bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Cellulolytic Bacteria from Peat Soils as Decomposer of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch
Authors: Gusmawartati . , Agustian . , Herviyanti . , Jamsari .
Published: March 2018

The aim of the research was to find out potential strainsof cellulolytic bacteria isolated from two tropical peat soils and to studythe potency of the isolated bacteria to decompose oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB). The research was carried out in two stages: (1) isolation of cellulolytic bacteria from peat soils and (2) testing the potency of isolated bacteria to decompose oil palm EFB. The cellulolytic bacteria were isolated from two peat soils, i.e. a natural peat soil (forest) and a cultivated peat soil (has been used as agriculture land). Isolation of cellulolytic bacteria was conducted by preparing a series dilution of culture solutions using a streak plate method in a carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC) selective medium.Isolates that were able to form clear zones surrounding their bacterial colony were further tested to study the potency of the isolates to decompose cellulose in oil palm EFB. The cellulolytic activity of the selected isolates were further determined via production of reducing sugars in an oil palm EFB liquid medium using Nelson-Somogyi method. The results showed that there are six isolates of cellulolytic bacteria that have been identified in two tropical peat soils used in the current study. Two isolates are identified in a natural peat soil (forest) and four isolates are identified in a cultivated peat soil. The isolates collected are identified as Bacillus sp., Pseudomonassp. and Staphylococcus sp. Among the isolates, an isolate of GS II-1 produces the highest concentration of reducing sugars, namely 0.1012 unitmL-1or 101 ppm, indicating that the isolate of GS II-1 is highly potential to decompose oil palm EFB. Therefore, the isolate of GS II-1 can be used as a decomposer in the bio-conversion processes of oil palm EFB.Keywords: isolation, bacteria, cellulolytic, oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), peat soil
Improvement of Physical and Chemical Soil Quality of Oil Palm Plantation through Integrated Farming System of Cattle and Oil Palm to Achieve Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Romelah Siti , Niswati Ainin , Tugiyono Tugiyono , Dermiyati Dermiyati
Published: March 2018

The objectives of the research were to compare the quality of physical and chemical characteristics of the soils in the oil palm plantations applied with integrated farming system of cattle and oil palm plantation (IFSCO) and without IFSCO (non-IFSCO), as well as to evaluate the economic benefits of IFSCO application. The research was conducted in two oil palm plantations, i.e. an oil palm plantation applied with IFSCO (5 ha) and an oil palm plantation without IFSCO application (non-IFSCO) (5 ha), located in the Karya Makmur Village, Penawar Aji Subdistrict, Tulang Bawang District, Lampung, Indonesia, in June until August 2016. The research was conducted using a survey and systematic sampling methods to collect soil samples, and data from 30 farmers who applied IFSCO and other 30 farmers who applied non-IFSCO. The results showed that the application of organic fertilizer in the IFSCO field resulted in higher level of exchangeable-K, -Ca, -Mg, and -Na, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic-C content of the soil;and better improvement on the physical soil quality, i.e. bulk density, porosity and soil moisture content; in comparison to that in the field without organic fertilizer application (non-IFSCO field). However, the application of IFSCO did not affect the pH, available-P, base saturation and total-N content of the soil.  There was a difference in the texture class of the soils in the IFSCO field and non-IFSCO field.  The result of texture analysis showed that the texture of the soil in the IFSCO field is “clay”, while the texture of the soil in the non-IFSCO field is “sandy clay loam”.  Application of IFSCO can save the fertilizer cost by 66%, the feed cost by 50%, and can increase oil palm production and farmers’ income by about 25%, so it is economically profitable. Thus, IFSCO can improve soil quality and provide economic benefits for the farmers, so the IFSCO obviously supports the implementation of sustainable agriculture.
Motives and Measures of Higher Education Internationalisation: A Case Study of a Canadian University
Authors: Yesufu Lawal O.
Published: March 2018

Internationalisation is the inclusion of international, intercultural and global dimensions into the objectives, policies and practices in the delivery of postsecondary education. The objective of the research was to investigate the types of partnerships and internationalisation approaches that exist in higher education, the motives of internationalisation and the most appropriate approaches to measuring the quality and progress of internationalisation in higher education. A number of studies on internationalisation have been carried out. However, there is a limit on the scale and amount of research undertaken on measuring the output of internationalisation in higher education, in particular in the context of the Canadian higher education system. This paper is based on case study research to determine the motives of internationalisation in higher education in a Canadian university and it uses the Knight Internationalisation Tracking Measure to test the quality and progress of internationalisation in the university. The research entailed document analysis, interviews and surveys which were designed to gather data on internationalisation practices and objectives from university staff involved in the management of internationalisation and international partnerships. The content of the interviews and surveys were based on the measures  defined by the Knight Internationalisation Tracking Measure. The research found that higher education institutions are motivated by the prospects of attracting additional income to make-up for the reduction in government funding. In addition, internationalisation offers access to staff development opportunities,  internationalisation of the curriculum, and wider benefits leading to societal development. These findings and recommendations are drawn from a single case study.
The Reliability of Evidence in Evidence-Based Legislation
Authors: Kealy Sean J. , Forney Alex
Published: March 2018

The Reliability of Evidence in Evidence-Based Legislation

As evidence-based legislation develops, and as technology puts more information at our fingertips, there should be a better understanding of what exactly constitutes reliable evidence. Robert and Ann Seidman devoted their professional careers to developing the evidence-based Institutional Legislative Theory and Methodology and teaching it to legislative drafters around the world. Although ILTAM was firmly grounded in – and driven by – evidence, the question becomes what evidence is reliable and a worthy input for the methodology. Further, how can the drafter avoid the misuses of evidence such as confirmation bias and naïve beliefs? We aim to give a guide for using evidence by offering examples of evidence-based legislation in practice and through a proposed hierarchy of evidence from most to least reliable:

Experiments within the jurisdiction / lessons from other jurisdictions.

Information on a topic or issue that was formally requested by the legislature or produced to the legislature under oath or under the penalties of perjury.

Studies / information provided by a government agency.

Expert or scientific studies.

Economic or mathematical models and statistics.

Information provided by special interests.

Stories, apocrypha and uncorroborated tales.

We hope that this hierarchy provides a starting point for discussion to refine and improve evidence-based legislation.
Gidsen voor het wetgeven in de Benelux en Latijns Europa – een poging tot een rechtsculturele benadering
Authors: Konijnenbelt W.
Published: March 2018

Gidsen voor het wetgeven in de Benelux en Latijns Europa – een poging tot een rechtsculturele benadering

De 25 jaar oude Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving (Ar) gaan terug op een VAR-rapport uit 1948. Ze zijn grotendeels overgenomen in Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao en Sint Maarten. De Belgische ‘Beginselen van de wetgevingstechniek’, opgesteld door de Raad van State, zijn doorgaans veel gedetailleerder dan de Ar en bevatten vaak uitleggende beschouwingen. Ze betreffen uitsluitend de wetgevingstechniek en de keus tussen de vele typen wettelijke regelingen die het land kent. Luxemburg heeft geen officiële gids voor het regelgeven, maar wel een ‘traité’ van de hand van de secretaris-generaal van de Raad van State met praktische en overzichtelijke regelgevingstechnische aanwijzingen, geïnspireerd door de Belgische ‘Beginselen’ en de Franse wetgevingspraktijk. Frankrijk heeft een gids voor de legistiek in de vorm van een omvangrijke digitale ‘kaartenbak’, samengesteld door de Raad van State en het secretariaat-generaal van de regering. Het gaat over zaken als verstandig regelgeven, de keus voor een bepaald type regeling en wetgevingstechniek. Veel zaken zijn hier, evenals in België, een stuk ingewikkelder dan in Nederland. Italië heeft een heel beknopte set van 37 wetgevingstechnische regels, vastgesteld door de kanselarij en overgenomen door beide Kamers, die een heel andere wetgevingscultuur verraden dan wij gewend zijn. Spanje ten slotte kent ongeveer honderd richtlijnen voor de wetgevingstechniek, vastgesteld door de regering, aangenaam duidelijk en beknopt. Een Spaanse wettelijke regeling is in beginsel strak gestructureerd, maar kent vaak diverse ‘loshangende’ slotbepalingen. Er is veel aandacht voor eenvoudige en duidelijke taal. Afgesloten wordt met enkele rechtsculturele indrukken en enige aan de besproken buitenlandse gidsen ontleende suggesties voor verdere verbetering van de Ar.
100 Ideeën en 1 suggestie voor de Aanwijzingen
Authors: Corver D.
Published: March 2018

100 Ideeën en 1 suggestie voor de Aanwijzingen

Voor de meeste gemeentejuristen is het schrijven van regelgeving iets dat ze er slechts sporadisch bij doen. Het is dan ook een goede zaak dat hun een helpende hand wordt toegestoken met de 100 Ideeën voor de gemeentelijke regelgever, opgesteld door Willem Konijnenbelt en uitgegeven door de VNG. In deze bijdrage wordt eerst kort nader ingegaan op de 100 Ideeën, alvorens drie verschillen tussen de 100 Ideeën en de Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving (Ar) te bespreken en twee punten van kritiek ten aanzien van de 100 Ideeën. Tot slot volgt ook nog een suggestie ter verdere verbetering van de Ar.
Managing human impacts across diverse marine environments
Authors: Robson Laura M , Carter Anita J , Last Ellen , Peckett Frances J , Hill Elly
Published: March 2018

As an island nation, the UK is surrounded by water, spanning from the coast and intertidal, to the circalittoral and deep-sea. Understanding the changing condition and resilience of marine biodiversity within these vastly different water masses is of key importance to understanding both the impacts of, and how to best manage, human activities whilst enabling continued sustainable development.

One of the biggest challenges to understanding biodiversity state is the lack of time-series data, particularly in areas where long-term monitoring has not yet been implemented around our offshore (>12nm) and deep-sea waters. To manage this, the UK’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee are further developing spatial mapping proxy methods, gathering data on human activity presence, pressures caused by these activities, and the associated sensitivity of biodiversity to these pressures, to understand key areas of risk. Whilst evidence for these assessments is becoming more widely available for offshore waters, there is a large evidence gap on deep-sea biodiversity sensitivity, and understanding how to manage this little-studied environment. With ongoing pressures from fishing and oil and gas activity, and future threats from deep-sea mining, this is a key area of research which is urgently needed to help develop effective and sustainable management measures.
Prediction of Surgical Difficulty in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis Performed Within 24 Hours After Hospital Admission
Authors: Yamamoto Takehito , Komori Junji , Morimoto Takeshi , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Kaihara Satoshi , Hosotani Ryo
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to identify preoperative factors predicting operative difficulty in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis within 24 hours after hospital admission. Many reports have described the superiority of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the early phase of acute cholecystitis. Recently, even earlier cholecystectomy within 24 hours after hospital admission has been recommended. However, the factors that influence surgical difficulty in this patient population have not been well scrutinized. We analyzed patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis within 24 hours of hospital presentation from 2007 to 2015. The primary outcome was the operation time. We also analyzed the amount of blood loss and the rate of conversion to open surgery. Seventy-three patients were enrolled. Mean age at surgery was 66 ± 16 years, and 52 patients were male. The mean operation time was 128 ± 59 minutes. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4–30.9] and dirty fat sign on preoperative computed tomography (OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.0–34.2) were significantly associated with increased operative time. Dirty fat sign was also significantly associated with increases in the amount of blood loss and conversion rate. Surgery should be performed more carefully in patients with these risk factors in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis performed within 24 hours of hospital presentation.
An Analytical Framework for the Steady State Impact of Carbonate Compensation on Atmospheric CO2
Authors: Omta Anne Willem , Ferrari Raffaele , McGee David
Published: March 2018

The deep‐ocean carbonate ion concentration impacts the fraction of the marine calcium carbonate production that is buried in sediments. This gives rise to the carbonate compensation feedback, which is thought to restore the deep‐ocean carbonate ion concentration on multimillennial timescales. We formulate an analytical framework to investigate the impact of carbonate compensation under various changes in the carbon cycle relevant for anthropogenic change and glacial cycles. Using this framework, we show that carbonate compensation amplifies by 15–20% changes in atmospheric CO2 resulting from a redistribution of carbon between the atmosphere and ocean (e.g., due to changes in temperature, salinity, or nutrient utilization). A counterintuitive result emerges when the impact of organic matter burial in the ocean is examined. The organic matter burial first leads to a slight decrease in atmospheric CO2 and an increase in the deep‐ocean carbonate ion concentration. Subsequently, enhanced calcium carbonate burial leads to outgassing of carbon from the ocean to the atmosphere, which is quantified by our framework. Results from simulations with a multibox model including the minor acids and bases important for the ocean‐atmosphere exchange of carbon are consistent with our analytical predictions. We discuss the potential role of carbonate compensation in glacial‐interglacial cycles as an example of how our theoretical framework may be applied.
Recent Progress in Organic Electrodes for Li and Na Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Lee Sechan , Kwon Giyun , Ku Kyojin , Yoon Kyungho , Jung Sung‐Kyun , Lim Hee‐Dae , Kang Kisuk
Published: March 2018

Organic rechargeable batteries, which use organics as electrodes, are excellent candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems because they offer design flexibility due to the rich chemistry of organics while being eco‐friendly and potentially cost efficient. However, their widespread usage is limited by intrinsic problems such as poor electronic conductivity, easy dissolution into liquid electrolytes, and low volumetric energy density. New types of organic electrode materials with various redox centers or molecular structures have been developed over the past few decades. Moreover, research aimed at enhancing electrochemical properties via chemical tuning has been at the forefront of organic rechargeable batteries research in recent years, leading to significant progress in their performance. Here, an overview of the current developments of organic rechargeable batteries is presented, with a brief history of research in this field. Various strategies for improving organic electrode materials are discussed with respect to tuning intrinsic properties of organics using molecular modification and optimizing their properties at the electrode level. A comprehensive understanding of the progress in organic electrode materials is provided along with the fundamental science governing their performance in rechargeable batteries thus a guide is presented to the optimal design strategies to improve the electrochemical performance for next‐generation battery systems.
Metal–Organic Frameworks for Separation
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Wang Yanxiang , Li Dong‐Sheng , Bu Xianhui , Feng Pingyun
Published: March 2018

Separation is an important industrial step with critical roles in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and nuclear industries, as well as in many other fields. Although much progress has been made, the development of better separation technologies, especially through the discovery of high‐performance separation materials, continues to attract increasing interest due to concerns over factors such as efficiency, health and environmental impacts, and the cost of existing methods. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a rapidly expanding family of crystalline porous materials, have shown great promise to address various separation challenges due to their well‐defined pore size and unprecedented tunability in both composition and pore geometry. In the past decade, extensive research is performed on applications of MOF materials, including separation and capture of many gases and vapors, and liquid‐phase separation involving both liquid mixtures and solutions. MOFs also bring new opportunities in enantioselective separation and are amenable to morphological control such as fabrication of membranes for enhanced separation outcomes. Here, some of the latest progress in the applications of MOFs for several key separation issues, with emphasis on newly synthesized MOF materials and the impact of their compositional and structural features on separation properties, are reviewed and highlighted.
Uniaxial Alignment of Conjugated Polymer Films for High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Khim Dongyoon , Luzio Alessandro , Bonacchini Giorgio Ernesto , Pace Giuseppina , Lee Mi‐Jung , Noh Yong‐Young , Caironi Mario
Published: March 2018

Polymer semiconductors have been experiencing a remarkable improvement in electronic and optoelectronic properties, which are largely related to the recent development of a vast library of high‐performance, donor–acceptor copolymers showing alternation of chemical moieties with different electronic affinities along their backbones. Such steady improvement is making conjugated polymers even more appealing for large‐area and flexible electronic applications, from distributed and portable electronics to healthcare devices, where cost‐effective manufacturing, light weight, and ease of integration represent key benefits. Recently, a strong boost to charge carrier mobility in polymer‐based field‐effect transistors, consistently achieving the range from 1.0 to 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 for both holes and electrons, has been given by uniaxial backbone alignment of polymers in thin films, inducing strong transport anisotropy and favoring enhanced transport properties along the alignment direction. Herein, an overview on this topic is provided with a focus on the processing–structure–property relationships that enable the controlled and uniform alignment of polymer films over large areas with scalable processes. The key aspects are specific molecular structures, such as planarized backbones with a reduced degree of conformational disorder, solution formulation with controlled aggregation, and deposition techniques inducing suitable directional flow.
Controllable Photoluminescent and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Polymerizable Carbon Dots and Their Arbitrary Copolymerized Gel Glasses
Authors: Ren Junkai , Sun Xingming , Wang Yunfeng , Song Rui , Xie Zheng , Zhou Shuyun , Chen Ping
Published: March 2018

In this work, an efficient method is developed to prepare silane‐functionalized red‐emissive carbon dots and carbon dots gel glasses with arbitrary loading fraction (0–100%). The as‐prepared materials possess strong photoluminescence and significant third‐order nonlinear optical performances. The optical properties can be tuned by either changing solvents and pH of the solution or adjusting the loading fractions of carbon dots in gel glasses. In particular, the photoluminescence of the carbon dots and their polymerized glasses can be linearly modulated from yellow to red emission by increasing the loading fraction of carbon dots or the polarity of solvent. It is also found that the chemical copolymerization leads to superior optical properties of gel glasses to that of the carbon dots solution, because the copolymerization endows stable immobilization of carbon dots in a rigid matrix. This study provides a feasible method to prepare optoelectronic hybrid materials and devices.
Selective Activation of a Prodrug by Thioredoxin Reductase Providing a Strategy to Target Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Xinming , Hou Yanan , Meng Xianke , Ge Chunpo , Ma Huilong , Li Jin , Fang Jianguo
Published: March 2018

Elevated reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense systems have been recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. As a major regulator of the cellular redox homeostasis, the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is increasingly considered as a promising target for anticancer drug development. The current approach to inhibit TrxR predominantly relies on the modification of the selenocysteine residue in the C‐terminal active site of the enzyme, in which it is hard to avoid the off‐target effects. By conjugating the anticancer drug gemcitabine with a 1,2‐dithiolane scaffold, an unprecedented prodrug strategy is disclosed that achieves a specific release of gemcitabine by TrxR in cells. As overexpression of TrxR is frequently found in different types of tumors, the TrxR‐dependent prodrugs are promising for further development as cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Development of new extraction method based on liquid–liquid–liquid extraction followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for extraction of three tricyclic antidepressants in plasma samples
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Abbaspour Maryam
Published: March 2018

In the present study, a new extraction method based on a three–phase system, liquid–liquid–liquid extraction, followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed and validated for the extraction and preconcentration of three commonly prescribed tricyclic antidepressant drugs – amitriptyline, imipramine, and clomipramine – in human plasma prior to their analysis by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. The three phases were an aqueous phase (plasma), acetonitrile and n–hexane. The extraction mechanism was based on the different affinities of components of the biological sample (lipids, fatty acids, pharmaceuticals, inorganic ions, etc.) toward each of the phases. This provided high selectivity toward the analytes since most interferences were transferred into n–hexane. In this procedure, a homogeneous solution of the aqueous phase (plasma) and acetonitrile (water–soluble extraction solvent) was broken by adding sodium sulfate (as a phase separating agent) and the analytes were extracted into the fine droplets of the formed acetonitrile. Next, acetonitrile phase was mixed with 1,2–dibromoethane (as a preconcentration solvent at microliter level) and then the microextraction procedure mentioned above was performed for further enrichment of the analytes. Under the optimum extraction conditions, limits of detection and lower limits of quantification for the analytes were obtained in the ranges of 0.001–0.003 and 0.003–0.010 μg mL−1, respectively. The obtained extraction recoveries were in the range of 79–98%. Intra– and inter–day precisions were < 7.5%. The validated method was successfully applied for determination of the selected drugs in human plasma samples obtained from the patients who received them.
Unusual Circularly Polarized and Aggregation‐Induced Near‐Infrared Phosphorescence of Helical Platinum(II) Complexes with Tetradentate Salen Ligands
Authors: Song Jintong , Wang Man , Zhou Xiangge , Xiang Haifeng
Published: March 2018

A series of chiral and helical PtII‐Salen complexes with 1,1′‐binaphthyl linkers were synthesized and characterized. Owing to the restriction of intramolecular motions of central 1,1′‐binaphthyls, the complexes exhibit unusual near‐infrared aggregation‐induced phosphorescence (AIP). The (R)/(S) enantiopure complexes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, circular dichroism spectra, time‐dependent density functional theory calculations, and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). The present work explores the use of tetradentate ligands that can be easily prepared from commercially available enantiopure compounds, and the subsequent preparation of stable CPL‐active square planar PtII complexes with AIP effect that may have interest in many applications.
Experimental versus theoretical log D7.4, pKa and plasma protein binding values for benzodiazepines appearing as new psychoactive substances
Authors: Manchester Kieran R. , Maskell Peter D. , Waters Laura
Published: March 2018

The misuse of benzodiazepines as new psychoactive substances is an increasing problem around the world. Basic physicochemical and pharmacokinetic data is required on these substances to interpret and predict their effects upon humans. Experimental log D7.4, pKa and plasma protein binding values were determined for 11 benzodiazepines that have recently appeared as new psychoactive substances (3‐hydroxyphenazepam, 4′‐chlorodiazepam, desalkylflurazepam, deschloroetizolam, diclazepam, etizolam, flubromazepam, flubromazolam, meclonazepam, phenazepam, and pyrazolam) and compared with values generated by various software packages (ACD/I‐lab, MarvinSketch, ADMET Predictor and PreADMET). ACD/I‐LAB returned the most accurate values for log D7.4 and plasma protein binding while ADMET Predictor returned the most accurate values for pKa. Large variations in predictive errors were observed between compounds. Experimental values are currently preferable and desirable as they may aid with the future ‘training’ of predictive models for these new psychoactive substances.
Long‐term persistence of horse fecalDNAin the environment makes equids particularly good candidates for noninvasive sampling
Authors: King Sarah R. B. , Schoenecker Kathryn A. , Fike Jennifer A. , Oyler‐McCance Sara J.
Published: March 2018

FecalDNAcollected noninvasively can provide valuable information about genetic and ecological characteristics. This approach has rarely been used for equids, despite the need for conservation of endangered species and management of abundant feral populations. We examined factors affecting the efficacy of using equid fecal samples for conservation genetics. First, we evaluated two fecal collection methods (paper bag vs. ethanol). Then, we investigated how time since deposition and month of collection impacted microsatellite amplification success and genotyping errors. Between May and November 2014, we collected feral horse fecal samples of known age each month in a feral horse Herd Management Area in western Colorado and documented deterioration in the field with photographs. Samples collected and dried in paper bags had significantly higher amplification rates than those collected and stored in ethanol. There was little difference in the number of loci that amplified per sample between fresh fecal piles and those that had been exposed to the environment for up to 2 months (in samples collected in paper bags). After 2 months of exposure, amplification success declined. When comparing fresh (0–2 months) and old (3–6 months) fecal piles, samples from fresh piles had more matching genotypes across samples, better amplification success and less allelic dropout. Samples defecated during the summer and collected within 2 months of deposition had highest number of genotypes matching among samples, and lowest rates of amplification failure and allelic dropout. Due to the digestive system and amount of fecal material produced by equids, as well as their occurrence in arid ecosystems, we suggest that they are particularly good candidates for noninvasive sampling using fecalDNA.
Exposure to national flags reduces tax evasion: Evidence from the United States, Australia, and Britain
Authors: Chan Eugene Y.
Published: March 2018

There have been numerous theories from numerous academic fields explaining why individuals engage in tax evasion. Drawing broadly on Social Identity Theory, we predict that exposure to one's national flag can reduce tax evasion by making salient one's national identity, motivating one to sacrifice one's self‐interests for one's country—which would presumably include paying one's fair share of taxes. In three experiments, we found that exposure to American, Australian, and British flags reduced Americans', Australians', and Britons' tax evasion in financially incentivized tasks (Experiments 1, 3) and increased tax‐paying attitudes (Experiment 2). The effects arose because flag primes made salient participants' national identities that then motivated them to help their country. We ruled out social norms and trust in authorities as alternative explanations. As such, flag primes might reduce tax evasion and in doing so improve the economic and societal welfare of a country.
Ordered Mesoporous Carbons Loading on Sulfonated Graphene by Multi‐Components Co‐Assembly for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Lu Suhui , Guo Kunkun , Xie Yi , Ning Jiale
Published: March 2018

Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMC) loading on sulfonated graphene (OMC/SG) have been fabricated by multi‐components co‐assembly followed by thermal polymerization and carbonization. OMC/SG composites possess the hierarchically ordered hexagonal mesostructure with the lattice unit parameter and porous diameter about 10 nm and 4 nm, respectively. Sulfonated graphene is integrated into the interpenetrated network structures via covalent bonding and hydrogen bonding, as well as is highly dispersed in OMC matrix. OMC/SG composite shows a specific surface area high up to 1708.78 m2 g−1, and a mesoporous ratio as high as 80 %. Meanwhile, the obtained OMC/SG exhibits a specific capacitance as high as 314.2 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, while OMC based electrode is only 196.6 F g−1. In addition, the resultant OMC/SG composites display good rate capability (70 % of the capacitance retained at current density high up to 100 A g−1), and an excellent cycling stability (no capacitance loss over 5000 cycles). In particular, the surface capacitance of OMC/SG (Cs) increases up to 18.4 μF cm−2 at 1 A g−1. These optimized interconnected porous structures in the OMC/SG composites are favorable to the accessibility, rapid diffusion of aqueous electrolytes, while sulfonated graphene can also facilitate the transport of electrons and provide better interface wettability of electrodes with electrolytes, thereby leading to an excellent energy storage performance.
Using the applied element method for modelling calcium silicate brick masonry subjected to in‐plane cyclic loading
Authors: Malomo Daniele , Pinho Rui , Penna Andrea
Published: March 2018

The response of calcium silicate unreinforced masonry construction to horizontal cyclic loading has recently become the focus of experimental and numerical research, given its extensive use in some areas of the world that are now exposed to induced earthquakes (eg, north of the Netherlands). To assess the seismic behaviour of such construction, a relatively wide range of modelling methodologies are available, amongst which the discrete elements approach, which takes into account the intrinsic heterogeneity of a brick‐mortar assembly, can probably be deemed as the most appropriate computational procedure. On the other hand, however, since discrete elements numerical methods are based on a discontinuum domain, often they are not able to model every stage of the structural response adequately, and because of the high computational burden required, the analysis scale should be chosen carefully. The applied element method is a relatively recent addition to the discrete elements family, with a high potential for overcoming the aforementioned limitations or difficulties. Initially conceived to model blast events and concrete structures, its use in the earthquake engineering field is, of late, increasing noticeably. In this paper, the use of the applied element method to model the in‐plane cyclic response of calcium silicate masonry walls is discussed and scrutinised, also through the comparison with experimental results of in‐plane cyclic shear‐compression tests on unreinforced masonry walls.
Multiproxy records of Holocene millennial‐scale climatic variations from the aeolian deposit in eastern Horqin dune field, northeastern China
Authors: Liu Bing , Jin Heling , Sun Liangying , Niu Qinghe , Zhang Caixia , Xue Wenping , Liu Zhengyu
Published: March 2018

The record of the Holocene millennial‐scale climate variations from the aeolian deposit around the monsoonal boundary zone in northern China is poorly understood because the desert sediments are usually scattered and geological archives are discontinuous. Here, we conducted magnetic, sedimentological, and geochemical analyses of the palaeosol‐aeolian sand sequence from the eastern Horqin dune field in northeastern China, which documented the detailed history of climatic variations during the past 7.0 ka. The results indicate that the climate became more humid around 7.0−5.0 ka and approached an optimal humid condition around 5.0–3.6 cal ka BP. Afterward, the moisture condition clearly declined in 3.6–1.3 cal ka BP and was replaced by dry climate at the end. Additionally, we discovered that 10 periodically dry events that punctuated the overall pattern of climatic variations in the region, with times of more than 7.0, 5.7–5.5, 5.5–5.0, 4.6–4.2, 4.2–3.7, 3.6, 3.5–3.3, and 1.3 cal ka BP. These intervals were not only very consistent with the dry/cold events in the monsoonal boundary zone of northern China, owing to weak summer monsoonal strength forced by solar radiation, but were also accordant with the increased Asian winter monsoon strengths induced by environment variations of the high latitude area. This phenomenon probably implies the antiphase relationship between Asian summer and winter monsoons on the Holocene millennial‐scale around the monsoonal boundary zone of northern China.
Common and distinct neural correlates of self‐serving and prosocial dishonesty
Authors: Pornpattananangkul Narun , Zhen Shanshan , Yu Rongjun
Published: March 2018

People often anticipate certain benefits when making dishonest decisions. In this article, we aim to dissociate the neural–cognitive processes of (1) dishonest decisions that focus on overall benefits of being dishonest (regardless of whether the benefits are self‐serving or prosocial) from (2) those that distinguish between self‐serving and prosocial benefits. Thirty‐one participants had the opportunity to maximize their monetary benefits by voluntarily making dishonest decisions while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In each trial, the monetary benefit of being dishonest was either self‐serving or prosocial. Behaviorally, we found dissociable patterns of dishonest decisions: some participants were dishonest for overall benefits, while others were primarily dishonest for self‐serving (compared with prosocial) benefits. When provided an opportunity to be dishonest for either self‐serving or prosocial benefits, participants with a stronger overall tendency to be dishonest had stronger vmPFC activity, as well as stronger functional connectivity between the vmPFC and dlPFC. Furthermore, vmPFC activity was associated with decisions to be dishonest both when the benefits of being dishonest were self‐serving and prosocial. Conversely, high self‐serving‐biased participants had stronger striatum activity and stronger functional connectivity between the striatum and middle‐mPFC when they had a chance to be dishonest for self‐serving (compared with prosocial) benefits. Altogether, we showed that activity in (and functional connectivity between) regions in the valuation (e.g., vmPFC and Str) and executive control (e.g., dlPFC and mmPFC) systems play a key role in registering the social‐related goal of dishonest decisions.
Quantitative time domain analysis of lifetime‐based Förster resonant energy transfer measurements with fluorescent proteins: Static random isotropic fluorophore orientation distributions
Authors: Alexandrov Yuriy , Nikolic Dino S. , Dunsby Christopher , French Paul M. W.
Published: March 2018

Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) measurements are widely used to obtain information about molecular interactions and conformations through the dependence of FRET efficiency on the proximity of donor and acceptor fluorophores. Fluorescence lifetime measurements can provide quantitative analysis of FRET efficiency and interacting population fraction. Many FRET experiments exploit the highly specific labelling of genetically expressed fluorescent proteins, applicable in live cells and organisms. Unfortunately, the typical assumption of fast randomization of fluorophore orientations in the analysis of fluorescence lifetime‐based FRET readouts is not valid for fluorescent proteins due to their slow rotational mobility compared to their upper state lifetime. Here, previous analysis of effectively static isotropic distributions of fluorophore dipoles on FRET measurements is incorporated into new software for fitting donor emission decay profiles. Calculated FRET parameters, including molar population fractions, are compared for the analysis of simulated and experimental FRET data under the assumption of static and dynamic fluorophores and the intermediate regimes between fully dynamic and static fluorophores, and mixtures within FRET pairs, is explored. Finally, a method to correct the artefact resulting from fitting the emission from static FRET pairs with isotropic angular distributions to the (incorrect) typically assumed dynamic FRET decay model is presented.
Comparative histochemical analysis of glycoconjugates in the nasal vestibule of camel and sheep
Authors: Ibrahim Dalia , Nakamuta Nobuaki
Published: March 2018

While Corriedale sheep survive in a wide range of climates, which prevents them to specialize for one climatic condition only, dromedary camels strictly adapted to desert areas. This demands more adaptive mechanisms to hot, dry conditions in camels than in sheep. Being the entrance of the nasal cavity, nasal vestibule is subjected to various environmental stressors. A protective way is the lining epithelium which is cornified in camel, but not in sheep. Mucus nasal secretions also play a key role in the protection of underlyings. Additionally, arterio‐venous anastomosis is present in the lamina propria of the nasal vestibule of camel. In the present paper, sugar residues in the nasal vestibule of camel were analyzed and compared with those of sheep using 14 types of lectins to explore the distribution of glycoconjugates that may help the function of camel nasal vestibule in desert environment. In camel, none of the lectins could label the basal cells of the vestibular epithelium, although the basal cells reacted with six lectins in sheep. In camel, LEL and RCA‐120 markedly labeled the luminal surface. WGA, DBA, SBA, and VVA produced marked intensities on the luminal surface in sheep. The mucous glands reacted with six lectins: WGA, s‐WGA, VVA, PNA, PHA‐E, and PHA‐L in camel, while all lectins used except s‐WGA and PHA‐E reacted in the sheep. In summary, great differences are observed in the glycoconjugate expression between camel and sheep. This suggests that these glycoconjugate are related to camel's tolerance for environmental stressors.
Mathematics of a sex‐structured model for syphilis transmission dynamics
Authors: B. Gumel Abba , M.‐S. Lubuma Jean , Sharomi Oluwaseun , Terefe Yibeltal Adane
Published: March 2018

Syphilis, a major sexually transmitted disease, continues to pose major public health burden in both underdeveloped and developed nations of the world. This study presents a new 2‐group sex‐structured model for assessing the community‐level impact of treatment and condom use on the transmission dynamics and control of syphilis. Rigorous analysis of the model shows that it undergoes the phenomenon of backward bifurcation. In the absence of this phenomenon (which is shown to arise because of the reinfection of recovered individuals), the disease‐free equilibrium of the model is shown to be globally asymptotically stable when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. Furthermore, the model can have multiple endemic equilibria when the reproduction threshold exceeds unity. Numerical simulations of the model, using data relevant to the transmission dynamics of the disease in Nigeria, show that, with the assumed 80% condom efficacy, the disease will continue to persist (ie, remain endemic) in the population regardless of the level of compliance in condom usage by men. Furthermore, detailed optimal control analysis (using Pontraygin's maximum principle) reveals that, for situations where the cost of implementing the controls (treatment and condom‐use) considered in this study is low, channelling resources to a treatment‐only strategy is more effective than channelling them to a condom‐use only strategy. Furthermore, as expected, the combined condom‐treatment strategy provides a higher population‐level impact than the treatment‐only strategy or the condom‐use only strategy. When the cost of implementing the controls is high, the 3 strategies are essentially equally as ineffective.
Generalization of combination‐combination synchronization of n‐dimensional time‐delay chaotic system via robust adaptive sliding mode control
Authors: Khan Ayub , Singh Shikha
Published: March 2018

In this manuscript, the methodology to achieve combination‐combination synchronization of time‐delay chaotic system via robust adaptive sliding mode control is introduced. The methodology is implemented by taking identical multiple time‐delay Lorenz chaotic system. By using rigorous mathematical theory, the sufficient condition is drawn for the stability of error dynamics based on Lyapunov stability theory. Theoretical results are supported with the numerical simulations.
Solvability of fourth‐order Sturm‐Liouville problems with abstract linear functionals in boundary‐transmission conditions
Authors: Kandemir Mustafa , Mukhtarov Oktay Sh.
Published: March 2018

This study deals with the solvability of one nonclassical boundary‐value problem for fourth‐order differential equation on two disjoint intervals I1=(−1,0)and I2=(0,1). The boundary conditions contain not only endpoints x=−1and x=1but also a point of interaction x=0, finite number internal points xjki∈Ij and abstract linear functionals Sk. So, our problem is not a pure differential one. We investigate such important properties as isomorphism, Fredholmness and coerciveness with respect to the spectral parameter. Note that the obtained results are new even in the case of the boundary conditions without internal points xjki and without abstract linear functionals Sk.
Some results on implicit contractive conditions in metric spaces endowed with arbitrary binary relations
Authors: Chuensupantharat Nantaporn , Kumam Poom
Published: March 2018

The main purpose of this study is to establish some coincidence and common fixed point theorems for 2 self‐mappings via the condition of implicit function on metric spaces provided with arbitrary binary relation. In our results, the main theorems are the generalized version of the literatures, and we also give some examples to guarantee our main results. Moreover, we show that the result to guarantee a coincidence point which are more useful than the previous results of Banach's contraction which cannot be applied. Furthermore, we include some consequences for proving the corollary, which satisfied several well‐known contractions that are obtained from the main results.
Spectral Galerkin approximation and rigorous error analysis for the Steklov eigenvalue problem in circular domain
Authors: Tan Ting , An Jing
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we present spectral Galerkin approximation and rigorous error analysis for the Steklov eigenvalue problem in a circular domain. First of all, we use the polar coordinate transformation and technique of separation of variables to reduce the problem to a sequence of equivalent 1‐dimensional eigenvalue problems that can be solved individually in parallel. Then, we derive the pole conditions and introduce weighted Sobolev space according to pole conditions. Together with the approximate properties of orthogonal polynomials, we prove the error estimates of approximate eigenvalues for each 1‐dimensional eigenvalue problem. Finally, we provide some numerical experiments to validate the theoretical results and algorithms.
Bioactive polymeric formulations for wound healing
Authors: Nada Ahmed A. , Arul Michael R. , Ramos Daisy M. , Kroneková Zuzana , Mosnáček Jaroslav , Rudraiah Swetha , Kumbar Sangamesh G.
Published: March 2018

Ricinoleic acid (RA) has potential to promote wound healing because of its analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of RA liposomes infused in a hydrogel for topical application. Lecithin liposomes containing RA were prepared and incorporated into a chitosan solution and were subsequently cross‐linked with di‐aldehyde β‐cyclodextrin (Di‐β‐CD). Chitosan/Di‐β‐CD concentrations and reaction temperatures were varied to alter gelation time, water content, and mechanical properties of the hydrogel in an effort to obtain a wide range of RA release profiles. Hydrogel cross‐linking was confirmed by spectroscopy, and liposome and carrier hydrogel morphology via microscopy. Chitosan, Di‐β‐CD, and liposome concentrations within the formulation affected the extent of matrix swelling, mechanical strength, and pore and overall morphology. Higher cross‐linking density of the hydrogel led to lower water uptake and slower release rate of RA. Optimized formulations resulted in a burst release of RA followed by a steady release pattern accounting for 80% of the encapsulated RA over a period of 48 hours. However, RA concentrations above 0.1 mg/mL were found to be cytotoxic to fibroblast cultures in vitro because of the oily nature of RA. These formulations promoted wound healing when used to treat full thickness skin wounds (2 cm2) in Wister male rats. The wound contraction rates were significantly higher compared to a commercially available topical cream after a time period of 21 days. Histopathological analysis of the RA‐liposomal chitosan hydrogel group showed that the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous skin layers displayed an accelerated yet normal healing compared to control group.