bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When means become ends: technology producing values
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn
Published: December 2021

Technology has become the symbol of our culture.  The claim that we are subject to a technological imperative is therefore a fundamental cultural critique: we do not control technology, rather technology controls us. An alternative way to formulate this is to claim that technology cannot be “made down” when it is made up; we just have to make the best of it. Accordingly, it has been argued that technology has evolved from being merely a means to becoming an end in itself. This article investigates this claim by analyzing the relationship between technology and values. The examples stem from the technologies of medicine and weapons because they clarify this relationship. It is argued that technology relates to values in two ways. Technology both raises general questions about values and it is value-laden due to its very function. However, although technology is value-laden, it does not necessarily give an imperative mandate. One reason for this lies in our responsibility. We are inevitably responsible for all aspects of technology, i.e. development, construction, production, commercialization, implementation, and use. Referring to a technological imperative to explain and defend our decisions with respect to technology constitutes an unjustified renunciation of our own responsibility. Hence, the article tries to underscore our responsibility by developing a technological axiology.
Enhancing engagement, enjoyment and learning experiences through gamification on an English course for health care students
Authors: Korkealehto Kirsi , Siklander Pirkko
Published: December 2021

Student engagement in traditional learning environments is in decline resulting in decreased learning results and lack of engagement. Gamification is one option to trigger interest and enhance engagement in learning activities. Aim of this study was to investigate the potential of gamified course design in language learning from students’ perspective. Particularly, we explored students’ experiences of engagement, enjoyability and language learning. Theoretical framework consists of process of interest and engagement, and gamification in language learning. Language learning is understood through socio-cultural and ecological approaches.

The research was conducted and data were collected at a 3-credit field-specific English course. The participants (N = 23) were 1st-year healthcare students conducting their studies with a blended learning approach. The used applications were Seppo, Kahoot, Padlet and Quizlet. The data includes students’ learning diaries and a post-course on-line questionnaire. The diaries and the open questions of the questionnaire were analysed according to content analysis method.

The results suggest that gamified course design and related applications can enhance student engagement, foster language learning, and offer positive learning experiences.  However, there are differences between gamified applications. Supporting collaboration and creating positive atmosphere are important in gamified learning process. Implications for teachers are discussed.
A long way? Introducing digitized historical newspapers in school, a case study from Finland
Authors: Matres García del Pino Inés
Published: December 2021

Newspapers help teachers to connect their classes with the real world. Their role in education is widely researched, but the use of historical newspapers has attracted little attention. Using social practice theory, this article examines the practices they enable, and how such practices relate to the skills and knowledge upper-secondary students are expected to acquire in school. These questions are pertinent today, as the digitization of newspaper heritage is generalizing access to materials traditionally considered for scholarly research. My approach is ethnographic, involving in-depth interviews, focus-group discussion, and participant observation. The teachers’ accounts motivated me to consider the tradition of using newspapers in school. The class projects demonstrated that historical newspapers reflect attributes that make present-day newspapers popular. Closer examination of students’ work demonstrated that the digital library that houses historical newspapers facilitated and constrained the students’ freedom and capacity to go deep when conducting research. The main finding is that historical documents can support the students’ digital skills. By considering digitization and preservation processes of media heritage, the scope of media education can be widened from its focus on production and consumption. In practice, a better understanding of these materials, will help educators give adequate guidelines to their students.
Preschoolers Learning with the Internet of Toys: From Toy-Based Edutainment to Transmedia Literacy
Authors: Heljakka Katriina , Ihamäki Pirita
Published: December 2021

The Internet of Toys (IoToys) as an emerging type of edutainment presents a new research area, especially in the context of learning. This study investigates four connected toys played with in the preschool context. By turning to preschool-aged children and their educators observed and interviewed during and after a play test and group interview session, we study how the educational value of IoToys is actualized in a play situation in an early learning environment. In order for IoToys to work as tools in toy-based learning in the preschool context, we suggest that educators acknowledge the engagement with these toys as a form of transmedia play which demands transmedia literacy skills.
The challenges and opportunities of using 360-degree video technology in online lecturing: A case study in higher education business studies
Authors: Hyttinen Mikko , Hatakka Olli
Published: December 2021

Novel technologies can offer many benefits for learning and teaching and employ the constructivist learning theories and pedagogical methods. Using online video streaming the students can be present at the lecture even if they are not physically present at the classroom. 360 video technology allows the user to monitor the learning environment extensively from wider angle than usual camera technology. When using this technology in education it may also pose didactic or pedagogical challenges to the teacher and lead to the rejection of otherwise usable technologies. In this study, we explore the opportunities and challenges associated with using 360 video technology in learning. What didactical and pedagogical challenges are associated to the use of this technology and how these challenges can be overcome? In this study the 360 video technology was tested with business students in higher education settings and students opinions about the usefulness of the technology was inquired. Addition the teacher’s experiences was used in analyzing the challenges and opportunities. From students point of view it was in particular interesting how 360 technology can convey a sense of presence to remote students. The findings seem to indicate that the sense of presence was felt more comprehensive among students who participated online. This could help students to focus more on instructions. On the other hand concentrating profoundly to instructions may lead to better learning experience and outcomes because it empowers situational learning. The most didactical and pedagogical challenges were teachers cognitive overload and inactivity of the technology.
Exploring Healthcare Simulation Facilitators’ Conceptions of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Keskitalo Tuulikki , Ruokamo Heli
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate healthcare simulation facilitators’ conceptions of teaching and learning because they influence the approaches and strategies used in teaching and learning and ultimately influence learning outcomes. The study was conducted using a phenomenographic methodology to identify the variation in conceptions. This study included 37 healthcare simulation facilitators. The data were collected using both thematic and semi-structured individual and paired interviews. The iterative phenomenographic data analysis process revealed four categories of conceptions of learning: 1) learning as acquiring and reproducing knowledge and skills, 2) learning as applying and advancing knowledge and skills, 3) learning as transformation of individual thinking and behaviour and 4) learning as co-constructing knowledge and skills. Three categories of conceptions of teaching were also revealed: 1) teaching as transmission of knowledge, 2) teaching as development of students’ professional skills and 3) teaching as facilitation of learning. Based on the results of this study, we argue that, by changing teaching conditions, we may also affect the underlying conceptions of teaching and learning as well as approaches to teaching and ultimately learning outcomes. The results of this study can also be used to develop healthcare educators’ pedagogical training. However, approaches to teaching and learning are not necessarily aligned; therefore, in future studies, our aim will be to continue the research by investigating how these self-perceived conceptions are related to approaches to teaching and learning within actual educational practices.
Teachers’ Pedagogical Role as Mediators in Leading and Guiding Students’ Learning in Digital Storytelling (DST)
Authors: Niu Jenny , Niemi Hannele
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to find out how the teachers lead and guide students’ learning in digital storytelling (DST). The main research question is: What is teachers’ pedagogical role in leading and guiding the students’ learning in DST? The research framework is based on Vygotsky’s mediation theory. The research project was carried out in the 2016-2017 school year. Four classes from China and two classes from Finland at the Grade 4 and Grade 5 levels participated in the study. We mainly focus on qualitative data from semi structured interviews of teachers, researchers’ classroom observations, group discussions, and teachers’ course-planning documents. The main findings are that in DST, the main activities in teachers’ pedagogical role as mediators are facilitating, coaching, and scaffolding with the pedagogical decision-making. This study illustrates what teachers did in a DST project and how they have led and guided students’ learning when using the DST pedagogical method.
Enhancing future teachers’ competencies for technology integration in education: Turning theory into practice
Authors: Tondeur Jo
Published: December 2021

The main aim of this conceptual paper is to provide an overview of effective strategies to support pre-service teachers to adequately integrate ICT in teaching and learning activities. Specifically, the focus is on the strategies included in the SQD (Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence) model: 1) using teacher educators as role models, 2) reflecting on the role of technology in education, 3) learning how to use technology by design, 4) collaboration with peers, 5) scaffolding authentic technology experiences, and 6) providing continuous feedback. To turn this model into practice, the approach of teacher design teams is adopted. A teacher design team can be described as a group of two or more (pre-service) teachers who design (ICT-rich) curriculum materials. Based on the SQD model – theory - and the implementation of the key themes emerging from this model via teacher design teams – practice -, this conceptual paper provides recommendations to improve the potential of pre-service training to enhance future teachers use of ICT in their educational practice.
Rethinking communication in virtual learning environments through the concept of Bildung
Authors: Hilli Charlotta
Published: December 2021

The aim of this paper is to discuss the transformative relationship between the self and culture, or Bildung, while considering new technology such as virtual learning environments. It adopts a technocultural educational perspective; the digital world is an extension of the physical world, and as such an extension of humanity. It is the basis for developing identities that are constantly being re-addressed through new encounters with the world. Communication is a central theme in theories of Bildung. From a technocultural standpoint, communication is the space, or interface, where Bildung takes place. In virtual learning environments, there are different ways to communicate, both synchronously and asynchronously. These environments offer communicative spaces where the self is transformed through several actions because of communicating with the software or with other people. The paper suggests rethinking what communication means in education when it is mediated through digital technology. Virtual learning environments make new teaching practices possible that include digital sources and collaborative assignments through intelligent interactions in simulations or social media. Supporting students is crucial for them to learn how to use, understand and navigate these spaces.
Educational and Digital Divides in Inclusive Education
Authors: Nantongo Proscovia Suubi , Hetland Per
Published: December 2021

How does the use of teacher-mediated videos facilitate access, interaction and participation among in-service teachers learning inclusive education? This study centred on observations of a teaching and learning session among in-service teachers, using the video material ‘Teachers for All’, to understand the status of inclusivity (i.e., access, interaction and participation – AIP model) in current educational practices. The aim of using the AIP model (Carpentier, 2012, 2015)was to provide a theoretical framework for analysing and building bridges between special needs education, where access signifies presence, and interaction socio-communicative relationships, and inclusive education, where participation signifies co-deciding and power. We conclude that the current educational practices are problematic. First, the learning focus is unilaterally directive (teacher-centred) towards students and lacks a dialogical component. Second, access, interaction and participation are thwarted because the existing teaching conditions do not accommodate the deeper dialogical practices that define the inclusive pedagogical intention of the video design.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Plant Growth and Tuber Yield of Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) cv. Kenya White
Authors: Raghunandan T. , Collis J. P. , Saravanan S. , Barman K. S.
Published: December 2021

The experiment was carried out at Experimental field, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Sciences [formerly known as Allahabad Agriculture Institute Deemed University, AAI-DU] during the Spring season 2014-2015. The experiment consists of Thirteen treatments viz., (T0) Control-RDF (100:120:100 N P K  kg ha-1,), (T1) 75% RDF + AZ@ 2.5 kg ha-1,, (T2) 75% RDF + FYM @ 10 ton ha-1, (T3) 75% RDF + VC@ 10 ton ha-1, (T4) 75% RDF + AZ @ 2.5 kg/ha +FYM @ 10 ton ha-1+VC @ 10 ton ha-1, (T5) 50% RDF +AZ@ 2.5 kg ha-1, (T6) 50% RDF + FYM@ 10 ton ha-1, (T7) 50% RDF + VC@ 10 ton ha-1, (T8) 50% RDF +  AZ @ 2.5 kg ha-1+FYM @ 10 ton ha-1+VC @ 10 ton ha-1, (T9) 25% RDF + AZ@ 2.5 kg ha-1, (T10) 25% RDF + FYM@ 10 ton ha-1, (T11) 25% RDF + VC@ 10 ton ha-1+, (T12) 25% RDF +  AZ @ 2.5 kg ha-1+FYM @ 10 ton ha-1+VC @ 10 ton ha-1. The treatments were replicated thrice in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The results revealed that Plants treated with 75% RDF + AZ @ 2.5 kg/ha +FYM @ 10 t/ha +VC @ 10 t/ha (T4) significantly recorded maximum vegetative and Tuber yield attributes like plant height (91.87 cm), plant spread (92.38 cm), Number of Branches per plant (7.27), number of leaves per plant (26.53), number of tubers per plant (4.80), maximum tuber weight (958.53) and Maximum tuber yield per plant was recorded in T4 (75% RDF + AZ @ 2.5 kg/ha +FYM @ 10 t/ha +VC @ 10 t/ha) (43.33g) followed by T3 (75% RDF + VC @ 10 t/ha) (40.95g).
Surface Roughness Characterization for Stress Concentration Factor Predictions: A Bayesian Learning Approach
Authors: Zhang Jingyi
Published: December 2021

The surface roughness has an important influence on the fatigue life of the structures. The fatigue life reduces due to the stress concentration caused by surface roughness. The stress concentration governs the fatigue crack initiation and propagation. The accurate acquisition of the stress concentration factor of rough surfaces is a key issue in determining fatigue life. Nevertheless, semi-empirical models may be biased for various machining processes. Besides, finite element method simulations cannot give explicit expression of the stress concentration factor. Bayesian learning can construct accurate prediction models which offering a number of additional advantages. In this paper, based on several data pairs constructed by finite element method, the correlation expression between the stress concentration factor and statistical roughness parameters of surfaces is established quickly through Bayesian learning. Compared with some other semi-empirical models, the accuracy and stability of the proposed method are certified. This paper provides a simple and effi-cient approach to determine the stress concentration factor for rough surfaces under different processing conditions.
The Effect of Top Management Commitment on Firm Performance through the Green Purchasing and Supplier Relationship Management in 3-Star Hotel Industry in Surabaya
Authors: Tanuwijaya Novia Chandra , Tarigan Zeplin Jiwa Husada , Siagian Hotlan
Published: December 2021

The local government needs to facilitate the Hotel through industry regulations, and one of the requirements is the obligation of each Hotel to pay attention to environmentally friendly practices. This study investigates the effect of top management commitment on firm performance through green purchasing and supplier relationship management in the 3-star Hotel. This study used a Census survey for all 71 3-star Hotel domiciled in the City of Surabaya. Data collection used a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Questionnaire distribution was conducted by email, social media, and direct delivery to the respondent. Sixty-one from seventy-one questionnaires, a response rate of 86%, were filled in duly and considered valid for further analysis. Data analysis used the partial least square technique by utilizing Smart PLS. The result of the analysis demonstrated that top management commitment affects supplier relationship management by path coefficient of 0.544. Top management commitment affects firm performance with path coefficient of 0.281. However, this study indicated that top management commitment does not affect green purchasing. Furthermore, supplier relationship management has a significant effect on green purchasing with path coefficient of 0.391. Similarly, supplier relationship management also affects firm performance with a path coefficient of 0.377. Finally, Green purchasing significantly improves firm performance with a path coefficient of 0.226. This work provides a new insight for the manager on how to increase firm performance in the context of supply chain management. This study could contribute to enriching the current research in supply chain management.
MULHERES NEGRAS, NORMAS JURÍDICAS E MEDIDAS DE COMBATE AO ENFRENTAMENTO À VIOLÊNCIA DE GÊNERO NO CONTEXTO DA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19 NO BRASIL
Authors: Da Costa Amanda Moura , Assunção Fernanda Conceição
Published: December 2021

O presente artigo objetiva analisar o aumento da violência de gênero contra mulheres negras durante o isolamento social vivido em razão da pandemia de covid-19. As discussões sobre a violência de gênero no contexto brasileiro ganham terreno após a promulgação da Lei Maria da Penha, que deu visibilidade para aos problemas de gênero, também para mulheres negras e pardas de acordo com o artigo 2º da lei. No contexto da Covid19, uma das medidas recomendadas pelas autoridades de saúde para evitar a propagação do vírus é o isolamento social. Diante do problema da violência de gênero potencializado pelo surgimento da pandemia da Covid-19, a pesquisa estuda as ações adotadas pelas autoridades durante o isolamento social em concomitância com a aplicação da Lei Maria da Penha para o enfrentamento da violência de gênero contra mulheres negras. Nesse sentido, a pesquisa utilizou-se da metodologia dedutiva partindo do princípio de que a falta de ações interseccionais voltadas para mulheres negras durante o período pandêmico foram responsáveis por asseverar as desigualdades sociais e agravar a vulnerabilidade da mulher negra vítima de violência. Para a elaboração do estudo foram levantadas pesquisas doutrinárias bibliográficas, as quais abordam o tema central sobre o patriarcado, a violência contra a mulher e analisou as ações implementadas pelas autoridades, além de pesquisa de dados estatísticos. Foi possível concluir que as medidas ainda são insuficientes para combater a violência de gênero existente, sobretudo para mulheres negras que se encontram numa encruzilhada de opressões.
DEVER DE ESPECIAL PROTEÇÃO DOS DADOS DE TRANSGÊNEROS
Authors: Cunha Leandro Reinaldo da
Published: December 2021

O atual estado da arte nos insere em uma sociedade da informação em que cada vez mais os dados pessoais dos indivíduos estão expostos e disponíveis a um grande número de sujeitos, que podem se valer de tais informações para os mais diversos motivos e finalidades. No entanto existem dados pessoais que são considerados sensíveis em razão de revestirem-se de um elevado potencial de exposição de informações personalíssimas, sendo assim detentores de um grau mais elevado de proteção legal. Ocorre que em certas searas dados públicos, tidos como ordinários, podem revelar caracteres de potencialidade lesiva idênticos aos da exposição de dados pessoais sensíveis quando não tratados da forma adequada, sendo preponderante uma visão mais acurada sobre o tema a fim de impedir que algumas parcelas da população sejam atingidas por um tratamento de dados indevido que pode se mostrar amplamente prejudicial, como pode ocorrer no caso dos transgêneros.
Residential history, repair, and renovation of housing complexes: KEP estate Tsurumaki 3 complex, a mid‐rise building
Authors: Minami Kazunobu , Chiba Saori , Ma Lingxiang , Suzuki Atsuya
Published: December 2021

In this study, the authors investigated the housing estate “Tsurumaki 3” in Tama New Town, which is one of the first experimental projects, named Kodan Experimental housing Project (KEP). It was started by the Japanese Housing Corporation in 1973 to research and develop the flexibility and adaptability of housing. The authors examined whether the adaptability worked over the last 35 years of occupancy, and they found that the many residents performed infill renovation in their units using the KEP movable partitions and storage systems. As the children grew and left home, some families used the KEP system to adjust room arrangements to meet their changing lifestyles.
All‐Polymer Based Stretchable Rubbery Electronics and Sensors
Authors: Rao Zhoulyu , Thukral Anish , Yang Pinyi , Lu Yuntao , Shim Hyunseok , Wu Wenjie , Karim Alamgir , Yu Cunjiang
Published: December 2021

The dissimilarity of material composition in existing stretchable electronics and biological organisms is a key bottleneck, still yet to be resolved, toward seamless integration between stretchable electronics and biological species. For instance, human or animal tissues and skins are fully made out of soft polymer species, while existing stretchable electronics are composed of rigid inorganic materials, either purely or partially. Soft stretchable electronics fully made out of polymeric materials with intrinsic softness and stretchability are sought after and therefore proposed to address this technical challenge. Here, rubbery electronics and sensors fully made out of stretchable polymeric materials including all‐polymer rubbery transistors, sensors, and sensory skin, which have similar material composition to biology, are reported. The fabricated all‐polymer rubbery transistors exhibit field‐effect mobility of 1.11 cm2 V‐1 s‐1 and retain their transistor performance even under mechanical stretch of 30%. In addition, all‐polymer rubbery strain and temperature sensors are demonstrated with high gauge factor and good temperature sensing capability. Based on these all‐polymer rubbery electronics, an active‐matrix multiplexed sensory skin on a robotic hand is demonstrated to illustrate one of the applications.
Bridging mRNA and Polycation Using RNA Oligonucleotide Derivatives Improves the Robustness of Polyplex Micelles for Efficient mRNA Delivery
Authors: Yoshinaga Naoto , Uchida Satoshi , Dirisala Anjaneyulu , Naito Mitsuru , Koji Kyoko , Osada Kensuke , Cabral Horacio , Kataoka Kazunori
Published: December 2021

Polyplex for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery requires strong yet reversible association between mRNA and polycation for extracellular robustness and selective intracellular disintegration. Herein, RNA oligonucleotide (OligoRNA) derivatives that bridge mRNA and polycation are developed to stabilize polyplex micelles (PMs). A set of the OligoRNAs introduced with a polyol moiety in their 5′ end is designed to hybridize to fixed positions along mRNA strand. After PM preparation from the hybridized mRNA and poly(ethylene glycol)‐polycation block copolymer derived with phenylboronic acid (PBA) moieties in its cationic segment, PBA moieties form reversible phenylboronate ester linkages with a polyol moiety at 5′ end of OligoRNAs and a diol moiety at their 3′ end ribose, in the PM core. The OligoRNAs work as a node to bridge ionically complexed mRNA and polycation, thereby improving PM stability against polyion exchange reaction and ribonuclease attack in extracellular environment. After cellular uptake, intracellular high concentration of adenosine triphosphate triggers the cleavage of phenylboronate ester linkages, resulting in mRNA release from PM. Ultimately, the PM provides efficient mRNA introduction in cultured cells and mouse lungs after intratracheal administration, demonstrating the potential of the bridging strategy in polyplex‐based mRNA delivery.
Efficiently Regulating the Electrical Properties of Flexible Fabric‐Based Cu3(BTC)2 Thin Film by Introducing Various Guest Molecules
Authors: Sun Chongcai , Wang Weike , Mu Xueyang , Zhang Yifan , Ma Chuang , Zhu Jiankang , Wang Chengbing
Published: December 2021

Recently, the flexibility of 2D conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is an important precondition for manufacturing high‐performance smart electronic devices. Preparation of MOFs thin film has drawn much attention, and increasingly more MOF thin films have been deposited on different rigid substrates like glass, silicon, and metal electrodes. However, they do not meet the requirements for flexible materials, such as wearable electronic devices. Here, the fabric‐based composites (the integration of MOFs and fabric materials) can solve this problem. Insulating polyester fabric is chosen as a flexible substrate and atom layer deposition (ALD) and the layer‐by‐layer (LBL) method (also called the liquid phase epitaxy method) are combined to synthesize Cu3(BTC)2 thin film. 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and polypyrrole (PPy) are chosen to improve the conductivity of the MOF thin films. The conductivity of Cu3(BTC)2 thin film is improved by more than four orders of magnitude compared to that of the original sample. This research shows that the large‐area lightweight fabric‐based Cu3(BTC)2 thin films, which possess excellent uniformity and flexibility and controllable thickness, can be prepared at room temperature; this allows MOFs to be applied in more areas, such as large‐area electronic devices and smart wearable sensing equipment.
Intrinsic Random Optical Features of the Electronic Packages as Physical Unclonable Functions for Internet of Things Security
Authors: Li Qian , Chen Feiliang , Kang Jianbin , Wang Pidong , Su Juan , Huang Feng , Li Mo , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2021

The increasing security threat is a serious challenge to the internet of things (IoT). Hardware‐based security primitive is an essential and powerful way to protect IoT devices from various attacks. But most of the current security hardwares are based on macrophysical features, which are usually produced by reproducible deterministic processes and can be copied by counterfeiters. Herein, a physical unclonable function (PUF) with high robustness based on the intrinsic random micro‐/nanostructures of the electronic packages is proposed thereby demonstrating a low‐cost and label‐free hardware security solution for IoT. Using the unique surface micropattern and the spatially coded laser scattering, the proposed PUFs can be used as anticounterfeiting labels, authentication tokens and cryptographic key generators. With the help of the proposed PUFs, the safety protection is still effective even when the attacker is able to get access to the database because the secret keys are inherently hidden in the complex microscopic stochastic physical features of the PUFs but not the database. The proposed package‐enabled PUFs provide a promising and practical physical protection solution for IoT security.
Spatiotemporal Affordability Evaluation of Water Services in China: A Functional Cost‐Price Model
Authors: Liu Bin , Fang Huajian , Zhang Feilian , Zhong Zhen , Chen Yan
Published: December 2021

Affordability of water services is an important part of the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially for a highly populated, developing country such as China. Previous studies have mainly focussed on unique index systems, from different perspectives for water affordability evaluation, while large‐scale studies at a national level are rare, and the understanding of water affordability is still not complete and scientific. In this study, a functional cost‐price model coupled with assessment index system and comprehensive evaluation method is developed for the description and assessment of water affordability degree (WAD) in China. The assessment index system integrates a cost‐price perspective of water affordability into a general model by incorporating 20 indicators belonging to six dimensions, including cost affordability of water pollution control, flood control and drought relief, soil and water conservation, and price affordability of irrigation water, residential water, and production water. This study obtains the spatiotemporal characteristics and the list of serious problems of water affordability in China, then discusses the regulatory focus of the water conservancy industry and the water pricing methods, so as to provide a reference for the national policy formulation of sustainable water management.
Programmable High‐Speed and Hyper‐Efficiency DNA Signal Magnifier
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Long , Yin Yang , Du Shu‐Min , Kong Ling‐Qi , Yang Zhe‐Han , Chang Yuan‐Yuan , Chai Ya‐Qin , Yuan Ruo
Published: December 2021

Herein, a programmable dual‐catalyst hairpin assembly (DCHA) for realizing the synchronous recycle of two catalysts is developed, displaying high reaction rate and outstanding conversion efficiency beyond traditional nucleic acid signal amplifications (NASA). Once catalyst I interacts with the catalyst II, the DCHA can be triggered to realize the simultaneous recycle of catalysts I and II to keep the highly concentrated intermediate product duplex I‐II instead of the steadily decreased one in typical NASA, which can accomplish in about only 16 min and achieves the outstanding conversion efficiency up to 4.54 × 108, easily conquering the main predicaments of NASA: time‐consuming and low‐efficiency. As a proof of the concept, the proposed DCHA as a high‐speed and hyper‐efficiency DNA signal magnifier is successfully applied in the rapid and ultrasensitive detection of miRNA‐21 in cancer cell lysates, which exploits the new generation of universal strategy for the applications in biosensing assay, clinic diagnose, and DNA nanobiotechnology.
Vanadium Disulfide Nanosheets Synthesized by Facile Liquid‐Phase Exfoliation for Ammonia Detection with High Selectivity
Authors: Kang Jianlong , Xu Feicui , Zhang Chen , Li Feng , Al‐Hartomy Omar A. , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed , Wageh Swelm. , Zhao Guanghui , Yang Tingqiang , Zhang Han
Published: December 2021

Vanadium disulfide (VS2), a typical layered transition‐metal dichalcogenide, has drawn extensive attention in energy storage devices, catalysts as well as sensors due to its intriguing electronic peculiarities, whereas its chemiresistive gas sensing properties have seldom been investigated. In this contribution, first the ammonia sensing properties of VS2 nanosheets (NSs)‐based chemiresistive gas sensor are reported. VS2 NSs are synthesized through facile liquid‐phase exfoliation, and their crystal structure, micromorphology, and elemental component are characterized. Density functional theory calculation has revealed that VS2 (100) is highly affinitive to ammonia molecule, and sufficient electron transfers from ammonia to VS2, which implies VS2 NSs possess high potential for ammonia sensing. The computational results are verified by gas sensing measurement that the resistance of VS2 NSs remarkably increases upon injecting ammonia gas at low working temperature of 40 °C. Additionally, the VS2 NSs exhibit superb selectivity to ammonia. The probable mechanism for ammonia sensing can be that ammonia molecule absorbed at edge sites of VS2 NSs transfers electron to p‐type VS2 NSs, reduces hole concentration in the NSs, and thus leads to resistance enhancement of VS2 NSs.
Wake‐Up in Al1−xBxN Ferroelectric Films
Authors: Zhu Wanlin , He Fan , Hayden John , Fan Zhongming , Yang Jung In , Maria Jon‐Paul , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan
Published: December 2021

The polarization wake‐up process is demonstrated here for ferroelectric switching in epitaxial Al0.93B0.07N films on W coated c‐axis oriented Al2O3 (sapphire) substrates. During the wake‐up process, the remanent polarization grows from ≈0 to >100 µC cm−2. As it does so, both the reversible and irreversible Rayleigh coefficients rise substantially, suggesting that the concentration of mobile interfaces that separate regions of opposite dipole orientation is increasing. The irreversible Rayleigh coefficient is very small (≈3.5 × 10−4 cm kV−1), four to five orders of magnitude below those of perovskite ferroelectric films such as PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3. These small values are consistent with the high coercive fields observed in the nitride ferroelectrics. The temperature dependence of the Rayleigh coefficients suggests that the interface motion is thermally activated. On increasing frequency, the Rayleigh coefficients drop, suggesting time‐dependent pinning processes also occur in this family of materials. With information from anisotropic etching experiments upon field‐cycling, a self‐consistent model that describes a polar domain microstructure evolution process during wake‐up is proposed.
A novel missense variant of SCN4A co‐segregates with congenital essential tremor in a consanguineous Kurdish family
Authors: Asif Maria , Mocanu Ionut Dragos , Abdullah Uzma , Höhne Wolfgang , Altmüller Janine , Makhdoom Ehtisham Ul Haq , Thiele Holger , Baig Shahid Mahmood , Nürnberg Peter , Graul‐Neumann Luitgard , Hussain Muhammad Sajid
Published: December 2021

Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized by bilateral and symmetric postural, isometric, and kinetic tremors of forelimbs produced during voluntary movements. To date, only a single SCN4A variant has been suggested to cause ET. In continuation of the previous report on the association between SCN4A and ET in a family from Spain, we validated the pathogenicity of a novel SCN4A variant and its involvement in ET in a second family affected by this disease. We recruited a Kurdish family with four affected members manifesting congenital tremor. Using whole‐exome sequencing, we identified a novel missense variant in SCN4A, NM_000334.4:c.4679C>T; p.(Pro1560Leu), thus corroborating SCN4A's role in ET. The residue is highly conserved across vertebrates and the substitution is predicted to be pathogenic by various in silico tools. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry performed in cells derived from one of the patients showed reduced immunoreactivity of SCN4A as compared to control cells. The study provides supportive evidence for the role of SCN4A in the etiology of ET and expands the phenotypic spectrum of channelopathies to this neurological disorder.
Bone tissue homeostasis and risk of fractures in Costello syndrome: A 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Leoni Chiara , Bisanti Cristian , Viscogliosi Germana , Onesimo Roberta , Massese Miriam , Giorgio Valentina , Corbo Fabio , Acampora Anna , Cipolla Clelia , Flex Elisabetta , Dell'Atti Claudia , Rigante Donato , Tartaglia Marco , Zampino Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Costello syndrome (CS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a distinctive musculoskeletal phenotype and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) caused by activating de novo mutations in the HRAS gene. Herein, we report the results of a prospective study evaluating the efficacy of a 4‐year vitamin D supplementation on BMD and bone health. A cohort of 16 individuals ranging from pediatric to adult age with molecularly confirmed CS underwent dosages of bone metabolism biomarkers (serum/urine) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to assess bone and body composition parameters. Results were compared to age‐matched control groups. At baseline evaluation, BMD was significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) compared to controls, as were the 25(OH)vitD levels. Following the 4‐year time interval, despite vitamin D supplementation therapy at adequate dosages, no significant improvement in BMD was observed. The present data confirm that 25(OH)vitD and BMD parameters are reduced in CS, and vitamin D supplementation is not sufficient to restore proper BMD values. Based on this evidence, routine monitoring of bone homeostasis to prevent bone deterioration and possible fractures in adult patients with CS is highly recommended.
Taste receptors in chronic rhinosinusitus, what is the evidence? A systematic review
Authors: Chen Jonathan H. , Song Christopher I. , Hura Nanki , Saraswathula Anirudh , Seal Stella M. , Lane Andrew P. , Rowan Nicholas R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Bitter and sweet taste receptors (T2Rs and T1Rs), respectively, are involved in the innate immune response of the sinonasal cavity and associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Growing evidence suggests extraoral TRs as relevant biomarkers, but the current understanding is incomplete. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence of extraoral taste receptors in CRS.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus were reviewed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines and included studies of genotypic and phenotypic T2R/T1R status in CRS patients.

Results

Twenty‐two studies with 3845 patients were included. Seventeen studies evaluated genotype and 10 evaluated taste phenotypes. Four of 6 studies examining the haplotype distribution of the T2R, TAS2R38, demonstrated increased AVI/AVI haplotype (“nontaster”) frequency in CRS. Meanwhile, 2 studies demonstrated decreased bitter sensitivity in CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), whereas 3 other studies reported decreased bitter sensitivity only in CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP). Findings regarding sweet sensitivity were mixed. Three studies with cystic fibrosis patients (n = 1393) were included. Studies investigating the association between clinical outcomes and TAS2R38 alleles were limited, but the nonfunctional combination of AVI/AVI was associated with increased utilization of sinus surgery and, in CRSsNP patients, with poorer improvement of symptoms postoperatively.

Conclusion

Both genotypic and phenotypic assessments of T2Rs suggest a potential association with CRS, particularly CRSsNP. However, limited evidence and mixed conclusions cloud the role of T2Rs in CRS. Future investigations should aim to increase diverse populations, broaden institutional diversity, examine T1Rs, and utilize uniform assessments.
Dynamics of Quantum Correlation and Entropic Uncertainty in Spin‐12$\frac{1}{2}$ Alternating Transverse Ising Model
Authors: Jiang Tian‐Yi , Fang Yu‐Yan , Li Ying‐Hong , Xu Xin‐Ye , Liu Jin‐Ming
Published: December 2021

By implementing the quantum renormalization group method, the effective Hamiltonian of the spin‐ Ising model with regularly altering strengths of both the magnetic fields and the exchange couplings are first derived analytically. Then, tripartite quantum discord (QD) and entropic uncertainty (EU) of the Ising model and their quantum phase transitions are investigated. Moreover, the quantum critical points and correlation length exponents of the model are analyzed, and both the block–block EU and the site–site EU are discussed through numerical calculations. It is found that under the system size increasing, the first derivatives of both tripartite QD and block–block EU show nonanalytic and scaling behaviors near the critical point. Furthermore, the strong quantum correlations among multi‐particles do not necessarily lead to the decrease of EU, as the site–site EU in the vicinity of the critical point increases due to competitions among quantum correlations. The findings may offer new insights into utilizing EU as an observable of the quantum phase transitions.
Measurement of Photonic Topological Charge Using a Generalized Ring Pearcey Phase
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Pang Zihao , Zhao Daomu
Published: December 2021

An effective method capable of measuring the topological charges of optical vortex beams by using a generalized ring Pearcey (GRP) phase is proposed theoretically and demonstrated experimentally in this paper. The number and orientation of fringes in the diffraction patterns respectively reveal the modulus and sign of topological charges. One can also tell the sign by observing the rotation of fringes during propagation. Moreover, the measurement of high‐order topological charges is shown to be significantly affected by the elliptical parameter in the GRP phase. Finally, the physical principle of these measurements is unveiled by applying the stationary phase approach. This work offers an alternative way of evaluating the photonic topological charges in vortex beams.
Synthesis of ultraviolet curable bisphenol‐based epoxy acrylates and comparative study on its physico‐chemical properties
Authors: D. Desai Prashil , N. Jagtap Ramandand
Published: December 2021

Photocuring resins have emerged as cutting‐edge technology in coatings, adhesives, composites, additive manufacturing, and so forth. In the present work, different bisphenol, namely A, F, and S, were used to synthesize low molecular weight epoxy resin, which was further reacted with acrylic acid monomer to form bisphenol‐based epoxy acrylate (BEA). The BEA resins were formulated using reactive diluents, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and hexanediol diacrylate in the ratio of 0–40 wt% at the increment of 10 wt% alongside a fixed quantity photoinitiator. These resins were then cast into dumbbell‐shaped specimens by irradiating them under ultraviolet (UV) light. The structural elucidation of BEA resins was performed using Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The formulated resins were also studied for their rheological properties. Further, the UV cured specimens were evaluated for mechanical, thermal, contact angle, and extent of curing. These outcomes were utilized for establishing the structure–property relationship based on the functionality, reactivity, and molecular structure of synthesized BEA resins, which controllers the design architecture and cross‐linking density of UV‐cured specimens.
Fabrication and thermomechanical properties of carbonized Luffacylindrica‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Ioannou Ioannis , Kyriacou Paraskevas , Pantelas Marios , Pashalidis Ioannis , Makris John , Rallis Spyros , Kostas Giachalis , Avraam Kyriakos , Krasia‐Christoforou Theodora
Published: December 2021

The lifecycle of a material and the environmental trace is becoming a dominant parameter on material's selection process. The present study focuses on the fabrication and thermomechanical characterization of fully recycled composite materials based on high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with bio‐natural inclusions of carbonized Luffa cylindrica (c‐LC). Materials fabrication was realized by applying the twin roll mill process, which enabled the production of a series of polymer composites with variable c‐LC content. The morphological and thermomechanical characteristics were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. Morphological results indicate a reinforcing geometry of the inclusions, while the thermomechanical characterization verifies the reinforcement of HDPE thermoplastic with the biochar inclusions thus paving the way to the use of such fully‐recycled biochar thermoplastic composite materials on structural and semi‐structural applications.
Disclosing the relationship between citation structure and future impact of a publication
Authors: Huang Shengzhi , Qian Jiajia , Huang Yong , Lu Wei , Bu Yi , Yang Jinqing , Cheng Qikai
Published: December 2021

Each section header of an article has its distinct communicative function. Citations from distinct sections may be different regarding citing motivation. In this paper, we grouped section headers with similar functions as a structural function and defined the distribution of citations from structural functions for a paper as its citation structure. We aim to explore the relationship between citation structure and the future impact of a publication and disclose the relative importance among citations from different structural functions. Specifically, we proposed two citation counting methods and a citation life cycle identification method, by which the regression data were built. Subsequently, we employed a ridge regression model to predict the future impact of the paper and analyzed the relative weights of regressors. Based on documents collected from the Association for Computational Linguistics Anthology website, our empirical experiments disclosed that functional structure features improve the prediction accuracy of citation count prediction and that there exist differences among citations from different structural functions. Specifically, at the early stage of citation lifetime, citations from Introduction and Method are particularly important for perceiving future impact of papers, and citations from Result and Conclusion are also vital. However, early accumulation of citations from the Background seems less important.
ZnV2O4‐Textured Carbon Composite Contacting a ZIF‐8 MOF Layer for a High Performance Non‐Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Naskar Souvik , Deepa Melepurath
Published: December 2021

Non‐aqueous zinc‐ion battery (ZIB) comprising a zinc vanadate@textured carbon (ZnV2O4@TC) composite cathode and Zn‐anode demonstrates an improved Zn(II)‐ion storage response, in terms of cyclability (230 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles, 84.9 % retention) and rate capability compared to pristine ZnV2O4 (175 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles, 45.4 % retention). TC reduces the aggregation of ZnV2O4 nanoparticles, allows abundant interaction with electrolyte, affords short ion diffusion pathways, serves as electrically conducting interconnects, and buffers the volume alterations thus imparting rapid kinetics and improved cycling stability. This performance is even better by the inclusion of a ZIF‐8 metal‐organic framework (MOF) layer at the separator, facing the cathode. ZIF‐8 due to its nanoporous structure encompassing Zn−N based polyhedral clusters, efficiently confines Zn(II) ions at cathode during discharge and allows their facile diffusion through its open channels during charge thus maximizing Zn(II) ion storage capacity and reversibility and its highly crystalline robust structure also enhances the ZIB durability. This achievement is in line with the development of cost‐effective, easily implementable non‐aqueous ZIB that avoids the issues associated with aqueous electrolyte of limited potential stability window, corrosion of current collectors over time, and cell degradation and also offers long term stability and capacity.