bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptive and productive vocabulary acquisition: effectiveness of three types of tasks. Results from French students of Spanish as second language
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (España), San Mateo-Valdehíta Alicia , Criado de Diego Cecilia ,   Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (España)
Published: April 2021

This study presents the results of research on the vocabulary acquisition of French students of Spanish as second language. The aim is to know (1) which of these three vocabulary-learning tasks is more effective: definition-choosing, gap-filling or sentence-writing; and (2) which kind of knowledge, receptive or productive, the participants acquire with each vocabulary-learning task. The analysis shows that the most effective task is sentence-writing, then gap-filling and, in the third place, definition-choosing. Also all the three learning tasks trained students to complete above all activities which require a receptive knowledge of the words—definition-choosing and gap-filling tasks—, but they were much less prepared to carry out the sentence-writing task, which requires a productive knowledge of the words. The only productive task proposed—sentence-writing—is the one that allowed the students to learn receptively and productively a higher number of words. We associate our results with the Involvement Load Hypothesis and Technique Feature Analysis.
Universidade e desenvolvimento regional: a experiência da UFFS
Authors: Krajevski Luis Claudio
Published: April 2021

A relação entre universidade e desenvolvimento regional continua sendo objeto de pesquisa em diversas áreas do conhecimento. Ainda que essas análises sejam distintas, estudos de caso têm propiciado maior compreensão sobre o tema. Neste sentido, procura-se examinar a interação entre a Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS) e o desenvolvimento da Mesorregião Grande Fronteira do Mercosul. Ao se investigar o histórico de criação da universidade e seu compromisso com a região, é possível identificar algumas idiossincrasias desta relação. Assim, busca-se analisar as formas pelas quais a UFFS tem contribuído com o desenvolvimento regional. Neste contexto, tenta-se verificar a presença de adversidades que atrapalham a universidade no desempenho de suas atividades, em especial, no que se refere ao seu engajamento regional. Os resultados apontam que a UFFS tem uma relação de proximidade com a sociedade regional. Isso pode ser observada nos documentos institucionais, nos cursos ofertados e no funcionamento da instituição. Porém, também há entraves que dificultam o cumprimento de sua missão institucional, além de desafios que precisam ser enfrentados para que seu impacto regional seja mais expressivo.
Cadeia produtiva da celulose em Imperatriz-MA
Authors: Babilônia Fernando Reis , Wander Alcido Elenor
Published: April 2021

Imperatriz tem a segunda maior população e é a segunda maior economia do Estado do Maranhão, com predominância do setor de serviços, embora nos últimos anos se observe um sensível avanço do setor industrial. Tal avanço se deve, em larga medida, à instalação de uma grande empresa do segmento de papel e celulose. Com a chegada deste importante player, a economia do município passou por grandes transformações, que vão desde a expansão urbana, passando por um aumento nas exportações, até o desenvolvimento de uma nova cadeia produtiva. Para entender melhor esse movimento, o presente artigo se propõe a analisar, sob a ótica das Cadeias Globais de Valor, a cadeia produtiva da celulose em Imperatriz-MA. A metodologia adotada para a realização do estudo envolveu dados secundários de fontes oficiais, bem como pesquisa bibliográfica. Observou-se que, com a chegada de uma grande empresa de celulose e papel em Imperatriz, houve significativas mudanças no município, com o aumento na participação da indústria na composição de seu PIB, o crescimento de suas exportações e maior dinamismo de sua área urbana.
Factors influencing psychoactive substance use among adolescents in public secondary schools in Uganda
Authors: Rukundo Aloysius , Kibanja Grace , Steffens Karl
Published: April 2021

Rukundo, A., Kibanja, G., & Steffens, K. (2017). Factors influencing psychoactive substance use among adolescents in public secondary schools in Uganda. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 6(1), 69-76. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v6i1.237Introduction: Studies exploring psychoactive substance use (PASU) among adolescents report a variety of both intrapersonal and interpersonal negatively and positively reinforcing factors. While existing studies have looked at factors affecting PASU among adolescents in general, little has been done to explore such factors in schools.Objective: This paper examines the factors that influence PASU among adolescents in Ugandan public schools.Methods: The study generated data from 12 focus group discussions (FGDs), based on a qualitative, cross-sectional exploratory design using purposive sampling. We used a focus group guide based on the question “What factors influence use ofResults: All focus groups noted peer pressure as the strongest factor influencing use of substances in schools, with relief from domestic stress being identified as the second strongest factor. The FGDs tackled other factors related to PASU in public schools in Uganda, though not to as big of an extent.Conclusion: Present study results generally seem to suggest that PASU among adolescents in public schools is a result of the interaction between adolescents, the substances in question, and the environment in which those adolescents live.
Infectious Waste Management in the Face of COVID-19 in a Rural Health Facility in Eastern Uganda
Authors: David Okia , Stanley Iramiot Jacob , Enid Kagoya Kawala , Rebecca Nekaka , Veronica Karungi , Drake Musoki , Alfred Oteko , Janet Nakisuyi , Emmanuel Aisu
Published: April 2021

Aim: This study aimed to assess Infectious Waste Management in face of COVID-19, among Health care workers in Rural Health Facilities in Amuria district, Eastern Uganda. Little evidence exists of the challenges that occur while implementing Infectious waste management in the face of COVID-19 in resource-limited settings in Eastern Uganda. Our findings will close this apparent research gap and inform current district and national policies in Infectious Waste Management.

Materials and Methods: We conducted cross-sectional survey in five health facilities in Amuria district, using modified CDC Infection Control Assessment Tool for health facility, and a validated structured questionnaire  to assess the knowledge of health care workers present on Infectious waste management in the face of COVID-19. Observation and in-depth interviews were also conducted in addition to assess the practice and attitude of staff towards infectious waste management.

Results: The five (100%) of the Health Facilities assessed in Amuria district lacked written infection prevention policies and procedures that are current, and are based on evidence-based guidelines. The facilities also had no competency-based training program that provides job-specific training on infection prevention policies and procedures to health care personnel. In terms of knowledge, Waste handlers had poor knowledge in infection control only 8.3% of the medical waste handlers could identify biohazard symbols and knew how infectious waste is segregated into the different categories at the point of generation. All (100%) of the health care workers were knowledgeable about the COVID-19 standard operating procedures.

Conclusion: The doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and laboratory personnel had good knowledge of infectious waste Management and were up to date with COVID-19 standard operating procedures. The Medical Waste handlers had poor knowledge of Infectious Waste Management and COVID-19 standard operating procedures. Medical Waste handlers also had a poor attitude, towards the use of personal protective gear while on duty. All the Medical Waste handlers were willing to be trained in Infectious Waste Management. The facilities assessed had no enabling environment for infection control (no policies and in-service training in infection control for staff).We recommend Medical Waste Handlers to be trained in infection control and prevention before and after they are employed.
Optimization of Selected Process Parameters Affecting Yield of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Ekaji F. A. , Akujobi C. O. , Umeh S. I.
Published: April 2021

Aims: To optimize effects of selected process parameters affecting yield of green synthesized silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity.

Study Design: Study was designed with 3 factors Box Behnken Design (Minitab 17) and Response optimizer (Minitab 17) was used to determine optimum values of the factors.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, from March to November, 2020.

Methodology: After extraction by boiling, qualitative phytochemical analysis of leaves’ extracts of Ipeoma batatas, Commelina africana and Manihot esculenta was carried out. Following synthesis of silver nanoparticles as prescribed by Box Behnken design, yield of AgNPs was optimized with Response optimizer (Minitab 17). Then antibacterial activity of resulting AgNPs was tested against isolates of P. aeruginosa and E. coli.

Results: Extracts contained alkaloids, tannins, proteins and amino acids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, but no sterols and cardiac glycosides. Optimum pH, temperature and time obtained with Response Optimizer resulted in 62.6%, 55.8% and 54.9% increase in yield of AgNPs, with leaf extracts of C. africana, M. esculenta and I. batatas respectively, compared to un-optimized conditions. Absorbance for resulting AgNPs peaked between 380 to 400 nm. Zones of inhibition (mm) of P. aeruginosa with AgNPs synthesized using extracts of C. africana, I. batatas and M. esculenta were 10, 10 and 9 respectively, under un-optimized condition, and 12, 10 and 8 respectively, for optimized conditions. Against E. coli, they were 11, 11 and 12 for AgNPs synthesized with extracts of C. africana, I. batatas and M. esculenta respectively, under un-optimized condition, and 13, 9 and 11 respectively, for optimized conditions.

Conclusion: Leaf extracts of C. africana, I. batatas and M. esculenta can be used in synthesizing AgNPs, with marked antibacterial activities. Box Behnken design is useful for optimization of effects of process parameters.
Physiological as Well as Growth Parameters of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) as Affected by Growth Regulators
Authors: Prajapati Laxmi , Yadav P. C. , Bharose Ram
Published: April 2021

Plant Growth regulators (PGRs) are known to improve physiological efficiency including the photosynthetic ability of plants and offer a significant role in realizing higher crop yields. It affects the physiological characters such as plant height, number of effective tillers per plant, number of leaves per plant, RWC, Chlorophyll Intensity and growth parameters such as CGR, RGR, and NAR of Basmati rice. The plants were foliar sprayed with PGRs (IAA, Kinetin, CCC, SADH and Ascorbic Acid) at tillering and before anthesis stage. Results showed a conspicuous increase in growth traits in treated plants. All the traits described above were significantly improved by the treatment of IAA.
Clinicopathological Correlation of Germ Cell Tumours in Gonads
Authors: Lokeshwari V. , Vijayalakshmi Shanthi , Lilly S. Mary
Published: April 2021

Ovaries are paired pelvic organs located on thesides of the uterus. Although it is rare in the general population, between the age group of 20-40 years in males,Testicular germ cell neoplasms are the most common form of malignant tumour reported. In young women ovarian tumours rank second among the ovarian germ cell tumors and in males, the testicular germ cell tumorsserves as the leading percentage of tumors among all the testicular tumors seen in the early and late adulthood (3rd and 4th decade) of life. The people of reproductive age group are most vulnerable to gonadal germ cell tumours.Curing this age group without affecting their fertility is a challenging task. The risk of malignancy increases in existence of cryptorchidism/ undescended testis as in our study, 1 case of classical seminoma presented with undescended testis. To study germ cell tumors in gonads in relation to age, parity and mode of presentation and the correlation of biochemical markers and immunohistochemical markers at places in gonadal germ cell tumors.
Candidatus
Halectosymbiota
Authors: Filker Sabine
Published: April 2021

Hal.ec.to.sym.bi.o'ta. Gr. masc. n.
hals
,
halos
salt, salt water; Gr. prep.
ektos
outside; N.L. masc. n.
symbiota
(from Gr. n.
symbiotes
) one who lives with a companion, partner; N.L. masc. n.
Halectosymbiota
an ectosymbiont from salt water organisms.

Halobacterota / Halobacteria / Halobacteriales / Halorubraceae /
Candidatus
Halectosymbiota

The genus
Candidatus
Halectosymbiota corrig., originally described as
Ca
. Haloectosymbiotes, was established based on a 16S rRNA taxonomic marker gene sequence of the only identified species in this genus,
Candidatus
Halectosymbiota riaformosensis.
Ca
. Halectosymbiota riaformosensis was observed to live as ectosymbiont on a halophile scuticociliate, which was isolated from a thalassohaline solar saltern pond (12% salinity) in Faro, Portugal. Comparisons of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that
Ca
. Halectosymbiota is phylogenetically affiliated to the genera
Halolamina
(sequence similarity to
H. pelagica
: 87%) and
Halobaculum
(sequence similarity to
H. magnesiiphilum
85%). Based on scanning electron microscopy micrographs and fluorescence
in situ
hybridization, cells are rod‐shaped and approximately 1.8 × 0.6 μm in size. Cells are densely covering the surface of the host, with approximately 0.52 epibiotic cells per μm
2
. Free‐living forms were not observed.
Candidatus
Halectosymbiota riaformosensis is sensitive to anisomycin. Known habitats are aquatic hypersaline environments.

Type species
: Not applicable.
Correlating Strength and Hardness of High‐Entropy Alloys
Authors: Tian Yanzhong , Li Linlin , Li Jingjing , Yang Yang , Li Song , Qin Gaowu
Published: April 2021

Strength and hardness of metallic materials are reported to correlate in a specified form. Among various equations, yield strength is generally converted from Vickers hardness (HV) via a three‐time relation due to the simple and nondestructive nature of hardness testing. Herein, a through literature review is made and data of strength and HV for face‐centered cubic (FCC) and body‐centered cubic (BCC) high‐entropy alloys (HEA) are collected. The yield strength and HV visibly deviate from the three‐time relation, but the ultimate tensile strength and HV roughly follow the three‐time relation. New linear relationships, which are universally applied to convert HV to yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, are proposed.
Recent Advances for Improving Functionality, Biocompatibility, and Longevity of Implantable Medical Devices and Deliverable Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Kutner Neta , Kunduru Konda Reddy , Rizik Luna , Farah Shady
Published: April 2021

The great majority of medical devices elicit foreign body response (FBR) postimplantation. FBR is a major hurdle to develop a successful device for impaired organs, leading to failure of devices/treatments. In recent times, several advantageous technologies have been developed based on either surface modifications or localized drug delivery systems (DDSs) in order to overcome the FBR limitation, which enhanced the success of implantable medical devices. The recent advances for improving the functionality, biocompatibility, and longevity of implantable medical devices and deliverable DDSs are discussed here. It is believed that these advances will further guarantee the improvement of existing implants and deliverable entities while enabling the development of new therapy technologies. Such technologies are anticipated to be long‐term patient‐friendly and thus lead to a higher quality of life.
Magnetic Helical Hydrogel Motor for Directing T Cell Chemotaxis
Authors: Wang Zhen , Fu Dongmei , Xie Dazhi , Fu Shaoming , Wu Juanyan , Wang Shuanghu , Wang Fei , Ye Yicheng , Tu Yingfeng , Peng Fei
Published: April 2021

Micro/nanomotors are attracting booming research enthusiasm with their revolutionary potential in biomedicine, sensing, and nanoengineering. Among the motors proposed, magnetic micro/nanomotors are of great interest with their high controllability and field biocompatibility. Yet the fabrication of magnetic actuated especially helical motors requires expensive and complicated instruments, 3D printing or glancing angle deposition, etc. Here, a soft and biocompatible helical poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel motor via a versatile set‐up is engineered. The obtained helical hydrogel motor offers high capacity for chemokine CXCL12 and superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, which can then allow magnetic manipulation. With a low strength rotating magnetic field, the system is able to perform 3D precision navigation, necessary to steer the robotic system to a model diseased area. The chemokine cues from the hydrogel motor, acting as the synthetic leader cell, then directs immune T cell chemotactic migration. In a previously reported cell manipulating motor system, towing or pushing a single/two cell was demonstrated, with limited efficiency. This motor platform represents a novel approach for directing endogenous cell chemotaxis and organizing immune response.
A Facile and Rapid Approach to Lotus‐Seedpod‐Structured Electronic Skin for Monitoring Diverse Physical Stimuli
Authors: Huang Yanhao , Chen Libo , Zheng Shaodi , Wu Xiaotian , Liu Lei , Zhang Kai , Ke Kai , Liu Zhengying , Yang Wei , Yang Mingbo
Published: April 2021

Although the burgeoning Internet of Things has created soaring demand for electronic skin (e‐skin), a facile and eco‐friendly approach towards the scalable fabrication of the hierarchical active layer for such a system is still limited in the stage of development. Herein a sensing layer with lotus‐seedpod‐like structures is reported that is readily prepared by multi‐melt multi‐injection molding (M3IM). Because of the shear flow and thermodynamic factors in M3IM, silica microspheres in the core layer of the polyethylene/silica composite are inclined to migrate to the interface between the skin layer of ethylene‐α‐octene block copolymer/carbon nanotube composite and core layer, resulting in lotus‐seedpod‐like structures consisting of micro‐pits and asperities formed on the surface of the peeled skin layer. The sensitivity of the fabricated e‐skin is significantly affected by the number of micro‐pits on the lotus‐seedpod‐like structure, which mainly depend on the silica mass fraction in the composites. For instance, the e‐skin made from the composites with 66.67 wt% silica exhibits a sensitivity of 19.87 kPa−1 over a wide linear range of 0.017–11.5 kPa and demonstrates excellent durability and reproducibility, enabling multiple signal detection. This work sheds light on the rapid and scalable fabrication of sensors using a polymer melt processing strategy.
IR and UV Laser‐Induced Graphene: Application as Dopamine Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Santos Nuno F. , Pereira Sónia O. , Moreira Ana , Girão Ana V. , Carvalho Alexandre F. , Fernandes António J. S. , Costa Florinda M.
Published: April 2021

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) is inexpensive, fast, and easy to produce when compared to many other forms of graphene. Within the biosensing field, LIG electrodes are most often produced via infrared (IR) laser irradiation of polyimide sheets. Nevertheless, the usage of ultraviolet (UV) laser to produce LIG provides advantages in terms of sensor miniaturization because of its inherently higher scribing resolution. Yet, studies on the electrochemical performance of UV LIG, its relation with morphological and structural aspects as well as its comparison with IR LIG are still lacking. This work shows that both LIGs present swift electron transfer kinetics constituting excellent electrodes for electroanalysis. Extreme sensitivities of 93 and 58 µA µm−1 cm−2 at physiologically relevant dopamine (DA) concentrations are found for IR and UV LIG, respectively. Such sensitivities and good selectivity are achieved in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of ascorbic and uric acids, contrasting to the related literature employing IR LIG where such interferents are below the physiological range. Despite providing lower sensitivity, UV LIG is still an excellent material for DA biosensors, with the above‐mentioned advantages in terms of miniaturization. To our knowledge, these are among the highest sensitivities reported for voltammetric measurement of DA using carbon‐based materials.
Visible Light‐Induced Synthesis of Functionalized Coumarins
Authors: Singh Jitender , Sharma Anuj
Published: April 2021

Functionalized coumarins are privileged scaffolds which display diverse pharmacological and physiological activities, and a myriad of applications in medical science and biomedical research. Owing to these multifarious activities of coumarins, synthetic chemists are actively engaged in developing new and superior methods for their synthesis. In the last decade, the synthesis of functionalized coumarins via visible light‐induced methodologies has turned into one of the most significant and fundamental missions in organic synthesis. This review covers the literature on the synthesis of functionalized coumarins under visible light‐assisted methodologies.

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The role of process intensification in the current business context of the chemical process industry
Authors: John Jinu Joseph , Gueneau de Mussy Jean Paul , Kuhn Simon , Van Gerven Tom
Published: April 2021

There is always a discord between the academia and the industry on what is need‐to‐have and nice‐to‐have in terms of novel chemical processes and technologies. The International Process Intensification Conference (IPIC) was organized to hear both sides and to help bridge the knowledge gaps on either side in order to bring about a well‐informed cohesive understanding into where the field of process intensification (PI) should be headed. This perspective is written to publicize the findings and conclusions of the Industrial Day workshop during IPIC 2019 to give an insight into what drives the current business context of the chemical process industry, the role of PI to realize these driving factors and the challenges involved in implementing these intensified solutions. Four of the promising PI fields ‐ continuous manufacturing, alternative energy sources, 3D printing and multifunctional processes ‐ were also discussed among a group of experts from the respective fields to identify essential knowledge gaps, their role in the current business context and the challenges involved in commercializing these technologies.
Use of sodium alginate biopolymer as an extracting agent of methylene blue in the polymer‐enhanced ultrafiltration technique
Authors: Oyarce Estefanía , Santander Paola , Butter Bryan , Pizarro Guadalupe Del C. , Sánchez Julio
Published: April 2021

In this study, the removal of methylene blue (MB) cationic dye from an aqueous solution was investigated using the polymer‐enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF) technique with sodium alginate (SA) as an extracting soluble polymer, in combination with an ultrafiltration membrane of regenerated cellulose with a 10 kDa molar mass cut‐off. SA was characterized via Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. For ultrafiltration studies, the washing method was used to evaluate various experimental variables, such as the pH, SA dose and initial MB concentration, and adsorption isotherms to identify the optimal adsorption conditions. Finally, the regeneration of the SA polymer was evaluated in five consecutive cycles of adsorption–desorption of MB. In the obtained characterization results, the structural composition of SA and the characteristic thermal stability of the polymer were verified. The PEUF results demonstrated that a retention capacity of 98% of the MB was realized at pH 8.0 using 0.025 g of SA at an initial optimal MB concentration of 50 mg L−1. It is possible to observe that the Freundlich model better explain the interaction between the dye and the polymer surface. According to the results is demonstrated the regeneration capacity of the polymer and its subsequent reuse.
A facile preparation of the superhydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane materials and its performances based on the supercritical fluid foaming
Authors: Wen Huayin , Jia Yalan , Xiang Bin , Zhang Wenhuan , Luo Shikai , Liu Tao
Published: April 2021

The supercritical foaming (SCF) method was proposed to conveniently fabricate superhydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface. The effect of foaming parameters on the cellular structure, wettability, mechanical properties and thermal properties was investigated. This work indicates that the microstructure plays an important role in the superhydrophobicity of the PDMS materials. When the cell size and cell wall size, respectively, reach to 103.6 and 29.7 μm, the water contact angle (WCA) of the microcellular PDMS foams can achieve the maximum value 158°, and the air occupies about 90.6% of the contact areas. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of superhydrophobic PDMS materials can reach to 0.81 MPa, indicating that the superhydrophobic PDMS materials are useful. Moreover, the superhydrophobic PDMS materials show good thermal stability and excellent adiabatic property. And the method is simple and convenient, which can be used for the preparation of the superhydrophobic surfaces.
Hierarchical Hybrid Supports and Synthesis Strategies for Hydrodesulfurization of Recalcitrance Organosulfur Compounds
Authors: Ganiyu Saheed A.
Published: April 2021

It is undisputed that there is a paradigm shift in the global trend of crude oil towards being more sour and heavier than usual light sources. Consequently, the hydrotreating activity becomes a bottleneck with high content of S, N, metals and other impurities than expected. On the other hand, the price of petroleum products lately witnessed instability and fell to the lowest average price (<USD 20) in recent times. In the same vein, the regulation to control the emission of toxic compounds in the atmosphere become stricter as promulgated by various policymakers. In this sense, robust hydrotreating catalysts with characteristics efficient catalytic activity, selectivity and stability are highly desirable. Recently, different approaches have been used to improve and cushion the unprecedented effect emanated from economic, social and environmental challenges posed by heavy and sour crude sources, price instability of the refined products and regulation to lower the sulfur to minimum level or zero parts per millions (ppm). Importantly, the role of support in catalysis cannot be over emphasized, whilst the surface area and porosity, mechanical and thermal stability, dispersion of active metals, acidity/basicity have been greatly improved, the increased activity, stability and selectivity has been observed significantly. In this review, hybrid supports based on aluminosilicates (zeolitic types) and other notable supports from recent literatures were explored and discussed for Ni(Co)Mo(W) supported catalysts for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity of heavy organosulfur molecules. The emphasis on the hybrid supports’ varied characteristics for HDS of organosulfur molecules, where there are necessities for fast diffusion of reactants and products, better dispersion of MoS2 crystallites, high surface area and pore volume, and increased acidity of the catalysts are greatly emphasized. Furthermore, the progress made so far on different HDS active phases viz. noble metals, metal phosphides, intermetallic silicides, carbides and iron‐zinc are highlighted in this write‐up, irrespective of the support composition in the supported catalysts formulations. The need for application of predictive tools, like machine learning (ML) in the design and development of HDS catalysts, and performance evaluation of HDS activity towards achieving better catalytic operation was briefly highlighted. Finally, the review will serve as a summary of scientific efforts in this regards and bridge a gap for the newcomers to investigate the topic in a better way through proper selection and efficient catalysts design.
A novel adaptive pseudospectral method for the optimal control problem of automatic car parking
Authors: Chen Xuesong , Mai Heng , Zhang Zemian , Gu Fangqing
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a novel adaptive pseudospectral (NAP) method for solving the time‐energy optimal control model to minimize the parking time and the energy output of the vehicle. The time‐energy optimal control model is first discretized into a nonlinear programming problem at Gauss collocations by the NAP method. Subsequently, we prove the equivalence between the nonlinear programming problem derived from the NAP method and the time‐energy optimal control model problem. Compared to those of the interior point method and the piecewise gauss pseudospectal method, simulation results show that the NAP method has higher computational efficiency and accuracy in solving the time‐energy optimal control model problem.
An analytic treatment of magnetically deformed neutron stars
Authors: Zamani Mina , Bigdeli Mohsen
Published: April 2021

In this study, we develop an analytic treatment, which would allow us to model magnetic deformation of neutron stars in the quasi‐Newtonian framework. We assume non‐magnetic, spherical relativistic stars as backgrounds and regard the magnetic fields as the perturbation. We analyze the problem by taking density profiles from various analytic approaches. The first density profile is the n = 1 solution of the Lane‐Emden equation, the second one is a parabolic ansatz for density and the last density distribution is a fourth‐order polynomial with a free parameter fit to a relativistic solution obtained from a microphysical equation of state (EoS). In this article, the EoS of neutron matter is obtained from the lowest order constraint variational (LOCV) method. Furthermore, both purely poloidal and purely toroidal magnetic field configurations are obtained by solving the Euler's magnetohydrodynamic equations. We almost incorporate all the magnetic field configurations assessed from different density profiles. In order to study the structure of the neutron stars, the magnetic pressure, and density should be treated as perturbations of non‐magnetized stars. We find out that the stellar shape is prolate for positive distortion (purely toroidal magnetic field) and oblate for negative distortion (purely poloidal magnetic field). The magnetic effect on the gravitational mass is also explained.
Cognition in art education
Authors: Heaton Rebecca
Published: April 2021

Whilst it is accepted that art education is a cognitive endeavour, the value and contribution of cognition to art education is often deliberated. By examining literature concerning conceptions of cognition and contextualising studies with the findings of a 5‐year artographic inquiry into cognition in the lived experiences of artist teachers, this article is able to present a case for the reinstatement of cognition and cognitive study across policy, practice and research in art education. The article shares a conceptual frame to assist engagement with cognition as a concept whilst presenting a strategy to support cognitive reinstatement in the changing climate of art education. Questions are posed and answered regarding cognition’s position in art education to bring reinstatement implications forward, such as its complexity and productivity within education. Recommendations, such as increased engagement, voice projection and visibility, are also suggested to infiltrate transformation in future materialisations of cognitive engagement in the policy, practice and research of art education.
Making sense of senseless murders: The who, what, when, and where?
Authors: Reale Kylie S. , Beauregard Eric , Chopin Julien , Wells Nathan
Published: April 2021

The phenomenon of “senseless” or “motiveless” homicide refers to homicides that lack an objective external motivation. Despite the unique challenges these homicides pose to police, few empirical studies have been conducted on the topic and existing studies are limited to clinical studies using small samples. To overcome existing empirical shortcomings, the current study used a sample of 319 homicide cases where no motive was established during the investigation to describe the “who” (offender and victim characteristics), “what” (modus operandi, crime characteristics), “where” (encounter, crime, and body recovery associated locations), and “when” (time of the crime) of the entire criminal event. Findings provide insight into the entire crime‐commission process and suggest a different dynamic to “senseless” homicide from what has been described in previous literature. Implications for police investigative practice are discussed.
SIAAA‐C: A student interactive assistant android application with chatbot during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Sweidan Saadeh Z. , Abu Laban Sarah S. , Alnaimat Njood A. , Darabkh Khalid A.
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, smartphone applications (apps) are literally used in all life aspects, improving the quality of different services in addition to saving time and effort. However, the majority of currently used apps in different universities around the world are limited in their features and not very popular among students who may suffer to get useful information using traditional guiding methods. However, the importance of these apps is constantly increasing, especially in times of crises like the COVID‐19 pandemic during which people were forced to work from home and the human interaction was reduced to its minimal degree. In this paper, we present a Student Interactive Assistant Android Application with Chatbot (SIAAA‐C), which is basically a personal electronic guide that is used by students to get various and effective academic services. The app has a number of useful features including a campus map, multiple types of notifications, and most important, an efficient built in chatbot that responds to both Arabic and English written queries and covers a wide range of academic topics ranging from basic to complex. Even more, SIAAA‐C was designed to have Arabic and English interfaces to be used in the University of Jordan (UoJ), which has one of the biggest campuses in the Arabic area with more than 40,000 local and foreign students. Moreover, SIAAA‐C was practically tested in a real‐life environment by a group of UoJ students who were selected from different faculties during the pandemic peak period and the feedbacks were very promising, based on the outcomes of an evaluation survey that was answered by 102 students after a 1‐month test period.
Know how to properly implement informal resolutions permitted under new Title IX regulations
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2021

Under the new Title IX regulations, colleges and universities can offer the option of an informal resolution to students who report claims of sexual harassment/misconduct. To ensure your institution implements an informal resolution process that complies with the new regs, you'll want to review the guidance provided by a panel of experts who spoke during a virtual session of Stetson University's Annual National Conference on Law and Higher Education.
Chemical Composition of Magonia pubescens Essential Oils and Gamma‐Radiation Effects on Its Constituents and Cytotoxic Activity in Leukemia and Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Moraes Acácio R. A. , Camargo Karen C. , Simões Maria O. M. , Ferraz Vany P. , Pereira Márcio T. , Evangelista Fernanda C. G. , Sabino Adriano P. , Duarte Lucienir Pains , Alcântara Antônio F. C. , de Sousa Grasiely F.
Published: April 2021

Magonia pubescens A. St.‐Hil. is a Brazilian species often used in ethnopharmacology for wound and pain healing and seborrhea treatment. For the first time, essential oils (EOs) obtained from M. pubescens inflorescences were studied. The plant materials (Montes Claros, Brazil, 2018) were submitted to different gamma‐radiation doses and their chemical compositions were analyzed by GC/MS and GC‐FID. The cytotoxic activity of the EOs was evaluated against K562 and MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cell lines. A total of 30 components were identified, being 24 compounds detected for the first time in M. pubescens. The main obtained components were hotrienol (35.9 %), cis‐linalool oxide (17.0 %) and trans‐linalool oxide (10.2 %). The chemical composition of the EO was slightly affected by the applied radiation doses. Irradiated and non‐irradiated EOs showed cytotoxic activity against both cell lines and the non‐irradiated EO sample was the most active against the K562 cell lines (IC50=22.10±1.98).
Association of acute kidney injury with outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Nazir Salik , Ahuja Keerat Rai , Ariss Robert W. , Hassanein Mohamed , Schurmann Paul , Koneru Srikanth , Afshar Hamid , Giorgberidze Irakli , Moukarbel George V. , Jneid Hani
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Using a large nationally representative database, we aimed to examine risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) and its association with outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).

Background

Previous small‐scale studies have reported poor outcomes with AKI following percutaneous LAAC.

Methods

We queried the Nationwide Readmission Database to identify LAAC procedures performed from 2016 to 2017. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to identify risk factors for AKI and determine the association between AKI and clinical outcomes. The primary outcome of interest was in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Of 20,703 patients who underwent LAAC during the study period, 1,097 (5.3%) had a diagnosis of AKI. Chronic kidney disease, non‐elective admission, coagulopathy, weight loss, prior coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and anemia were independently associated with an increased risk of AKI after LACC. In patients undergoing LAAC, AKI was associated with an increased risk of in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 16.01; 95% CI, 8.48–30.21), stroke/transient ischemic attack (aOR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.69–3.70), systemic embolization (aOR, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.64–8.70), bleeding/transfusion (aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.50–2.56), vascular complications (aOR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.94–6.42), pericardial tamponade requiring intervention (aOR, 6.83; 95% CI, 4.37–10.66), index length of stay (adjusted parameter estimate, 7.46; 95% CI, 7.02–7.92), and 180‐day all‐cause readmissions (aOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09–1.88).

Conclusion

AKI in the setting of LAAC is uncommon but is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine if a similar association exists for long‐term outcomes.
A Stable Fluorine‐Containing Solid Electrolyte Interface toward Dendrite‐Free Lithium‐Metal Anode for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Yuchao , Mao Yangyang , Hao Xiaoqian , Cao Yongan , Wang Wenju
Published: April 2021

Lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries are considered to be a representative of the next generation of lithium‐ion batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity (2600 Wh ⋅ Kg−1), and they have been extensively researched. However, the formation of lithium dendrites during the discharge process continuously consumes the electrolyte and the lithium anode, resulting in an increase in the cell‘s internal resistance and a capacity loss. Herein, we added an organic‐inorganic polymer hexafluoro‐cyclo‐triphosphazene (HFPP) to the electrolyte, which showed lower interfacial resistance and more effective lithium‐ion deposition. The lone‐pair electrons of the nitrogen atoms in HFPP promote the uniform diffusion of lithium ions and its 2D structure also enhances the mechanical stability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and inhibits the formation of lithium dendrites. Based on the regulating effect, the cells using HFPP as electrolyte additives showed an excellent discharge capacity of 1095 mAh ⋅ g−1 at 0.5 C and a reversible capacity of 763 mAh ⋅ g−1 after 200 cycles, indicating that HFPP is an effective additive for the protection of the lithium anode and cycling stability of Li−S batteries.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Water by OH−‐ and H2O‐Capped IrOx Nanoparticles Electrophoretically Deposited on Graphite and Basal Plane HOPG: Effect of the Substrate Electrode**
Authors: Mirbagheri Naghmehalsadat , Campos Rui , Ferapontova Elena E.
Published: April 2021

Iridium oxide (IrOx) is one of the most efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation reaction (WOR). Here, WOR electrocatalysis by 1.6 nm IrOx nanoparticles (NPs) electrophoretically deposited onto spectroscopic graphite (Gr) and basal plane highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was studied as a function of NPs’ capping ligands and electrodeposition substrate. On Gr, OH−‐ and H2O‐capped NPs exhibited close sub‐monolayer surface coverages and specific electrocatalytic activity of 18.9‐23.5 mA nmol−1 of IrIV/V sites, at 1 V and pH 7. On HOPG, OH−‐capped NPs produced films with a diminished WOR activity of 5.17±2.40 mA nmol−1. Electro‐wettability‐induced changes impeded electrophoretic deposition of H2O‐capped NPs on HOPG, WOR currents being 25‐fold lower than observed for OH−‐capped ones. The electrocatalysis efficiency correlated with hydrophilic properties of the substrate electrodes, affecting morphological and as a result catalytic properties of the formed IrOx films. These results, important both for studied and related carbon nanomaterials systems, allow fine‐tuning of electrocatalysis by a proper choice of the substrate electrode.
Strategies for Fabricating High‐Performance Electrochemical Energy‐Storage Devices by MXenes
Authors: Yu LePing , Lu Lu , Zhou XiaoHong , Xu Lyu , Alhalili Zahrah , Wang FengJun
Published: April 2021

Since 2011, MXenes, a family of two‐dimensional transition‐metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have been investigated as electrodes, additives, separators, and hosts for energy‐storage devices (ESDs, including supercapacitors and metal‐ion batteries) due to their unique properties. This report focuses on the present technical issues in the field of energy storage and the corresponding solutions involving MXenes. It begins with a series of synthesis approaches (including top‐down and bottom‐up strategies) with a brief description of the structural properties, covering crystal lattice, structural defects, and surface chemistries. In addition, the impact of surface functional groups, composition of transition metals temperature and external pressure on the electrical properties of MXenes is discussed. Then, current issues of ESDs are listed with several MXene‐based solutions, including intercalation, modification of the terminating groups, chemical doping, vacancy engineering and the design of nanocomposites. Finally, the challenges in MXene‐based ESDs are summarised with some potential research directions in the future.
The Most Active Oxidase‐Mimicking Mn2O3 Nanozyme for Biosensor Signal Generation
Authors: Chen Zi‐Jian , Huang Zhicheng , Sun Yuan‐Ming , Xu Zhen‐Lin , Liu Juewen
Published: April 2021

Oxidase‐mimicking nanozymes are more desirable than peroxidase‐mimicking ones since H2O2 can be omitted. However, only a few nanomaterials are known for oxidase‐like activities. In this work, we compared the activity of Mn2O3, Mn3O4 and MnO2 and found that Mn2O3 had the highest oxidase activity. Interestingly, the activity of Mn2O3 was even inhibited by H2O2. The oxidase‐like activity of Mn2O3 was not much affected by the presence of proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), but the physisorption of antibodies to Mn2O3 was not strong enough to withstand the displacement by BSA. We then treated Mn2O3 with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane to graft an amine group, which was used to conjugate antibodies using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker. A one‐step indirect competitive ELISA (icELISA) was developed for the detection of isocarbophos, and an IC50 of 261.7 ng/mL was obtained, comparable with the results of the standard two‐step assay using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐labeled antibodies. This assay has the advantage of significant timesaving for rapid detection of large amounts of samples. This work has discovered a highly efficient oxidase‐mimicking nanozyme useful for various nano‐ and analytical applications.
Using Small Molecules to Enhance P450 OleT Enzyme Activity in Situ
Authors: Zhang Libo , Ma Dumei , Yin Yingwu , Wang Qian
Published: April 2021

Cytochrome P450 OleT is a fatty acid decarboxylase that catalyzes the production of olefins with biofuel and synthetic applications. However, the relatively sluggish catalytic efficiency of the enzyme limits its applications. Here, we report the application of a novel class of benzene containing small molecules to improve the OleT activity. The UV‐Vis spectroscopy study and molecular docking results confirmed the high proximity of the small molecules to the heme group of OleT. Up to 6‐fold increase of product yield has been achieved in the small molecule‐modulated enzymatic reactions. Our work thus sheds the light to the application of small molecules to increase the OleT catalytic efficiency, which could be potentially used for future olefin productions.
Multifunctional Heterometallic IrIII−AuI Probes as Promising Anticancer and Antiangiogenic Agents
Authors: Redrado Marta , Benedi Andrea , Marzo Isabel , García‐Otín Angel L. , Fernández‐Moreira Vanesa , Concepción Gimeno M.
Published: April 2021

A new class of emissive cyclometallated IrIII−AuI complexes with a bis(diphenylphosphino) methanide bridging ligand was successfully synthesised from the diphosphino complex [Ir(N^C)2(dppm)]+ (1). The different gold ancillary ligand, a triphenylphosphine (2), a chloride (3) or a thiocytosine (4) did not reveal any significant effect on the photophysical properties, which are mainly due to metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (3MLCT) transitions based on IrIII. However, the AuI fragment, along with the ancillary ligand, seemed crucial for the bioactivity in A549 lung carcinoma cells versus endothelial cells. Both cell types display variable sensitivities to the complexes (IC50=0.6–3.5 μM). The apoptotic pathway is activated in all cases, and paraptotic cell death seems to take place at initial stages in A549 cells. Species 2–4 showed at least dual lysosomal and mitochondrial biodistribution in A549 cells, with an initial lysosomal localisation and a possible trafficking process between both organelles with time. The bimetallic IrIII−AuI complexes disrupted the mitochondrial transmembrane potential in A549 cells and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibition in comparison with that displayed by the monometallic complex 1. Angiogenic activity assays performed in endothelial cells revealed the promising antimetastatic potential of 1, 2 and 4.
Fulvalene‐Based Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Ladder‐Type Structures: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Bliksted Roug Pedersen Viktor , Granhøj Jeppe , Erbs Hillers‐Bendtsen Andreas , Kadziola Anders , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens
Published: April 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have found strong interest for their electronic properties and as model systems for graphene. While PAHs have been studied intensively as single units, here PAHs were constructed in ladder‐type arrangements using cross‐conjugated fulvalene and dithiafulvalene motifs as connecting units and moving forward a convenient synthetic approach for dimerizing (thio)ketones into olefins by the action of Lawesson's reagent. Some of the PAHs can also be regarded as “super‐extended” tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs) with some of the largest cores ever explored, being multi‐redox systems that exhibit both reversible oxidations and reductions. Concomitant absorption redshifts were observed when expanding the ladder‐type structures from one to two to three indenofluorene units, and optical and electrochemical HOMO‐LUMO gaps were found to correlate linearly. Various conformations (and solid‐state packing arrangements) were studied by X‐ray crystallography and computations.