bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Admissibility of the constitutional control of local spatial development plans by administrative courts
Authors: Majchrzak Bartosz
Published: October 2020

This article refers to one of the criteria for controlling the local spatial development plan, which
is its compliance with the Polish Constitution. In this regard, in particular, there were identified
doubts regarding the answer to the question whether the above mentioned criterion may be
applied by administrative courts. There are sensible reasons of thesis that controlling of constitutionality
of law in Poland is exercised exclusively by the Constitutional Tribunal. On this
background, an attempt was made to formulate additional arguments supporting the statement
according to which, however, administrative courts have the competence to verify local plans in
terms of their compliance with the Constitution.
Legal effects of changes in water relations on neighbouring properties
Authors: Kosieradzka-Federczyk Agata
Published: October 2020

The subject of the article is the analysis of regulations regarding the consequences of violations
of water relations on neighboring properties, from the perspective of the protected value.
The regulations contained in the Water Law Act belong to the so-called neighborhood law, that
can be find in legal acts from private and public law. Regulations regarding changes in water
relations in the Act on nature protection in the area of nature protection, but also a botanical
and zoo garden, are aimed at protecting water relations (protection in the form of a prohibition
of change). However, this prohibition is not absolute. The common exception allowing a derogation
from the ban are the needs justified by nature protection.
In case of a collision between values, when a change in water relations causes damage in
neighboring areas within the area of nature protection is justified by the need for protection, it
is the administration authority task to weigh the values and provide protection to each of them
as far as possible.
Business-IT Alignment Equilibrium States in Small Firms: A Dynamic Perspective
Authors: Aquilina Ronald
Published: October 2020

This study examines, from a dynamic perspective, how small firms operating in Malta align IT adoption with business objectives. The research stance applied is grounded theory methodology as advocated by Charmaz’s (2006) constructivist approach. Interpretive and qualitative in-depth interviews were carried out with 31 owner-managers of small firms to observe IT-adoption behaviour. This study analyses grounded data for process and examines the interrelationships between concepts based on context, actions, and reactions and consequences and outcomes. The research provides for a parsimonious model of four possible business-IT alignment states, namely, Adaptation, Anticipation, Synchronization, and Collaboration. The study provides policy-makers, academic researchers, and small firms’ owner-managers with a theoretical framework that can assist them in predicting the kind of business-IT alignment behaviour that is likely to occur.
A Review on Ambient Assisted Living in a Maltese Context
Authors: Zammit Joseph A.
Published: October 2020

The number of senior citizens is continually increasing and they are enjoying a longer life span due to improved quality of life and healthcare. Old age brings with it a whole new set of challenges ranging from the physical to the cognitive. Medical advances have made possible a good quality of life, albeit at a high economic cost to relocate to a residential care facility. One of the main objectives is to keep senior citizens living and participating in their local communities where they have lived and contributed for decades. Another issue faced by moving to residential care is the rising cost of such services. Assisted living allows citizens to continue living in the community whilst using technology to provide a set of services that enable independent living while keeping in contact with care providers. This is a rapidly evolving multi-disciplinary area utilizing techniques ranging from smart hardware, communications, data mining, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and ICT technologies. This paper discusses a summary of potential applications and the technological disciplines needed to create an independent living space together with issues arising from the application of such technology. Finally a discussion of the application of assisted living in the Maltese context is presented.
The Attitudes of Maltese Consumers Towards Renewable Energy: An Investigation
Authors: Frendo Carmelina
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the attitudes of Maltese consumers towards renewable energy by applying a grounded theory methodology and using a constructivism approach. The research adopts an interpretivist research philosophy. Qualitative in-depth interviews were carried out with five members of the general public, aged 40 to 55 years, to explore their attitudes towards renewable energy. Through the analysis of grounded data, interrelationships between concepts have been examined. This has been based on contextual conditions, actions and reactions, and consequences and outcomes. The study proposes a model of attitude formation towards renewable energy systems in the Maltese context. It has also identified three categories of consumers for renewable energy systems. The model will aid policy-makers and resellers of these systems.
Mathematical Modelling of Heat Transfer Physics in Sea and Air deployed PV Systems
Authors: Sammut Stephen , Attard Patrick
Published: October 2020

The sea provides a vast area which can be harnessed as a platform on which to install energy-harvesting technology. This is especially relevant for a small country such as Malta with a very small landmass when compared to the vast area of the surrounding sea.
Photovoltaics (PV) also become more inefficient as they heat up. When PV panels are deployed in the sun, the temperature tends to increase and the PVs become more inefficient. This is especially so in the summer months when the ambient temperatures are at their highest levels. Sea temperature in summer is lower than the air temperature. Hence deploying the PVs in the sea can contribute to keep the panel temperature lower, thereby improving its efficiency. The subject of this paper was the study of the cooling effect of the sea on the PV material. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of PV panels deployed on land and in sea (both in submerged and surface modes) was undertaken. FEA software ANSYS was used to conduct the analysis. The FEA conducted took into consideration the physics of heat transfer through the radiation, conduction, and convection mechanisms. The conclusions of the analysis conducted demonstrated that a PV panel submerged 10 cm below the sea surface achieved the lowest temperatures of the three cases studied.
The Impact of the Hairdressing Profession on Practising Hairdressers: A Gozitan Perspective
Authors: Bonnici Amanda
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the hairdressing service quality being enjoyed by clients in Gozo and the difference in the way clients are affected by a hairdresser who has a hairdressing warrant and a hairdresser who does not. When clients pay high prices to have a high-quality service at the salon, they expect truly professional service which rests on performance quality which in turn depends on tasks completion quality, interaction, and deliverables.
Hairdressers must use technological devices and time in an innovative way. The researcher aims to focus on how much hairdressers in Gozo can deliver high-quality hairdressing services based on the principles and good practices mentioned above, to what extent the possession of a warrant is affecting client’s satisfaction, and if hairdressers are educated in delivering hairdressing services or are just drilled in foundational skills. This study aims to explore what attention is being given to health and safety, electrical devices handling, environment sustainability, good postures, clear and intelligent consultations and advice, and if there is a leap in quality in hairdressing through recognized qualified courses and appropriate warrants.
Since qualitative in-depth information is needed about the hairdressing service in Gozo, the researcher held a focus group with the Federation of Hairdressing and the clients’ opinions will be collected quantitatively through a questionnaire. The primary information gathered was compared with that collected about hairdressing abroad through online interviews with foreign hairdressers and secondary information gleaned from related literature review. It was expected that the study would demonstrate beyond doubt the best people management practices which are the most important differentiating factor in a small services business-like hairdressing together with management training and formal communication with clients. The author also expected that these principles and practices are not being respected in Gozo as most hairdressers do not possess the necessary qualification that is the key for teaching the best practices.
A Study of the Factors that Influence the Employment Potential of MCAST Level 4 Graduates
Authors: Azzopardi Candy , Rizzo Alex , Cardona Mario
Published: October 2020

This graduate tracer study was carried out among Level 4 students from all MCAST Institutes who completed their final study programmes in the academic years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. It intends to provide information about the situation graduates face after completing their studies and supply data to help stakeholders make informed decisions in relation to the transition from education to employment. The research process included secondary and primary research. Factor analysis was the multivariate technique used to group the factors into four different independent variables: Student academic performance; quality of instruction; acquired skills and competences, and MCAST services. As well as using the multivariate technique for the dependent variable: Graduates’ employment potential. The conclusions from Stage 1 pre-test factor analysis resulted in the refined hypotheses of this study. The conceptual framework was also refined, with the variables identified in the pre-test of this research.
A new updated instrument was then created and used for Stage 2 regression. Stage 2 consists of multivariate regression on the final respondent data. The results of this study show that, out of these independent variables, the acquired skills and competences variable showed a strong positive relationship with the graduates’ employment potential dependent variable with a beta value of 0.66 and sig. 0.000. The other independent variables achieved a beta value less than 0.1, indicating a weak relationship to the dependent variables. This research project has been a learning experience as well as a pilot programme for future MCAST graduate surveys.
Crescimento e desenvolvimento de língua-de-vaca
Authors: Jochem Wilian , Visentin Regina  Pasinatto , Nogatz Beatriz , Costa Gabriel  Dalla , Schmitt Jaqueline , Oliveira Neto Antonio Mendes de , Guerra Naiara
Published: October 2020

Broad-leaved dock is a perennial weed, which infests mainly pastures, annual crops and perennials in the Southern of Brazil. Because it is a perennial plant, control becomes more difficult due to regrowth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and development characteristics of cow-tongue plants in a non-competitive environment. The objective of this work was to monitor phenology and to evaluate the growth and development characteristics of broad-leaved dock plants in the non-competitive environment. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, after the seeds germinated in the BOD chamber, the seedlings were transplanted to pots filled with Cambisol Haplic. Destructive analyzes were performed at 0, 33, 94, 124, 156, 186 and 215 days after transplanting (DAT). The plants were collected separating the aerial part of the root system and the inflorescence, each part of the plant was taken to the drying oven by forced circulation of air for later determination of the dry mass. It was observed that the broad-leaved dock plants present initial growth rather slow. The total dry mass distribution was 56.8% of the total accumulated in the root system, followed by inflorescence (31.6%) and shoot (11.6%). The average number of seeds produced was 3,406 (± 389) per plant.
Uso de lodo de esgoto na produção de mudas clonais de Eucalyptus
Authors: Lobo Thomaz Figueiredo , Oliveira Fernando Carvalho de , Silva Magali Ribeiro da
Published: October 2020

Sewage sludge is a by-product of wastewater treatment facilities and in most cases, it is not properly managed being deposited in landfills. This waste has all essential nutrients for the mineral nutrition of plants in addition to having high levels of organic matter which promotes greater water retention, improving the physical and biological soil attributes. The aim of the current research was to evaluate substrates of composted sewage sludge and commercial substrate with different mixtures in H13 clone seedlings (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla) by evaluating biotic factors (plant height and diameter), dry matter production, seedling quality, mineral nutrition of plants, and chemical characteristics of the substrate. The experimental design was completely randomized with 5 treatments and 4 repetitions composed of 352 seedlings per plot. The treatments were: T1 - 100% composted sludge; T2 - 75% composted sludge and 25% commercial substrate; T3 - 50% composted sludge and 50% commercial substrate; T4 - 25% composted sludge and 75% commercial substrate; T5 - 100% commercial substrate. Plants with a greater amount of sewage sludge in the substrate performed better in all evaluated parameters.
Investigation of Indium Oxide Effect on Indium Particles Properties Used as Silicon Nanowires Catalyst
Authors: Benabderrahmane Zaghouani Rabia
Published: October 2020

In this chapter, we investigate on indium particles elaboration by different annealing processes: rapid thermal annealing (RTA) and conventional processes. The elaborated particles are dedicated to be used as catalyst for silicon nanowires’ (SiNWs) growth by vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) process. The annealing parameters effect on indium particles properties is studied. After conventional annealing, the indium layer is cracked into elongated and inhomogeneous islands of micrometric sizes. XRD analysis depicts, in addition to pure indium planes, the presence of new peaks attributed to indium oxide (In2O3) planes formed during annealing. After hydrogen treatment with a flow rate of 60 sccm during 10 min, some In2O3 peaks are eliminated and replaced by new indium peaks, explaining the amelioration of indium particles morphology. These formed particles have been used as catalyst for SiNWs’ growth. A low density of SiNWs is obtained, attributed to In2O3 persistence, decreasing the indium catalytic effect. Quasi-spherical and homogeneously distributed indium particles with an average size of 422 nm are successfully grown in one step by the RTA process during short time (5 min) at lower temperature (450°C). XRD analysis shows the absence of indium oxide in the contrary to those formed by the conventional furnace. SiNWs with higher density are obtained, highlighting the harmful role of indium oxide.
Ocular Manifestations in Epstein Barr Virus Infection
Authors: Arus Victor Andi
Published: October 2020

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a member of the Herpesvirus family, occurs commonly and infects more than 90% of people worldwide. Most of systemic EBV infections throughout childhood and adulthood are typically asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic. Even though ocular involvements in EBV infections are infrequently reported, an increasing number of ocular manifestations have been previously reported . Ocular manifestation caused by EBV infection involved all segments of the eye, including oculoglandular syndrome, dry eye syndrome, dacryoadenitis, conjunctivitis, episcleritis, keratitis, uveitis, choroiditis, retinitis, retinal vasculitis, and papillitis. Previous reports found neurologic complications such as papilledema, optic neuritis, ophthalmoplegia, impaired accommodation, and facial nerve palsy. Any atypical ocular inflammatory process should be considered EBV infection in the differential diagnosis. The ocular manifestations of systemic EBV infection are varied and have not been emphasized. And the role of EBV infection in ocular manifestations should be fully described.
The Genetic Improvement in Meat Rabbits
Authors: García María-Luz , Argente María-José
Published: October 2020

Rabbits are raised for many different purposes, such as breeding stock for meat, wool and fur, as an educational and experimental animal model, and as pets and show animals. However, this species is main used for meat production. France, Italy and Spain have an important role in the increase of world rabbit meat production through the development of selection programs in this species. Genetic improvement programs have based on development of maternal lines to improve prolificacy and paternal lines to improve growth rate, but the alternative development of multi-purpose lines for litter size and growth traits will be discussed. In this chapter, the variance components of these traits, the response to selection and the main commercial available lines will be reviewed. Universities and public research centers have played a leading role in the development of these lines and in the diffusion of this genetic material through a pyramid scheme from selection nuclei to farmers. Recently, others functional traits are emerging successfully as selection criteria in breeding programs such as ovulation rate, prenatal survival, longevity, feed efficiency, meat quality, uniformity in production, and resistance to digestive disorders.
Damage Control Surgery for Liver Trauma
Authors: A. Ziogas Ioannis , Katsaros Ioannis , Tsoulfas Georgios
Published: October 2020

The liver is one of the most commonly injured organs of the abdomen after major trauma and may lead to the extravasation of major amounts of blood. Damage control surgery (DCS) as a concept exists for over one hundred years but has been more widely optimized and implemented over the past few decades. Minimizing the time from the trauma scene to the hospital and recognizing the patterns of injury and the “lethal triad” (acidosis, hypothermia, coagulopathy) is vital to understand which patients will benefit the most from DCS. Immediate patient resuscitation, massive blood transfusion, and taking the patient to the operating room as soon as possible are the critical initial steps that have been associated with improved outcomes. Bleeding and contamination control should be the priority in this first exploratory laparotomy, while the patient should be transferred to the intensive care unit postoperatively with only temporary abdominal wall closure. Once the patient is stabilized, a second operation should be performed where an anatomic liver resection or other more major procedures may take place, along with permanent closure of the abdominal wall.
What Is Innovation?
Authors: Blok Vincent ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2020

In this article, I reflect on the nature of innovation to lay the groundwork for a philosophy of innovation. First, I contrast the contemporary techno-economic paradigm of innovation with the work of Joseph Schumpeter. It becomes clear that Schumpeter’s work provides good reasons to question the techno-economic paradigm of innovation. Second, I contrast ‘innovation’ with ‘technology’ and identify five differences between the two concepts. Third, I reflect on the process-outcome dimension and the ontic-ontological dimension of innovation to develop four characteristics of the phenomenon of innovation. These four characteristics move beyond the techno-economic paradigm of innovation and highlight, first, the importance of its process dimension understood as ontogenesis, second, the outcome of innovation, and third, the importance of the ontological dimension of innovation, which is considered adjacent to its fourth characteristic, i.e., the ontic level of the outcome of innovation. After drawing conclusions, a research agenda for future research is provided.
Linguagem matemática, ensino de Geometria e língua materna: saberes docentes de uma professora formadora em um curso de Pedagogia
Authors: Mazini dos Santos Pedro Augusto , Proença Marcelo Carlos de
Published: October 2020

No presente artigo, apresentamos o recorte de uma pesquisa de mestrado cujo objetivo foi o de investigar que elementos dos saberes docentes são colocados em ação na prática pedagógica quando o professor formador articula linguagem matemática e língua materna no ensino de Geometria em uma disciplina de Metodologia de Ensino de Matemática em um curso de Pedagogia. Para tanto, como opção metodológica, realizamos uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo estudo de caso, com uma professora formadora, em uma universidade pública, localizado no Estado do Paraná. Analisamos os dados, organizando-os na forma de episódios. Para este artigo, trazemos um dos episódios analisados, no qual, a professora formadora defende o ensino de Geometria por meio de atividades práticas e materiais manipuláveis. Os resultados mostraram que a professora formadora apresentou às futuras pedagogas possibilidades com materiais manipuláveis para o ensino de geometria, revelando uso de saber profissional. Todavia, no decorrer da utilização desses materiais, não se aprofundou nos conteúdos que poderiam ser ministrados em sala de aula. Diante disso, não percebemos em sua prática a articulação entre linguagem geométrica e a língua materna que pudesse promover a formação das futuras pedagogas. Concluímos que é necessário haver aprofundamento dos saberes disciplinares, ligados aos conhecimentos geométricos a serem ensinados nos anos iniciais para que se tenha oportunidades de estabelecer uma articulação entre linguagem matemática e língua materna.
Dopaminergic and opioidergic regulation during anticipation and consumption of social and nonsocial rewards
Authors: Korb Sebastian , Götzendorfer Sebastian J , Massaccesi Claudia , Sezen Patrick , Graf Irene , Willeit Matthäus , Eisenegger Christoph , Silani Giorgia
Published: October 2020

The observation of animal orofacial and behavioral reactions has played a fundamental role in research on reward but is seldom assessed in humans. Healthy volunteers (N = 131) received 400 mg of the dopaminergic antagonist amisulpride, 50 mg of the opioidergic antagonist naltrexone, or placebo. Subjective ratings, physical effort, and facial reactions to matched primary social (affective touch) and nonsocial (food) rewards were assessed. Both drugs resulted in lower physical effort and greater negative facial reactions during reward anticipation, especially of food rewards. Only opioidergic manipulation through naltrexone led to a reduction in positive facial reactions to liked rewards during reward consumption. Subjective ratings of wanting and liking were not modulated by either drug. Results suggest that facial reactions during anticipated and experienced pleasure rely on partly different neurochemical systems, and also that the neurochemical bases for food and touch rewards are not identical.
Dynamics of nevus development implicate cell cooperation in the growth arrest of transformed melanocytes
Authors: Ruiz-Vega Rolando , Chen Chi-Fen , Razzak Emaad , Vasudeva Priya , Krasieva Tatiana B , Shiu Jessica , Caldwell Michael G , Yan Huaming , Lowengrub John , Ganesan Anand K , Lander Arthur D
Published: October 2020

Mutational activation of the BRAF proto-oncogene in melanocytes reliably produces benign nevi (pigmented ‘moles’), yet the same change is the most common driver mutation in melanoma. The reason nevi stop growing, and do not progress to melanoma, is widely attributed to a cell-autonomous process of ‘oncogene-induced senescence’. Using a mouse model of Braf-driven nevus formation, analyzing both proliferative dynamics and single-cell gene expression, we found no evidence that nevus cells are senescent, either compared with other skin cells, or other melanocytes. We also found that nevus size distributions could not be fit by any simple cell-autonomous model of growth arrest, yet were easily fit by models based on collective cell behavior, for example in which arresting cells release an arrest-promoting factor. We suggest that nevus growth arrest is more likely related to the cell interactions that mediate size control in normal tissues, than to any cell-autonomous, ‘oncogene-induced’ program of senescence.
Surface Runoff Estimation for Godavari Eastern Delta Using SCS Curve Number and Geographical Information System
Authors: Kumar G. Kishore , Babu M. Raghu , Mani A. , Luther M. Martin , Rao V. Srinivasa
Published: October 2020

NRSC-CN for surface runoff estimation is one of the most widely used methods. GIS and remote sensing techniques facilitate accurate estimation of surface runoff from an area. Water availability estimation can be understand by rainfall and runoff is essential. Runoff generated by rainfall is not only dependent on the intensity, duration and the distribution of rainfall, but also soil type, vegetation, and land-use types have significant effects on the runoff pattern. The present study aims to estimate runoff in a study area. The study was carried out in Godavari Eastern Delta in Andhra Pradesh, India. The land use/land cover map, soil map was prepared. The soil and land use map has been prepared by the information available at Andhra Pradesh space application centre. For the rectification of reference, soil and land use map of the study area ERDAS IMAGINE-8.4 software was used. For 30 years surface runoff was estimated, as the runoff value depends on the rainfall, trend of runoff was found to be highly dependable on the quantity of rainfall received within the entire study area. The yearly trend of rainfall during 1987 was 8.97 it’s but the other years, and therefore the runoff was also found to follow an equivalent trend. Similarly, for the year 1995, the runoff was recorded as high, which was also having the highest rainfall.
Biofilm Forming Ability and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Food-borne Pathogens Isolated from Common Dairy Products: Madara and Nono Vended in Makurdi Metropolis
Authors: Hassan Amina Ojochide , Ogbonna Innocent Okonkwo , Obisike Victor Ugochukwu
Published: October 2020

Microbial resistance to antibiotics and biofilm formation ability of food-borne pathogens are major global health challenges. Most milk and milk products (Madara and Nono) could be vehicles for the transmission of multidrug resistant genes among any community. This study was aimed at determining the antibiotic susceptibility patterns and biofilm forming ability of some food-borne pathogens isolated from common dairy products: Madara and Nono in Makurdi metropolis. Two hundred and forty (240) samples comprising of one hundred and twenty (120) each of Madara (fresh raw milk from cow “FRM”)) and Nono (chance fermented cow milk “CFM”) were examined for the presence of pathogens. Antibiogram of bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. and Klebsiella spp.) using the disc diffusion method revealed that susceptibility for Ampicillin (86.9%), Streptomycin (83.9%) and Ciprofloxacin (75.0%). Resistance was shown (26.7%) to Nalidixic acid, a commonly used antibiotic reflecting a public health concern. Most resistant isolates had a multiple antibiotics index of 0.3 (27.54%) with a least multiple antibiotics resistance index of 0.6 (0.85%). Detection of biofilm formation of isolates was done by Tube method. The study also revealed that out the total of 236 isolates tested for biofilm formation, 67 (28.4%) isolates were non or weak biofilm producers, 77 (32.6%) isolates were moderate biofilm producers and 92 (39%) isolates were strong biofilm producers. Findings of this research show high presence of a wide range of microorganisms, particularly enteric pathogens and enterotoxigenic strains of S. aureus which portrayed multidrug resistance and biofilm formation suggesting that FRM (Madara) and CRM (Nono) products might be important sources of food-borne infections and intoxication.
Onlay Repair Using Self-Gripping Mesh for Lateral Trocar Site Hernia After Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair: A Case Report With Short- and Mid-Term Outcomes
Authors: Tsujinaka Shingo , Fukuda Rintaro , Maemoto Ryo , Machida Erika , Kakizawa Nao , Takenami Tsutomu , Miyakura Yasuyuki , Toyama Nobuyuki , Rikiyama Toshiki
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Trocar site hernia (TSH) is an uncommon complication after laparoscopic surgery, but it may potentially require surgical intervention. The available data have shown the importance of prediction and prevention; the optimal surgical approach for TSH remains unclear, and its long-term outcome is scarcely available. Here, we present a case of a lateral TSH after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, which was successfully repaired using the onlay technique with a self-gripping mesh.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old woman presented with an abdominal incisional hernia at the midline after an open cholecystectomy. She underwent laparoscopic surgery for incisional hernia with intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair. Fascial closure was performed for trocar sites. After 12 months, she noticed a painful bulge in the left upper quadrant suggestive of TSH. At the time of diagnosis, her body mass index was 32 kg/m2. TSH repair was performed under general anesthesia. A 3 × 3 cm defect was identified, and the hernial content was found to be the omentum. Defect closure was performed using interrupted sutures followed by placement of a self-gripping mesh (11 × 11 cm in size, obtaining a 4-cm overlap for the defect). The operative time was 80 minutes. The postoperative course was uneventful except for a spontaneously resolved seroma. Computed tomography scan at the 1-year follow-up and physical examination at the 2-year visit showed no recurrence.

Conclusion

Our proposed onlay repair using self-gripping mesh may be considered as the treatment of choice for cases of lateral TSH after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair.
Plasma NfL and GFAP as biomarkers of spinal cord degeneration in adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: van Ballegoij Wouter J. C. , van de Stadt Stephanie I.W. , Huffnagel Irene C. , Kemp Stephan , Willemse Eline A. J. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Engelen Marc
Published: October 2020

Objective

To explore the potential of neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as biomarkers of spinal cord degeneration in adrenoleukodystrophy, as objective treatment‐outcome parameters are needed.

Methods

Plasma NfL and GFAP levels were measured in 45 male and 47 female ALD patients and compared to a reference cohort of 73 healthy controls. For male patients, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (n = 33) and 1‐year (n = 39) and 2‐year (n = 18) follow‐up data were also collected. Severity of myelopathy was assessed with clinical parameters: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Severity Scoring system for Progressive Myelopathy (SSPROM), and timed up‐and‐go.

Results

NfL and GFAP levels were higher in male (P < 0.001, effect size (partial ƞ2) NfL = 0.49, GFAP = 0.13) and female (P < 0.001, effect size NfL = 0.19, GFAP = 0.23) patients compared to controls; levels were higher in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. In male patients, NfL levels were associated with all three clinical parameters of severity of myelopathy (EDSS, SSPROM, and timed up‐and go), while GFAP in male and NfL and GFAP in female patients were not. Changes in clinical parameters during follow‐up did not correlate with (changes in) NfL or GFAP levels. Plasma and CSF NfL were strongly correlated (r = 0.60, P < 0.001), but plasma and CSF GFAP were not (r = 0.005, P = 0.98).

Interpretation

Our study illustrates the potential of plasma NfL as biomarker of spinal cord degeneration in adrenoleukodystrophy, which was superior to plasma GFAP in our cohort.
Biocompatible Cubic Boron Nitride: A Noncytotoxic Ultrahard Material
Authors: Yang Jason H. C. , Teii Kungen , Chang Chung‐Chueh , Matsumoto Seiichiro , Rafailovich Miriam
Published: October 2020

Cubic boron nitride (c‐BN) has an ultrahardness and a large bandgap energy like diamond. In the last 30 years, most of the attention has been directed towards the mechanical and electronic applications of c‐BN, while its biological potential has been overlooked. The authors report in vitro biocompatibility of high‐quality c‐BN films prepared by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition using the chemistry of fluorine. c‐BN films become superhydrophilic when chemical‐treated in hydrogen and nitrogen plasmas with or without the impact of low‐energy ions due to a marked increase in polar part of the surface free energy by removal of the fluorine atoms terminating c‐BN surfaces. Satisfactory proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells comparable with a control sample and a superhydrophilic nanocrystalline diamond film, and the formation of mineral deposits by biomineralization are confirmed on the superhydrophilic c‐BN films with negative values of zeta potential. The results demonstrate a high potential of c‐BN as a noncytotoxic ultrahard coating material for biological and biomedical applications.
A Zinc–Dual‐Halogen Battery with a Molten Hydrate Electrolyte
Authors: Liu Hongwen , Chen Chih‐Yao , Yang Hao , Wang Yu , Zou Lianli , Wei Yong‐Sheng , Jiang Jialong , Guo Jiachen , Shi Wei , Xu Qiang , Cheng Peng
Published: October 2020

Halogen redox couples offer several advantages for energy storage such as low cost, high solubility in water, and high redox potential. However, the operational complexity of storing halogens at the oxidation state via liquid‐phase media hampers their widespread application in energy‐storage devices. Herein, an aqueous zinc–dual‐halogen battery system taking the advantages of redox flow batteries (inherent scalability) and intercalation chemistry (high capacity) is designed and fabricated. To enhance specific energy, the designed cell exploits both bromine and chlorine as the cathode redox couples that are present as halozinc complexes in a newly developed molten hydrate electrolyte, which is distinctive to the conventional zinc–bromine batteries. Benefiting from the reversible uptake of halogens at the graphite cathode, exclusive reliance on earth‐abundant elements, and membrane‐free and possible flow‐through configuration, the proposed battery can potentially realize high‐performance massive electric energy storage at a reasonable cost.
Nitrogen‐Doped Cobalt Pyrite Yolk–Shell Hollow Spheres for Long‐Life Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Lu Xue Feng , Zhang Song Lin , Shangguan Enbo , Zhang Peng , Gao Shuyan , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: October 2020

Limited by the sluggish four‐electron transfer process, designing high‐performance nonprecious electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is urgently desired for efficient rechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZABs). Herein, the successful synthesis of porous nitrogen‐doped cobalt pyrite yolk–shell nanospheres (N‐CoS2 YSSs) is reported. Benefiting from the abundant porosity of the porous yolk–shell structure and unique electronic properties by nitrogen doping, the as‐prepared N‐CoS2 YSSs possess more exposed active surface, thus giving rise to superior activity for reversible oxygen electrocatalysis and outstanding cycling stability (more than 165 h at 10 mA cm−2) in ZABs, exceeding the commercial Pt/C and RuO2 hybrid catalysts. Moreover, the assembled ZABs, delivering a specific capacity of 640 mAh gZn−1, can be used for practical devices. This work provides a novel tactic to engineer sulfides as high efficiency and promising bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for advanced metal–air batteries.
Periodic Porous 3D Electrodes Mitigate Gas Bubble Traffic during Alkaline Water Electrolysis at High Current Densities
Authors: Kou Tianyi , Wang Shanwen , Shi Rongpei , Zhang Tao , Chiovoloni Samuel , Lu Jennifer Q. , Chen Wen , Worsley Marcus A. , Wood Brandon C. , Baker Sarah E. , Duoss Eric B. , Wu Rui , Zhu Cheng , Li Yat
Published: October 2020

Alkaline water electrolysis at high current densities is plagued by gas bubble generation and trapping in stochastic porous electrodes (e.g., Ni foams), which causes a significant reduction in the number of electrolyte accessible catalyst active sites. Here, 3D printed Ni (3DPNi) electrodes with highly controlled, periodic structures are reported that suppress gas bubble coalescence, jamming, and trapping and, hence, result in rapid bubble release. The 3DPNi electrodes decorated with carbon‐doped NiO achieve a high current density of 1000 mA cm−2 in 1.0 m KOH electrolyte at hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction overpotentials of 245 and 425 mV, respectively. This work demonstrates a new approach to the deterministic design of 3D electrodes to facilitate rapid bubble transport and release to enhance the total electrode catalytic activity at commercially relevant current densities.
Design, facile synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and medicinal probing of metal‐based new sulfonamide drugs: A theoretical and spectral study
Authors: Hassan Abrar U. , Sumrra Sajjad H. , Raza Muhammad A. , Zubair Muhammad , Zafar Muhammad N. , Mughal Ehsan U. , Nazar Muhammad F. , Irfan Ahmad , Imran Muhammad , Assiri Mohammed A.
Published: October 2020

Sulfonamide core‐based new ligands 4‐{[(2,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}benzene‐1‐sulfonamide as (L1) and 4‐[(2,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino‐N‐(5‐methyl‐1,2‐oxazol‐3‐yl)benzene‐1‐sulfonamide as (L2) have been synthesized through condensation response and were characterized by their UV–Vis, FT‐IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. The ligands were reacted with transition metals (V, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) to synthesize the metal complexes (1)–(12). The metal complexes were also characterized, based on their physical (color, solubility, yield and melting point, conductance, magnetic), spectral (UV–Vis, FT‐IR, LC–MS), and microanalytical (elemental) data. The bidentate ligands were coordinated with transition metal salts by exploiting the azomethine nitrogen and the hydroxyl group oxygen. The electronic spectra for the metal complexes suggested them to have square‐pyramidal geometry for their vanadyl complexes whereas all the remaining complexes to be octahedral. The optimized geometries of the ligands at their ground state energies were studied through density functional approach at the B3LYP/6‐31G** level. The electronic, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), and chemical descriptive properties were also explored by first‐principle insights. A clear intramolecular charge transfer was witnessed by occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) to unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO). In addition, all the products were then tested for their antimicrobial potential against four bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis,Escherichia coli, andKlebsiella pneumoniae) and two fungal (Aspergillus flavusandAspergillus niger) species. The synthetic products were also tested for their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties that gave the excellent results implying their bioactive nature. The screening results revealed the metal complexes to have enhanced bioactive actions in comparison with their respective ligands.
Pyrrolidone ligand improved Cu‐based catalysts with high performance for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Han You , Wang Yulian , Wang Yan , Hu Yubing , Nian Yao , Li Wei , Zhang Jinli
Published: October 2020

A series of Cu‐pyrrolidone/spherical activated carbon (SAC) catalysts were prepared via a simple incipient wetness impregnation method and then assessed in acetylene hydrochlorination, and the catalytic evaluation result indicated that the 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) ligand was found to be the most effective one to significantly improve the activity and stability of Cu catalyst. The catalyst with the optimal molar ratio of NMP/Cu = 0.25 showed 94.2% acetylene conversion at 180°C and an acetylene gas hourly space velocity of 180 h−1. Moreover, the acetylene conversion of Cu‐0.25NMP/SAC remained stable over 99.1% for about 220 h under the industrial condition. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses proved that NMP ligand improved the dispersion of Cu species. In addition, hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunner–Emmet–Teller (BET) indicated that the additive of NMP was preferential to stabilize the catalytic active Cu+ and Cu2+ species and inhibit the reduction of Cuα+ to Cu0 during the preparation process and reaction, hence restraining the coke deposition. Furthermore, the steady coordination structure between Cu and NMP was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR) and Raman combining with density functional theory (DFT) calculation, which could effectively lower the adsorption energy of catalyst for C2H2 and inhibit the serious carbon deposition caused by excessive acetylene self‐accumulation. Our findings suggest that the efficient, well‐stabilized cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly Cu catalyst has great potential in acetylene hydrochlorination.
Tribological and corrosion performance of epoxy resin composite coatings reinforced with graphene oxide and fly ash cenospheres
Authors: Li Jianchao , Chen Ping , Wang Yuan
Published: October 2020

In this work, a novel graphene oxide (GO)‐fly ash cenospheres (FACs) hybrid fillers was introduced to improve the wear and corrosive resistance of epoxy resin (ER) composite coatings. The tribological behavior and the corrosion performance of three kinds of coatings (pure ER, GO/ER and GO‐FACs/ER coatings) were studied and the reinforced mechanisms of coatings filled by different fillers were analyzed. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the ER coatings were decreased with the addition of GO‐FACs hybrids. The scanning electron microscope images showed that the dispersibility and compatibility of GO‐FACs hybrids were effectively improved compared with that of GO sheet. The water contact angle examination indicated that the hydrophobicity of the GO‐FACs/ER coatings increased. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrated that the GO‐FACs/ER coatings have better anticorrosion performance compared with the pure ER coatings and the GO/ER coatings. The hydrophobic surface and the well dispersed fillers constitute the dual barrier to resist the corrosion medium.
Epigeic invertebrates of pig‐damaged, exposed wetland sediments are rooted: An ecological response to feral pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Marshall Jonathan C. , Blessing Joanna J. , Clifford Sara E. , Negus Peter M. , Steward Alisha L.
Published: October 2020

1. Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are widespread and cause significant damage to the ecological and cultural values of wetlands through their rooting, pugging, and wallowing behaviour.

2. The impacts of feral pigs on the epigeic (ground surface) invertebrates of exposed wetland sediments were investigated using 48 composite pitfall samples collected from 21 sites over three occasions in the Archer River catchment, north Queensland, Australia. Feral pig damage was quantified in transects along the margins of the wetlands. We tested the prediction that invertebrate assemblages would demonstrate reduced taxon richness and abundance, and altered assemblage composition, with an increasing intensity of pig damage.

3. Pig damage to exposed wetland sediments was a stressor to epigeic invertebrates in this environment, where there was a diverse invertebrate fauna. As expected, both taxon richness and abundance were significantly limited by pig damage, as was variability in multivariate assemblage composition. Thirty‐one epigeic invertebrate taxa (66%) showed a decrease in their frequency of occurrence, mean abundance, or both, at sites with high levels of pig damage, relative to sites with low levels of pig damage. Certain families of spiders, beetles, snails, and freshwater crabs were among the taxa more prevalent when pig damage was low, whereas none of those taxa was more prevalent when pig damage was high.

4. There are biodiversity conservation ramifications from these results as pigs threaten elements of this fauna and thus wetland biodiversity, but the taxonomy, ecology, and distributions of epigeic invertebrates of exposed wetland sediments are poorly known.

5. The intensity of pig damage and the richness and abundance of epigeic invertebrates, as measured here, provide useful monitoring indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of pig control measures wherever pigs damage wetlands.
Impact mitigation or ecological restoration? Examining the environmental sustainability practices of multinational mining companies
Authors: Amoah Prince , Eweje Gabriel
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the environmental sustainability practices of multinational mining companies in addressing their impacts and promoting the sustainable development of local communities in Ghana. Although large‐scale mining companies have embraced environmental sustainability, the drivers and the mechanisms for addressing their impacts throughout the mine life cycle is not fully understood because of the limited research in this area. The focus in this study involves an examination of the drivers for environmental sustainability in a weak and non‐enabling institutional context and the mechanisms for addressing impacts on biodiversity, water quality and quantity, and ambient climate. The findings show that the environmental sustainability practices of multinational mining companies are determined by regulatory compliance and corporate environmental responsibility based on perceived ethical obligation. Additionally, we find gaps in mine closure planning and rehabilitation because of the limited requirement for biodiversity restoration in the domains of flora repopulation and active fauna reintroduction. This paper provides empirical and theoretical insights for academics and practitioners in industry and policymaking.