bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
23 central composite rotatable design for the production of neem oil nanoemulsion for antifungal and antiparasitic applications
Authors: Rabelo Alessandra S , Sutili Felipe K , Meneses Juliana O , Severino Patricia , Souto Eliana B , Fujimoto Rodrigo Y , Cardoso Juliana C
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The present study describes the design and production of an oil‐in‐water nanoemulsion composed of neem oil as the inner phase for use as an antifungal and antiparasitic control in aquaculture. A 23 central composite rotatable design adopting surface response was used as the experimental design, setting the neem oil concentration (4–15%), surfactant concentration (0.5–10%) and sonication power (20–90%) as the independent variables, while the droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential were set as the response (dependent) variables.

RESULTS

Droplet size and PDI showed the best results using the sonication method with 5 min of process. The coefficients of determination were greater than 0.900 for all response. The best formulation was obtained with 9% of neem oil and 5.25% of polysorbate 20.

CONCLUSION

Antifungal activity of the optimized nanoemulsion against Saprolegnia parasitica was demonstrated, also attributed to the presence of the surfactant. Concentrations of 200 mg L−1 of nanoemulsion resulted in 100% parasitic mortality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Microwave‐assisted pyrolysis of organometallic gel prepared through ternary combination of surfactants for fabrication of nano‐porous gamma alumina: adsorptive properties, characterization
Authors: Salem Shiva , Salem Amin , Parni Mohammad H , Jafarizad Abbas
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

In present work, γ‐Al2O3 nanoparticles, with uniform morphology and controllable size, were successfully fabricated by the microwave‐assisted pyrolysis of organometallic gels prepared through the application of aluminum nitrite, urea, glycine, and triple mixed surfactants. A series of pyrolysis reactions were carried out by the conventional and microwave treatments to achieve nano‐porous powders. The effects of different process factors, such as fuel composition, pyrolysis method, calcination temperature, and surfactant mixing ratio, on the adsorptive properties and physico‐chemical characteristics of powders were investigated.

RESULTS

γ‐Al2O3 nanoparticles (10–20 nm) were successfully synthesized through optimized process variables. Although the calcination temperature is a significant variable in altering adsorptive properties, microwave pyrolysis causes a reduction in the calcination temperature (700 °C). Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), which is a cationic surfactant, mixed with a non‐ionic surfactant (Triton‐X‐100) can produce nano‐sized γ‐Al2O3 particles. The stoichiometric aluminum nitrate‐urea admixed with surfactants produced a powder with higher specific surface area, 238 m2 g−1, which is comparable with that obtained via the salt‐urea‐glycine system.

CONCLUSION

Though mesoporous powder with a large surface area can be synthesized by urea‐glycine system, the employment of triple surfactant system admixed with urea may be a reliable route to produce mesoporous powder economically. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutrition Therapy Cost‐Effectiveness Model Indicating How Nutrition May Contribute to the Efficiency and Financial Sustainability of the Health Systems
Authors: Toulson Davisson Correia Maria Isabel , Castro Melina , de Oliveira Toledo Diogo , Farah Daniela , Sansone Dayan , de Morais Andrade Tereza Raquel , Tannus Branco de Araújo Gabriela , Fonseca Marcelo Cunio Machado
Published: November 2020

Background

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in hospitalized patients but seldom recognized and treated. Malnutrition poses several adverse events, such as increased infection rates, length of hospital stay, and mortality, as well as costs. Early nutrition interventions have been shown to decrease the associated malnutrition burdens, leading to relevant savings. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of nutrition therapy, including oral supplements to at‐risk or malnourished adult inpatients admitted to the Brazilian Public System (SUS) hospitals.

Method

A cost‐effectiveness model, encompassing a 1‐year period and regarding total costs, length of hospital stay, readmissions, and mortality related to malnutrition, was developed, having the provision of early nutrition therapy as the intervention variable. The number of avoided hospitalization days, prevented hospital readmissions, and prevented deaths defined the effectiveness of the model. All the costs were estimated based on the SUS database.

Results

Early nutrition therapy provided to all at‐risk or malnourished patients would represent cost‐effectiveness of US $92.24, US $544.59, US $1848.12, and US $3698.92, for each day of hospitalization avoided, for additional patients having access to hospitalization, for preventing readmission, and for prevented death, respectively. The highest impact on savings was represented by the mean reduction in the length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Early oral nutrition intervention for patients malnourished or at risk of malnutrition resulted in overall reduced hospital costs. These findings provide a rationale to tackle the implementation of educational programs focusing on the care of inpatients with malnutrition or its risk.
A space–time spectral Petrov–Galerkin method for nonlinear time fractional Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equations
Authors: Yu Zhe , Sun Jiebao , Wu Boying
Published: November 2020

In this work, we study a space–time Petrov–Galerkin method for third‐ and fifth‐order time fractional Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equations. The method is based on the framework of Legendre and Jacobi polynomials. The basis functions of the fractional part are constructed by the generalized Jacobi functions, which contained the singularity of weak solutions. The numerical schemes of the problems are transformed into the nonlinear schemes constructed by matrices. Based on the orthogonality of ideal basis functions, we get the optimal estimation under the specific weighted Sobolev spaces. Numerical experiments confirm the expected convergence.
Relationship between ultrasonographic hand muscle thickness measurements and muscle strength following median or ulnar nerve reconstruction
Authors: Misirlioglu Tugce Ozekli , Palamar Deniz , Taskiran Ozden Ozyemisci , Terlemez Rana , Akgun Kenan
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between ultrasonographic hand muscle thickness measurements and hand muscle strength in patients who underwent median or ulnar nerve reconstruction.

Methods

In this prospective, cross‐sectional study, intrinsic hand muscle thicknesses were measured using ultrasound with a 4‐ to 13‐MHz linear‐array probe. Measurements of hand strength were performed using a dynamometer and a pinchmeter.

Results

In the median nerve group (n = 11), a moderate correlation (r = 0.694; P = .018) was observed between lateral pinch strength and transverse thenar thickness. In the ulnar nerve group (n = 11), longitudinal thenar thickness below the flexor pollicis longus tendon was moderate to highly correlated with pinch and handgrip strengths (r = 0.726‐0.893; P < .05); whole transverse thenar thickness was moderate to highly correlated with pinch strengths (r = 0.724‐0.836; P < .05).

Discussion

Sonographic measurements of intrinsic hand muscle thickness may be a useful tool for the assessment and follow‐up of patients with median or ulnar nerve injury.
A posteriori diffusion analysis of numerical schemes for application to propagating linear waves
Authors: Joshi Subodh M. , Chatterjee Avijit
Published: November 2020

We compare several higher‐order accurate numerical schemes based on their dissipation characteristics found out in an a posteriori energy analysis. The diffusion analysis is performed based on correlation between the modal energy as well as the total energy of the broadband signal and the dissipation characteristics of the candidate numerical scheme. This technique is used for analyzing linear as well as nonlinear including space–time coupled numerical schemes used in simulation of propagating linear waves, such as in computational electromagnetics and computational aeroacoustics. It is found that the discontinuous Galerkin scheme best preserves the signal energy over the simulation time among all candidate numerical schemes under consideration.
Perceived value of charitable involvement: The millennial donor perspective
Authors: Graça Sandra S. , Zwick Hana C.
Published: November 2020

The importance of nonprofit relationship marketing continues to increase as organizations compete to attract and retain a younger loyal donor base. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of six determinants of charitable giving on millennial donor's perceived value received from their involvement with the charitable organization. A conceptual model and accompanying research hypotheses are tested on a sample of millennials from the U.S(n = 227). Structural equation modeling is used to test the relationships in the model. Results suggest that five factors have a positive effect on donor's perceived value. Social recognition is found to be the most important factor, followed by attitude towards and trust in the charitable organization and attitude towards helping others. To a lesser degree, tax benefits and mitigation of guilt are also found to have an impact on donor's perceived value from charitable involvement. Although this study is limited to the examination of millennials, practical and social implications are noted for all donors. Organizations must recognize that donors are influenced by a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors when evaluating their value from charitable involvement. Most of all, donors seek a degree of social recognition from giving, so organizations are encouraged to provide ways for millennial donors to display or share their charitable involvement.
Apatinib in Combination with S-1 as First-Line Treatment in Patients with Advanced Metastatic Gastric Cancer: Results from an Open, Exploratory, Single-Arm, Phase II Trial
Authors: Zhou Na , Zhang Chuantao , Liu Dong , Liu Kewei , Wang Guanqun , Zhu Hua , Zhang Jianli , Jiang Man , Liu Ning , Zhang Xiaochun
Published: November 2020

Trial Information

ClinicalTrials.gov  Identifier: NCT02525237 Sponsor: Xiaochun Zhang Principal Investigator: Xiaochun Zhang IRB Approved: Yes

Lessons Learned

Apatinib combined with S-1 was not superior to other chemotherapy regimens as first-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer. There was a tendency for patients with lymph node metastasis to have prolonged median progression-free survival and median overall survival, compared with patients with liver metastasis.

Background

The best choice of first-line chemotherapy regimen for patients with metastatic gastric cancer is still debated. We combined apatinib and S-1 as a new first-line therapy to treat advanced gastric cancer. The efficacy and safety of the combination were assessed, with the goal of determining the most appropriate subgroup of patients who could benefit from this new regimen.

Methods

This study was an open, exploratory single-arm, phase II trial. Enrolled patients received apatinib plus S-1 treatment (apatinib, 500 mg, once a day [qd], days 1–21; S-1, 40 mg/m2, bid, days 1–14). The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and safety of this new regimen. Next-generation sequencing was used to explore potential biomarkers.

Results

A total of 30 patients were enrolled. The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 4.21 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.29–6.13 months). The median overall survival (mOS) was 7.49 months (95% CI, 4.81–10.17 months). Patients with lymph node metastasis had prolonged mPFS and mOS when compared with those with liver metastasis (mPFS, 4.21 vs. 1.84 months; mOS, 8.21 vs. 6.31 months, p = .08). The most common grade 3 to 4 adverse events were abdominal pain, dizziness, and diarrhea. Gene mutation profiles between the two subgroups were significantly different.

Conclusion

Apatinib combined with S-1 was not superior to other chemotherapy regimens as first-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer. Toxicity was consistent with known profiles when given as monotherapy. There was a tendency toward prolonged mPFS and mOS in patients with lymph node metastasis compared with patients with liver metastasis, which could support the need to design a future clinical trial with a better defined patient population.
The reliability of bone marrow cytology as response criterion in metastatic neuroblastoma
Authors: Schumacher‐Kuckelkorn Roswitha , Atra Ayad , Belli Maria Luisa , den Engelsman Gerda , Fréneaux Paul , Gauthier Arnaud , Heijlaerts‐Klever Anja , Scuderi Francesca , Senent Peris Leonor , Tewari Sanjay , Zapletal Ondrej , Ernst Angela , Berthold Frank
Published: November 2020

Background

The quantitative assessment of neuroblastoma cell content in bone marrow aspirates for response evaluation has been introduced recently. Data on the concordance of interobserver reports are lacking so far.

Methods

Investigators of seven European countries representing national reference or large oncological centers convened in 2016. They agreed to quantitatively assess routine bone marrow smears of the participating institutions and to discuss the discrepant results in joint meetings.

Results

From 2017 through 2019, three cytology rounds with 24, 28, and 28 bone marrow samples were run evaluating the representativity of the smears (yes/[restricted]/no) and the presence of tumor cells (yes/no and %). The comparison of the reports using κ (Fleiss) and α (Krippendorff) statistics demonstrated no robust reliabilities. The agreement on the representativity was moderate to poor, on the presence of tumor cells moderate to good, and on the percentage of tumor cells slight to moderate. Though the value of cytology is unquestioned to detect even tiny metastatic cells in bone marrow, the investigators unanimously agreed that a reliable quantification of the tumor cell content in bone marrow smears is unrealistic. For the key issue of representativity, a new practical definition was developed.

Conclusion

For any work with bone marrow aspirates, the representativity of the material is of paramount importance. A practical definition is proposed. A reliable quantitative cytological assessment of tumor cell content in bone marrow aspirates is not feasible in metastatic neuroblastoma. Therefore, its use as response criterion should be reconsidered.
Surface preparation for 10% efficient CZTSe solar cells
Authors: Grenet Louis , Emieux Fabrice , Choubrac Léo , Márquez José A. , De Vito Eric , Roux Frédéric , Unold Thomas
Published: November 2020

Kesterite‐based solar cells suffer from a large open‐circuit voltage deficit, which largely arises from carrier recombination at the buffer interface. In this study, we compare two strategies to passivate the absorber surface in order to fabricate devices with power conversion efficiency higher than 10% and an open‐circuit voltage deficit as low as 306 mV. These two strategies consist of annealing in air or performing a chemical etching of the absorbers before buffer deposition. They lead similarly to a significant reduction of the interface recombination but as well to a shortening of the minority carrier diffusion length from 1 μm to less than 500 nm. This latter effect limits the short‐circuit current and fill factor of the devices but is largely compensated by the open‐circuit voltage gain of more than 100 mV. For the absorber air annealing, which is the simplest solution to implement, absolute photoluminescence measurements reveal that the voltage gain is directly linked to a drop in the nonradiative losses in the absorber and to a small reduction of the band tailing. It is demonstrated that the removal of detrimental secondary phases at the surface of the absorber due to oxidation at elevated temperature and etching in the basic CdS solution is responsible for these improved opto‐electronic properties. On the contrary, the apparent Cu‐depletion observed after air annealing is totally recovered after the chemical bath and cannot be responsible for the improved performances.
Synthesis of nitrophenyl and fluorophenyl azides and diazides by SNAr under phase‐transfer or microwave irradiation: Fast and mild methodologies to prepare photoaffinity labeling, crosslinking, and click chemistry reagents
Authors: Leyva Elisa , Aguilar Johana , González‐Balderas Regina M. , Vega‐Rodríguez Sarai , Loredo‐Carrillo Silvia E.
Published: November 2020

Two fast and mild methodologies to prepare nitrophenyl and fluorophenyl azides are presented. These aryl azides are extensively used as crosslinking, photoaffinity labeling, and click chemistry reagents. Substituted aryl azides are prepared by performing a SNAr substitution on halogenated benzenes with a phase‐transfer catalyst (PTC) such as tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEATFB), the reaction proceeds in several hours under rather mild temperatures (25°C to 70°C). Furthermore, aryl azides are also prepared within minutes under microwave irradiation at slightly higher temperatures (50°C to 70°C). These procedures could be applied in the preparation of other aryl azides. In the case of substituted pentafluoro benzene (pF), the type of products obtained in each reaction depends on the amount of sodium azide and the strength and position of electron‐withdrawing substituents (COH, COR, COOR, CN, NO2, or F). A discussion on the mechanisms and the products obtained in these SNAr reactions is presented.
Effects of a time out consultation with the general practitioner on cancer treatment decision‐making: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Perfors Ietje A.A. , Noteboom Eveline A. , de Wit Niek J. , van der Wall Elsken , Visserman Ella A. , van Dalen Thijs , Verhagen Marc A.M.T. , Witkamp Arjen J. , Koelemij Ron , Flinterman Annebeth E. , van Dorst Eleonora B.L. , Pruissen‐Peeters Kim A.B.M. , Moons Leon M.G. , Schramel Franz M.N.H. , van Rens Marcel T.M. , Ernst Miranda F. , May Anne M. , Helsper Charles W.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Improving shared decision‐making (SDM) enables more tailored cancer treatment decisions. We evaluated a Time Out consultation (TOC) with the general practitioner (GP), between cancer diagnosis and treatment decision, which aims at supporting SDM and improving continuity of primary care. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a TOC on perceived SDM, information provision and self‐efficacy.

Methods

This randomised controlled trial included newly diagnosed patients with curable cancer (breast, lung, colorectal, gynaecologic and melanoma) from four Dutch hospitals. Primary outcome is perceived SDM and secondary outcomes are information provision and self‐efficacy.

Results

One hundred fifty‐four patients (control n = 77, intervention n = 77) – female: 75%, mean age: 61 (SD ± 11.9). In the intervention group, 80.5% (n = 62) had a TOC, of which 82.3% (n = 51) took place after treatment decision. Perceived SDM was lower in the intervention group (−8.9 [95% CI: 0.6–17.1]). Among those with a TOC before treatment decision (n = 11), perceived SDM was comparable to the control group (66.5 ± 27.2 vs. 67.9 ± 26.1).

Conclusion

Even though patients are motivated to have a TOC, implementing a TOC between diagnosis and treatment decision is challenging. Effects of a timely TOC could not be established. Non‐timely TOC decreased perceived SDM. Planning of the TOC should be optimised, and future research should establish if adequately timed TOC results in improved SDM in cancer patients.
Access to the Naproxen Ring System, a Crowded β‐Lactam, through In Situ Generated Ketenes: Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity
Authors: Salarinejad Somayeh , Reza Islami Mohammad , Abbasnejad Mehdi , Zigheimat Fatemeh , Kooshki Razieh , Pouramiri Behjat , Sadat Hosseini Faezeh
Published: November 2020

An efficient synthesis of the 3‐(6‐methoxy‐2‐naphtyl) 3‐methyl‐1,4‐diaryl‐2‐azetanone through changes on the main functional group of 2‐(6‐methoxy‐2‐naphthyl) propanoic acid is described. Formally, this transformation can be regarded as a [2+2]‐cycloaddition of aromatic imines with methyl naphthylketene generated in situ. To confirm ketene formation, the stable free radical TEMPO (TO•, 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidinyloxy) was added to the reaction medium and the corresponding additive product was obtained, indicating the presence of this active intermediate in the reaction medium. This efficient method provides fast access to a variety of structurally diverse β‐lactam derivatives. Also, some new β‐lactam derivatives were evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity, as well as the impact of geometrical isomerism on their ability to interact with key residue of GABAA receptor binding pocket in molecular docking studies. Experimental results revealed that between all, cis‐14 a seizure inhibition was done in a longer time in vivo especially in compare to diazepam. Also, in molecular docking studies, cis‐14 a matched with the shape of the GABAA binding pocket which led to give the best position and lowest binding energy.
Domino β‐C−H Functionalization and [3+2] Cycloaddition for Efficient Synthesis of Diverse Spiro and Polycyclic Compounds
Authors: Fang Hui‐Lin , Han Ying , Sun Jing , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: November 2020

The acetic acid catalyzed three‐component reaction of pyrrolidine, aromatic aldehydes and 4‐arylidene‐5‐methyl‐2‐phenylpyrazol‐3‐one in refluxing toluene gave functionalized 7′‐(E)‐benzylidenespiro[pyrazole‐4,1′‐pyrrolizines] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The similar reaction with 2‐arylidene‐N,N’‐dimethylbarbiturates resulted in mixture of Z/E‐isomers of 7′‐ arylidenespiro[pyrimidine‐5,1′‐pyrrolizines] in good yields. However, the three‐component with N‐phenylmaleimides and sequential oxidation with DDQ reaction gave 8‐(E)‐arylidenedihydropyrrolo[3,4‐a]pyrrolizines in satisfactory yields. The reaction mechanism included sequential β‐C−H functionalization of pyrrolidine, generation of conjugated azomethine ylides, and sequential [3+2] cycloaddition with active alkenes.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New 4,5,6,7‐Tetrahydro‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Prezent Mikhail A. , Baranin Sergey V.
Published: November 2020

A number of new spinaceamine derivatives have been synthesized by the Suzuki reaction of 5‐Boc‐2‐iodo‐spinaciamine with aryl or heteryl boronic acids. The obtained compounds exhibited a varying degree of ABTS radical‐scavenging activity, and some of them found to be more effective radical‐scavengers comparing with spinacine. Both spinacine and its synthesized derivatives do not inhibit cholinesterases and carboxylesterase.
Efficient Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis, In Vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation of Furo[3,2‐c]pyrones and Furo[3,2‐c]coumarins along with Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Rani Suman , Kamra Nisha , Kumar Devinder , Kumar Ashwani
Published: November 2020

A series of furo[3,2‐c]pyrones and furo[3,2‐c]coumarins agents were efficiently synthesized and structure recognizable proof was performed by FTIR and NMR. The furo[3,2‐c]pyrones and furo[3,2‐c]coumarins were evaluated against three bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis,Staphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli) and two parasitic strains (Aspergillus nigerandCandida albicans). The antimicrobial results demonstrated that a couple of compounds showed noteworthy outcomes relating to the standard medications. Compounds6 band9 findicated great action againstEscherichia coliandBacillus subtiliswith MIC value 0.0108 μmol/ml and 0.0120 μmol/ml, respectively. Compound9 falso showed better activity against fungal strains with MIC value 0.0120 μmol/ml. Based on the outcomes of antimicrobial activities, docking study was performed to know the binding interface of furo[3,2‐c]pyrones and furo[3,2‐c]coumarins with DNA gyrase topoisomerase II.
Fe(III)/Bentonite as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2‐(1H)‐ones
Authors: Chopda Lakha V , Dave Pragnesh N.
Published: November 2020

Fe(III) immobilized over natural bentonite (bent) using the impregnation method. Prepared catalysts were well characterized by XRD, FT‐IR and FeSEM. The catalytic activity of three catalysts 10, 20 and 30 % Fe(III)/bent evaluated for the synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones known as Biginelli reaction. The catalyst 30 % Fe(III)/bent exhibited a high yield of the product towards the synthesis of a variety of dihydropyrimidones (DHPMs). The high yield of dihydropyrimidone (DHPM) was obtained in model reaction in ethanol, acetonitrile, DMF and solvent ‐ free condition. The reusability test indicated that 6 % of yield of product decreased after 5th cycle.
Hierarchical Ultrathin Mo/MoS2(1−x−y)Px Nanosheets Assembled on P, N Co‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for Hydrogen Evolution in Both Acidic and Alkaline Electrolytes
Authors: Zhao Xiaojun , Li Yibing , Zhao Chuan , Liu Zhi‐Hong
Published: November 2020

Synergistically coupled 1D/2D materials have great potential for energy conversion application due to its high catalytic activity. Herein, an in situ assembly strategy is developed for preparing the P, N co‐doped carbon nanotubes and Mo/MoS2(1−x−y)Px nanosheets composites (Mo/MoS2(1−x−y)Px@PNC) for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). The PNC guarantees structural stability and fast charge transfer in a long‐range, while Mo/MoS2(1−x−y)Px nanosheets offer a large electrochemically active surface area with embedded metallic Mo in improving its internal conductivity and rich surface/interface properties. Thus, the optimized catalyst (Mo/MoS1.15P0.30@PNC) possesses more surface active sites and exhibits extraordinary HER activities, with a small overpotential of −79 and −131 mV at 10 mA cm−1, and low Tafel slope of 49 and 82 mV dec−1 in 0.5 m H2SO4 and 1.0 m KOH, respectively. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the higher substitution of S atoms by P in MoS2 can form strong Mo 3d‐S 2p‐P 2p hybridizations at Fermi level, resulting in the narrower bandgap and smaller ∆GH* of hydrogen (H*) adsorption, thereby leading to the promoted HER activity.
Fast and Nondestructive Failure Analysis of Organic Photovoltaic Modules for Low‐Light Harvesting: Coupling Variable Illumination Measurements to Electroluminescence Imaging
Authors: Llobel Marc-Antoine , Rivière Guillaume , Arrivé Charline , Courtel Stéphanie , Vannier Godefroy , Cros Stéphane , Matheron Muriel
Published: November 2020

Today, organic photovoltaics (OPV) have reached a maturity level compatible with market deployment. As this technology surpasses traditional solar devices when illuminated by artificial light sources (producing low irradiance), indoor light harvesting represents one of the most relevant application for OPV modules. However, there is a lack of methods to detect defective modules dedicated to such applications. At the single‐cell level, it is already established that parallel resistance stands for a figure‐of‐merit for low‐light performance. However, its influence in the case of a series‐connected OPV module has not been described yet. Herein, it is reported how parallel resistance discrepancies from cell to cell within an OPV module dramatically affect module performance. Thanks to one‐diode modeling, parallel resistance threshold values can be determined for each cell, for a targeted light intensity. In addition, defective cells can be localized by electroluminescence imaging. The usefulness and applicability of the proposed approach is demonstrated on 4‐cell and 9‐cell modules printed on an industrial tool.
Acid Hydrolysis‐Induced Nanoconversion of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas) Starch: Effect on Morphological, Rheological, and Thermal Properties
Authors: Kumari Suman , Yadav Baljeet S. , Yadav Ritika B.
Published: November 2020

The present study aims to prepare starch nanocrystals (SNCs) from sweet potato tuber starch and study their morphological, crystalline, rheological, and thermal properties. The platelet‐like SNCs are obtained using acid hydrolysis of round or polygonal native sweet potato starch granules. The average hydrodynamic diameter of SNCs is 184 nm as measured using the dynamic light scattering technique. The polydispersity index value based upon molecular weight distribution as determined using gel permeation chromatography increases from 1.386 for native starch (NS) to 2.958 for SNCs, indicating the heterogenous molecular weight distribution of acid hydrolyzed starch. The zero value of the radius of gyration for nanocrystals indicates the formation of anisotropic platelet‐like SNCs. The gelatinization temperature and melting enthalpy significantly increased after the nanoconversion of starch granules; thus, SNC's thermal properties are improved after acid hydrolysis of NS. The SNCs exhibit shear‐thinning behavior (lower viscosity) at high concentrations; the visco‐elastic behavior of SNCs dispersions is frequency‐dependent, with elastic character prevalence over viscous at lower frequencies.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Among Cereal Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Aderinoye-Abdulwahab S. A. , Abdulbaki T. A.
Published: November 2020

Agriculture is the art and science of food production which spans soil cultivation, crop growing, and livestock rearing. Over the years, it has served as a means of employment and accounts for more than one-third of total gross domestic product. Cereals, which include rice, maize, and sorghum, are the major dietary energy suppliers and they provide significant amounts of protein, minerals (potassium and calcium), and vitamins (vitamin A and C). The growth and good yield of cereal crop can be greatly influenced by elements of weather and climate such as temperature, sunlight, and relative humidity. While climate determines the choice of what plant to cultivate and how to cultivate, it has been undoubtedly identified as one of the fundamental factors that determine both crop cultivation and livestock keeping. The chapter, though theoretical, adopted Kwara State, Nigeria, as the focus due to favorable weather conditions that support grains production. It was observed that the effect of climate change on cereal production includes: drastic reduction in grains production, reduction in farmers’ profit level, increment in cost during production, diversification to nonfarming activities, and discouragement of youth from participating in agricultural activities. Also, the adopted coping strategies employed by farmers in the focus site were early planting, planting of improved variety, irrigation activities, alternates crop rotation, and cultivation of more agricultural areas. The chapter thus concluded that climate change has negative impact on cereals production and recommends that government should provide communal irrigation facilities that will cushion the effect of low rains on farmers’ productivity, while early planting and cultivation of drought-resistant cultivars should be encouraged.
Reflected entropy for an evaporating black hole
Authors: Li Tianyi , Chu Jinwei , Zhou Yang
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We study reflected entropy as a mixed state correlation measure in black hole evaporation. As a measure for bipartite mixed states, reflected entropy can be computed between black hole and radiation, radiation and radiation, and even black hole and black hole. We compute reflected entropy curves in three different models: 3-side wormhole model, End-of-the-World (EOW) brane model in three dimensions and two-dimensional eternal black hole plus CFT model. For 3-side wormhole model, we find that reflected entropy is dual to island cross section. The reflected entropy between radiation and black hole increases at early time and then decreases to zero, similar to Page curve, but with a later transition time. The reflected entropy between radiation and radiation first increases and then saturates. For the EOW brane model, similar behaviors of reflected entropy are found.

We propose a quantum extremal surface for reflected entropy, which we call quantum extremal cross section. In the eternal black hole plus CFT model, we find a generalized formula for reflected entropy with island cross section as its area term by considering the right half as the canonical purification of the left. Interestingly, the reflected entropy curve between the left black hole and the left radiation is nothing but the Page curve. We also find that reflected entropy between the left black hole and the right black hole decreases and goes to zero at late time. The reflected entropy between radiation and radiation increases at early time and saturates at late time.
Development of an LC-MS method for the semiquantitative determination of polyamide 6 contaminations in polyolefin recyclates
Authors: Schweighuber Andrea , Gall Markus , Fischer Jörg , Liu Yi , Braun Hermann , Buchberger Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Recycling will be of increasing importance in the future, especially for plastic packaging waste mainly consisting of polyolefins. One major problem of recyclates comprises impurities which can have a significant negative impact on future product properties. Polyamide 6 can be found widely as contaminant in recycled polyolefins, leading to a need of quantification methods thereof. In this paper, a method development for the quantitative analysis of polyamide 6 is presented based on analysing ε-caprolactam and related cyclic oligomers as marker compounds in model recyclates of high- and low-density polyethylene and polypropylene compounded with low amounts of polyamide 6. For the method development and tentative identification of the different cyclic compounds, a HPLC-QTOF-MS was used and it was possible to detect six different compounds, ε-caprolactam and the corresponding cyclic di- to hexamer. The quantification was performed with a HPLC-QQQ-MS, equipped with a HILIC column, after sample preparation via microwave-assisted extraction. It could be shown that a good linearity from 0.2 up to 5 wt% polyamide 6 in the different polyolefins can be achieved. The cyclic trimer and tetramer show a low limit of quantification and are therefore well-suited for the quantification, whereas the other cyclic compounds can be then used as qualifiers to avoid false positives. To guarantee the applicability of the method, six real recyclate materials were analysed, whereby in three of them low amounts of polyamide 6 could be detected.
If seizures left speechless: CA-P-S C-A-R-E, a proposal of a new ictal language evaluation protocol
Authors: Ferri Lorenzo , Vignatelli Luca , Alvisi Lara , Fabbri Martina , Boscarato Silvia , Zenesini Corrado , Licchetta Laura , Muccioli Lorenzo , Tinuper Paolo , Bisulli Francesca
Published: November 2020

Introduction

We aimed to create standardized protocol for language examination in patients who underwent video-EEG recording and assessed its efficacy in the characterization of ictal language impairment, its ability to differentiate this from impaired awareness, and interobserver reliability in clinical practice.

Methods

From our database of video-EEG recordings, we selected a representative sample of 63 focal seizures with presumed language impairment. A multidisciplinary team of epileptologists, EEG technicians, and speech therapists analyzed the selected videos to highlight the critical issues of ordinary ictal language evaluation. We subsequently followed a multi-step process to develop the protocol and assess its interobserver reliability.

Results

A protocol based on seven tests in hierarchical succession was created, summed up in the acronym CA-P-S C-A-R-E (Closed Answers, Pro-speak question, Simple orders, Common object denomination, Audio repetition, Reading, Evoke). Following its preliminary administration for 5 months, we assessed the inter-observer reliability of 16 healthcare professionals in distinguishing between language impairment and impaired awareness among a sample of 10 seizures, finding a substantial agreement (kappa 0.61).

Conclusion

The proposed protocol, made of simple and easy to memorize tests, is an effective tool that evaluates multiple domains beyond language. Its use could help to recognize ictal aphasia effectively and differentiate it from impaired awareness, minimizing inter-examiner variability.
Evaluating card-based protocols in terms of execution time
Authors: Miyahara Daiki , Ueda Itaru , Hayashi Yu-ichi , Mizuki Takaaki , Sone Hideaki
Published: November 2020

Card-based cryptography is an attractive and unconventional computation model; it provides secure computing methods using a deck of physical cards. It is noteworthy that a card-based protocol can be easily executed by non-experts such as high school students without the use of any electric device. One of the main goals in this discipline is to develop efficient protocols. The efficiency has been evaluated by the number of required cards, the number of colors, and the average number of protocol trials. Although these evaluation metrics are simple and reasonable, it is difficult to estimate the total number of operations or execution time of protocols based only on these three metrics. Therefore, in this paper, we consider adding other metrics to estimate the execution time of protocols more precisely. Furthermore, we actually evaluate some of the important existing protocols using our new criteria.
Düngung bleibt weiterhin eine ökologische, rechtliche und politische Herausforderung
Authors: Möckel Stefan , Wolf André
Published: November 2020

In der öffentlichen Debatte ist die landwirtschaftliche Düngung bisher vor allem ein Problem
der Nitrat-Richtlinie sowie der Gewässer und Grundwasserkörper. Dies verkürzt sowohl die
vielfältigen ökologischen Wirkungen als auch die rechtliche Relevanz von Düngung. In Folge
dieser eingeschränkten Betrachtung bleiben auch die neuesten Verschärfungen der Düngeverordnung
hinter dem ökologisch Notwendigen sowie dem völker-, europa- und verfassungsrechtlich Gebotenen
zurück. Ökologisch wie rechtlich sind zwei Hauptaufgaben zu lösen: die Reduzierung der
anthropogenen Gesamtnährstoffemissionen und ein ausreichender Schutz lokaler Ökosysteme vor übermäßigen
Nährstoffeinträgen entsprechend ihrem Erhaltungszustand und ihrer spezifischen Vulnerabilität.
Diese Aufgaben erfordern einen breit aufgestellten Instrumentenmix, der weit über das gegenwärtige
Düngerecht hinausgeht.
Braucht Deutschland ein Kunststoffgesetz? Eine Analyse am Beispiel der Kunststoffverpackungen
Authors: Schwan Björn
Published: November 2020

Die Behandlung von Kunststoffabfällen wird immer wieder diskutiert. Auch die jetzige Novelle
des Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetzes (KrWG) betrifft diesen Bereich. Bedarf es eines eigenen Kunststoffgesetzes?
Diese Frage wird auf der Basis der bisherigen Regelungen untersucht.
Validating a common tick survey method: cloth-dragging and line transects
Authors: Kjellander Pia L. , Aronsson Malin , Bergvall Ulrika A. , Carrasco Josep L. , Christensson Madeleine , Lindgren Per-Eric , Åkesson Mikael , Kjellander Petter
Published: November 2020

Cloth-dragging is the most widely-used method for collecting and counting ticks, but there are few studies of its reliability. By using cloth-dragging, we applied a replicated line transects survey method, in two areas in Sweden with differentIxodes ricinustick-densities (low at Grimsö and high at Bogesund) to evaluate developmental stage specific repeatability, agreement and precision in estimates of tick abundance. ‘Repeatability’ was expressed as the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), ‘agreement’ with the Total Deviation Index (TDI) and ‘precision’ by the coefficient of variation (CV) for a given dragging distance. Repeatability (ICC) and agreement (TDI) were higher for the most abundant instar (nymphs) and in the area of higher abundance. At Bogesund tick counts were higher than at Grimsö and so also repeatability, withfairtosubstantialICC estimates between 0.22 and 0.75, and TDI ranged between 1 and 44.5 counts of difference (thushightomoderateagreement). At Grimsö, ICC waspoortomoderateand ranged between 0 and 0.59, whereas TDI remained low with estimates lower or equal to 1 count (thushighagreement). Despite a 100-fold lower abundance at Grimsö, the same level of precision for nymphs could be achieved with a 70% increase of dragging effort. We conclude that the cloth-dragging technique is useful for surveying ticks’ and primarily to estimate abundance of the nymphal stage, whereas it rarely will be recommended for larvae and adults.
Microbial fuel cell biosensor for the determination of biochemical oxygen demand of wastewater samples containing readily and slowly biodegradable organics
Authors: Tardy Gábor Márk , Lóránt Bálint , Gyalai-Korpos Miklós , Bakos Vince , Simpson David , Goryanin Igor
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Single-chamber air cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were applied as biosensors for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measurement of real wastewaters with considerable suspended and/or slowly biodegradable organic content.

Results

The measurement method consists of batch sample injection, continuous measurement of cell voltage and calculation of total charge (Q) gained during the biodegradation of organic content. Diverse samples were analyzed: acetate and peptone samples containing only soluble readily biodegradable substrates; corn starch and milk samples with suspended and colloidal organics; real domestic and brewery wastewaters. Linear regression fitted to the Q vs. BOD5 measurement points of the real wastewaters provided high (> 0.985) R2 values. Time requirement of the measurement varied from 1 to 4 days, depending on the composition of the sample.

Conclusions

Relative error of BOD measured in the MFCs comparing with BOD5 was less than 10%, thus the method might be a good basis for the development of on-site automatic BOD sensors for real wastewater samples.
Ascophyllum nodosum extract improves leaf thermoregulation by reducing stomatal sensitivity to VPD in Vitis vinifera L.
Authors: Tombesi Sergio , Frioni Tommaso , Sabbatini Paolo , Poni Stefano , Palliotti Alberto
Published: November 2020

Climate change scenarios and the need of sustainable tools to reduce global warming impact on agriculture have led to the formulation of a large number of natural products or biostimulants that should increase plant resilience to abiotic stress. Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) extract is one of the most studied biostimulants to increase tolerance to drought stress, but the physiological mechanism underlying its action is still poorly understood. The aim of the present work was to determine AN extract impact on grapevine gas exchange under well-watered and water stress conditions and to examine its mode of action under stress (light and temperature). AN caused a slight increase in stomatal conductance that resulted in an increase of water plant conductivity to atmosphere. Increased transpiration induced by AN improved leaf thermoregulation, facilitating vine recovery after a stress period. AN increased transpiration through a reduction of stomatal sensitivity to VPD. AN action on stomata regulation indicated that this biostimulant could be a new potential tool to limit leaf damage during events of extreme temperature, even when they are not combined with water stress conditions.
Topology of Coronal Magnetic Fields: Extending the Magnetic Skeleton Using Null-like Points
Authors: Lee Daniel T. , Brown Daniel S.
Published: November 2020

Many phenomena in the Sun’s atmosphere are magnetic in nature and study of the atmospheric magnetic field plays an important part in understanding these phenomena. Tools to study solar magnetic fields include magnetic topology and features such as magnetic null points, separatrix surfaces, and separators. The theory of these has most robustly been developed under magnetic charge topology, where the sources of the magnetic field are taken to be discrete, but observed magnetic fields are continuously distributed, and reconstructions and numerical simulations typically use continuously distributed magnetic boundary conditions. This article investigates the pitfalls in using continuous-source descriptions, particularly when null points on the$z=0$z=0plane are obscured by the continuous flux distribution through, e.g., the overlap of non-point sources. The idea of null-like points on the boundary is introduced where the parallel requirement on the field$B_{\parallel }=0$B∥=0is retained but the requirement on the perpendicular component is relaxed, i.e.$B_{\perp }\ne 0$B⊥≠0. These allow the definition of separatrix-like surfaces which are shown (through use of a squashing factor) to be a class of quasi-separatrix layer, and separator-like lines which retain the x-line structure of separators. Examples are given that demonstrate that the use of null-like points can reinstate topological features that are eliminated in the transition from discrete to continuous sources, and that their inclusion in more involved cases can enhance understanding of the magnetic structure and even change the resulting conclusions. While the examples in this article use the potential approximation, the definition of null-like points is more general and may be employed in other cases such as force-free field extrapolations and MHD simulations.
Common Factors in Fraction-Free Matrix Decompositions
Authors: Middeke Johannes , Jeffrey David J. , Koutschan Christoph
Published: November 2020

We consider LU and QR matrix decompositions using exact computations. We show that fraction-free Gauß–Bareiss reduction leads to triangular matrices having a non-trivial number of common row factors. We identify two types of common factors: systematic and statistical. Systematic factors depend on the reduction process, independent of the data, while statistical factors depend on the specific data. We relate the existence of row factors in the LU decomposition to factors appearing in the Smith–Jacobson normal form of the matrix. For statistical factors, we identify some of the mechanisms that create them and give estimates of the frequency of their occurrence. Similar observations apply to the common factors in a fraction-free QR decomposition. Our conclusions are tested experimentally.
Urban Spatial Structure in Barcelona (1902–2011): Immigration, Spatial Segregation and New Centrality Governance
Authors: Garcia-López Miquel-Àngel , Nicolini Rosella , Roig Sabaté José Luis
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates the impact of the city’s urban spatial structure in shaping population density distribution over time. This research question is relevant in Barcelona because urban population grew at a sustained pace in various decades due to intense immigration inflows. When the urban spatial structure fails to behave as the backbone of population density distribution, population distribution can suffer from polarization problems. We conduct our empirical study using an urban monocentric framework, tracking the different spatial distribution patterns of the overall population and a few selected urban communities in light of the degree of attractiveness of the central business district (CBD). To this end, we construct an original database by each district in Barcelona from 1902 to 2011 and perform an econometric analysis. Our results reveal that the urban spatial structure continued to be a crucial determinant over time for shaping the overall population distribution in Barcelona and in almost all selected communities. However, its importance fluctuated over time, bottoming out in the 1950s–1960s, and whose resurgence was mostly driven by the political initiative to create a new centrality in the urban periphery. This policy reinforced the attractiveness of the CBD, resulting in the de-facto avoidance of urban polarization.