bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of the methods of artificial intelligence for organization of unmanned traffic
Authors: Dushkin Roman , Andronov Mikhail Grigor'evich
Published: July 2020

This article meticulously examines the questions of application of certain technologies of multi-agent systems theory in the area of unmanned traffic management for combatting the so-called “generative adversarial attacks” on the computer vision systems that are used in such vehicles. The article provides examples of generative-adversarial attacks on various types of neural networks, as well as describes the problems that arise when using computer vision. Possible solutions to these problems are proposed. Research methodology includes the theory of multi-agent systems applicable to automobile transport, which suggests using the so-called V2X-interaction, i.e. constant exchange of information between the vehicle and various actors involved in road traffic – a central control system, other vehicles, roadside infrastructure and pedestrians. The authors’ special contribution to this research lies in application of the theory of multi-agent systems for traffic arrangement with consideration of its actors as the agents with diverse roles. The novelty consists in employment of one of the methods of artificial intelligence in solution of the problems, obtained due to the use of other methods of artificial intelligence (recognition of images in computer vision). The relevance of the study is based on the detailed coverage of the questions of organization of unmanned traffic on training grounds and public roads.
The growth of acronyms in the scientific literature
Authors: Barnett Adrian , Doubleday Zoe
Published: July 2020

Some acronyms are useful and are widely understood, but many of the acronyms used in scientific papers hinder understanding and contribute to the increasing fragmentation of science. Here we report the results of an analysis of more than 24 million article titles and 18 million article abstracts published between 1950 and 2019. There was at least one acronym in 19% of the titles and 73% of the abstracts. Acronym use has also increased over time, but the re-use of acronyms has declined. We found that from more than one million unique acronyms in our data, just over 2,000 (0.2%) were used regularly, and most acronyms (79%) appeared fewer than 10 times. Acronyms are not the biggest current problem in science communication, but reducing their use is a simple change that would help readers and potentially increase the value of science.
The Influential Factors of Health Care Customer Loyalty: Evidence from Serbia
Authors: Rajić Tamara , Milošević Isidora , Rakić Ana
Published: July 2020

Research question: This study aims to investigate the determinants of customer loyalty in a European emerging economy’s health care setting. Motivation: In spite of a rising research interest in the determinants of patients’ loyalty over previous years, scarce attention has been paid to date to simultaneous examination of the influential factors of patients’ loyalty. Although a number of studies have pointed to patients’ perceptions of service quality as an important determinant of loyalty, there is a paucity of research of the impact of service quality, at a disaggregate level, on patients’ loyalty. Idea: To address this knowledge gap, this study builds upon the South Korean health care service quality measurement instrument and, upon supporting its validity in the Serbian health care setting, examines a relative contribution of service quality dimensions and satisfaction to patients’ loyalty. Data: Quantitative research has been performed, by means of a structured questionnaire, on a convenience sample of 300 health care customers in Serbia. Tools: Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been applied to simultaneously examine the impact of service quality dimensions and satisfaction on patients’ loyalty. Findings: Results of the study point to patient satisfaction as the most significant determinant of loyalty, followed by tangibles and concern of other medical staff, which in terms of total effect resulted as statistically significant determinants of loyalty.  Findings of this study indicate that managerial attention to these predictors may results in higher levels of patients’ loyalty to the institution. Contribution: This study adds to the body of knowledge on patients’ loyalty and points to the relevance of a more holistic approach in future examinations of customer loyalty in a health care setting.
Linking Content and Language-Integrated Learning (CLIL) and Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT) in an effective way: a methodological proposal
Authors:   Universidade do Algarve (Portugal), Lopes António
Published: July 2020

CLIL and TBLT are approaches that have increasingly captured the attention of both teachers and researchers, and many of the latter have already discussed the ways in which they can be brought together. One of the challenges encountered in the implementation of CLIL has been the discrepancy between the level required to carry out the work for content learning and the students’ actual level. One of the solutions may lie in resorting to TBLT, where language is regarded as action and the learner seen as a social actor engaged in real-life-like activities. However, in CLIL, the task being proposed to the students has to be appropriate to their level and their ability to internalise conceptual knowledge. In order to bridge some of the methodological gaps between CLIL and TBLT, a framework for designing content-oriented tasks, based on the one advanced for the project PETALL, has been developed to help teachers plan their CLIL activities. After a theoretical introduction to the principles of Taskbased Learning and its integration with CLIL, a template designed to systematise the task is provided and discussed.
Concepciones sobre didáctica de la cultura de la lengua extranjera de los futuros graduados en Educación Primaria de Melilla
Authors:   Universidad de Málaga (España), Carrillo López María José , Navarro Rincón Antonia ,   Universidad de Granada (España)
Published: July 2020

El estudio presentado se llevó a cabo en los 5 últimos cursos académicos, con 66 estudiantes del Grado en Educación Primaria, que iniciaban la formación en la mención de Lengua Extranjera (Francés/Inglés) en Melilla. En el primer apartado de este artículo, se describen los fundamentos teóricos sobre didáctica de la cultura meta, desde una perspectiva plurilingüe e intercultural. A continuación, se informa acerca de la metodología de la investigación realizada, en la cual se utilizó un cuestionario y el paquete estadístico IBM SPSS 25 para la obtención y el análisis descriptivo e inferencial de los datos. Finalmente, se muestran y discuten los resultados, aportando reflexiones y conclusiones sobre las concepciones de los participantes, relacionadas con los objetivos planteados y las variables descriptivas contempladas en el estudio (lengua materna, grupo de edad, lengua extranjera de la mención y curso académico).
Lengua extranjera y lectura estética: estudio de la situación actual en las escuelas de Educación Primaria en la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía
Authors:   Universidad de Granada (España), Garcés Rodríguez Antonio
Published: July 2020

Este trabajo es un estudio mixto (cuantitativo y cualitativo) sobre el estado de la lectura estética en inglés como lengua extranjera en las aulas de Educación Primaria de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, España. La muestra poblacional asciende a 252 clases encuestadas. Se realizaron 15 entrevistas a docentes de inglés como lengua extranjera de 42 escuelas de E. Primaria. El comienzo de la investigación es un muestreo y un estudio piloto. El diseño de investigación ha usado como instrumento principal la encuesta y la entrevista guiada. Los resultados obtenidos tanto en las variables cuantitativas como en las cualitativas aparecen muy atomizados y reflejan una gran heterogeneidad en la selección de lecturas estéticas frente a un uso homogéneo y mayoritario de lecturas informativas. Se evidencian dos conclusiones claras: 1) la persistente creencia de que la lectura en una lengua extranjera está basada en la descodificación y en la obtención de información como residuo después de la lectura; 2) se constata que existe un Plan estratégico de desarrollo de las lenguas en Andalucía. Horizonte 2020, donde se dan los primeros pasos hacia una nueva y relevante mirada a la lectura estética, tanto en la lengua madre como en las lenguas extranjeras, con la introducción obligatoria en las programaciones de clase del currículo integrado de lenguas.
¿Hablamos? Análisis del discurso y estrategias empleadas en WhatsApp por estudiantes universitarios
Authors:   Universidad de Granada (España), Molina García María José
Published: July 2020

El presente estudio pretende detectar los hábitos, estrategias y características lingüísticas utilizados en el sistema comunicativo de WhatsApp, como red social de mayor número de usuarios, por los estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada (España) con una muestra de 342 conversaciones (198 de mujeres y 144 de hombres) ofrecidas por un total de 114 participantes a los que también se les aplica un cuestionario diseñado ad hoc para completar la información. El análisis de datos se hace por el programa estadístico SPSS (versión 22 para Windows) y el Parametrizador Morfológico de Textos (ParamText TIP) de Carreras-Riudavets y otros (2011). El estudio expone el uso que se hace de esta vía de comunicación y confirma que se emplea un lenguaje multimodal específico. También revela la existencia de algunas diferencias desde la perspectiva del género.
Post-harvest Quality of Table Grapes Marketed in the Municipality of Areia in the State of Paraíba
Authors: Costa Cássio Ricardo Gonçalves da , Marques Ailson de Lima , Moura Debora Coelho de , Linhares Anne Carolline Maia , Silva Sonaria de Sousa , Cavalcanti Maria Idaline Pessoa , Meireles Denisvaldo Artur de , Lucena Ana Luíza de Melo
Published: July 2020

The semi-arid region of Paraíba is known for the expansion of cultivated areas and agricultural produce, and the high yields and the quality of grapes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality table grapes for classification purposes according to the physical and physicochemical characteristics marketed in a local fair in the city of Areia - PB. The work was developed at the Laboratory of Technology of Agricultural Products (LPTA), Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Center of Agricultural Sciences (CCA), Campus II, Areia-PB. Table grapes were purchased at the free fair in the municipality of Areia. Two clusters were selected and analyzed according to the Standardization Primer and Classification of the Brazilian Program for Modernization of Horticulture, identifying the group, subgroup, class, subclass, category and the presence of defects (severe or mild). According to the evaluations carried out from the standardization primer, the fruits were slightly damage and/but not changing in their post-harvest quality. The fruits were classified according to commercial standards and suitable for human consumption.
MECANISMO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO LIMPO (MDL) NO ESTADO DO MARANHÃO: POTENCIAL DA MATRIZ ELÉTRICA PARA NEGÓCIOS NO MERCADO DE CARBONO
Authors: Melo Junior Carlos Alberto Lima , Dos Santos Franco Teresa Cristina Rodrigues , Figueroa Jaiver Efren Jaimes
Published: July 2020

As Nações Unidas, desde 1972, vêm buscando solucionar o problema da mudança climática no planeta. Mais recentemente, em 2015, durante o “Acordo de Paris”, foram definidos objetivos de longo prazo para limitar as emissões de Gases do Efeito Estufa (GEEs). Para auxiliar os países integrantes da Convenção Quadro das Nações Unidas sobre Mudança do Clima (UNFCCC) no cumprimento dessas metas, foi criado o Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo (MDL). No trabalho apresentado, utilizou-se a chamada ACM0002, ferramenta do MDL, para estimar as reduções de  emissões de GEEs oportunizados por usinas eólicas que fazem parte da matriz elétrica Maranhense, bem como o potencial ainda a ser explorado com o crecimento da matriz até 2027. O valor estimado dessas reduções de emissões foi de 6,20 milhões de toneladas de dióxido de carbono equivalente. O estudo contribuiu com dados relevantes para o setor energético renovável, bem como para a gestão ambiental regional. Poderá, ainda,  auxiliar na implementação de novos projetos MDL no Estado do Maranhão.

 

CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM (CDM) IN THE STATE OF MARANHÃO: POTENTIAL OF THE ELECTRIC MATRIX FOR BUSINESS IN THE CARBON MARKET

ABSTRACT

As a United Nations since 1972, it has been seeking to solve the problem of climate change on the planet. More recently, in 2015, during the “Paris Agreement”, long-term goals to limit green house gas (GHG) restrictions were considered. To assist the member countries of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) without meeting these goals, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was created. In the work presented, the so-called ACM0002, a CDM tool, was used to estimate the GHG emission reductions provided by wind farms that are part of the Maranhense electrical matrix, as well as the potential yet to be explored with the matrix's growth until 2027. The estimated value of these use reductions was 6.20 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The study contributed relevant data for the renewable energy sector as well as for regional environmental management. It also assisted in the implementation of new CDM projects in the state of Maranhão.

 
ÁGUA E SAÚDE PÚBLICA: UMA PERSPECTIVA PÓS-COVID-19
Authors: Vieira José Manuel Pereira
Published: July 2020

Paper Position que aborda, na ótica de seu autor, a relação entre Água e Saúde Pública no contexto atual de pandemia da COVID-19 e as perspectivas para o seu “após”.

 

ABSTRACT

Paper Position that addresses, in the view of its author, the relationship between Water and Public Health in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the prospects for its “after”.
Occupational health professionals’ attitudes, knowledge, and motivation concerning smoking cessation—Cross-sectional survey
Authors: Malin Maarit , Jaakkola Nina , Luukkonen Ritva , Heloma Antero , Lamminpää Anne , Reijula Kari
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Occupational health (OH) professionals could play a prominent role in smoking cessation treatment and support (SCTS) and help individuals and workplaces become smoke free. However, their role has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess differences between OH professionals’ perceptions of their role in SCTS by measuring three groups of OH professionals’ attitudes, knowledge, and motivation concerning SCTS.

Methods

We collected data through an online survey completed by a cross-sectional sample of OH professionals: OH physicians (n = 182), OH nurses (n = 296), and OH physiotherapists (n = 96), collected from national trade union registers. The differences between the OH professional groups were analyzed using ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests.

Results

The OH professionals had a positive attitude toward offering SCTS and were highly motivated to enhance their knowledge of this topic and acquire further training. The OH physicians and OH nurses assessed their current knowledge as sufficient. Conversely, the OH physiotherapists’ level of knowledge was seen as insufficient. Traditionally, OH physicians and OH nurses have been responsible for carrying out SCTS, but the majority of the OH physiotherapists thought that SCTS should also be included in their job description.

Conclusions

All the OH professionals were highly motivated to deepen their knowledge of SCTS. The barriers between different professionals need to be recognized in occupational health services (OHS). OHS should organize its SCTS more effectively, strengthen their contributions to smoking cessation programs, and recognize the potential of OH physiotherapists for providing SCTS and enable them to expand their training.
An Atomically Thin Optoelectronic Machine Vision Processor
Authors: Jang Houk , Liu Chengye , Hinton Henry , Lee Min‐Hyun , Kim Haeryong , Seol Minsu , Shin Hyeon‐Jin , Park Seongjun , Ham Donhee
Published: July 2020

2D semiconductors, especially transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers, are extensively studied for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Beyond intensive studies on single transistors and photodetectors, the recent advent of large‐area synthesis of these atomically thin layers has paved the way for 2D integrated circuits, such as digital logic circuits and image sensors, achieving an integration level of ≈100 devices thus far. Here, a decisive advance in 2D integrated circuits is reported, where the device integration scale is increased by tenfold and the functional complexity of 2D electronics is propelled to an unprecedented level. Concretely, an analog optoelectronic processor inspired by biological vision is developed, where 32 × 32 = 1024 MoS2 photosensitive field‐effect transistors manifesting persistent photoconductivity (PPC) effects are arranged in a crossbar array. This optoelectronic processor with PPC memory mimics two core functions of human vision: it captures and stores an optical image into electrical data, like the eye and optic nerve chain, and then recognizes this electrical form of the captured image, like the brain, by executing analog in‐memory neural net computing. In the highlight demonstration, the MoS2 FET crossbar array optically images 1000 handwritten digits and electrically recognizes these imaged data with 94% accuracy.
High‐Resolution Pixelated Light Emitting Diodes Based on Electrohydrodynamic Printing and Coffee‐Ring‐Free Quantum Dot Film
Authors: Li Hegeng , Duan Yongqing , Shao Zhilong , Zhang Guannan , Li Huayang , Huang YongAn , Yin Zhouping
Published: July 2020

Inkjet printing for preparing quantum dot light emitting diodes (QLEDs) has become increasingly attractive due to its large‐area, low‐cost fabrication features. However, the rather low resolution and coarse morphology induced by the printing and uneven evaporation of droplet restrict its further development. Herein, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing and mixed solvent method are employed to fabricate high‐resolution pixelated QLEDs. By optimizing the mixed solvent ratio to weaken capillary flow, coffee‐ring‐free quantum dot (QD) films can be obtained. With the help of EHD printing process optimization and pixel defining layers introduction, high‐resolution pixelated QLED with 306 pixels per in. is achieved, which can meet the requirements of manufacturing mobile phones. Finally, an inverted pixelated QLED with a low turn‐on voltage of 3 V and a maximum luminance of 8533 cd m−2 is fabricated, demonstrating that the presented strategy has huge potential in high‐resolution and high‐quality QD display manufacturing.
Successful difficult airway management with emergent venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with severe tracheal deformity: a case report
Authors: Kakizaki Ryuichiro , Bunya Naofumi , Uemura Shuji , Narimatsu Eichi
Published: July 2020

Background

Difficult airway management is occasionally encountered in the emergency department, and recent studies suggest that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be useful in these cases.

Case Presentation

A 74‐year‐old man was transferred to our hospital due to worsening dyspnea. On arrival, it was found that he was in respiratory distress and was comatose. Arterial blood gas analysis showed severe hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. Intubation could not be done because he had severe tracheal deformity due to cervical‐thoracic kyphosis secondary to vertebral tuberculosis. Therefore, we carried out surgical tracheostomy under venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The patient’s oxygenation gradually improved, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was withdrawn on day 8. He was transferred to another hospital on day 46 and suffered no neurological deficits.

Conclusion

Severe tracheal deformity can result in a difficult airway. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective life‐saving approach in cases of difficult airway management due to severe tracheal deformity.
On‐Resin Preparation of Allenamidyl Peptides: A Versatile Chemoselective Conjugation and Intramolecular Cyclisation Tool
Authors: Cameron Alan J. , Harris Paul W. R. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: July 2020

The ability to modify peptides and proteins chemoselectively is of continued interest in medicinal chemistry, with peptide conjugation, lipidation, stapling, and disulfide engineering at the forefront of modern peptide chemistry. Herein we report a robust method for the on‐resin preparation of allenamide‐modified peptides, an unexplored functionality for peptides that provides a versatile chemical tool for chemoselective inter‐ or intramolecular bridging reactions with thiols. The bridging reaction is biocompatible, occurring spontaneously at pH 7.4 in catalyst‐free aqueous media. By this “click” approach, a model peptide was successfully modified with a diverse range of alkyl and aryl thiols. Furthermore, this technique was demonstrated as a valuable tool to induce spontaneous intramolecular cyclisation by preparation of an oxytocin analogue, in which the native disulfide bridge was replaced with a vinyl sulfide moiety formed by thia‐Michael addition of a cysteine thiol to the allenamide handle.
Tillandsia‐Inspired Hygroscopic Photothermal Organogels for Efficient Atmospheric Water Harvesting
Authors: Ni Feng , Qiu Nianxiang , Xiao Peng , Zhang Chang , Jian Yukun , Liang Yun , Xie Weiping , Yan Luke , Chen Tao
Published: July 2020

Tillandsia species with degenerated roots have evolved into hygroscopic leaves that absorb moisture from air. This interesting biological adaptability has inspired us to develop an integrated hygroscopic photothermal organogel (POG) to achieve a solar‐powered atmospheric water harvesting (AWH). The well‐designed hydrophilic co‐polymeric skeleton is fabricated to accommodate hygroscopic glycerin medium, which enables the POG self‐contained property, mechanically flexibility and synergistic enhancement of moisture sorption. The integration of interpenetrated photothermal component of poly‐pyrrole‐dopamine (P‐Py‐DA) can endow the POG an efficient solar‐to‐thermal property for controllable solar‐driven interfacial water releasing. The integrated POG has an equilibrium moisture sorption of 16.01 kg m−2 at the RH of 90 %, and daily water production as high as 2.43 kg m−2 day−1 is achieved in actual outdoor experiments.
On‐Demand Synthesis of H2O2 by Water Oxidation for Sustainable Resource Production and Organic Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Li Lejing , Hu Zhuofeng , Yu Jimmy C.
Published: July 2020

H2O2 is a versatile and environmentally friendly chemical involved in water treatment, such as advanced oxidation processes. Anthraquinone oxidation is widely used for large‐scale production of H2O2, which requires significant energy input and periodic replacement of the carrier molecule. H2O2 production should be customized considering the specific usage scenario. Electrochemical synthesis of H2O2 can be adopted as alternatives to traditional method, which avoids concentration, transportation, and storage processes. Herein, we identified Bi2WO6:Mo as a low‐cost and high‐selectivity choice from a series of Bi‐based oxides for H2O2 generation via two‐electron water oxidation reaction. It can continuously provide H2O2 for in situ degradation of persistent pollutants in aqueous solution. Clean energy from H2 can also be produced at the cathode. This kind of water splitting producing sustainable resources of H2O2 and H2 is an advance in environmental treatment and energy science.
Keeping them honest: Promises reduce cheating in adolescents
Authors: Kanngiesser Patricia , Sunderarajan Jahnavi , Woike Jan K.
Published: July 2020

People frequently engage in dishonest behavior at a cost to others, and it is therefore beneficial to study interventions promoting honest behavior. We implemented a novel intervention that gave participants a choice to promise to be truthful or not to promise. To measure cheating behavior, we developed a novel variant of the mind game—the dice‐box game—as well as a child‐friendly sender–receiver game. Across three studies with adolescents aged 10 to 14 years (N = 640) from schools in India, we found that promises systematically lowered cheating rates compared with no‐promise control conditions. Adolescents who sent truthful messages in the sender–receiver game cheated less in the dice‐box game and promises reduced cheating in both tasks (Study 1). Promises in the dice‐box game remained effective when negative externalities (Study 2) or incentives for competition (Study 3) were added. A joint analysis of data from all three studies revealed demographic variables that influenced cheating. Our findings confirm that promises have a strong, binding effect on behavior and can be an effective intervention to reduce cheating.
Drug sensitivity prediction with normal inverse Gaussian shrinkage informed by external data
Authors: Münch Magnus M. , van de Wiel Mark A. , Richardson Sylvia , Leday Gwenaël G. R.
Published: July 2020

In precision medicine, a common problem is drug sensitivity prediction from cancer tissue cell lines. These types of problems entail modelling multivariate drug responses on high‐dimensional molecular feature sets in typically >1000 cell lines. The dimensions of the problem require specialised models and estimation methods. In addition, external information on both the drugs and the features is often available. We propose to model the drug responses through a linear regression with shrinkage enforced through a normal inverse Gaussian prior. We let the prior depend on the external information, and estimate the model and external information dependence in an empirical‐variational Bayes framework. We demonstrate the usefulness of this model in both a simulated setting and in the publicly available Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer data.
Combining model structure identification and hybrid modelling for photo‐production process predictive simulation and optimisation
Authors: Zhang Dongda , Savage Thomas R. , Cho Bovinille A.
Published: July 2020

Integrating physical knowledge and machine learning is a critical aspect of developing industrially focused digital twins for monitoring, optimisation, and design of microalgal and cyanobacterial photo‐production processes. However, identifying the correct model structure to quantify the complex biological mechanism poses a severe challenge for the construction of kinetic models, while the lack of data due to the time‐consuming experiments greatly impedes applications of most data‐driven models. This study proposes the use of an innovative hybrid modelling approach that consists of a simple kinetic model to govern the overall process dynamic trajectory and a data‐driven model to estimate mismatch between the kinetic equations and the real process. An advanced automatic model structure identification strategy is adopted to simultaneously identify the most physically probable kinetic model structure and minimum number of data‐driven model parameters that can accurately represent multiple data sets over a broad spectrum of process operating conditions. Through this hybrid modelling and automatic structure identification framework, a highly accurate mathematical model was constructed to simulate and optimise an algal lutein production process. Performance of this hybrid model for long‐term predictive modelling, optimisation, and online self‐calibration is demonstrated and thoroughly discussed, indicating its significant potential for future industrial application.
Is corporate environmental responsibility synergistic with governmental environmental responsibility? Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Jiefu , Zeng Huixiang
Published: July 2020

Local governments and enterprises are two important actors in China's environmental governance system. A better understanding of the interaction between corporate environmental responsibility (CER) and governmental environmental responsibility (GER) will help to enhance the collaboration between corporations and the government, craft a good environmental governance system, and achieve coordinated development of economic development and environmental protection. This paper divides GER into three types: policymaking responsibility, implementation responsibility, and supervisory responsibility. Based on panel data on Chinese manufacturing companies listed during the period 2012–2017, this paper analyzes the relationship between GER and CER and explores the impact of the collaboration between the two on regional environmental pollution. The research results show the following: (1) in China, policymaking responsibility significantly promotes CER, whereas implementation responsibility has a significant negative impact on CER, and supervisory responsibility has no significant influence. (2) The collaboration between GER and CER effectively reduces solid waste discharge in a region but does not significantly reduce SO2 emissions or wastewater discharge.
Alternative grading practices: An entry point for faculty in competency‐based education
Authors: Townsley Matt , Schmid David
Published: July 2020

Due to a lack of buy‐in from multiple stakeholder groups, institutions of higher learning may struggle to reorient their entire course and program offerings to embrace the full breadth of competency‐based education. One such way of overcoming these systematic issues to make incremental progress toward competency‐based education is to consider practices such as grading that single professors can implement without the need of full institutional support. Few college instructors are likely to have received any formal grading training. As such, they may rely on institutional norms and their personal experiences as students. In response to historical grading challenges in higher education, some faculty members have adopted models working against the status quo such as mastery grading, specifications grading, and standards‐based grading, which all promote students demonstrating their learning on criterion‐referenced tests in a more flexible time frame. The purpose of this paper is to describe alternative forms of grading as an entry point for faculty incrementally progressing toward competency‐based education axioms in higher education. The authors recommend a multiple‐step course design framework and areas for future research.
Hydrate Dissociation Using Microwaves, Radio Frequency, Ultrasonic Radiation, and Plasma Techniques
Authors: Khan Shadman H. , Misra Ashwani K. , Majumder Chandrajit B. , Arora Amit
Published: July 2020

In this work, a comprehensive review of technologies employing radiation sources such as microwave, ultrasonic, and radio frequency (RF) on gas hydrates is presented. The characterizing parameters of radiation, such as frequency, wavelength, and power are highlighted for the compiled studies. In addition, characterizing parameters like hydrate dissociation rate, irradiated microwave power, complete dissociation time, reaction paths and mechanisms, differential pressure and temperature of gas hydrates during the experiments are also reported. Moreover, the work also describes the basic concept behind the working of the different wave forms such as microwaves, ultrasonic, RF wave and plasma for hydrate dissociation.
Occurrence of acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary thromboembolism, and cerebrovascular event in COVID‐19
Authors: Jenab Yaser , Rezaei Nima , Hedayat Behnam , Naderian Mohammadreza , Shirani Shapour , Hosseini Kaveh
Published: July 2020

COVID‐19 causes significant hypoxia along with an exacerbated inflammatory milieu, which may be a trigger for atherosclerotic plaque rupture and/or thromboembolic events. Herein, we presented a case of COVID‐19 presented with acute coronary syndrome followed by pulmonary thromboembolism and cerebrovascular accident.
Recyclable Heterogeneous Radical Generators Toward In‐Flow Polymer Elaboration System
Authors: Ji Yue , Oka Minami , Honda Satoshi
Published: July 2020

Radical reaction is one of the most common industrial reactions for the production of materials used in a wide variety of applications. Despite its long history, a methodology enabling efficient radical reactions with safe and easy handling still remains a challenge. Here, we describe the synthesis of crosslinked copolymers containing 2,4,5‐triphenylimidazoles (lophines) and hexaarylbiimidazoles (HABIs) (CCs) and fabrication of silica‐supported CCs (s‐CCs). Both of lophines and HABIs in these materials generated 2,4,5‐triphenylimidazolyl radicals (TPIRs) upon oxidation and photoirradiation, respectively, and thus they act as heterogeneous radical generators (HRGs). Moreover, lophine and TPIR were interconvertible via oxidation and hydrogen atom transfer reaction, enabling marked recyclability of these materials. We have further packed s‐CCs in columns and realized in‐flow disulfide synthesis and radical polymerization.
Simplified Instrument Calibration for Wide‐Field Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Measured by the Sensitized Emission Method
Authors: Menaesse Audrey , Sumetsky Daniel , Emanuely Nicolas , Stein Jeremy L. , Gates Evan M. , Hoffman Brenton D. , Boustany Nada N.
Published: July 2020

Fӧrster (or fluorescence) resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a quantifiable energy transfer in which a donor fluorophore nonradiatively transfers its excitation energy to an acceptor fluorophore. A change in FRET efficiency indicates a change of proximity and environment of these fluorophores, which enables the study of intermolecular interactions. Measurement of FRET efficiency using the sensitized emission method requires a donor–acceptor calibrated system. One of these calibration factors named the G factor, which depends on instrument parameters related to the donor and acceptor measurement channels and on the fluorophores quantum efficiencies, can be determined in several different ways and allows for conversion of the raw donor and acceptor emission signals to FRET efficiency. However, the calculated value of the G factor from experimental data can fluctuate significantly depending on the chosen experimental method and the size of the sample. In this technical note, we extend the results of Gates et al. (Cytometry Part A 95A (2018) 201–213) by refining the calibration method used for calibration of FRET from image pixel data. Instead of using the pixel histograms of two constructs with high and low FRET efficiency to determine the G factor, we use pixel histogram data from one construct of known efficiency. We validate this method by determining the G factor with the same constructs developed and used by Gates et al. and comparing the results from the two approaches. While the two approaches are equivalent theoretically, we demonstrate that the use of a single construct with known efficiency provides a more precise experimental measurement of the G factor that can be attained by collecting a smaller number of images. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The association of adverse life events with children's emotional overeating and restrained eating in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Thomas Robin , Siliquini Roberta , Hillegers Manon H. , Jansen Pauline W.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Life adversities are recognized risk factors for eating disorders, in adolescents and adults, but whether such adversities are also associated with particular eating behaviors earlier in life is still unclear. Our aim was to assess whether experiencing adverse life events in early childhood is associated with emotional overeating and restrained eating at age 10.

Methods

Emotional overeating and restrained eating were assessed in 4,653 10‐years‐old children using the mother‐reported Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Mothers also reported on 24 different life events during childhood, those with moderate or severe impact being categorized as adverse life events. Regression analyses were performed to investigate relationships between adverse life events and eating behaviors in the total sample.

Results

Adjusted for covariates, adverse life events were associated with more emotional overeating and restrained eating in children (p‐values for trend <.01). Specifically, mothers who reported that their child experienced 3+ adverse life events, also reported significantly higher emotional overeating (B = 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06–0.33) and restrained eating (B = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08–0.33) in their children relative to children who did not experience adverse life events. These results did not differ by sex.

Discussion

Our results based on mother‐reported data suggest that children's experiences of life adversities are associated with emotional overeating and restrained eating at age 10 years. We recommend future prospective studies using multi‐informant assessments of both adverse life events and eating behaviors to further describe the nature and developmental course of this relationship.
A comprehensive individual patient data meta‐analysis of the effects of cardiac contractility modulation on functional capacity and heart failure‐related quality of life
Authors: Giallauria Francesco , Cuomo Gianluigi , Parlato Alessandro , Raval Nirav Y. , Kuschyk Jürgen , Stewart Coats Andrew JS
Published: July 2020

Aims

Cardiac contractility modulation, also referred to as CCM™, has emerged as a promising device treatment for heart failure (HF) in patients not indicated for cardiac resynchronization therapy. We performed a comprehensive individual patient data meta‐analysis of all non‐confounded prospective randomized controlled trials of CCM vs. control that have measured functional capacity and/or quality of life questionnaires in patients with HF.

Methods and results

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched in January 2020 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. We also asked the sole manufacturer of the device for their list of known trials. Primary outcomes of interest were peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2), 6 min walk test distance, and quality of life measured by Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ), and all data were received as individual patient and individual time point data‐points. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous data using a fixed‐effects model. Five trials were identified, four randomized studies enrolling 801 participants for all endpoints of interest, and for peak VO2 alone (n = 60), there was an additional single arm non‐randomized trial (FIX‐HF‐5C2) with a prospective comparison of its 24 week peak VO2 data compared with the control group of the FIX‐HF‐5C control patients. Pooled analysis showed that, compared with control, CCM significantly improved peak VO2 (mean difference +0.93, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.30 mL/kg/min, P < 0.00001), 6 min walk test distance (mean difference +17.97, 95% CI 5.48 to 30.46 m, P = 0.005), and quality of life measured by MLWHFQ (mean difference −7.85, 95% CI −10.76 to −4.94, P < 0.00001). As a sensitivity analysis, we excluded the FIX‐HF‐5C2 trial (only relevant for peak VO2), and the result was similar, mean difference +0.65, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.08 mL/kg/min, P = 0.004.

Conclusions

This comprehensive meta‐analysis of individual patient data from all known randomized trials has shown that CCM provides statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefits in measures of functional capacity and HF‐related quality of life.
The impact of pharmacist/physician care on quality of life in elderly heart failure patients: results of the PHARM‐CHF randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schulz Martin , Griese‐Mammen Nina , Schumacher Pia M. , Anker Stefan D. , Koehler Friedrich , Ruckes Christian , Rettig‐Ewen Volker , Wachter Rolf , Trenk Dietmar , Böhm Michael , Laufs Ulrich
Published: July 2020

Aims

Patients with heart failure (HF) have impaired quality of life (QoL). The randomized controlled trial PHARM‐CHF investigated whether an interdisciplinary intervention consisting of regular contacts with the community pharmacy and weekly dosing aids improves medication adherence in patients with HF. It is unknown how an intervention involving frequent structured pharmacy visits affects QoL. Our aim was to explore adherence to the intervention and effects on QoL.

Methods and results

Among 237 patients, n = 110 were randomized to pharmacy care and n = 127 to usual care. The pharmacy care group received a medication review followed by (bi‐)weekly dose dispensing and counselling. The median follow‐up was 2.0 years [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 1.2–2.7]. Median interval between pharmacy visits was 8.4 days (IQR 8.0–10.3) and the visits lasted in median 14 min (IQR 10–15). Median adherence to the intervention was 96% (IQR 84–100). QoL at 365 days was predefined as a main secondary and at 730 days as another secondary endpoint in PHARM‐CHF. QoL was measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire; and for 111 patients (n = 47 in the pharmacy care group and n = 64 in the usual care group), data were available at baseline, and after 365 and 730 days (mean age 74 years; 41% female). Improvement in QoL was numerically higher in the pharmacy care group after 365 days and was significantly better after 730 days (difference in total scores −7.7 points [−14.5 to −1.0]; P = 0.026) compared to the usual care group. In all subgroups examined, this treatment effect was preserved. Improvements in the physical and emotional dimensions were numerically higher in the pharmacy care group after 365 days and were significantly better after 730 days: −4.0 points [−6.9 to −1.2]; P = 0.006, and −1.9 points [−3.7 to −0.1]; P = 0.039, respectively.

Conclusions

A pharmacy‐based interdisciplinary intervention was well received by the patients and suggests clinically important improvements in QoL.
Antifungal, antitoxigenic, and antioxidant activities of the essential oil from laurel (Laurus nobilis L.): Potential use as wheat preservative
Authors: Belasli Azem , Ben Miri Yamina , Aboudaou Malek , Aït Ouahioune Lidia , Montañes Luis , Ariño Agustín , Djenane Djamel
Published: July 2020

Essential oils (EOs) are widely used in the food industry as natural food preservatives to extend product shelf life and as flavoring agents. The aim of this work was to study the chemical profile of the EO from laurel (Laurus nobilis) and its antifungal, antitoxigenic, and antioxidant activities. The extractive yield of the EO from Algerian laurel was 1.13% being 1,8‐cineole the most dominant compound (35.5%) by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The values of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Aspergillus flavus were 1.75 and 2 mg/ml, respectively. The production of aflatoxin B1 was inhibited by EO concentrations between 0.25 mg/ml (15% decrease) and 1.50 mg/ml (86% decrease), and it was totally inhibited at the MFC value. The EO showed a wide antifungal spectrum against other species in a dose‐dependent manner. In a food‐model study, the L. nobilis EO showed remarkable efficacy in fumigated wheat grains, providing from 51.5% to 76.7% protection against A. flavus during 6‐month storage. The L. nobilis EO showed good free radical scavenging activity by DPPH assay (IC50 value of 602 μg/ml) and moderate antioxidant activity in the β‐carotene bleaching assay (46% inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation). The conclusions of this study justify future research for the application of EO from laurel as a natural preservative to improve food safety and extend shelf life by controlling spoilage and toxigenic molds as well as oxidative damage.
Third‐Generation Solar Cells: Toxicity and Risk of Exposure
Authors: Buitrago Elina , Novello Anna Maria , Meyer Thierry
Published: July 2020

Solar energy is considered clean energy, and its use is predicted to increase in the near future. Most installed units today are crystalline solar cells, but the field is in constant development, and when the first dye sensitized solar cell was published by Grätzel and O'Reagan a new, third‐generation, solar power was born. Highly toxic metals are used to produce the photovoltaic units today, and with the predicted increase in solar cell installation, the human health hazards of these panels could become an issue. Additionally, many of these materials are used in their nanoform, which is associated with an additional risk. In this article, we discuss the technology behind the third‐generation solar cells with its valuable use of nanotechnology as well as the possible health hazard when such nanomaterials are used in solar power units. We will show that the main exposure will occur either during the development and production phases or at the end‐of‐life stage of the solar cells, where toxic material can leach into landfills, and subsequently into the environment and impact the ecosystem directly, or humans indirectly through edible plants or drinking water.
Why is Pakistan vulnerable to COVID‐19 associated morbidity and mortality? A scoping review
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Malik Iram
Published: July 2020

The scoping review was undertaken to outline the vulnerabilities of Pakistan's public health and healthcare system, which put the population at increased risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) associated morbidity and mortality. The major electronic databases were searched using both “text words” and “thesaurus terms,” focusing on viral infections, COVID‐19 and healthcare systems in Pakistan. The content of the selected articles was analyzed by using thematic approach. Out of the total 171 potentially relevant citations, 24 articles were included in the data synthesis. We found that the recent COVID‐19 outbreak is a major threat to Pakistan's public health and healthcare system, and the country is not in a position to control spread of disease and provide required standards of care deemed necessary by the World Health Organization. A number of intertwined reasons that expose the Pakistani population at increased risk of COVID‐19 associated morbidity and mortality, include public related demurrals, healthcare workforce related demurrals, organizational and regulatory voids, and travel patterns. To cope with the upsurge of COVID‐19 in Pakistan, the regulators need to re‐examine and recognize deficiencies in the healthcare system, and thereafter reinforce core capacities in workforce and monetary resources, surveillance, laboratory services, and hospital preparedness for isolation and ventilation of patients.
Inverse and efficiency of heat transfer convex fin with multiple nonlinearities
Authors: Roy Pranab Kanti , Mondal Hiranmoy , Mallick Ashis , Prasad Dilip K.
Published: July 2020

In this article, we first propose the novel semi‐analytical technique—modified Adomian decomposition method (MADM)—for a closed‐form solution of the nonlinear heat transfer equation of convex profile with singularity where all thermal parameters are functions of temperature. The longitudinal convex fin is subjected to different boiling regimes, which are defined by particular values ofn(power index) of heat transfer coefficient. The energy balance equation of the convex fin with several temperature‐dependent properties are solved separately using the MADM and the spectral quasi‐linearization method. Using the values obtained from the direct heat transfer method, the unknown parameters of the profile, such as thermal conductivity, surface emissivity, heat generation number, conduction‐convection parameter, and radiation‐conduction parameter are inversely predicted by an inverse heat transfer analysis using the simplex search method. The effect of the measurement error and the number of measurement points has been presented. It is found that present measurement points and reconstruction of the exact temperature distribution of the convex fin are fairly in good agreement.