bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding Systems and the Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Lamb Meat: Can Feeding Systems Affect Lamb Meat Quality?
Authors: Costa Geisa , Macedo Renata Ernlund Freitas de , Hentz Fernando , Prado Odilei Rogerio , Silva Claudio José Araujo da , Taconeli Cesar Augusto , Monteiro Alda Lúcia Gomes
Published: September 2019

This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, fat composition, and sensory attributes of lamb meat produced in two feeding systems: (1) Unweaned and unsupplemented lambs in the pasture and (2) early weaned lambs in the pasture with concentrate supplementation post-weaning. The experiment was performed in the winter–spring pastures in the subtropical region of Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (feeding systems), four paddocks per treatment and twenty lambs (experimental units) per paddock. Carcass weight, dressing percentage, pH, rib eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and visual fatness were determined. Loin samples were used for instrumental color, thawing and cooking loss, shear force, water holding capacity, fat and sensory analyses. Carcass pH did not differ between the systems (p > 0.05). Supplemented weaned lambs showed a higher body condition score, carcass weight, dressing percentage and fatness (p < 0.001). They also showed higher (p < 0.05) total fat and long chain fatty acid (FA) content than unweaned lambs. Lamb meat from both systems showed similar and high sensory acceptance. Early weaning and supplementation proved to be a better choice for producing lambs in the winter–spring pasture, under subtropical conditions, because it promoted better carcass and meat traits and good sensory attributes, which could improve payment to the farmers.
Lakota Female Scholarship: A Collective Case Study on Transcending Indigenous Educational Pathways and Persistence at the Graduate Level
Authors: Rendon Aspen Lakota , Al-Asfour Ahmed
Published: September 2019

This study explored the perspectives of seven Lakota females who graduated from Oglala Lakota College (OLC) master’s degree in Lakota Leadership and Management or Lakota Leadership and Management with an emphasis in Education Administration programs. Education histories, cultural identification, and college experiences were evaluated to investigate what incentives, not only influenced but propelled the women through the world of academia. The research was qualitative in nature, thus giving a thorough examination of each student perspective. The qualitative research was conducted through a collective case study. Four themes identified through in the findings were: financial support, high female influence, cultural identification, and formal versus informal supports.
El capital social en la gestión sostenible de la subcuenca del río Ulí
Authors: Castillo Martínez Jamill
Published: September 2019

La presente investigación se realizó en el Municipio de Siuna, Región Autónoma del Caribe Norte (RACN), en la Subcuenca Ulí, tiene como propósito hacer un análisis sobre la eficiencia del capital social en la gestión integral de la Subcuenca Ulí. Con la participación de 18 comunidades ubicadas alrededor de la subcuenca Ulí: Santa fe, Wany, Santa Rosa, Ulí, Yuluwas, Azadín, Aza, Guzma, El Bambú, Nueva Esperanza, Rosquilete, Copawas, Sikilta, Martha Lorena 1, Martha Lorena, El Guácimo, Saslaysito y Montes de Oro. Este análisis aborda las dimensiones de integración intracomunitaria, conexión extracomunitaria, sinergia institucional y la eficiencia organizativa, en un nivel interpretativo y el método fenomenológico. En la subcuenca del río Ulí hay un potencial de capital social para la gestión sostenible de la cuenca, con una alta disposición de participación, integración para el desarrollo integral de la misma. Sin embargo, hay una deficiencia en el uso del mismo, puesto que no se generan acciones de confianza, integración y complementación entre las organizaciones comunitarias, así como con las instituciones externas, maximizando la vulnerabilidad de la cuenca y su entorno socio ambiental. La presente investigación se realizó en el Municipio de Siuna, Región Autónoma del Caribe Norte (RACN), en la Subcuenca Ulí, tiene como propósito hacer un análisis sobre la eficiencia del capital social en la gestión integral de la Subcuenca Ulí. Con la participación de 18 comunidades ubicadas alrededor de la subcuenca Ulí: Santa fe, Wany, Santa Rosa, Ulí, Yuluwas, Azadín, Aza, Guzma, El Bambú, Nueva Esperanza, Rosquilete, Copawas, Sikilta, Martha Lorena 1, Martha Lorena, El Guácimo, Saslaysito y Montes de Oro. Este análisis aborda las dimensiones de integración intracomunitaria, conexión extracomunitaria, sinergia institucional y la eficiencia organizativa, en un nivel interpretativo y el método fenomenológico. En la subcuenca del río Ulí hay un potencial de capital social para la gestión sostenible de la cuenca, con una alta disposición de participación, integración para el desarrollo integral de la misma. Sin embargo, hay una deficiencia en el uso del mismo, puesto que no se generan acciones de confianza, integración y complementación entre las organizaciones comunitarias, así como con las instituciones externas, maximizando la vulnerabilidad de la cuenca y su entorno socio ambiental.
Incidencia del Laboratorio de Ciencias Naturales en los estudiantes de URACCAN
Authors: Alvarez Amador Carlos , González Brizuela Elder Alfonso , López Borge Arsenio
Published: September 2019

Actualmente se discute el quehacer de los Laboratorios de Ciencias Naturales y es difícil entender cuáles son sus aportes, pues su labor depende de diversos factores. El trabajo de estos en el recinto URACCAN Nueva Guinea no es ajeno a tal afirmación. Con esta investigación se visualiza la incidencia de dichos espacios en la formación del estudiantado y por ende el logro de la misión de la universidad. La investigación fue desde una perspectiva de enfoque mixto, predominantemente cuantitativo, de tipo descriptiva con una población de 268 estudiantes y 16 docentes de 6 carreras. La muestra para estudiantes fue de 71, calculada con el STATTM. En el caso de los docentes se realizó un muestreo al 100% (censo). La población de estudiantes se estratificó por carreras y por género. Se utilizaron la encuesta, entrevista y revisión documental. Se definieron como grandes variables la pertinencia, calidad, impacto y sostenibilidad de las prácticas del Laboratorio de Ciencias Naturales. Se constató incidencia significativa del Laboratorio de Ciencias Naturales en el proceso educativo del estudiantado y aportes a la docencia, con un promedio general de 82 %, resaltando la vinculación de la teoría con la práctica, la utilidad de los conocimientos adquiridos para el desempeño académico y profesional para fortalecer su capacidad de análisis, desarrollar habilidades y destrezas, entre otras. Se lograron identificar las potencialidades del laboratorio y algunas limitantes que son parte de la realidad de este. Los procesos y actividades de formación desarrolladas en el laboratorio han aportado de manera efectiva, eficiente y con calidad, favoreciendo el aprendizaje y contribuyendo al fortalecimiento de las capacidades docentes. Pese a ello, se recomienda la readecuación y ampliación de espacios y dotación de recursos (equipos, materiales y reactivos).
An analysis of price gouging in the US healthcare system
Authors: Riley William J. , Coult Natasha M. , Love Kailey
Published: September 2019

Increasing attention has been given to price gouging by hospitals and physicians, a practice that is related to three forms of market pricing power: price setting, price negotiating, and price taking. This paper presents a discussion of healthcare pricing patterns and their relationship to charges, payments, costs, and cost shifting. Recommendations to address price gouging in a manner that is fair to all stakeholders are proposed.
Admission academic metrics and later success in an accelerated master’s entry program
Authors: Doyle Elizabeth Ann , Fahs Deborah , Honan Linda
Published: September 2019

Background: Accelerated master’s entry programs for non-nurse college graduates leading to advanced practice, which are both rigorous and fast-paced, utilize academic metrics to evaluate prospective candidates, including GRE scores and GPA levels. Because this program saw an increased rate of failure from the program (with medical-surgical nursing being associated with > 93% of failures), the aim of this study was to examine if either of these metrics were associated with later success in the program.Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study analyzed admission metrics and first year academic performance to determine if any criteria were associated with academic success. Data collected included age, gender, race, ethnicity, GPA, GREs and scores on the seven required courses in the first 25 weeks. T-tests, correlations, ANOVAs and multiple regression were used to determine if any significant relationships existed.Results: Admission data from 333 students revealed no differences in the mean GPA related to academic success. Student who failed out of the program had significantly lower GRE quantitative, verbal, and writing scores. Additionally, quantitative and verbal scores correlated with exam scores on many didactic courses, and explained 25.4% of the variance in the first medical-surgical exam scores (p < .001), with GRE quantitative scores having the most effect.Conclusions: This study demonstrated verbal and quantitative scores were the only predictor of academic success suggesting admission offices should reconsider whether this current trend of omitting GREs is meeting the needs of students, faculty, universities and the public at large.
Fostering the sleep instructional guidelines for nursing students regarding their sleep quality, academic performance and psychosocial behavior
Authors: El-Nagger Nahed Saied Mohamed , Bayoumi Orban Ragab
Published: September 2019

Background and Objective: Sleep is a basic human need and has a necessary role in individual’s life, functioning, overall health and well-being. Sleep is necessary for college students’ intellectual, emotional and physical health, also for their cognitive performance that significantly affected by sleep quality. Aim: To investigate the effect of fostering the sleep instructional guidelines for nursing students regarding their sleep quality, academic performance and psychosocial behavior.Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental study design was utilized. Setting: Faculty of Nursing at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah Al-Mukramh affiliated to the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Sample: A purposive sample composed of 85 males and females nursing students from all academic years. Tools: Three tools were used Pre & Post including: (1) A self-administered Questionnaire Sheet, (2) Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and (3) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).Results: Slightly more than three quarters (78.82%) of nursing students their ages were ranged from 20-22 years and 69.41% of them were females. More than one fourth (27.06%) of students were having good sleep and 72.94% of them had poor sleep pre the sleep instructional guidelines compared with 81.18% and 18.82% of them post providing the instructional guidelines respectively.Conclusions: Fostering the instructional guidelines regarding sleep had positive effects on nursing students' sleep patterns in the form of sleep quality, bedtime at night, sleeping latency, sleeping efficiency and disturbances. In addition to enhancing students' academic performance and modifying their psychosocial behavior regarding daytime dysfunction, coffee consuming in the evening, bedroom environment, social isolation, and use of social media. Recommendations: Future research should carry out for university students' sleep patterns on a broad category as a regional research project all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) involving multidisciplinary team as doctors, nurses, psychologists, sociologists and nutritionists.
Internal Roots of Tragedy: An Interpretation of Tom’s Blind Loyalty and Submissiveness in Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Authors: Kaifu Chen
Published: September 2019

Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a reputed anti-slavery novel in American literary history. Tom, an unusually loyal and submissive slave, was sold to different slave masters again and again until he was tortured to death. Tom’s tragic fate had multi-faceted roots. This paper tends to give an objective interpretation of Tom’s personality so as to promote a better comprehension of this character and the intention of this novel. It’s found that his blind loyalty and submissiveness are the defects in his personality leading to his tragic fate.
The 21st-Century Professional Leadership Standards of Secondary School Administrators in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
Authors: Iskak Halima M. , Pa-alisbo Mark Anthony C.
Published: September 2019

The 21st Century has brought a lot of challenges in developing the professional leadership characteristics of school leaders. Their roles are no longer limited in implementing educational policies and objectives but have become responsible for raising the generations and qualifying them in a rapidly changing era. However, in Thailand, it was observed that there were Thai principals and school leaders who were not adequately trained for school leadership.

This descriptive research surveyed the profile of the school administrators of secondary schools in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand as well as their level of practice of the 21st-Century professional leadership standards. A questionnaire checklist adapted from the frameworks of Kelly Lambert (2001) and The Wallace Foundation (2013) was used to gather data.

Data analysis showed that the school administrators are females, with master’s degrees, 55 years and older, and have few years of administrative experience. Further, they highly practiced the different 21st-century professional leadership standards; however, these were not influenced by their profile. Lastly, it was found out that there were no significant differences in the level of practice of the different 21st-century professional leadership standards as indicated by the profile indicators of the school administrators.
Examination of the Relationship Between Teacher Candidates’ Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills
Authors: Ozkaral Tugba Cevriye , Ustu Hasan
Published: September 2019

In this study, the relationship between teacher candidates’ emotional intelligence levels and communication skills was examined. It was examined whether there was a significant difference between teacher candidates’ emotional intelligence and communication skills, depending on gender and the departments they studied at. The research was designed in relational screening model. The universe of the research consists of teacher candidates, who are students at Necmettin Erbakan University Ahmet Keleşoğlu, Faculty of Education. In this universe, 326 teacher candidates were selected as the research sample. “Emotional Intelligence Scale” and “Communication Skills Inventory” were used to collect data. In the analysis of the data, one-way variance analysis and independent samples t-test, one of the parametric tests, were used. It is observed that there are low levels of positive relationship between teacher candidates’ communication skills and their emotional intelligence levels. No significant difference was found between teacher candidates’ emotional intelligence levels and communication skills regarding gender and department variables.
Parametric Equations for Space Curves Whose Spherical Images Are Slant Helices
Authors: EL HAIMI Abderrazzak , IZID Malika , CHAHDI Amina OUAZZANI
Published: September 2019

The curve whose tangent and binormal indicatrices are slant helices is called a slant-slant helix.

In this paper, we give a new characterization of a slant-slant helix and determine a vector differential equation of the third order satisfied by the derivative of principal normal vector fields of a regular curve. In terms of solution, we determine the parametric representation of the slant-slant helix from the intrinsic equations.

Finally, we present some examples of slant-slant helices by means of intrinsic equations.
Oil Price Pass-through into Core Inflation
Authors: Conflitti Cristina , Luciani Matteo
Published: September 2019

We estimate the oil price pass-through into consumer prices both in the U.S. and in the euro area. In particular, we disentangle the specific effect that an oil price change might have on each disaggregate price, from the effect on all prices that an oil price change might have since it affects the whole economy. To do so, we first estimate a Dynamic Factor Model on a panel of disaggregate price indicators, and then we use VAR techniques to estimate the pass-through. Our results show that the oil price passes through core inflation only via its effect on the whole economy. This pass-through is estimated to be small, but statistically different from zero and long lasting.
Is Oil Price Still Driving Inflation?
Authors: Renou-Maissant Patricia
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we empirically investigate the effects of oil price changes on inflation over the period 1991-2016 for eight industrial countries: the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK. In doing so, we use an oil-augmented Phillips curve with unobserved components and we consider time-varying coefficients. The results show that even over a period of low and stable inflation, oil prices play a significant role in the dynamics of inflation. In all the countries except Germany, oil pass-through into inflation increased from the early 2000s up until the global financial crisis. In the United States it has nearly doubled in the last fifteen years. These findings suggest that central banks must continue to monitor oil prices closely.
Transmuraal herstelgericht werken
Authors: Claes Bart
Published: September 2019

Multi-agency restorative justice programs. A new conceptual map for successful re-integration

In the past twenty-five years, a lot of attention is paid to a more victim-aware and restorative justice focused policy in prisons in Belgium and The Netherlands, striving for a restorative culture and climate in the institutions (among prisoners and staff) and for more restorative practices like victim-awareness programs and mediation. The focus is primarily on the prison structure and culture, striving to create a more restorative prison culture and climate in the institutions. In this article we argue for a shift from this system-focused pursuit of ‘estorative detention’ to the restorative reintegration of prisoners at the individual level, and by this supporting their desistance from crime. We present a conceptual framework for restorative reintegration in and outside prison as a strengths-based approach, with attention to the structural and individual elements that supports their desistance from crime.
Editor's note
Authors: Sebastião Isabel
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this monograph is to offer some insights from the ongoing work of young researchers in Portugal on mother tongue teaching and learning. Although this is a mere sample of the research done thus far, the studies included in this volume contribute with perspectives and relevant information for various possibilities of reflection concerning the teaching and learning process of Portuguese as mother tongue. They are intended to bolster the citizens’ linguistic and discursive proficiency in the use of language – in reading, writing and speaking.
Grammar teaching in Portugal
Authors: Costa Ana Luísa , Valente Rodrigues Sónia
Published: September 2019

Bien que certaines études montrent un fossé entre les pratiques curriculaires et les directives pour l’enseignement de la langue maternelle, le curriculum portugais a toujours laissé une place à l’enseignement de la grammaire. Le débat se concentre sur les questions "Pourquoi enseigner la grammaire?", "Quoi enseigner?" et "Comment enseigner?" Dans le cas portugais, en réponse à la première question, le développement de la conscience linguistique et de la connaissance explicite de la langue se pose afin de former des citoyens compétents sur le plan linguistique et discursif à l’utilisation de la langue dans des contextes oraux formels et publics, en lecture et en écriture. Après un aperçu des documents du programme, en réponse à la deuxième question, on explique quel conetnu de grammaire est enseigné dans le programme portugais. Enfin, comme il s’agit d’une des approches de l’enseignement de la grammaire avec davantage de recherches empiriques, le Laboratoire de grammaire est présenté comme une bonne pratique.
L’enseignement de la modalité linguistique en primaire – des voies méthodologiques possibles et souhaitables
Authors: Costa José António
Published: September 2019

Le fait que les enfants sont exposés dès un âge précoce à des énoncés modalisés (Choi, 2006), exprimant surtout l'obligation et la permission, aurait pu faire croire que ce sujet prenait part à l'école primaire, mais ce n’était pas le cas qu’avant les 12 ans dans plusieurs pays, tels que le Portugal, l’Espagne et la France. Après une caractérisation linguistique de la modalité (van der Auwera & Plungian, 1998 ; Oliveira & Mendes, 2013), nous présentons un parcours didactique conçu pour des élèves de 3ème année de l’enseignement primaire, dans lequel on envisage une approche implicite de la modalité dans le but de contribuer à l'éducation linguistique des élèves et à la formation de citoyens informés et socialement compétents (Vieira, 2006). Pour cela, on utilise des méthodologies diversifiées (Arslan, 2010 ; Fernández-Corbacho, 2014 ; Figueiroa-Rego, 2015), de façon à promouvoir des pratiques de réflexion critique sur le monde à travers le langage.
An ICT Tool for Visualising and Archiving Measurement Data Collected using Mobile Sensors
Authors: GRABOWSKI Andrzej , ZAWADZKI Paweł
Published: September 2019

Many sectors require the use of dedicated ICT systems to collect data from dispersed and oftentimes moving measurement systems. This is associated with the increasingly-common use of unmanned vehicles, mostly flying ones, carrying various measurement systems, such as concentration sensors detecting selected gases. The measurement data can be transmitted wirelessly to a central server. The article presents the architecture of a universal ICT tool that, owing to its flexible application programming interface, can be used for integrating, archiving and visualising data coming from a heterogeneous network of measurement devices in real time.
Corrective factors of intestinal microflora disorders in the perinatal period
Authors: Pisaniak Paulina
Published: September 2019

Abstract
1-st Ukrainian-Polish ENT Congress
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Paulina
Published: September 2019

W dniu 5 kwietnia 2019 roku odbył się Pierwszy Ukraińsko-Polski Kongres Otorynolaryngologiczny w Kijowie. Przewodniczącymi Komitetu Naukowego kongresu byli prof. Oleksandr Naumenko, p.o. Rektor Narodowego Uniwersytetu Medycznego, Kierownik Katedry Otolaryngologii w Kijowie oraz prof. Kazimierz Niemczyk - Kierownik Katedry i Kliniki Otorynolaryngologii, Chirurgii Głowy i Szyi WUM, Prezydent Europejskiego Towarzystwa Chirurgii Podstawy Czaszki (ESBS). Kongres zgromadził dużą reprezentację około 300 lekarzy z Ukrainy, Polski, Niemiec, Włoch, Kazachstanu, Białorusi i Uzbekistanu.
¡Marchando una de información!
Authors: Cruz María del Carmen
Published: September 2019

Rosalía, sin haber encontrado el relato anónimo del siglo XIII titulado El roman de Flamenca, no hubiese podido crear su gran éxito El mal querer. Maria Patiño tira de archivo para argumentar y probar su información. Las historias clínicas ─clave para nuestra salud y para la gestión eficiente del presupuesto sanitario─ reúnen gran cantidad de documentos (análisis, radiografías, escáneres, tacs, infinidad de pruebas en general…). Podríamos poner muchos más ejemplos de la vida cotidiana, personas que acceden a la información que necesitan para producir su propia información.
Decolonial Psychoanalysis
Authors: Williams Saywrane Alfonso
Published: September 2019

Robert K. Beshara's book could not have arrived at a more opportune time, when the atmosphere and leadership of certain individuals within certain countries have reinstigated harmful discourse against populations undeserving of it, and are left as targeted subjects in the end, backed into a corner with no way out. It is the subtitle that perhaps draws the reader more concretely to the direct material of the book: Towards Critical Islamophobia Studies.
Evaluation of the effects of the green nanoparticles zinc oxide on monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity in the brain of rats
Authors: Hamza Reham Z. , Al-Salmi Fawziah A. , El-Shenawy Nahla S.
Published: September 2019

Background

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used extensively as a food additive in the diets of many countries around the world.

Aim of the study

Our aim was to determine the effects of green zinc oxide nanoparticles on MSG-induced oxidative damage, neurotransmitter changes, and histopathological alternation in the cerebral cortexes of rats.

Methods

MSG was administered orally at two doses of 6 and 17.5 mg/kg body weight. The higher dose was associated with a significant decline in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glutathione (GSH) in the cerebral cortex of rats.

Results

The administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles/green tea extract (ZnO NPs/GTE) to 17.5 mg/kg MSG-treated rats was associated with significant improvements in all parameters previously shown to be altered by MSG. The higher dose of MSG induced significant histopathological variation in brain tissue. Co-treatment of rats with ZnO NPs/GTE and MSG-HD inhibited the reduction of neurotransmitters and acetylcholinesterase by MSG.

Conclusions

ZnO NPs/GTE have the potential to protect against oxidative stress and neuronal necrosis induced by MSG-HD. ZnO NPs/GTE conferred a greater benefit than the control treatment or ZnO NPs or GTE administered separately.
The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on the Illness Perception in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Karimi Shiler , Moradimanesh Fardin , Asgari Parviz , Bakhtiyarpour Saieed
Published: September 2019

One of the proposed psychological treatments in hemodialysis patients is acceptance and commitment therapy. The acceptance and commitment therapy focuses on psychological flexibility and this occurs when a person consciously accepts his or her thoughts and feelings and shows a behavior consistent with his or her personal values. As chronic kidney failure causes many psychological problems for patients, which can affect their various aspects of life and significantly reduce their quality of life and as acceptance and commitment therapy has provided promising results in helping patients with severe and chronic conditions to cope with their psychological, physical, social, family and economic problems and given the important role of the variable of illness perception in this regard, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on illness perception of patients. The statistical population of this study included hemodialysis patients in the dialysis ward of Bouali Marivan Hospital from 22-11-2018 to 22/11/2012. The number of subjects in each of the experimental and control groups was 15. The experimental group received acceptance and commitment therapy at 8 sessions and the control group received no therapy. The data were collected using Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R). Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics and covariance analysis. The results of the study showed that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was effective on illness perception, consequences of the illness perception, illness personal control perception, illness treatment control perception, concern and emotional responses perception in dialysis patients. However, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) did not affect the illness timeline perception, identity of the illness perception and the illness recognition in dialysis patients.
Feasibility of a GATE Monte Carlo platform in a clinical pretreatment QA system for VMAT treatment plans using TrueBeam with an HD120 multileaf collimator
Authors: Lee Boram , Jeong Seonghoon , Chung Kwangzoo , Yoon Myonggeun , Park Hee Chul , Han Youngyih , Jung Sang Hoon
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the quality of patient‐specific complicated treatment plans, including commercialized treatment planning systems (TPS) and commissioned beam data, we developed a process of quality assurance (QA) using a Monte Carlo (MC) platform. Specifically, we constructed an interface system that automatically converts treatment plan and dose matrix data in digital imaging and communications in medicine to an MC dose‐calculation engine. The clinical feasibility of the system was evaluated.

Materials and Methods

A dose‐calculation engine based on GATE v8.1 was embedded in our QA system and in a parallel computing system to significantly reduce the computation time. The QA system automatically converts parameters in volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans to files for dose calculation using GATE. The system then calculates dose maps. Energies of 6 MV, 10 MV, 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF), and 10 MV FFF from a TrueBeam with HD120 were modeled and commissioned. To evaluate the beam models, percentage depth dose (PDD) values, MC calculation profiles, and measured beam data were compared at various depths (Dmax, 5 cm, 10 cm, and 20 cm), field sizes, and energies. To evaluate the feasibility of the QA system for clinical use, doses measured for clinical VMAT plans using films were compared to dose maps calculated using our MC‐based QA system.

Results

A LINAC QA system was analyzed by PDD and profile according to the secondary collimator and multileaf collimator (MLC). Values for MC calculations and TPS beam data obtained using CC13 ion chamber (IBA Dosimetry, Germany) were consistent within 1.0%. Clinical validation using a gamma index was performed for VMAT treatment plans using a solid water phantom and arbitrary patient data. The gamma evaluation results (with criteria of 3%/3 mm) were 98.1%, 99.1%, 99.2%, and 97.1% for energies of 6 MV, 10 MV, 6 MV FFF, and 10 MV FFF, respectively.

Conclusions

We constructed an MC‐based QA system for evaluating patient treatment plans and evaluated its feasibility in clinical practice. We observed robust agreement between dose calculations from our QA system and measurements for VMAT plans. Our QA system could be useful in other clinical settings, such as small‐field SRS procedures or analyses of secondary cancer risk, for which dose calculations using TPS are difficult to verify.
Trifluoropropylene Carbonate‐Driven Interface Regulation Enabling Greatly Enhanced Lithium Storage Durability of Silicon‐Based Anodes
Authors: Hu Zhongli , Zhao Liubin , Jiang Tao , Liu Jie , Rashid Arif , Sun Pengfei , Wang Gulian , Yan Chenglin , Zhang Li
Published: September 2019

The extremely high specific capacity of Si anodes is a double‐edged sword, bringing both high energy density and poor lifespan to Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). Despite recent advances in constructing nanostructured/composite‐Si anodes with an alleviated volume change and improved cycle life, daunting challenges still remain for Si anodes to suppress the irreversible capacity loss associated with the repeated rupture/reconstruction of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Herein, an electrolyte‐based optimization strategy is devised to in situ construct a thin, continuous, and mechanically stable SEI film on Si surface by using a trifluoropropylene carbonate (TFPC) cosolvent, targeting highly stable Si‐based anodes for LIBs. TFPC is featured with its low unoccupied molecular orbital energy, high reduction potential and outstanding film‐forming capability, outperforming those of the state‐of‐the‐art fluoroethylene carbonate additive. More importantly, TFPC plays a key role in regulating the structure and component of SEI layer. As such, 10 wt% TFPC addition promotes the formation of an optimal SEI film with appropriate amounts of polyolefins and LiF, endowing the SEI layer with enhanced rigidity and toughness as well as high ionic conductivity. Both the Si nanoparticle‐based and Si/C composite electrodes deliver a greatly enhanced cycling stability, rate capability, and overall structural integrity in such optimized electrolyte.
Self‐Powered UV–Vis–NIR Photodetector Based on Conjugated‐Polymer/CsPbBr3 Nanowire Array
Authors: Cao Fengren , Tian Wei , Deng Kaimo , Wang Meng , Li Liang
Published: September 2019

Perovskite photodetectors have attracted intensive research interest due to promising applications in sensing, communication, and imaging. However, their performance is restricted by the narrow spectrum range, required power source, and instability in ambient environment. To address these issues, a self‐powered photodetector based on the inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite nanowire array/conjugated‐polymer hybrid structure is designed. The spectra response range of the device can be extended to 950 nm, along with outstanding stability, fast response speed (111/306 µs), and large detectivity (1.2 × 1013 Jones). The performance parameters are comparable to or even better than most reported CsPbBr3 and conjugated‐polymer photodetectors. The excellent performance is mainly attributed to the efficient carrier generation, separation, and transport resulting from array structure and favorable band structure.
3D Nanoprinting of Perovskites
Authors: Chen Mojun , Yang Jihyuk , Wang Zhenyu , Xu Zhaoyi , Lee Heekwon , Lee Hyeonseok , Zhou Zhiwen , Feng Shien‐Ping , Lee Sanghyeon , Pyo Jaeyeon , Seol Seung Kwon , Ki Dong‐Keun , Kim Ji Tae
Published: September 2019

As competing with the established silicon technology, organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites are continually gaining ground in optoelectronics due to their excellent material properties and low‐cost production. The ability to have control over their shape, as well as composition and crystallinity, is indispensable for practical materialization. Many sophisticated nanofabrication methods have been devised to shape perovskites; however, they are still limited to in‐plane, low‐aspect‐ratio, and simple forms. This is in stark contrast with the demands of modern optoelectronics with freeform circuitry and high integration density. Here, a nanoprecision 3D printing is developed for organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites. The method is based on guiding evaporation‐induced perovskite crystallization in mid‐air using a femtoliter ink meniscus formed on a nanopipette, resulting in freestanding 3D perovskite nanostructures with a preferred crystal orientation. Stretching the ink meniscus with a pulling process enables on‐demand control of the nanostructure's diameter and hollowness, leading to an unprecedented tubular‐solid transition. With varying the pulling direction, a layer‐by‐layer stacking of perovskite nanostructures is successfully demonstrated with programmed shapes and positions, a primary step for additive manufacturing. It is expected that the method has the potential to create freeform perovskite nanostructures for customized optoelectronics.
Understanding Rechargeable Battery Function Using In Operando Neutron Powder Diffraction
Authors: Liang Gemeng , Didier Christophe , Guo Zaiping , Pang Wei Kong , Peterson Vanessa K.
Published: September 2019

The performance of rechargeable batteries is influenced by the structural and phase changes of components during cycling. Neutron powder diffraction (NPD) provides unique and useful information concerning the structure–function relation of battery components and can be used to study the changes to component phase and structure during battery cycling, known as in operando measurement studies. The development and use of NPD for in operando measurements of batteries is summarized along with detailed experimental approaches that impact the insights gained by these. A summary of the information gained concerning battery function using in operando NPD measurements is provided, including the structural and phase evolution of electrode materials and charge‐carrying ion diffusion pathways through these, which are critical to the development of battery technology.
Design, Parameterization, and Implementation of Atomic Force Fields for Adsorption in Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Dubbeldam David , Walton Krista S. , Vlugt Thijs J. H. , Calero Sofia
Published: September 2019

Molecular simulations are an excellent tool to study adsorption and diffusion in nanoporous materials. Examples of nanoporous materials are zeolites, carbon nanotubes, clays, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs). The molecular confinement these materials offer has been exploited in adsorption and catalysis for almost 50 years. Molecular simulations have provided understanding of the underlying shape selectivity, and adsorption and diffusion effects. Much of the reliability of the modeling predictions depends on the accuracy and transferability of the force field. However, flexibility and the chemical and structural diversity of MOFs add significant challenges for engineering force fields that are able to reproduce experimentally observed structural and dynamic properties. Recent developments in design, parameterization, and implementation of force fields for MOFs and zeolites are reviewed.
Taming Interfacial Instability in Lithium–Oxygen Batteries: A Polymeric Ionic Liquid Electrolyte Solution
Authors: Liu Zhenjie , Huang Jun , Zhang Yantao , Tong Bo , Guo Feng , Wang Jiawei , Shi Yang , Wen Rui , Zhou Zhibin , Guo Limin , Peng Zhangquan
Published: September 2019

There is a growing concern about the cyclability and safety, in particular, of the high‐energy density lithium–metal batteries. This concern is even greater for Li–O2 batteries because O2 that is transported from the cathode to the anode compartment, can exacerbate side reactions and dendrite growth of the lithium metal anode. The key to solving this dilemma lays in tailoring the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed on the lithium metal anode in Li–O2 batteries. Here it is reported that a new electrolyte, formed from LiFSI as the salt and a mixture of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether and polymeric ionic liquid of P[C5O2NMA,11]FSI as the solvent, can produce a stable electrode (both cathode and anode)|electrolyte interface in Li–O2 batteries. Specifically, this new electrolyte, when in contact with lithium metal anodes, has the ability to produce a uniform SEI with high ionic conductivity for Li+ transport and desired mechanical property for suppression of dendritic lithium growth. Moreover, the electrolyte possesses a high oxidation tolerance that is very beneficial to the oxygen electrochemistry on the cathode of Li–O2 batteries. As a result, enhanced reversibility and cycle life are realized for the resultant Li–O2 batteries.
Nonpolar Alkanes Modify Lithium‐Ion Solvation for Improved Lithium Deposition and Stripping
Authors: Amanchukwu Chibueze V. , Kong Xian , Qin Jian , Cui Yi , Bao Zhenan
Published: September 2019

Lithium metal batteries have been plagued by the high reactivity of lithium. Reactive additives that can passivate the lithium metal surface and limit electrolyte accessibility to a fresh lithium surface have been widely explored, but can have limited utility with continuous consumption of the additive. In this work, an alternative strategy is explored. The use of nonreactive cosolvents such as nonpolar alkanes is studied and its is shown that hexane and cyclohexane addition to ether solvents (1,3‐dioxolane and 1,2‐dimethoxyethane) halves the nucleation and growth overpotentials for lithium deposition, increases the cell coulombic efficiency, improves the lithium deposition morphology, increases the electrolyte oxidative stability (>0.2 V), and doubles the cycle life—even when compared to a widely used fluorinated ether. The nonpolar alkanes modify the lithium‐ion solvation environment and reduce the solvation free energy; hence reducing the reaction barrier for lithium deposition. Exploration of nonpolar alkanes as part of the electrolyte mixture is a promising strategy for controlling metal deposition.
Differences in suicidal behaviors between self‐employed and standardly employed workers
Authors: Min Jin‐Young , Kim HyeJin , Park Shin‐Goo , Hwang Sang Hee , Min Kyoug‐Bok
Published: September 2019

Background

Although self‐employed persons have greater autonomy, schedule flexibility, and control over their work than employees, they may be among the most vulnerable workers due to the lack of social benefits and protection from labor law and regulations. We compared suicidal behaviors between the self‐employed and standardly employed workers.

Methods

This study used the 2008 Korean Community Health Survey data and included a total of 64 802 working population. Self‐employed persons were classified into “small business self‐employed persons” with zero to four employees and “middle to large business” with more than five employees. The outcomes were suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

Results

Of the 64 802 participants, 40 422 were engaged in standard employment, and 24 380 were self‐employed, with almost 90% (n = 21 970) being engaged in small businesses. Persons self‐employed, compared with standard workers, were more likely to report suicidal ideation in both small (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15‐1.35) and middle to large businesses (OR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.09‐1.61). On the other hand, the likelihood for suicide attempt was only significant in persons self‐employed in small businesses (OR = 1.67; 95% CI, 1.11‐2.45).

Conclusion

Self‐employed persons were associated with greater odds of reporting suicidal behaviors than workers with standard employment. Among the self‐employed, small business owners were particularly vulnerable to suicide attempts.
Fuel‐Driven Transient Crystallization of a Cucurbit[8]uril‐Based Host–Guest Complex
Authors: Choi Seoyeon , Mukhopadhyay Rahul Dev , Kim Younghoon , Hwang In‐Chul , Hwang Wooseup , Ghosh Suman Kr , Baek Kangkyun , Kim Kimoon
Published: September 2019

Transient self‐assembling systems often suffer from accumulation of chemical wastes that interfere with the formation of pristine self‐assembled products in subsequent cycles. Herein, we report the transient crystallization of a cucurbit[8]uril‐based host‐guest complex, preventing the accumulation of chemical wastes. Base‐catalyzed thermal decarboxylation of trichloroacetic acid that chemically fuels the crystallization process dissolves the crystals, and produces volatile chemical wastes that are spontaneously removed from the solution. With such self‐clearance process, no significant damping in the formation of the crystals was observed. The morphology and structural integrity of the crystals was also maintained in subsequent cycles. The concept may be further extended to obtain other temporally functional materials, quasicrystals, etc., based on stimuli‐responsive guest molecules.
Trismaleimide Dendrimers: Helix‐to‐Superhelix Supramolecular Transition Accompanied by White‐Light Emission
Authors: Li Fen , Li Xiaohui , Wang Ying , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2019

Reported here are unprecedented fluorescent superhelices composed of primary, supramolecular polymers of the opposite helical twist. A new class of functional dendrimers was synthesized by amino‐ene click reactions, and they demonstrate an alternating OFF/ON fluorescence with generation growth. A peripherally alkyl‐modified dendrimer displays helix‐sense‐selective supramolecular polymerization, which predominantly forms right‐handed (or left‐handed) helical supramolecular polymers in the solution containing chiral solvents. With increasing the concentration, these primary helical supramolecular polymers spontaneously twist around themselves in the opposite direction to form superhelical structures. Atomic force microscopy and circular dichroism measurements were used to directly observe the helix‐to‐superhelix transition occurring with a reversal in the helical direction. Exceptional white‐light emission was observed during superhelix formation.
Synthesis of β‐amino acid derivatives and their inhibitory profiles against some metabolic enzymes
Authors: Atmaca Ufuk , Daryadel Shahla , Taslimi Parham , Çelik Murat , Gülçin İlhami
Published: September 2019

Sulfamate and its derivatives have a range of biological activities. One‐pot cyclocondensation of alkenes (1a–i) with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate generates β‐lactams. β‐Amino acid derivatives (2a–i) from β‐lactams were synthesized. Then, these highly reactive compounds were opened with MeOH to produce the corresponding sulfamate derivatives in good yields. The inhibitory effects of the novel sulfamate derivatives were tested on human carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α‐glycosidase (α‐Gly). Novel sulfamate derivatives showed Ki values in the range of 23.81–42.97 nM against hCA I, 8.95–52.23 nM against hCA II, 8.10–45.51 nM against AChE, 23.16–81.84 nM against BChE, and 14.02–48.68 nM against α‐Gly. As a result, the novel sulfamate derivatives had potent inhibitory effects against both isoenzymes. Overall, due to the inhibitory effects of the novel sulfamate derivatives on the tested metabolic enzymes, they are promising drug candidates for the treatment of diseases like glaucoma, epilepsy, leukemia, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are associated with high enzymatic activity of the indicated metabolic enzymes.
Logistische Punktlandung
Authors: Endres Jörg , Pigorsch Jörg
Published: September 2019

Die Sanierung der großen Start‐ und Landebahn am Flughafen Köln/Bonn war für alle Projektbeteiligten eine echte Herkulesaufgabe und erforderte in puncto Logistik neue Ansätze und Denkweisen, um diese anspruchsvolle Aufgabe zu meistern. Der Flughafen Köln/Bonn verfügt über insgesamt drei Start‐/Landebahnen und ist mit rd. 860 000 t Fracht pro Jahr der drittgrößte Frachtflughafen und mit 12,9 Mio. Passagieren der siebtgrößte Verkehrsflughafen in Deutschland. Die Generalsanierung der 3 815 m langen und 60 m breiten Start‐ und Landebahn wurde seit 2014 vom Flughafen geplant, um nach der letzten umfangreichen Sanierung 1995 die oberen Asphaltschichten zu erneuern und die RWY auf den neuesten Stand der Technik gemäß den europäischen Vorschriften für Flughäfen, der Grundverordnung der EASA, zu bringen. Für die Tiefbauleistungen standen nur 18 Wochenenden à 30 h zur Verfügung. Das entspricht einer Nettobauzeit von lediglich 540 h mit der zusätzlichen Herausforderung, den Flugbetrieb an jedem Sonntag um 18 Uhr wieder aufzunehmen. Die Langstreckenfrachtflugzeuge waren bereits in der Luft, während die Bauarbeiten noch liefen
Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Model Systems and Therapy: Redundancy and Compensation Have Implications
Authors: Zachariah Sarah , Gray Douglas A.
Published: September 2019

The multiplicity of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) encoded by vertebrate genomes is partly attributable to whole genome duplication events that occurred early in chordate evolution. By surveying the literature for the largest family of DUBs (the ubiquitin‐specific proteases), extensive functional redundancy for duplicated genes has been confirmed as opposed to singletons. Dramatically conflicting results have been reported for loss of function studies conducted through RNA interference as opposed to inactivating mutations, but the contradictory findings can be reconciled by a recently proposed compensatory mechanism involving nonsense‐mediated RNA degradation. Duplicated genes are often inactivated to become pseudogenes, and it is proposed that such is the fate of the USP15 gene of zebrafish, a commonly used model system. As it is reviewed here, these observations have implications not only for the interpretation of model system phenotypes but also for therapeutic interventions designed to target DUBs.