bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty-second annual report on federal agency use of voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment activities
Authors: Rioux Nathalie
Published: November 2020

The FY 2018 summary, prepared by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), compiles the reports provided by 23 participating agencies listed in Appendix A. In these reports, agencies document any new use of GUS in lieu of VCS during FY 2018 and provide a rationale for each new use. Agencies also list any rescinded GUS in lieu of VCS during the past year. Agencies briefly describe their activities undertaken to carry out provisions described in Circular A-119. Individual agency reports may be found at https://standards.gov/NTTAA/agency/index.cfm?fuseaction=agencyReports.main. For FY 2018, federal agencies reported eight new GUS used in lieu of VCS as noted in Appendix B. EPA reported seven GUS dealing with methods for determining emissions of various gases, and one for validating field measurement methods. As reported in Appendix C, in FY 2018, three GUS used in lieu of VCS were rescinded by agencies. DOT rescinded 49 CFR 571.304, incorporated in
2016. Both EPA Method 25 and EPA Method 25A were incorporated in 2001 and are still in use, however EPA rescinded them from their report as their use does not meet the reporting requirements of the NTTAA.As reported in Appendix D, two GUS used in lieu of VCS were reported in FY 2016 by DOT but were not included in the FY 2016 Appendix D. These two GUS are now being noted and included in the overall total of GUS reported in lieu of VCS.
Production Technology of Metal Powder Antifriction Parts for Rolling Stock and Improvement of their Tribological Properties
Authors:   , Stankēvičs Pāvels
Published: November 2020

The doctoral thesis “Production Technology of Metal Powder Antifriction Parts for Rolling Stock and Improvement of Their Tribological Properties” has been worked out in order to research the production technology of metal powder antifriction parts and perform experimental tests with the purpose to determine the suitability of metal powder antifriction parts with low alloying element content to use in the brake lever mechanism of rolling stock, as well as to perform with them tests in order to reduce the friction coefficient.
Ritošā sastāva metālpulveru antifrikcijas detaļu ražošanas tehnoloģija un tribotehnisko īpašību paaugstināšana
Authors:   , Stankēvičs Pāvels
Published: November 2020

Promocijas darbs “Ritošā sastāva metālpulveru antifrikcijas detaļu ražošanas tehnoloģija un tribotehnisko īpašību paaugstināšana” tika izstrādāts lai izpētītu metālpulveru antifrikcijas detaļu ražošanas tehnoloģiju un veiktu eksperimentālas pārbaudes ar mērķi noteikt metālpulveru antifrikcijas detaļu ar zemo leģējošo elementu saturu, piemērotību izmantošanai ritošā sastāva bremžu sviru pārvadā, kā arī veiktu ar tiem eksperimentus berzes koeficienta samazināšanai.
Verso i diritti degli animali. Riflessioni e dibattiti nella storia del pensiero
Authors: Baricalla Vilma
Published: November 2020

In our cultural tradition, a conception has prevailed that has supported the inferiority of animals, justifying their exploitation and their exclusion from the moral sphere. This vision, however, at various moments in history has been the subject of criticism and disputes. There are alternative voices and strands that departed from the traditional anthropocentric paradigm, rehabilitating animals and elaborating different models of interpretation of the world. This paper presents an overview of authors who – from the ancient world to the modern age up to almost the present day – made their voice heard in defence of animals, to whom they recognized value and dignity. The picture that emerges is varied and articulated and represents the rich background of contemporary theories of respect for animals and animal rights.
Spiritualita pedagogů tradičních a alternativních škol
Authors:   Univerzita Tomáše Bati  ve Zlíně, Suchánková Eliška , Matušů Renáta ,   Univerzita Tomáše Bati  ve Zlíně
Published: November 2020

Studie se zaměřuje na spiritualitu pedagoga jako významnou dimenzi osobnosti člověka, který vstupuje do edukačního procesu a ovlivňuje jej. Představuje výsledky výzkumu, jehož cílem bylo prostřednictvím dotazníkového šetření zjistit míru spirituality u pedagogů základních škol (N = 192), rozdíly v míře spirituality mezi pedagogy tradičních a alternativních škol a souvislost spirituality s empatií. Ukazuje se, že míra spirituality pedagogů alternativních škol je významně vyšší v dimenzích ekospiritualita, etický entuziasmus, sounáležitost, mystika, svědomitá starostlivost a latentní monoteismus než míra spirituality pedagogů tradičních škol. Bylo zjištěno, že celková míra spirituality pozitivně koreluje s mírou empatie a že je spiritualita pedagogů významným prediktorem jejich empatie.
Dark Triad in the context of career choice
Authors:   Technical University of Kosice, Čopková Radka , Jendrejáková Annamária ,   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University
Published: November 2020

The research study deals with Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) in the context of the vocational interests in high school students. We assumed that students tending towards the helping professions might score differently in Dark Triad traits compared to students oriented towards professions such as manufacturing, business, or law (Jonason et al., 2014; Kowalski et al., 2017). The main goal of the study was to examine the differences in Dark Triad traits with respect to students´ professional intentions. The research was conducted on a sample of 181 students of grammar schools and secondary vocational schools in Slovakia (Mage = 18.3 years; SD = .77); 57% were boys, 43% were girls. The Slovak version of the Short Dark Triad (Čopková & Šafár, 2020; Jones & Paulhus, 2014) and the Questionnaire of Professional Intentions (Džuka, 2006) were used. Testing the significance of differences between students with different professional intentions pointed to significant differences in subclinical psychopathy. Significantly higher psychopathy was shown by students oriented to the sphere of production compared to students oriented to art, science and education. Also in psychopathy, students oriented towards the sphere of business scored higher than students oriented towards the sphere of art and education. Testing of within-subject variability showed Machiavellianism as the most significant feature of the Dark Triad in all professional spheres.
Žáci-cizinci z východní Evropy (Ruska a Ukrajiny): Školní docházka a spolupráce se školou perspektivou rodičů
Authors:   Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, Janečková Tereza
Published: November 2020

Příspěvek se věnuje výsledkům studie realizované jako součást dizertačního výzkumu, jejímž cílem bylo prozkoumat rodičovskou percepci základního vzdělávání žáků ruského a ukrajinského původu. Teoretický rámec se soustřeďuje na okolnost minoritního původu a sociokulturní kapitál rodiny a jejich roli v rámci školní docházky. Dlouhodobý kvalitativní výzkum byl veden následujícími výzkumnými otázkami: Jak rodiče hodnotí české základní školství a spolupráci se školou? Jak vyhodnocují svou pozici v rámci edukačního procesu a od čeho ji odvozují? Které strategie ve vztahu ke vzdělávání zvažují a volí a co je ovlivňuje? Výzkumný soubor tvořilo deset rodinných jednotek s alespoň jedním žákem základní školy hlavního vzdělávacího proudu. Tvorba dat probíhala formou polostrukturovaných rozhovorů s rodiči, případně doplněných o pozorování rodinné interakce a neformální rozhovory s dětmi. Navzdory limitům v podobě velikosti výzkumného souboru, který neumožňuje představit zobecňující závěry, zjištění poukazují na ambivalentní charakter kulturní odlišnosti, která funguje jako potenciální zdroj praktických, sociálních a psychologických bariér. Ty pak spolu s dalšími sociokulturně založenými rozpory představují významný aspekt reflexe a případné transformace očekávání, aspirací a cílů, které rodiče na vzdělávání zaměřují.
Specifika příbuzenské pěstounské péče v kontextu transgenerační psychické zátěže v rodině
Authors:   Ostravská univerzita, Kubíčková Hana
Published: November 2020

Studie se zabývá specifickou problematikou příbuzenské pěstounské péče. Jejím prostřednictvím chceme poukázat na podpůrné i limitující faktory příbuzenské pěstounské péče v kontextu předešlých a současných psychických traumat, které se táhnou generacemi rodin pěstounů v příbuzenském vztahu k přijatému dítěti a jsou významným zdrojem přetrvávající psychické zátěže všech zúčastněných osob. Studie zahrnuje výsledky kvalitativního výzkumného šetření technikou hloubkového rozhovoru s patnácti příbuzenskými pěstouny a deseti klíčovými sociálními pracovnicemi pěstounských rodin. Získaná data byla analyzována pomocí vybraných postupů zakotvené teorie. Z výsledku výzkumu vyplývá jednak podoba a následky traumatických a zátěžových událostí u konkrétních jedinců s akcentem na příbuzenského pěstouna a jednak způsob, jakým se tyto specifické zkušenosti promítají do současného života participantů-pěstounů a konkrétně pak do vybraných oblastí péče o ohrožené dítě.
Stability of interphase between solid state electrolyte and electrode
Authors: Feng Wu-Liang , Wang Fei , Zhou Xing , Ji Xiao , Han Fu-Dong , Wang Chun-Sheng ,   Deparement of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China,   Deparement of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China,   Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA,   Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
Published: November 2020

Compared with the lithium-ion battery based on the non-aqueous electrolyte, all-solid-state lithium battery has received much attention and been widely studied due to its superiority in both safety and energy density. The electrochemical window of solid electrolyte determines whether the electrolyte remains stable during the cycling of the high-voltage battery. Current solid electrolytes typically have narrow electrochemical windows, thereby limiting their coupling with high voltage cathodes and lithium metal anode. Therefore, the formation of the stable interphase determines the stabilities of the all-solid-state batteries. Here in this work, both the experimental and theoretical progress of the electrochemical stability window of solid-state electrolytes are summarized. Besides, the experimental achievements in improving the stability of the interphase are also mentioned. On this basis, the strategies of constructing dynamically stable interphase and preventing the lithium dendrite branch crystal from forming are put forward. The future research direction of the interphase construction in all-solid-state batteries is also presented.
Double-step gas cluster ion beam smoothing
Authors: Vasiliy Pelenovich , Zeng Xiao-Mei , Luo Jin-Bao , Rakhim Rakhimov , Zuo Wen-Bin , Zhang Xiang-Yu , Tian Can-Xin , Zou Chang-Wei , Fu De-Jun , Yang Bing ,   School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China,   School of Physics and Technology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, China,   School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
Published: November 2020

In this study we use the double step gas cluster ion beam treatment to improve smoothing process of mechanically polished 4H-SiC (1000) wafers and compare it with conventional single-step smoothing. The first step is a higher energy treatment with 15 keV Ar cluster ions, and the second step is a lower 5 keV treatment. Single-step treatments are performed at 15 and 5 keV. It is shown that single-step 15 keV smoothing as compared with lower 5 keV one is very effective for removing the initial surface morphological feature (scratches), however, cluster ions impacting on the surface can create larger craters, resulting in roughness Rq of 1.05 nm. Whereas, 5 keV treatment at a selected fluence cannot remove initial scratches, which requires using higher fluences, i.e. such smoothing becomes time consuming. On the other hand, crater morphology with such a treatment is less developed, hence, the roughness slightly decreases to 0.9 nm. Using the double-step treatment, one can obtain the surface with lower Rq roughness of 0.78 nm as compared with single-step treatment, at the same total cluster ion fluence. Therefore, the double-step treatment combines the advantages of the effective smoothing of scratches at high energy and smaller crater morphology at low energy. To evaluate the contribution of the cluster morphology introduced by the accelerated clusters into the total roughness, the cluster ion beam treatment of an atomically smooth 4H-SiC (1000) surface is also carried out. It is shown that the crater diameter increases in a range of 15–30 nm with the cluster energy increasing. More detailed analysis of the smoothing process is carried out by using two-dimensional isotropic PSD function. It is shown that the cluster treatment of mechanically polished 4H-SiC wafers effectively reduces the roughness in a wavelength range of 0.05–0.20 μm and the efficiency of smoothing is higher at higher cluster energy. In a range of 0.02–0.05 μm, a roughening effect is observed, which is due to the formation of craters. This roughening effect can be effectively reduced by the subsequent lower energy step treatment, which can be shown by the PSD function analysis of the smooth SiC surface treated initially by cluster ion beam.
Diaspora Language
Authors: Adachi Nobuko
Published: November 2020

A “diaspora language” refers to the languages that are spoken by people in a “diasporic” community – that is, a group of people scattered around to different places in the world but having (or feeling that they have) a shared common ancestry. These languages are formed and reformed in relation to language ideology. These diaspora languages are used to foster solidarity and notions of a common identity among the members of the community, or facilitate communication between differing subgroups of these dispersed populations.
Global Rural and Remote Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pianarosa Emilie , Chomistek Kelsey , Hsiao Ralph , Anwar Salman , Umaefulam Valerie , Hazlewood Glen , Barnabe Cheryl
Published: November 2020

Objective

Rural and remote patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at risk for inequities in health outcomes based on differences in physical environments and health care access potential compared to urban populations. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize epidemiology, clinical outcomes, and health service use reported for global populations with RA residing in rural and remote locations.

Methods

Medline, Embase, HealthStar, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2019 using librarian‐developed search terms for RA and rural and remote populations. Peer‐reviewed published manuscripts were included if they reported on epidemiologic, clinical, or health service use outcomes.

Results

Fifty‐four articles were included for data synthesis, representing studies from all continents. In 11 studies in which there was an appropriate urban population comparator, rural and remote populations were not at increased risk for RA; 1 study reported increased prevalence, and 5 studies reported decreased prevalence in rural and remote populations. Clinical characteristics of rural and remote populations in studies with an appropriate urban comparator showed no significant differences in disease activity measures or disability, but 1 study reported worse physical function and health‐related quality of life in rural and remote populations. Studies reporting on health service use provided evidence that rural and remote residence adversely impacts diagnostic time, ongoing follow‐up, access to RA‐care–related practitioners and services, and variation in medication access and use, with prominent heterogeneity noted between countries.

Conclusion

RA epidemiology and clinical outcomes are not necessarily different between rural/remote and urban populations within countries. Rural and remote patients face greater barriers to care, which increases the risk for inequities in outcomes.
Flexoelectric Poling of Functionally Graded Ferroelectric Materials
Authors: Sharma Saurav , Kumar Rajeev , Talha Mohammad , Vaish Rahul
Published: November 2020

Flexoelectricity is a phenomenon that can yield an electromechanical coupling in all dielectric materials, whereas piezoelectricity presents itself in specially treated (electrically poled) ferroelectric materials. The present study explores the possibility of achieving electrical poling in a material, purely by mechanical means, by virtue of flexoelectricity and thereby harnessing the potential of coexistence of the two phenomena. A theoretical investigation on a functionally graded ferroelectric material sample of square shape with barium titanate and polyvinylidene fluoride as its constituents is conducted in this direction using isogeometric analysis based computational framework. Applied mechanical load on the material results in varying magnitude of electric field inside the material, which in some fraction of the material reaches a magnitude sufficient enough to yield a permanent poling. Simulation results suggest that it is possible to achieve poling of up to 75% of the material volume. This partially poled material is later considered for its contribution in the total electromechanical coupling of the material. The combination of piezoelectric and flexoelectric effects is found to enhance the equivalent piezoelectric coefficient in converse electromechanical (by up to 90%) coupling while a detrimental effect is observed in direct equivalent piezoelectric coefficient (by up to 89%) due to this combination.
Stacking Faults Hinder Lithium Insertion in Li2RuO3
Authors: Han Miao , Liu Zepeng , Shen Xing , Yang Lu , Shen Xi , Zhang Qinghua , Liu Xiaozhi , Wang Junyang , Lin Hong‐Ji , Chen Chien‐Te , Pao Chih‐Wen , Chen Jeng‐Lung , Kong Qingyu , Yu Xiqian , Yu Richeng , Gu Lin , Hu Zhiwei , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Zhaoxiang , Chen Liquan
Published: November 2020

Layered transition metal (TM) oxides have aroused enormous interest in both fundamental and applied cathode material research in the context of high energy‐density batteries. Although various mechanisms have been proposed to explain their significant initial capacity losses, the effect of the local structural defects on performance has been largely ignored. Herein, the stacking faults are visualized and their presence is correlated with the incomplete phase transition in Li2RuO3 to understand the significant abnormal capacity loss in the first cycle. The comprehensive performance evaluation, physical characterization and theoretical calculations indicate that the two types of stacking faults, the [100]//[10] boundaries and the [110]//[10] boundaries, lead to sluggish lithium diffusion and increasing stacking faults deteriorates the lithium insertion dynamics. These findings are helpful to understand the performance degradation of the layer‐structured oxides in which the anionic redox or the transition metal migration is not involved in electrochemical reactions. It is hoped that this research will also inspire new ideas for designing novel cathode materials and for improving the performance of existing materials by tuning the local structures or minimizing the local structural defects.
Delta yield–based optimal nitrogen rate estimates for corn are often economically sound
Authors: Janovicek Ken , Banger Kamaljit , Sulik John , Nasielski Joshua , Deen Bill
Published: November 2020

Corn producers often overapply nitrogen (N) fertilizer to minimize risk of yield loss because of uncertainty regarding actual corn N requirements. On‐farm N trials, which are simple to deploy and interpret, may enable producers to better understand their corn N fertilizer requirements. We analyzed a database of corn yield response to N trials conducted in Ontario, Canada to determine if delta yield (dY) N trials can reliably estimate economic optimum N rates (EONRs) and to assess the financial liability of dY‐EONR estimates. Delta yield is calculated as the yield difference between nonlimiting and very low (starter only) N rates. The dY‐EONR estimation relationship is derived from a rectangular hyperbolic relationship between agronomic efficiency and dY. The derived dY‐EONR relationship has a rapid initial estimated EONR rate of increase that diminishes with increasing dY and that approaches a constant increase rate of 16.1 kg N ha–1. At a N‐corn price ratio of 7, the dY‐EONR estimation model has RMSE = 29.1 kg N ha–1 (R2 = .64). Within range of recent corn and N prices, 64–80% of dY‐EONR estimates in combined calibration and validation data (n = 746) had return losses less than $25 ha–1 relative to the actual EONR. Return losses exceeding $50 ha–1 occurred for 8–18% of the dY‐EONR estimates, most of which (83–98%) were due to overestimation. Delta yield trials provide an easily implemented method for corn producers to conduct on‐farm yield response trials repeatedly over years in order to obtain a better idea of their N requirements.
Global loss of Tfr2 with concomitant induced iron deficiency greatly ameliorates the phenotype of a murine thalassemia intermedia model
Authors: Schmidt Paul J. , Fitzgerald Kevin , Butler James S. , Fleming Mark D.
Published: November 2020

β‐thalassemias result from mutations in β‐globin, causing ineffective erythropoiesis and secondary iron overload due to inappropriately low levels of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. Mutations in transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) lead to hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) as a result of inappropriately increased iron uptake from the diet, also due to improperly regulated hepcidin. TFR2 is also thought to be required for efficient erythropoiesis through its interaction with the erythropoietin receptor in erythroid progenitors. Transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6),a membrane serine protease expressed selectively in the liver, participates in regulating hepcidin production in response to iron stores by cleaving hemojuvelin (HJV). We have previously demonstrated that inhibitingTMPRSS6expression with a hepatocyte‐specific siRNA formulation, induces hepcidin, mitigates anemia, and reduces iron overload in murine models of β‐thalassemia intermedia and HH. Here, we demonstrate thatTmprss6siRNA treatment of double mutantTfr2Y245X/Y245XHHHbbth3/+thalassemic mice induces hepcidin and diminishes tissue and serum iron levels. Importantly, treated double mutant animals produce more mature red blood cells and have a nearly 50% increase in hemoglobin compared to untreated β‐thalassemic mice. Furthermore, we also show that treatment ofTfr2Y245X/Y245XHH mice leads to increased hepcidin expression and reduced total body iron burden. These data indicate that siRNA suppression ofTmprss6, in conjunction with the targeting of TFR2, may be superior to inhibitingTmprss6alone in the treatment of the anemia and secondary iron loading in β‐thalassemia intermedia and may be useful as a method of suppressing the primary iron overload in TFR2‐related (type 3) hereditary hemochromatosis.
Bilateral severe microphthalmia in a neonate with trisomy 8 mosaicism: A new finding
Authors: Sanderson Bevan , Leach Courtney , Zein Mike , Islam Omar , MacLean Gillian , Strube Yi Ning J. , Guerin Andrea
Published: November 2020

Mosaic Trisomy 8 is a rare chromosomal abnormality estimated to occur one in 30,000 newborns. The phenotype is highly variable and the severity does not appear to be correlated with the proportion of cells that contain the additional chromosome. Ocular involvement in Trisomy 8 mosaicism has previously been described to include corneal opacities, retinal dystrophy, coloboma, and unilateral microphthalmia. We report a case of severe bilateral microphthalmia in a neonate with Trisomy 8 mosaicism, a previously unrecognized ophthalmic manifestation.
Lethal Cenani Lenz syndrome in two consecutive pregnancies: Further extension of phenotype from Maldives
Authors: Yesodharan Dhanya , Krishnan Vivek , Nair Indu R. , Ganapathy Aparna , Mannan Ashraf U. , Nampoothiri Sheela
Published: November 2020

Cenani Lenz syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with variable degree of limb malformations, dysmorphism, and renal agenesis. It is caused due to pathogenic variants in the LRP4 gene, which plays an important role in limb and renal development. Mutations in the APC gene have also been occasionally associated with CLS. The phenotypic spectrum ranges from mild to very severe perinatal lethal type depending on the type of variant. We report a pathogenic variant, c.2710 del T (p.Trp904GlyfsTer5) in theLRP4 gene, in a fetus with lethal Cenani Lenz syndrome with antenatal presentation of tetraphocomelia and symmetrical involvement of hands and feet.
Acute pulmonary oedema and hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis following operative hysteroscopy using sodium chloride 0.9%
Authors: Summers G. C. , Fosker S. R. , Faris R. , Handy J. M.
Published: November 2020

Fluid media including sodium chloride 0.9% are used during operative hysteroscopy to provide uterine distension and aid visualisation. Volume overload is a known complication of their use but is usually associated with long procedures or uterine tissue dissection. A previously well 40‐year‐old woman presented for hysteroscopy and evacuation of retained products of conception under general anaesthesia. On emergence, she developed respiratory compromise and a hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis in keeping with acute pulmonary oedema induced by sodium chloride 0.9% fluid overload. Anaesthetists must remain vigilant during operative procedures using distension media. Additionally, they should be familiar with the clinical and metabolic manifestations consistent with systemic transfusion of such media.
Photochromic films prepared by solid state processing of disentangled ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and photochromic dyes composites
Authors: Saha Sukdeb , Bonda Sateesh , Tripathi Sandeep Nath , Shukla Devesh Kumar , Srivastava Vivek Kumar , Srinivasa Rao Gandham Satya , Jasra Raksh Vir
Published: November 2020

Disentangled ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (DPE) is a special grade of polyethylene (molecular weight, >106 Da) which can be processed by an environment friendly solid state process on counter rotating two roll mill (TRM) below the melt temperature of the polymer. This unique processing property of DPE was utilized to develop smart DPE photochromic films. Photochromic dye like 'Spirooxazine' or 'Spiropyran' has been mixed with DPE resin powder prior to film formation without altering the DPE properties. These films could change their optical appearances on exposure to UV‐light of wavelength 365 nm and the color change phenomenon of the films could also be replicated by sunlight. The color change observed is found to be reversible, that is, films could return to colorless form either spontaneously in dark or by thermal stimuli. Such smart property was imparted to DPE even at very low concentration (2,000 ppm) of photochromic dyes. Spectrophotometric studies were used to measure the rate of forward reaction with UV radiation and the rate of backward reaction in dark. In fact, DPE powder and photochromic dye composite was used to produce the compression molded disc to understand the color change phenomena. Moreover, it was observed that the photo‐degradation rate of dye, could be retarded ~30% by using amphoteric Zinc phthalate salt. TGA and DSC studies confirmed that the characteristics of DPE film remained almost unaltered even after with preparation of film photochromic dyes.
Site selection for biogenic reef restoration in offshore environments: The Natura 2000 area Borkum Reef Ground as a case study for native oyster restoration
Authors: Pogoda Bernadette , Merk Verena , Colsoul Bérenger , Hausen Tanja , Peter Corina , Pesch Roland , Kramer Maike , Jaklin Sandra , Holler Peter , Bartholomä Alexander , Michaelis Rune , Prinz Katrin
Published: November 2020

According to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC), marine protected areas (MPA) should contribute to a good environmental status of the Europeans seas. Measures maintaining or restoring a favourable conservation status of protected species and habitats are mandatory according to the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).

Identification of suitable sites for ecological restoration measures within MPAs is a crucial step towards successful conservation and sustainable MPA management. In terms of species restoration, it is important to restore the respective species with the best possible environment for growth, survival, fitness, and successful recruitment.

This study provides a comprehensive list of site‐selection criteria for ecological species restoration. Three general categories were chosen: (1) ecological history: evidence for the historical distribution; (2) feasibility of restoration: regulating framework and logistics; and (3) environmental conditions: quality of abiotic and biotic factors. A total of 16 site‐selection criteria were identified and applied to biogenic reef restoration, namely for reefs of the native European oyster Ostrea edulis, in the German Bight.

The Natura 2000 area Borkum Reef Ground was identified as a suitable site for oyster restoration. It is one of three MPAs in the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea, which have been declared as Nature Conservation Areas according to national legislation. The conservation objectives include maintenance or, if necessary, restoration of the habitat type ‘reefs’. As a reef‐building species, the European oyster O. edulis is of particular importance for this habitat type in terms of nature conservation.

The step by step approach for site selection presented here is applicable for biogenic reef restoration elsewhere. The selected Natura 2000 area showcases the potential role and future perspective of European MPAs with regards to active conservation measures.
Could impact investing catalyse an ecosystem wide recovery for native oysters and native oyster beds? Lessons learned from the Zoological Society of London's Rhino Impact Investment Bond that could shape the future of oyster restoration
Authors: Endsor Charlie , Debney Alison , Withers Oliver
Published: November 2020

Ostrea edulis populations have declined by more than 95% since the mid‐1800s due to historical over‐harvesting, disease, competition from invasive species, and predators. Once the basis of a thriving fishery, it is now one of the most threatened habitats in Europe and restoration is high on the conservation agenda.

Impact investing is a novel financing model that attracts investors who put creating positive, measurable social outcomes at the heart of their decision‐making process, while also seeking a financial return. Impact bonds, more specifically, are instruments designed to link these investors with beneficial projects and financial returns. Payoff is derived from the success or failure of a service provider in delivering pre‐agreed outcomes. The Rhino Impact Investment is such a project, which aims to increase black rhino numbers by using an impact bond structure, where capital is directed to fund evidence‐based management interventions, and financial gain or loss to the investors depends on the scale to which rhino numbers increase or decrease across a portfolio of project sites.

The authors present a hypothetical impact bond model that could be used to address the decline in O. edulis. Investors provide capital that is dispersed among a portfolio of restoration sites to implement interventions designed to increase oyster habitat and numbers. At maturity, outcome payers reimburse investors with their capital plus or minus a rate of return based on independent verification of the outcomes achieved or not achieved.

The Rhino Impact Investment project is the only current impact bond model aimed at species recovery and, as such, there is very little evidence to go on with regards to the legal and regulatory framework surrounding such instruments and the restoration of ecological systems and biodiversity. More work is needed on a regulatory and project level to take feasibility testing to the next stage.
Managing enzyme promiscuity in plant specialized metabolism: A lesson from flavonoid biosynthesis
Authors: Waki Toshiyuki , Takahashi Seiji , Nakayama Toru
Published: November 2020

Specificities of enzymes involved in plant specialized metabolism, including flavonoid biosynthesis, are generally promiscuous. This enzyme promiscuity has served as an evolutionary basis for new enzyme functions and metabolic pathways in land plants adapting to environmental challenges. This phenomenon may lead, however, to inefficiency in specialized metabolism and adversely affect metabolite‐mediated plant survival. How plants manage enzyme promiscuity for efficient specialized metabolism is, thus, an open question. Recent studies of flavonoid biosynthesis addressing this issue have revealed a conserved strategy, namely, a homolog of chalcone isomerase with no catalytic activity binds to chalcone synthase, a key flavonoid pathway enzyme, to narrow (or rectify) the enzyme's highly promiscuous product specificity. Reducing promiscuity via specific protein–protein interactions among metabolic enzymes and proteins may be a solution adopted by land plants to achieve efficient operation of specialized metabolism, while the intrinsic promiscuity of enzymes has likely been retained incidentally.
Analysis of aqueous humor total antioxidant capacity and its correlation with corneal endothelial health
Authors: Tsao Yu‐Ting , Wu Wei‐Chi , Chen Kuan‐Jen , Yeh Lung‐Kun , Hwang Yih‐Shiou , Hsueh Yi‐Jen , Chen Hung‐Chi , Cheng Chao‐Min
Published: November 2020

Corneal endothelial decompensation is a serious condition that frequently requires treatment via corneal transplantation which contributes to a global shortage in donor corneas. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of aqueous humor total antioxidant capacity (TAC) on corneal endothelial health. There is an urgent need for discovering protective factors to combat corneal endothelial cell (CEC) loss. For methods, we developed a cupric ion‐based TAC (CuTAC) assay to analyze TAC level in a small volume of aqueous humor, that is, 10 μL per test, and examined the influences of ascorbic acid (AA) and antioxidant proteins on aqueous humor TAC. To broaden the investigation, we conducted a case–control study with patients classified into two groups, an insufficient endothelial cell density (ECD < 2100 cells/mm2) group, and a control group. These groups were formed based on baseline ECD values and were used to evaluate the influence of aqueous humor TAC and AA on overall corneal endothelial health. A CuTAC assay was used to accurately measure aqueous humor TAC without the need for sample dilution. After analyzing a total of 164 human aqueous humor samples, we found that AA was the major contributor to aqueous humor TAC (73.2%). In addition, TAC and AA levels in the IECD and control groups were both found to be significantly different (1.168 vs. 1.592 mM, p = 0.009 and 0.856 vs. 1.178 mM, p = 0.016). TAC and AA were considered independent protective factors against IECD with adjusted odds ratios of 0.02 (p = 0.017) and 0.023 (p = 0.033), respectively. In conclusion, aqueous humor TAC and AA contribute to the maintenance of sufficient corneal ECD, and our CuTAC assay can be a useful tool for analyzing TAC using only a small aqueous humor sample volume.
A case of incarcerated gravid uterus with a history of cesarean section was a good candidate for manual reduction: A case report
Authors: Suzuki Sayaka , Obata Soichiro , Utsunomiya Mariko , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru
Published: November 2020

Because the anterior lower uterine segment is stretched, the incarcerated gravid uterus case with a history of cesarean section is a good candidate for manual reduction.
A case of hepatic portal venous gas that resolved with conservative treatment
Authors: Kogo Hideki , Takasaki Hideaki , Sakata Yoshinori , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is a potentially fatal condition. If vital signs are normal and laboratory data are not suggestive of any necrotic changes, a follow‐up computed tomography after a conservative procedure can be performed at short intervals to conservatively monitor the patient.
Direct Design of Catalysts in Oxidative Coupling of Methane via High‐Throughput Experiment and Deep Learning
Authors: Sugiyama Kanami , Nguyen Thanh Nhat , Nakanowatari Sunao , Miyazato Itsuki , Taniike Toshiaki , Takahashi Keisuke
Published: November 2020

The combination of deep learning and high‐throughput experiments is proposed for the direct design of heterogeneous catalysts in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction. Deep learning predicts 20 active catalysts from high‐throughput 12,708 OCM experimental data where 19 of the predicted 20 catalysts have not been previously reported. The predicted 20 catalysts are then evaluated through high‐throughput experiments where a highly active unreported catalyst Ti−Na2WO4/TiO2 is discovered. Ti−Na2WO4/TiO2 results in a high C2 yield of 18.8 % where the maximum C2 yield is reported to be approximately 20 % within the 12,708 OCM data. Furthermore, the experimental conditions predicted for Ti−Na2WO4/TiO2 are also reproduced by high‐throughput experiment. Thus, deep learning demonstrates that both catalysts and experimental conditions can be simultaneously explored for designing catalysts. More importantly, deep learning assisted catalysts search is found to dramatically increase the chances of finding active catalysts where 9 out of 20 predicted catalysts result in a C2 yield over 15 %. Therefore, the combination of deep learning with high‐throughput experiments is proposed to be an effective strategy for the direct design of catalysts.
An experimental study comparing the stability of colloidal dispersion gels with normal polymeric solutions for enhanced‐oil‐recovery purposes
Authors: Rahimi Reza , Saeedi Dehaghani Amir H.
Published: November 2020

Waterflooding in oil reservoirs is associated with several drawbacks. Recently, colloidal dispersion gels (CDG) have been proposed as a new method for conformance control to address these drawbacks. CDGs are prepared by mixing crosslinkers and polymers in very low concentrations as a result of intramolecular crosslinking. In this research, a comprehensive study was conducted on the stability of sulfonated polyacrylamide (SPAM) solutions and CDGs prepared using the same SPAM in harsh conditions. The effects of high temperature, shear rate, salts, and high mechanical degrading on the viscosity of both polymeric solution types were studied using a rheometer. The results showed that, in similar conditions, CDGs are less susceptible to salts than are normal SPAM solutions. Moreover, both solutions have nearly the same sensitivity to temperature. The effect of extremely high shear rates was also studied, and the results suggested that, in similar conditions, CDG is less susceptible to high shear rates than normal SPAM solutions. Being treated at 2500 1/s for 2 hours, the CDG solution lost almost 0% of its original viscosity, while the SPAM solution lost 0.97% of its original viscosity. Given that CDG is more stable in harsh reservoir conditions, it may be a suitable substitute to the highly sensitive polymeric solutions for improving the volumetric sweep efficiency of waterfloods.
Interfacial Engineering‐Triggered Bifunctionality of CoS2/MoS2 Nanocubes/Nanosheet Arrays for High‐Efficiency Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhou Guangyao , Wu Xiaomei , Zhao Mingming , Pang Huan , Xu Lin , Yang Jun , Tang Yawen
Published: November 2020

Searching for high‐efficiency nonprecious bifunctional electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is paramount for the advancement of water electrolysis technologies and the associated renewable energy devices. Modulation of electronic structure of an electrocatalyst via heterointerface engineering represents an efficient strategy to improve its electrocatalytic performance. Herein, a feasible hydrothermal synthesis of a novel heterostructured catalyst was demonstrated, comprising CoS2 nanocubes and vertically aligned MoS2 nanosheet arrays directly grown on flexible and conductive carbon cloth (CC) substrate (denoted as CoS2/MoS2@CC). Thanks to the elaborate interface engineering and vertically aligned nanosheet arrayed architecture, the resultant self‐supported CoS2/MoS2@CC electrode possessed enriched exposed active sites, modulated electronic configuration, multidimensional mass transport channels, and outstanding mechanical strength, thereby affording exceptional electrocatalytic performances towards the HER and OER in alkaline electrolyte with overpotentials of 71 and 274 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. In addition, a two‐electrode electrolyzer assembled by CoS2/MoS2@CC required a cell voltage of 1.59 V at 10 mA cm−2 with nearly 100 % faradaic efficiency and remarkable durability, showing great potential for scalable and economical water electrolysis.
Experimental evidence for stabilizing selection on virulence in a bacterial pathogen
Authors: Bonneaud Camille , Tardy Luc , Hill Geoffrey E. , McGraw Kevin J. , Wilson Alastair J. , Giraudeau Mathieu
Published: November 2020

The virulence-transmission trade-off hypothesis has provided a dominant theoretical basis for predicting pathogen virulence evolution, but empirical tests are rare, particularly at pathogen emergence. The central prediction of this hypothesis is that pathogen fitness is maximized at intermediate virulence due to a trade-off between infection duration and transmission rate. However, obtaining sufficient numbers of pathogen isolates of contrasting virulence to test the shape of relationships between key pathogen traits, and doing so without the confounds of evolved host protective immunity (as expected at emergence), is challenging. Here, we inoculated 55 isolates of the bacterial pathogen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, into non-resistant house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) from populations that have never been exposed to the disease. Isolates were collected over a 20-year period from outbreak in disease-exposed populations of house finches and vary markedly in virulence. We found a positive linear relationship between pathogen virulence and transmission rate to an uninfected sentinel, supporting the core assumption of the trade-off hypothesis. Further, in support of the key prediction, there was no evidence for directional selection on a quantitative proxy of pathogen virulence and, instead, isolates of intermediate virulence were fittest. Surprisingly, however, the positive relationship between virulence and transmission rate was not underpinned by variation in pathogen load or replication rate as is commonly assumed. Our results indicate that selection favors pathogens of intermediate virulence at disease emergence in a novel host species, even when virulence and transmission are not linked to pathogen load.
From Amazon Catfish to Mekong Money Fish: Size-based Assessment of Data-Limited Commercial Inland Fisheries
Authors: Shephard Samuel , Valbo-Jorgensen John , Abadía Jorge , Baigún Claudio , Doria Carolina RC , Fabré Nidia N , Isaac Victoria J , Bun Ngor Peng , Ruffino Mauro L , Funge-Smith Simon
Published: November 2020

Inland fisheries are often complex, spatially dispersed, and seasonal. A lack of monitoring can result in unreliable or incomplete catch data, suggesting a role for assessment methods based on population size structure. This paper evaluates and compares empirical size-based indicators and the length-based spawning potential ratio model as candidate tools for assessing data-limited commercial fisheries in inland systems. Case study applications are presented for a contrasting set of important fisheries in the Amazon Basin (Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru), the Tonlé Sap River (Cambodia), Paraná River (Argentina), and Bayano Reservoir (Panama). These case studies were selected to explore the effects on assessment of factors including lack of life history information, spatial separation of life history stages, modality in population size structure of floodplain river fish, and fishing gear selectivity. An international workshop was organized to bring together experts from the study systems and elsewhere to discuss the results, and to highlight potential issues and caveats. It was concluded that length-based models may work well in cases where size-selective gears are used to target a few larger species with reliable life history parameter estimates. Empirical surveillance indicators are more flexible for integrating quantitative data with local expert knowledge in common data-poor situations. In general, size-based assessment can provide guidance for the sustainable management of target species in diverse inland fisheries.
Hydrometeorological dataset (2014–2019) from the high Arctic unglaciated catchment Fuglebekken (Svalbard)
Authors: Wawrzyniak Tomasz , Majerska Marta , Osuch Marzena
Published: November 2020

In this study, a hydrometeorological dataset of unglaciated High Arctic catchment is presented. The time series encompasses air temperature, precipitation, wind speed, relative humidity, and runoff data from 2014 to 2019. Meteorological data come from continuous meteorological monitoring carried out at the Hornsund station located in SW Spitsbergen. Flow in the Fuglebekken stream was measured using a portable flowmeter Nivus PCM‐F with Active Doppler sensor. Continuous hydrometeorological monitoring in polar environments is crucial for the understanding processes controlling the water circulation in the catchments. Inter‐ and intra‐ annual variability of the provided variables gives an insight into river functioning. The data set is provided in an open‐access PANGAEA repository (https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.921921), in three time intervals (6, 12, and 24 hours). It may serve as the input to rainfall‐runoff hydrological models, and allows multi‐model parameter estimation and validation. It can be used in a variety of research topics, including streamflow projections, and more generally in examining Arctic ecosystems and climate change impact studies.
Climate change adaptation by solar wastewater treatment (SOWAT) for reuse in agriculture and industry*
Authors: Igoud S. , Zeriri D. , Aoudjit L. , Boutra B. , Sebti A. , Khene F. , Mameche A.
Published: November 2020

Access to drinking water and sanitation are among the goals adopted by the United Nations in its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, in poor and low‐income countries, this goal has not yet been reached. This is caused by several lacks in the technological mastery of water and wastewater treatment processes, fresh water and sanitation networks, and, finally, financial resources. Increasing the success chances to reach this goal should not happen by copying centralized water and sanitation systems used in high‐income countries. Rather efforts need to be made towards energy‐efficient decentralized water and wastewater treatment facilities, using simple and sustainable low‐cost technologies.

The present paper suggests solar wastewater treatment (SOWAT) as an easy decentralized and sustainable wastewater treatment. It combines three steps of conventional wastewater treatment (i.e., pretreatment, biological treatment, and disinfection) by using a single treatment step conducted in a single equipment: solar still. It is has been experimentally tested to treat saline, domestic, municipal, and industrial wastewaters. All obtained results have recorded significant removal of inorganic, organic, bacteriologic, and metallic pollution.

For community and industrial use, a new design of a hybrid SOWAT micro‐plant proposes the integration of a pretreatment stage and a smart multi‐source heating system. It is decentralized because it is powered by solar energy, other renewable energies, recovered flared gas, or conventional energy. Its continuous operation during the decrease or absence of solar radiation, by night, is expected to increase its daily production from 255% to 1,500%.