bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theorising Criminalisation: The Value of a Modalities Approach
Authors: McNamara Luke , Quilter Julia , Hogg Russell , Douglas Heather , Loughnan Arlie , Brown David
Published: April 2018

‘Criminalisation’ has attracted considerable scholarly attention in recent years, much of it concerned with identifying the normative limits of criminal law-making. Starting from the position that effective theorisation of the legitimate uses of criminalisation as a public policy tool requires a robust empirical foundation, this article introduces a novel conceptual and methodological approach, focused on recognising a variety of modalities of criminalisation. The first part of this article introduces and explains the modalities approach we have developed. The second part seeks to demonstrate the utility of a modalities approach by presenting and discussing the findings of a pilot study of more than 100 criminal law statutes enacted in three Australian jurisdictions (New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria) between 2012 and 2016. We conclude that a modalities approach can support nuanced examination of the multiple ways in which adjustments to the parameters of criminalisation are effected. We draw attention to the complexity of the phenomenon of criminalisation, and highlight the need for further quantitative and qualitative work that includes longer-term historical analysis.
Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Groundwater in Parts of Shamal, Northern Qatar
Authors: Al-Naimi Latifa Shaheen , Mgbeojedo Tochukwu Innocent
Published: April 2018

Hydrogeochemical analyses of groundwater samples in Shamal area were undertaken to assess the groundwater chemistry of the area and hence determine its suitability for irrigation and other purposes. Thirteen groundwater samples were freshly collected from different functional wells in the area and were analyzed for different physico-chemical parameters.  The analyzed parameters include TDS, EC, major cations and anions. The water quality study shows that EC ranges from 7891.88-20 736.84 μS/cm, TDS values range from 5050.80-13 271.58 mg/l. Analytical study of water samples shows that sodium varies from 1316.38-3432.39 mg/l, calcium varies from 300.81-799.93 mg/l, magnesium varies from 126.66-381.81 mg/l, potassium varies from 74-181.02 mg/l, chloride values range from 2177.75-6058 mg/l, sulphate values range from 743.87-2448.79 mg/l and bicarbonate values range from 23.13-240.3 mg/l. The high concentrations of sodium and chloride ions are indicators of saline water intrusion. The analyses of the hydrogeochemical ratios were also done to highlight the groundwater genesis and origin of mineralization. The water samples were analyzed for suitability for irrigation using various classification criteria and mathematical formula. The results from analysis of KR, SAR, SSP, PS, EC and %Na all indicate that the water in the area is unfit for use in irrigation.
Derechos humanos, ética de la liberación y ética de la multiculturalidad
Authors: Molina Velásquez Carlos
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 70, 1999: 429-456
Henry, J.S., Banqueros y lavadólares ; Fairbanks, M., Lindsay, S., Arando en el mar ; Mielinska, L.O., Globalización y cambio estructural ; Cárdenas, M., Empleo y distribución del ingreso en América Latina
Authors: González Luis Armando
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 70, 1999: 533-538
A diez años del asesinato de los jesuitas de la UCA
Authors: Editor El
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 71, 1999: 541-544
Enfoques para el estudio de los sistemas de partidos
Authors: Artiga González Álvaro
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 71, 1999: 545-559
Entre la democracia y la exclusión: la lucha por la legalidad en una sociedad desigual
Authors: Binder Alberto M.
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 71, 1999: 603-619
En torno al análisis cultural en la ciencia y la sociología política contemporánea
Authors: Sermeño Angel
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 71, 1999: 621-633
Entre la democracia y la exclusión: la lucha por la legalidad en una sociedad desigual
Authors: Binder Alberto M.
Published: April 2018

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 72, 1999: 673-688
Does Liquidity Influence Profitability in Islamic Banks of Bahrain: An Empirical Study?
Authors: Khasharmeh Hussein
Published: April 2018

This study examines the impact of liquidity on Islamic banks’ profitability during the years from 2010 to 2015. The study extracted its data from the annual reports of six Islamic banks in Bahrain that have been in operations on or before 2010 to 2015. The liquidity model is built from four liquidity variables namely cash & due from banks to total assets (CDTA), cash & due from banks to total deposits (CDTD), investment to total assets (INVSTA) and investment to total deposits (INVSTD). According to adjusted R squares profitability variables return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and return on deposits (ROD) are respectively 16.2%, 3.1% and 21.3% dependent on liquidity variables.The results of the study show that CDTD and INVESTD are correlated positively with ROE. In addition, CDTD, INVSTA indicate a negative correlation with ROE. Thus, only INVSTA and INVSTD found to be significant with ROE at 0.05 significant level. Durbin-Watson test shows that the residuals are uncorrelated since its value is approximately very close to 2. However, according to the P-value, the overall liquidity model (Model 2) is not significantly related with ROE. Thus, the null hypothesis (H0) is accepted and the alternative hypothesis is rejected for the ROE. Furthermore, the results in the table show that CDTA and INVESTD are positively correlated with ROD, and negatively with CDTA and INVSTA, and CDTA is the only insignificant variable. CDTD is significantly related with ROD at 10%. Durbin-Watson test shows that the residuals are positive auto - correlated since its value is approximately very close to 1. However, according to the P-value, the overall liquidity model (Model 3), is significantly related with ROD at 1% level.The researcher recommended for further studies to add more liquidity variables to the model so as to enhance and enrich Islamic banks outlook.
The Relation between the Awareness Level of Writing Strategies and Writing Self-Efficacy
Authors: Demir Sezgin
Published: April 2018

Although language is a communicational system which is based on two fundamental language skills; internal and external, it is one of the external/productive language skills together with speaking that requires a certain civilization level for a society. Writing is a tool that transfers every kind of message, dialogue, emotion, desire to stones, tablets, papyrus and finally on paper through symbols that are the result of reaching a certain level of civilization. While writing strategies enable a type of cognitive monitoring mechanism to operate; writing self-efficacy meets the need of belief regarding managing, achieving before deeds regarding performance. The purpose of this research is to determine the relation between the awareness level of writing strategies and writing self-efficacy of the secondary school students. The population of the research consists of secondary school students and the sample consists of 671 students from 5, 6, 7 and 8th grade students of four secondary schools, which were chosen from every educational region in the city of Aksaray in Turkey through simple random sampling method. Within the analysis of the data independent group t test was used in terms of gender variable; and variance analysis was used in terms of grade, parental education status, and duration for reading books, watching television, and the use of internet. In order to determine the relation between the two variables Pearson correlation coefficient and for the determination of the predicting level between these two variables, simple linear regression analysis were used. As a result of the study it was seen that both the writing strategies awareness level and the self-efficacy of the female students were higher; as the grade increases, as the parental education status decreases, as the duration for daily book reading decreases and the time for watching television increases the writing strategies awareness levels of the students and their writing self-efficacies decrease. However the time for internet use did not reflect in a negative way. In addition in the research it was determined that writing strategies awareness level is a significant predictor of writing self-efficacy.
Super Responsive Supply Chain: The Case of Spanish Fast Fashion Retailer Inditex-Zara
Authors: Aftab Md Afzalul , Yuanjian Qin , Kabir Nadia , Barua Zapan
Published: April 2018

The successful implementation of an integrated supply chain strategy enhances total control over the operations and thus enhances speed and flexibility. The objective of this study is two-fold: first to identify the constituents that mold the fast fashion retailing business model, and second to discuss how global leader of fast fashion retailing Inditex-Zara’s product offering is strongly supported by integration of various supply chain operations. The findings suggest that vertical integration through ownership of various operational stages including product design and development, production operation, logistics and distribution channel; appropriate sourcing strategy to meet product needs; application of process/product modularity practices in product design, material procurement and manufacturing to ensure manufacturing flexibility; flexible logistics capability; and all of these seamlessly integrated and coordinated by a centralized IT infrastructure can significantly raise overall supply chain flexibility and responsiveness. Inditex-Zara’s super-responsive supply chain reduces ‘bullwhip effect’, order-to-delivery lead time to stores, ensures lean inventory and high level of responsiveness to adapt and deliver products to stores with latest fashion trends and customer feedbacks at a rapid speed. Thus Inditex-Zara is able to successfully counter the negative effects of short product life cycles, high product variety, demand uncertainty and thus able to closely match product supply to the stores with market demand. This contributes to lower inventory backlogs; avoid mark-down losses and/or inventory stock out.
Controlled gas nitriding of the surfaces of blind holes using the two-component NH3+NH3diss atmospheres during the heating-up stage
Authors: Bujak Jan , Hermanowicz Paweł
Published: April 2018

The paper presents the preliminary research results of the influence of the chemical composition of the two-component nitriding atmospheres on the structure and properties of the nitrided layers in the surfaces of the blind holes. The results showed that the utilization during the heating-up stage of in the controlled gas nitriding process the two-component atmospheres NH3 + NH3diss enables the production of the nitrided layers with a limited thickness of an iron nitrides layer as well as and a sufficiently high hardness on the surfaces of the blind holes. The nitrided layers obtained on the surfaces of the blind holes, depending on the position in the hole, show similar differentiation of the structures and properties, regardless of the dilution rate of ammonia in the atmospheres that were used during the heating-up stage. This differentiation is caused by the weak inflow of the fresh nitriding atmosphere to the interior of the blind holes due to their small diameters, which in turn is manifested as a gradual slowdown of the growth kinetics, a reduction of the thickness and hardness of a nitrided layer along with the increase in the depth of the blind holes.
The influence of anodic oxidation parameters on the growth rate of oxide coatings on aluminium
Authors: Tomassi Piotr , Buczko Zofia , Olkowicz Klaudia
Published: April 2018

The aim of this work was to obtain high velocity of oxide coatings growth in the process of anodic oxidation of aluminium. Three different processes of oxidation were investigated. The coatings thickness, hardness and sealing quality were examined. The forming velocity of coatings was about 1 µm/min, much higher than obtained by conventional method of anodizing for anticorrosive purpose. The future scopes of application of elaborated processes were described.
Looping effects of neurolaw, and the precarious marriage between neuroscience and the law
Authors: Strle Toma , Markič Olga ,   Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2018

In the following article we first present the growing trend of incorporating neuroscience into the law, and the growing acceptance of and trust in neuroscience’s mechanistic and reductionistic explanations of the human mind. We then present and discuss some studies that show how nudging peoples’ beliefs about matters related to human agency (such as free will, decision-making, or self-control) towards a more deterministic, mechanistic and/or reductionistic conception, exerts an influence on their very actions, mentality, and brain processes. We suggest that the neuroscientific view of the human mind exerts an influence on the very cognitive phenomena neuroscience falsely believes to be studying objectively. This holds especially when we consider the systematic integration of neuroscience into the public domain, such as the law. For, such an integration acts as a reinforcement of the public’s and legal decision-makers’ endorsement of and trust in neuroscience’s view of human nature that further changes how people think and act. Such looping effects of neurolaw are probably inevitable. Accordingly, we should be aware of the scope of neuroscientific explanations and be careful not to overstate neuroscientific evidence and findings in legal contexts.
Freedom, Responsibility and Jurisprudence
Authors: Narayanan V Hari ,   Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2018

This paper seeks to argue that advances in the study of freewill and responsibility are directly relevant to jurisprudence. Following Daniel Dennett attempts to discredit the existence of freewill with the help of experiments can be checked by arguing that freedom should be understood as something that has evolved over time rather than being a pre-existent feature of our species. The major function served by freedom is to ensure responsibility for actions. This understanding of freedom as something that evolved to enhance responsibility suggests that freedom can be developed further. This can be understood as enhancing the ability to follow social norms by overcoming factors that limit responsibility. Jurisprudence has to take into account the ability to follow norms as a variable, even within the category of adults, and treat violations accordingly. Further, efforts to enhance the capacity to be free from habitual reactions need to be made part of education, and the state has to focus on this aspect without which the task of ensuring adherence to law of citizens will remain incomplete.
Prevention of Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease With Blood Product Irradiation: The Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Bahar Burak , Tormey Christopher A.
Published: April 2018

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD) is a disease with a very high mortality rate. In this report, we discuss TA-GVHD from a historical perspective, highlight the pathogenesis of TA-GVHD, and emphasize the importance of blood product irradiation, which is a very effective means to prevent this disease. We summarize the current recommendations in different patient populations from different countries and review recent developments, such as alternatives for the use of radioactive materials. We also speculate on future directions.
La innovación pedagógica de la mano de la investigación-acción para mejorar la calidad del prácticum de magisterio
Authors: Ruiz Bernardo Paola , Sánchez-Tarazaga Vicente Lucía , Mateu-Pérez Rosa
Published: April 2018

Las prácticas profesionales que coronan la formación de los docentes de educación primaria e infantil, más allá de favorecer un acercamiento a la realidad del aula deben constituirse como un espacio de reflexión y crítica que ayude a la mejora constante del contexto educativo. Por ello, la investigación-acción es una estrategia adecuada para indagar, reflexionar y mejorar la propia práctica de los educadores en las escuelas y lograr el perfeccionamiento profesional.

Llevar a los alumnos de magisterio a este nivel implica un cambio estratégico donde la simple transmisión de conocimientos no puede llegar a enseñar cómo se hace una investigación-acción. Así que un proyecto de innovación pedagógica basado en esta metodología de investigación-acción ha previsto que este conocimiento teórico-práctico descienda hacia los alumnos pasando por sus tutores y supervisores.

 Este artículo recoge esta experiencia de investigación-acción desarrollada en los cursos 14-15 y 15-16 que ha favorecido tanto la participación de los alumnos, los tutores y de los centros escolares. Las mejoras que se han propuesto han permitido mejorar la calidad de las prácticas docentes, así como favorecer un aprendizaje más reflexivo y profesional por parte de los alumnos.

Durante el desarrollo de las diferentes fases, se analizó la participación de los diferentes implicados, la mirada que otorga el profesorado a su práctica docente (en calidad de tutor o supervisor) y los niveles de reflexión que alcanzan los alumnos como resultado de su estancia de prácticas. Este proyecto han generado resultados colaterales positivos sobre la formación docente, así como, la mejora de los procesos y protocolos de actuación en los centros escolares, la evaluación de los aprendizajes y la coordinación entre los implicados en el proceso.
Aplicación e impacto de las Inteligencias Múltiples en la Enseñanza de Lenguas Extranjeras
Authors: Bartolomei Torres Pierette , Aguaded Ramírez Eva María
Published: April 2018

En 1983 Howard Gardner publicó en su libro, Estructuras de la Mente, una teoría que revolucionó la visión del mundo académico, sobre el concepto de inteligencia. Desde entonces, sigue creando incertidumbres, que abren paso a diferentes investigaciones. El enfoque del siguiente estudio fue observar la existencia de la relación entre la aplicación de estrategias que hacen uso de la Teoría de las Inteligencias Múltiples (TIM) y el desarrollo de tres de los ocho tipos existentes; estas fueron la inteligencia verbal lingüística, la inteligencia intrapersonal y la inteligencia interpersonal. Esta aplicación fue realizada mediante la Enseñanza de una Lengua Extranjera (ELE), en este caso el inglés. Durante el estudio también se investigó la relación entre el uso de estas estrategias con la mejora del proceso de aprendizaje de la ELE. La recolección de datos fue realizada, mediante el uso de pre y post prueba; estos datos fueron analizados estadísticamente. Los resultados revelaron que no hubo diferencias significativas en los grupos estudiados, por lo que se concluye que es necesaria una intervención más a largo plazo, para producir el desarrollo de las IM y comprobar la mejora en el aprendizaje de la lengua extranjera.
¿Contribuye la universidad al desarrollo de aprendizajes de calidad? Estudio descriptivo con estudiantes de la Universidad de Murcia
Authors: Torres Soto Ana , Vallejo Ruiz Mónica
Published: April 2018

Este trabajo tiene como finalidad analizar la formación de un grupo estudiantes de Pedagogía valorando, específicamente, la profundidad del aprendizaje desarrollado a lo largo de su formación universitaria. Este estudio se ha abordado desde un diseño de estudio de caso utilizando un método no experimental descriptivo, en el que se ha aplicado un cuestionario diseñado ad hoc que recoge el conocimiento del alumnado a partir de la resolución de varias situaciones problemáticas propias de su ámbito profesional. Al tratarse de un caso concreto, se ha aplicado a los 47 estudiantes de Pedagogía de la Universidad de Murcia que se encontraban en el último curso. Los resultados muestran que un mayor número de estudiantes ha desarrollado un aprendizaje superficial, evidenciándose cotas de comprensión bajas y la resolución simple de problemas; pudiendo dilucidar, por tanto, que tienen dificultades para argumentar sus respuestas y para resolver problemas relevantes de su ámbito profesional.
Foot Mobilization and Exercise Program Combined with Toe Separator Improves Outcomes in Women with Moderate Hallux Valgus at 1-Year Follow-up
Authors: Abdalbary Sahar Ahmed
Published: April 2018

Background:

Few studies have documented the outcome of conservative treatment of hallux valgus deformities on pain and muscle strength. We sought to determine the effects of foot mobilization and exercise, combined with a toe separator, on symptomatic moderate hallux valgus in female patients.

Methods:

As part of the randomized clinical trial, 56 women with moderate hallux valgus were randomly assigned to receive 36 sessions for 3 months or no intervention (waiting list). All patients in the treatment group had been treated with foot joint mobilization, strengthening exercises for hallux plantarflexion and abduction, toe grip strength, stretching for ankle dorsiflexion, plus use of a toe separator. Outcome measures were pain and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Objective measurements included ankle range of motion, plantarflexion and abduction strength, toe grip strength, and radiographic angular measurements. Outcome measures were assessed by comparing pretreatment, posttreatment, and 1-year follow-up after the intervention. Mixed-model analyses of variance were used for statistical assessment.

Results:

Patients who were treated with 3 months of foot mobilization and exercise combined with a toe separator experienced greater improvement in pain, AOFAS scores, ankle range of motion, hallux plantarflexion and abduction strength, toe grip strength, and radiographic angular measurements than those who did not receive an intervention 3 months and 1 year postintervention (P < .001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions:

These results support the use of a multifaceted conservative intervention to treat moderate hallux valgus, although more research is needed to study which aspects of the intervention were most effective.
Mechanical and Reaction Properties of Al/TiH2/PTFE under Quasi‐Static Compression
Authors: Yu Zhong Shen , Fang Xiang , Gao Zhen Ru , Wang Huai Xi , Huang Jun Yi , Yao Miao , Li Yu Chun
Published: April 2018

TiH2 is introduced into Al/PTFE reaction system for the first time. In order to study the mechanical and reaction properties of Al/TiH2/PTFE composites, five kinds of mixtures with different TiH2 contents and the contrasting TiH2/PTFE mixture are prepared. The true stress–strain curves and reaction phenomena are recorded during the quasi‐static compression experiments; The reaction residues are analyzed with XRD to understand the reaction mechanism. The results show that the introduction of TiH2 can significantly influence the strength of the composites; With the increasing of TiH2 content, the mechanical strength is firstly increase and then decrease; When the content is the same, the reinforcing effect of TiH2 particles on PTFE matrix is greater than that of Al. Violent reaction are observed in the four Al/TiH2/PTFE composites with the content of TiH2 below 20%, but not in TiH2/PTFE. Furthermore, compared with Al/PTFE material, special flames are found during the reaction of composites with TiH2, which become even more obvious with the increasing of TiH2 content. The material reaction mechanism denotes that the high temperature of the crack tip result in the reaction of Al and PTFE, which activates TiH2 to release hydrogen and generate TiC, resulting TiH2 to fully release its energy.
Nanostructured Low Carbon Steels Obtained from the Martensitic State via Severe Plastic Deformation, Precipitation, Recovery, and Recrystallization
Authors: Müller Timo , Bachmaier Andrea , Stark Andreas , Schell Norbert , Pippan Reinhard
Published: April 2018

The range of accessible microstructures from the combination of severe plastic deformation (SPD) and heat treatments of a low carbon steel martensite under various processing conditions is evaluated. SPD results in a temperature decrease for recrystallization and austenitization upon subsequent annealing. On the contrary, the precipitation of cementite takes place at higher temperatures after SPD. Whereas, a certain thermal stability is observed for subsequent processing, even low annealing temperatures have a strong impact on the results of simultaneous SPD and heat treatments which results from the differences of dynamic and static recovery. It is shown that with each processing sequence unique microstructures can be produced that have to be taken into account in order to produce a material with optimized tailored properties.
Functionalized Cellulose for Water Purification, Antimicrobial Applications, and Sensors
Authors: Bethke Kevin , Palantöken Sinem , Andrei Virgil , Roß Marcel , Raghuwanshi Vikram Singh , Kettemann Frieder , Greis Kim , Ingber Tjark T. K. , Stückrath Julius B. , Valiyaveettil Suresh , Rademann Klaus
Published: April 2018

As the most abundant natural polymer, cellulose presents a unique advantage for large‐scale applications. To fully unlock its potential, the introduction of desired functional groups onto the cellulose backbone is required, which can be realized by either chemical bonding or physical surface interactions. This review gives an overview of the chemistry behind the state‐of‐the‐art functionalization methods (e.g., oxidation, esterification, grafting) for cellulose in its various forms, from nanocrystals to bacterial cellulose. The existing and foreseeable applications of the obtained products are presented in detail, spanning from water purification and antibacterial action, to sensing, energy harvesting, and catalysis. A special emphasis is put on the interactions of functionalized cellulose with heavy metals, focusing on copper as a prime example. For the latter, its toxicity can either have a harmful influence on aquatic life, or it can be conveniently employed for microbial disinfection. The reader is further introduced to recent sensing technologies based on functionalized cellulose, which are becoming crucial for the near future especially with the emergence of the internet of things. By revealing the potential of water filters and conductive clothing for mass implementation, the near future of cellulose‐based technologies is also discussed.
Simulation and Fabrication of Stronger, Larger, and Faster Walking Biohybrid Machines
Authors: Pagan‐Diaz Gelson J. , Zhang Xiaotian , Grant Lauren , Kim Yongdeok , Aydin Onur , Cvetkovic Caroline , Ko Eunkyung , Solomon Emilia , Hollis Jennifer , Kong Hyunjoon , Saif Taher , Gazzola Mattia , Bashir Rashid
Published: April 2018

Advancing biologically driven soft robotics and actuators will involve employing different scaffold geometries and cellular constructs to enable a controllable emergence for increased production of force. By using hydrogel scaffolds and muscle tissue, soft biological robotic actuators that are capable of motility have been successfully engineered with varying morphologies. Having the flexibility of altering geometry while ensuring tissue viability can enable advancing functional output from these machines through the implementation of new construction concepts and fabrication approaches. This study reports a forward engineering approach to computationally design the next generation of biological machines via direct numerical simulations. This was subsequently followed by fabrication and characterization of high force producing biological machines. These biological machines show millinewton forces capable of driving locomotion at speeds above 0.5 mm s−1. It is important to note that these results are predicted by computational simulations, ultimately showing excellent agreement of the predictive models and experimental results, further providing the ability to forward design future generations of these biological machines. This study aims to develop the building blocks and modular technologies capable of scaling force and complexity of these devices for applications toward solving real world problems in medicine, environment, and manufacturing.
π‐Conjugated Polymers Incorporating a Novel Planar Quinoid Building Block with Extended Delocalization and High Charge Carrier Mobility
Authors: Kim Yunseul , Hwang Hansu , Kim Nam‐Koo , Hwang Kyoungtae , Park Jong‐Jin , Shin Ga‐In , Kim Dong‐Yu
Published: April 2018

Two novel conjugated polymers incorporating quinoidal thiophene are successfully synthesized. By combining 1D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 2D nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy analyses, the isomeric form of the major quinoid monomer is clearly identified as the asymmetric Z, E‐configuration. The quinoidal polymers are synthesized via Stille polymerization with thiophene or bithiophene. Both quinoidal polymers exhibit the low band gap of 1.45 eV and amphoteric redox behavior, indicating extended conjugation owing to the quinoidal backbone. These quinoidal polymers show ambipolar behaviors with high charge carrier mobilities when applied in organic field‐effect transistors. In addition, the radial alignment of polymer chains achieved by off‐center spin‐coating leads to further improvement of device performance, with poly(quinoidal thiophene–bithiophene) exhibiting a high hole mobility of 8.09 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the highest value among the quinoidal polymers up to now. Microstructural alteration via thermal annealing or off‐center spin‐coating is found to beneficially affect charge transport. The enhancement of crystallinity with strong π–π interactions and the nanofibrillar structure arising from planar well‐delocalized quinoid units is considered to be responsible for the high charge carrier mobility.
Mechanobiological Mimicry of Helper T Lymphocytes to Evaluate Cell–Biomaterials Crosstalk
Authors: Hasani‐Sadrabadi Mohammad Mahdi , Majedi Fatemeh S. , Bensinger Steven J. , Wu Benjamin M. , Bouchard Louis‐S. , Weiss Paul S. , Moshaverinia Alireza
Published: April 2018

The unique properties of immune cells have inspired many efforts in engineering advanced biomaterials capable of mimicking their behaviors. However, an inclusive model capable of mimicking immune cells in different situations remains lacking. Such models can provide invaluable data for understanding immune–biomaterial crosstalk. Inspired by CD4+ T cells, polymeric microparticles with physicochemical properties similar to naïve and active T cells are engineered. A lipid coating is applied to enhance their resemblance and provide a platform for conjugation of desired antibodies. A novel dual gelation approach is used to tune the elastic modulus and flexibility of particles, which also leads to elongated circulation times. Furthermore, the model is enriched with magnetic particles so that magnetotaxis resembles the chemotaxis of cells. Also, interleukin‐2, a proliferation booster, and interferon‐γ cytokines are loaded into the particles to manipulate the fates of killer T cells and mesenchymal stem cells, respectively. The penetration of these particles into 3D environments is studied to provide in vitro models of immune‐biomaterials crosstalk. This biomimicry model enables optimization of design parameters required for engineering more efficient drug carriers and serves as a potent replica for understanding the mechanical behavior of immune cells.
Trash into Treasure: δ‐FAPbI3 Polymorph Stabilized MAPbI3 Perovskite with Power Conversion Efficiency beyond 21%
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Zhongmin , Ji Fuxiang , Li Zhipeng , Cui Guanglei , Gao Peng , Oveisi Emad , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Pang Shuping
Published: April 2018

Effective passivation and stabilization of both the inside and interface of a perovskite layer are crucial for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), in terms of efficiency, reproducibility, and stability. Here, the first formamidinium lead iodide (δ‐FAPbI3) polymorph passivated and stabilized MAPbI3 PSCs are reported. This novel MAPbI3/δ‐FAPbI3 structure is realized via treating a mixed organic cation MA
x
FA1‐

x
PbI3 perovskite film with methylamine (MA) gas. In addition to the morphology healing, MA gas can also induce the formation of δ‐FAPbI3 phase within the perovskite film. The in situ formed 1D δ‐FAPbI3 polymorph behaves like an organic scaffold that can passivate the trap state, tunnel contact, and restrict organic‐cation diffusion. As a result, the device efficiency is easily boosted to 21%. Furthermore, the stability of the MAPbI3/δ‐FAPbI3 film is also obviously improved. This δ‐FAPbI3 phase passivation strategy opens up a new direction of perovskite structure modification for further improving stability without sacrificing efficiency.
Light‐Driven Reversible Transformation between Self‐Organized Simple Cubic Lattice and Helical Superstructure Enabled by a Molecular Switch Functionalized Nanocage
Authors: Zhou Kang , Bisoyi Hari Krishna , Jin Jian‐Qiu , Yuan Cong‐Long , Liu Zhen , Shen Dong , Lu Yan‐Qing , Zheng Zhi‐Gang , Zhang Weian , Li Quan
Published: April 2018

Self‐organized stimuli‐responsive smart materials with adjustable attributes are highly desirable for a plethora of device applications. Simple cubic lattice is quite uncommon in soft condensed matter due to its lower packing factor. Achieving a stable simple cubic soft lattice and endowing such a lattice with dynamic reconstruction capability solely by a facile light irradiation are of paramount significance for both fundamental studies and engineering explorations. Herein, an elegant stable self‐organized simple cubic soft lattice, i.e., blue phase II, in a chiral liquid crystal (LC) system is disclosed, which is stable down to room temperature and exhibits both reversible lattice deformation and transformation to a helical superstructure, i.e., cholesteric LC, by light stimulation. Such an amazing trait is attained by doping a judiciously designed achiral photoresponsive molecular switch functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocage into a chiral LC host. An unprecedented reversible collapse and reconstruction of such a high symmetric simple cubic blue phase II driven by light has been achieved. Furthermore, a well‐defined conglomerate micropattern composed of simple cubic soft lattice and helical superstructure, which is challenging to fabricate in organic and inorganic crystalline materials, is produced using photomasking technology. Moreover, the promising photonic application based on such a micropattern is demonstrated.
Sequential Antifouling Surface for Efficient Modulation of the Nanoparticle–Cell Interactions in Protein‐Rich Environments
Authors: Zhang Feng , Kong Li , Liu Dongfei , Li Wei , Mäkilä Ermei , Correia Alexandra , Lindgren Rici , Salonen Jarno , Hirvonen Jouni J. , Zhang Hongbo , Kros Alexander , Santos Hélder A.
Published: April 2018

Modulating the nanoparticle (NP)–cell interactions in protein‐rich environments is of increasing significance to nanomedicine. One major challenge is that the synthetic identity (such as targeting) of NPs endowed for this purpose can be adversely altered by opsonization processes. The formed protein corona on NPs can cause fast clearance of NPs by macrophages and reduced cancer cell uptake. The transformable NPs, which are grafted with a cleavable antifouling surface to achieve inactive‐active targeting form conversion, offer great promise to efficiently modulate NP–cell interactions. However, most of the transformable NPs lack a sustainable protection mechanism to avoid the influence of the protein corona during the post‐transformation period, leading to the re‐opsonization on NPs. Here, the authors design a smart transformable nanosystem with a photo‐triggered zwitterion‐induced sequential antifouling surface to efficiently reduce protein adsorption on NPs and modulate the NP–cell interactions in protein‐rich environments. The authors demonstrate that the primary PEGylated antifouling surface could protect the NPs against uptake by macrophages. Furthermore, the photo‐induced secondary zwitterionic antifouling surface is shown to preserve the targeting capacity of biotin‐modified NPs during the post‐transformation period in protein‐rich environments. In contrast, the biotin‐conjugated NPs without antifouling surfaces almost lost the targeting specificity in protein‐rich environment.
Atrial fibrillation in aging population
Authors: Chen Qi , Yi Zhong , Cheng Jie
Published: April 2018

With aging, the pathogenesis processes of atrial fibrillation (AF) are heightened. In this article, we review the mechanisms that predispose elderly patients to AF. We also highlight the unique features in diagnosis, stroke prevention, and treatment strategies for the elderly patient with AF.
The Chemistry between Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagents and Organophosphorus Compounds
Authors: Murphy Graham K. , Racicot Léanne , Carle Myriam S.
Published: April 2018

The intersection between the chemistries of hypervalent iodine (HVI) reagents and organophosphorus compounds holds significant potential. To date, the merging of these research spheres has led to novel iodane motifs, many of which have been used in new oxyphosphorylation methodologies. In addition, HVI reagents have proven easily capable of transferring electrophilic carbon‐based (alkyl, aryl, alkynyl, etc.) ligands to various phosphorus nucleophiles. Furthermore, the ease with which HVI reagents oxidize phosphorus has led to novel esterification, amidation, alcohol functionalization and peptide coupling reactions. This Focus Review summarizes the chemistry to‐date between these two important classes of compounds.
Bone functional adaptation does not erase neutral evolutionary information
Authors: Agostini Gina , Holt Brigitte M. , Relethford John H.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To investigate whether diaphyseal and craniofacial variation similarly reflect neutral genetic variation among modern European and South Africans.

Materials and methods

Diaphyseal and craniofacial data were collected on English, South European, and South African samples. The Relethford‐Blangero model was used to compare predicted among‐population relationships generated by limb bones relative to those generated by the crania and, further, to test whether adaptive plasticity affected these predicted relationships. Evidence of adaptive plasticity was confirmed by comparing J, an indicator of limb bone robusticity, among individuals who worked different occupations in industrializing Lisbon (Portugal) and Bologna (Italy).

Results

Diaphyses were more variable than were crania and more robust in individuals with physically demanding occupations—both consistent with expectations of adaptive plasticity. However, diaphyseal variation still generated among‐population relationships consistent with neutral genetic predictions and Mantel tests confirmed a high, significant correlation between diaphyseal and craniofacial distance matrices. This pattern was not strongly affected by adaptive plasticity.

Discussion

Among‐population patterns of diaphyseal variation are consistent with neutral expectations and are consistent with historical data on population composition, genetics, and migration. Furthermore, plasticity induced by Industrial‐era levels of physical activity does not erase these neutral signatures. Diaphyseal variation may therefore be useful to infer neutral (presumably genetic) information across populations, and controlling for existing relationships may strengthen inferences of physical activity made when comparing limb bone structure across populations.
Influence of filler treatment on the behavior of blast furnace slag filled polypropylene compounds
Authors: Mostafa A. , Lucyshyn T. , Holzer C. , Flachberger H. , Oefner W. , Riess G. , Fritz B.
Published: April 2018

Blast furnace slag (BFS) is a byproduct of the blast furnace in iron industry. Due to its composition and structure, BFS is suggested as a promising functional filler that can potentially improve the property profile of polypropylene. To overcome the lack of compatibility between BFS and polypropylene (PP), two coupling agents, vinylethoxysiloxane homopolymer silicon and methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, are utilized for treating the BFS surface. The influence of each coupling agent on the BFS–PP compound properties is investigated in this work. It is observed that both coupling agents equally increase the complex shear viscosity and thermal conductivity of the modified BFS compounds by 10% and 12%, respectively, compared to their unmodified counterparts. The degree of crystallinity of the modified compounds also increased by more than 25%. While the tensile stiffness and yield strength levels are found to be comparable for all compounds, the strain at break of some modified BFS compounds is doubled. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46535.
Surface modification of UHMWPE fibers by means of polyethylene wax grafted maleic anhydride treatment
Authors: Tian Y. L. , Guo L. M.
Published: April 2018

A novel surface modification method for ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers to improve the adhesion with epoxy matrix was demonstrated. Polyethylene wax grafted maleic anhydride (PEW‐g‐MAH) was deposited on the UHMWPE fibers surface by coating method. The changes of surface chemical composition, crystalline structure, mechanical properties of fiber and composite, wettability, surface topography of fibers and adhesion between fiber and epoxy resin before and after finishing were studied, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra proved that some polar groups (MAH) were introduced onto the fiber surface after finishing. The X‐ray diffraction spectra indicated that crystallinity of the fiber was the same before and after finishing. Tensile testing results showed that mechanical properties of the fiber did not change significantly and the tensile strength of 9 wt % PEW‐g‐MAH treated fiber reinforced composite showed about 10.75% enhancement. The water contact angle of the fibers decreased after finishing. A single‐fiber pull out test was applied to evaluate the adhesion of UHMWPE fibers with the epoxy matrix. After treatment with 9 wt % PEW‐g‐MAH, a pull‐out force of 1.304 MPa which is 53.59% higher than that of pristine UNMWPE fibers was achieved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46555.
Relationship between convective bursts and the rapid intensification of Typhoon Mujigae (2015)
Authors: Tang Xiba , Ping Fan , Yang Shuai , Li Mengxia , Peng Jing
Published: April 2018

Typhoon Mujigae was the strongest typhoon in 2015, and underwent an extreme rapid intensification (RI). The RI of Mujigae was reasonably reproduced by a 72‐hr control simulation. By enhancing two updrafts in the eye wall, connective bursts (CBs) were found to have played an important role in the formation of the two warming cores in the middle and upper troposphere, respectively, which triggered and maintained the RI of Typhoon Mujigae. Meanwhile, CBs induced the upper‐tropospheric potential vorticity anomaly and caused the downward transfer of momentum from the upper to the middle troposphere which was also conducive to the RI of the typhoon. Sensitivity tests confirmed our conclusion.
Monthly variations of tropical cyclone rapid intensification ratio in the western North Pacific
Authors: Ge Xuyang , Shi Donglei , Guan Liang
Published: April 2018

In this study, the monthly cycle of tropical cyclone (TC) rapid intensification (RI) ratio and its climate controlling factors are investigated. The TC RI ratio is greatest in the late fall season, although both total TC frequency and RI samples are largest in the peak summer season. The environmental conditions are examined to identify the possible controlling factors, including the mean TC locations, the ambient relative vorticity, and the vertical profiles of atmospheric and ocean temperatures. Consistent with previous studies, the lower latitude of TC location and pronounced ambient cyclonic vorticity favor TC RI in the late fall. Moreover, the result suggests that the thermodynamic condition contributes a greater RI ratio. During the late fall season, the outflow layer temperature is much lower, indicating a greater thermodynamic efficacy. Meanwhile, the subsurface ocean condition (i.e., a deeper mixed layer and stronger subsurface thermal stratification) promotes greater RI ratio in October and November.
Luminescence of Eu3+ ions in hybrid polymer‐inorganic composites based on poly(methyl methacrylate) and zirconia nanoparticles
Authors: Bugrov Alexander N. , Zavialova Anastasia Yu. , Smyslov Ruslan Yu. , Anan'eva Tatyana D. , Vlasova Elena N. , Mokeev Maxim V. , Kryukov Artem E. , Kopitsa Gennady P. , Pipich Vitaliy
Published: April 2018

Spherical nanoparticles of ZrO2 with 2 and 10 mol% EuO1.5 up to 20 nm size were prepared by the method of hydrothermal synthesis for luminescent functionalization of the polymer–inorganic nanocomposites based on poly(methyl methacrylate). Surface modification of oxide nanoparticles was carried out by 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, dimethoxymethylvinyl silane and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate to provide uniform distribution and to prevent agglomeration of nanosized filler in the polymer matrix. Polymer–inorganic composites were synthesized by in situ free radical polymerization in bulk. Structuring of ZrO2‐EuO1.5 nanoparticles in the poly(methyl methacrylate) was studied by very‐small‐angle neutron scattering. According to the results, the dependence of photoluminescent properties of ZrO2‐EuO1.5 nanoparticles on the content of lanthanide, the symmetry of the crystal field, surface treatment and the polymer matrix were established. A correlation was shown between Stark splitting in luminescence spectra of ZrO2‐EuO1.5 nanoparticles and their phase composition. Using MMT‐assay it was shown that composites based on poly(methyl methacrylate) and ZrO2‐EuO1.5 nanoparticles do not have cytotoxic properties, which makes it possible to use them as prosthesis materials with contrasted and luminescent imaging properties.
Implement range of options for staffing campus safety unit
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2018

Campus safety departments follow a range of models, from unarmed security officers to a police force. W.F. “Billy” Looper, chief of police at Northwest Florida State College; Sean Fagan, chief of police at Pensacola State College; Cleveland Smith, major and deputy director at Anne Arundel Community College; and Ed Book, chief of police and emergency manager at Santa Fe College, discussed the staffing in their units and the decisions whether to arm officers.
Review key findings from study linking right‐to‐carry laws with violent crime
Authors: Gachichio Ian
Published: April 2018

The issue of whether right‐to‐carry laws help prevent violent crime has been a subject of heated debate for a few decades now.