bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition in the Mid-20th Century Saudi Education System
Authors: Samin Nadav
Published: March 2020

The formation of the Saudi education system in the middle of the 20th century, with its parallel religious and modernizing authorities, represents a form of institutional gestation that is quite distinct from the dominant models of modern Middle Eastern history. In Saudi Arabia, unlike elsewhere in the postcolonial Arab world, a religious ideology (Wahhabism) was made a centerpiece of the nation-building enterprise. This paper examines that nation-building process through the lens of the competition between the modernizing authorities of the Ministry of Education (Wizārat al-Ma‘ārif), which controlled the bulk of the kingdom’s new educational institutions, and the Wahhābī religious establishment, which was placed in autonomous charge of religious high schools and universities, as well as girls’ primary schools. This paper explores the opposing strategies of modernizers and ulama as they worked to imprint their priorities on the education sector. I look closely at contests over vocational education, resource allocation and authority, and private religious schooling initiatives, through which I map some foundational aspects of the institutionalization of ulama and technocratic authority in the Saudi education sphere. I argue that competition over the future of education was the impulse for cross-pollination between religious and modernizing educational institutions, and that this competition helps to explain the particular nature of the modern Saudi educational system.
Monumental Dust: The Architecture of Jane Urquhart
Authors: Woodward Servanne
Published: March 2020

Book review
Research on Cultivation and Development of Graduate Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Consciousness
Authors: Chen Sirong , Zhang Mu
Published: March 2020

At present, it is a common phenomenon in colleges and universities all over the world to carry out innovation and entrepreneurship education. This article takes the graduate students of tourism management major as the research object, and explores the theory and practice of cultivating the innovative entrepreneurship consciousness of tourism management graduate students in colleges and universities through the method of literature and questionnaire. The purpose of the study is to put forward some opinions and suggestions on the innovative entrepreneurship education of graduate students in tourism management.
A Decision Support Contract for Cost-Quality Trade-Off in Projects under Information Asymmetry
Authors: Madani Hosseini Mahsa
Published: March 2020

The three key drivers of a project success include cost, completion time, and scope, the interplay of which have a significant impact on the decision making in project management. In this study, we propose a theoretical framework to be used as a Project Management Decision Support System for understanding and balancing the interplay between the project cost and quality, which is a key component of the project scope. To this end, we develop a Decision Support Contract (DSC) for a project manager when outsourcing to a contractor whose delivery outcome is subject to quality risk. On the one hand, to reduce the risk of project failure, the contractor can invest in a quality improvement effort, the cost of which is the contractor’s private information. On the other hand, the contractor’s decision on quality improvement is unobservable to the project manager. In designing the DSC, we consider both problems resulting in information asymmetry between the project manager and the contractor. We first obtain the first-best solution assuming that the cost efficiency of the contractor is publicly known, and then solve for the second-best optimal cost plus incentive fee (CPIF) contract under information asymmetry. Our comparative study between the first- and second-best contracts reveals that the project manager may prefer to incur efficiency loss due to underinvestment decision by the high-cost contractor to reduce the information rent demanded by the low-cost contractor. Finally, we compare the effectiveness of CPIF contract to that of fixed-price contract, which enables us to characterize the value of incentive fee term for the project manager. This latter analysis reveals that incentive-fee term is more valuable when the improvement effort is more likely to reduce the quality failure risk.
The Effect of Tax Rate on the Incentives to Grow Small Enterprises: The Case of Small Enterprises in Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia
Authors: David Lemuel K.
Published: March 2020

Over the years several developing countries have prioritized providing powerful new resources including incentives to grow the economy and small businesses in their region, revitalize targeted areas of various cities and promote strong, balanced growth throughout the communities. However, the provision of incentives to grow small businesses and the economy at large is still in its infant stage in Liberia. Against this background, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the tax rate on the incentives to grow small enterprises in Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia. The specific objective of this study was to identify the effect of the tax rate on the incentives to grow small enterprises in Montserrado County and identify the factors that leads to the high tax rate on incentives to grow small enterprises.

To carry out this study, the study used the casual mapping model and the Decision Explore software introduced by Ackermann et al. To identify these effects/factors. The study also used publish reports from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) on small enterprises in Liberia, specifically Montserrado County, Government official websites, including the Liberia Revenue Authority website (LRA), etc. These reports were cited and analysed using the casual mapping model, and coded using the Decision Explorer software. To identify the effects the of tax rate and the factors that lead to a high tax rate on incentives to grow small enterprises, the map central analysis was used for analysis purposes. Findings from the study revealed that there is a significant effect of the tax rate on the incentives to grow small enterprises in Montserrado County Republic of Liberia as a result of several factors. The study also concluded that tax is a tool for fiscal policy employed by the government to influence small Enterprises negatively or positively depending on the nature of enterprise activities in a country. The study recommended that the Government of Liberia adopt china’s incentives policy that has been successfully implemented in providing incentives to small enterprises for them to grow. Considering how China’s economy has grown tremendously over the years as a result of the incentives policy, the research conclude that if this practices is adopted and implemented in Liberia, this will boost the growth of small enterprises and the economy to a larger extent.
The Impact of Organization’s Dynamic Capabilities on Information Systems Project’s Success in the Jordanian Telecommunication Sector
Authors: Mohd Naim Yassien Eman , Jumaa Alnajjar Fayez
Published: March 2020

Information Systems (IS) ecosystems change rapidly which makes IS projects’ success challenging. Project success eventually impacts organizational competitive advantage which is a major concern for telecommunication organizations. dynamic capabilities (DC) are needed for organizations to continually transfer, shift and reallocate their organizational capabilities according to the dynamic changes occur in the surrounding ecosystem.

This paper aims at investigating the impact of organizational dynamic capabilities (DC) on IS project success in telecommunication organizations in Jordan. A survey is used as an instrument of research in order to achieve the research’s main objectives. The study is carried out by surveying (233) employees who participated in IS projects. The survey paragraphs are validated and approved by a panel of experts. Consequently, data extracted from the questionnaire is statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and AMOS applications.

The findings reveal that employees in telecommunication organizations recognize and apply the concept of DC (Dynamic Capabilities) at a (High) level. Results also show that rate of IS projects success in telecommunication organizations in Jordan is (High). It also shows that DC along with its four main dimensions, contribute in all three dimensions of IS project, and that project capabilities play a major role mediating the impact of DC on IS project success. The study has several contributions on both academic and practical levels. For example, it links DC for becoming basis for software projects success.
Idiomaticity as a Language Learning Barrier: The EFL Context of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elgobshawi Abdalla Elkheir
Published: March 2020

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of Idiomaticity on language learning and the extent to which it can be a language learning barrier. It contrasts the perspective of language teachers and the attitude of language learners regarding how idioms can influence language learning. The theoretical framework provides a description of the general properties of English idiomatic expressions and shows the relevance of idiomaticity to linguistic theory.

The paper is based on an analytical analysis and follows a quantitative approach in which two questionnaires are used to collect the data. The two questionnaires are administered to two independent samples: 20 participants representing ELT teachers at the tertiary level and 80 subjects representing Saudi EFL college students.

The data are then analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences).

The study reveals learners’ reasonable consensus on the issues assessed. They generally acknowledge the significance of idioms for language learning but with a general dissatisfaction with their status in learning and teaching contexts. Both teachers and learners view idioms as odd pieces of language that lack a uniform character and do not receive due attention in language syllabi and curricula. Teachers give different ratings on the pedagogical value of idioms, but they generally show low interest in teaching them.
COVID-19: The New Threat
Authors: Rahman Shaila , Bahar Tamanna
Published: March 2020

: In December 2019 the world has come to know a new coronavirus disease named COVID-19. It has affected mainland China mostly and has spread to all continents of the world except Antarctica. Patients mostly have come with a flu-like illness and non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms to a lesser extent. In most cases, home isolation is effective. However, cases of moderate to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) require hospitalization and few cases need mechanical ventilation. Older adults with a pre-existing medical illness suffer more. Different newer molecular techniques are developed to confirm the diagnosis. Currently, there is no existing treatment and vaccine. Different anti-microbials are on trial. Infection prevention practice is the best for now. With its highly contagious nature and increasing panic among nations, the world is waiting for definitive newer treatment options and a potential vaccine. This narrative review has compiled the updated information about COVID-19 in the hope that it will be helpful to the medical professionals in their knowledge and be prepared for the outbreak of a pandemic.
Sul concetto di regula veritatis in Ireneo di Lione
Authors: Carra Zeno ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: March 2020

This article proposes an interpretation of the use of the lemma ὁ κανὼν τὴς ἀληϑείας – regula veritatis in Irenaeus’ Adversus haereses. It is commonly interpreted as a compendium of the main items of Christian faith (more or less as a symbolum) or as indicating the wholeness of the faith (as synonym of veritas). These interpretations focuse themselves in terms of the “contents” of faith. We propose to understand it in a more formal way, as a lemma that indicates the formal structure of Christian truth (μορφή), the specific shape that keeps the objects of faith joined together.
Epifanio de Salamina en Barb. gr. 441
Authors: Oliva Martínez Raquel ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: March 2020

Barb. gr. 441 is a miscellaneous manuscript that contains fragments of different Fathers of the Church (Basil of Caesarea, John Chrysostom, Sophronius of Jerusalem and Epiphanius of Salamis). The scope of these adnotationes is to delimit the folios belonging to each author and offer a more detailed information on Epiphanius’ passages.
Problem of acceptance of the rulings rendered by subregional courts in the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights
Authors: Vladykina Anna
Published: March 2020

The subject of this article is the problem of acceptance of the rulings rendered by subregional economic courts by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The research leans on the approaches towards the procedure of filing same cases in multiple international jurisdictions. Particular attention is paid to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights; as well as to the work of African Commission and African Court with regards to the problems of low efficiency in their interaction with the courts of subregional economic communities. The article demonstrates the existence of complex and contradictory problems, which solution affect the eventual fate of the courts of African subregional economic communities. The solution of these issues depends on reaching consensus with regards to acceptance of rulings rendered by subregional economic communities as final, as well as permission to file complaints to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for separate individuals.
The peculiarities of enforcement of decisions of the European Court of Human Rights: experience of Germany relevant to Russia
Authors: Gavrilenko Alena Aleksandrovna
Published: March 2020

This article is dedicated to the problem of enforcement of decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the Federal Republic of Germany. The author explores the experience of West Germany in settling the conflict between the national law and international treaty – the European Convention on Human Rights. Special attention is given to the analysis of positions of the Federal Republic of Germany related to the decisions of ECHR made in regard to other countries and constituting precedents in German courts, as well as mandatory for considering in the work of government bodies. The scientific novelty is defined by focusing on the previously uncovered by the Russian legal experts combination of relevant aspects of the enforcement of decisions by ECHR in Western Germany through the prism of the realities of Russian law. Being fluent in German language, the author used the original laws and regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as scientific literature in German language. The conclusion is made that by imparting the status of general law upon the European Convention on Human Rights, Germany still relies on priority of the norms of international law over the national legislation and compliance with the decisions of ECHR. The author recommends to incorporate the German practice, according to which for preventing the instances of violating Convention in the future, the government bodies of the Federal Republic of Germany must consider the directive of ECHR not only with regards to Germany, but also foreign countries, as the practice of the European Court of Human Rights accordant to the position of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany constituents has precedential value.
EAEU: integration dynamics in the sphere of intellectual property within the context of digital transformations
Authors: Shugurov Mark Vladimirovich
Published: March 2020

The subject of this research is the development of integration cooperation between the EAEU member-states in the area of protection, management and commercialization of the rights to intellectual property through the prism of formation of the regional intellectual property law of this international organization. The author describes the characteristics of intellectual property as one of the vectors of integration, as well as analyzes the results of integration processes in this sphere achieved over the period from 2014 to 2019. Special attention is turned to revealing the prospects for such cooperation within the framework of implementation of digital agenda. Analysis of the dynamics of integration processes is based on the principle of development, as well as system-structural approach. The historical-legal along with the formal-dogmatic method allowed reveling the content of legal results of the first quinquennial stage of integration. The main conclusion lies in the conceptual provision that currently the integration of EAEU member-states in the sphere of intellectual property is substantiated by the relevance for responding to global challenges, one of which is digitalization of the economy and various fields of social life. The author’s main contribution into studying of integration processes in the sphere of regional space of international property law is defined by conceptualization of the development of integration processes with regards to intellectual property from the perspective of its expansion, as well as advancement of new priorities in the conditions of digital transformation. The scientific novelty lies in substantiation of the prospects of using digital technologies for managing the life cycle elements of the rights to intellectual property as a potential object of cooperation in the format of integration.
To the question on the role of foreign investments within the system of international economic relations: legal perspective
Authors: Belikova Ksenia Mikhailovna
Published: March 2020

This article examines the question on the role of foreign investments within the system of international economic relations from the perspective of law. The author analyzes the main and auxiliary goals of an investor and the country-recipient of foreign investments and the country of origin of the investments. The legal-economic concept of “investment/foreign investment” is viewed considering the author’s opinion that investments as such are multifunctional. Different understanding in this regard underline the various aspects of the phenomenon; thereat, the legislators of different countries are guided by their teleological reasons, while representatives of the doctrine – by affiliation to one or another scientific specialty (or school). The scientific novelty lies in articulation of the problem, as well as the approaches towards its studying. The new data regarding the records and information on the role of foreign investments within the system of international economic relations are introduced into the Russian-language discourse. The conclusion is made that the foreign investments are characterizes by versatile functionality, expansion of which is substantiated by the needs of the country-recipient of investments along with the country of their origin.  
Security of rights to intellectual property created in joint activity within the framework of bilateral agreements between Russia and BRICS countries on the scientific and technical cooperation
Authors: Akhmadova Maryam Abdurakhmanovna
Published: March 2020

The subject of this research is the international acts in the area of scientific and technical cooperation of the BRICS countries – bilateral agreements between the Governments of the Russian Federation and Brazil (2007), Russian Federation and India (1994), Russian Federation and China (1992), Russian Federation and South Africa (2014), and others pertaining to protection and security of rights to intellectual property. Attention is focused on the problematic moments in legal regulation of the “preceding” and “created” within the framework of these acts of intellectual property, including the questions of dispute settlement between the parties, the order of allocation of rights to service development and compensation for them, structure and content of separate contracts concluded in accordance with the indicated agreements, etc. The scientific novelty consists in articulation of the problem and approaches towards its research. The author comes to the conclusion on the sufficient elaboration of the bilateral agreements between the Russian Federation, India and China, which is viewed as a crucial factor in the development of further cooperation in this area for the purpose of ensuring of economic modernization of these countries on the innovative basis. However, the cooperation between Brazil and South Africa is not well developed, therefore the leadership of these countries does not take measures on development and signing of intergovernmental protocol to the Agreement between the Russian Federation and Brazil, called to regulate mainly the questions of legal protection of intellectual property, which manifests as the factor hampering the development of cooperation.
Certain aesthetic aspects of art of the Symbolists
Authors: Bychkov Victor
Published: March 2020

This article is dedicated to examination of the main creative motifs of the artists of Symbolism: eternal femininity, living landscape, mythological and religious images in their not uncommon intersection in a single artwork and expressed by fine artistic means. The goal is set to demonstrate how such pointers as Maurice Denis, Odelon Redon, Gustave Moreau, Franz von Stuck and Mikhail Vrubel, using the means of artistic reflection of the listed thematic lines, were able to create the unique symbolic images. Special attention is given to the symbolist specificity of creative expression, embrace of the metaphysical bases of the depicted. Such approach allowed determining the exquisite harmony of landscape and female images (Denis); initiation of the mystical and unknown in lilac-purple twilight demonic spirituality of the night landscape and artistic expression of the demonic itself (Vrubel); demonstration that being charmed by the mystical, embrace of the abstract origin of landscape lead the work with a religious theme to the expression of mystical elements of being (Redon); while combination of classicist clarity of the image with symbolist mystery and abstract picturesqueness creates a myth itself as an increment of the profound sacral nonverbal knowledge (Moreau).
Kemampuan dan Kemauan Pasien Umum Rawat Inap Dalam Membayar Pelayanan Kesehatan Rawat Inap di Rumah Sakit Umum Kaliwates Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Annaafia Yanuar , Witcahyo Eri , Utami Sri
Published: March 2020

AbstrakTarif rasional ditetapkan dengan menghitung unit cost yaitu memperhatikan characteristics of product yang merupakan informasi terkait kemampuan dan kemauan membayar. Selain menjadi kosntanta dalam menghitung unit cost, kemampuan dan kemauan dihitung guna kendali mutu dan biaya di rumah sakit. Data Ilmu Kesehatan Masyarakat RSU Kaliwates, angka kepuasan konsumen yang belum memenuhi standart adalah tarif pelayanan rawat inap. Hasil studi pendahuluan pada pasien umum rawat inap adalah 70% memiliki estimasi tarif kurang dari tarif yang ditetapkan rumah sakit, 20% mengatakan tarif kurang terjangkau dan 10% lainnya tidak dapat mengestimasikan tarif maka penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghitung kemampuan dan kemauan masyarakat dalam membayar pelayanan kesehatan rawat inap di RSU Kaliwates. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian analitik yang dilakukan kepada 91 pasien umum rawat inap di RSU Kaliwates dengan teknik sampling total population. Nilai riil ATP yang didapatkan memiliki rata-rata sebesar Rp 438.101,-, dengan kategori kemampuan terbesar adalah kemampuan tinggi pada interval ≥ Rp 409.375,- serta estimasi kemauan membayar adalah WTP1 memiliki rata-rata Rp 256.923,- dan WTP2 memiliki rata-rata Rp 300.714,-. Saran yang diberikan adalah perhitungan biaya satuan dengan memperhatian kemampuan dan kemauan membayar masyarakat, pengembangan ruang rawat inap sesuai kebutuhan masyarakat, peningkatan tenaga medis, dan pengembangan inovasi penyampaian informasi. Abstract Rational rates were determined by calculating unit costs into account characteristics of product as information related ability and willingness to pay. Ability and willingness were calculated for quality control and cost at the hospital. Community satisfaction index in Kaliwates General hospital released number of customer satisfaction that hasn’t met the standard was rate of inpatient services. Results of preliminary study on general inpatients were 70% having an estimated rate of less than rate set by the hospital, 20% said rates were less affordable and 10% couldn’t estimate rates, then this study was calculate ability and willingness to pay for inpatient health services at the Kaliwates General Hospital. This study was an analytical study conducted on 91 general inpatients at Kaliwates General Hospital with total population sampling technique. The real value of ATP obtained has an average of IDR 438,101 with largest ability category was high ability at intervals ≥ IDR 409,375 and estimation of willingness to pay,WTP1 has an average of 256,923 and WTP2 has an average of 300,714,- The advice is calculation of unit cost with due regard ability and willingness to pay, development of inpatient rooms according to community needs,improvement of medical personnel,and development of information delivery innovations.
Generations in Families Talking Safe Sleep (GIFTSS)
Authors: Aitkin Mary E. , Miller Beverly K. , Bai Shasha , Mullins Samantha H. , Walton-Buford Serifatu T. , Whiteside-Mansell Leanne
Published: March 2020

Background: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation account for more than half of all Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) and are leading causes of post-neonatal deaths. Risk reduction strategies, including supine sleep position and safe sleep environment, are critical for prevention. Teen mothers, especially those in rural, poor, southern states, are at higher risk due to low compliance with recommendations.

Methods: We will conduct a randomized trial to test a tailored educational intervention on the sleep-related safety behaviors of teen mothers. In one study arm, the intervention will include not only the teen mothers but also senior caregivers (SCGs) to assess the influence they have in the decision-making of young mothers regarding infant health and safety. Our hypotheses are H1) teen mothers exposed to intervention will be more likely than controls to adopt safe sleep practices, and H2) teen mothers will be more likely to use those practices when they and their mothers or other significant female senior caregivers also participate in safe sleep education.

Discussion: Better understanding of the mediating role of female SCGs in the health decision of young mothers for their children may have implications for interventions addressing important health problems.
Models of Recovery in Mental Illness
Authors: Dell Nathaniel A. , Long Charvonne , Mancini Michael A.
Published: March 2020

Background. Discourse on the possibility of recovery from serious mental illness has become increasingly dominant among mental health professionals. Mental health recovery has been conceptualized variously by researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, and persons with mental illness. Several systematic reviews have synthesized the experience of recovery from the perspective of persons with mental illness, and offer different models of recovery. This proposed overview aims to summarize the methodological characteristics of systematic reviews on mental health recovery and to synthesize models of recovery from the perspective of persons with mental illness.
Design and analysis. The authors will use systematic review methods to identify and synthesize systematic reviews on the phenomenon of recovery in mental illness. A pre-specified search strategy will be used to search academic databases and libraries of the Campbell Collaboration, Cochrane Collaboration, and Joanna Briggs Institute for published and gray literature. Two authors will independently screen titles/abstracts and full texts. Authors will pilot the data extraction form before independently extracting data and appraising study quality. Reflexive thematic analysis, informed by a hermeneutic orientation towards the included texts, will be used to synthesize models of recovery presented in eligible studies.
Discussion. This overview will synthesize systematic review evidence on consumer perspectives of mental health recovery. Findings could inform future research, clinical practice, and policy by elucidating similarities and differences in recovery models across demographic or diagnostic categories and identifying how environmental, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors contribute to recovery.
Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019142970
Abscesos cerebrales por Nocardia spp. en una paciente inmunocompetente
Authors: Trujillo Danilo E. , Ortiz Stephanie , Pérez Oscar , Cortés Camilo A. , Carrillo Jorge A.
Published: March 2020

La infección por Nocardia spp. no es común en pacientes inmunocompetentes. El tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico dirigido según las regiones anatómicas, no contempla las particularidades del germen y el análisis microbiológico se hace necesario para el tratamiento específico.A continuación, se presenta el caso de una paciente previamente sana, inmunocompetente y sin factores de riesgo conocidos para la infección por Nocardia spp., con evidencia de compromiso en el parénquima pulmonar y la piel, que posteriormente desarrolló varios abscesos cerebrales.
Contemporary diets of walruses in Bristol Bay, Alaska suggest temporal variability in benthic community structure
Authors: Maniscalco John M. , Springer Alan M. , Counihan Katrina L. , Hollmen Tuula , Aderman Helen M. , Toyukak, Sr. Moses
Published: March 2020

Background

Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) are a conspicuous and important component of the Bristol Bay ecosystem and human social systems, but very little is known about walrus ecology in this region, principally their feeding ecology. The present work provides contemporary data on the diets of walruses at four haulout locations throughout Bristol Bay between 2014 and 2018.

Methods

We analyzed scat and gastrointestinal tract samples from these animals using quantitative polymerase chain reaction to amplify prey DNA, which allowed for diet estimates based on frequencies of prey item occurrence and on the relative importance of dietary items as determined from DNA threshold cycle scores.

Results

Diets were highly diverse at all locations, but with some variation in composition that may be related to the time of year that samples were collected (summer vs. autumn), or to spatial variability in the distribution of prey. Overall, polychaetes and tunicates had the highest frequencies of occurrence and relative abundances in 2014–15, but a major change in diet appears to have occurred by 2017–18. While some sample sizes were small, diets in these later years contrasted sharply, with a greater prevalence of sea cucumbers and mollusks, and reduced importance of decapods and fishes compared to the earlier years. Prey identified in scat samples from one collection site also contrasted sharply with those reported from the same location in 1981. The apparent temporal shifts in walrus prey may represent a changing benthic ecosystem due to warming waters in recent decades.
Shift work and migraine: A systematic review
Authors: Leso Veruscka , Gervetti Paola , Mauro Sara , Macrini Maria C , Ercolano Maria L , Iavicoli Ivo
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of headache, mainly affecting the working age population with a great socioeconomic impact. The etiology of migraine is still uncertain, and various individual and/or environmental risk factors have been suggested as triggers of the attacks, including irregularities in the sleep-wake rhythm. In this perspective, it is possible that shift and night work, affecting circadian rhythms, may play a key function in the disease pathogenesis. Therefore, aim of this review was to provide an overview on the possible association between shift works and migraine development or clinical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review of literature studies available in Pubmed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases, addressing the possible shift work-migraine relationship was performed.

Results

Conflicting data emerged from the revised studies. Some results supported a positive association between migraine prevalence and shift works, according to peculiar job tasks, seniority in shift works, specific work schedules, and number of night shifts performed in a month. However, other investigations failed to confirm such findings.

Conclusions

The limited number of available studies, their cross-sectional nature, the different criteria employed for migraine diagnosis, and the various shift work schedules analyzed, together with exposure to other confounding factors on workplace do not allow to extrapolate definite conclusions on shift work-migraine relationship. From an occupational health perspective, further studies appear necessary to better understand such exposure-disease association and possibly define risk assessment and management strategies to protect the health of susceptible and/or migraine affected workers.
Genomic and pathological heterogeneity in clinically diagnosed small cell lung cancer in never/light smokers identifies therapeutically targetable alterations
Authors: Ogino Atsuko , Choi Jihyun , Lin Mika , Wilkens Margaret K. , Calles Antonio , Xu Man , Adeni Anika E. , Chambers Emily S. , Capelletti Marzia , Butaney Mohit , Gray Nathanael S. , Gokhale Prafulla C. , Palakurthi Sangeetha , Kirschmeier Paul , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Sholl Lynette M. , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: March 2020

Small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) occurs infrequently in never/former light smokers. We sought to study this rare clinical subset through next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and by characterizing a representative patient‐derived model. We performed targeted NGS, as well as comprehensive pathological evaluation, in 11 never/former light smokers with clinically diagnosed SCLC. We established a patient‐derived model from one such patient (DFCI168) harboring an NRASQ61K mutation and characterized the sensitivity of this model to MEK and TORC1/2 inhibitors. Despite the clinical diagnosis of SCLC, the majority (8/11) of cases were either of nonpulmonary origin or of mixed histology and included atypical carcinoid (n = 1), mixed non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma and SCLC (n = 4), unspecified poorly differentiated carcinoma (n = 1), or small‐cell carcinoma from different origins (n = 2). RB1 and TP53 mutations were found in four and five cases, respectively. Predicted driver mutations were detected in EGFR (n = 2), NRAS (n = 1), KRAS (n = 1), BRCA1 (n = 1), and ATM (n = 1), and one case harbored a TMPRSS2‐ERG fusion. DFCI168 (NRASQ61K) exhibited marked sensitivity to MEK inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. The combination of MEK and mTORC1/2 inhibitors synergized to prevent compensatory mTOR activation, resulting in prolonged growth inhibition in this model and in three other NRAS mutant lung cancer cell lines. SCLC in never/former light smokers is rare and is potentially a distinct disease entity comprised of oncogenic driver mutation‐harboring carcinomas morphologically and/or clinically mimicking SCLC. Comprehensive pathologic review integrated with genomic profiling is critical in refining the diagnosis and in identifying potential therapeutic options.
Ni/Cd and Ni‐MH – The Transition to “Charge Carrier”‐Based Batteries
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhu Min
Published: March 2020

Ni‐MH battery is developed and commercialized with lithium‐ion battery almost at the same time, to replace the environmentally unfriendly Ni/Cd battery and meet the increasing energy density requirements of consumer electronic devices. The success of Ni‐MH battery in consumer and industrial markets is mainly attributed to its specific negative electrode materials, namely a large variety of intermetallic compounds with reversible hydrogen absorption and desorption during charging and discharging. A unique hydrogen shuttle mechanism through the aqueous alkaline electrolyte between the layered Ni(OH)
2
cathode and interstitial metal hydride anode could be thus achieved. Hydrogen as the charge carrier in Ni‐MH battery is like the lithium ion in the lithium‐ion battery. The simple and robust structure of Ni‐MH battery brings high safety under various conditions, making Ni‐MH battery very competitive in applications demanding safety priority, such as hybrid electric vehicles. The brief history, basic structure, research, and development of electrode materials of Ni‐MH battery are introduced, with the emphasis on the hydrogen storage electrode alloys. Future development of Ni‐MH battery is expected to be focused on the automotive and stationary energy storage applications by greater innovation in the hydrogen storage alloy anodes with ultra‐high capacity and overall electrochemical properties.
Brief Survey on the Historical Development ofLIBs
Authors: Ozawa Kazunori
Published: March 2020

Lithium‐ion rechargeable batteries are widely used not only for mobile devices but also for electric vehicles and energy‐storage systems because of their high voltage, high energy density, high power density, long cycle life, no memory effect, and other excellent characteristics.

Sony was the first company in the world which mass‐produced lithium‐ion rechargeable batteries using lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2)/carbon system. Unlike the previous batteries, it was completed not only by electrochemical knowledge but also by the integration of physics, chemistry, metallurgy, electronics, and almost all other sciences and technologies.

Sony had fortunately almost all of the technologies within the group even in the year 1991. The success of Sony will be described in this article.
Recycling of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Mohr Marit , Weil Marcel , Peters Jens , Wang Zhangqi
Published: March 2020

This article provides an outline of the currently existing and possible future recycling pathways for end‐of‐life lithium‐ion batteries and corresponding current industry activities. Beginning with an outlook onto current and possible future demand for lithium batteries and corresponding resource limitations, it addresses the current state of the art in lithium‐ion battery recycling and its role for a future circular battery economy. Apart from a detailed description of the different available recycling processes and their technological assessment, it also provides details about potential environmental benefits and limitations. Technological challenges and potentials are discussed together with other aspects related to environment, economy, legislation and future developments, providing thus a comprehensive summary of all relevant aspects in the field.
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Chen Ruiyong , Huang Zhifeng , Hempelmann Rolf , Henkensmeier Dirk , Kim Sangwon
Published: March 2020

The all‐vanadium redox flow batteries (RFBs) have been first developed in 1980s and are considered as one of the most promising systems for large‐scale and widespread electrochemical energy storage applications in terms of the intrinsic safety using aqueous electrolytes, cost‐effective upscaling, reliability and decades‐long lifetime. We introduce the features and key components of vanadium RFBs, including vanadium electrolytes, ion exchange membranes and electrodes. The optimization in the concentration of vanadium ions, types and concentration of supporting acids, use of different additives have been summarized, which determines the chemical and thermal stability, conductivity, viscosity, and the consequent operating performance. The redox anolyte and catholyte are separated by an ion exchange membrane. Properties of the membranes such as swelling behavior, conductivity for charge carrier ions, permeability and crossover for vanadium ions are discussed. Moreover, different membranes to conduct cations (such as Nafion membranes), anions and porous, size‐exclusion membranes are compared. For flow cell operation, the fluidic vanadium electrolytes are circulated through the electrochemical cell with typically carbon‐based electrode materials in thick felt or thin paper forms. The active sites are created by chemical methods or by using electrocatalysts. High power output can be realized by designing the flow channels of the bipolar plates.
Solid‐State Batteries with Inorganic Electrolytes
Authors: Suzuki Naoki , Watanabe Taku , Fujiki Satoshi , Aihara Yuichi
Published: March 2020

Demand for better energy storage continues to increase because of the new and improved technologies in electric vehicles (EVs), Internet of Things (IoT), and various forms of portable electronics. All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are deemed a promising power source for some of the applications because of their unique characteristics. In this article, the background and the current state of the field are first discussed. Different types of ASSBs (thin‐film, microbattery, and bulk‐type) are described, and their characteristics and applications are highlighted with particular emphasis on the differences from conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. After a brief summary of the history and application of all‐solid‐state primary batteries, all‐solid‐state secondary batteries of various types are described. Then, an overview of the thin‐film and micro‐size rechargeable batteries is given. A large portion of this article is dedicated to the large‐size secondary batteries due to their high energy density and high capacity, with particular emphasis on sulfide‐type ASSBs. The general procedure and challenges of the fabrication process of large‐format cells are also described for sulfide ASSBs. Finally, practical issues and common misconceptions regarding sulfide ASSBs are discussed, and the outlook of the field is discussed. This work will provide a review of this field from the industrial research and development (R&D) perspective and help bridge the gap between the views of academia and industry.
Li/S
Authors: Chung Sheng‐Heng , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: March 2020

Lithium–sulfur batteries are among the most promising energy‐storage devices because of their high charge‐storage capacity, low cost, and the wide availability of sulfur. Thus, it is essential to develop the potential of lithium–sulfur cells as a next‐generation rechargeable energy‐storage technology and transition them into practical battery systems. However, the design of high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur batteries with long‐term stability has encountered significant challenges due to the intrinsic materials characteristics (e.g. insulating nature of sulfur, irreversible polysulfide relocation, volume change of sulfur, lithium anode degradation, low electrolyte stability, and electrode degradation). Over the past 20 years, efforts to improve the battery performance and chemistry have resulted in new scientific insights, indicating that the electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur system and its intrinsic materials challenges are further aggravated by several extrinsic technical conditions, including the cell‐fabrication parameters (e.g. the amount of sulfur, electrolyte, and lithium metal used) and the cell‐testing conditions (e.g. operating voltage window, testing temperature, and cycle rates). In order to successfully bring the lithium–sulfur battery technology to the market, we need to focus on developing high‐loading sulfur cathodes under lean electrolyte and controlled excess lithium conditions. However, it has proven extremely challenging to develop a cell that simultaneously satisfies these metrics while also displaying acceptable high electrochemical efficiency and stability. To understand these issues, the fundamental conversion battery chemistry and issues associated with lithium–sulfur system, particularly in terms of the intrinsic materials characteristics and extrinsic technical conditions are discussed in this article.
Nonlithium Aprotic Metal/Oxygen Batteries UsingNa,K,Mg, orCaas Metal Anode
Authors: Schröder Daniel , Janek Jürgen , Adelhelm Philipp
Published: March 2020

Metal/oxygen batteries utilize oxygen from the surrounding and thereby allow to store the minimal mass of active material inside the battery. Because of this and the fact that the reaction between oxygen and many metals releases a substantial amount of energy, they formally can provide the highest energy storage capacities among all batteries. On paper, virtually any metal being used in a metal/oxygen battery provides appealing theoretical specific energies above several hundreds or thousands of Wh kg−1. This fact is the main driving force for studying their properties both in academia and industry.

The herein presented part focuses on the working principle, the history, and the development of aprotic batteries that comprise either Na, K, Ca, or Mg as metal anode. Since the mid‐2000s, the main focus was on the Li/O2system for which – after initial enthusiasm – it was realized that major drawbacks (dendrite formation, electrolyte instability, and poor kinetics) persist. A rational approach is to learn from other metal/oxygen cells with the hope that the specific properties related to Na, K, Mg, or Ca on their own can solve some of the challenges associated with the Li/O2battery. The last years have seen significant progress in the understanding of the oxygen redox behavior (formation/dissolution mechanism of discharge products) and the formation of singlet oxygen as a source of grave degradation. Comparing the various aprotic metal/oxygen batteries shows that there is a great chance for mutual improvement with the hope to realize, sooner or later, rechargeable devices for practical applications.
The Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Carbocyclic Nucleosides via Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Amination of Alicyclic MBH Adducts with Purines
Authors: Kang Bo , Zhang Qi‐Ying , Qu Gui‐Rong , Guo Hai‐Ming
Published: March 2020

The enantioselective synthesis of carbocyclic nucleosides through the palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic amination of alicyclic Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman (MBH) adducts with purines was successfully developed. With a combination of Pd2(dba)3/L7 as catalyst, various optically active carbocyclic nucleosides featuring a C=C double bond in the carbocycle moiety were obtained in high yields (up to 97%) with excellent N9/N7‐selectivities (>95/5) and enantioselectivities (up to >99.6%). In addition, these nucleoside analogs allowed for rapid transformation to a variety of other interesting structurally diverse chiral carbocyclic nucleosides.

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