bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview on the recent developments in reactive plasticizers in polymers
Authors: Bodaghi Asghar
Published: November 2019

This review is about the reactive plasticizer. Plasticizers are small molecules with low molecular weight. These compounds typically have an esteric structure. The plasticizers reduce the glass transition temperature, and the viscosity of the polymer also enhances the flexibility and processability of polymer materials. The main problem of these additives is that, over time, they migrate from the polymeric matrix and exude to the surface of polymeric matrix. As a result, the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer are affected. Various strategies, such as increasing molecular weight of plasticizer, selection of oligomeric structure for plasticizer, and adding nanoparticles of minerals, have been investigated to reduce and eliminate migration. An approach that has recently been of great interest to researchers is the use of reactive plasticizers. In this approach, plasticizers covalently bond to the polymeric chains and prevent migration.
Synthesis and characterization of highly durable and reusable superabsorbent core–shell particles
Authors: Maijan Pattarawadee , Chantarak Sirinya
Published: November 2019

Superabsorbent core–shell particles were synthesized via a two‐step process. A silica core was prepared by co‐condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and vinyl triethoxysilane. The vinyl‐functionalized silica particles were then polymerized with acrylamide monomer via free‐radical polymerization to yield silica‐polyacrylamide (PAM) hybrid particles. The crosslinking density and porosity of PAM on the hybrid particles were controlled by adjusting the concentration of the crosslinker, n,n′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). The structure of core–shell particles was confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The hybrid particles with 3.0%MBA could absorb water up to 70 g/g. These hybrid particles also removed 80% of methylene blue from solution within 24 h and this efficacy was maintained for seven cycles. The weight remaining of the hybrid particles after nine cycles was higher than that of pure PAM after three cycles indicating the high durability and reusability of the core–shell particles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 306–313, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Selective seed layer patterning of PVD metal stacks by electrochemical screen printing for solar cell applications
Authors: Gensowski Katharina , Kamp Mathias , Efinger Raphael , Mikolasch Gabriele , Eckert Jonas , Bechmann Sebastian , Weber Ralf , Bartsch Jonas
Published: November 2019

A proof of principle for electrochemical screen printing (ESP) as a patterning process for thin metal stacks that can be employed, eg, in interdigitated back contact (IBC) or silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells, is demonstrated. By using the ESP process, a 125 × 125‐mm2 interdigitated back contact grid was successfully patterned into a 100‐nm physical vapor deposited (PVD) aluminum layer. Optimizations of the ESP process were performed to improve the patterning resolution. Rectangular trenches with a mean width of 36 ± 5 μm could be demonstrated on a 100‐nm–thick aluminum layer. Up to now, ESP can be applied to PVD aluminum, copper, or stacks of both materials. Finally, metal stacks of aluminum and copper were structured, which allow a more homogeneous current distribution for the ESP process and additionally for the subsequent copper electroplating because of the second metal layer underneath the layer to be structured. The successful transfer from wafer substrate to polymer foils increases the application options of ESP technology enormously, where the topography of the surface to be structured affects the printing results.
Boron Carbide Based Biocide Compositions: A Study of Iodate Particle Size on Combustion and Iodine Output
Authors: Kotter Lance N. , Groven Lori J.
Published: November 2019

The ever‐present threat of biological weapons has encouraged the development of novel pyrotechnic formulations that release gaseous iodine upon combustion, which acts as a potent active agent capable of countering bio‐agents (e. g. anthrax). These formulations typically contain a fuel (Al, B, Al/B4C) and an iodate serving as an oxidizer. However, the percentage of free iodine generated is relatively low and aging of these formulations remains an issue. In this work, the role of particle size on the combustion velocities, iodine output, and combustion products are detailed for a boron carbide/sodium periodate formulation. Formulations are studied with and without the addition of binder (protectant) and the role of particle size on achieving 3‐D printable energetics is detailed. It is found that altering the fuel particle size (boron carbide) had little effect on the combustion velocity and iodine recovery. However, by reducing the particle size of the oxidizer, NaIO4, drastic improvements in iodine recovery are achieved. A reduction in mean particle size from 215 to 3 μm resulted in a 47 % increase in observed iodine recovery for powder formulations. Combustion velocities appear to be unaffected and were 1.4–1.6 mm/s. An in‐depth discussion of the decomposition pathway of pure NaIO4 as well as when paired with a B4C fuel source is also discussed.
Comparative Study of Dendrimer‐Templated Nitrogen‐Platinum Co–Doped TiO2 for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes in Contaminated Water
Authors: Nzaba Sarre K. M. , Nyoni Hlengilizwe H. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Kuvarega Alex T.
Published: November 2019

As a potential remedy for addressing water scarcity challenges, advanced oxidation processes (AOP) present the opportunity of alleviating the water demand in water scarce regions. In this study appropriate doping of N and Pt into the titanium dioxide (TiO2) lattice using different dendrimers as templates and sources of nitrogen was demonstrated. The resulting N, Pt co‐doped TiO2 with small particle sizes was synthesized through a simple modified sol‐gel method. The N, Pt co‐doped TiO2 photocalysts were characterized through High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR‐SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller  (BET), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), X‐ Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA), Ultraviolet and visible (UV‐Vis) absorption spectroscopy  (UV‐Vis) and Photoluminescence (PL). The band gap reduction was more pronounced for the Poly (amidoamine) generation 1 (PAMAM G1) templated N, Pt co‐doped TiO2 (Eg=3.149 eV) compared to Poly (amidoamine) generation 0 (PAMAM G0) and Hyperbranched polyethylenimine (HPEI) templated N, Pt co‐doped TiO2. Co‐doping led to an enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalysts for the degradation of brilliant black (99.83%) after 3 hours of visible light irradiation. Therefore, the synthesized photocatalysts can find applications in wastewater treatment using solar light.
An Efficient and Green Synthesis of Highly Substituted N‐Amino‐2‐oxo‐nicotinonitriles and Their Sulfonamide Derivatives under Ultrasonic and Microwave Irradiation
Authors: El‐Sayed Hassan A. , Assy Mohamed G. , Mohamed Asaad S.
Published: November 2019

An efficient and facile approach has been described for the synthesis of a new series of 1‐amino‐2‐oxo‐nicotinonitriles and their sulfonamides under microwave and ultrasonic irradiation. The desired compounds 4 a‐l were obtained via condensation of p‐chlorobenzaldehyde, aryl or heteroaryl methyl ketone and cyanoacetohydrazide in the presence of catalytic piperidine under three synthetic methodologies (namely, conventional method, ultrasonic and microwave irradiation), the best results (short reaction times, pure products, high yield) were obtained by ultrasonic irradiation. Sulfonamides 5 a‐f resulted via reaction of amines 4 a‐e and 4 j with benzene sulfonyl chloride in the presence of pyridine. The synthesized compounds give no significant results when investigated against Gm (+ve) and Gm (‐ve) bacteria, and fungi strains.
Chief sustainability officers and corporate social (Ir)responsibility
Authors: Fu Ruchunyi , Tang Yi , Chen Guoli
Published: November 2019

Research Summary

How will a chief sustainability officer (CSO) influence corporate social performance? Building upon the upper echelons perspective and the attention‐based view, this study argues that while a CSO helps channel managerial attention to a firm's social domain, managerial attention is more likely to be directed to negative issues than to positive issues. In addition, such relationships are contingent on the focal firm's governance design and its industry culpability. Analysis of a sample of S&P 500 firms for the period of 2005–2014 largely renders support to our predictions.

Managerial Summary

While more and more firms start to put a chief sustainability officer (CSO) on its top management team (TMT), the implications for corporate social performance of CSO presence remain unclear. With a sample of S&P 500 firms, we find that the presence of a CSO increases the firm's socially responsible activities (CSR) and reduces its socially irresponsible activities (CSiR). Moreover, CSO presence has a greater effect on reducing CSiR than on increasing CSR. These relationships become stronger when the firm has a sustainability committee on the board and is in a culpable industry.
Kranbahnen und Kranhallen im Bestand – Bewertung, Schadensbilder, Weiterbetrieb
Authors: Dürr André , Dreiling Alexander , Bartenbach Jochen
Published: November 2019

Die überalterte Infrastruktur Deutschlands wird zunehmend zu einem Problem; alters‐ und abnützungsbedingte Schäden, Mängel oder Ausfälle werden zum Risiko. Von diesem Alterungsprozess sind auch die Industrieanlagen und die darin enthaltene Fördertechnik betroffen. Für die Bewertung und das Alterungsmanagement von Bestandsbauwerken steht in Deutschland die VDI‐Richtlinie 6200 [1] zur Verfügung. Diese Richtlinie zur Bestandsbewertung richtet sich sowohl an die Bauwerkseigentümer und deren Verfügungsberechtigte als auch an die beteiligten Sachkundigen wie Architekten und Ingenieure. Im Bereich der Fördertechnik gehören Kranbahnen und Kranhallen zum Tragwerk und damit zum Bauwesen und fallen somit in den Verantwortungsbereich des Tragwerksplaners bei der Bestandsbewertung. Kranbahnen und Kranhallen unterliegen infolge des Kranbetriebs einer „nicht vorwiegend ruhenden Beanspruchung“ und sind damit ermüdungsbeansprucht. Infolge der Ermüdungsbeanspruchung kommt es zu Schädigungen im Gefüge und das kann zur Rissbildung an Querschnittsteilen führen. Die Bestandsbewertung und damit die Aussage, ob Kranbahn oder Kranhalle weiterbetrieben, ertüchtigt oder durch Neubauten ersetzt werden müssen, ist damit deutlich umfangreicher als bei Standardtragwerken unter „vorwiegend ruhender Beanspruchung“. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden Besonderheiten bei der Bewertung von Bestandskranbahnen und Bestandskranhallen aufgezeigt, typische Schadensbilder vorgestellt und mögliche Maßnahmen erläutert, wie ggf. eine Weiternutzung von Kranbahnen und Kranhallen erreicht werden kann.
Integrating social protection and climate change adaptation: A review
Authors: Tenzing Janna D.
Published: November 2019

Policymakers are increasingly interested in how social protection is evolving in the context of climate change. This review assesses what the literature tells us about its role in facilitating adaptation in lower income countries. It also explores how far thinking on an integrated “adaptive social protection” (ASP) agenda considers transforming the socioeconomic and political contexts where vulnerability to climate change originates. The review finds that research to date focuses on how instruments such as cash or asset transfers can protect the poor from shocks and stresses, prevent households from falling into poverty as a result of climate change, and promote climate‐resilient livelihoods. However, it cautions that such interventions must go beyond helping households to cope against shocks over short time horizons; they should enable the adoption of forward‐looking strategies for long‐lasting adaptation. Much less attention in the literature is given to whether social protection measures might have transformational effects for recipients. This is despite the fact that the earliest proponents of ASP favored a rights‐based approach to social protection to address issues of inequality and marginalization which are at the root of poverty and vulnerability to climate change. Although the role of social protection should not be overstated, it holds promise as a tool for building adaptive capacity. However, the potential of ASP to be truly transformational for its recipients by tackling the structural causes of vulnerability to climate change is not yet harnessed by policymakers. This constitutes a missed opportunity for the agenda to deliver on the international community's promise to “leave no one behind.”

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Sustainability and Human Well‐Being

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation
Large eddy simulation study of the humidity variation in the shadow of a large wind farm
Authors: Haywood John Stephen , Sescu Adrian , Adkins Kevin Allan
Published: November 2019

Numerous studies have shown that wind turbine wakes within a large wind farm bring about changes to both the dynamics and thermodynamics of the atmospheric boundary layers (ABL). Previously, we investigated the relative humidity budget within a wind farm via field measurements in the near‐wake region and large eddy simulations (LES). The effect of the compounding wakes within a large wind farm on the relative humidity was also investigated by LES. In this study, we investigate how the areas of relative humidity variation, that was observed in the near‐wake, develop downstream in the shadow region of a large wind farm. To this end, LES of a wind farm consisting of 8x6 wind turbines with periodic boundary condition in the lateral direction (inferring an infinitely wide farm) interacting with a stable ABL is carried out. Two wind farm layouts, aligned and staggered, are considered in the analysis and the results from both configurations are compared to each other. It is observed that a decrease of relative humidity underneath the hub height and an increase above the hub height build up within the wind farm, and are maintained in the downstream of the farm for long distances. The staggered farm layout is more effective in keeping a more elongated region of low relative humidity underneath the hub, when compared to the aligned layout.
Machine learning–based piecewise affine model of wind turbines during maximum power point tracking
Authors: Sindareh‐Esfahani Peyman , Pieper Jeff
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a discrete‐time piecewise affine (PWA) model of a wind turbine during Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) region is identified. A clustering‐based identification method is utilized to create PWA maps for nonlinear aerodynamic torque and thrust force functions. This method exploits the combined use of clustering, pattern recognition, and parameter identification techniques. The well‐known K‐means clustering method is employed along with a perceptron‐based multiclassifier for pattern recognition and the least squared technique for parameter estimation. The identified maps are approximated the nonlinear static functions of the dynamic model of the wind turbine. Characteristics of a 5‐MW wind turbine are considered and the resulting model, which consists of 25 subregions is compared with the nonlinear dynamic model. Two test cases are studied in order to validate the presented model. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the PWA model such that the response of the identified PWA model is fitted well to the nonlinear one. The PWA model identified in this paper can be widely used for advanced control systems design and long‐term performance and security assessment of the power grid.
Synthesis of sewage sludge‐based carbon/TiO2/ZnO nanocomposite adsorbent for the removal of Ni(II), Cu(II), and chemical oxygen demands from aqueous solutions and industrial wastewater
Authors: Khosravi Mina , Mehrdadi Naser , Nabi Bidhendi Gholamreza , Baghdadi Majid
Published: November 2019

The removal of heavy metal ions and organic materials from wastewater due to their toxicity is necessary. In the present study, the titanium dioxide/zinc oxide (TiO2/ZnO) nanocomposite has been coated on the sewage sludge carbon (SSC) surface and its application was investigated for the adsorption of Ni(II), Cu(II), and chemical oxygen demands (COD) reduction from aqueous solutions and industrial wastewaters in Eshtehard, Iran. The effect of adsorption parameters in a single system such as TiO2/ZnO ratio, TiO2/ZnO concentration, pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, ionic strength, temperature, and initial concentrations of Ni(II), Cu(II), and COD was investigated on the adsorption capacity of synthesized SSC/TiO2/ZnO adsorbent. The pseudo‐second order and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models were best described the kinetic and equilibrium data of Ni(II), Cu(II), and COD sorption. The maximum monolayer sorption capacities of Ni(II), Cu(II), and COD were found to be 62.3, 75.1, and 1,120.3 mg/g, respectively. The central composite design was used to investigate the interaction effects of pH and initial concentrations of Ni(II), Cu(II), and COD on the simultaneous removal of Ni(II), Cu(II), and COD from aqueous solutions in a ternary system. The potential of synthesized SSC/TiO2/ZnO adsorbent was investigated for Ni(II), Cu(II), and COD adsorption from industrial wastewaters of Iran.

Practitioner points

The novel sewage sludge carbon/TiO2/ZnO adsorbent was synthesized.

Adsorption of Ni(II), Cu(II), and chemical oxygen demands (COD) from industrial wastewaters was investigated.

Maximum Ni(II), Cu(II), and COD sorption capacities were 62.3, 75.1, and 1,120.3 mg/g.

Simultaneous removal of Ni(II), Cu(II), and COD was investigated in a ternary system.
Causality, Agency and Change
Authors: Pratten Stephen
Published: November 2019

Mainstream economists intermittently recognise a dilemma at the core of their project. On occasion they note that the widely accepted intuition that people have real choice and agency is inconsistent with their objective of increasing the explanatory power of economic theory. They worry that as causal explanations of economic phenomena are extended the more agency and choice must be recognised as ultimately illusory. The dilemma once recognised is typically set aside and the conventional modelling practices of mainstream economics persisted in without further delay. It is argued in this paper that the noted supposed dilemma is false and arises primarily because formalistic methods (and notions of explanation that accommodate them) tend to be adopted in economics prior, and without sufficient attention being paid, to the sorts of objects that constitute the subject matter of social inquiry. It is argued that the methods and forms of explanation that mainstream economists recognise as legitimate presuppose an ontology that is unable to either accommodate agency within nature or recognise possibilities for genuine change. In the constructive part of the paper a strategy for examining the dilemma that mainstream economists note that places ontology up front and centre stage is adopted. It is argued an ontology of real active powers, capacities, tendencies, dispositions and potentials supports a thoroughly naturalistic conception of agency and genuine change that can serve to inform the choices economists make about how best to pursue explanatory projects without generating tension or incoherence.
Cerebellar neural markers of susceptibility to social isolation and positive affective processing
Authors: Wong Nichol M. L. , Shao Robin , Wu Jingsong , Tao Jing , Chen Lidian , Lee Tatia M. C.
Published: November 2019

Chronic loneliness predicts mood disturbances and onset of major depressive disorder. However, little research has examined the neural correlates of individual difference in susceptibility to perceiving loneliness. In addition, the role of cerebellum, which is heavily implicated in social, cognitive and affective processes, in loneliness is unclear. We studied 99 healthy individuals divided into susceptible, concordant and robust groups depending on whether the participant’s loneliness level was greater, comparable or less than her/his objective social isolation level. The cerebellar gray matter structure, functional activity and connectivity patterns during performing an emotion stroop task were examined. We found greater posterior and medial cerebellar volume in the susceptible group than the other groups. In addition, the posterior and medial cerebellar activities when processing positive versus neutral words exhibited significant interactive effects of both loneliness and social network, and susceptibility to isolation. Loneliness and social network also had positive effects on the right posterior cerebellar functional connectivity with the visual and premotor cortices. Our findings provide novel evidence on the intricate role of the cerebellum in loneliness and susceptibility to isolation, suggesting that socio-cognitive processes of the cerebellum in the hedonic domain may be a key mechanism underlying loneliness proneness.
Influence of femoral external shape on internal architecture and fracture risk
Authors: Villette C. C. , Zhang J. , Phillips A. T. M.
Published: November 2019

The internal architecture of the femur and its fracture behaviour vary greatly between subjects. Femoral architecture and subsequent fracture risk are strongly influenced by load distribution during physical activities of daily living. The objective of this work is to evaluate the impact of outer cortical surface shape as a key affector of load distribution driving femoral structure and fracture behaviour. Different femur cortical shapes are generated using a statistical shape model. Their mesoscale internal architecture is predicted for the same activity regime using a structural optimisation approach previously reported by the authors and fracture under longitudinal compression is simulated. The resulting total volume of bone is similar in all geometries although substantial differences are observed in distribution between trabecular and cortical tissue. Greater neck-shaft and anteversion angles show a protective effect in longitudinal compression while a thinner shaft increases fracture risk.
Microfluidics approach to investigate foam hysteretic behaviour
Authors: Labarre Leslie , Vigolo Daniele
Published: November 2019

Foam stability often refers to the foam left to evolve with time in static conditions. However, in everyday life, foams are submitted to numerous deformations. A feature of foam stability is represented by the foam’s ability to resist to the deformation and to recover its initial properties after deformation. The technique developed here allows for a qualitative evaluation of the property of foam recovery after a deformation in a flow-focusing microfluidic device. The foam hysteretic behaviour was evaluated by introducing the analogous of a standard three-step test in which the recovery of viscosity is commonly studied over three deformation stages. The foam behaviour is analysed over an induced cycle of ascendant and descendant deformation at the wall, well controlled by varying the gas pressure for a constant liquid pressure. Thus, the recovery of the two-row foam pattern used as reference is studied after a high deformation phase corresponding to the bamboo pattern and the level of hysteresis is measured qualitatively. The samples investigated comprise a range of Newtonian aqueous solutions containing 5 cmc (critical micellar concentration) of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A retardation effect was observed leading to hysteresis caused by the increase in viscosity. A higher surface elasticity produced a smaller but non-negligible hysteresis due to an excess in elastic energy caused by the increase of the duration of the bubble rearrangements. The present study has gone some way towards enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms triggering or enhancing foam hysteresis in a microchannel. The findings will be of interest to many industrial processes where foams are submitted to a series of deformation steps along the process line from food industrial applications to biological systems.

Graphical abstract

A schematic of the three-step test consisting in an ascending and descending pressure ramps obtained by varying the gas pressure for a constant liquid pressure.
A phenotypically plastic magic trait promoting reproductive isolation in sticklebacks?
Authors: Garduno-Paz Monica V. , Huntingford Felicity A. , Garrett Sean , Adams Colin E.
Published: November 2019

This study identifies one possible mechanism whereby gene flow is interrupted in populations undergoing evolutionary divergence in sympatry; this is an important issue in evolutionary biology that remains poorly understood. Variation in trophic morphology was induced in three-spined stickleback by exposing them from an early age either to large benthic or to small pelagic prey. At sexual maturity, females given a choice between two breeding males, showed positive assortative mate choice for males raised on the same diet as themselves. The data indicate that this was mediated through a preference for males with trophic morphology similar to that of fish with which the females were familiar (from their pre-testing holding tanks). In trials where the female did not choose the most familiar male, the evidence suggests that either she had difficulty discriminating between two similar males or was positively choosing males with more extreme morphologies (more benthic-like or pelagic-like). This study has shown for the first time that expression of a plastic trait induced at an early age, not only results in specialisation for local foraging regimes but can also play a significant role in mate choice. This is equivalent to an environmentally induced, plastic version of the “magic traits” that promote ecologically-driven divergence in sympatry, hence the proposed descriptor “plastic magic trait”.
Looking for the missing rich: tracing the top tail of the wealth distribution
Authors: Bach Stefan , Thiemann Andreas , Zucco Aline
Published: November 2019

We analyse the top tail of the wealth distribution in France, Germany, and Spain using the first and second waves of the Household Finance and Consumption Survey (HFCS). Since top wealth is likely to be under-represented in household surveys, we integrate big fortunes from rich lists, estimate a Pareto distribution, and impute the missing rich. In addition to theForbeslist, we rely on national rich lists since they represent a broader base of the big fortunes in those countries. As a result, the top 1% wealth share increases notably for the three selected countries after imputing the top wealth. We find that national rich lists can improve the estimation of the Pareto coefficient in particular when the list of national USD billionaires is short.
Gambling with Your Health: Associations Between Gambling Problem Severity and Health Risk Behaviours, Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Butler Nadia , Quigg Zara , Bates Rebecca , Sayle Madeleine , Ewart Henrietta
Published: November 2019

The current study examined the association between gambling problem severity and health risk behaviours, health and wellbeing. A cross-sectional survey (including representative population and supplementary convenience samples) was conducted with 2303 adult residents of a British Island. Gambling problem severity was assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The EQ-5D-5L, WEMWBS and AUDIT-C were used to measure general health, mental wellbeing and alcohol use, respectively. Other measures included diet, physical exercise and tobacco use. Differences between gambling severity levels for each measure were analysed using logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and income. Compared to non-problem gamblers, moderate/high severity gamblers had higher odds of a poor diet, low physical exercise and poor general health. Tobacco use was associated with both low and moderate/high severity gambling. Low severity, but not moderate/high severity gambling, was significantly associated with binge and higher risk drinking behaviours. Health risk behaviours tended to cluster, with a graded relationship between gambling problem severity and odds of reporting at least two health risk behaviours. Compared to non-problem gamblers, low severity gamblers were approximately twice as likely and moderate/high severity gamblers were three times as likely, to have low mental wellbeing. Findings suggest associations between gambling problems and a range of health risk behaviours and health issues, and crucially that such issues are not limited to gamblers with the highest severity of problems. Addressing gambling across the whole continuum of risk should be a key public health priority.
A Personal Perspective on the Unconventional Superconductivity of Sr2RuO4
Authors: Mackenzie A. P.
Published: November 2019

I give a personal account of the unfolding story of the unconventional superconductivity of Sr2RuO4. This is a subject of topical importance in light of recent measurements that suggest that its order parameter may be even parity, contrary to the picture that had built up over the course of over two decades of research. With an eye on the past, I stress the generous encouragement that I received from Ted Geballe in the early years of my Sr2RuO4 research. Looking to the future, I give my opinion about why the Sr2RuO4 problem is of major significance to the development of the field of unconventional superconductivity, whatever order parameter symmetry is finally established to be the correct one.
Nomogram to help explain probabilistic seismic hazard
Authors: Douglas John , Danciu Laurentiu
Published: November 2019

Nomograms are an easy to use and visually attractive graphical tool to solve for any of the variables within an often complex equation. In seismology, the most well-known nomogram is a three-parallel-scale graphic for the calculation of local magnitude given the epicentral distance and trace amplitude. Until the advent of computers, nomograms were often employed by engineers and scientists in many fields as they provide a means for rapid and accurate calculations as well as helping the user understand the sensitivity of the final results to the input parameters. It is this aid to understanding that remains a key attraction of these graphical tools, which are now rarely seen (although they remain common in some fields of medicine where they are used for rapid screening and estimating risks). In this research letter, we present a nomogram summarising the results of simple probabilistic seismic hazard assessments (PSHAs) for peak ground acceleration and elastic response spectral acceleration for a structural period of 1s and return periods from 100 to 2500 years, where the effects of the activity rate and the slope of the Gutenberg-Richter relation are captured. We believe that this nomogram has considerable educational benefit for engineering seismology students, decision makers and other non-expert users of results of PSHAs.
Diffusion and Superdiffusion in Lattice Models for Colliding Particles with Stored Momentum
Authors: Crane Edward , Ledger Sean , Tóth Bálint
Published: November 2019

We introduce two discrete models of a collection of colliding particles with stored momentum and study the asymptotic growth of the mean-square displacement of an active particle. We prove that the models are superdiffusive in one dimension (with power law correction) and diffusive in three and higher dimensions. In two dimensions we demonstrate superdiffusivity (with logarithmic correction) for certain anisotropic initial conditions.
Scaling Limits in Divisible Sandpiles: A Fourier Multiplier Approach
Authors: Cipriani Alessandra , de Graaff Jan , Ruszel Wioletta M.
Published: November 2019

In this paper we investigate scaling limits of the odometer in divisible sandpiles on d-dimensional tori following up the works of Chiarini et al. (Odometer of long-range sandpiles in the torus: mean behaviour and scaling limits, 2018), Cipriani et al. (Probab Theory Relat Fields 172:829–868, 2017; Stoch Process Appl 128(9):3054–3081, 2018). Relaxing the assumption of independence of the weights of the divisible sandpile, we generate generalized Gaussian fields in the limit by specifying the Fourier multiplier of their covariance kernel. In particular, using a Fourier multiplier approach, we can recover fractional Gaussian fields of the form $$(-\varDelta )^{-s/2} W$$

(
-
Δ
)

-
s
/
2

W

for $$s>2$$

s
>
2

and W a spatial white noise on the d-dimensional unit torus.
Timely removal of exogenous cytokinin and the prevention of auxin transport from the shoot to the root affect the regeneration potential of Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Bernula Dóra , Benkő Péter , Kaszler Nikolett , Domonkos Ildikó , Valkai Ildikó , Szőllősi Réka , Ferenc Györgyi , Ayaydin Ferhan , Fehér Attila , Gémes Katalin
Published: November 2019

In vitro regeneration of Arabidopsis from roots is generally achieved via indirect organogenesis. First, transdifferentiation of lateral root primordia to calli is achieved by a balanced auxin-to-cytokinin ratio that is followed by the induction of shoot meristem formation using a high cytokinin level. Here we demonstrate that if the root explants were transferred onto a hormone-free medium after a transient (4-days) cytokinin treatment, embryogenic marker genes (LEC1, LEC2, FUS3) started to be expressed. App. 50% of the regeneration foci developed into plantlets with trichome-less cotyledon-like leaves. Moreover, the somatic embryogenesis defective lec1 mutant could regenerate only shoots with trichome-bearing leaves under this condition. Based on these observations, the mixed accomplishment of shoot organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis is hypothesized in the Arabidopsis root explants cultured under hormone-free conditions following cytokinin induction. Using whole seedlings instead of root explants in the same experimental set up, no regenerates were formed on the roots. Applying the auxin transport inhibitor TIBA to the root-to-shoot junction of the seedlings, the regeneration ability of the root could be restored. The observations indicate that shoot-derived endogenous auxin blocks the cytokinin-induced regeneration process in the roots of whole seedlings. The expression of the wound-induced transcription factor WIND1 could be detected in the roots of unwounded seedlings if the shoot-to-root auxin transport was inhibited. Manipulating the exogenous cytokinin level together with the endogenous shoot-to-root auxin transport therefore could mimic the effect of wounding (removal of shoot) on plant regeneration from roots.
The role of services and capital in footprint modelling
Authors: Font Vivanco David
Published: November 2019

Purpose

System incompleteness is an outstanding issue in footprint studies, causing systemic truncation errors and misestimation of results. This issue has many implications for analysts, from misleading conclusions in comparative assessments to hampering effective data exchange and comparability between models. A key element of system incompleteness is the treatment of services and capital, which are, respectively, often misrepresented in life cycle assessment (LCA, due to being largely missing in process-based databases) and input–output analysis (IOA, due to being exogenous to the intermediate uses). To gain insight into both the magnitude of such truncation errors and how to mitigate these, this paper analyses the impact of systematically including both services and capital in the system descriptions used in footprint analysis.

Methods

Manufactured capital is endogenised into the input–output table (IOT) by using capital use information from growth and productivity accounts. Comprehensive service inputs are included in life cycle inventories (LCIs) by means of integrated hybrid LCA. For illustration purposes, the method is applied on two popular LCI and IOT databases—ecoinvent and EXIOBASE—and four common modelling applications of LCA and IOA: LCA- and IOA-based footprints, comparison between IOA and LCA footprints, and a case study using hybrid LCA.

Results and discussion

The results suggest that the inclusion of both services and capital, either individually or in combination, leads to overall notable differences in footprint results, for example, median relative changes in carbon footprints of 41% and 12%, respectively, for IOA- and LCA-based footprints. Such differences can have notable implications, such as redefining environmental ‘hotspots’ and reversing the results of comparative analyses. Results, however, vary greatly across applications, impact categories and industry/product types, and so specific implications will depend on the research question and scope of analysis. Overall, endogenising capital has a larger impact than including missing services.

Conclusions

This exercise highlights two fundamental aspects for footprint modelling: the trade-offs between external and internal consistency and the facilitation of model integration. First, the proposed method increases system completeness of LCA (external consistency with the subject of study, namely economic systems) at the expense of internal inconsistencies stemming from ontological discrepancies between input–output and LCI systems (e.g. system completeness). This discrepancy can be mitigated by exploiting the potential of integrated hybrid LCA to create a highly interconnected hybrid system. Second, this approach shows how footprint models can complement each other towards more comprehensive and consistent descriptions of the socio-economic metabolism.
Local lens for SDG implementation: lessons from bottom-up approaches in Africa
Authors: Jiménez-Aceituno Amanda , Peterson Garry D. , Norström Albert V. , Wong Grace Y. , Downing Andrea S.
Published: November 2019

The Anthropocene presents a set of interlinked sustainability challenges for humanity. The United Nations 2030 Agenda has identified 17 specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a way to confront these challenges. However, local initiatives have long been addressing issues connected to these goals in a myriad of diverse and innovative ways. We present a new approach to assess how local initiatives contribute to achieving the SDGs. We analyse how many, and how frequently, different SDGs and targets are addressed in a set of African initiatives. We consider goals and targets addressed by the same initiative as interacting between them. Then, we cluster the SDGs based on the combinations of goals and targets addressed by the initiatives and explore how SDGs differ in how local initiatives engage with them. We identify 5 main groups: SDGs addressed by broad-scope projects, SDGs addressed by specific projects, SDGs as means of implementation, cross-cutting SDGs and underrepresented SDGs. Goal 11 (sustainable cities & communities) is not clustered with any other goal. Finally, we explore the nuances of these groups and discuss the implications and relevance for the SDG framework to consider bottom-up approaches. Efforts to monitor the success on implementing the SDGs in local contexts should be reinforced and consider the different patterns initiatives follow to address the goals. Additionally, achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda will require diversity and alignment of bottom-up and top-down approaches.
Transformative spaces in the making: key lessons from nine cases in the Global South
Authors: Pereira Laura , Frantzeskaki Niki , Hebinck Aniek , Charli-Joseph Lakshmi , Drimie Scott , Dyer Michelle , Eakin Hallie , Galafassi Diego , Karpouzoglou Timos , Marshall Fiona , Moore Michele-Lee , Olsson Per , Siqueiros-García J. Mario , van Zwanenberg Patrick , Vervoort Joost M.
Published: November 2019

Creating a just and sustainable planet will require not only small changes, but also systemic transformations in how humans relate to the planet and to each other, i.e., social–ecological transformations. We suggest there is a need for collaborative environments where experimentation with new configurations of social–ecological systems can occur, and we refer to these as transformative spaces. In this paper, we seek a better understanding of how to design and enable the creation of transformative spaces in a development context. We analyse nine case studies from a previous special issue on Designing Transformative Spaces that aimed to collect examples of cutting-edge action-oriented research on transformations from the Global South. The analysis showed five design phases as being essential: Problem Definition Phase; Operationalisation Phase; Tactical Phase; Outcome Phase; and Reflection Phase. From this synthesis, we distilled five key messages that should be considered when designing research, including: (a) there are ethical dilemmas associated with creating a transformative space in a system; (b) it is important to assess the readiness of the system for change before engaging in it; (c) there is a need to balance between ‘safe’ and ‘safe-enough’ spaces for transformation; (d) convening a transformative space requires an assemblage of diverse methodological frameworks and tools; and (e) transformative spaces can act as a starting point for institutionalising transformative change. Many researchers are now engaging in transdisciplinary transformations research, and are finding themselves at the knowledge–action interface contributing to transformative space-making. We hope that by analysing experiences from across different geographies we can contribute towards better understanding of how to navigate the processes needed for the urgent global transformations that are being called for to create a more equitable and sustainable planet Earth.
Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Mood: A Focus on Emotion Recognition and Reactivity, Reward Processing, and Stress Response
Authors: Lewis Carolin A. , Kimmig Ann-Christin S. , Zsido Rachel G. , Jank Alexander , Derntl Birgit , Sacher Julia
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

We review recent research investigating the relationship of hormonal contraceptives and mood with a focus on relevant underlying mechanisms, such as emotion recognition and reactivity, reward processing, and stress response.

Recent Findings

Adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) on mood seem most consistent in women with a history of depressive symptoms and/or previous negative experience with HC-intake. Current evidence supports a negativity bias in emotion recognition and reactivity in HC-users, although inconsistent to some extent. Some data, however, do indicate a trend towards a blunted reward response and a potential dysregulation of the stress response in some HC-users.

HC-effects on psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying mood are likely context-dependent. We provide suggestions on how to address some of the contributing factors to this variability in future studies, such as HC-dose, timing, administration-mode, and individual risk. A better understanding of how and when HCs affect mood is critical to provide adequate contraceptive choices to women worldwide.
Effect of nanoparticles on the nucleation and agglomeration rates of hydrate growth using THF–water clathrates
Authors: Nahri Syed Y. , Nielsen James L. , Chen Yuanhang
Published: November 2019

Four types of nanoparticles, amorphous carbon, iron III oxide, SiO2, and amino-coated SiO2, were tested to determine changes in tetrahydrofuran–water (THF–water) clathrate hydrate nucleation and agglomeration. Rates were experimentally found to determine their viability for preventing natural gas hydrates from developing during offshore drilling operations. THF–water clathrates were chosen as a model to represent gas hydrate growth at atmospheric pressure. Concentrations of each nanoparticle between 0.15% and 1.0% by weight were tested as a kinetic inhibitor to hydrate formation. Tests were repeated at various temperatures below the formation temperature of 4.4 °C for THF–water clathrate hydrates. Measurements were made to identify how the concentration of THF affects the clathrate hydrates forming under static conditions between 20% and 30% by mole of THF. The primary tests in this study were performed using a 20:80 THF/water ratio. Temperature increases during hydrate nucleation for THF–water were measured between − 5 and 3 °C. The range of ideal nanoparticle concentrations was found to be between 0.15% and 0.45% by weight for optimal static, kinetic inhibition of hydrate nucleation. At approximately 0.3% by weight, the most significant inhibition was observed under static conditions for all four types of nanoparticles tested. We found that functionalized amino-coated SiO2 nanoparticles, across all tests, significantly increased the time required for the formation of THF–water clathrate hydrates compared to the other three non-functionalized nanoparticles. The amorphous carbon and iron III oxide nanoparticles performed similarly across each test and were both the least effective in their inhibition of the clathrate hydrates of the four nanoparticles studied compared to a control.
l-Carnitine counteracts in vitro fructose-induced hepatic steatosis through targeting oxidative stress markers
Authors: Montesano A. , Senesi P. , Vacante F. , Mollica G. , Benedini S. , Mariotti M. , Luzi L. , Terruzzi I.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined by excessive lipid accumulation in the liver and involves an ample spectrum of liver diseases, ranging from simple uncomplicated steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that high fructose intake enhances NAFLD development and progression promoting inhibition of mitochondrial β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids and oxidative damages. l-Carnitine (LC), involved in β-oxidation, has been used to reduce obesity caused by high-fat diet, which is beneficial to ameliorating fatty liver diseases. Moreover, in the recent years, various studies have established LC anti-oxidative proprieties. The objective of this study was to elucidate primarily the underlying anti-oxidative mechanisms of LC in an in vitro model of fructose-induced liver steatosis.

Methods

Human hepatoma HepG2 cells were maintained in medium supplemented with LC (5 mM LC) with or without 5 mM fructose (F) for 48 h and 72 h. In control cells, LC or F was not added to medium. Fat deposition, anti-oxidative, and mitochondrial homeostasis were investigated.

Results

LC supplementation decreased the intracellular lipid deposition enhancing AMPK activation. However, compound C (AMPK inhibitor-10 μM), significantly abolished LC benefits in F condition. Moreover, LC, increasing PGC1 α expression, ameliorates mitochondrial damage-F induced. Above all, LC reduced ROS production and simultaneously increased protein content of antioxidant factors, SOD2 and Nrf2.

Conclusion

Our data seemed to show that LC attenuate fructose-mediated lipid accumulation through AMPK activation. Moreover, LC counteracts mitochondrial damages and reactive oxygen species production restoring antioxidant cellular machine. These findings provide new insights into LC role as an AMPK activator and anti-oxidative molecule in NAFLD.