensemble of hydroclimatic simulations is used to simulate the occurrence of river floods over Europe in a climate change context. A river routing model derived from a distributed hydrological model (CHyM) is forced with 44 EURO‐CORDEX, 13 CMIP5 and 7 CMIP6 simulations to assess the effects of climate change on the flood magnitude under two different scenarios. The impact of climate change is evaluated using a 100‐year return period discharge indicator (Q100). Results show a decrease in magnitude of Q100 flood events over the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and north eastern Europe. This latter signal appears particularly robust and in contrast to the projected mean flow signal, which is shown to increase by the end of the century in response to increased mean precipitation. The reduction of snow accumulation during winter induced by a large increase of late winter temperatures is the main reason behind the decrease of floods over the North Eastern regions. An opposite signal is projected over Great Britain, Ireland, Northern Italy and Western Europe, where a robust signal of flood magnitude increase is evident, being driven by an increase of extreme precipitation events. All these simulations are intended for use in impact assessment studies towards the development of suitable response options.
New uses for old tools: Reviving Holdridge Life Zones in soil carbon persistence research
Authors: Jungkunst Hermann F. , Goepel Jan , Horvath Thomas , Ott Simone , Brunn Melanie
Published: January 2021

Growing evidence suggests that climate classification facilitates the identification of zones that either agree or disagree with processes explaining soil organic carbon (SOC) persistence. Already forty years ago, Post et al. (1982) posited that the strict temperature and precipitation‐based classification defining the Holdridge Life Zones (HLZ) provides a descriptive tool to guide our understanding of the heterogeneous distribution of global SOC stocks. Here we argue that this classification has the potential for describing SOC persistence by linking top‐down and bottom‐up approaches from different scales, which allows selection of individual regional relevancies necessary to manage and track the fate of our largest terrestrial carbon (C) reservoir.
Effect of Force, Posture, and Repetitive Wrist Motion on Intraneural Blood Flow in the Median Nerve
Authors: Ehmke Samantha , Farias Zuniga Amanda , Keir Peter J.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Pinching, deviated wrist postures, and repetitive motion are risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. Hypervascularization of the median nerve and increased intraneural blood flow proximal to the carpal tunnel result in finger force and deviated wrist postures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of pinching with and without force, wrist posture, and repetitive wrist motion on intraneural blood flow in the median nerve.

Methods

Eleven healthy and 11 carpal tunnel syndrome–symptomatic individuals completed 3 sections of this study: 15 pinch posture force trials, 3 repetitive wrist motion trials, and 3 static wrist posture trials. Intraneural blood flow (centimeters per second) was measured with pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound during each trial. Transverse B‐mode images obtained from static trials were used to calculate the median nerve cross‐sectional area and circumference.

Results

An analysis of variance statistical analysis revealed significant main effects of pinch posture force (F4,80 = 21.397; P < .001) and wrist posture (F2,40 = 14.545; P < .001). Intraneural blood flow velocities were significantly greater when 6 N of force was applied by the thumb, finger, or pinch compared to no applied force in the same postures. Intraneural blood flow velocities were higher at 30° wrist flexion (mean ± SD, 2.24 ± 0.42 cm/s) than neutral (2.06 ± 0.45 cm/s) and 30° wrist extension (1.97 ± 0.46 cm/s). No changes were found in response to repetitive wrist motion.

Conclusions

Flexed wrists as well as applied finger and thumb forces increase median nerve blood flow at the entry to the carpal tunnel, which may negatively affect the median nerve.
Service failure recovery on customer recovery satisfaction for airline industry: The moderator of brand authenticity and perceived authenticity
Authors: Lin Wen‐Cheng , Lu Tzu‐En , Peng Mu‐Yi
Published: January 2021

In the increasingly competitive international air passenger market, service errors are inevitable in the process of providing services. The most important thing is that when the service fails, it is particularly important to adopt a proactive and appropriate service strategy to calm the customer's dissatisfaction for achieving the purpose of sustainable operation. This paper used structural equation models and sent 300 questionnaires to the consumers in Taiwan, 279 questionnaires were valid returned with a collection rate of 96.33% through a questionnaire survey. The empirical results show that service recovery and customer satisfaction show a significant positive correlation. Politeness, compensation, and response speed of service remediation have a positive and significant impact on satisfaction; brand authenticity and perceived authenticity have a moderator effect. The research results can provide reference for air industry in service recovery and customer satisfaction.
Motor Onset Topography and Progression in Parkinson's Disease: the Upper Limb Is First
Authors: Monje Mariana H.G. , Sánchez‐Ferro Álvaro , Pineda‐Pardo José A. , Vela‐Desojo Lydia , Alonso‐Frech Fernando , Obeso José A.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To define the motor onset and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) in a prospective cohort of early unmedicated patients.

Methods

We enrolled a consecutive cohort of recently diagnosed (<18 months) PD patients with unilateral manifestations using age and gender‐matched controls. The most affected body region was determined using various clinical standard metrics and objective quantitative kinematic measurements. Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative data were used for external validation of the results.

Results

Twenty‐five drug‐naive patients and 21 controls were studied. Upper limbs were (92%) the most affected body region at onset as ascertained by patients' self‐assessment, neurologists' impression, and Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score. The upper limb (ie, hand) was the site of onset in 80% of patients. Motor features progressed to involve the lower limb but remained limited to the initially affected body side over a 2‐year follow‐up. Agreement among the different metrics (96%) confirmed focal upper limb predominant motor impairment at onset. The findings were confirmed by quantitative kinematic analyses and from a cohort of 34 similar patients from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database.

Conclusions

Motor manifestations in PD start distally in one upper limb. The complexity of the motor repertoire and, consequently, the presumed larger dopaminergic striatal demand for maintaining skillful motor function in the upper limb, may contribute to greater vulnerability of dopaminergic striatal terminals. Recognition of this motor pattern could be used to monitor the evolution of nigrostriatal degeneration and the putative impact of therapies. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dyadic reports of weight control practices, sedentary behaviors, and family functioning and communication between adult weight management patients and their children
Authors: Keeley J. Pratt , Catherine A. VanFossen , Haley M. Kiser , Riley Whiting , Colleen Spees , Chris A. Taylor , Ihuoma Eneli , Sabrena Noria
Published: January 2021

Background

Parents are increasingly pursuing weight loss in medical weight management programs, yet little is known about the presenting behaviors and practices of children who have parents initiating these programs.

Objective

To describe congruence in weight control practices, sedentary and screen time behaviors, and family functioning and communication between parents initiating a medical weight management program and their children (ages 7–18).

Methods

Twenty‐three dyads were enrolled and had measured height/weight and research packets completed including perceived weight status, weight control practices, sedentary and screen‐time behaviors, and family functioning and communication. Paired t‐tests and intraclass correlations assessed congruence; independent t‐tests determined differences based on child demographics (age, sex, and weight status).

Results

Parents underestimated children's use of weight control practices compared to child reports. Children with overweight, males, and older in age had increased weight control practices and sedentary and screen‐time behaviors. Children who perceived themselves to have overweight reported more impaired family communication than children perceived to be a healthy weight.

Conclusions

This study highlights the discrepancy between dyads' reports of children's behaviors, and identifies that specific child populations with overweight, older in age, and males are at‐risk of experiencing less healthy behaviors and impaired family communication. Future research should monitor changes over time in parental weight management programs to determine effects based on parental weight loss.
Crashworthiness analysis of perforated metal/composite thin‐walled structures under axial and oblique loading
Authors: Fan Dong , Qi‐hua Ma , Xue‐hui Gan , Tianjun Zhou
Published: January 2021

As a kind of lightweight structure with great economic benefits, metal/composite hybrid structure is raising rapidly among automobile safety components due to its excellent anti‐collision performance. In this paper, a new design was developed by introducing an induced circular hole to improve the energy absorption performance of the AL/CFRP hybrid thin‐walled tubes under different loading conditions. Quasi‐static experiments and finite element simulation were carried out on the hybrid tubular sample with induced circular holes, and the crash resistance of the number and diameter of induced round holes under different loading angles (θ) of 0°,10°, 20°, and 30° was analyzed through the verified finite element model. The results showed that the induction hole can effectively reduce the peak load and improve the energy absorption characteristics of the hybrid thin‐walled tube under the axial (0°) load. Under the inclined load, the energy absorption capacity of all samples decreased to different degrees with increasing loading angle, and the induced hole changed the deformation mode of the hybrid tube, especially under the 30° loading angle. The complex proportional assessment is then implemented on the optimal structures, and specific energy absorption, peak crush force, and crush force efficiency were selected as the objective functions to improve the overall impact resistance under different loading angles. Considering three design cases, the AL/CFRP hybrid thin‐walled structure with three groups of induced holes are finally found as the best energy absorbing devices. The work in this paper can provide a guide for the design of advanced energy absorbing devices for arbitrary loading condition.
Patient attitudes toward prenatal diagnostic testing during antenatal care in an urban population
Authors: Igel Catherine M. , Rabin‐Havt Sara , Estrada Trejo Fatima , Doulaveris Georgios , Eisenberg Ruth , Fazzari Melissa , Klugman Susan
Published: January 2021

Objective

Investigate factors that influence the decision to accept or decline diagnostic testing for pregnant women referred for genetic counseling.

Methods

Cross sectional anonymous survey of pregnant women undergoing genetic counseling at a tertiary care referral center. Subjects' perceived risk of procedure related loss and fetal chromosomal problem were obtained via survey where patients rated risk from 0 (no risk) to 10 (highest risk).

Results

There were no differences in sociodemographic factors between women undergoing a diagnostic procedure compared to those not undergoing a procedure. As the perceived risk for having a baby with genetic problem increased by one point, the estimated odds of having the diagnostic procedure increased by 43% controlling for the perceived risk of procedure related loss (p < .0001). Similarly, as the perceived risk of miscarriage increased by one point, the odds of having the diagnostic procedure decreased by 40%, controlling for the perceived risk of having a baby with a genetic problem (p < .0001). The main reason women cited for not undergoing a procedure was fear of procedure related loss.

Conclusions

Pregnant women that decline diagnostic testing have a higher perceived risk of procedure related loss and lower perceived risk of fetal chromosomal abnormality than those who accept.
Approach to nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) melt: Effect of gamma‐ray
Authors: Chang Yuan‐Hsiang , Zhang Yulin , Chiang Donyau , Yang Fuqian , Lee Sanboh
Published: January 2021

Understanding the effect of gamma‐ray irradiation on the nonisothermal crystallization of polymer during cooling is of practical importance for the applications and manufacturing of crystallized polymer. In this work, we expose poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) (PMP) to gamma‐ray with different irradiation doses and study the crystallization of the gamma‐ray irradiated PMPs. All the PMPs exhibit a doublet peak in the differential scanning calorimeter thermograms for the cooling rates in a range of 2.5–20°C/min. We use linear superposition of two inverse Gaussian functions to decompose the doublet peak into two individual peaks and analyze the crystallization kinetics of the crystallization processes associated with individual peaks. The Avrami exponent decreases with the decrease of the crystallization temperature and is in a range of 0.96–2.43 for the crystallization near the melting point and a range of 0.72–1.68 for the crystallization away the melting temperature. The activation energy for the crystallization near the melting temperature decreases with the increase of the irradiation dose. For the crystallization away from the melting temperature, the activation energy for the PMPs without gamma‐ray irradiation is smallest.
Optimization of Nanofluidic Devices for Geometry‐Induced Electrostatic Trapping
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Lim Roderick Y. H. , Pfohl Thomas , Ekinci Yasin
Published: January 2021

Nanoparticle trapping in a nanofluidic device utilizing geometry‐induced electrostatic (GIE) potential trap is an efficient and robust way to perform nano‑object confinement and single particle studies. The GIE‑trapping is a passive method that solely depends on the device geometry and device‐particle surface interaction. Therefore, optimization of a nanofluidic device based on experimental requirements, helps to achieve stiffer single‐particle trapping. The efficiency of a GIE‑trapping device is defined in terms of residence time and trapping stiffness of the nanoparticle inside a potential trap. The present study reveals all crucial parameters that affect the device efficiency, particle trapping stiffness, and particle residence time. Furthermore, the trends of particle trapping stiffness are presented as a function of crucial parameters and demonstrate two variants of simulations to estimate the particle trapping efficiency: (a) using charged particle, and (b) using point charge approximation. Simulations with charged particle give more realistic values related to particle trapping whereas simulations with point charge approximation is a faster approach which gives approximate values and a guideline for more rigorous simulations. The results demonstrate a good agreement with experimental observations and hold the key for future developments in this field, wherein a device geometry can be very precisely optimized.
Light Absorption of GaN Nanowire Array Cathode with Alkali Metal Nanoparticle Modified on the Surface
Authors: Liu Lei , Lu Feifei , Tian Jian , Zhangyang Xingyue
Published: January 2021

Since the adsorption of alkali metals is necessary for the negative electron affinity (NEA) of the photocathode, light absorption models of GaN nanowire (NW) arrays with alkali metal (Li, Na, K, and Cs) nanoparticles (NPs) modified on the NW surface based on the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method are constructed. The absorption spectra of hemispherical, spherical alkali metal NPs adsorbed on the outer surface of the NW, and spherical alkali metal embedded on the inner surface and center of the NW are studied. When the ratio of NW diameter to period (D/P) is greater than 0.5, the adsorption of alkali metal NPs cannot improve the absorption of GaN NW arrays. Alkali metal decoration can cause the absorption gain of NW arrays and optical loss of NPs, so the diameter and spacing of alkali metal NPs need to be balanced. When Li NPs are embedded in NW, plasmons can enhance the generation of electron‐hole pairs, making GaN NWA obtain higher optical absorption and quantum efficiency. Therefore, the method of Li and Cs NPs embedded in GaN NW can provide a reference for the process NEA design, which will contribute to the development of the ultraviolet photocathode with high absorption characteristics.
Understanding the expanding role of pharmacy services in outpatient cystic fibrosis care
Authors: Zobell Jeffery T. , Moss Justin , Heuser Stephanie , Roe Lynda , Young David C.
Published: January 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients utilize an average of 10 (±5) medications per day. Given the complexity of the medication regimen, the CF Foundation (CFF) recommends pharmacists as members of the CF care team. The areas of pharmacy services have been identified in the literature. “Limited access pharmacists” are consulted to answer questions, assist in evaluating serum drug concentrations, provide medication education, and monitor for drug‐drug interactions. Reduction in hospital length of stay has been shown through this collaboration. “Full access pharmacists” provide comprehensive medication therapy management resulting in medication adherence and access improvements, sustainability of treatments, improved provider communication, reduced medication errors and costs, expedited medication refill authorization, increased utilization of respiratory therapists, enhanced discussion of medications with CF team members, and reduction in the number of pharmacies utilized by patients to fill CF medications. An integrated CF pharmacy team are essential members of the multidisciplinary CF care team that have been shown to improve in CF medication access, increases in body weight and body mass index, reduction in prior authorization submission times, reduction in medication delivery times, expedited medication refill authorizations, increased collaboration with respiratory therapists, augmented discussion of medication with CF team members, and reduction in the number of pharmacies utilized by CF patients. There is a need to further evaluate the impact of outpatient CF pharmacy services due to the improvements in the care on patients and families affected by CF, and as the number of CFF‐accredited care centers integrates CF pharmacy teams throughout the country increases.
Insensitive High Explosives: V. Ballistic Properties and Vulnerability of Nitroguanidine Based Propellants
Authors: Koch Ernst‐Christian
Published: January 2021

This paper reviews the ballistic properties, stability and vulnerability of gun propellants, gas generators and rocket propellants containing nitroguanidine (NGu), CAS−No [556‐88‐7] as an energetic filler. Nitroguanidine and its formulations burn stable over a broad pressure regime extending from subatmospheric to high pressures (0.1 kPa–400 MPa). Its high nitrogen content (53.83 %) and oxygen balance (Ω=‐30.75 %) effects a high gas pressure in gun propellants combined with low explosion temperature and consequently low signature and reduced erosion. NGu is an effective stabilizer for a broad array of energetic materials encountered in gun and rocket propellants including AP, ADN, HMX, RDX, NGl and also materials with low thermal stability such as NC, HNF, TNAZ and ADN. Finally, the low vulnerability of NGu‐based propellant formulations makes them taylor made to serve insensitive munitions. This review covers 31 NGu‐based rocket and gas generating propellant formulations, 44 gun propellants, five of which contain guanylurea dinitramide, (GuDN, FOX‐12), CAS−No [217464‐38‐5] for comparison, four reference propellants containing neither of the aforementioned ingredients and six combustible cartridge case formulations based on NGu. In addition, the combustion properties of pure NGu, pure GUDN and NGu modified with 17 different catalysts are revised. The review contains 142 references from the public domain.
New amino acid substitution matrix brings sequence alignments into agreement with structure matches
Authors: Jia Kejue , Jernigan Robert L
Published: January 2021

Protein sequence matching presently fails to identify many structures that are highly similar, even when they are known to have the same function. The high packing densities in globular proteins lead to interdependent substitutions, which have not previously been considered for amino acid similarities. At present, sequence matching compares sequences based only upon the similarities of single amino acids, ignoring the fact that in densely packed protein, there are additional conservative substitutions representing exchanges between two interacting amino acids, such as a small‐large pair changing to a large‐small pair substitutions that are not individually so conservative. Here we show that including information for such pairs of substitutions yields improved sequence matches, and that these yield significant gains in the agreements between sequence alignments and structure matches of the same protein pair. The result shows sequence segments matched where structure segments are aligned. There are gains for all 2002 collected cases where the sequence alignments that were not previously congruent with the structure matches. Our results also demonstrate a significant gain in detecting homology for “twilight zone” protein sequences. The amino acid substitution metrics derived have many other potential applications, for annotations, protein design, mutagenesis design, and empirical potential derivation.
Spectrum calibration of the first hyperspectral infrared measurements from a geostationary platform: Method and preliminary assessment
Authors: Guo Qiang , Yang Jun , Wei Caiying , Chen Boyang , Wang Xin , Han Changpei , Hui Wen , Xu Weiwei , Wen Rui , Liu Yuning
Published: January 2021

The level‐1 (L1) radiance spectra from the first Geostationary Interferometric InfraRed Sounder (GIIRS) have been publicly available since January 2019. On account of the inherent observation characteristics, operation modes, and capabilities, a complete spectrum calibration method of GIIRS/L1 products is originally proposed to form the latest version (V3) algorithm for implementation. Particularly, four targeted improvements in three aspects are independently established: subsample location alignment to yield integrated interferograms in both forward and backward directions with almost zero phase, rough spectral scale unification as well as accurate spectral scale correction to resolve spectral non‐uniformity due to a seriously asymmetric configuration of focal plane array, and an additional double‐reflected compensation to mitigate the influence of non‐ideal onboard blackbody reference upon radiometric accuracy. Preliminary assessments from both domestic and international sources indicate that the spectral and radiometric accuracies of the measured spectra from the latest GIIRS/L1 V3 algorithm show a well‐behaved performance in both longwave (LW) and midwave (MW) bands, that is, lower than 10 ppm of spectral scale errors, which is of sufficient accuracy for numerical weather prediction use, and around 1 K for most uncontaminated channels within the LW band. However, non‐linearity correction of interferograms and spectral quality improvements, especially for the MW band, should be developed further. In general, a feasible solution of spectrum calibration for a hyperspectral sounder on geostationary platform is provided in detail for reference, which is expected to benefit users of GIIRS data as well as designers responsible for L1 data processing of other similar sensors.
Distribution‐free triple EWMA control chart for monitoring the process location using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum statistic with fast initial response feature
Authors: Letshedi Tokelo Irene , Malela‐Majika Jean‐Claude , Castagliola Philippe , Shongwe Sandile Charles
Published: January 2021

The exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart is a memory‐type chart known to be more efficient in detecting small and moderate shifts in the process parameter. The double EWMA (DEWMA) chart is an extension of the EWMA chart that is more effective than the latter in the detection of small‐to‐moderate shifts. This paper proposes a new distribution‐free (or nonparametric) triple EWMA (TEWMA) control chart based on the Wilcoxon rank‐sum (W) statistic to improve the detection ability in the process location parameter. Moreover, a new fast initial response (FIR) feature is added to further improve the sensitivity of the new TEWMA chart. The performance of the proposed TEWMA chart with and without FIR features is compared to those of the existing EWMA and DEWMA W charts. It is observed that the TEWMA chart with and without FIR features is superior to the competing charts in most situations. A real‐life illustration is provided to show the application and implementation of the new chart.
Distributed fixed‐time event‐triggered consensus of linear multi‐agent systems with input delay
Authors: Ai Xiaolin , Wang Long
Published: January 2021

This article investigates the distributed fixed‐time event‐triggered consensus problem for linear multi‐agent systems with input delay. The Artstein‐Kwon‐Pearson reduction approach is used to convert the delay‐dependent system to a delay‐free one. Based on the delay‐free system, two distributed event‐triggered protocols are designed based on local information exchange to address the leaderless consensus and the leader‐follower consensus problems. In the proposed consensus protocols, both continuous controller updates and continuous communication as well as the Zeno behavior are successfully excluded. Detailed convergence analysis demonstrates that the closed‐loop system is fixed‐time stable regardless of the initial conditions. Finally, some simulation examples are provided to validate the theoretical results.
Spatial modeling of individual‐level infectious disease transmission: Tuberculosis data in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Amiri Leila , Torabi Mahmoud , Deardon Rob , Pickles Michael
Published: January 2021

Geographically dependent individual level models (GD‐ILMs) are a class of statistical models that can be used to study the spread of infectious disease through a population in discrete‐time in which covariates can be measured both at individual and area levels. The typical ILMs to illustrate spatial data are based on the distance between susceptible and infectious individuals. A key feature of GD‐ILMs is that they take into account the spatial location of the individuals in addition to the distance between susceptible and infectious individuals. As a motivation of this article, we consider tuberculosis (TB) data which is an infectious disease which can be transmitted through individuals. It is also known that certain areas/demographics/communities have higher prevalent of TB (see Section 4 for more details). It is also of interest of policy makers to identify those areas with higher infectivity rate of TB for possible preventions. Therefore, we need to analyze this data properly to address those concerns. In this article, the expectation conditional maximization algorithm is proposed for estimating the parameters of GD‐ILMs to be able to predict the areas with the highest average infectivity rates of TB. We also evaluate the performance of our proposed approach through some simulations. Our simulation results indicate that the proposed method provides reliable estimates of parameters which confirms accuracy of the infectivity rates.
The geography of female small business survivorship: Examining the roles of proportional representation and stakeholders
Authors: Kalnins Arturs , Williams Michele
Published: January 2021

Research summary

Combining insights from research on firm‐level stakeholders with the well‐established micro literature on social categorization, we develop and test a theory regarding the relative survivorship of female‐owned and male‐owned businesses. The theory is based on proportional representation within geographic areas, defined as each area's female‐owned proprietorship count divided by its total proprietorship count. Analyzing survivorship of over one million proprietorships, we find a robust positive relationship between proportional representation and survival. We then examine effects of local stakeholders such as banks, customers, and network opportunities, in combination with proportional representation. Our research suggests that the effects of female proportional representation are more pervasive than previously considered, influenced by communities of business stakeholders, and, in some cases, leveling the playing field for female entrepreneurs.

Managerial summary

We analyzed relative survival duration of one million female‐ and male‐owned proprietorship businesses. We argued that a higher proportional representation of female business owners among all owners in a geographical area would combat negative stereotypes about women's business competence. We found that female‐owned businesses survived relatively longer than their male‐owned counterparts in areas with substantial proportional representation of female owners and that the relative benefits for women were magnified in the presence of local banks (which provide capital) as well as in customer‐rich and network‐rich areas. Business ownership has been proposed to be a “great equalizer” for women frustrated by the glass ceilings of corporate employment. We find this is true, but only in areas with a high proportional representation of women among business owners.
A Queue‐Ordered Layered Mn‐Based Oxides with Al Substitution as High‐Rate and High‐Stabilized Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Zelin , Zhao Zeqin , Xu Hanxue , Sun Jie , He Xuexia , Lei Zhibin , Liu Zong‐huai , Jiang Ruibin , Li Qi
Published: January 2021

Development of highly stabilized and reversible cathode materials has become a great challenge for sodium‐ion batteries. O′3‐type layered Mn‐based oxides have deserved much attention as one of largely reversible‐capacity cathodes featured by the resource‐rich and low‐toxic elements. However, the fragile slabs structure of typical layered oxides, low Mn‐ion migration barriers, and Jahn–Teller distortion of Mn3+ have easily resulted in the severe degradation of cyclability and rate performances. Herein, a new queue‐ordered superstructure is built up in the O′3‐NaMn0.6Al0.4O2 cathode material. Through the light‐metal Al substitution in O′3‐NaMnO2, the MnO6 and AlO6 octahedrons display the queue‐ordered arrangements in the transition metal (TM) slabs. Interestingly, the presence of this superstructure can strengthen the layered structure, reduce the influence from Jahn–Teller effect, and suppress the TM‐ions migrations during long‐terms cycles. These characteristics results in O′3‐NaMn0.6Al0.4O2 cathode deliver a high capacity of 160 mAh g−1, an enhanced rate capability and the excellent cycling performance. This research strategy can provide the broaden insight for future electrode materials with high‐performance sodium‐ions storage.
Low Band Gap Benzoxazole‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photo‐Enhanced Targeted Uranium Recovery
Authors: Cui Wei‐Rong , Zhang Cheng‐Rong , Xu Rui‐Han , Chen Xiao‐Rong , Yan Run‐Han , Jiang Wei , Liang Ru‐Ping , Qiu Jian‐Ding
Published: January 2021

The inherent features of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) make them highly attractive for uranium recovery applications. A key aspect yet to be explored is how to improve the selectivity and efficiency of COFs for recovering uranium from seawater. To achieve this goal, a series of robust and hydrophilic benzoxazole‐based COFs is developed (denoted as Tp‐DBD, Bd‐DBD, and Hb‐DBD) as efficient adsorbents for photo‐enhanced targeted uranium recovery. Benefiting from the hydroxyl groups and the formation of benzoxazole rings, the hydrophilic Tp‐DBD shows outstanding stability and chemical reduction properties. Meanwhile, the synergistic effect of the hydroxyl groups and the benzoxazole rings in the π‐conjugated frameworks significantly decrease the optical band gap, and improve the affinity and capacity to uranium recovery. In seawater, the adsorption capacity of uranium is 19.2× that of vanadium, a main interfering metal in uranium extraction.
Unraveling the Key Relationship Between Perovskite Capacitive Memory, Long Timescale Cooperative Relaxation Phenomena, and Anomalous J–V Hysteresis
Authors: Hernández-Balaguera Enrique , del Pozo Gonzalo , Arredondo Belén , Romero Beatriz , Pereyra Carlos , Xie Haibing , Lira-Cantú Mónica
Published: January 2021

Capacitive response at long time scales seems to remain an elusive feature in the analysis of the electrical properties of perovskite‐based solar cells. It belongs to one of the critical anomalous effects that arises from the characteristic phenomenology of this type of emerging photovoltaic devices. Thereby, accurately deducing key capacitance feature of new light harvesting perovskites from electrical measurements represents a significant challenge regarding the interpretation of physical processes and the control of undesired mechanisms, such as slow dynamic effects and/or current density–voltage (J–V) hysteresis. Herein, it is shown that long timescale mechanisms that give rise to hysteresis in stable and high‐efficiency quadruple‐cation perovskites are not due to a classical capacitive behavior in the sense of ideal charge accumulation processes. Instead, it is a phenomenological consequence of slow memory‐based capacitive currents and the underlying cooperative relaxations. A fractional dynamics approach, based on the idea of capacitance distribution in perovskite devices, reliably models the slow transient phenomena and the consequent scan‐rate‐ and bias‐dependent hysteresis. Observable for a wide variety of photovoltaic halide perovskites, distributed capacitive effects are rather universal anomalous phenomena, which can be related to the long‐time electrical response and hysteresis.
Cartilage endplate stem cells inhibit intervertebral disc degeneration by releasing exosomes to nucleus pulposus cells to activate Akt/autophagy
Authors: Luo Liwen , Jian Xiuying , Sun Hui , Qin Jinghao , Wang Yanqiu , Zhang Ji , Shen Zigang , Yang Di , Li Changqing , Zhao Ping , Liu MingHan , Tian Zhiqiang , Zhou Yue
Published: January 2021

Degeneration of the cartilage endplate (CEP) induces intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) apoptosis is also an important exacerbating factor in IVDD, but the cascade mechanism in IVDD is not clear. We investigated the apoptosis of NPCs and IVDD when stimulated by normal cartilage endplate stem cell (CESC)-derived exosomes (N-Exos) and degenerated CESC-derived exosomes (D-Exos) in vitro and in vivo. Tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was used to induce inflammation of CESCs. The bioinformatics differences between N-Exos and D-Exos were analyzed using mass spectrometry, heat map, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. NPC apoptosis was examined using TUNEL staining. The involvement of the AKT and autophagy signaling pathways was investigated using the signaling inhibitor LY294002. Magnetic resonance imaging, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of N-Exos in rats with IVDD. TBHP effectively induced inflammation and the degeneration of CEP in rat. N-Exos were more conducive to autophagy activation than D-Exos. The apoptotic rate of NPCs decreased obviously after treatment with N-Exos compared to D-Exos. N-Exos inhibited NPCs apoptosis and attenuated IVDD in rat via activation of the AKT and autophagy pathways. These results are the first findings to confirm that CEP delayed the progression of IVDD via exosomes. The therapeutic effects of N-Exos on NPC apoptosis inhibition and the slowing of IVDD progression were more effective than D-Exos due to activation of the PI3K/AKT/autophagy pathway, which explained the increase in the incidence of IVDD after inflammation of the CEP.
The effect of equine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells on the expression of apoptotic genes in neutrophils
Authors: Salami Fatemeh , Ghodrati Mitra , Parham Abbas , Mehrzad Jalil
Published: January 2021

Background

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs), as multipotent cells with self‐renewal and plastic‐adherent properties, have immunomodulatory effects on immune cells, including neutrophils. These cells are in close proximity in bone marrow (BM) sinusoids with non‐multiplicative immature neutrophils. BM‐MSCs exert their immunomodulatory effects on adjacent cells both directly (cell‐to‐cell contact) and indirectly (secretion of soluble factors).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of equine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) on the expression of some pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic genes (p53, survivin and Bcl2) in neutrophils co‐cultured with BM‐MSCs.

Methods

For this purpose, peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated and separately co‐cultured for 12 hr with both BM‐MSCs and the BM‐MSCs΄ supernatant. Four groups were included: neutrophils with only culture media (as control), neutrophils co‐cultured with BM‐MScs, neutrophils cultured with BM‐MSCs’ supernatant and neutrophils cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, as positive control). Then, the expression of mentioned genes (p53, survivin and Bcl2) was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

Compared with control neutrophils, in neutrophils co‐cultured with both BM‐MSCs and BM‐MSCs’ supernatant, the mRNA expression levels of p53, as pro‐apoptotic gene, and survivin and Bcl2, as anti‐apoptotic genes, were remarkably increased and decreased (p < .05), respectively.

Conclusions

These data revealed the notion that the direct contact of BM‐MSCs is not obligatory for their effects on the apoptotic status of neutrophils and they affect neutrophils via soluble secreted factors, which is promising for clinical implications in equine medicine.
Behind‐the‐meter energy storage in China: Lessons from California's approach
Authors: Shuai Xiaotong , Raufer Roger
Published: January 2021

Behind‐the‐meter (BTM) energy storage creates benefits for a large number of stakeholders, enhancing system operation, and mitigating the increase in peak demand, as well as offering potential income from arbitraging peak/off‐peak electricity tariff differentials, mitigating demand charges, and other ancillary service sources. The United States and China are among the leaders in development of energy storage, but these two countries are at different stages in terms of the storage policy landscape. The US system of federalism enables state‐level policy reform, and California has been leading the country for more than a decade with policy instruments addressing BTM storage. These policy instruments include procurement targets, financial incentive plans, as well as regulatory adaptations. Under China's centralized pattern of energy governance, the deployment of new technology largely relies on signals from the national level. The first standalone national‐level policy for energy storage was released in 2017, but major market barriers remain. This review draws insights from the experience of California, whose partially deregulated power market is relevant for China's ongoing market reform. In order to investigate whether the country's current market environment provides adequate opportunities for investors, this review outlines an investment analysis assessing the economics of BTM storage in China with different revenue sources. Results show that traditional revenue sources for BTM storage, namely price arbitrage and demand charge reduction, are inadequate to recover costs for investors in China. The review thus proposes policy recommendations for regulators in China aiming to further promote the deployment of BTM energy storage.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy
Multiple heavy metal removal simultaneously by a biomass‐based porous carbon
Authors: Tuomikoski Sari , Runtti Hanna , Romar Henrik , Lassi Ulla , Kangas Teija
Published: January 2021

Activated carbon from sawdust was produced with an environmentally friendly process involving single‐stage carbonization and activation with steam at 800°C. Production process is scalable because lignocellulosic biomass is ubiquitous worldwide as a waste or as a virgin material. Single‐stage production without any cooling steps between carbonization and activation is easier in larger scale production. Monometal adsorption and multimetal adsorption of cobalt, nickel, and zinc were investigated by using the produced carbon, with a commercial one as control. Effect of pH, initial metal concentration, adsorbent dosage, and adsorption time was evaluated in batch experiments. Multimetal experiments showed the order of the maximum adsorption capacities: zinc > nickel > cobalt. Experimental adsorption capacities were 17.2, 6.6, and 4.5 mg/g for zinc, nickel, and cobalt, respectively, in multisolute adsorption. In case of monometal adsorption, adsorption capacity was notably lower. Experimental data fitted into the single‐solute and multisolute Freundlich models. The best fit kinetic model varied among the metals. The Weber and Morris intraparticle diffusion model was used. Regeneration was performed with 0.1 M HNO3, 0.1 M HCl, or 0.1 M H2SO4. The adsorption capacity remained at the same within three adsorption–desorption cycles.

Practitioner points

Activated carbon was produced from sawdust with environmentally friendly process

Monometal adsorption and multimetal adsorption with heavy metals were studied

Best‐fitting models to the experimental data were single‐solute and multisolute Freundlich models

Regeneration could be performed with diluted acids

Worldwide available raw material successfully used as adsorbent for heavy metals
Climate Change Impact and Adaptation: Lagoonal Fishing Communities in West Africa
Authors: Davies-Vollum K. Sian , Raha Debadayita , Koomson Daniel
Published: January 2021

Lagoons are a common feature of the low-lying West African coastline. These lagoons are resource-rich and biodiverse. The small-scale fishing communities, which border them, are dependent on the resources and ecosystem services for their livelihoods and well-being. Climate change has had significant and diverse effects on both the lagoons and their surrounding communities. Sea level rise has caused erosion of the coast and increased the risk of floods. Changes to rainfall patterns have caused shifts in lagoon ecosystems and physical cycles. Of particular relevance to lagoon fishing communities is the fluctuation in quantity and distribution of fish catch that they rely upon for economic livelihood. Understanding the vulnerability of these communities to the effects of climate change is critical to supporting and developing successful adaptations. Using a case study from Ghana, sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA) and vulnerability framework are used to characterize the community vulnerability, giving insight into the temporal and spatial dynamics of vulnerability and how subsections of the community may be identified and prioritized for adaptation interventions. A scalar analysis of the relevant coastal and environmental frameworks and policy to support climate change adaptation in coastal communities reveals the common challenges in implementing adaptation interventions and strategies in the region. A policy gap exists between high level, institutional coastal, and climate directives and implementation of climate adaptations at the local level. That gap might be bridged by a participatory approach that places coastal communities at the center of creating and enacting climate change adaptations.
Federalism
Authors: Linder Wolf , Mueller Sean
Published: January 2021

This chapter focuses on Swiss federalism. Federalism allows the division of power between one central and many regional governments and is therefore a widely used institutional arrangement in multicultural societies. But rather than just focusing on local and regional autonomy and differences, Swiss federalism also allows for collective participation and coming-together for the purpose of joint problem-solving. Federalism thus understood and practised has helped bridge the gap between different cultural communities. In difference to other countries, not so much competition and regional rivalries than rather solidarity and mutuality characterise Swiss federalism. Key expression of this solidarity is a sophisticated system of fiscal equalisation made up of both vertical (top-down) and horizontal (inter-cantonal) payments.
Switzerland in Europe and the World
Authors: Linder Wolf , Mueller Sean
Published: January 2021

The final chapter looks at Switzerland in Europe and the world. The first section discusses the reasons why Switzerland is not a member of the EU. The second and third sections analyse the reasons and political consequences of Switzerland’s selective participation without membership and try to answer the question whether or not ‘bilateralism’ is a sustainable strategy for the Swiss preference: utmost economic integration and least political loss of national autonomy. The final section addresses the growing interest in the institutions of Swiss democracy from abroad, be it regarding decentralisation, direct democracy or political power-sharing. Instead of wanting to export democracy, the chapter proposes the ‘dialogue model’ as a discourse between equals. Through this approach, others can draw from the ‘Swiss experience’ as a base for autochthonal developments of their institutions. And the Swiss can be inspired, in turn.