bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh lama penyimpanan biji dan beberapa media perkecambahan terhadap daya kecambah biji Pinanga javana
Authors: Helmanto Hendra , Damayanti Frisca , Yudaputra Angga , Zulkarnaen Rizmoon Nurul , Latifah Dian
Published: August 2024

Pinanga javana Blume yang terdaftar dalam daftar merah IUCN, juga dikenal sebagai Pinang Jawa, sebagai spesies yang dilindungi dan terancam punah yang endemik di pulau Jawa, Indonesia. Penelitian ini fokus mempelajari proses perkecambahan dan pertumbuhan bibit P. javana dengan menggunakan empat jenis media tanam yaitu cocopeat, sekam, pasir, dan serbuk gergaji. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kadar air biji P. javana perlahan menurun dari 33,96% menjadi 24,45% selama masa penyimpanan hari ke-0 hingga hari ke-21. Media tanam mempunyai pengaruh yang nyata terhadap laju perkecambahan, pasir mempunyai nilai tertinggi (2,34). dan sekam memberikan pertumbuhan bibit terbaik. Cocopeat memiliki tingkat kelembapan tertinggi (90%), sedangkan pasir menghasilkan tingkat kelembapan terendah. PH semua media berada dalam kisaran normal (6-7) yang mendukung perkecambahan optimal. Analisis berbagai parameter menyimpulkan bahwa pasir merupakan media tanam yang optimal bagi P. javana dalam penelitian ini.
Kata Kunci: perkecambahan, media tanam, Pinanga javana, viabilitas, kadar air
Pólipos Cervicais: Uma revisão de literatura sobre aspectos clínicos e diagnósticos
Authors: Andressa Aguiar da Silva  , Joanna Cyrene Duarte Chagas Cohen  , Hugo Lima Sobral  , João Vitor Santin Cavalcante  , Júlia Gabriela Rossi Pelegrini  , Gustavo Lençone  , Ana Aparecida Adeodato de Souza  , Nicolas Fraga Pinheiro  , Fernanda França Albernaz  , Thiago Cassio Fuzatti dos Santos  , Artur Kiesqui Zattar  , Diherdre de Sá Barreto Diaz Gino  , Rosimere Aparecida Nascimento Ribeiro  , Francisco Pacholok  , Thiago Paulo Soares  , Marieli de Almeida Melo  , Guilherme Aleff Matos de Morais  , Ana Luiza Sari Sampaio  , André Felipe Nunes Ost  , Wellen Bárbara Braga Cavalcanti  , Tawa do Nascimento Fontes
Published: August 2024

Os pólipos cervicais são crescimentos benignos que se formam na superfície do colo do útero (cérvix). Embora frequentemente assintomáticos, podem ocasionalmente causar sintomas como sangramento vaginal anormal, especialmente após a relação sexual, e corrimento vaginal incomum. Esses pólipos são mais comuns em mulheres acima dos 40 anos e podem estar associados a inflamações, níveis elevados de estrogênio, ou congestão dos vasos sanguíneos cervicais. O diagnóstico geralmente ocorre durante exames ginecológicos de rotina e o tratamento envolve a remoção simples, seguida de análise para garantir a ausência de malignidade. Essa revisão de literatura foi realizada por meio de publicações científicas encontradas nos seguintes bancos de dados: Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), Public Medline (PubMed), Portal de Periódicos CAPES e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), sem restrição de período. Foram também consultados os sites oficiais do Ministério da Saúde e a literatura cinzenta. Os pólipos cervicais, apesar de sua natureza geralmente benigna, requerem atenção e monitoramento adequados para prevenir complicações. A remoção desses pólipos é um procedimento simples, que alivia sintomas e permite a avaliação histológica para excluir malignidade. A conscientização sobre os sinais e sintomas, bem como a realização de exames ginecológicos regulares, são fundamentais para a detecção precoce e tratamento eficaz. Embora raramente causem problemas graves, a presença de pólipos cervicais destaca a importância de manter a saúde ginecológica em dia, garantindo bem-estar e qualidade de vida para as mulheres em todas as fases da vida
ENTRE EL DISEÑO Y LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN: EL PLAN DE FORMACIÓN CIUDADANA DESDE LA LEY HASTA LAS COMUNIDADES EDUCATIVAS
Authors:   , Quiroz Sanhueza María José Raquel
Published: August 2024

El trabajo examina las tensiones entre el diseño prescrito y la implementación del Plan de Formación Ciudadana (PFC), obligatorio desde 2016. El objetivo principal es proporcionar orientaciones para rediseñar un PFC adaptado a contextos locales. La formación ciudadana es uno de los ejes principales en la asignatura de historia, enfocándose en la vida en comunidad, la democracia, los derechos humanos y el pensamiento crítico. Sin embargo, a pesar de las leyes y bases curriculares existentes, las comunidades educativas no están implementando estos planes con la profundidad y alcance necesarios debido a la falta de coherencia interna y externa en el diseño e implementación de los PFC. Los resultados indican que el documento debe considerar diferentes concepciones del concepto de ciudadanía, abarcando aspectos cívicos y civiles, así como etapas específicas para su diseño, implementación y evaluación. Además, se destacan características relevantes como la interdisciplinariedad, la interestamentalidad y la trayectoria educativa. El plan de acción incluye etapas de problematización, diseño de investigación, recopilación de datos, análisis y propuesta de orientaciones para el rediseño e implementación del PFC, basados en un plan de levantamiento de información y sesiones de trabajo colaborativo de todos los actoreseducativos. Se utilizó una metodología cualitativa y un diseño de estudio de caso. En resumen, la investigación subraya la importancia de un enfoque integral y contextualizado en la formación ciudadana, sugiriendo que los PFC deben ser diseñados y evaluados de manera coherente y participativa para asegurar su efectividad y relevancia en los distintos entornos educativos.Palabras clave: formación ciudadana, currículum, diseño, implementación, evaluación.
Financial Reporting Revolution: How it Integration Drives Efficiency and Accuracy
Authors: Kipilimba Theobald Francis
Published: August 2024

Aims: This study investigated the transformative impact of IT integration on financial reporting, examining how organizations leverage advanced technologies to streamline operations, enhance data accuracy, and improve strategic decision-making.
Methodology: Through a quantitative analysis of 100 respondents representing diverse sectors, including manufacturing, finance, healthcare, IT, retail, and others, this research explored key indicators such as reduction in manual errors, improvement in coordination and collaboration, and effectiveness of training programs post-IT integration.
Results: Findings revealed a significant reduction in manual errors, with 60% of respondents reporting a notable decrease, attributing it to automated data validation and streamlined workflows. Moreover, 40% of participants note a significant improvement in coordination and collaboration across departments, facilitated by centralized data access and real-time communication tools. The study also highlighted the effectiveness of training initiatives, with 75% of respondents indicating moderate to very effective outcomes in preparing teams to utilize new IT systems proficiently. Despite these advancements, challenges such as system integration complexities and varying levels of user satisfaction remain prevalent. Approximately 15% of respondents reported no significant change in operational efficiency post-IT integration, citing issues related to data integration and system compatibility. Furthermore, while 45% expressed satisfaction with IT integration, 10% remained neutral or dissatisfied, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support and continuous improvement in maximizing the benefits of IT integration.
Conclusion: The integration of IT systems has significantly enhanced efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting across various industries, as evidenced by the majority of respondents who reported improvements in areas such as time efficiency, cost effectiveness, accuracy of reporting, and strategic decision-making. Real-time reporting capabilities enabled by advanced IT systems have empowered organizations to respond swiftly to market changes, optimize resource allocation, and make informed strategic decisions.
The Status of Implementation of the Reviewed Uganda Lower Secondary Curriculum: The Teachers’ Perspective
Authors: Chemutai Barasa Mercy , Ssentamu Proscovia Namubiru , Kurgat Susan J. , Chang’ach John K.
Published: August 2024

The Uganda lower secondary curriculum underwent critical review following concerns of an obsolete, subject-centered and examination-oriented curriculum that did not meet the 21st Century needs. Consequently, a Competence-Based Curriculum was developed and rolled out for implementation in January 2020. This article presents the status of the implementation of the curriculum through an exploration of the concerns of Ugandan secondary school teachers about this transition. The Concerns-Based Adoption Model offers an a priori theoretical framework through which the concerns of these teachers are analysed. 383 teachers from selected Ugandan Government secondary schools were interrogated regarding their experiences with the implementation of the CBC by use of a structured questionnaire. Their qualitative responses were compiled into a database and analysed using content analysis. Results indicate that the curriculum is perceived positively by majority of the teachers. However, management, informational, and refocusing concerns were most prevalent among the teachers. The insufficiency of instructional materials; poor infrastructure; large student to teacher ratios; lack of access to technological devices; and poor or no internet connection in secondary schools presents a serious bottleneck to the effective implementation of the lower secondary curriculum. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education and its affiliate agencies address the resource scarcity, conduct focused teacher trainings, and establish feedback mechanisms with teachers to achieve the overall objectives of the reviewed curriculum.
In-vitro Repair Ability of DNA Damage by Anethum graveolens L. Aqueous Extract Using Comet Assay
Authors: Elhaddad Nagat S. , Khatab Hoda A. , Habib Ibrahim H. I.
Published: August 2024

Aim: the objective stated to assess the geno-repair ability of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) aqueous extract against DNA damage caused by potassium bromate, a food additive.
Study Design: project has been done at Botany Department, Omer AL-Mukhtar University, Libya. Period from February to August 2023. 
Methodology: Alkaline Comet assay was performed on whole blood samples of Ten, young healthy, non-smoking donors.
Results: current data showed that potassium bromate can significantly increase DNA damage after the application of selected doses 1, 1.5, and 2.5µg/ml of KBrO3. In male cells, high significant differences between the control and KBrO3 treated group were achieved, 0.5, 10.64, 29.64, and 82.66% are the averages of Comet DNA for control, low, middle, and higher doses of potassium bromate respectively. Also, 2.8, 8.18, 12.13, and 59.34% were attained in female lymphocytes. Whereas, the aqueous extract of dill significantly repairs the DNA impairment by declining the tail extent toward the control lymphocytes of both genders. The parameters illustrate that dill aqueous extract when applied as protective in males and females (11.88 and 10.5%) was significantly more effective than therapeutic (24.93 and 14.4 %) respectively. Total antioxidant content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity via IC50 value, total phenolic and total flavonoid content of dill extract were measured. The IC50 value was 67.2μg/ml compared to positive control, ascorbic acid (42.80μg/ml). Total antioxidant expressed in percentage was 62.0%, 70.2mg/g of dry weight of extract found to be the total phenolic content and the total flavonoid value was 72.0 mg/g. KBrO3 was determined in bread samples collected from fifteen bakeries at Al-Bayda and Shahat cities, quantities more than the lowest amount that allowed by the FDA and WHO by Ten to several hundred folds.
Conclusion: The findings indicate the potential genotoxicity of KBrO3 to human health because of the DNA damage achieved. Whereas, dill extract has a good anti-genotoxic effect against potassium bromate.
Population Dynamics of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and its Natural Enemies Maize in India
Authors: Bohini Shreya , Sree K. Vani , Upendhar S.
Published: August 2024

The studies on seasonal incidence of Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) on Maize in India was carried out at Maize research centre Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during Rabi 2022-23. The correlation studies revealed that the percent infestation of FAW was found to be negatively significant with maximum temperatures (-0.491*) and positively significant with morning relative humidity (0.565*). Correlation of natural enemies (coccinellids, spiders, earwigs) with weather parameters (Maximum temperature, Minimum temperature, Relative humidity during morning and evening) revealed that coccinellids, spiders and earwigs were found to be positively significant with maximum temperature and spiders found to be negatively significant with evening relative humidity. They were found to be non-significant with remaining parameters.
Dry Matter Accumulation and Biomass Partitioning of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as Influenced by Genotypes and Sulphur Levels
Authors: Monika  , Dhaka A. K. , Singh Bhagat , Kamal  , Prakash Ram , Aarzoo
Published: August 2024

Groundnut is an important oilseed crop and belongs to the family Fabaceae. However, the productivity of groundnut in India is less as compared to average productivity of the world. Variety is a key factor that affects the development, productivity, and quality of groundnut. The main cause of the low groundnut production is an unbalanced and insufficient usage of nutrients. Because groundnut is a legume-oilseed crop, it has a high phosphorus, calcium, and Sulphur demand. Therefore, this field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2023 at Crop Physiology Field Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four genotypes (G1-MH 4, G2-HNG 10, G3-HNG 69 and G4- GNH 804) in main plots and four sulphur levels (S1-Control, S2-20 kg S/ha, S3-40 kg S/ha and S4-60 kg S/ha) in sub-plots with three replications. The results revealed that among genotypes GNH 804 recorded significantly higher total dry matter accumulation and its partitioning into different plant parts at different growth stages in groundnut. This was followed by HNG 69. Among the sulphur levels, the 60 kg S/ha treatment recorded the highest dry matter accumulation, and this was closely followed by the sulphur level 40 kg S/ha. So, to obtain higher total dry matter accumulation and its partitioning, the genotype GNH 804 may be fertilized with 40 kg S/ha.
The State-of-the-Art Review on Wind and Photovoltaic Solar Hybrid Renewable Energy and Its Impending Potential in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Chambalile M. , Su B. , Illo F.
Published: August 2024

Hybrid renewable energy, combining wind and solar sources, is crucial globally, notably in Africa, addressing electricity shortages and complementing each other's performance. However, both sources are intermittent, challenging grids without sufficient storage capacity. Many countries invest in these systems for sustainable electricity, especially in rural Africa. This paper reviews Photovoltaic solar and wind hybrid systems, analysing integration, opportunities, and technologies for enhanced energy output. It examines design, technologies, and policies from the last decade, with case studies from Kenya, South Africa, and China, and forecasts developments in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Development and Evaluation of Naproxen Sodium loaded Eudragit L-100 Nanocarrier by Emulsification Diffusion Method
Authors: Arafat Md.Yeasin , Nijhu Rajia Sultana
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this work is to use the practical Emulsification Diffusion Method (EDM) to reduce the particle size to the nanometer range. The application of carefully engineered materials at this length scale to create new therapeutic and diagnostic modalities is the field of nanomedicine, which unites nanotechnology and medicine.  Eudragit L 100, a polymeric carrier that is frequently used, was prepared into nanometer-sized particles using the emulsification–diffusion method (EDM).  It is necessary to choose the right drug or API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient).  So, naproxen Sodium was chosen as a model drug. The procedure involves adding too much water after emulsifying a drug and polymer solution in an aqueous phase that has been saturated with stabilizer. Investigations into how process variables affect the average size of nanoparticles have been carried out. It was made obvious that the kind and concentrations of stabilizer, the speed at which the magnetic stirrer homogenizes, and the polymer concentration all affected the size of the nanoparticles. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a surfactant, Naproxen Sodium with Eudragit L 100 nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm was obtained using a Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) test.  It was discovered that the addition of medications and luminosity did not significantly alter the nanocarrier's morphology. Because of their large surface area and integration of medication, nanocarriers are more effective. The effectiveness of the Emulsification Diffusion Method for enhancing nanoscale particle size reduction is investigated in the study that is being presented.  The Eudragit L 100 nanoparticles were found to vary in size from 1 to 100 nm, confirming the particle size data and demonstrating that the Emulsification Diffusion Method (EDM) is an appropriate technique for the development of the nanocarrier.
Genetic Variability and Character Association Studies on Yield Attributing and Grain Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Vallala Greeshma , Kumar J. Aravind , Mohan Y. Chandra , Rathod Santosha
Published: August 2024

Aim: The present investigation was undertaken with 49 genotypes to study variability and genetic parameters in addition to character association and path effects of yield, yield attributing and quality traits.
Design: Simple lattice design with two replications.
Place of study: Forty-nine genotypes were sown at IIRR Farm at ICRISAT, Hyderabad during Kharif season 2023.
Methodology: The data was collected for all the genotypes and evaluated for variability, correlation and path coefficient studies.
Results: High range of variation and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean was recorded for days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, productive tillers plant-1, test weight, LB ratio, water uptake, kernel length after cooking, zinc content and iron content. Correlation revealed that the grain yield was positively correlated with days to 50% flowering, productive tillers plant-1, LB ratio and iron content, meanwhile plant height, test weight, head rice recovery, kernel length, kernel breadth, water uptake, volume expansion ratio, amylose content, kernel length after cooking, elongation ratio and zinc content were found to be negatively correlated. Path analysis identified that iron content exerted the highest direct positive effect on grain yield plant-1 followed by kernel length and productive tillers plant-1, indicating that selection for these characters is likely to bring about on overall improvement in grain yield directly.
Conclusion: The study found adequate genetic variability, with high heritability and additive gene action in certain traits. The prime selection indices include days to 50% flowering, productive tillers plant-1, LB ratio, kernel length, and iron content. These parameters should be given priority in rice breeding programs for high grain yield and quality traits.
Analysis of Internal and External Factors Affecting Tax Aggressiveness in The Healthcare Sector Companies
Authors: Toly Agus Arianto
Published: August 2024

This study aims to examine the influence of internal factors (management compensation and company liquidity) and external factors (tax consultant variable) on tax aggressiveness. Using multiple regression analysis, the hypothesis testing results based on 116 panel data observations from the healthcare sector companies listed in the IDX between 2019-2022 indicate that all variables have an impact on the tax aggressiveness of the company, with less consistent directions of influence, especially for company liquidity and tax consultant. Those independent variables influence tax aggressiveness positively, indicating that the more liquid the company and more tax consultants it hires, the higher its aggressiveness. These results were robust to the alternative models of the tax aggressiveness, which each of the independent variables were placed in the models. The practical implication of this study is that tax aggressiveness behavior will not only be triggered by internal factors, but it is possible to be affected by external ones.
Spatial and seasonal patterns in urban influence on regional concentrations of speciated aerosols across the United States
Authors: Hand J. L. , Schichtel B. A. , Malm W. C. , Pitchford M. , Frank N. H.
Published: October 2014

Monthly, seasonal, and annual mean estimates of urban influence on regional concentrations of major aerosol species were computed using speciated aerosol data from the rural IMPROVE network (Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency's urban Chemical Speciation Network for the 2008 through 2011 period. Aggregated for sites across the continental United States, the annual mean and one standard error in urban excess (defined as the ratio of urban to nearby rural concentrations) was highest for elemental carbon (3.3 ± 0.2), followed by ammonium nitrate (2.5 ± 0.2), particulate organic matter (1.78 ± 0.08), and ammonium sulfate (1.23 ± 0.03). The seasonal variability in urban excess was significant for carbonaceous aerosols and ammonium nitrate in the West, in contrast to the low seasonal variability in the urban influence of ammonium sulfate. Generally for all species, higher excess values in the West were associated with localized urban sources while in the East excess was more regional in extent. In addition, higher excess values in the western United States in winter were likely influenced not only by differences in sources but also by combined meteorological and topographic effects. This work has implications for understanding the spatial heterogeneity of major aerosol species near the interface of urban and rural regions and therefore for designing appropriate air quality management strategies. In addition, the spatial patterns in speciated mass concentrations provide constraints for regional and global models.
Exploring Excited‐State Tunability in Luminescent Tris‐cyclometalated Platinum(IV) Complexes: Synthesis of Heteroleptic Derivatives and Computational Calculations
Authors: Juliá Fabio , Aullón Gabriel , Bautista Delia , González‐Herrero Pablo
Published: October 2014

The synthesis, structure, electrochemistry, and photophysical properties of a series of heteroleptic tris‐ cyclometalated PtIV complexes are reported. The complexes mer‐[Pt(C^N)2(C′^N′)]OTf, with C^N=C‐deprotonated 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)pyridine (dfppy) or 2‐phenylpyridine (ppy), and C′^N′=C‐deprotonated 2‐(2‐thienyl)pyridine (thpy) or 1‐phenylisoquinoline (piq), were obtained by reacting bis‐ cyclometalated precursors [Pt(C^N)2Cl2] with AgOTf (2 equiv) and an excess of the N′^C′H pro‐ligand. The complex mer‐[Pt(dfppy)2(ppy)]OTf was obtained analogously and photoisomerized to its fac counterpart. The new complexes display long‐lived luminescence at room temperature in the blue to orange color range. The emitting states involve electronic transitions almost exclusively localized on the ligand with the lowest π–π* energy gap and have very little metal character. DFT and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations on mer‐[Pt(ppy)2(C′^N′)]+ (C′^N′=thpy, piq) and mer/fac‐[Pt(ppy)3]+ support this assignment and provide a basis for the understanding of the luminescence of tris‐cyclometalated PtIV complexes. Excited states of LMCT character may become thermally accessible from the emitting state in the mer isomers containing dfppy or ppy as chromophoric ligands, leading to strong nonradiative deactivation. This effect does not operate in the fac isomers or the mer complexes containing thpy or piq, for which nonradiative deactivation originates mainly from vibrational coupling to the ground state.
Low interobserver agreement in cytology grading of mucinous pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Sigel Carlie S. , Edelweiss Marcia , Tong Leung Chu , Magda Joanna , Oen Handy , Sigel Keith M. , Zakowski Maureen F.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Identifying high‐grade features in patients with pancreatic mucinous neoplasms (MNs) is important for patient management. The reproducibility of MN cytology grading has been evaluated to a limited extent. In the current study, the authors evaluated interobserver variability in grading MNs and the identification of neoplastic mucin in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration specimens.

METHODS

A 54‐case grading set was created from histologically confirmed MNs (44 MNs) and nonmucinous lesions with abundant gastrointestinal contamination (10 nonmucinous lesions). Six observers received a tutorial, reviewed prescreened slides, and recorded: 1) a diagnosis according to a 6‐tiered system (TS) (nondiagnostic, atypical [ATP], mucinous cyst low grade [MCLG], mucinous cyst high grade, suspicious for adenocarcinoma, and positive for adenocarcinoma); 2) the cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen diagnosis (CEADX); and 3) the presence of neoplastic musin. Interobserver agreement (IOA) was evaluated by calculation of kappa coefficients (Kappa). Diagnostic accuracy was not evaluated.

RESULTS

The IOA was lowest for the 6‐TS (Kappa, 0.13; P<.001). The CEADX was available for 18 cases (33%), including 6 of 24 MCLG cases (25%). CEADX modestly improved IOA for combined tiers of the 6‐TS with ATP and MCLG as separate categories. The highest IOA was noted with a 3‐TS (nondiagnostic, ATP/MCLG, and mucinous cyst high grade/suspicious for adenocarcinoma/positive for adenocarcinoma [Kappa, 0.28; P<.001]) and various 4‐TS (Kappa, 0.22‐0.23). IOA was found to be low for neoplastic mucin (Kappa = 0.15; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a study using simulated cytology practice, observers demonstrated fair IOA for grading MNs and low IOA for identifying neoplastic mucin. Knowledge of the cyst fluid CEA level was found to modestly improve the IOA for low‐grade lesions. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:40–50. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis of One‐Dimensional Copper Sulfide Nanorods as High‐Performance Anode in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xue , He Xinyi , Shi Chunmei , Liu Bo , Zhang Yiyong , Wu Shunqing , Zhu Zizong , Zhao Jinbao
Published: October 2014

Nanorod‐like CuS and Cu2S have been fabricated by a hydrothermal approach without using any surfactant and template. The electrochemical behavior of CuS and Cu2S nanorod anodes for lithium‐ion batteries reveal that they exhibit stable lithium‐ion insertion/extraction reversibility and outstanding rate capability. Both of the electrodes exhibit excellent capacity retentions irrespective of the rate used, even at a high current density of 3200 mA g−1. More than 370 mAh g−1 can be retained for the CuS electrode and 260 mAh g−1 for the Cu2S electrode at the high current rate. After 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1, the obtained CuS and Cu2S electrodes show discharge capacities of 472 and 313 mAh g−1 with retentions of 92 % and 96 %, respectively. Together with the simplicity of fabrication and good electrochemical properties, CuS and Cu2S nanorods are promising anode materials for practical use the next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries.
Application of step‐backwater modelling for salmonid spawning habitat restoration in Western Norway
Authors: Hauer Christoph , Pulg Ulrich , Gabrielsen Sven‐Erik , Barlaup Bjørn T.
Published: October 2014

In the last decade, anthropogenically impacted (partially destroyed) spawning habitats of Atlantic salmon and anadromous brown trout have been restored in Western Norway. Mitigation measures have consisted of artificial gravel dumping and the restoration of fluvial processes induced by the removal of weirs. Reproduction enhancement has been documented in most cases, but the durability of restoration actions varied because of the flush out of spawning gravel in some cases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the application of step‐backwater modelling for a bimodal analysis of spawning suitability during low‐flow conditions and bed stability during high‐flow conditions. A successful model would provide a management tool to reach longer durability of spawning restoration measures. Five different study sites were selected: Three were classified as ‘lake outlet’ and two as ‘river’ sites. We performed a detailed analysis of the Froude number (−), cross‐sectional flow velocity (m s−1), and bottom shear stress (N m−2). This allowed site‐specific power functions to be established in relation to discharge variations from 10 to 250 m3 s−1. Friction slope Sf was determined as the trigger factor for both habitat suitability (Sf < 0.05) and bed stability (Sf < 0.002). Within the framework of a conceptual model (friction slope approach) for discharge‐related spawning habitat restoration, flow velocity exhibited better performance in addressing habitat suitability compared with the Froude number. Moreover, it was found that the consideration of geological long‐term and macroscale processes for artificial gravel dumping is recommended, including the application of the ‘critical discharge for spawning gravel’. The increase in active width for ‘lake outlet’ sites and the self‐forming implementation of secondary channels in ‘river’ reaches must be highlighted as optional restoration features. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transformation of silicon species contained in used oils under industrially relevant alkali treatment conditions
Authors: Kupareva Antonina , Mäki‐Arvela Päivi , Grénman Henrik , Eränen Kari , Hemming Jarl , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

In the lube oil re‐refining industry silicon, coming mainly from antifoaming agents, is recognized to be a contaminant generating undesired solid deposits. The behavior of the hydrogen‐terminated model compound, tetramethyldisiloxane, under base‐catalyzed conditions was investigated at 100 °C in dodecane as the solvent with sodium siloxanolate as an alkali agent.

RESULTS

The use of sodium siloxanolates led to high reaction rates and selectivity to the liquid products. Experiments with an industrially relevant silicon‐containing substrate, namely silicone‐based antifoam agent showed that its transformation in the presence of 33 wt% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide resulted in 80% yield of solid sodium siloxanolates, whereas, when sodium siloxanolate was used as an initial alkali agent, no solid products were formed.

CONCLUSIONS

Experimental results demonstrated that under alkali treatment conditions silicon‐containing species existing in real industrial feedstock undergo transformation reactions, with formation of solid sodium siloxanolates. It was found that the use of sodium siloxanolate as an alkali agent could significantly increase the rate of polydimethylsiloxane depolymerization reaction and completely eliminate formation of the undesired solids under industrially relevant conditions. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The quality assurance of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for early stage prostate cancer: a technical note
Authors: Elith Craig A. , Dempsey Shane E. , Cao Fred , Farshadi Afrooz , Warren‐Forward Helen M.
Published: October 2014

As radiation therapy transitions from intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) it is important to consider the quality assurance (QA) of VMAT plans in light of what has previously been learned and developed in IMRT QA. This technical note assesses if IMRT based plan QA software, which has reduced the need in IMRT for phantom dose measurements on the linear accelerator, can be incorporated into VMAT QA processes. Twenty prostate cases were retrospectively planned using VMAT with one arc to deliver a prescription of 74 Gy in 37 fractions. A plan QA was performed using both IMSure (version 3.3), a software‐based IMRT QA program, and ArcCHECK (version 6.2.3.5713), a phantom‐based VMAT QA tool. Outcomes assessed included the time needed to perform the QA of both the IMSure and ArcCHECK QA methods, and agreement between planned dose and QA measured dose. On average per case, the ArcCHECK technique needed 31.5 min to perform the VMAT plan QA, while IMSure required 3.5 min to perform the same QA. All 20 cases passed dosimetric QA using ArcCHECK. However, using IMSure, three cases failed dosimetric QA using the departments existing IMRT QA criteria. This research has demonstrated that the IMRT QA software IMSure may be incorporated into the QA of VMAT plans, however the criteria to assess the dosimetry of the VMAT plans may need to be different to that for IMRT cases. The implication of this research for radiation therapists is to be critically aware of the differences between the plan QA requirements and methods for IMRT and those required for VMAT.
Increased TRPP2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells from high‐salt intake hypertensive rats: The crucial role in vascular dysfunction
Authors: Zhao Ren , Zhou Muyao , Li Jie , Wang Xia , Su Kunli , Hu Juncheng , Ye Yong , Zhu Jinhang , Zhang Gongliang , Wang Kai , Du Juan , Wang Liecheng , Shen Bing
Published: October 2014

Scope

High‐salt intake is a major risk factor in the development of hypertension. The underlying mechanism of high sodium on the cardiovascular system has received extensive attention. TRPP2 (Polycystin‐2) is a Ca2+ permeable nonselective cation channel that mediates Ca2+ mobilization to control vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contraction. Here, we investigated TRPP2 expression change in VSMCs from high‐salt intake hypertensive rats and role of TRPP2 in the development of high‐salt diet‐induced hypertension.

Methods and results

After 4 ws of dietary treatment, systolic blood pressure was significantly elevated in high‐salt intake rats (132 ± 3 mmHg) compared with regular diet control rats (104 ± 2 mmHg). Results from vessel tension and diameter measurements show that high‐salt intake potentiated phenylephrine‐induced contraction in denuded mesenteric artery and thoracic aorta. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence data indicate that TRPP2 expression in VSMCs from mesenteric artery and thoracic aorta was significantly increased in high‐salt intake‐induced hypertensive rats. However, agonist‐induced contractions in denuded mesenteric artery and thoracic aorta were markedly decreased if TRPP2 was knocked down by specific shRNA.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that high‐salt intake increased TRPP2 expression in VSMCs, which in turn potentiated blood vessel response to contractors; this may participate in the development of hypertension.
Moisture dynamics in wall paintings monitored by single‐sided NMR
Authors: Oligschläger D. , Waldow S. , Haber A. , Zia W. , Blümich B.
Published: October 2014

The durability of historic wall paintings is highly dependent on environmental influences such as moisture ingress, salt crystallization and temperature changes. A fundamental understanding of dynamic transport processes in wall paintings is necessary to apply suitable conservation and restoration methods to preserve such objects with high cultural value. Non‐invasive, mobile‐NMR techniques with single‐sided sensors, such as the NMR‐MOUSE®, enable to monitor the moisture content, transport and apparent diffusion constants in wall paintings. We investigated this technique by experiment and modeling to correlate salt crystallization, moisture transport and local diffusion in wall‐painting samples. Moreover, the influence of different painting techniques (fresco and secco) and conservation/consolidation methods on moisture transport and diffusion is discussed. The results are compared with results from field measurements on real fresco paintings in Casa del Salone Nero and the Villa of the Papyri, Herculaneum, Italy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adapt or Die: Three Case Studies in Which the Failure to Adopt Advances from Other Fields has Compromised Paleopathology
Authors: Zuckerman M. K. , Harper K. N. , Armelagos G. J.
Published: October 2014

Over the past several decades, the field of paleopathology has rapidly advanced, but a continuing delay in incorporating scientific advances and a lack of methodological rigor hinder its progress. Inconsistencies in the presentation of data, the persistent use of non‐standardized criteria and non‐specific skeletal lesions to diagnose diseases, and the misuse of or delay in adopting critical, relevant concepts and methods from other disciplines obfuscate the current state of evidence and unnecessarily prolong debates. Here, we present three major research questions that have been affected by these issues: the origin and antiquity of syphilis in the Old World; the pathogen responsible for the Black Death; and whether the incidence of cancer has risen in recent human history. Drawing on these examples, we conclude with recommendations that could facilitate a more rigorous, scientific approach to important questions in paleopathology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineering for disease resistance: persistent obstacles clouding tangible opportunities
Authors: Mullins Ewen
Published: October 2014

The accelerating pace of gene discovery, coupled with novel plant breeding technologies, provides tangible opportunities with which to engineer disease resistance into agricultural and horticultural crops. This is especially the case for potato, wheat, apple and banana, which are afflicted with fungal and bacterial diseases that impact significantly on each crop's economic viability. Yet public scepticism and burdensome regulatory systems remain the two primary obstacles preventing the translation of research discoveries into cultivars of agronomic value. In this perspective review, the potential to address these issues is explained, and specific opportunities arising from recent genomics‐based initiatives are highlighted as clear examples of what can be achieved in respect of developing disease resistance in crop species. There is an urgent need to tackle the challenge of agrichemical dependency in current crop production systems, and, while engineering for disease resistance is possible, it is not the sole solution and should not be proclaimed as so. Instead, all systems must be given due consideration, with none dismissed in the absence of science‐based support, thereby ensuring that future cropping systems have the necessary advantage over those pathogens that continue to inflict losses year after year. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Flupyradifurone: a brief profile of a new butenolide insecticide
Authors: Nauen Ralf , Jeschke Peter , Velten Robert , Beck Michael E , Ebbinghaus‐Kintscher Ulrich , Thielert Wolfgang , Wölfel Katharina , Haas Matthias , Kunz Klaus , Raupach Georg
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

The development and commercialisation of new chemical classes of insecticides for efficient crop protection measures against destructive invertebrate pests is of utmost importance to overcome resistance issues and to secure sustainable crop yields. Flupyradifurone introduced here is the first representative of the novel butenolide class of insecticides active against various sucking pests and showing an excellent safety profile.

RESULTS

The discovery of flupyradifurone was inspired by the butenolide scaffold in naturally occurring stemofoline. Flupyradifurone acts reversibly as an agonist on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors but is structurally different from known agonists, as shown by chemical similarity analysis. It shows a fast action on a broad range of sucking pests, as demonstrated in laboratory bioassays, and exhibits excellent field efficacy on a number of crops with different application methods, including foliar, soil, seed treatment and drip irrigation. It is readily taken up by plants and translocated in the xylem, as demonstrated by phosphor imaging analysis. Flupyradifurone is active on resistant pests, including cotton whiteflies, and is not metabolised by recombinantly expressed CYP6CM1, a cytochrome P450 conferring metabolic resistance to neonicotinoids and pymetrozine.

CONCLUSION

The novel butenolide insecticide flupyradifurone shows unique properties and will become a new tool for integrated pest management around the globe, as demonstrated by its insecticidal, ecotoxicological and safety profile. © 2014 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Raman microscopy as a defect microprobe for hydrogen bonding characterization in materials used in fusion applications
Authors: Pardanaud Cédric , Addab Younès , Martin Céline , Roubin Pascale , Pegourié Bernard , Oberkofler Martin , Köppen Martin , Dittmar Timo , Linsmeier Christian
Published: October 2014

We present the Raman microscopy ability to detect and characterize the way hydrogen is bonded with elements that will be used for ITER's plasma facing components.

For this purpose we first use hydrogenated amorphous carbon samples, formed subsequently to plasma‐wall interactions (hydrogen implantation, erosion, deposition...) occurring inside tokamaks, to demonstrate how this technique can be used to retrieve useful information. We pay attention in identifying which spectroscopic parameters are sensitive to the local structure (sp3/sp2) and which gives information on the hydrogen content using isothermal and linear temperature ramp studies on reference samples produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. We then focus on the possibility to use this fast, non‐destructive and non‐contact technique to characterize the influence of hydrogen isotope implantation in few nanometers of graphite and beryllium as C is still used in the JT‐60 tokamak and Be is used in JET and will be used as plasma‐facing component in the future reactor ITER. We also pay attention on implantation in tungsten oxide which may be formed accidently in the machine. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Improving the modelling of short‐wave radiation through the use of a 3D scene construction algorithm
Authors: Ham Seung‐Hee , Kato Seiji , Barker Howard W. , Rose Fred G. , Sun‐Mack Sunny
Published: October 2014

Active satellite sensors, such as Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) and CloudSat, provide cloud properties that are not available from passive sensors, such as MODerate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). While active sensors provide vertical profiles of clouds, their spatial coverage is limited to their narrow, nadir ground‐track. As a result, estimation of radiation by combining active sensors and broadband instrument has limitations due to their different spatial coverages. This study uses a scene construction algorithm (SCA) and MODIS data to extend two‐dimensional (2D) nadir cloud profiles into the cross‐track direction, and examines how the resulting constructed 3D cloud fields improve simulation of solar radiative transfer. Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) radiances are used as references to assess the improvements.

While use of constructed 3D cloud fields only slightly impacts mean‐bias errors for instantaneous 20 km CERES footprint‐averaged top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) radiances, reductions in random errors are about 40%. The largest improvements in TOA radiance simulation are for clouds with small‐scale horizontal inhomogeneity such as stratocumulus and cumulus. In contrast, uniform clouds such as nimbostratus, and deep convective clouds (Dc) show little response to the SCA. The impact of using the SCA on instantaneous surface irradiances is significant for stratocumulus and cumulus, but weak for nimbostratus and Dc. Conversely, SCA significantly influences atmospheric absorption and heating rates for nimbostratus and Dc.

Differences in TOA radiances simulated by 1D and 3D transfer models are smaller than differences due to use of only the 2D nadir cross‐sections and the 3D constructed fields. This is because of smoothing of 3D radiative effects when averaged up to CERES footprints. For surface irradiance and atmospheric absorption, however, differences simulated by 1D and 3D transfer models are more comparable to differences that stem from use of 2D and 3D cloud information.
A novel adaptive robust control architecture for bilateral teleoperation systems under time‐varying delays
Authors: Chen Zheng , Pan Ya‐Jun , Gu Jason
Published: October 2014

Bilateral teleoperation technology has caused wide attentions due to its applications in various remote operation systems. The communication delay becomes one of the main challenging issues in the teleoperation control design. Meanwhile, various nonlinearities, parameter variations, and modeling uncertainties existing in manipulator and environment dynamics need to be considered carefully in order to achieve good control performance. In this paper, a globally stable nonlinear adaptive robust control algorithm is developed for bilateral teleoperation systems to deal with these control issues. Namely, the unknown dynamical parameters of the environmental force are estimated online by the improved least square adaptation law. A novel communication structure is proposed where only the master position signal is transmitted to the slave side for the tracking design, and the online estimators of the environmental parameters are transmitted from the slave to the master to replace the traditional environmental force measurement. Because the estimated environmental parameters are not power signals, the passivity problem of the communication channel and the trade‐off limitation between the transparency performance and robust stability in traditional teleoperation control are essentially avoided. The nonlinear adaptive robust control is subsequently developed to deal with nonlinearities, unknown parameters, and modeling uncertainties of the master, slave, and environmental dynamics, so that the guaranteed transient and steady‐state transparency performance can be achieved. The experiments on two voice‐coil motor‐driven manipulators are carried out, and the comparative results verify that the proposed control algorithm achieves the excellent control performance and the guaranteed robust stability simultaneously under time delays. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme: should we throw the flagship out with the bathwater?
Authors: Branger Frédéric , Lecuyer Oskar , Quirion Philippe
Published: October 2014

The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), presented as the ‘flagship’ of European climate policy, is subject to many criticisms from different stakeholders: it neither reduce carbon emissions nor generates enough low‐carbon innovation; it induces competitiveness losses and carbon leakage; its distributional effects are unfair; and, finally; it is susceptible to fraud. We review these criticisms and recognize that abatement is real (though small), innovation is insufficient, competitiveness losses and carbon leakage did not seem to take place, distributional effects have indeed been unfair, and fraud has been important. Some of these problems could have been avoided. They can still be corrected by reforming the ETS through the introduction of price limits and by developing complementary policies, both because the ETS reform may fail and because the ETS cannot address all the relevant market failures. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:9–16. doi: 10.1002/wcc.326

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics > Economics of Mitigation

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance