bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hall effect sensors using polarized electron cloud spin orientation control
Authors: Arumona Arumona Edward , Garhwal Anita , Youplao Phichai , Amiri Iraj Sadegh , Ray Kanad , Punthawanunt Suphanchai , Yupapin Preecha
Published: October 2020

A silicon microring circuit embedded gold film with unique characteristics is proposed for Hall effect, current, and temperature sensing applications. The microring circuit is operated by the input polarized laser sources, in which the space–time distortion control can be employed. A gold film is embedded at the microring center. The whispering gallery mode (WGM) is generated and applied for plasmonic waves, from which the trapped electron cloud oscillation is formed. Through the input port, the input polarized light of 1.55 μm wavelength fed into the space–time control circuit. Spin‐up |↑〉(|0〉) and spin‐down |↓〉(|1〉) of polarized electrons result when the gold film is illuminated by the WGM. The electric current passing through the gold film generates a magnetic field (B), which is orthogonal to the electric field. Hall voltage is obtained at the output of the circuit, from which the microring space–time circuit can operate for Hall's effect, current, and temperature sensing device. The simulation results obtained have shown that when the input power of 100–500 mW is applied, the optimum Hall effect, current, and temperature sensitivities are 0.12 μVT−1, 0.9 μVA−1, and 6.0 × 10−2 μVK−1, respectively. The Hall effects, current, and temperature sensors have an optimum response time of 1.9 fs.
Sediment and fecal indicator bacteria loading in a mixed land use watershed: Contributions from suspended sediment and bedload transport
Authors: Bradshaw J. Kenneth , Snyder Blake , Spidle David , Sidle Roy C. , Sullivan Kathleen , Molina Marirosa
Published: October 2020

Overland transport of fecal bacteria in water and their resuspension from bed sediments are important transport mechanisms that help explain the transport of enteric pathogens in watersheds. In this study, multiyear monitoring along with regression relationships between sediment and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were used to investigate annual loading in the South Fork Broad River watershed, located in northeastern Georgia, USA. Suspended transport was the dominant transport mechanism contributing to in‐stream total annual loads for sediment (81.4–98.1%) and FIB (>98%). Annual bedload transport of FIB was small and Escherichia coli (up to 1.8%) contributed more to annual bedload FIB than enterococci (≤0.03%). Bedload contributions of FIB increased with the duration of critical discharge exceedance, indicating a prolonged risk of exposure to enteric pathogens during extended periods of high flows, which is important during major storm events. The risk of exposure to enteric pathogens through pathways such as recreational use and drinking water treatment could be much greater because fecal bacteria are released from sediment during higher flows and dominantly transported in suspension when bedload are not actively moving. Therefore, the combined contribution of fecal bacteria from overland and bedload‐associated transport should be considered in risk assessments. Discharge, bedload, and FIB data collected over 2 yr in this study can supplement future hydrologic modeling and microbial risk assessment modeling efforts.
Characterizing standardized patients and genetic counseling graduate education
Authors: Kessler Lisa Jay , LaMarra Denise , MacFarlane Ian M. , Heller Melissa , Valverde Kathleen D.
Published: October 2020

Standardized patients (SPs) are laypersons trained to portray patients, family members, and others in a consistent, measurable manner to teach and assess healthcare students, and to provide practice for emotionally and medically challenging cases. SP methodology has been studied with practicing genetic counselors; however, there is minimal empirical evidence characterizing its use in genetic counseling (GC) education. The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) Standards of Accreditation for Graduate Programs in Genetic Counseling include SP sessions as one way to achieve up to 20% of the 50 participatory cases required for graduation. The purpose of the current project was to determine the scope, frequency, and timing of SP methodology in ACGC‐accredited programs to establish baseline usage, which happened prior to the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. A 40‐item investigator‐created survey was developed to document the scope and frequency of SP use among programs. The survey was distributed through the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors’ (AGCPD) listserv to 43 accredited and 6 programs under development. Surveys were analyzed from 25 accredited programs (response rate = 58%). Seventeen of these programs report inclusion of SP methodology in the curricula (68%), of which 13 report working with an established SP program. SPs are used predominantly for role‐plays (70.6%), individualized instruction and remediation (29.4%), and for other reasons such as lecture demonstration, final examinations, practicing skills, and assessing students’ goals. Sixteen of the participating programs use SPs to give GC students experience disclosing positive test results. Other details vary among the GC programs including the use of trained SPs, volunteer or paid SPs, actors with and without SP training, or GC students acting as patients. This study demonstrates that GC program SP experiences differ, but are largely viewed as valuable by the programs. Many GC programs report using SP encounters to create multiple opportunities for students to practice and refine clinical skills similar to SPs in medical school.
Ultrastructure of chemosensory tarsal tip‐pore sensilla of Argiope spp. Audouin, 1826 (Chelicerata: Araneae: Araneidae)
Authors: Müller Carsten H. G. , Ganske Anne‐Sarah , Uhl Gabriele
Published: October 2020

While chemical communication has been investigated intensively in vertebrates and insects, relatively little is known about the sensory world of spiders despite the fact that chemical cues play a key role in natural and sexual selection in this group. In insects, olfaction is performed with wall–pore and gustation with tip‐pore sensilla. Since spiders possess tip‐pore sensilla only, it is unclear how they accomplish olfaction. We scrutinized the ultrastructure of the trichoid tip‐pore sensilla of the orb weaving spider Argiope bruennichi—a common Palearctic species the males of which are known to be attracted by female sex pheromone. We also investigated the congener Argiope blanda. We examined whether the tip‐pore sensilla differ in ultrastructure depending on sex and their position on the tarsi of walking legs of which only the distal parts are in contact with the substrate. We hypothesized as yet undetected differences in ultrastructure that suggest gustatory versus olfactory functions. All tarsal tip‐pore sensilla of both species exhibit characters typical of contact‐chemoreceptors, such as (a) the presence of a pore at the tip of the sensillum shaft, (b) 2–22 uniciliated chemoreceptive cells with elongated and unbranched dendrites reaching up to the tip‐pore, (c) two integrated mechanoreceptive cells with short dendrites and large tubular bodies attached to the sensillum shaft's base, and (d) a socket structure with suspension fibres that render the sensillum shaft flexible. The newly found third mechanoreceptive cell attached to the proximal end of the peridendritic shaft cylinder by a small tubular body was likely overlooked in previous studies. The organization of tarsal tip‐pore sensilla did not differ depending on the position on the tarsus nor between the sexes. As no wall‐pore sensilla were detected, we discuss the probability that a single type of sensillum performs both gustation and olfaction in spiders.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Suicidal Ideation: The Moderating Effect of Posttraumatic Cognitions
Authors: Whiteman Sarah E. , Witte Tracy K. , Cero Ian , Kramer Lindsay B. , Weathers Frank W.
Published: October 2020

Although individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at an increased risk for suicidal ideation (SI), it is unclear what factors might influence this association. Investigators have hypothesized that posttraumatic cognitions (PTCs), such as self‐blame (SB) or negative cognitions about the self (NCAS) or world (NCAW), would play a role, but this has not been investigated empirically. Accordingly, we evaluated a model in which the association between PTSD symptoms and SI was moderated by PTCs in a sample of trauma‐exposed undergraduate students (N = 410). To identify the specific source of this hypothesized moderation effect, we ran the moderation model separately for PTSD total severity, PTSD total severity without the cognition‐related items, and each of four DSM PTSD symptom clusters in combination with each of three types of PTCs (i.e., NCAS, NCAW, SB), accounting for quadratic effects. The results revealed that NCAW moderated the positive association between all six of the PTSD variables and SI, f2s < .01 to .04. Analyses of simple slopes generally revealed strong positive associations between PTSD symptoms with SI at high levels of NCAW, no associations at moderate levels, and negative associations at low levels. We also found one statistically significant quadratic effect when examining avoidance and NCAW. In contrast, neither NCAS nor SB emerged as a significant moderator in any of our regression models. These findings highlight the importance of addressing PTCs—particularly NCAW—in trauma survivors.
Preparation, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Zinc Oxide–Bacterial Cellulose–Chitosan Hydrogels for Antibacterial Dressing
Authors: Kai Jiang , Xuesong Zhou
Published: October 2020

In this work, a kind of novel antibacterial and biocompatible composite hydrogels composed of zinc oxide, bacterial cellulose (BC), and chitosan (CS) are prepared via immersing the oxidized BC hydrogels in CS solution and then combining zinc oxide in alkaline environment. The structure and properties of the composite hydrogels are characterized by different techniques. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction prove the successful preparation of composite hydrogels. Scanning electron microscopy is used to study the microscopic morphology of hydrogels. The results show that the zinc oxide particles are successfully attached to the bacterial cellulose. From the results of thermogravimetric analysis, it can be seen that the hydrogels exhibit well thermal stability. For 0.03m zinc oxide @bacterial cellulose‐chitosan (ZnO@BCCS) hydrogels, the compressive stress is as high as 440 kPa at a deformation of 60%, which is 15 times that of BC hydrogels. Its maximum tensile stress is 880 kPa. The maximum inhibition rates of 0.05mZnO@BCCS hydrogels against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are 78.9% and 77.6%, respectively. The cytotoxicity evaluation results show that the hydrogels have low cytotoxicity and good cell compatibility.
On the convergence of Jacobi‐Gauss collocation method for linear fractional delay differential equations
Authors: Peykrayegan N. , Ghovatmand M. , Noori Skandari M. H.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a convergent numerical method for solving linear fractional differential equations. We first convert the equation into an equivalent time‐dependent equation and then discretize it at the Jacobi‐Gauss collocation points. Using this method, we achieve a system of algebraic equations to approximate the solution of the original equation. Here, we gain the solution and its fractional derivative, simultaneously. We fully present the convergence analysis for the suggested method. We finally illustrate the efficiency of our method by solving some numerical examples.
Characterization and constitutive modeling of red clay contaminated with ammonium carbonate
Authors: Li Shanmei , Riad Beshoy , Zhang Xiong , Liu Zhikui
Published: October 2020

Conventionally, red clay is used for agricultural purposes in southern China. Fertilizers, especially urea, are commonly introduced into the red clay to improve the crop yields. However, due to the rapid urbanization in China, large areas of lands with red clays have been converted into sites for domestic and industrial constructions. Nevertheless, few researchers focused on the effect of urea on the strength and compressibility of red clay. In this research, the shear strength and compressibility of the red clay saturated by different concentrations of the (NH4)2CO3 solution (urea's hydrolysates) were experimentally investigated using direct shear as well as oedometer tests, respectively. It was noticed that both the shear strength and stiffness of the red clay significantly decreased after exposure to the urea solution. In addition, the micromechanisms of the strength and compressibility of the red clay treated by the (NH4)2CO3 were studied by the scanning electron microscope test and X‐ray diffraction test. Based on the test results, a new model was developed to simulate the chemomechanical behavior of saturated clayey soil by modifying the Barcelona basic model (BBM) for unsaturated soils. The proposed model introduces four additional parameters, compared to the BBM, to account for the nonlinear shear strength behavior of the red clay. This model accounts for most of the complex features related to the strength and stiffness behavior of clayey soils. The parameter calibration procedures, by using the oedometer and direct shear test results, are also presented. To validate the proposed model, experimental results from the literature are considered in which illite clay samples were either mechanically or chemically or both mechanically and chemically loaded. Part of the experimental results is used to calibrate the model parameters and the other part along with the calibrated parameters is used to verify the proposed model. A comparison between experimental data and predicted results demonstrated that the proposed model is able to capture the main features related to the chemomechanical coupling behavior of saturated soils.
Trefftz collocation method for two‐dimensional strain gradient elasticity
Authors: Solyaev Yury O. , Lurie Sergey A.
Published: October 2020

Indirect Trefftz method is proposed for solving two‐dimensional boundary value problems of the strain gradient elasticity theory (SGET). A system of trial functions satisfying the fourth‐order equilibrium equations of SGET are developed based on the generalized Papkovich‐Neuber potentials. The classical part of the displacement solution is represented through the T‐complete system of functions satisfying the Laplace equation. The gradient part of the solution is represented through the system of heuristic functions satisfying the Helmholtz equation. The least squares collocation method is used to enforce the boundary conditions. Numerical examples are presented for the square domain under non‐uniform tensile and bending loads. It is shown, that the advantage of the presented method is that it allows to directly control the accuracy of the fulfillment of all nonstandard boundary conditions, that are prescribed in SGET on the surfaces and edges of the body.
Half‐inverse problems for the quadratic pencil of the Sturm–Liouville equations with impulse
Authors: Amirov Rauf , Ergun Abdullah , Durak Sevim
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider the inverse spectral problem for the impulsive Sturm–Liouville differential pencils on [0, π] with the Robin boundary conditions and the jump conditions at the point . We prove that two potentials functions on the whole interval and the parameters in the boundary and jump conditions can be determined from a set of eigenvalues for two cases: (i) the potentials given on and (ii) the potentials given on , where 0 < α < 1, respectively. Inverse spectral problems, Sturm–Liouville operator, spectrum, uniqueness.
Evolution of corporate environmentalism, a politico‐social perspective: Concept, command and control to self‐regulatory and voluntary, and future directions
Authors: Parsad Chandan , Mittal Shashank
Published: October 2020

The present research work aims at synthesizing the evolution of Environmental sustainability from the theoretical lens of politico‐social impacts on the corporate environmentalism. The phenomenon of Environmental sustainability as a formally recognized and defined concept started to appear in western discourse in the late 60s and 70s, with formal definition coming only at 80s. Meanwhile, western politics, media and activists became active in putting pressure on corporates for sustainable environmental practices. This lead to the advent of era of regulatory controls where governments in the west took the central role. With the increasing activism of civil societies and other secondary stakeholders, businesses and governments equally realized the need for self‐regulatory (normative) and increasingly voluntary focus on environmental sustainability. Recently, the shift has been to developing nations from the western countries with EU effect and Shanghai effect placing prominence of trade and geo‐politics on cross‐border effects of corporate environmentalism from developed nations on developing nations. However, as shown by the recent researches, market forces are still weak and findings at the best indicate nonexistent or meagre linkage between financial indicators and corporate environmentalism, even in developing nations the trend remains similar. This raises concern about the future politico‐social direction of corporate environmentalism, however, one thing is clear that Asian countries especially India and China will get increasing focus.
Impact of corporate social responsibility on the financial performance of banks in Pakistan: Serial mediation of employee satisfaction and employee loyalty
Authors: Shafique Owais , Ahmad Brig Sohail
Published: October 2020

With the awareness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) growing worldwide, this study attempts to explore the influence of CSR on the financial performance of banks through the serial mediating effect of employee satisfaction and employee loyalty. The level of employee awareness and extent of involvement in numerous CSR activities influences both job satisfaction and loyalty to the organization. However, there may be differences in the perception of CSR among employees toward CSR initiatives being undertaken by respective banks. This study brings in to play several tests, utilizing SPSS and structural equation modeling, while specifically using SPSS Amos for hypothesis testing. The findings of the study reveal that CSR positively affects employee satisfaction and employee loyalty; employee satisfaction positively affects employee loyalty thus establishing serial mediation; and employee satisfaction, as well as employee loyalty, positively affects financial performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that bank management teams must focus more on their CSR initiatives and activities in order to create job satisfaction and loyalty among their employees which will, in turn, ultimately, help organizations to achieve their objective of enhanced financial performance. From these results, suggestions and inferences for future research and banking sector practices can also be drawn.
The geography of the effectiveness and consequences of Covid‐19 measures: Global evidence
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Diop Samba , Nnanna Joseph
Published: October 2020

This study has: (a) analysed the economic impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic, (b) evaluated the effectiveness and relevance of different measures against the pandemic and (c) examined nexuses between the corresponding measures and economic outcomes. The study uses a sample of 186 countries divided into four main regions, notably: Asia‐Pacific and the Middle East, Europe, Africa and America. Thirty four preventing and mitigating measures against the Covid‐19 pandemic are classified into five main categories: lockdown, movement restrictions, governance and economic, social distancing, and public health measures. The empirical evidence is based on comparative difference in means tests and correlation analyses. The findings show how the effectiveness and consequences of the Covid‐19 measures are different across regions. In adopting the relevant policies to fight the ongoing pandemic, the comparative insights from the findings in the study are worthwhile. Inter alia: (a) from a holistic perspective, only European countries have favorably benefited from the Covid‐19 measures; (b) lockdown measures at the global level have not been significant in reducing the pandemic; (c) the restriction of movement measure has been relevant in curbing the spread in the American continent; (d) the enforcement of the social distancing measures has been productive in Europe and counter‐productive in Africa; (e) governance and economic measures have exclusively been relevant in Europe and (f) overall public health measures have not had the desired outcomes in flattening the infection curve probably because most of the underlying measures are awareness decisions or oriented toward people already infected.
Do ownership and board characteristics enhance firm performance? A corporate governance perspective
Authors: Murtaza Sadia , Habib Asmara , Khan Areeba
Published: October 2020

The main aim of the current study is to examine the relationship of ownership and board characteristics with firm performance of Pakistan non‐financial firms. This study employed panel data and collected from the annual reports of Pakistan for the period of 2010–2017 and used the regression model. The findings of this study state that the managerial ownership and foreign ownership have a significant positive impact on firm performance measured by market share. Duality has a significant negative and board independent is negative but not significant impact. Board size also has a significant positive relationship with firm performance. The good corporate governance is important which reduce the agency conflicts and enhance the stakeholder's interest. This study explores the link of ownership and board characteristics with firm performance examined by market share. The findings of this study will be helpful to the stakeholders, policymakers, government and practitioners.
Type 2 diabetes remission: latest evidence for health care professionals
Authors: Taylor Roy
Published: October 2020

The new understanding of type 2 diabetes is essential for health care professionals to appreciate. It is a simple condition of accumulation of more fat than an individual's body can cope with. Losing around 15% of body weight reverses the underlying processes that caused the diabetes provided that the condition has not been present for too many years. If weight regain is avoided, long‐term remission is possible. This is good news for people with type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes virtual clinics: technology‐enabled care services (TECS) – the new norm?
Authors: Begg Alan
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has meant that the use of a technology‐based remote approach to health care is necessary in order to keep staff and patients safe.

Here, Dr Alan Begg evaluates TECS now in use and whether or not they have the potential to enhance delivery of effective care for diabetes patients.
Medication‐related problems in older people in Catalonia: A real‐world data study
Authors: Troncoso‐Mariño Amelia , López‐Jiménez Tomás , Roso‐Llorach Albert , Villén Noemí , Amado‐Guirado Ester , Guisado‐Clavero Marina , Fernández‐Bertolin Sergio , Pons Vigues Mariona , Foguet‐Boreu Quintí , Violán Concepción
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine medication‐related problems (MRPs) in primary care patients over 65 years of age.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study based on the electronic health records of patients (65‐99 years of age) visited in 284 primary health care centers during 2012 in Catalonia. Variables: age, sex, sociodemographic variables, number of drugs, kidney and liver function and MRPs (duplicate therapy, drug‐drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications [PIMs] and drugs contraindicated in chronic kidney disease and in liver diseases). Unconditional logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with MRPs in patients with multimorbidity.

Results

916 619 older people were included and 853 085 of them met the criteria for multimorbidity. Median age was 75 years and 57.7% of them were women. High percentages of MRPs were observed: PIMs (62.8%), contraindicated drugs in chronic kidney disease (12.1%), duplicate therapy (11.1%), contraindicated drugs in liver diseases (4.2%), and drug‐drug interactions (1.0%). These numbers were higher in the subgroup of patients with ≥10 diseases. The most common PIMs were connected to drugs that increase the risk of fall (66.8%), antiulcer agents without criteria for gastroprotection (40.6%), and the combination of drugs with anticholinergic effects (39.7%). In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated with all MRPs among the patients with multimorbidity were the number of drugs and the number of visits.

Conclusions

The coexistence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy is associated with an elevated risk of MRPs in older people. Medication safety for older patients constitutes a pressing concern for health services.
Photo simulation of a river restoration: Relationships between public perception and ecosystem services
Authors: Poledniková Zuzana , Galia Tomáš
Published: October 2020

Evaluating the ecosystem services (ES) of rivers is a challenging process. We chose to evaluate photo simulations of a river restoration effort using two different approaches. The first approach was an expert evaluation based on the assessment of individual river restoration elements. The second was an evaluation of public perception, which was implemented by collecting 150 respondent replies through an internet questionnaire. Participants in both methods worked with the photo of the original site and three adjusted photos (i.e., with added river restoration elements or recreational amenities). The original photo was taken in Příbor, Czechia, displayed a heavily channelized gravel‐bed river in an urban area. For this reason, the design of the river restoration effort was spatially limited. In the expert evaluation, we obtained an ascending trend; the highest score was achieved by photo simulation which had the highest number of added restoration elements. In the public perception trial, the respondents evaluated the photo simulations based on four ES categories: (a) ecological and hydromorphological function, (b) aesthetics and landscape function, (c) flood protection and (d) recreational function. It was found that the respondents differed original state from the final restoration state in the category (a), (b) and (c). The final state achieved a better score in these categories. The main findings from both approaches were that even a small restoration effort could significantly improve the perception of ES as well as their services itself provided by the restored river. This conclusion could encourage the planning and construction of river restoration projects in even densely inhabited urban areas.
Neuroprotective effects of human amniotic fluid stem cells-derived secretome in an ischemia/reperfusion model
Authors: Castelli Vanessa , Antonucci Ivana , d'Angelo Michele , Tessitore Alessandra , Zelli Veronica , Benedetti Elisabetta , Ferri Claudio , Desideri Giovambattista , Borlongan Cesar , Stuppia Liborio , Cimini Annamaria
Published: October 2020

Stem cells offer the basis for the promotion of robust new therapeutic approaches for a variety of human disorders. There are still many limitations to be overcome before clinical therapeutic application, including a better understanding of the mechanism by which stem cell therapies may lead to enhanced recovery. In vitro investigations are necessary to dissect the mechanisms involved and to support the potential development in stem cell-based therapies. In spite of growing interest in human amniotic fluid stem cells, not much is known about the characteristics of their secretome and regarding the potential neuroprotective mechanism in different pathologies, including stroke. To get more insight on amniotic fluid cells therapeutic potential, signal transduction pathways activated by human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs)-derived secretome in a stroke in vitro model (ischemia/reperfusion [I/R] model) were investigated by Western blot. Moreover, miRNA expression in the exosomal fraction of the conditioned medium was analyzed. hAFSCs-derived secretome was able to activate pro-survival and anti-apoptotic pathways. MicroRNA analysis in the exosomal component revealed a panel of 16 overexpressed miRNAs involved in the regulation of coherent signaling pathways. In particular, the pathways of relevance in ischemia/reperfusion, such as neurotrophin signaling, and those related to neuroprotection and neuronal cell death, were analyzed. The results obtained strongly point toward the neuroprotective effects of the hAFSCs-conditioned medium in the in vitro stroke model here analyzed. This can be achieved by the modulation and activation of pro-survival processes, at least in part, due to the activity of secreted miRNAs.
Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity of Tin Sulfide Nanostructures
Authors: Keerthana Subramanian , Rani Balasubramanian Jansi , Yuvakkumar Rathinam , Ravi Ganesan , Hong Sun Ig , Saravanakumar Balasubramaniam , Velauthapillai Dhayalan , Al‐Mohaimeed Amal M. , Algarni Tahani Saad
Published: October 2020

Ethylene glycol (EG) mediated SnS nanostructures were produced by means of hydrothermal protocol. Preliminary experimental studies confirmed orthorhombic phase SnS nanostructures and its metal oxygen vibrations. Samples interstitial tin (Sn) vacancies on electrochemical activity were discussed. Half cell configuration of electrochemical module was attempted for investigating electrodes electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. Higheroxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of SnS@5 ml EG was reported fromlinear sweep voltammetry (LSV) current density as 288 mA/g and also reported lower overpotential of 254 mV. Excellent current density of 81 % retention was achieved for same candidate and is strongly recommended for future energy conversion applications.
The Active Sites Engineering of Catalysts for CO2 Activation and Conversion
Authors: Tang Qian , Ma Yajuan , Wang Jingyu
Published: October 2020

Catalytic CO2 conversion is considered to be a promising way to simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emission and realize carbon resource recycling. Several typical reactions including hydrogenation, carboxylation, carboxylic cyclization, and cycloaddition have been extensively studied for yielding high value‐added products. During the process of CO2 conversion, the introduction of light energy and electricity will dramatically lower the energy consumption for CO2 activation so that the whole reaction can efficiently take place at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. For traditional chemical, photochemical, and electrochemical conversions, the processes can be effectively promoted by the rational engineering of active sites on the catalysts. Herein, the most recent advances on the active site engineering of catalysts involving metal or alloy sites, Lewis sites, defect sites, and elemental doping sites are focused on. The influencing mechanisms on the CO2 activation and selective conversion are further discussed according to the structural properties and the interactions with different active sites. Finally, a brief perspective on the future opportunities and challenges in this field is also presented. Researchers who attempt to explore more efficient catalysts for CO2 activation and selective conversion will be guided.
Improving hematopoietic engraftment: Potential role of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Preciado Silvia , Muntión Sandra , Sánchez-Guijo Fermín
Published: October 2020

The therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in graft failure or poor graft function after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. MSCs exert their functions, at least partially, through the secretion of extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs). The available information on the biological potential of MSC-EVs to improve hematopoietic function, both in in vitro studies and in reported preclinical models, focusing on the possible mechanisms of these effects are summarized in the current review. The potential advantages of EVs over MSCs are also discussed, as well as the limitations and uncertainties in terms of isolation, characterization, mechanism of action in this setting, and industrial scalability that should be addressed for their potential clinical application.
Influence of various factors on properties of geopolymer paste: A comparative study
Authors: Kantarci Fatih , Türkmen İbrahim , Ekinci Enes
Published: October 2020

A comprehensive experimental study was conducted to investigate effect of different production parameters such as activator type, activator concentration and curing temperature on fresh and hardened properties of volcanic tuff based geopolymer paste (GP) samples. Volcanic tuff obtained from Nevşehir (Central Anatolia, Turkey) was ground to particle size less than 45 μm, after that alkali activation process was provided with two type of alkali activators such as NaOH and NaOH+Na2SiO3 (SH and SH + SS) solutions. Produced geopolymer samples were cured at different temperatures ranging from 23 to 150°C. Compressive strength, setting time, hydration heat of GP samples were investigated. Additionally, microstructural investigations were performed with SEM and XRD analyzes. As a result of modification of experimental parameters, compressive strength development reached to 41.43 MPa was obtained from GP samples, which did not harden in laboratory conditions. It was also determined that the alkali activation of volcanic tuff with SH exhibited better mechanical and microstructural properties than alkali activation with SH + SS.
Metabotropic glutamate 2,3 receptor stimulation desensitizes agonist activation of G‐protein signaling and alters transcription regulators in mesocorticolimbic brain regions
Authors: Burgos‐Aguilar Carolina , Ferris Mark J. , Sexton Lacey L. , Sun Haiguo , Xiao Ruoyu , Chen Rong , Childers Steven R. , Howlett Allyn C.
Published: October 2020

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are regulators of glutamate release and targets for development of therapies for hyperactive glutamatergic signaling. However, the effects of long‐term stimulation of mGlu receptors on cellular signaling in the brain have not been described. This study investigated the effects of 2‐day and 14‐day osmotic mini‐pump administration of the mGlu2,3 agonist LY379268 (3.0 mg kg−1 day−1) to rats on receptor‐mediated G‐protein activation and signaling in mesocorticolimbic regions in rat brain sections. A significant reduction in LY379268‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was observed in the 14‐day group in some cortical regions, prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and ventral pallidum. The 14‐day LY379268 treatment group exhibited mGlu2 mRNA levels significantly lower in hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, caudate, and ventral pallidum. In both 2‐day and 14‐day treatment groups immunodetectable phosphorylated cAMP Response Element‐Binding protein (CREB) was significantly reduced across all brain regions. In the 2‐day group, we observed significantly lower immunodetectable CREB protein across all brain regions, which was subsequently increased in the 14‐day group but failed to achieve control values. Neither immunodetectable extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) protein nor phosphorylated ERK from 2‐day or 14‐day treatment groups differed significantly from control across all brain regions. However, the ratio of phosphorylated ERK to total ERK protein was significantly greater in the 14‐day treatment group compared with the control. These results identify compensatory changes to mGlu2,3 signal transduction in rat brains after chronic systemic administration of agonist, which could be predictive of the mechanism of action in human pharmacotherapies.
Research on Magnetic Field Distribution between Electrodes in Vacuum Interrupter
Authors: Zhao Lihua , Wang Zelong , Su Fangfei , Bai Xueyan , Ren Junwen , Wang Tingting , Huang Xiaolong
Published: October 2020

Vacuum circuit breaker is a kind of power equipment widely used in the power system. It is developing toward the direction of high voltage and high current. How to design the contact to maximize the interrupting capacity of the contact system has been conducted by scholars. In this paper, the magnetic field simulation model of contact system is established, the magnetic field distribution characteristics of vacuum interrupters are studied, and the distribution characteristics of the magnetic field in the half cycle of the cup‐shaped axial magnetic field contact system are simulated and analyzed. On this basis, by changing the contact structure parameters, the effects of the number of slots in the cup, the slot angle, the center hole of the contacts, and the length of the slots on the distribution of the axial magnetic field were obtained. The results show that grooving the contact can reduce the eddy current, but it has a limited effect on reducing residual magnetic field. The increase of slot angle of contact cup can effectively reduce the residual axial magnetic field at the zero current moment and the axial magnetic field intensity at the peak current moment. Based on the above research results, a new embedded axial magnetic contact system with 12 slots embedded magnetic ring and reverse contact cup is designed. The embedded magnetic ring and reverse spiral slot increase the axial magnetic field at the peak current moment and reduce the residual axial magnetic field at the zero current moment. Finally, the characteristics of the magnetic field have been improved significantly compared with the magnetic field of traditional cup‐shaped axial magnetic field contact. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Design and Implementation of Double‐Sided LCL Variable Compensation Topology of MCR‐WPT System
Authors: Zhao Jingying , Zhang Zhenyuan , Xing Yongqi
Published: October 2020

Aiming at the constant current charging and the constant voltage charging mode of the power battery pack in an electric vehicle, this paper proposes a double‐sided LCL variable compensation topology in a magnetically coupled resonance wireless power transfer system. With the proposed topology, the complexity of the circuit design and control will be simplified. The mathematical model for the double‐sided LCL topology is established using a two‐port network, and the output characteristics of constant current mode and constant voltage mode are studied on. By compensation analysis, the double‐sided LCL topology is improved and designed. The specific parameter configuration method and compensation conversion circuit are developed. Load characteristics analysis of variable compensation topology is given. A MATLAB Simulink simulation model and a prototype were built. Both the simulation results and the experiment results show the validity of the proposed variable compensation topology and parameter configuration method. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The impact of assistive technology on burden and psychological well‐being in informal caregivers of people with dementia (ATTILA Study)
Authors: Davies Anna , Brini Stefano , Hirani Shashivadan , Gathercole Rebecca , Forsyth Kirsty , Henderson Catherine , Bradley Rosie , Davies Lucy , Dunk Barbara , Harper Emma , Lam Natalie , Pank Lynn , Leroi Iracema , Woolham John , Fox Chris , O'Brien John , Bateman Andrew , Poland Fiona , Bentham Pete , Burns Alistar , Gray Richard , Knapp Martin , Talbot Emma , Hooper Emma , Winson Rachel , Scutt Bethany , Ordonez Victoria , Nunn Samantha , Lavelle Grace , Howard Robert , Newman Stanton
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Assistive technology and telecare (ATT) may alleviate psychological burden in informal caregivers of people with dementia. This study assessed the impact of ATT on informal caregivers’ burden and psychological well‐being.

Methods

Individuals with dementia and their informal caregivers were recruited to a randomized‐controlled trial assessing effectiveness of ATT. Caregivers were allocated to two groups according to their cared‐for person's randomization to a full or basic package of ATT and were assessed on caregiver burden, state anxiety, and depression. Caregivers’ data from three assessments over 6 months of the trial were analyzed.

Results

No significant between‐ or within‐group differences at any time point on caregivers’ burden, anxiety, and depression levels were found.

Discussion

Full ATT for people with dementia did not impact caregivers’ psychological outcomes compared to basic ATT. The length of follow up was restricted to 6 months.
Advancing combination therapy for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Salloway Stephen P. , Sevingy Jeff , Budur Kumar , Pederson Jan Torleif , DeMattos Ronald B. , Von Rosenstiel Philipp , Paez Antonio , Evans Rebecca , Weber Christopher J. , Hendrix James A. , Worley Susan , Bain Lisa J. , Carrillo Maria C.
Published: October 2020

The study of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has led to an increased understanding of the multiple pathologies and pathways of the disease. As such, it has been proposed that AD and its various stages might be most effectively treated with a combination approach rather than a single therapy; however, combination approaches present many challenges that include limitations of non‐clinical models, complexity of clinical trial design, and unclear regulatory requirements. The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable meeting on May 7–8, 2018, discussed the approaches and challenges of combination therapy for AD. Experts in the field (academia, industry, and government) provided perspectives that may help establish a path forward for the development of new combination therapies.
Increased risk of COVID‐19 infection and mortality in people with mental disorders: analysis from electronic health records in the United States
Authors: Wang QuanQiu , Xu Rong , Volkow Nora D.
Published: October 2020

Concerns have been expressed that persons with a pre‐existing mental disorder may represent a population at increased risk for COVID‐19 infec­tion and with a higher likelihood of adverse outcomes of the infection, but there is no systematic research evidence in this respect. This study assessed the impact of a recent (within past year) diagnosis of a mental disorder – including attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia – on the risk for COVID‐19 infection and related mortality and hospitalization rates. We analyzed a nation‐wide database of electronic health records of 61 million adult patients from 360 hospitals and 317,000 providers, across 50 states in the US, up to July 29, 2020. Patients with a recent diagnosis of a mental disorder had a significantly increased risk for COVID‐19 infection, an effect strongest for depression (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=7.64, 95% CI: 7.45‐7.83, p<0.001) and schizophrenia (AOR=7.34, 95% CI: 6.65‐8.10, p<0.001). Among patients with a recent diagnosis of a mental disorder, African Americans had higher odds of COVID‐19 infection than Caucasians, with the strongest ethnic disparity for depression (AOR=3.78, 95% CI: 3.58‐3.98, p<0.001). Women with mental disorders had higher odds of COVID‐19 infection than males, with the strongest gender disparity for ADHD (AOR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.73‐2.39, p<0.001). Patients with both a recent diagnosis of a mental disorder and COVID‐19 infection had a death rate of 8.5% (vs. 4.7% among COVID‐19 patients with no mental disorder, p<0.001) and a hospitalization rate of 27.4% (vs. 18.6% among COVID‐19 patients with no mental disorder, p<0.001). These findings identify individuals with a recent diagnosis of a mental disorder as being at increased risk for COVID‐19 infection, which is further exacerbated among African Americans and women, and as having a higher frequency of some adverse outcomes of the infection. This evidence highlights the need to identify and address modifiable vulnerability factors for COVID‐19 infection and to prevent delays in health care provision in this population.
Open Innovation and Value Creation in Crop Genetics
Authors: Müller Mathias L. , Campos Hugo
Published: October 2020

The development of cultivars exhibiting improved climate resilience and containing effective input and agronomic traits and their adoption by growers and acceptance by supply chains, consumers, and society remain essential drivers of a successful agricultural strategy directed to feed the world and overcome the challenges brought by nature, an increasingly stringent regulatory environment, and an ever-growing population. In order to deliver on the daunting challenge of providing affordable, nutritious food to humankind, while reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint, new innovation models are needed.

Open innovation is being adopted by seed companies in order to tap into the vast pool of human talent available beyond their boundaries and increase their ability to generate, adopt, develop, and bring to market novel technologies while building upon the increasing global community of innovators and harnessing the resources of venture capitalists. In addition, open innovation can help streamline product development processes, as well as lead to the exploration of novel markets which would otherwise go unexploited. At the same time, open innovation provides the means for other firms and entrepreneurs to gain access to technologies which would be beyond the scope of their development abilities but which can be leveraged to create significant value for their own customers and markets.

This chapter provides an updated perspective on the most salient aspects of open innovation. Though its main focus is crop genetics and the development of improved cultivars, the general principles discussed also apply to other activities associated with the value chains linking agriculture and customers.
Employee Satisfaction in Online Reviews
Authors: Koncar Philipp , Helic Denis
Published: October 2020

Employee satisfaction impacts the efficiency of businesses as well as the lives of employees spending substantial amounts of their time at work. As such, employee satisfaction attracts a lot of attention from researchers. In particular, a lot of effort has been previously devoted to the question of how to positively influence employee satisfaction, for example, through granting benefits. In this paper, we start by empirically exploring a novel dataset comprising two million online employer reviews. Notably, we focus on the analysis of the influencing factors for employee satisfaction. In addition, we leverage our empirical insights to predict employee satisfaction and to assess the predictive strengths of individual factors. We train multiple prediction models and achieve accurate prediction performance (ROC AUC of best model $$=0.89$$

=
0.89

). We find that the number of benefits received and employment status of reviewers are most predictive, while employee position has less predictive strengths for employee satisfaction. Our work complements existing studies and sheds light on the influencing factors for employee satisfaction expressed in online employer reviews. Employers may use these insights, for example, to correct for biases when assessing their reviews.