bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifting Operations with Wind Turbine Installation Jack-Ups Using Real-Time Data
Authors: Vanderheggen Kayo , Janssen Joost , Meredith Nate
Published: May 2021

When a wind turbine installation jack-up performs a heavy lifting operation with the crane it affects the loads on the foundation. For these units the crane typically encircles a leg or is positioned close to it. Consequently, that leg attracts most of the loads due to crane operations. For each location jack-ups prove the capacity of the foundation by applying a controlled, high load at each of the footings before commencing operations. This process is known as preloading. The achieved preload at the jack-up’s foundation determines the operational limit. Exceedance of the preload value may result in foundation instability. Depending on the site’s foundation characteristics the consequences of such an exceedance range from negligible to catastrophic failure. GustoMSC has developed Operator Support System (OSS) software with the purpose to make the operator aware of the limitations imposed by the preloaded foundation. The application outlines operational limits based on real-time data from the jack-up, jacking system and crane which enables the operators to safely unlock the full potential of their wind turbine installation jack-up.
Design of a Free Running High Speed Craft Model for Testing Off the Coast of Galveston
Authors: Hamada Ahmed A. , Sallam Omar Khaled , Bonnaure Colton R. , Rodriguez Patricia Itzel , Stason Jack , Furth Mirjam
Published: May 2021

High speed planing craft (HSC) are used in a wide variety of marine applications, such as search and rescue, defense and surveillance, recreation, and as support and supply vessels to the offshore industry. Their design, improvement, and optimization mainly depend on a deep understanding of the dynamic interaction between the vehicle and the surrounding environment. Traditionally, measuring the dynamic behavior and response of the HSC due to waves has been performed in towing tanks, where measurements are recorded under ideal conditions. To get a more realistic idea of the performance of HSC, we aim to perform free-running tests in the Gulf of Mexico at the Texas A&M Galveston campus. The aim of the free running tests is to measure the behavior of the model under real-life conditions, such as realistic incident waves, wind, current speeds, and variable water depth regions. Designing such an experiment far from lab facilities is especially challenging. In this paper, a detailed step-by-step HSC experiment design workflow is presented to tackle the open sea testing challenges. The paper presents a design of a free running model to be built during the spring of 2021, which includes the basic geometric parameters selection, stability study, drag force prediction, required propulsion system's power estimation, manufacturing techniques, and sensors' data acquisition system design.
Sustainable Path for the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Intykbayeva Madina
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses in the discussion of three main transformations the Oil and Gas Industry will need to continue developing post-pandemic scenarios. Sustainability, Digitalization, Cultural Innovation and Branding need to continue its parallel development for the industry to keep the leadership positions in the energy sector. The goal of this paper to show the interdependence between these three transformations and how EPCI companies need to continue adapting them to succeed.
Leder religionsantropologins utmaningar och forskningsproblematik till nostalgiska elegier och idylliska tankar om ädla vildar?
Authors: Hornborg Anne-Christine
Published: May 2021

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Theology, religious studies, the history of religion, and the anthropology of religion have different histories as research disciplines, which explains differences in how they pose research problems and define their research fields. In some respects, the disciplines have a lot in common and may cross-fertilize each other. In this article, I reflect on a theologian's critical review in Religionsvidenskabeligt Tidsskrift67 (2018) of a text applying the approach of the anthropology of religion, in order to highlight some of the issues and perspectives that distinguish the two fields. Much of the theological critique appears to derive from a lack of familiarity with the situations, contexts, and discussions that an anthropologist of religion may encounter. My focus is thus on topics such as engaged anthropology, reflexivity, culture contact, modernity, and power relations.

SVENSK RESUME: Teologi, religionsvetenskap, religionshistoria och religionsantropologi bär på olika historia i sina framväxter som forskarämnen, och därmed kan olika problemställningar och forskningsfält vara aktuella. I vissa fall delar ämnena också mycket och kan befrukta varandra. Jag vill dock i denna artikel utgå från en teologs kritiska review i Religionsvidenskabeligt Tidsskrift67 (2018) av en religionsantropologisk text för att visa på några av de frågor som skiljer sig åt. Mycket av den teologiska kritiken kan finnas i en brist på kännedom att tackla de situationer, kontexter och diskussioner som en religionsantropolog kan hamna i. Fokus kommer därför att vara ämnen som engagerad antropologi, reflexivitet, kulturmöten, modernitet och maktrelationer.
Befolkningens reaktion på COVID-19 set i lyset af aviser og andre medier
Authors: Andersen Peter B. , Høeg Awiti Luna Tengu Nyawade , Christensen Henrik Reintoft , Jacobsen Brian Arly , Kühle Lene , La Cour Peter
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 satte den danske befolkning i en ny og ukendt situation. Så befolkningens vurderinger af risiko og heraf følgende forholdsregler imod smitte var umiddelbart afhængige af de informationer, der blev udbredt gennem pressen. Statens pressehåndtering og mediernes brede opbakning som bliver behandlet trin for trin fra 11. marts til begyndelsen af oktober 2021 fik dermed afgørende betydning. Artiklen er organiseret, således at befolkningens reaktioner på de temaer som surveyet om COVID-19 belyser i temanummerets øvrige artikler, er dækket ind. Det drejer sig om: den gru som pandemien vakte, generelle etiske overvejelser om let og lige adgang til sundhedsvæsnet, arbejdsløshed, klima og ikke mindst religion og COVID-19. Dette tema behandles i forhold til om pandemien kunne skyldes Guds straf, naturens svar på menneskenes mishandling af naturen. Endelig behandles nedlukningen af offentlige ritualer og brugen af private ritualer.
COVID-19 og religion
Authors: Christensen Henrik Reintoft , Kühle Lene , Jacobsen Brian Arly
Published: May 2021

Personlige eller samfundsmæssige kriser kan give anledning til, at man stiller eksistentielle eller religiøse spørgsmål. Med afsæt i en skala for religiøsitet viser artiklen, at et mindretal af respondenterne er blandt de mest religiøse, og at de naturligt forbinder nedlukningen af trossamfundene med afsavn. Til gengæld har en del af dem deltaget i virtuelle alternativer. Holdningen til nedlukningen af trossamfundene adskiller sig ikke blandt de mindst og mest religiøse. Artiklen undersøger dernæst om der er forskelle blandt de religiøse og ikke-religiøse i synet på årsagen til COVID-19-virusset, og hvordan man kan håndtere pandemien. Overordnet er der stor opbakning til en naturvidenskabelig forklaring på virussets oprindelse, mens et mindretal af de mest religiøse også er mere eller mindre enige i, at det kan have en guddommelig oprindelse. Tilsvarende er der stor enighed om, at den bedste måde at håndtere virusset er ved at følge eksperternes råd, mens et mindretal af de mest religiøse mener, man burde følge Guds plan.
Temanummerets forord
Authors: Andersen Peter B. , Jacobsen Brian Arly , Kühle Lene , Christensen Henrik Reintoft , Pedersen Heidi Frølund , Würtzen Hanne , La Cour Peter , Sørensen Jesper F.
Published: May 2021

Forord til temanummeret om COVID-19, religion og trivsel i Danmark.
Experiences of surviviors of commercial sexual explotation availing rehabilitation at R&P homes in India
Authors: Nair Vipin Vijay , Sahni Sanjeev P. , Andzenge D. Daniel T.
Published: May 2021

Background: Sex trafficking constitute as the primary form of human trafficking involving predominantly young girls and women. Rehabilitation of rescued victims of commercial sexual exploitation is critical in efficient reintegration into society.

Aims: The main aim of the study is to explore the narratives of the victims of commercial sexual exploitation in understanding various factors towards eventual Rehabilitation within Rehabilitation & Protection (R&P) homes in India.

Method: The study involves participatory action research at R&P homes in India. In total, 30 victims of commercial sexual exploitation, aged 29-50 years, participated in the study.

Results:  The result through thematic analysis reflected the initiators and detrimental factors towards Rehabilitation in R&P homes. The analysis also reflected various internal and external factors contributing to effective Rehabilitation.

Conclusion: The results provide insight into various factors for critical action by practitioners on the field through intervention, policies, and other mechanisms. The research also emphasizes the employment of participatory action research for research with the critical and marginalized population.
Study of Radon concentrations in a single-family home and their relationship with the ventilation system
Authors:   University of Granada (Spain), Villalba Espinosa Pablo , Hidalgo García David ,   University of Granada (Spain), Arco Díaz Julián ,   University of Granada (Spain), Villalba Moreno Juán ,   University of Granada (Spain)
Published: May 2021

In the last decade he has caused himself an increase of the education of the interior ambient conditions of the buildings caused by the appearing of numerous scientific reports that they relate them to serious diseases. Between these, the education of concentration of radon branded like carcinogen wilfully publicise one. The present article parses the concentrations of this gas that have taken place in a single-family housing and as the ventilation system in work has influence upon her. For it, two samples in three outbuildings of the house have been taken, (car park, dining room and bedroom). The first unaccomplished sample the ventilation of the spaces and the second with ventilation. The obtained peak concentrations when the ventilation system does not find itself in operation evidence values from among 391 and 94 Bq/ m3 coming right across over the doorsteps established in the standard 2013/59 EURATOM. On the contrary, the peak concentrations of radon decrease to values from among 71 and 29 Bq/ m3 interveningventilation. In this sense, it is confirmed that the ventilation system in work is determining to decrease the concentration of the gas in the analysed sojourns getting an average efficacy from the 62 %.
Use of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Propofol along with Neurophysiological Monitoring of the Seventh Cranial Nerve during Cerebello- Pontine Tumour Excision Surgery
Authors: Shah Pooja Arpan , Vasagadekar Gayatri , Chhaya Akhilesh
Published: May 2021

Cerebello‑Pontine Angle (CPA) surgeries are very challenging for neurosurgeons as it lies very close to brain stem so various cranial nerves are at risk of damage. Generally, such surgeries require neuromuscular monitoring of various cranial nerves. For that we have to discontinue neuromuscular blocking agents and inhalational agents. Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) avoids the use of neuromuscular blocking agents as well as inhalational agents. However, prolonged infusion of propofol is associated with risks, such as hypotension, delayed awakening, and metabolic acidosis, known as “Propofol Infusion Syndrome”. Dexmedetomidine now‑a‑days is used very commonly as an adjuvant to propofol and it significantly reduces the anaesthetic requirement. Addition of dexmedetomidine provides haemodynamic stability during such neurosurgeries. Here, authors have described anaesthetic management of a 46‑year‑old female patient posted for CPA excision along with seventh cranial nerve monitoring using dexmedetomidine with propofol.
Guided Bone Regeneration- A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Venugopalan Vineetha , Vamsi Anegundi Raghavendra , Shenoy Santhosh , Ashok Karishma , Thomas Biju
Published: May 2021

Successful implant treatment requires prosthetically driven placement of an implant, primary stability at placement, and careful living bone management. The resorptive changes of alveolar bone are an inevitable process following tooth loss, periodontal disease or trauma which causes bone defects. This results in various aesthetic and functional complications such as soft tissue recession, infection and inflammation. Various methods have been tried and advocated for augmenting these bone deficiencies. Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a successful modality for bone augmentation with a wide range of indications and helps restore the alveolar ridge dimensions. It utilises the principle of Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) for space maintenance within a bony defect. Different types of barrier membranes are being utilised along with various bone grafts in GBR. Thorough knowledge regarding the biology of bone is required before the initiation of any bone augmentation procedure. A combination of Collagen Membrane (CM) and graft material was found successful for GBR. Hence, this review focuses on presentation of best available evidence for various aspects of GBR.
Efficacy of Injection Histaglobulin in Treatment of Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Khemani Usha Naraindas , Sajgane Avinash Aba
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Patients of Chronic Urticaria (CU) suffer from the morbidity that arise from irritable itch and wheals and it also shows a poor response to drug treatment. Treatment options which increase the duration of remission and those which address the key factors involved in the disease pathogenesis are the need of the hour. Aim: To assess the efficacy of injection histaglobulin a complex of histamine and human immunoglobulin in producing relief in patients with CU. Secondary objective was to compare effect of histaglobulin in between Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST) positive and ASST negative group of CU patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective clinical study in which 40 patients with CU were enrolled. Patients were administered injection histaglobulin as a weekly dose of 1 mL subcutaneously for eight consecutive weeks. Patients were permitted to take Tab Levocetirizine 5 mg as and when required not exceeding the recommended permitted dose. The efficacy of the drug was assessed using Urticaria Activity Score (UAS 7) a unified, validated and simple scoring system. The assessment was done at every weekly visit and the final assessment was done after 24 weeks. Results: Out of 40 patients enrolled, 32 patients had completed the entire schedule of dosage of eight weeks and final follow-up at 24th week. The mean basal UAS 7 was 12.6 at the time of enrolment to the study and it reduced to 2.57 at the end of 8th week which marginally increased to 2.8 at the end of 24 weeks, the antihistamine pill burden also reduced. No adverse effects were observed in the study group. Conclusion: Histaglobulin was found to be effective in producing long term remission and it reduced the antihistamine need as well. Thus, it can be an effective alternative to existing treatment modalities.
A Case Study of Dairy-Based Farmer Producer Company in Haryana: Collective Action Approach for Enhancing Farmer Income
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Meena Devendra Kumar , Meena Vishnu Shankar
Published: May 2021

The concept behind Farmer Producer Organizations is that farmers, who are the producers of agricultural products, can form groups and register themselves under the Indian Companies Act 1956. The aim is to enhance farmer’s income, capacity building, competitiveness, and increase their advantage in emerging market opportunities. To examine the role of farmer producer organization in enhancing farmers, a case study was conducted in Karnal District of Haryana. Study the management and governance system of FPC and assess the impact of FPC on members was the objective of the case study. Personal interviews and group discussion methods were used for data collection and gathering information on FPC. Mishti farmer producer organization was established on 25 march 2013 for collecting, processing, and marketing milk and milk products. It covered eight villages of Karnal and collect raw milk from members and non-members farmers at high price than other value chain actors. The result of the study indicate that farmer who supplies milk to FPC, get 8-10 rupee per lit high price than others. It also provides bonus to member farmers who are shareholders of the company and their income from dairy farming is enhanced by 25-30 percent. FPC also plays a significant role in enhancing the backward and forward linkage of farmers and capacity building of farmers in different agricultural aspect.  Members of FPC are highly satisfied with the services provided by FPC and its performance in local areas.
Marine Drive Highway along Central Odisha Coast, India; Feasibility and EIA Inferences
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad
Published: May 2021

The golden sea beaches of Puri district in Odisha state is panoramic and a myriad tourist attractions from India and abroad. The places are famous for their temples of excellence as a part of the Bhartamala project.  The high cost involved could not materialize it. Marine drive road has been completed under National Highways of 35.8km between Puri and Chandrabhaga (Konark) which has been successful and have increased the ecotourism of Odisha. Present study is the extension of the coast line highway project of 29.4km between Chandrabhaga and Nuagaon near Devi river mouth. The Comprehensive Transport Study (CTS) has been undertaken to identify coastal transportation network including environmental impact assessment and including design. The methodologies as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines, and MoRTH specifications, have been adopted to assess thecharacteristics of the traffic,geometric andpavement design of the proposed Coastal road. The flexible pavement technology having seal coat 25mm thick over 20 mm thick premix carpet (B.U.S.G.) over both 300mm thick subbase and base course has been provided. The slope protection works against erosion along with culverts (mostly box or Hume - pipe) and bridges has been designed for the project. Since the high way to run over mostly unmanned sand dunes and only the Prachi River system the project is cost effective and shall surge the economic status of the fisher group and the villagers of the area.
Optical Characteristics, Thermal use Efficiency, Yield and Yield Attributes of Bt Cotton under Different Plant Spacing and Fertilizer Levels
Authors: Singh Amit , Khichar M. L. , Niwas Ram , Mamta . , Malik Kapil , Rahul . , Manjeet .
Published: May 2021

Field trail was conducted at the Research Farm of Cotton Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS HAU, Hisar (Lat 29ᵒ 10' N, Long 75ᵒ 46' E and 215.2 m msl) during Kharif season of 2015. The experiment was conducted in split-split plot design with three replications. Three varieties viz. V1=RCH 602, V2=RCH 650 and V3=Bunty were kept in main plots while three spacing viz. S1=67.5 cm × 45 cm, S2=67.5 cm × 60 cm and S3=67.5 cm × 75 cm with three fertilizer levels i.e. F1=RDF, F2=125 % of RDF and F3=150 % of RDF application of the recommended dose were kept in subplots. Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was N:P:K=175:60:60 kg ha-1. Optical characteristics, thermal use efficiency (TUE) were computed along with yield and yield attributes were also studied. V1 (86.6 %), S3 (84.8 %) and F3 (85.1 %) absorbed maximum PAR among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels. TUE was found higher in the V1 (0.35 g/m²/℃ day), S3 (0.34 g/m²/℃ day) and F3 (0.29 g/m²/℃ day) among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels. Number of bolls plant-1 were found higher in V1 (21.0), S3 (14.7) and F3 (16.0) among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels. Among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels boll weight (g) were found higher in V2 (3.89 g), S2 (3.66 g) and F2 (3.62 g). Sympodial branches plant-1 at harvest were found highest in V1 (23.7), S1 (21.0) and F1 (21.4) among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels. In seed cotton yield V1 (1248.7 kg ha-1), S3 (1120.7 kg ha-1) and F2 (1094.3 kg ha-1) have the maximum yield as compare to other cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels.
Endozoochory and Germination of Selected Ingested Seeds by Malayan Box Turtles (Cuoraamboinensis) from Laguna Province, Philippines
Authors: Ibañez Kliff Eldry G. , Padilla Larry V.
Published: May 2021

Aims: Malayan box turtles’ (Cuoraamboinensis) ecological niche are essential in an ecosystem but are often overlooked. This study investigated the germination of selected seeds that passed through the gut of Malayan box turtles to determine its role in promoting seed dispersal and aiding seed germination.

Study Design:Experimental approach.

Place and Duration of Study:Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) and Dasmarinas, Cavite between June 2016 to March 2017.

Methodology: The seeds that passed through the turtle’s gut (Gut Passed Seeds) and seeds that did not pass through its gut (Mechanically Extracted Seeds) underwent comparative germination test. The Germination Rate (GR) and Percent Germination (%GR) of each group were determined in the study.Seed shadowing was also conducted to evaluate the turtle’s seed dispersal capacity (endozoochory).

Results: Results showed that after gut passage, seed GR and %GR were enhanced on Lycopersiconesculentum, Carica papaya, Psidiumguajava, and Muntingiacalabura. However, Germination Rate and Percent Germination of Passifloraquadrangularis decreased after gut passage. Statistical analyses revealed that there is a significant difference in the GR and %G of M. calabura and %G of L. esculentum, and P. quadrangularis. Thread trailing method showed that C. amboinensis can disperse seeds at a distance of 24.8 to 52.8 meters.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the important role of C. amboinensis in the ecosystem through its contribution to plant seed germination and dispersal.It showed that Malayan box turtles are not only seed dispersal agents but are also important in the germination of seeds that they have ingested and defecated.
A Fractional Discrete Grey Model with Particle Swarm Optimizer and Its Applications in Forecasting the Gasoline Consumption in Chongqing China
Authors: Zhang Lanxi , Cai Yubin
Published: May 2021

Forecasting gasoline consumption is of great significance for formulating oil production, foreign trade policies, and ensuring the balance of domestic refined oil supply. Based on grey system theory, a fractional accumulation operator is constructed to optimize the accumulation method of the traditional discrete grey model, and the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is used to solve the fractional nonlinear parameters. This model was used in the prediction of gasoline consumption in Chongqing, China, and compared with the existing 7 models. The results show that the fractional discrete grey model optimized by PSO has better prediction accuracy. The fractional discrete grey model optimized by PSO can be used as a quantitative method in the field of energy forecasting.
Cranioplasty: Surgical Research
Authors: Aboushehata Moustafa Ahmed , Abd-Elhameed Essam Ahmed , El-Gamal Ehab Ezzat , Eldeen Ali Ibrahem Saif
Published: May 2021

Background: Cranioplasty involves the repair of a cranial defect or deformation for cosmetic reasons, as well as long-term protection of the brain from the external environment. This work aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy, advantages and limitations of different materials used in cranioplasty. 

Methods: Prospective study of twenty-five patients who underwent cranioplasty for a skull bone defect by using different materials from March 2018 to March 2020. 

Results: The study included 13 males and 12 females. The defect was post-traumatic in 11 patient neoplastic in 13 patients and 1 patient was after decompressive craniectomy for malignant ischemia .When the defect was less than 80 cm² bone cement was used in 54.5%. When the defect was ≥ 80 cm² titanium mesh was used in 71.4 % of those cases. 72.0% of the patients (18 of 25) reported excellent cosmetic results, 24% (6 of 25) good, 4.0% (1 of 25) poor results. 

Conclusion: When the original bone flap is not available for cranioplasty titanium mesh is suitable for the large calverial bone defects.  it is strong but hard to shape while bone cement is more suitable for small defects near the skull base as it is easy to shape but weak. Medpore and hydroxyapetite powder are better for pediatric defects as they don't hinder bone growth. Prefabricated bone flaps are effective but expensive and can't be used if cranioplasty is planned in the same operation.
Impact of Elevated CO2 and Temperature on Growth and Development of Helicoverpa armigera Hubner
Authors: Kumar D. V. Sravan , Krishnayya P. V. , Rao M. Srinivasa , Kumar P. Anil , Rao V. Srinivasa
Published: May 2021

Climate change is an imminent and inevitable circumstance largely driven by increase in CO2 and temperature. CO2 directly affects plants through positive effects on net photosynthetic rate. Higher temperature during the crop growth phase can diminish the yield, with a longer growing season. In the present study, adverse climate conditions i.e. elevated CO2 (550 ppm) and elevated temperatures (29, 31, 33 and 35 ± 1 °C) were simulated in carbon dioxide and temperature gradient chambers (CTG).  Growth and development of Helicoverpa armigera on non-Bt and Bt cotton leaves from those CTG chambers were recorded and correlated with foliar carbohydrates and proteins.It was found that protein content decreased by almost 42 % in non-Bt cotton and by 36 % in Bt cotton, while larval weight and duration decreased significantly with elevated conditions particularly in Bt cotton.  Relative Growth Rate (RGR) increased with eCO2+ eTemp and is relatively less in non-Bt cotton compared to Bt cotton by 4-13 mg g-1 day-1. Lower protein content is positively correlated significantly to larval growth rate (r = 0.9**). Effects of climate change on crops and their pests have to be further quantified precisely to develop plausible stress mitigation strategies.
Climate Resilient Vegetable Farming: A Review
Authors: Shilpa . , Bijalwan Priyanka
Published: May 2021

Climate change is one of the global challenges faced by the mankind today with the continuously rising temperature, triggering a host of extreme weather events such as heat waves, drought, and flooding. These climate induced challenges are manifesting themselves rapidly, causing socio-economic insecurities and health challenges, particularly in marginalized communities. There is increasing evidence of indirect associations between climate change and the rise in the rates of malnutrition, poor health, hunger and starvation, as well as food and water insecurity. In addition, climate-change impacts have put an additional pressure on already stressed natural resource base, reducing the resilience of agro-ecosystems that are, in part, providing food and nutritional security in rural communities. Tackling these challenges requires a paradigm shift from the current incremental adaptation strategies towards transformative alternatives that also place an equal emphasis on human nutrition and health, as well as environmental sustainability. In the context of marginalized farming communities, a transformative adaptation strategy is defined as one that causes a disruptive, but desirable and sustainable change to the social– ecological state of the system. In the context of this paper, the inclusion of adaptable nutrient dense vegetable crops into marginalized agricultural systems and dominant food systems is considered part of transformative adaptation.
Financial Inclusion in East Africa: Does Economic Growth Matter?
Authors: Thomi John , Mose Naftaly
Published: May 2021

Inclusive financial systems in any economy cannot be ignored. In fact, it has become a policy strategy in many governments around the world, including East Africa region economies – Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Using panel data, this study presents a cross country analysis of the variables that determine financial inclusion levels with a key focus on economic growth through demand leading hypothesis. The study sought to test if economic expansion matters in financial inclusion in East Africa for the period 2006-2019. Panel ordinary least squares regression technique and fixed effect estimation method were adopted during the analysis. Following the findings of the study, economic growths depict a considerable influence on the financial access rate in East Africa. The corroboration presented by this study may help the respective countries to adopt policies that focus on improving financial inclusion levels through sustained economic growth.
Proactive Verification of Strip Y-Index to Mitigate Gross Misaligned Cut due to Mismatched Unit Pitching
Authors: Buera Maria Virginia S. , Mendoza Mariane A. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: May 2021

Shopfloor practices that when the first cut line was aligned with the hairline, actual blade cut, and saw street of the strip, the succeeding cut lines will automatically follow with the same alignment. Considering various factors that affect the condition of the strip, it was recommended to verify the succeeding cut lines of the strip to project if the hairline will still be aligned with the saw street as cutting goes on. Unfortunately, verification of succeeding cut lines was usually skipped and refer only with the first cut alignment as reference. Thus, end up risking the units for possible cutting misalignment. Cutting misalignment can be encountered when the programmed unit pitching measurement was mismatched with the actual unit pitch of the strip. However, mismatching of the unit pitch can be anticipated through y-indexing where the saw street of the strip will be verified for alignment with the hairline along the succeeding cut lines. Frequent occurrence of mismatched unit pitching was brought about by the strip condition after series of assembly processes that expands and retracts the strip. With the mentioned scenario which has been encountered from different semiconductor assembly plants, it was best to verify the y-indexing of the strip on top of verification on the first cut line alignment. Application of y-indexing verification is essential for the entrapment and correction of mismatched unit pitching. Rejection of units due to misaligned cuts can also be prevented. Assistance of operators to adjust and monitor the hairline to compensate the actual pitching was also avoided as early as first cut line verification.
‘GutFeel’: an in silico method for predicting gut health status based on the metabolic functional capabilities of the resident microbiome
Authors: Anand Swadha , Bose Chandrani , Kaur Harrisham , Mande Sharmila S.
Published: May 2021

Dysbiosis or imbalance in the gut microbiome has been correlated with the etiology of a number of diseases/disorders. Thus, gut microbial communities can potentially be utilized for assessing the health of the human gut. Although the taxonomic composition of the microbiomes is dependent on factors such as diet, lifestyle, and geography, these microbes perform a specific set of common functions in the gut. In this study, metabolic pathway‐based markers (agnostic to above‐mentioned factors) specific to commensals and those specific to pathogens are utilized as indicators of gut health. Furthermore, this gut health assessment requires only a small set of features rather than complete sequencing of metagenomes. The proposed scheme can also be used to design personalized biotherapeutics, depending on functional aspects observed in an individual.
Perovskite Oxide Catalysts for Advanced Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Wang Kai , Han Chen , Shao Zongping , Qiu Jieshan , Wang Shaobin , Liu Shaomin
Published: May 2021

Meeting the escalating demand for clean water resources is one of the key challenges to ensure a sustainable future. Catalysis plays an important role to advance the chemical reactions required for wastewater efficient remediation. How to exploit high‐performance catalysts to boost the pivotal reaction kinetics always attracts researchers’ enthusiasm. Perovskite oxides as a novel class of functional materials can be tuned to confer compositional flexibilities and provide rich and unique structural properties. As the rising‐star material, it has been widely probed for electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and membrane‐catalysis for energy conversion, but received less attention in water treatment. In this review, the advances of perovskite oxides for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in water remediation are comprehensively elaborated. A fundamental understanding of the crystal structures and properties of perovskite oxides as well as the basic principles of AOPs is firstly provided. Then, emphasis is placed on how to tune the perovskite oxides to suit various AOPs. The strategies to design novel perovskite oxides to enhance the catalytic activities in AOPs have been highlighted. It is expected that after reading this review, readers will have a clearer vision of the background, the state of the art development, and general guidelines for future directions regarding research in this area.
Efficient and Tunable Reflection of Phonon Polaritons at Built‐In Intercalation Interfaces
Authors: Wu Yingjie , Ou Qingdong , Dong Shaohua , Hu Guangwei , Si Guangyuan , Dai Zhigao , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Fuhrer Michael S. , Mokkapati Sudha , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: May 2021

Phonon polaritons—light coupled to lattice vibrations—in polar van der Waals crystals offer unprecedented opportunities for controlling light at the nanoscale due to their anisotropic and ultralow‐loss propagation. While their analog plasmon polaritons—light coupled to electron oscillations—have long been studied and exhibit interesting reflections at geometrical edges and electronic boundaries, whether phonon polaritons can be reflected by such barriers has been elusive. Here, the effective and tunable reflection of phonon polaritons at embedded interfaces formed in hydrogen‐intercalated α‐MoO3 flakes is elaborated upon. Without breaking geometrical continuity, such intercalation interfaces can reflect phonon polaritons with low losses, yielding the distinct phase changes of −0.8π and −0.3π associated with polariton propagation, high efficiency of 50%, and potential electrical tunability. The results point to a new approach to construct on‐demand polariton reflectors, phase modulators, and retarders, which may be transplanted into building future polaritonic circuits using van der Waals crystals.
10 μm‐Thick High‐Strength Solid Polymer Electrolytes with Excellent Interface Compatibility for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhiyan , Shen Lin , Deng Shungui , Cui Ping , Yao Xiayin
Published: May 2021

An ultrathin solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) consisting of modified polyethylene (PE) as the host and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and lithium salts as fillers is presented. The porous poly(methyl methacrylate)–polystyrene interface layers closely attached on both sides of the PE effectively improve the interface compatibility among electrolytes and electrodes. The resultant 10 μm‐thick SPEs possess an ultrahigh ionic conductance of 34.84 mS at room temperature and excellent mechanical properties of 103.0 MPa with elongation up to 142.3%. The Li//Li symmetric cell employing an optimized solid electrolyte can stably cycle more than 1500 h at 60 °C. Moreover, the LiFePO4//Li pouch cell can stably cycle over 1000 cycles at 1 C rate and with a capacity retention of 76.4% from 148.9 to 113.7 mAh g−1 at 60 °C. The LiCoO2//Li pouch cell can stably operate at 0.1 and 0.2 C rate for each 100 cycles. Furthermore, the LiFePO4//Li pouch cell can work stably after curling and folding, which proves its excellent flexibility and safety simultaneously. This work offers a promising strategy to realize ultrathinness, excellent compatibility, high strength, as well as safe solid electrolytes for all‐solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries.
Boosting Selective Nitrogen Reduction via Geometric Coordination Engineering on Single‐Tungsten‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Gu Yu , Xi Baojuan , Tian Wenzhi , Zhang Hua , Fu Qiang , Xiong Shenglin
Published: May 2021

Atomic interface regulation that can efficiently optimize the performance of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is a worthwhile research topic. The challenge lies in deeply understanding the structure–properties correlation based on control of the coordination chemistry of individual atoms. Herein, a new kind of W SACs with oxygen and nitrogen coordination (W‐NO/NC) and a high metal loading over 10 wt% is facilely prepared by introducing an oxygen‐bridged [WO4] tetrahedron. The local structure and coordination environment of the W SACs are confirmed by high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure. The catalyst shows excellent selectivity and activity for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Density functional theory calculation reveals that unique electronic structures of the N and O dual‐coordinated W sites optimize the binding energy of the NRR intermediate, resulting in facilitating the electrocatalytic NRR. This work opens an avenue toward exploring the correlation between coordination structure and properties.
The Influence of Spontaneous Oxidative Conversion on the Characteristics of Lead‐Free Halide Perovskite CsSn(IxBr1−x)3 and on the Performance of Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hong Wei‐Li , Lo Pei‐Hsuan , Chiu Hao‐Zhe , Horng Sheng‐Fu , Chao Yu‐Chiang
Published: May 2021

In this study, lead‐free perovskite CsSn(IxBr1−x)3 films with photoluminescence emission wavelengths from 677 to 887 nm are prepared. The influence of air exposure on their characteristics is also investigated. It is found that CsSnI3 can be transformed to Cs2SnI6 upon increasing the air exposure time. The decomposition and oxidation mechanisms are confirmed by the X‐ray diffraction pattern due to the presence of CsI peak. It is observed that devices based on the CsSn(IxBr1−x)3 film with increased Br− ratio and the CsSnI3 film with prolonged air exposure time show inferior performance. These results are mainly attributed to the highest occupied molecular orbital levels of CsSn(IxBr1−x)3 and Cs2SnI6. Defect density of state and binding energy of these materials are also investigated and reported in this study.
Highly Scalable Conversion of Blood Protoporphyrin to Efficient Electrocatalyst for CO2‐to‐CO Conversion
Authors: Miola Matteo , Li Simin , Hu Xin‐Ming , Ceccato Marcel , Surkus Annette‐E. , Welter Edmund , Pedersen Steen U. , Junge Henrik , Skrydstrup Troels , Beller Matthias , Daasbjerg Kim
Published: May 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to valuable chemicals represents a green and sustainable approach to close the anthropogenic carbon cycle, but has been impeded by low efficiency and high cost of electrocatalysts. Here, a cost‐effective hybrid catalyst consisting of hemin (chloroprotoporphyrin IX iron(III)), a product recovered from bovine blood, adsorbed onto commercial Vulcan carbon is reported. Upon heat treatment, this material shows significantly improved activity and selectivity for CO2 reduction in water while exhibiting good stability for more than 10 h. The heat treatment leads to consecutive removal of the axial chlorine atom and decomposition of the iron porphyrin ring, restructuring to form atomic Fe sites. The optimized hybrid catalyst obtained at 900 °C shows near‐unity selectivity for reduction of CO2 to CO at a small overpotential of 310 mV. The insight into transformation of adsorbed Fe complexes into single Fe atoms upon heat treatment provides guidance for development of single atom catalysts.
Manipulation and Mixing of 200 Femtoliter Droplets in Nanofluidic Channels Using MHz‐Order Surface Acoustic Waves
Authors: Zhang Naiqing , Horesh Amihai , Friend James
Published: May 2021

Controllable manipulation and effective mixing of fluids and colloids at the nanoscale is made exceptionally difficult by the dominance of surface and viscous forces. The use of megahertz (MHz)‐order vibration has dramatically expanded in microfluidics, enabling fluid manipulation, atomization, and microscale particle and cell separation. Even more powerful results are found at the nanoscale, with the key discovery of new regimes of acoustic wave interaction with 200 fL droplets of deionized water. It is shown that 40 MHz‐order surface acoustic waves can manipulate such droplets within fully transparent, high‐aspect ratio, 100 nm tall, 20–130 micron wide, 5‐mm long nanoslit channels. By forming traps as locally widened regions along such a channel, individual fluid droplets may be propelled from one trap to the next, split between them, mixed, and merged. A simple theory is provided to describe the mechanisms of droplet transport and splitting.
Amorphous Nickel–Iron Borophosphate for a Robust and Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kwon Jiseok , Han Hyuksu , Jo Seonghan , Choi Seunggun , Chung Kyung Yoon , Ali Ghulam , Park Keemin , Paik Ungyu , Song Taeseup
Published: May 2021

Borophosphate materials are promising electrocatalysts for water splitting. Their structural flexibility enable self‐adjusting of electronic structure depending on potential. The rich chemistry of borophosphate provides a huge engineering space to tune composition and structure. Herein, amorphized LiNiFe borophosphate (a‐LNFBPO) for an efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is first reported. Facile adsorption of oxygen intermediates on the vacancies generated by spontaneous Li dissolution during the OER and regulated electronic structure resulting from the Ni and Fe interaction can boost the OER. The amorphization of LiNiFe borophosphate modifies the electronic structure with metal‐oxygen (MO) bond contraction and the high valence state of the metal cations, which reduces the charge transfer energy between the catalyst and electrolyte. In addition, abundant defects, dangling bonds, and a disordered arrangement induced by amorphization enable an improvement in structural flexibility, facilitating a facile and entire transformation of originally inert species into the active phase during the OER process. The a‐LNFBPO@Ni foam shows excellent OER properties requiring only a 215 mV overpotential for generating 10 mA cm−2 and long‐term stability over 300 h.
Pediatric emergency medicine fellows’ milestone evaluations: Do they all meet the targets for graduation?
Authors: Roskind Cindy G. , Leonard Kathryn , Baghdassarian Aline , Kou Maybelle , Levasseur Kelly , Rose Jerri A. , Shabanova Veronika , Vu Tien , Zuckerbraun Noel S. , Langhan Melissa L.
Published: May 2021

Background

The ACGME Milestone Project created a competency‐based trainee assessment tool. Subcompetencies (SCs) are scored on a 5‐point scale; level 4 is recommended for graduation. The 2018 Milestones Report found that across subspecialties, not all graduates attain level 4 for every SC.

Objective

The objective was to describe the number of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows who achieve ≥ level 4 in all 23 SCs at graduation and identify SCs where level 4 is not achieved and factors predictive of not achieving a level 4.

Methods

This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of PEM fellows from 2014 to 2018. Program directors provided milestone reports. Descriptive analysis of SC scores was performed. Subanalyses assessed differences in residency graduation scores, first‐year fellowship scores, and the rate of milestone attainment between fellows who did and did not attain ≥ level 4 at graduation.

Results

Data from 392 fellows were obtained. There were no SCs in which all fellows attained ≥ level 4 at graduation; the range of fellows scoring < level 4 per SC was 7% to 39%. A total of 67% of fellows did not attain ≥ level 4 on one or more SC. While some fellows failed to attain ≥ level 4 on up to all 23 SCs, 26% failed to meet level 4 on only one or two. In 19 SCs, residency graduation and/or first year fellow scores were lower for fellows who did not attain ≥ level 4 at graduation compared to those who did (mean difference = 0.74 points). Among 10 SCs, fellows who did not attain ≥ level 4 at graduation had a faster rate of improvement compared to those who did attain ≥ level 4.

Conclusion

In our sample, 67% of PEM fellows did not attain level 4 for one or more of the SCs at graduation. Low scores during residency or early in fellowship may predict difficulty in meeting level 4 by fellowship completion.
Nitrogen content of pea‐based cover crop mixtures and subsequent organic corn yield
Authors: Lavergne Stéphanie , Vanasse Anne , Thivierge Marie‐Noëlle , Halde Caroline
Published: May 2021

Organic growers rely heavily on manure additions to meet corn (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) needs. Considering the limited availability of farmyard manure and its increasing cost, the use of cover crop mixtures may help in addressing this challenge. The impact of fall‐seeded cover crops with or without pelletized poultry manure application on corn yield and N dynamics was investigated at three sites in Québec, Canada. Cover crop treatments consisted of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) in a pure stand, 2‐, 6‐, and 12‐species pea‐based mixtures, and a weedy control without cover crops. Nitrogen content of shoot biomass was the greatest for the pure stand of field pea at Augustin17 (157 kg N ha–1), and for the pure stand of field pea and the 2‐species mixture at Augustin18 (average of 109 kg N ha–1) and Barthelemy17 (average of 171 kg N ha–1). Nitrogen content of root biomass averaged 13 kg N ha–1. Cover crops increased organic corn grain yield by 28% compared to a weedy control. Corn grain yield was similar following the pure stand of field pea and the mixtures of 2 and 12 species, showing no clear advantage of using mixtures instead of a pure stand of field pea regarding N supply and corn yield. Corn yield increased by 10% with poultry manure application irrespective of the cover crop treatments. These results indicate that the use of cover crops, either a pure legume or legume in mixture, could contribute to organic grain corn yield.
A novel stochastic optimization method to efficiently synthesize large‐scale nonsharp distillation systems
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Luo Yiqing , Yuan Xigang
Published: May 2021

This study presents a novel stochastic optimization method for the efficient synthesis of large‐scale nonsharp distillation systems, where heat integration and thermal coupling can be involved simultaneously. A new binary tree encoding method was developed to represent distillation sequences with no limits on the number of middle components in nonsharp splits to ensure a complete solution space. Thermally coupled structures were defined by 0–1 binary variables. Evolutionary rules were developed to generate neighboring distillation configurations randomly. Finally, an optimization framework was proposed, where simulated annealing (SA) algorithm was used to optimize distillation configurations; for a certain distillation configuration randomly generated by SA, its continuous variables were optimized using particle swarm optimization algorithm. Four cases—including the synthesis of six‐ and seven‐component nonsharp heat integrated and thermally coupled distillation sequences—were studied to demonstrate that the proposed method was efficient and could obtain optimal and valuable suboptimal solutions with high probabilities.