bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation for hierarchical diagnosis and treatment policy proposals in China: A novel multi‐attribute group decision‐making method with multi‐parametric distance measures
Authors: Xing Yuping , Wang Lin
Published: December 2021

The policy ‘hierarchical medical treatment system’ promulgated by the State Council of China is an effective way to solve the problem of insufficient and unbalanced medical resources. In response, governments in different provinces explore a variety of different strategies to promote this policy, producing different results. To better strengthen the policy development, it is worthy to help policy‐makers make decisions to elect the best one from different proposals. Thus, the aim of this paper is to develop a multi‐attribute group decision‐making (MAGDM) framework to better assist government select the optimal proposal. This study proposes a MAGDM method based on a family of q‐rung orthopair fuzzy interaction power point Hamy mean operators to solve the above problem. To this end, new multi‐parametric distance measures based on point operators in the framework of q‐rung orthopair fuzzy set are proposed. With the help of the point distance measures, new power point operators average operator is also proposed. The results show that the proposed MAGDM method in this paper outperforms some existing methods and provides promising results for policy‐makers seeking to identify the optimal hierarchical diagnosis and treatment policy (HDTP) proposal. Specifically, the results also revealed the best proposal for developing the HDTP proposals is Xiamen mode.
Work determinants of health: New directions for research and practice in human resource development
Authors: Shuck Brad , Hart Joy , Walker Kandi , Keith Rachel
Published: December 2021

Health is complex and involves an interplay of factors. Connected to the complexities of health are those social conditions in which people live. Such conditions are defined as social determinants of health (SDOH). Little research in the areas of SDOH has connected, under a guiding framework, how work and/or working conditions influence employee health. The purpose of our work was to introduce a new term – work determinants of health — and a potentially new line of research within HRD. Work determinants of health (WDOH) were defined as the organizationally attributable employment‐related conditions that influence individual and group differences in health risk and health status. Through our review of the HRD literature and neighboring disciplines, we proposed a work experience‐based organizing framework of four thematic areas as a starting point and potential structure for understanding WDOH. Those four areas were stress, capacity, the physical and social environment, and meaning in work. Specific implications for HRD including a call for transdisciplinary research and exploring funding opportunities are presented.
Long‐term disease control after upfront chemotherapy and surgery in a patient with primary prostate leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Kawaguchi Toshiaki , Tanaka Toshikazu , Ogasawara Masaru , Ikuya Iwabuchi
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Prostate leiomyosarcoma is a rare, aggressive neoplasm.

Case Presentation

A 52‐year‐old man presented with worsening frequent micturition and painful urination. Rectal examination revealed a significantly enlarged prostate. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large prostate tumor with urinary bladder and bilateral seminal vesicle invasion. A prostate biopsy revealed diffuse proliferation of pleomorphic atypical cells. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of prostrate leiomyosarcoma. The patient received three cycles of the mesna, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine regime (mesna 6000 mg/m2, doxorubicin 60 mg/m2, ifosfamide 7500 mg/m2, and dacarbazine 900 mg/m2) at 4‐week intervals. The tumor shrank by 28% and exhibited necrotic changes. He underwent total pelvic exenteration with en bloc resection of the prostate, bladder, rectum, and anus. Pathological surgical margin was negative. The patient is alive with no disease at 5 years postoperatively.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection are essential to achieve a long‐term survival of patients with localized prostate leiomyosarcoma.
A pre‐experimental evaluation of treatment gains associated with a DBT‐A partial hospitalization program
Authors: Lenz A. Stephen , Conte Garry Del , Douglas Cameron , Crenshaw Ayanna , Dobbs Christin , Stogner Emily , Williford Victoria
Published: December 2021

This pre‐experimental evaluation of a dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT‐A) partial hospital program (PHP) explored intervention effects, proportions of clinical significance, and the degree that participant characteristics and DBT‐A treatment components predicted variance in outcomes. Participants were 74 adolescents who were receiving treatment for internalizing disorders (n = 62) and externalizing disorders (n = 12). All participants completed a 6‐week DBT‐A application. Data analyses indicated a statistically significant improvement in global symptoms indicative of treatment effects within the large to medium range. About half (n = 38, 51%) of the participants reported clinically significant treatment gains with another 23% signaling symptom reductions that represented improvement but were not clinically significant. Predictive analyses indicated equivalence of PHP response across age, gender, and ethnicity with the greatest proportions of variance among treatment gains accounted for by improvements in DBT‐A doing skills (emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness). Implications for DBT‐A practice are provided.
Assessing the utility of the XpertMycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampin assay for analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Bai Wenjing , Liu Lingling , Wu Lianpeng , Chen Shanshan , Wu Shuangliao , Wang Zhihui , Xu Ke , Chi Qiong , Pan Yong , Xu Xueqin
Published: December 2021

Background

There is limited research assessing the utility of the XpertMycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampin (MTB/RIF) assay for the analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in Chinese patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Thus, our objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay and evaluate its utility for the determination of rifampicin resistance.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed BALF from 214 patients with suspected PTB between January 2018 and March 2019. Using mycobacterial culture or final clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, the diagnostic accuracy of the smear microscopy (SM), tuberculosis bacillus DNA (TB‐DNA), Xpert MTB/RIF assay, and the determination of rifampicin resistance based on the Xpert MTB/RIF assay were compared.

Results

As compared to mycobacterial culture, the sensitivity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, SM, and TB‐DNA were 85.5% (74.2%–93.1%), 38.7% (26.6%–51.9%), and 67.7% (54.7%–79.1%), respectively. As compared to the final diagnosis, the specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, SM, and TB‐DNA were 100.0% (95.9%–100.0%), 94.3% (87.1%–98.1%), and 98.9% (93.8%–100.0%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the rifampicin resistance detection using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay were 100% and 98.0%, respectively, with liquid culture as the reference.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the analysis of BALF with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay provides a rapid and accurate tool for the early diagnosis of PTB. The accuracy of diagnosis was superior compared with the SM and TB‐DNA. Moreover, Xpert is a quick and accurate method for the diagnosis of rifampicin‐resistant tuberculosis and can also provide more effective guidance for the treatment of PTB or multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB).
Microproteins in skeletal muscle: hidden keys in muscle physiology
Authors: Bonilauri Bernardo , Dallagiovanna Bruno
Published: December 2021

Recent advances in the transcriptomics, translatomics, and proteomics have led us to the exciting new world of functional endogenous microproteins. These microproteins have a small size and are derived from small open reading frames (smORFs) of RNAs previously annotated as non‐coding (e.g. lncRNAs and circRNAs) as well as from untranslated regions and canonical mRNAs. The presence of these microproteins reveals a much larger translatable portion of the genome, shifting previously defined dogmas and paradigms. These findings affect our view of organisms as a whole, including skeletal muscle tissue. Emerging evidence demonstrates that several smORF‐derived microproteins play crucial roles during muscle development (myogenesis), maintenance, and regeneration, as well as lipid and glucose metabolism and skeletal muscle bioenergetics. These microproteins are also involved in processes including physical activity capacity, cellular stress, and muscular‐related diseases (i.e. myopathy, cachexia, atrophy, and muscle wasting). Given the role of these small proteins as important key regulators of several skeletal muscle processes, there are rich prospects for the discovery of new microproteins and possible therapies using synthetic microproteins.
Effect of pulmonary training for community‐dwelling frail older adults with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Maki Naoki , Sakamoto Harumi , Takata Yu , Taniguchi Keisuke , Wijesinghe Ashoka , Okamura Junko , Kawamura Tomoyuki , Yanagihara Takahiro , Saeki Yusuke , Kitazawa Shinsuke , Kobayashi Naohiro , Kikuchi Shinji , Goto Yukinobu , Ichimura Hideo , Sato Yukio , Yanagi Hisako
Published: December 2021

Background

Decreased pulmonary function and poor deglutition are a major risk factor for poststroke aspiration pneumonia. We analyzed the benefits of pulmonary training on pulmonary function, deglutition, and quality of life (QOL) in community‐dwelling, frail elderly people with chronic stroke.

Method

This study was designed as an open, randomized, controlled pilot trial. The participants, who were frail older adults with a history of stroke, were randomized to 2 rehabilitation groups: intervention group (n = 15) and control (n = 15). All participants (65–94 years) attended twelve 20‐min sessions twice a week for 6 weeks of either standard rehabilitation (control group) or standard rehabilitation with pulmonary training including home pulmonary exercise (intervention group). The main outcome measures were pulmonary function (%MIP), deglutition (DRACE), and QOL (SF8･PCS), while secondary outcomes were muscle strength (grip and abdominal), thorax flexibility, 6‐min walk distance, and activities in daily living. All outcomes were measured both prior to training and after the 12 sessions.

Results

The intervention group showed significant improvement in %MIP (95% CI, 2.9–31.6; p < 0.01), DRACE (95% CI, −4.1–0.1; p < 0.01), and SF8･PCS (95% CI, 2.5–7.2; p < 0.01) compared with controls. There were no cognitive function decline and higher brain dysfunction.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the addition of pulmonary training including home pulmonary exercise to a standard rehabilitation program could improve pulmonary function, deglutition, and QOL in frail elderly people with chronic stroke.
Healthcare use and RT‐PCR testing during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Kurihara Masaru , Kamata Kazuhiro , Nakahara Shun , Kitazawa Kyoko , Koizumi Shunzo , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: December 2021

Background

Rapid testing, tracing, and isolation among symptomatic patients are the standard for controlling the COVID‐19. However, during spring 2020, Japan employed a RT‐PCR test policy by using a guideline, which was used for the public to visit hospitals or clinics when they had mild symptoms for 4 days or longer (“4‐day rule”) among low‐risk patients. It is unknown of patients’ experience of healthcare use and testing during the period under the guideline. Thus, we investigated the healthcare visiting and testing among patients who developed cold‐like symptoms during the period.

Methods

Our survey was conducted online in September 2020 to a nationally representative sample of adults throughout Japan. We investigated the public's understanding of the guideline. In addition, we asked their experience with healthcare use and testing if they had noticed new‐onset cold‐like symptoms.

Results

Of 2,137 people surveyed, 1,698 (79.5%) recognized the guidelines, but 422 people (19.7%) misunderstood. There were 144 (6.7% of 2,137 people) who developed cold‐like symptoms, and many of them experienced difficulties in getting through telephone calls to a public health center, and 25 (17% of 144 people) visited healthcare institutions. Of these 25 symptomatic patients, 15 (60%) could not receive testing because of decisions by physicians (14 patients) or a local public health center (1 patient).

Conclusion

There was a low use of healthcare and testing among symptomatic patients during the first wave of the pandemic in Japan. Testing capacity should be increased to provide effective care for patients with suspected COVID‐19 in Japan.
Sex and estrous‐phase dependent alterations in depression‐like behavior following mild traumatic brain injury in adolescent rats
Authors: Giacometti Laura L. , Huh Jimmy W. , Raghupathi Ramesh
Published: December 2021

Following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), high school and collegiate‐aged females tend to report more emotional symptoms than males. Adolescent male and female rats (35 days old) were subjected to mild TBI and evaluated for anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors using the elevated plus maze and forced swim test (FST), respectively, and cellular alterations. Injured brains did not exhibit an overt lesion, atrophy of tissue or astrocytic reactivity underneath the impact site at 6‐week post‐injury, suggestive of the mild nature of trauma. Neither male nor female brain‐injured rats exhibited anxiety‐like behavior at 2 or 6 weeks, regardless of estrous phase at the time of behavior testing. Brain‐injured male rats did not exhibit any alterations in immobility, swimming and climbing times in the FST compared to sham‐injured rats at either 2‐ or 6‐week post‐injury. Brain‐injured female rats did, however, exhibit an increase in immobility (in the absence of changes in swimming and climbing times) in the FST at 6 weeks post‐injury only during the estrus phase of the estrous cycle, suggestive of a depression‐like phenotype. Combined administration of the estrogen receptor antagonist, tamoxifen, and the progesterone receptor antagonist, mifepristone, during proestrus was able to prevent the depression‐like phenotype observed during estrus. Taken together, these data suggest that female rats may be more vulnerable to exhibiting behavioral deficits following mild TBI and that estrous phase may play a role in depression‐like behavior.
Input and output organization of the mesodiencephalic junction for cerebro‐cerebellar communication
Authors: Wang Xiaolu , Novello Manuele , Gao Zhenyu , Ruigrok Tom J. H. , De Zeeuw Chris I.
Published: December 2021

Most studies investigating the impact of the cerebral cortex (CC) onto the cerebellum highlight the role of the pons, which provides the mossy fibers to the cerebellum. However, cerebro‐cerebellar communication may also be mediated by the nuclei of the mesodiencephalic junction (MDJ) that project to the inferior olive (IO), which in turn provides the climbing fibers to the molecular layer. Here, we uncover the precise topographic relations of the inputs and outputs of the MDJ using multiple, classical, and transneuronal tracing methods as well as analyses of mesoscale cortical injections from Allen Mouse Brain. We show that the caudal parts of the CC predominantly project to the principal olive via the rostral MDJ and that the rostral parts of the CC predominantly project to the rostral medial accessory olive via the caudal MDJ. Moreover, using triple viral tracing technology, we show that the cerebellar nuclei directly innervate the neurons in the MDJ that receive input from CC and project to the IO. By unraveling these topographic and prominent, mono‐ and disynaptic projections through the MDJ, this work establishes that cerebro‐cerebellar communication is not only mediated by the pontine mossy fiber system, but also by the climbing fiber system.
Intraseasonal and synoptic climate variability of surface solar radiation over South‐West Indian Ocean: Regional climate modelling
Authors: Li Peng , Li Qi
Published: December 2021

The abundant surface solar radiation (SSR) over South‐West Indian Ocean (SWIO) presents significant temporal variability. To characterize this temporal variability is important for the application of solar energy, such as photovoltaic industry. This article studied the intraseasonal and synoptic climate variability of SSR by regional climate modelling over SWIO region. The regional climate model, RegCM4's skill is first evaluated through analysing the seasonal mean SSR with the precipitation, near surface temperature and total cloud cover in austral summer and winter. The basic validation of those simulated parameters with the reference data showed model's performance on SSR. The austral summer (November–February) 1999–2008 was chosen to search the Madden–Julian Oscillation patterns and tropical temperate troughs which are the major expression of intraseasonal and synoptic climate variability. The circulation, moisture fluxes, and radiation fluxes have been checked at the beginning for RegCM4's input dataset (ERA‐Interim) to find the signals. Then, the output simulation results were taking into account to see if the model can reproduce the intraseasonal and synoptic climate variability or not. SSR from SARAH‐E (CM SAF@5 km) as the reference dataset in the end has been used to validate the simulated patterns, which showed that the eastward SSR anomalies propagation and negative SSR anomalies bands can be observed in RegCM4 and the according satellite dataset. These results identified and explained SSR's intraseasonal and synoptic climate variability over SWIO region, which provide a way through RegCM to perform SSR's evaluation and prediction.
Learning Goal Orientation, Career Self‐Efficacy, and Career Interest: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Jiang Yiqi
Published: December 2021

Research suggests that career interest may originate from learning‐related traits. Extending this area, this study examined (a) the effect of learning goal orientation on career interest via career self‐efficacy and (b) the moderating effect of learning goal orientation on the career self‐efficacy–career interest relationship. Using a sample of 178 full‐time employees, this study found that career self‐efficacy mediated the positive learning goal orientation–career interest relationship. Results also showed a stronger relationship between career self‐efficacy and career interest for workers with stronger rather than weaker learning goal orientation. Regarding practical implications, employers may wish to initiate in‐service training to enhance employees’ career interest, and career counselors could set achievable goals to strengthen clients’ interest in their career.
Estimating Clinically Meaningful Change of Efficacy Outcomes in Inadequately Controlled Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Han Joseph K. , Bachert Claus , Lee Stella E. , Hopkins Claire , Heffler Enrico , Hellings Peter W. , Peters Anju T. , Kamat Siddhesh , Whalley Diane , Qin Shanshan , Nelson Lauren , Siddiqui Shahid , Khan Asif H. , Li Yongtao , Mannent Leda P. , Guillemin Isabelle , Chuang Chien‐Chia
Published: December 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Clinical trials of biologics to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) have evaluated objective outcomes (e.g., University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test [UPSIT], nasal polyps score [NPS], and computed tomography Lund‐Mackay score [CT‐LMK]) and patient‐reported symptoms (e.g., nasal congestion/obstruction [NC], loss of smell [LoS], and total symptom score [TSS]). We estimated anchor‐based thresholds for clinically meaningful change in objective and patient‐reported outcomes in patients with CRSwNP using data from LIBERTY NP SINUS‐24 and SINUS‐52 trials (NCT02912468; NCT02898454).

Methods

Target patient‐reported outcomes were NC, LoS, and TSS; target objective outcomes were UPSIT, NPS, and CT‐LMK. Anchor measures were the 22‐item sinonasal outcome test (SNOT‐22) rhinologic symptoms domain and total score and rhinosinusitis visual analog scale (VAS). The appropriateness of each anchor measure was evaluated by reviewing correlations between change in anchor measures and target outcomes and descriptive scores on target outcomes by levels of change in the anchor measure. Established thresholds for anchor measures (3.8 points for SNOT‐22 rhinologic symptoms, 8.9 points for SNOT‐22 total, 1‐category improvement for rhinosinusitis VAS) were used to estimate clinically meaningful score changes for each target outcome.

Results

Based on correlations between change in anchor measures and target outcomes, SNOT‐22 rhinologic symptoms domain was deemed the most appropriate anchor measure. Using this anchor measure, thresholds for clinically meaningful within‐patient change were NC: 1 point; LoS: 1 point; TSS: 3 points; UPSIT: 8 points; NPS: 1 point; and CT‐LMK: 5 points.

Conclusion

These thresholds support interpretation of efficacy results for target outcomes in CRSwNP trials.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 132:265–271, 2022
Nano‐silica/chitosan composite coatings on biodegradable magnesium alloys for enhanced corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid
Authors: Ma Yucong , Talha Mohd , Wang Qi , Zhao Qian , Li Zhonghui , Lin Yuanhua
Published: December 2021

Chitosan (CTS) coatings have been studied as a biocompatible coating on biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys to improve the corrosion resistance and bioactivity for medical implants. However, the loose structure of the CTS coating cannot provide ideal long‐time corrosion resistance in the physiological environment. In this study, a nano‐SiO2/CTS composite coating was applied on an Mg alloy substrate using the sol–gel method. The surface characteristics of the samples were examined by Fourier‐transform infrared analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive spectrometry, and contact angle measurements. The particle size and suitable dispersion of the SiO2 nanoparticles inside the composite coating were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Further, the corrosion protection behavior of the coatings was examined in a simulated body fluid using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electrochemical microscopy analyses. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine the surface morphologies of the samples after the polarization test. The surface characteristics, electrochemical measurements, and immersion test revealed that the SiO2 nanoparticles effectively filled the voids of the CTS coating and significantly improved the corrosion resistance. The optimal concentration of nano‐SiO2 is 1.0 g/L.
Molekulare Selbstorganisation 2.0
Authors: Boekhoven Job
Published: December 2021

Job Boekhoven synthetisiert die nächste Generation von sich selbst organisierenden Molekülen, die durch endotherme chemische Reaktionen reguliert werden.
Chemikalien‐Regularien: Komplexes Klassifizieren
Authors: Meier‐Kirchner Katrin , Schüler Fabian
Published: December 2021

Will ein Unternehmen Stoffe wie Titandioxid, L‐(+)‐Milchsäure oder Perfluoroctansäure verkaufen, ist es an nationale und internationale Regularien gebunden, die sich oft ändern. Das harmonisierte System zur Einstufung und Kennzeichnung von Chemikalien der Vereinten Nationen soll einen Rahmen für den internationalen Warenaustausch schaffen, was nicht immer gelingt.
Preis für Membranoptimierer
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: December 2021

Den Meyer‐Galow‐Preis für Wirtschaftschemie 2021 erhält ein Team von Evonik für Polymerprodukte für die Biogasaufbereitung.
Nachruf: Thomas Brock (1950 – 2021)
Authors: Groteklaes Michael
Published: December 2021

Ende Oktober starb Thomas Brock, emeritierter Professor für Lackchemie der Fachhochschule Niederrhein. Mit seiner Kompetenz und seinem Humor war er die gute Seele der Fachgruppe Lackchemie.
A survey of social network status and its related factors for older adults with type 2 diabetes in Beijing, China
Authors: Yang Kailian , Liu Yu , Yin Xing , Wu Shishi , Wu Quanying , Wang Li , Li Jiayue
Published: December 2021

Aim

To understand the social network status of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Beijing, China and explore its related factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey using a sample of convenience was conducted.

Methods

From April to September 2019, Lubben Social Network Scale‐6 (LSNS‐6) was used to evaluate the social network of 300 older adults with T2DM from the outpatient and inpatient departments of three hospitals and five communities in Beijing. Self‐designed demographics and clinical sheets, Summary of Diabetes Self‐Care Activities Scale, Social Support Rating Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale‐15 were used to investigate the related factors of their social networks. The Equator Research Checklist used in this study is STROBE checklist.

Results

The score of LSNS‐6 of the older adults was 16.75 ± 7.02 (scale: 0 ~ 30), the score of family network dimension was 8.32 ± 3.63 (scale: 0 ~ 15), and friends network dimension was 8.43 ± 4.74 (scale: 0 ~ 15). Additionally, 22.67% of the older adults had social isolation. Social support, medical payment, self‐assessed health status, residential arrangement and smoking status were associated with the social network level of the older adults with T2DM (p < .05).
Quantitative risk assessment for ammonia ship‐to‐ship bunkering based on Bayesian network
Authors: Fan Hongjun , Enshaei Hossein , Jayasinghe Shantha Gamini , Tan Sock Hua , Zhang Chunchang
Published: December 2021

The maritime industry is getting prepared for using ammonia as a fuel to meet the decarbonization goal. However, ammonia is toxic, corrosive, and flammable, which poses specific safety challenges during bunkering compared with conventional fuels. The corrosion can be prevented by selecting suitable materials. However, the impact of toxic gas dispersion and fire has high uncertainties, thus risk assessment should be conducted. Currently, there are insufficient risk assessment guidelines for ammonia bunkering available. Therefore, this paper proposes a Bayesian network (BN) based quantitative risk assessment framework to investigate the potential risks of ammonia in ship‐to‐ship bunkering considering the toxicity and flammability. The study validates the utility of the proposed framework and demonstrates the BN as an efficient model in performing the probabilities calculations and flexible in conducting causal diagnosis. The results show that toxicity has the greatest impact on the risks of ammonia bunkering compared with flammability. The main innovation of this work is realizing the efficient quantification of risks for ammonia ship‐to‐ship bunkering by using the BN.
Effect of low glyphosate doses on flowering and seed germination of glyphosate‐resistant and ‐susceptible Digitaria insularis
Authors: Anunciato Vitor M , Bianchi Leandro , Gomes Giovanna LGC , Velini Edivaldo D , Duke Stephen O , Carbonari Caio A
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Herbicide hormesis is characterized by stimulation of various growth and developmental parameters, such as biomass and height, at low herbicide doses. Other possible hormetic effects are earlier flowering, higher seed weight, more seeds, and a shorter plant life cycle, which could favor the propagation of the species. This study tested the early flowering in glyphosate‐resistant and ‐susceptible Digitaria insularis biotypes under treatment with low glyphosate doses.

RESULTS

Hormesis caused by low glyphosate doses occurred in all experiments. The hormetic effects were a decrease in time necessary for the formation of inflorescences and increased seed weight and germination speed. Higher glyphosate doses were required for the hormetic effect in the glyphosate‐resistant than the ‐susceptible D. insularis biotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Hormesis caused by low glyphosate doses in D. insularis may provide an advantage for the dissemination of this species, helping to alter the weed flora. As the doses that cause stimulation in glyphosate‐resistant biotypes are higher than in glyphosate‐susceptible biotypes, the selection of resistant biotypes may be favored in glyphosate‐sprayed fields, increasing the rate of infestation of glyphosate‐resistant biotypes.
Analog Resistive Switching in Reduced Graphene Oxide and Chitosan‐Based Bio‐Resistive Random Access Memory Device for Neuromorphic Computing Applications
Authors: Jetty Prabana , Sahu Dwipak Prasad , Jammalamadaka Suryanarayana
Published: December 2021

Bio‐resistive random access memory (Bio‐RRAM) devices are important because they are biocompatible and biodegradable. Herein, analog unipolar resistive switching and bipolar resistive switching in chitosan and reduced graphene oxide + chitosan (RGO+chitosan)‐based Bio‐RRAM devices are demonstrated, respectively. Endurance and retentivity of the Ag/RGO+chitosan/FTO‐based Bio‐RRAM device demonstrate good stability and nonvolatile in nature. Conductive atomic force microscope measurements infer the formation of the 1D conduction channels in the device, which further confirms the conduction channel mechanism in the RGO+chitosan‐based Bio‐RRAM device. Further, synaptic learning rules such as long‐term potentiation (LTP), long‐term depression, and spike time‐dependent plasticity on Ag/RGO+chitosan/FTO‐based device are also demonstrated. Estimated relaxation time infers more time for forgetting than learning. These results suggest that Ag/RGO+chitosan/FTO synaptic Bio‐RRAM device would indeed be a potential candidate for future neuromorphic computing applications.
Review on the thickness measurement of ultrathin oxide films by mutual calibration method
Authors: Kim Kyung Joong
Published: December 2021

Mutual calibration was suggested as a method to determine the absolute thickness of ultrathin oxide films. It was motivated from the large offset values in the reported thicknesses in the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM) pilot study P‐38 for the thickness measurement of SiO2 films on Si(100) and Si(111) substrates in 2004. Large offset values from 0.5 to 1.0 nm were reported in the thicknesses by ellipsometry, X‐ray reflectometry (XRR), medium‐energy ion scattering spectrometry (MEIS), Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, the offset value for the thicknesses by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was close to zero (−0.013 nm). From these results, the mutual calibration method was reported for the thickness measurement of SiO2 films on Si(100) by combination of TEM and XPS. The mutual calibration method has been applied for the thickness measurements of hetero oxide films such as Al2O3 and HfO2. Recently, the effect of surface contamination was reported to be critical to the thickness measurement of HfO2 films by XPS. On the other hand, MEIS was proved to be a powerful zero offset method which is not affected by the surface contamination. As a result, the reference thicknesses in the CCQM pilot study P‐190 for the thickness measurement of HfO2 films on Si(100) substrate were determined by mutual calibration method from the average XRR data and MEIS analysis. Conclusively, the thicknesses of ultrathin oxide films can be traceably certified by mutual calibration method and most thickness measurement methods can be calibrated from the certified thicknesses.
Dry Reforming of Methane for Hydrogen Production Using Bimetallic Catalysts of Pt‐Fe Supported on γ‐Alumina
Authors: Pérez José Manuel Martínez , Lucio‐Ortiz Carlos J. , de la Rosa Javier Rivera , Maldonado Carolina Solis , De Haro Del Río David A. , Sandoval‐Rangel Ladislao , Garza‐Navarro M. A. , Martínez‐Vargas Daniela Xulú , Morales‐Leal Francisco José
Published: December 2021

Biogas is a combustible composed mostly by methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane, the main component of biogas, is the responsible for the characteristics of the fuel itself. Greenhouse gases (GHG), including methane, along with global warming and depletion of fossil fuels have become issues of global concern. In the present work, Pt−Fe catalysts supported on γ‐Al2O3 varying the metal load were synthesized, characterized, and applied in the hydrogen production through dry reforming of methane. The synthesized catalysts were extensively characterized by analytical techniques such as X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis coupled with differential thermal analysis (DTA/TGA), infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 physisorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and high–resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The results from the catalytic tests exhibited that methane conversion reached values up to 95 % for all studied catalysts. The maximum H2 selectivity was 68 % (973 K) and 55 % (1173 K), for the bimetallic catalysts 0.15 PFAc (0.5 % Pt‐0.15 % Fe wt/Al2O3) and 0.5 PFAc (0.5 % Pt–0.5 % Fe wt/Al2O3) respectively. XPS and HR‐TEM results confirmed the iron‐platinum phase (FePt). Catalyst characteristics such as specific surface area, average crystallite size and morphology showed to play a role in the methane reforming performance.
Facile Synthesis of Pd and PdPtNi Trimetallic Nanosheets as Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Shi Lijie , Wang Qian , Ren Quan , Yang Qian , Zhao Donghui , Feng Yuhua , Chen Hongyu , Wang Yawen
Published: December 2021

While bimetallic 2D metallic nanomaterials are widely synthesized and used as electrocatalysts with enhanced performance, trimetallic 2D structures are less commonly reported. In this work, a facile wet chemical method for synthesizing Pd nanosheets and PdPtNi trimetallic alloy nanosheets is developed. Without the introduction of gaseous CO and pressurized equipment, Pd nanosheets with a thickness of ≈2.85 nm and sizes in the range of 1–2 µm can be obtained. The facile synthesis conditions allow for a comprehensive study of the nanosheet growth mechanism. It is found that 2D growth is closely related to the product of solvent decomposition and the additive ligand diethylenetriamine. Further, by depositing Pt and Ni onto the Pd nanosheets, trimetallic nanosheets with tunable compositions can be obtained and applied as oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts. Typically, the Pd9Pt1Ni1 nanosheets have the highest half‐wave potential of 0.928 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), which is 34 mV higher than that of commercial Pt/C and 28 mV higher than that of Pd/C, and also have high durability.
Surface‐Anchored Acetylcholine Regulates Band‐Edge States and Suppresses Ion Migration in a 21%‐Efficient Quadruple‐Cation Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Zhang Zhiang , Jiang Jikun , (Xiao) Liu Xiao , Wang Xin , Wang Luyao , Qiu Yuankun , Zhang Zhanfei , Zheng Yiting , Wu Xueyun , Liang Jianghu , Tian Congcong , Chen Chun‐Chao
Published: December 2021

Although incorporating multiple halogen (bromine) anions and alkali (rubidium) cations can improve the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), severe voltage loss and poor stability have remained pivotal limitations to their further commercialization. In this study, acetylcholine (ACh+) is anchored to the surface of a quadruple‐cation perovskite to provide additional electron states near the valence band maximum of the perovskite surface, thereby enhancing the band alignment and minimizing the Voc loss significantly. Moreover, the quaternary ammonium and carbonyl units of ACh+ passivate the antisite and vacancy defects of the organic/inorganic hybrid perovskite. Because of strong interactions between ACh+ and the perovskite, the formation of lead clusters and the migration of halogen anions in the perovskite film are suppressed. As a result, the device prepared with ACh+ post‐treatment delivers a power conversion efficiency (PCE) (21.56%) and a value of Voc (1.21 V) that are much higher than those of the pristine device, along with a twofold decrease in the hysteresis index. After storage for 720 h in humid air, the device subjected to ACh+ treatment maintained 70% of its initial PCE. Thus, post‐treatment with ACh+ appears to be a useful strategy for preparing efficient and stable PSCs.
Modulating the Graphitic Domains of Hard Carbons Derived from Mixed Pitch and Resin to Achieve High Rate and Stable Sodium Storage
Authors: Yin Xiuping , Zhao Yufeng , Wang Xuan , Feng Xiaochen , Lu Zhixiu , Li Yong , Long Hongli , Wang Jing , Ning Jinyan , Zhang Jiujun
Published: December 2021

Resin derived hard carbons (HCs) generally demonstrate remarkable electrochemical performance for both sodium ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs), but their practical applications are hindered by their high price and high temperature pyrolysis (≈1500 °C). Herein, low‐cost pitch is coated on the resin surface to compromise the cost, and meanwhile manipulate the microstructure at a relatively low pyrolysis temperature (1000 °C). HC‐0.2P‐1000 has a large number of short graphitic layer structures and a relatively large interlayer spacing of 0.3743 nm, as well as ≈1 nm sized nanopores suitable for sodium storage. Consequently, the as produced material demonstrates a superior reversible capacity (349.9 mAh g−1 for SIBs and 321.9 mAh g−1 for KIBs) and excellent rate performance (145.1 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 for SIBs, 48.5 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 for KIBs). Furthermore, when coupled with Na3V2(PO4)3 as cathode, the full cell exhibits a high energy density of 251.1 Wh kg−1 and excellent stability with a capacity retention of 73.3% after 450 cycles at 1 A g−1.
Seismic collapse performance of reinforced concrete moment frame structures with plan irregularity
Authors: He Liusheng , Wang Yong , Liu Yuan , Yu Xiyang , Bai Yongtao
Published: December 2021

To study the effect of plan irregularity on the collapse performance of reinforced concrete (RC) moment frame structures, three groups of seven‐story RC frame structures with different plan layout, one rectangular and two L‐shaped with different dimensions, were designed and numerically studied. The length‐to‐width ratio, protrusion ratio (length of protruding part divided by the total length), and the length‐to‐width ratio of the protruding part were selected as the study parameters. The fragility curves for the collapse limit state of each structure were generated through incremental dynamic analysis, and the collapse margin ratios of the structures were derived. It is found that the seismic collapse performance of the structure with the rectangular plan is significantly affected by the length‐to‐width ratio, and setting a threshold value of 6 is reasonable. For the L‐shaped structure, the influence of the protrusion ratio and the length‐to‐width ratio of the protruding part on the average collapse resistance capacity is not significant. A larger value increases the collapse resistance under rare earthquake. Effect of setting seismic joint in the L‐shaped structure is also studied, and the results indicate that setting the seismic joint or not hardly influences its seismic collapse performance.
Humanizing Classroom Management as a Core Practice for Teachers of Multilingual Students
Authors: Tigert Johanna M. , Peercy Megan Madigan , Fredricks Daisy , Kidwell Tabitha
Published: December 2021

Developing humanizing, culturally and linguistically responsive and justice‐oriented classroom management practices require integrating robust theoretical principles with practice‐based teaching experiences. Here, we explore how using Core Practices (CPs) as a foundation for reflecting on and enacting classroom management helped novice teachers (NTs) build humanizing pedagogies for organizing and managing classrooms populated by multilingual students. Using a participatory, dialogic research design, we draw on data from team meetings, teacher interviews, and classroom observations to describe how NTs reflected on and enacted the CP Building a Positive Learning Environment in their daily work and how it helped humanize their practice. Findings indicate that NTs positioned multilingual students as individuals with complex academic, social‐emotional, linguistic, and behavioral strengths and needs; and enacted classroom management practices that were consistent, clear, culturally and linguistically responsive, and social‐emotionally supportive. We discuss how CPs may help NTs attend to these aspects of classroom management for multilingual students and develop practices that are humanizing.
Effects of microbial fermentation on enzyme activity and volatile properties ofMassa Medicata Fermentata
Authors: Wang Zitai , Okutsu Kayu , Yoshizaki Yumiko , Futagami Taiki , Tamaki Hisanori , Maruyama Takuro , Toume Kazufumi , Komatsu Katsuko , Hashimoto Fumio , Takamine Kazunori
Published: December 2021

Aim

Massa Medicata Fementata(MMF) is a crude drug used in East Asia to treat anorexia and dyspepsia. It is prepared from wheat and several herbs through microbial fermentation usingAspergillussp. andRhizopussp. There is great difference in the quality of commercial MMF, and the microbes of MMF are suggested to affect its quality. We investigated the effects of microbial fermentation on the quality of MMF.

Methods

Raw materials of MMF were mixed according to the ratio listed in the National Standard for Chinese Patent Drugs, and MMF was prepared using pure cultures ofAspergillus oryzaeorRhizopus oryzae. Digestive enzyme activities (α‐amylase, protease, and lipase) and volatile compounds were measured using an analytical kit and GC–MS, respectively.

Results

Enzyme activity increased in MMF. MMF prepared withA.oryzae(MMF‐A) showed higher α‐amylase and lipase activities than that prepared withR.oryzae(MMF‐R). Protease activity was marginally higher in MMF‐R than in MMF‐A. GC–MS analysis revealed that terpenoids decreased with fermentation; however, 2,3‐butanediol, acetoin, and guaiacol were detected in MMF only. C8 compounds such as 1‐octen‐3‐ol were higher in MMF‐A than MMF‐R; however, aromatic compounds such as 4‐vinylguaiacol and pyrazines were higher in MMF‐R than MMF‐A.

Conclusion

Microbial fermentation contributes to increased enzyme activity and changes in MMF volatiles. These properties of MMF were considerably affected by the microbes used, and it is proposed in this study that it is important to have microbial control in the production of commercial MMF.
A Terbium‐Based MOF as fluorescent probe for the detection of Malachite Green, Fe3+ and MnO4−
Authors: Yuan Zhuang‐Dong , Hou Guo‐Zheng , Han Li‐Juan
Published: December 2021

Lanthanide MOFs (Ln‐MOFs) have been widely used in biological imaging and fluorescence detection due to their remarkable optical advantages and variable structural designability. We prepared a terbium‐based metal‐organic framework (Tb‐TDA) and applied to the research of fluorescence detection. The detection result demonstrated that Tb‐TDA can efficiently recognize malachite green (MG), Fe3+ and MnO4− by fluorescent quenching, having high quenching efficiency Ksv (7.02×104 M−1 for MG; 1.06×104 M−1 for Fe3+; 1.59×104 M−1 for MnO4−) and low detection limit (MG: 0.0765 μM; Fe3+: 0.697 μM; MnO4−: 0.612 μM). The quenching of Tb‐TDA's fluorescence emission by MG, Fe3+ and MnO4− was likely due to the spectral overlap, energy transfer and competition. Among seven analytes, 13 metal cations and 13 anions, Tb‐TDA can fast and effectively recognize MG, Fe3+ and MnO4− with high quenching efficiency Ksv and low detection limit, representing excellent selectivity and sensitivity. This work provides new perspectives for the development of lanthanide MOFs in detecting malachite green and heavy metal ions, possessing the potential applications in wastewater disposal and environmental protection.
Space, Place and Educational Settings: An Introduction
Authors: Freytag Tim , Lauen Douglas Lee , Robertson Susan L.
Published: December 2021

We present this volume as an invitation to explore and critically reflect the interplay between space, place, and educational settings. As part of the Knowledge and Space series, this book’s authors follow a comprehensive approach bringing together a set of contributions reflecting various disciplines with their methodologies and theoretical backgrounds. We understand educational settings as the broader framing of education, which includes the out-of-school environment, neighborhoods, and institutional arrangements, as well as the agendas of the multilateral and corporate world. Education literally takes place in the neighborhood and educational landscapes are embedded in local communities, although they are exposed to and are part and parcel of educational policies and the ongoing dynamics of transformation at regional, national and international scales.
Setting Aside Settings: On the Contradictory Dynamics of “Flat Earth,” “Ordinalization,” and “Cold Spot” Education Governing Projects
Authors: Robertson Susan L.
Published: December 2021

Place matters, and for schools located in the neighborhoods of towns and cities, place not only holds meaning for individuals, but shapes their experiences of school and education trajectories. This is not simply a question of meaning and identity. Rather, it is that education settings and their opportunity structures shape and are shaped by structural inequalities, in turn reproducing differences. In this paper, I make the case that the state plays an important role in producing inequality by the ways in which it governs, and that contemporary forms of governing on the global level exacerbate these differences whilst erasing the differences that matter. I explore these dynamics by focusing on socio-economic differences between schools in England, UK. I argue that a particular politics of state spatial power is at play, and that the national state and shadow sovereigns manage questions of authority and legitimacy through the use of ideologies (e.g., school effectiveness, social mobility), devices (such as rankings and league tables), and explanations of cause (such as aspiration gaps), with which one can re-express the problem of difference, not as structurally caused, but as a failure of individual effort, expectations, and aspirations.
Return Migration from the Gulf Region to India Amidst COVID-19
Authors: Rajan S Irudaya , Arokkiaraj H.
Published: December 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has directly affected the millions of migrant workers in Gulf countries, mostly employed as temporary labour in construction and allied sectors. The Gulf region historically has been the most favoured destination for such jobs. However, the pandemic crisis has halted construction projects in these countries as the drastic fall in oil prices has affected Gulf oil and non-oil economies severely. This has had an adverse effect on Indian migrant workers as they face the threat of unemployment, leading to their voluntary or forced return to India. For example, at the end of 2020, half a million Kerala emigrants, most of them in the Gulf, had lost their jobs abroad due to the pandemic, making their return inevitable given their temporary status in these countries. This chapter examines how India is prepared to handle the changing trends in Indo-Gulf migration corridor and the subsequent return emigration from the Gulf. The chapter highlights major sending-state perspectives, such as that of Kerala and others, and their responses towards Gulf returnees. Moreover, it provides insights by revisiting the existing economic and social security measures for returning migrants and their families within the framework of state welfare schemes, thereby examining rehabilitation and re-integration mechanisms for return migrants at the central and state levels in India.