bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the performance of skip lists and splay trees in classification of internet packets
Authors: Khezrian Navid , Abbasi Mahdi
Published: July 2019

Due to the increasing number of Internet users and the volume of information exchanged by software applications, Internet packet traffic has increased significantly, which has highlighted the need to accelerate the processing required in network systems. Packet classification is one of the solutions implemented in network systems. The most important issue is to use an approach that can classify packets at the speed of the network and show optimum performance in terms of memory usage. In this study, we evaluated the performance in packet classification of two of the most important data structures used in decision trees, i.e. the skip list and splay tree. Our criteria for performance were the time of packet classification, the number of memory accesses, and memory usage of each event. These criteria were tested by the ACL and IPC rules with different numbers of rules as well as by different packet numbers. The results of the evaluation showed that the performance of skip lists is higher than that of splay trees. By increasing the number of classifying rules, both the difference in the speed of packet classification and the superiority of the performance of the skip list over that of the splay tree become more significant. The skip list also maintains its superiority over the splay tree in lower memory usage. The results of the experiments confirm the scalability of this method in comparison to the splay tree method.
Scientific Communication between Spanish and English Educational Technology Journals. A Citation Analysis of eight Journals
Authors: Marín Victoria I. , Zawacki-Richter Olaf
Published: July 2019

In order to disseminate the findings and recommendations from their studies, researchers publish papers in scientific journals in their subject area. Research communities thus emerge as a result of the communication between authors who cite other relevant papers. This study focuses on the relationships between Spanish and English research communities in the specific field of Educational Technology. We explore as hypotheses whether there are signs of scientific journal communication between authors in these two communities, and if the English authors reciprocate citations by Spanish authors. In order to verify them, a social network analysis was conducted by considering outgoing and incoming citations in eight open access journals (four in English and four in Spanish) published over ten years (2007–2016). The sample includes 3,407 articles, which were analysed using UCINET and Gephi software. The results show partial confirmation of the hypotheses, since two separate research communities were recognized, with almost no communication between them. However, the Spanish community was presented as more connected than the English one. We interpret these results by considering not only language factors, but also the journal roots and the particular subject field under consideration. Finally, we highlight some general recommendations to enhance future communication between these two education research communities.
Academic Writing and the Internet: Cyber-Plagiarism amongst University Students
Authors: Olivia-Dumitrina Nechita , Casanovas Montserrat , Capdevila Yolanda
Published: July 2019

This research aims to present a number of findings on the perception that university students have on academic plagiarism. Data has been collected on the procedures of copy and paste, paraphrase, translation, as well as the need for citation of resources taken from the Internet. This study was carried out at the University of Lleida (UdL), via an online questionnaire administered to 1150 first-year students. The results show similar figures in the understanding of plagiarism with respect to two procedures: copy and paste (69.3%) and paraphrase (68.3%). In the case of translation, the figure is higher with 82.1% of students considering that translating a text is plagiarism. Regarding the need to cite digital sources, 13.6% argue it is not necessary. When analysing the results according to the different faculties and affiliated schools, no pattern of behaviour has been detected in relation to the typology of the degree students were enrolled in, but a trend towards different behaviours can be observed in the two faculties in which students have received specific training within the framework of subjects of their degrees (Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy and Faculty of Education, Psychology and Social Work). In these cases, the figures related to acknowledging plagiarism procedures are higher and so is the percentage of students who say that resources taken from the Internet should be cited. This leads us to conclude, in line with other studies that have dealt with the same subject, that training is key to tackling the issue of plagiarism in higher education.
Projection of the Flipped Learning Methodology in the Teaching Staff of Cross-Border Contexts
Authors: López Belmonte Jesús , Pozo Sánchez Santiago , del Pino Espejo María José
Published: July 2019

Technological impact and immigration have resulted in ICT playing a significant role in educational adaptation to multicultural environments. This study focuses on flipped learning as an innovative teaching method. The overall objectives of this research are, on the one hand, to carry out a review of the scientific literature about flipped learning, and, on the other hand, to know the extent of its scope amongst teaching staff in cross-border regions.

To achieve these objectives, a quantitative method has been developed through a descriptive model. 316 teachers from different educational centres of the Spanish Autonomous City of Ceuta (Spain) were selected as a sample, and an ad hoc questionnaire was used as an instrument for collecting personal data. Statistical procedures were performed through SPSS software, using location and scattering parameters (median and standard deviation), measurements (Pearson’s asymmetry coefficient and Fisher’s pointing coefficient) and association tasks between variables. The results show that teachers claim to have the necessary knowledge to implement flipped learning in their programmes, but they still have certain deficiencies in their specific training. A significant number of these teachers do not use it because they lack training and digital assets, and also because of a certain apprehension towards innovative practices. The main benefits include the improvement in the student’s autonomy, their participation, interaction and motivation, as well as the teachers’ satisfaction. Regarding the teachers’ perception, it therefore follows that flipped learning contributes to the attention towards diversity created by the multicultural environments, which in this case is a result of the migration phenomenon.
The Importance of ICTs for Students as a Competence for their Future Professional Performance: the Case of the Faculty of Business Studies and Tourism of the University of Huelva
Authors: Infante-Moro Alfonso , Infante-Moro Juan-Carlos , Gallardo-Pérez Julia
Published: July 2019

To date, the knowledge and use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) has become an almost essential requirement when someone wants to find employment in our society. For this reason, this study aims to analyze the importance that students of the Faculty of Business Studies and Tourism of the University of Huelva (Spain) give to the acquisition of ICT skills for their future professional performance and the domain they have over them (achieved throughout their years of learning). This research is developed through a questionnaire completed by 90 students of the Faculty and concludes that in general they give these ICT skills the importance that they deserve and that their domain goes in parallel (except for some skills that show formative need), even being able to observe that in the majority of cases the dominion of these skills is tied to the importance that they give them.
Quinsy in Adult: Clinical Profile and Management Challenges in Two Tertiary Hospitals Northwest Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu D. , Yikawe S. S.
Published: July 2019

Purpose of the Study: Quinsy also known as Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a life threatened complication of acute exudative tonsillitis requiring immediate surgical intervention. We profile the clinical presentation and highlight challenges in management.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with Quinsy at the departments of otorhinolaryngology of two-government referral hospital in northwest Nigeria from May 2014 to April 2017. These patients’ clinical records were retrieved from the health record department and data extracted were analyzed using Microsoft excel program.

Results: A total of 147 adult patients had tonsillitis within the study period. Only eighteen patients with quinsy 13(72.2%) females and 5(27.8%) males with an M: F=1:2.6 were analyzed. Age range is between 18 years – 58 years with a mean age of 35.4 years. The highest incidence was 66.7% in patients within the age group 21-40 years. Odynophagia and trismus were the commonest presenting features in all the patients. Side of Quinsy involvement was on the left tonsils 12(66.7%). There was spontaneous rupture in 5(27.8%) while 13(72.2%) of patients had incision and drainage. All patients had broad-spectrum antibiotics. Interval tonsillectomy was carried out on 12(66.7%) of patients while 6(33.3%) of patients did not consent for tonsillectomy and were subsequently lost to follow up. No recurrence of symptoms or mortality recorded.

Conclusion: Quinsy is a life threatening otorhinolaryngological emergency common amongst young female adults. Optimal management is still antibiotics therapy and drainage of abscess in our center.
Estimation of Radio Horizon Distance Using Measured Meteorological Parameters over Some Selected Locations in Nigeria
Authors: Adediji A. T. , Adebusola S. O. , Ojo J. S.
Published: July 2019

In this study, results of the variation of maximum and minimum radio horizon distance derived from the computation of surface refractivity through measurement of temperature, relative humidity and pressureacrosssevenlocations((Akure (7.15°N, 5.12°E), Lagos (6.30°N, 3.20°E), Abuja (7.10°N, 9.25°E), Jos (9.50°N, 8.50°E), Makurdi (7.30°N,8.53°E), Port-Harcourt(4.20°N,7.00°E), and Nsukka (6.90°N,7.67°E)) in Nigeria are presented. Two years (Jan., 2011–Dec., 2012) archived data as provided by Tropospheric Data Acquisition Network (TRODAN) of the Centre for Atmospheric Research Anyigba, Kogi State were utilized for the study. Results showed that the values of surface refractivity (Ns) were low during the dry season months and high during the wet season months and also there was high value of NS at the coastal areas compared with the inland areas. It was also deduced that the mean value of NS for Abuja, Akure, Jos, Lagos, Markurdi, Nsukka and Port-Harcourt is 355, 362, 303, 391, 375, 361 and 399 N-units respectively. Results showed that the Radio Horizon Distance (RDH) values were generally low during the wet season months and high during the dry season months. The variability of radio horizon distance of transmitting antennas is higher in the Northern part of Nigeria than the southern part.
Polygamy in Dramatic Texts: A Discussion around Postmodernism
Authors: Julius-Adeoye Rantimi Jays , Omosulu Rotimi , Omoruyi Elizabeth Amarukhor , Oladimeji Idowu
Published: July 2019

This study looks at the representation of polygamous marriage in selected dramatic texts from Nigeria and juxtaposes it against global discussion on the acceptance of the "otherness" in society. It concludes that monogamy and polygamy (polygyny and polyandry) are systems of marriage practised in different cultures, most especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In the continent, marriage enjoys cultural, religious and constitutional backing. However, the focus of this paper is on polygamy in dramatic texts in relation to the social reality of the environment from which the texts emerged. The paper further narrows its interest down to three levels of contractual marriage in sub-Saharan Africa. It reveals that the traditional and religious marriage systems in sub- Saharan Africa embrace polygamy while state institutions or legal marriage system frowns at it. It is against this backdrop that this work adopts postmodernism as a theoretical framework to examine the place of polygamy in four African dramatic texts. The paper argues that postmodernist worldview has reinvigorated the practice of polygamy beyond the boundaries of Africa, Asia and of the adherents of the Islamic religion.
Haemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocine-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Treated with Ethanol Extract of a Herbal Mixture (Aju Mbaise)
Authors: Nnadiukwu A. T. , Monago-Ighorodje C. C. , Chuku L. C.
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of Aju Mbaise herbal mixture on some haematological indices of diabetic Wistar albino rats.

Sample: Packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was estimated in diabetic rats treated with ethanol extract of Aju Mbaise herbal mixture.

Study Design: In the course of the experiment, fifty-four (54) rats with initial weight range of 30 – 40 g were grouped into 6 of 9 rats per group. The first group served as the normal control (NC) while the remaining five groups were induced with diabetes type 2 using high-fat diet for 8 weeks and streptozotocin at 35 mg/kg body weight. Group II served as the diabetic control while the remaining groups (III, IV, V & VI) were treated with metformin and three different concentrations of the plant extract respectively.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Animal house of the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, between July 2018 and January 2019.

Methodology: The haemoglobin and packed cell volume were estimated after 4th, 8th and 12th week of treatment using MINDRAY Auto-Haematology analyzer.

Results: From the results obtained, it was observed that the diabetic control group has a PCV and haemoglobin concentration that is significantly (P<.05) lower when compared to that of the normal control group and the other treated groups.

Conclusion: The study has shown that Aju Mbaise herbal mixture is a haematopoietic agent as it had the tendency to synthesize blood cells.
Tracking the identity of moving words: Stimulus complexity and familiarity affects tracking accuracy
Authors: Hyönä Jukka , Oksama Lauri , Rantanen Esa
Published: July 2019

In two experiments, participants tracked the identity and location of moving words. The task bears resemblance to one performed by air traffic controllers who track multiple moving aircraft, where they are identified with relatively complex alphanumeric call signs. In Experiment 1, stimulus familiarity was manipulated by comparing the tracking of familiar words and pseudowords. In Experiment 2, also stimulus complexity was varied by having the participants track short and long words. Stimulus complexity affected tracking: Short words were easier to track than long words. Moreover, familiarity of identity affected tracking of short words (short familiar words were easier to track than short pseudo‐words) but not of long words. The results are interpreted within the framework of the model of multiple identity tracking model. Mathematical simulations suggest that observers may not have enough time for full identification of complex identities in a dynamic situation. Practical implications of the results for air traffic control are discussed.
Protectively Decellularized Porcine Cornea versus Human Donor Cornea for Lamellar Transplantation
Authors: Shi Weiyun , Zhou Qingjun , Gao Hua , Li Suxia , Dong Muchen , Wang Ting , Jia Yanni , Dong Chunxiao , Wang Xin , Guo Zhen , Zhao Long , Hu Xiaoli , Xie Lixin
Published: July 2019

Decellularization can reduce the immune barrier of xenotransplantation, but tissue swelling‐caused structural and functional damage remains unsolved, including corneal transparency loss after decellularization. Here, a protective decellularization strategy is developed for the preparation of decellularized porcine cornea (DPC), in which corneas are treated by detergent and endonuclease in the protective medium with 50 mmHg colloid osmotic pressure. A nonrandomized open‐label trial is conducted to evaluate the clinical outcome of lamellar transplantation with DPC versus human donor cornea (HDC) as grafts. Through the protective corneal decellularization, major xenoantigen DNA and α‐gal are efficiently removed, while corneal original structural and transparency characteristics are preserved. Among the 23 patients with DPC transplantation for 12 months, 22 grafts survive without ulcer recurrence or immune rejection, 1 graft demonstrate melting. Compared with HDC grafts, DPC grafts showed early suture loosing, but no complication is observed with timely removal. The epithelial regeneration rate, graft transparency restoration, best‐corrected visual acuity improvement, and mechanical properties achieve equivalent levels compared with that of HDC grafts. Collectively, the results suggest that the porcine cornea through protective decellularization may provide an effective “off‐the‐shelf” substitute of globally‐shortened human donor tissue for lamellar transplantation.
Electrically Activated Ultrathin PVDF‐TrFE Air Filter for High‐Efficiency PM1.0 Filtration
Authors: Han Kyung Seok , Lee Sol , Kim Minje , Park Pangun , Lee Min Hyung , Nah Junghyo
Published: July 2019

Ultrafine particulate matter (PM) in indoor air has become a serious concern for public health. Therefore, there is a growing interest in filters that can be installed on the window frames of ordinary homes to improve the indoor air quality by natural passive ventilation without using expensive forced air circulation systems. Thus, these filters require a high filtering efficiency and high air permeability and visibility, which do not compromise the original functionality of the windows. The filters developed for this purpose to date have demonstrated a high filtering efficiency for PM2.5 but a relatively low efficiency for PM1.0. Here, the performance of the ultrathin poly[(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE) nanofiber air filter capable of high‐efficiency PM1.0 filtration is reported. To enhance the PM1.0 filtering efficiency, the filter is electrically activated by the polarization of dipoles and triboelectrification using the ferroelectric nature and triboelectrically negative property of the PVDF‐TrFE filter layer. The electrically activated PVDF‐TrFE filter demonstrates a PM1.0 filtering efficiency of over ≈88% after polarization, which is further improved to ≈94% after triboelectrification. In addition, the filter is ultrathin and air‐permeable with 65% light transmittance. The methods introduced in this work can be adopted to develop high performance, highly visible, and air‐permeable filter media.
Rational Nanotoolbox with Theranostic Potential for Medicated Pro‐Regenerative Corneal Implants
Authors: Patra Hirak K. , Azharuddin Mohammad , Islam Mohammad M. , Papapavlou Georgia , Deb Suryyani , Osterrieth Johannes , Zhu Geyunjian Harry , Romu Thobias , Dhara Ashis K. , Jafari Mohammad J. , Ghaderi Amineh , Hinkula Jorma , Rajan Madhavan S. , Slater Nigel K. H.
Published: July 2019

Cornea diseases are a leading cause of blindness and the disease burden is exacerbated by the increasing shortage around the world for cadaveric donor corneas. Despite the advances in the field of regenerative medicine, successful transplantation of laboratory‐made artificial corneas is not fully realized in clinical practice. The causes of failure of such artificial corneal implants are multifactorial and include latent infections from viruses and other microbes, enzyme overexpression, implant degradation, extrusion or delayed epithelial regeneration. Therefore, there is an urgent unmet need for developing customized corneal implants to suit the host environment and counter the effects of inflammation or infection, which are able to track early signs of implant failure in situ. This work reports a nanotoolbox comprising tools for protection from infection, promotion of regeneration, and noninvasive monitoring of the in situ corneal environment. These nanosystems can be incorporated within pro‐regenerative biosynthetic implants, transforming them into theranostic devices, which are able to respond to biological changes following implantation.
Unprecedentedly Tough, Folding‐Endurance, and Multifunctional Graphene‐Based Artificial Nacre with Predesigned 3D Nanofiber Network as Matrix
Authors: Wang Yunjing , Xia Shuang , Li Hao , Wang Jianfeng
Published: July 2019

Mimicking the hierarchical brick‐and‐mortar architecture of natural nacre provides great opportunities for the design and synthesis of multifunctional artificial materials. The crucial challenge to push nacre‐mimetic functional materials toward practical applications is to achieve ample ductility, toughness, and folding endurance with simultaneously maintaining high‐level functional properties. In this study, the microstructure of nacre‐mimetics is reformed through predesigning a 3D nanofiber network to replace conventional polymer matrices. A unique sol–gel–film transformation approach is developed to fabricate a graphene‐based artificial nacre containing a preforming 3D, interconnective, inhomogeneous poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) nanofiber network. The fabulous coupling of the extensive sliding of graphene nanoplatelets and intensive stretching of the 3D nanofiber network over a large scale enables the artificial nacre to display natural nacre‐like deformation behavior, achieving ultralarge strain‐to‐failure (close to 35%), unprecedented toughness (close to 50 MJ m−3), and fold endurance (no decrease in tensile properties after folding for 10 000 times or folding at increasing stress). The new levels of ductility, toughness, and folding endurance are integrated with outstanding thermal properties, including thermal conductivity (≈130 W m−1 K−1), thermal stability (520 °C) and nonflammability, rendering the lightweight nacre‐mimetics promising in flexible electronic devices, particularly for aerospace electronics.
Wide Dynamic Range in Tunable Electrochromic Bragg Stacks from Doped Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Heo Sungyeon , Agrawal Ankit , Milliron Delia J.
Published: July 2019

Electrochromic properties can be enhanced by constructing photonic architectures, in which the reflectance contributes to optical modulation along with the intrinsic dynamic absorptivity of the material. However, optimization of reflectance is challenging without a rational design approach. Here, electrochemically tunable Bragg reflectors are demonstrated that are tuned to be highly transparent in the “off” state, achieving synergistic dynamic optical modulation of absorption and reflection in the visible and near‐infrared range. These Bragg stacks are composed of alternating doped semiconductor nanocrystal (NC) layers of 5 nm sized oxygen vacancy‐doped WO3−x and 15 nm sized 0.4 at% Sn:In2O3 NCs. Combining judicious NC selection and processing optimization with guidance from optical simulations, optimized Bragg stacks are implemented for electrochromic window applications. NCs with high absorption coefficients are essential for strong transmission modulation, though this characteristic limits the dynamic range of the Bragg reflectance. Optimal reflectance modulation including a highly transparent “off” state is confirmed with in situ reflectance and transmittance measurement. More broadly, ligand‐stripped NCs can enable fabrication of complex device architectures on low‐cost flexible substrates. These results guide the design rules for accessing different types of doped semiconductor NC‐based tunable Bragg stacks, an exemplary photonic structure, over a broad wavelength range.
Metal Cations in Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells: Progress and Perspective
Authors: Wang Kai , Subhani Waqas Siddique , Wang Yulong , Zuo Xiaokun , Wang Hui , Duan Lianjie , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: July 2019

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) have revolutionized photovoltaics since the first prototype in 2009, and up to now the highest efficiency has soared to 24.2%, which is on par with commercial thin film cells and not far from monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Optimizing device performance and improving stability have always been the research highlight of PVSCs. Metal cations are introduced into perovskites to further optimize the quality, and this strategy is showing a vigorous development trend. Here, the progress of research into metal cations for PVSCs is discussed by focusing on the position of the cations in perovskites, the modulation of the film quality, and the influence on the photovoltaic performance. Metal cations are considered in the order of alkali cations, alkaline earth cations, then metal cations in the ds and d regions, and ultimately trivalent cations (p‐ and f‐block metal cations) according to the periodic table of elements. Finally, this work is summarized and some relevant issues are discussed.
Defining the Importance Score of Human MicroRNAs and Their Single Nucleotide Mutants Using Random Forest Regression and Sequence Data
Authors: Cui Chunmei , Shi Bing , Shi Jiangcheng , Zhou Yuan , Cui Qinghua
Published: July 2019

To dig critical microRNAs (miRNAs) from the big miRNAome, it is becoming emergent to quantify the importance of miRNAs. However, computational methods for this purpose are still not available. Some sequence features associated with miRNA conservation are revealed and miRNA disease spectrum width (DSW) is defined as a score to measure the importance of miRNAs to some extent. Here, a random forest based regression model, microRNA importance calculator (MIC), is proposed to estimate the relationship between miRNA sequence and DSW score. The result shows that MIC score fits DSW score very well. Moreover, the MIC score significantly correlates with some established biological metrics for miRNA importance, such as miRNA conservation and expression level. Finally, MIC is extended to explore miRNAs with different importance scores across species for evaluating the possibility of druggable miRNAs and estimate how single nucleotide mutants affect the importance of miRNAs. MIC is available at http://www.cuilab.cn/mic.
Boosting High‐Rate Li–S Batteries by an MOF‐Derived Catalytic Electrode with a Layer‐by‐Layer Structure
Authors: Li Wanlong , Qian Ji , Zhao Teng , Ye Yusheng , Xing Yi , Huang Yongxin , Wei Lei , Zhang Nanxiang , Chen Nan , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: July 2019

Rechargeable high‐energy lithium–sulfur batteries suffer from rapid capacity decay and poor rate capability due to intrinsically intermediate polysulfides' shuttle effect and sluggish redox kinetics. To tackle these problems simultaneously, a layer‐by‐layer electrode structure is designed, each layer of which consists of ultrafine CoS2‐nanoparticle‐embedded porous carbon evenly grown on both sides of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The CoS2 nanoparticles derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have an average size of ≈10 nm and can facilitate the conversion between Li2S6 and Li2S2/Li2S in the liquid electrolyte by a catalytic effect, leading to improved polysulfide redox kinetics. In addition, the interconnected conductive frameworks with hierarchical pore structure afford fast ion and electron transport and provide sufficient space to confine polysulfides. As a result, the layer‐by‐layer electrodes exhibit good rate capabilities with 1180.7 and 700 mAh g−1 at 1.0 and 5.0 C, respectively, and maintain an impressive cycling stability with a low capacity decay of 0.033% per cycle within ultralong 1000 cycles at 5.0 C. Even with a high sulfur loading of 3.0 mg cm−2, the electrodes still show high rate performance and stable cycling stability over 300 cycles.
Intensified Stiffness and Photodynamic Provocation in a Collagen‐Based Composite Hydrogel Drive Chondrogenesis
Authors: Zheng Li , Liu Sijia , Cheng Xiaojing , Qin Zainen , Lu Zhenhui , Zhang Kun , Zhao Jinmin
Published: July 2019

Directed differentiation of bone‐marrow‐derived stem cells (BMSCs) toward chondrogenesis has served as a predominant method for cartilage repair but suffers from poor oriented differentiation tendency and low differentiation efficiency. To overcome these two obstacles, an injectable composite hydrogel that consists of collagen hydrogels serving as the scaffold support to accommodate BMSCs and cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) is constructed. The introduction of CdSe QDs considerably strengthens the stiffness of the collagen hydrogels via mutual crosslinking using a natural crosslinker (i.e., genipin), which simultaneously triggers photodynamic provocation (PDP) to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Experimental results demonstrate that the intensified stiffness and augmented ROS production can synergistically promote the proliferation of BMSCs, induce cartilage‐specific gene expression and increase secretion of glycosaminoglycan. As a result, this approach can facilitate the directed differentiation of BMSCs toward chondrogenesis and accelerate cartilage regeneration in cartilage defect repair, which routes through activation of the TGF‐β/SMAD and mTOR signaling pathways, respectively. Thus, this synergistic strategy based on increased stiffness and PDP‐mediated ROS production provides a general and instructive approach for developing alternative materials applicable for cartilage repair.
LiTFSI‐Free Spiro‐OMeTAD‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells with Power Conversion Efficiencies Exceeding 19%
Authors: Tan Boer , Raga Sonia R. , Chesman Anthony S. R. , Fürer Sebastian O. , Zheng Fei , McMeekin David P. , Jiang Liangcong , Mao Wenxin , Lin Xiongfeng , Wen Xiaoming , Lu Jianfeng , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Bach Udo
Published: July 2019

To date, the most efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) employ an n–i–p device architecture that uses a 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenyl‐amine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) hole‐transporting material (HTM), which achieves optimum conductivity with the addition of lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) and air exposure. However, this additive along with its oxidation process leads to poor reproducibility and is detrimental to stability. Herein, a dicationic salt spiro‐OMeTAD(TFSI)2, is employed as an effective p‐dopant to achieve power conversion efficiencies of 19.3% and 18.3% (apertures of 0.16 and 1.00 cm2) with excellent reproducibility in the absence of LiTFSI and air exposure. As far as it is known, these are the highest‐performing n–i–p PSCs without LiTFSI or air exposure. Comprehensive analysis demonstrates that precise control of the proportion of [spiro‐OMeTAD]+ directly provides high conductivity in HTM films with low series resistance, fast hole extraction, and lower interfacial charge recombination. Moreover, the spiro‐OMeTAD(TFSI)2‐doped devices show improved stability, benefitting from well‐retained HTM morphology without forming aggregates or voids when tested under an ambient atmosphere. A facile approach is presented to fabricate highly efficient PSCs by replacing LiTFSI with spiro‐OMeTAD(TFSI)2. Furthermore, this study provides an insight into the relationship between device performance and the HTM doping level.
Mechanical Control of the Kinetic Propylene/Propane Separation by Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8
Authors: Zheng Bin , Maurin Guillaume
Published: July 2019

One intriguing feature of many porous MOFs is their stimulus‐induced flexibility, which makes them unique compared to standard adsorbents. Here we propose an innovative concept to achieve an efficient kinetic separation of species with similar properties by the mechanical fine‐tuning of the pore architecture of the flexible zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF‐8. This unprecedented approach was applied to one of the most challenging societally relevant separations: the separation of propylene and propane, which is of vital importance in the petrochemical industry. It was demonstrated that the application of an external pressure creates a gradual enhancement in the propylene/propane diffusion selectivity to more than one order of magnitude at 1 GPa pressure. A detailed analysis of the molecular simulations was further able to unravel the origin of this unusual behavior at the atomistic level.
Mono‐ and dinuclear oxime palladacycles bearing diphosphine ligands: An unusual coordination mode for dppe
Authors: Samiee Sepideh , Shiralinia Ahmadreza , Hoveizi Elham , Gable Robert W.
Published: July 2019

Three new oxime‐based palladacycles, namely [Pd{C,N‐C6H4{C(Me)NOH}‐2}(dppm)]ClO4 (1), [Pd2{C,N‐C6H4{C(Me)NOH}‐2}2(dppe)2(μ‐dppe)](ClO4)2 (2) and [Pd{C,N‐C6H4{C(Me)NOH}‐2}(dppmS2)]ClO4 (3), were synthesized by the reaction of dinuclear oxime complex [Pd{C,N‐C6H4{C(Me)NOH}‐2}(μ‐Cl)]2 with different diphosphine ligands (dppm, dppe and dppmS2). The synthesized complexes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, 31P NMR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses, and their molecular structures were elucidated using X‐ray crystallography. The structure of 2 is worthy of note as it is the first oxime palladacycle where there are both bridging (P–) and chelating (P^P) dppe ligands, giving rise to a dinuclear complex. The palladium atom is in a five‐coordinate, square pyramidal P3NC environment, while in 3 the palladium atom is in a distorted square planar environment, coordinated by the oxime ligand and a chelating (S^S) dppmS2 ligand. These complexes were employed as efficient catalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of several aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds was also evaluated against human tumour cell lines (HT29, A549 and HeLa) using the MTT assay method. The results indicate that the dinuclear complex 2 has greater catalytic and anticancer activity in comparison with the mononuclear complexes 1 and 3.
Effects of Succinylation on the Physicochemical Properties and Structural Characteristics of Edible Rapeseed Protein Isolate Films
Authors: He Rong , Dai Caixia , Li Yang , Wang Zhigao , Li Qun , Zhang Cheng , Ju Xingrong , Yuan Jian
Published: July 2019

This study described the manufacture and characterization of different levels of succinic anhydride (0–15%, w/w) on rapeseed protein isolate (RPI) films. Mechanical, barrier, optical, surface, microstructure, and thermal properties were investigated. Results showed that 5% succinylated rapeseed protein isolate (SRPI) film revealed the overall optimal properties. The mechanical and barrier properties of 5% SRPI film were enhanced significantly compared to the RPI film. The water vapor permeability values of RPI and 5% SRPI films were 0.77 and 0.32 g mm/[hour m2 kPa], respectively. Succinylation improved the color of RPI. The contact angle of 5% SRPI film was 108.68° and was the most hydrophobic combination. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images revealed that 5% SRPI showed a dense, homogenous, and smooth microstructure. Thermogravimetric analysis results verified a low level of succinylation strengthened the thermal resistance of SRPI films. The content of β‐sheet was almost half of all secondary structures after succinylation, which was supported by analyses of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results demonstrated that succinylation could be employed to improve the properties of rapeseed protein and SRPI films have great potential to be used as edible films.
The effect of calcium and magnesium on the interaction between β‐lactoglobulin and carotenoids from sea buckthorn berries
Authors: Dumitraşcu Loredana , Ursache Florentina Mihaela , Aprodu Iuliana , Stănciuc Nicoleta
Published: July 2019

β‐Lactoglobulin has been shown to interact with carotenoids from sea buckthorn berries. However, previously, no studies have taken into account the effect of calcium and magnesium on the β‐lactoglobulin–carotenoids complex. This study aims to determine the effect of calcium and magnesium on the interaction between β‐lactoglobulin and carotenoids from sea buckthorn berries extract, during heating from the perspective of deepening interaction mechanisms as prerequisites for micro‐ and nanoencapsulation. Phase diagram, intrinsic fluorescence spectra, quenching experiments and synchronous spectra were employed to acquire information regarding the conformation of protein in the presence of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Intrinsic fluorescence data showed that, between 25°C and 60°C, the presence of calcium chloride in the complex favoured the movement of tryptophan residues to domains located at the protein–water interface, while magnesium chloride favoured the burial of tryptophan residues. Higher temperatures generated blue shifts regardless of which salt was present, suggesting exposure of tryptophan residues to the hydrophobic core of the protein. Extrinsic fluorescence intensity of the non‐heat‐treated complex with magnesium chloride was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than of the complex with calcium chloride, suggesting that 1‐anilino‐8‐naphtalenesulphonic acid was bound to a higher proportion of the β‐lactoglobulin–carotenoids complex. Calcium chloride increased extrinsic fluorescence to a greater extent than magnesium chloride at temperatures above 70°C and was related to small structural changes induced by preheating β‐lactoglobulin.
The influence of environmental performance on environmental disclosures: An empirical study in Ghana
Authors: Aboagye‐Otchere Francis K. , Simpson Samuel Nana Yaw , Kusi John Amoah
Published: July 2019

The purpose of the study is to assess the level of corporate environmental disclosures in the corporate annual reports of mining and manufacturing companies in Ghana and their environmental performance. It further assesses the effect of environmental performance on environmental disclosures.

A content analysis of the corporate annual reports of 25 companies over a 4‐year period for their environmental disclosures was undertaken using a disclosure index developed in line with Wiseman's (1982) environmental disclosure index. The environmental performance of the sampled firms was proxied by the rating score based on the AKOBEN environmental performance rating tool. A multiple regression analysis was undertaken using a random effect estimation model to test for the effects of environmental performance on environmental disclosures.

The study finds that mining companies make more environmental disclosures than the manufacturing companies. Environmental performance was found to be a statistically significant but negative determinant of environmental disclosures. This indicates that mining and manufacturing companies make environmental disclosures to legitimize their activities in the society.

The study did not consider the quality of the environmental disclosures. In addition, the study does not consider all companies assessed by the rating tool due to the selection criteria used in sampling the companies for the study. Management of companies needs to improve upon their environmental disclosure practices to gain legitimacy in the society.

To the author's knowledge, this is the first study that uses the performance score of an environmental performance rating tool developed in the context of a developing country.
Modeling tourists' visiting intentions toward ecofriendly destinations: Implications for sustainable tourism operators
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Saeed , Hou Fujun , Kim Woo Gon , Ahmad Wasim , Ashraf Rana Umair
Published: July 2019

The previous literature has overlooked the examination of tourists' visiting intentions for ecofriendly destinations. Hence, anchored in Schwartz (1992) personal values and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the present study aims to develop a research model for application in Chinese settings. Survey findings from 467 tourists reveal significant positive relationships between tourists' values of resultant self‐transcendence and conservation and TPB factors (i.e., attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control), with the exception of the relationship between conservation and perceived behavioral control. Moreover, TPB factors and perceived green image were found to have positive effects on tourists' intentions to visit ecofriendly destinations. In addition, environmental consciousness positively moderates the relationships between the two Schwartz values and attitude. Theoretical implications are provided, and the study's findings have strategic practical implications for business managers. We acknowledge the study's limitations and offer research directions for future ecofriendly tourism scholars.
Efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of the AS04‐HPV‐16/18 vaccine in Chinese women aged 18‐25 years: End‐of‐study results from a phase II/III, randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Feng‐Cai , Hu Shang‐Ying , Hong Ying , Hu Yue‐Mei , Zhang Xun , Zhang Yi‐Ju , Pan Qin‐Jing , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Zhao Fang‐Hui , Zhang Cheng‐Fu , Yang Xiaoping , Yu Jia‐Xi , Zhu Jiahong , Zhu Yejiang , Chen Feng , Zhang Qian , Wang Hong , Wang Changrong , Bi Jun , Xue Shiyin , Shen Lingling , Zhang Yan‐Shu , He Yunkun , Tang Haiwen , Karkada Naveen , Suryakiran Pemmaraju , Bi Dan , Struyf Frank
Published: July 2019

Background

Cervical cancer is a major public health concern in China. We report the end‐of‐study results of a phase II/III trial to assess the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the AS04‐human papillomavirus (HPV)‐16/18 vaccine in Chinese women aged 18‐25 years followed for up to 72 months after first vaccination. Results of approximately 57 months following first vaccination have been previously reported.

Methods

Healthy 18‐25‐year‐old women (N = 6051) were randomized (1:1) to receive three doses of AS04‐HPV‐16/18 vaccine or Al(OH)3 (control) at Months 0‐1‐6. Vaccine efficacy against HPV‐16/18 infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), cross‐protective vaccine efficacy against infections and lesions associated with nonvaccine oncogenic HPV types, immunogenicity, and safety were assessed. Efficacy was assessed in the according‐to‐protocol efficacy (ATP‐E) cohort (vaccine N = 2888; control N = 2892), total vaccinated cohort for efficacy (TVC‐E; vaccine N = 2987; control N = 2985) and TVC‐naïve (vaccine N = 1660; control N = 1587).

Results

In initially HPV‐16/18 seronegative/DNA‐negative women, vaccine efficacy against HPV‐16/18‐associated CIN grade 2 or worse was 87.3% (95% CI: 5.5, 99.7) in the ATP‐E, 88.7% (95% CI: 18.5, 99.7) in the TVC‐E, and 100% (95% CI: 17.9, 100) in the TVC‐naïve. Cross‐protective efficacy against incident infection with HPV‐31, HPV‐33 and HPV‐45 was 59.6% (95% CI: 39.4, 73.5), 42.7% (95% CI: 15.6, 61.6), and 54.8% (95% CI: 19.3, 75.6), respectively (ATP‐E). At Month 72, >95% of initially seronegative women who received HPV vaccine in the ATP cohort for immunogenicity (N = 664) remained seropositive for anti‐HPV‐16/18 antibodies; anti‐HPV‐16 and anti‐HPV‐18 geometric mean titers were 678.1 EU/mL (95% CI: 552.9, 831.5) and 343.7 EU/mL (95% CI: 291.9, 404.8), respectively. Serious adverse events were infrequent (1.9% vaccine group [N = 3026]; 2.7% control group [N = 3025]). Three and zero women died in the control group and the vaccine group respectively. New onset autoimmune disease was reported in two women in the vaccine group and two in the control group.

Conclusions

This is the first large‐scale randomized clinical trial of HPV vaccination in China. High and sustained vaccine efficacy against HPV‐16/18‐associated infection and cervical lesions was demonstrated up to Month 72. The vaccine had an acceptable safety profile. Combined with screening, prophylactic HPV vaccination could potentially reduce the high burden of HPV infection and cervical cancer in China.

Trial registration

NCT00779766.
Create a continuum of care for student‐athlete welfare
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2019

ORLANDO, FLA. — If your athletics department doesn't pay appropriate attention to issues of student‐athlete welfare, the losses can become multi‐layered, even insurmountable, reaching every area from mental and physical health to academic and athletic performance. When those areas suffer, your department and school can also face increased risks for liability and reputational damage. And coaches and other staff members often aren't equipped to handle all of the complex issues that cause today's student‐athletes to struggle.
Learn how to accurately read, decipher international transcripts from student‐athletes
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2019

ORLANDO, FLA. — More than 20,000 international student‐athletes are enrolled and competing at National Collegiate Athletic Association schools, according to NCAA research. And many of these student‐athletes might start school in one country and transfer to a school in yet another country before finally applying to U.S. colleges. “We're seeing a lot of student mobility these days,” said Lorinda Grogg, director of institutional relations at World Education Services, a not‐for‐profit organization operating in the United States and Canada and governed by an independent board of trustees. She spoke at the National Association for Athletics Compliance.
Preservation of replaced left hepatic artery during 3D laparoscopic totally minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Syllaios Athanasios , Davakis Spyridon , Sdralis Elias , Petousis Stamatios , Lorenzi Bruno , Charalabopoulos Alexandros
Published: July 2019

Preserving a replaced left hepatic artery may be feasible and safe during 3D laparoscopic totally minimally invasive esophagectomy. Avoidance of conversion to an open procedure may be achieved after careful dissection of the celiac trunk lymph nodes, expertise and the visual advantage that 3D vision offers.
Analysis of a Two‐Layer Nozzle‐and‐Diffuser Electroosmotic Micromixer
Authors: Ahmed Faheem , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: July 2019

An electroosmotic micromixer with two‐layer microchannels of a nozzle‐and‐diffuser structure was proposed. Numerical analysis of the flow and mixing was performed using the three‐dimensional Poisson‐Boltzmann and Navier‐Stokes equations with a diffusion‐convection model for the species concentration. A parametric analysis of the microchannels was performed using three geometric parameters, i.e., length of the nozzle section, length of the diffusion section, and width of the nozzle end, to investigate the impact of each parameter on the mixing performance, which was quantified by a quantitative measure based on the mass variance. The numerical results were used to improve the design of the proposed micromixer, leading to a far better mixing performance with a much shorter channel length compared to an existing electroosmotic micromixer.
Experimental Methodology for Kinetic Acquisitions Using High Velocities in a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Corne Florian , Lélias Anne , Magnaldo Alastair , Sorel Christian , Di Miceli Raimondi Nathalie , Prat Laurent
Published: July 2019

A theoretical description and an experimental validation of the application of a microfluidic chip with high‐velocity stratified flows for determining chemical kinetics for liquid‐liquid extraction are presented. In the case of uranium extraction under PUREX (plutonium and uranium refining by extraction) process conditions, a simple theoretical model demonstrates the need for high velocities and short residence times of around 10 ms. Confocal microscopy observations of the interface were undertaken to insure the flow stability at such high velocities, and the same experimental protocol was carried out to uranium(VI) extraction at two concentrations. Results show an unexpected variation in the phase homogenization depending on the uranium concentration of the extracted phase.