bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of temperature and plasma parameters on the properties of PEALD HfO2
Authors: Lapteva Margarita , Beladiya Vivek , Riese Sebastian , Hanke Phillip , Otto Felix , Fritz Torsten , Schmitt Paul , Stenzel Olaf , Tünnermann Andreas , Szeghalmi Adriana
Published: May 2021

HfO2 has promising applications in semiconductors and optics due to its high dielectric constant and high refractive index. In this work, HfO2 thin films were deposited by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) using tetrakis-dimethylamino hafnium (TDMAH) and oxygen plasma. The process optimization to obtain high quality HfO2 thin films with excellent uniformity over a 200 mm diameter is thoroughly discussed. The effects of deposition temperature and plasma parameters on the structural, mechanical, and optical properties, and the chemical composition of the films were investigated. Optimized process parameters yielding a high refractive index, high density, low impurities, low OH incorporation, low absorption in the UV spectral range, and high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) were selected for antireflection coatings. The HfO2 thin films were incorporated into antireflection coatings designed for the fundamental wavelength at 1064 nm and its higher harmonics up to the 4th order.
Optimization of the deposition parameters of MgF2/LaF3 narrowband reflective FUV multilayers
Authors: López-Reyes Paloma , Perea-Abarca Belén , Honrado-Benítez Carlos , Gutiérrez-Luna Nuria , Ríos-Fernández Álvaro , Rodríguez-de Marcos Luis V. , Larruquert Juan I.
Published: May 2021

The development of efficient dielectric coatings in the far UV (FUV) is demanded for upcoming space instrumentation, such as LUMOS (LUVOIR Ultraviolet Multi-Object Spectrograph) in LUVOIR mission, among other applications. Multilayers (MLs) based on MgF2 and LaF3 have been developed in the last decades for the 157-nm and 193-nm lithography, demonstrating excellent optical properties. Yet, the deposition procedure to obtain coatings with optimal performance has not been fully detailed in the open literature, such as the dependence of ML performance with deposition and post-deposition temperature. This research investigates the effect of the substrate deposition temperature of MgF2/LaF3 ML coatings prepared by thermal evaporation on FUV reflectance, stress, roughness, as well as the performance of the coatings and their evolution over time. The relatively higher expansion coefficient of these two fluorides in comparison with fused silica substrates results in a large tensile stress for coatings deposited at high temperature and later cooled down to room temperature. Such stress may result in coating cracking and delamination. A compromise deposition temperature of ∼240°C and 13 bilayers was found for optimal ML reflectance peaked at ∼160 nm before cracks are generated. Above this deposition temperature, stress increased, which resulted in an extension of the cracked area and in a slight roughness increase and FUV reflectance decrease. MLs that were deposited at room temperature and later annealed resulted in a similar reflectance and stress to those of hot-deposited coatings for a given temperature.
Wave and particle properties can be spatially separated in a quantum entity
Authors: Chowdhury Pratyusha , Pati Arun Kumar , Chen Jing-Ling
Published: May 2021

Wave and particle are two fundamental properties of nature. The wave–particle duality has indicated that a quantum object may exhibit the behaviors of both wave and particle, depending upon the circumstances of the experiment. The major significance of wave–particle duality has led to a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics: the Schrödinger equation. At present, the principle of wave–particle duality has been deeply rooted in people’s hearts. This leads to a common-sense perception that wave property and particle property coexist simultaneously in a quantum entity, and these two physical attributes cannot be completely separated from each other. In classical physics, a similar common-sense thought is that a physical system is inseparable from its physical properties. However, this has been recently challenged and beaten by a quantum phenomenon called the “quantum Cheshire cat,” in which a cat and its grin can be spatially separated. In this work, we propose a thought experiment based on the technology similar to the quantum Cheshire cat. We find that wave and particle attributes of a quantum entity can be completely separated, thus successfully dismantling the wave–particle duality for a quantum entity. Our result is still consistent with the complementarity principle and deepens the understanding of quantum foundations.
Perception of usefulness of laboratory tests ordering by internal medicine residents in ambulatory setting: A single-center prospective cohort study
Authors: Doi Dimitria , Vale Romulo Ribeiro do , Monteiro Jean Michell Correia , Plens Glauco Cabral Marinho , Ferreira Junior Mario , Fonseca Luiz Augusto Marcondes , Perazzio Sandro Félix , Besen Bruno Adler Maccagnan Pinheiro , Lichtenstein Arnaldo , Taniguchi Leandro Utino , Sumita Nairo Massakazu , Corá Aline Pivetta , Eisencraft Adriana Pasmanik , Duarte Alberto José da Silva
Published: May 2021

The demand for high value health care uncovered a steady trend in laboratory tests ordering and inappropriate testing practices. Residents’ training in laboratory ordering practice provides an opportunity for quality improvement. We collected information on demographics, the main reason for the appointment, preexisting medical conditions and presence of co-morbidities from first-visit patients to the internal medicine outpatient service of our university general hospital. We also collected information on all laboratory tests ordered by the attending medical residents. At a follow-up visit, we recorded residents’ subjective perception on the usefulness of each ordered laboratory test for the purposes of diagnosis, prognosis, treatment or screening. We observed that 17.3% of all ordered tests had no perceived utility by the attending resident. Tests were usually ordered to exclude differential diagnoses (26.7%) and to help prognosis estimation (19.1%). Age and co-morbidity influenced the chosen category to legitimate usefulness of tests ordering. This study suggests that clinical objectives (diagnosis, prognosis, treatment or prevention) as well as personalization to age and previous health conditions should be considered before test ordering to allow a more appropriate laboratory tests ordering, but further studies are necessary to examine this framework beyond this medical training scenario.
Methodological considerations in the assessment of direct and indirect costs of back pain: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Zemedikun Dawit T. , Kigozi Jesse , Wynne-Jones Gwenllian , Guariglia Alessandra , Roberts Tracy
Published: May 2021

Background

Back pain is a common and costly health problem worldwide. There is yet a lack of consistent methodologies to estimate the economic burden of back pain to society.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the methodologies used in the published cost of illness (COI) literature for estimating the direct and indirect costs attributed to back pain, and to present a summary of the estimated cost burden.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched to identify COI studies of back pain published in English up to February 2021. A total of 1,588 abstracts were screened, and 55 full-text studies were subsequently reviewed. After applying the inclusion criteria, 45 studies pertaining to the direct and indirect costs of back pain were analysed.

Results

The studies reported data on 15 industrialised countries. The national cost estimates of back pain in 2015 USD ranged from $259 million ($29.1 per capita) in Sweden to $71.6 billion ($868.4 per capita) in Germany. There was high heterogeneity among the studies in terms of the methodologies used for analysis and the resulting costs reported. Most of the studies assessed costs from a societal perspective (n = 29). The magnitude and accuracy of the reported costs were influenced by the case definition of back pain, the source of data used, the cost components included and the analysis method. Among the studies that provided both direct and indirect cost estimates (n = 15), indirect costs resulting from lost or reduced work productivity far outweighed the direct costs.

Conclusion

Back pain imposes substantial economic burden on society. This review demonstrated that existing published COI studies of back pain used heterogeneous approaches reflecting a lack of consensus on methodology. A standardised methodological approach is required to increase credibility of the findings of COI studies and improve comparison of estimates across studies.
Rate of glycemic control and associated factors among type two diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia: A cross sectional study
Authors: Nigussie Shambel , Birhan Nigussie , Amare Firehiwot , Mengistu Getnet , Adem Fuad , Abegaz Tadesse Melaku
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess the rate of glycemic control and associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Dilchora Referral Hospital, Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 13 May to 16 August 2019. Type 2 diabetic patients on follow up at Dilchora Referral Hospital who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study were included. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. Data was collected by a face-to-face interview and review of medical records. The primary outcome was the level of blood glucose during three consecutive visits. Poor glycemic control was defined as a blood sugar level of more than 154 mg/dL based on the average of measurements from three consecutive visits. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of glycemic control.

Result

A total of 394 participants responded to the interview and were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of poor glycemic control was 45.2% (95%CI: 40.6%-50.0%). Patients who were on oral anti-diabetic drug plus insulin had more than two times greater chance of poor glycemic control than patients on oral anti-diabetic drug alone: 2.177(95%CI:1.10–4.29). The odds of poor glycemic control in patients who did not understand the pharmacist’s instructions was two times higher than patients with good understanding of instructions 1.86(95%CI: 1.10–3.13). Patients who had poor level of practice were found to have poor glycemic control: 1.69(95% CI: 1.13–2.55).

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of poor glycemic control was high among type 2 diabetes patients. Oral anti-diabetic drugs in combination with insulin, lack of understanding of pharmacist’s advice, and poor practice of diabetic patients were significant factors of poor glycemic control. Pharmacists should reassure the understanding of patients before discharge during counseling. Optimization of the dose of antidiabetic medications and combination of oral hypoglycemic agents should be considered.
A Novel 5-Cytokine Panel Outperforms Conventional Predictive Markers of Persistent Organ Failure in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Langmead Christopher , Lee Peter J. , Paragomi Pedram , Greer Phil , Stello Kim , Hart Phil A. , Whitcomb David C. , Papachristou Georgios I.
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Existing laboratory markers and clinical scoring systems have shown suboptimal accuracies for early prediction of persistent organ failure (POF) in acute pancreatitis (AP). We used information theory and machine learning to select the best-performing panel of circulating cytokines for predicting POF early in the disease course and performed verification of the cytokine panel's prognostic accuracy in an independent AP cohort.

METHODS:

The derivation cohort included 60 subjects with AP with early serum samples collected between 2007 and 2010. Twenty-five cytokines associated with an acute inflammatory response were ranked by computing the mutual information between their levels and the outcome of POF; 5 high-ranking cytokines were selected. These cytokines were subsequently measured in early serum samples of an independent prospective verification cohort of 133 patients (2012–2016), and the results were trained in a Random Forest classifier. Cross-validated performance metrics were compared with the predictive accuracies of conventional laboratory tests and clinical scores.

RESULTS:

Angiopoietin 2, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin 8, resistin, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1A were the highest-ranking cytokines in the derivation cohort; each reflects a pathologic process relevant to POF. A Random Forest classifier trained the cytokine panel in the verification cohort and achieved a 10-fold cross-validated accuracy of 0.89 (area under the curve 0.91, positive predictive value 0.89, and negative predictive value 0.90), which outperformed individual cytokines, laboratory tests, and clinical scores (all P ≤ 0.006).

DISCUSSION:

We developed a 5-cytokine panel, which accurately predicts POF early in the disease process and significantly outperforms the prognostic accuracy of existing laboratory tests and clinical scores.
Manufacturing Color-Blended Slub Yarn: Computer Numerically Controlled Ring-Spinning Frame and Kubelka-Munk Double Constant Theory
Authors: Cui Peng , Xue Yuan , Liu Yuexing
Published: May 2021

In the present work, we used the computer numerically controlled (CNC) ring-spinning frame to produce the color-blended slub yarns made from three different colored rovings with a 10% blending gradient. The blending ratio of rovings was determined by Kubelka-Munk (K-M) double constant theory. The as-manufactured yarns were made into knit fabrics with a circular knitting machine. The relative value method was used to solve the absorption and scattering coefficients of each colored fiber, and the least-square method was used to solve for the blending ratio of color-blended slub yarn. The results show that the average color difference between predicted and measured L* a* b* values was 1.74, and the error of the blending ratio was 7.38%, which are within the acceptable ranges for color matching of yarns.
Study on Special Shaped Polyester Fibers and Development of Products
Authors: Ge Yeqian , Deyan Qin , Hongfang Wang , Jianhong Tu , Xuefei Wang , Bojun Xi
Published: May 2021

Non-circular profiled fibers are generally synthetic fibers that have a modified cross-section shape, which are created to mimic natural fibers or to obtain special properties. The shape of the cross-section has great influence on the properties of profiled polyester (PET) fibers and their fabrics. The structure and properties of fat-shaped and hexagonal-shaped profiled PET fibers and ordinary PET fibers, as well as the properties of their knit fabrics were characterized. Experimental results showed that air permeability, heat retention, and wrinkle resilience of profiled PET fabrics were better than that of circular a cross-section PET fiber fabric, while the circular cross-section PET fabric was softer than the profiled PET fiber fabrics.
High Adhesion Superhydrophobic Surface Constructed by PDMS-co-PMHS Coatings Embedded with SiO2 Particles
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hao Shang , Chen Mingyang , Yang Bo , Xie Yuan , Zhang Xingmin , Yao Jiming
Published: May 2021

Superhydrophobic surfaces have attracted attention due to their hydrophobic, self-cleaning, anti-icing, and oil/water separation properties. The present study used a nonwoven fabric as a flexible substrate and constructed a high-adhesive superhydrophobic surface by coating the fabric with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)- co-polymethyl hydrogen siloxane (PMHS) polymers and embedding mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles. The water contact angle (WCA) of the superhydrophobic surface was up to 165.2° at a PDMS to PMHS ratio of 4:1. The adhesion to deionized water was 99.7 μN. High hydrophobicity was maintained, even after sandpaper abrasions and flowing water impact. The surface was resistant to acid, alkali, brine, strong oxidation, and heavy metal solutions. The coating exhibited anti-icing and oil/water separation properties. This study provides a facile and effective method for constructing multifunctional superhydrophobic coatings on flexible substrates.
Preparation and Application Properties of Cyclic Polysiloxane Flame Retardant Containing Phosphorus and Nitrogen for Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Shuai , Zhang Zheng , Wei Dongdong , Liu Jian , Lu Zhou
Published: May 2021

Poly[tetra(tetramethylcyclosiloxyl-piperazin)-phosphinic acid methyl ether) (PNCTSi) was successfully synthesized, and its chemical structure was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR) spectroscopy. The flammability and thermal decomposition behaviors of cotton fabrics treated with PNCTSi were systematically evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL-94), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and cone calorimetry. As a result, the LOI value reached 30.1% and the char length decreased to 10.3 cm when cotton fabrics were treated in 300 g/L of PNCTSi solution for 30 min. According to TGA results, the residual rate of treated cotton fabrics at 800 °C increased to 16.4%. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) and CO2/CO ratio significantly decreased.
Judicial Artificial Intelligence Bias: A Survey and Recommendations
Authors: Ngige Ogochukwu Constance , Awodele Oludele , Balogun Oluwatobi
Published: May 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) has continued to disrupt the way tasks are being carried out, finding its way into almost all facets of human existence, and advancing the development of human society. The AI revolution has made huge and significant inroad into diverse industries like health, energy, transport, retail, advertising, et cetera. AI has been found to assist in carrying out tasks more quickly and efficiently too. Tasks which were hitherto difficult have been simplified significantly through the use of AI. Slow adoption in judiciary has however been reported, compared to other sectors. A lot of factors have been attributed to this, with AI bias being an issue of concern. Decisions emanating from courts have a significant impact on an individual’s private and professional life. It is thus imperative to identify and deal with bias in any judicial AI system in order to avoid delivering a prejudiced and inaccurate decision, thereby possibly intensifying the existing disparities in the society. This paper therefore surveys judicial artificial intelligence bias, paying close attention to types and sources of AI bias in judiciary. The paper also studies the trust-worthy AI, the qualities of a trust-worthy artificial intelligence system and the expectations of users as it is being deployed to the judiciary, and concludes with recommendations in order to mitigate the AI bias in Judiciary.
ÇALIŞMA ARKADAŞI DESTEĞİ ÖLÇEĞİ (ÇAD): TÜRKÇE’YE UYARLAMA ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: AYDIN KÜÇÜK Burcu
Published: May 2021

Organizasyonlarda görülen arkadaş desteğinin bireylerin iş yerindeki iyilik haline ve mutluluğuna katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir; ancak alan yazın incelendiğinde bu destek aracının örgütsel destek boyutlarından biri olarak ölçüldüğü fark edilmiştir. Dolayısıyla bu çalışma ile doğrudan işyerinde arkadaş desteğini ölçmek maksadıyla geliştirilmiş olan Çalışma Arkadaşı Desteği ölçüm aracının alan yazına kazandırılması amaçlanmaktadır. Bu düşünceden hareket ile Tews, Michel & Ellingson (2013) tarafından Settoon & Mosheldor (2002)’ın çalışmalarından ilham alınarak geliştirilen çalışma arkadaşı desteği ölçeğinin Türk kültür yapısına adaptasyonu ve dilsel açıdan eşdeğerliliği üzerine odaklanılmıştır. Adaptasyon çalışmasında Brislin, Lonner & Thorndike (1973) tarafından önerilen 5 aşamalı yöntem kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemi İstanbul/ Türkiye’de eğitim (N=413) ve bankacılık (N=736) sektörlerinde çalışan bireylerden oluşmaktadır. Çevrim içi anket yöntemiyle elde edilen veriler sosyal bilimler için geliştirilmiş olan istatistik paketi (SPSS ve AMOS) ile analiz edilmiştir. Ölçeğin iç tutarlılığını ve güvenilirliğini gösteren Cronbach alfa katsayısı birinci örneklem grubu için α =.937; ikinci örneklem grubu için α =.951 şeklindedir. Yapılan keşfedici faktör analizi, ölçeğin orijinal ölçektekine benzer şekilde iki boyutlu bir faktör yapısına sahip olduğunu göstermiştir. Doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ile de ölçeğin iki faktörlü yapısının her iki örneklem grubu için de doğrulandığı sonucuna varılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular, “çalışma arkadaşı desteği ölçeği”nin iç tutarlılığı yüksek ve yapısal geçerliliği kanıtlanmış bir ölçüm aracı olduğunu kanıtlamaktadır.
La alternancia de lenguas como actividad de imagen en el discurso hispanounidense / Code-switching as face-work in the discourse of the US Hispanics
Authors: Dumitrescu Domnita
Published: May 2021

En este trabajo analizo una actividad de imagen que participa directamente en la construcción de la identidad de individuos y grupos bilingües, pero que no ha sido identificada como tal hasta ahora, aunque el fenómeno a través del cual se realiza - la alternancia de lenguas en la interacción comunicativa entre dichos miembros de la comunidad bilingüe - cuenta ya con numerosos estudios. La comunidad bilingüe en que me enfoco es la de los hispanounidenses: los hispanos que residen en los Estados Unidos y usan en su comunicación diaria tanto el español como el inglés. Después de presentar unos datos acerca de la demografía hispanounidense y sobre el uso de los dos idiomas entre los miembros de dicha comunidad, reinterpreto testimonios de los usuarios y ejemplos de alternancia de lenguas recogidos en trabajos sociolingüísticos previos como actividades de imagen social en dos niveles diferentes: el macronivel de la interacción comunicativa global y el micronivel de ciertos actos de habla concretos dentro de dicha interacción. En el macronivel, se trata de una actividad de imagen de afiliación intragrupal y, simultáneamente, de autonomía extragrupal; mientras que en el micronivel se trata de efectos de cortesía atenuadora o intensificadora dirigidos a la imagen del interlocutor, o de ataques a la imagen del mismo, cuando no forma parte de la comunidad.
Using PowerPoint slides as a resource for coordinating understanding during presentation consultations at an L2 speaking center
Authors: Ro Eunseok
Published: May 2021

The site of this study is English as a second language speaking center at a university in Hong Kong. One of the center’s services is presentation consultation, in which students can practice giving a presentation in English and receive a tutor’s feedback. This study focuses on how the tutors and students coordinate understanding using the students’ PowerPoint (PPT) slides as situated objects. Detailed analyses of their interactions reveal that the participants make use of PPT slides as a referential resource in identifying problems in the student’s production and initiating repair, and as an essential object in solving problems of understanding. The paper shows the precise nature of the troubles in understanding that arise in these consultations, and how the participants make use of the slides as an interactional resource in coordinating their understanding. The paper discusses implications for L2 consultation sessions, particularly in regard to multimodal practices in solving understanding troubles.
Biodegradable thermoplastic copolyester elastomers: Methyl branched PBAmT
Authors: Neng Wen-Bo , Xie Wen-Guang , Lu Bo , Zhen Zhi-Chao , Zhao Jun-Long , Wang Ge-Xia , Ji Jun-Hui
Published: May 2021

A series of novel biodegradable copolyesters named poly(butylene 3-methyl adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAmT) were synthesized from the monomers of 3-methyl adipic acid (AAm), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), and terephthalic acid (TPA) through a process of esterification and polycondensation. 1H NMR analysis shows that they are random copolymers whose composition can be well controlled by the feed ratio of monomers. From the results of DSC and XRD, the introduction of methyl group successfully destroys the crystallizability of the PBAm chains, thus making it become a relative soft segment compared to PBA, while these random PBAmT copolymers constructed by soft segment PBAm and rigid segment PBT change from semi-crystalline polymers to nearly amorphous polymers as the feed ratio of Am increases. Especially, mechanical tests reveal that the copolymers show outstanding elasticity and rebound resilience with excellent strength. These thermoplastic copolyester elastomers with good performance by simply introduction of branched methyl group on polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) copolymer chains may well explore the potential application of biodegradable PBAT-based material.
Study on structure and properties of natural indigo spun-dyed viscose fiber
Authors: Zheng Jin , Wang Yangliu , Zhang Qi , Wang Dongshuang , Wang Shuai , Jiao Mingli
Published: May 2021

To improve the level dyeing property and colorfastness of natural pigment-dyed cellulose fiber, a study on the structure and properties of natural indigo spun-dyed viscose fiber was carried out systematically. Herein, the natural pigment-dyed cellulose fiber was prepared by wet-spinning technique, and the microstructure of the colored fiber was comprehensively studied. Fabrics with different color depths were obtained by adjusting the color value and the content of indigo pigment. The natural indigo was evenly embedded in the viscose fiber, and the results indicated the existence of a direct ratio relationship between the performance of natural indigo and the color depth of the fiber. The level dyeing property and colorfastness of the fabric were tested. The fabric exhibited excellent dyeing uniformity, as indicated by the relative standard deviation of the surface color depth value on the fabric, which was no more than 2.39%. The colorfastness of natural indigo spun-dyed fiber was outstanding even when mordant was not used in the production process. The colorfastness to artificial light could reach grade 5, the fastness to washing with detergent reached grade 3–4, the fastness to rubbing reached grade 4–5, and that to high temperature reached grade 4–5. These results can possibly promote the future use of natural dyes in the fiber produced by a spun-dyeing technique.
Singular integral equations in plane wave scattering by infinite graphene strip grating with brake of periodicity
Authors: Kaliberda Mstislav E. , Lytvynenko Leonid M. , Pogarsky Sergey A.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the solution of the H-polarized wave scattering problem by infinite graphene strip grating is obtained. The structure is periodic except two neighboring strips. The distance between these two strips is arbitrary. In particular, such a problem allows to quantify the mutual interaction of graphene strips in the array. The total field is represented as a superposition of the field of currents on the ideally-periodic grating and correction currents induced by the shift of the strips. The analysis is based on the convergent method of singular integral equations. It enables us to study the influence of the correction currents in a wide range from 10 GHz to 6 THz. It is shown that the interaction between graphene strips is strong near plasmon resonances and near the Rayleigh anomaly.
Living with diversity and change: intergenerational differences in language and identity in the Somali community in Britain
Authors: Abdullahi Sahra Bashir , Wei Li
Published: May 2021

The Somali community in Britain has been portrayed as largely homogenous and rather problematic, unwilling to integrate into mainstream British society, a perception that is reinforced by the media and government policies. The government policies tend to ignore the internal diversity and change that the community is experiencing. Drawing on data from a family language policy project, this paper aims to explore intergenerational changes in language preference and use and associated issues of identity within the Somali community in Britain. We look at how the changes in language preference and practice manifest themselves through reported language use and language policies at home, how the changes are affecting the British Somali youths in particular, and how ideas of Somaliness and Britishness are negotiated on an individual level, as well as on a community-wide level through Somali-led organisations. And we highlight the work that the community is doing to tackle issues of intergenerational language shift and Somali identity building. The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the struggles of the Somali community in Britain in dealing with diversity and change, an understanding that is crucial to the development of appropriate policies regarding the community.
“Talk in Tamil!” – Does Sri Lankan Tamil onward migration from Europe influence Tamil language maintenance in the UK?
Authors: Sankaran Lavanya
Published: May 2021

This article uses the “communicative repertoire” conceptual framework to investigate the evolving linguistic practices in the Sri Lankan Tamil (SLT) diaspora, looking specifically at how changing mobility patterns have had an influence on heritage language use. Drawing on fieldwork undertaken with 42 participants of diverse migration trajectories in London, the study finds that onward migration has important implications for Tamil language maintenance and use in the UK, and for the introduction of European languages into the community. It argues that Tamil practices can only be fully understood if we consider them within the context of participants' communicative repertoires. Further, the definition of Tamil needs to be expanded to include different varieties, registers and styles that have been shaped by onward migration. As the trend of multiple migrations is becoming increasingly common in globalization processes, studying the recent change in SLT migratory patterns is also crucial to gaining insight into the diversities and transnational links that exist within and across diaspora communities respectively.
“Dobra polska mowa”: monoglot ideology, multilingual reality and Polish organisations in the UK
Authors: Kozminska Kinga , Hua Zhu
Published: May 2021

This article examines the tension between multilingual reality of migrant life and monoglot standard ideology in Polish grassroots organisations in the UK. Drawing on linguistic ethnographic fieldwork from 2017 to 2019, we show that while flexible multilingual practices characterise the community’s multilingual reality, a preference for monolingual standard Polish exists in community activities and online profiles. We argue that, through common orientation to the denotational code and national identity, the organisations give preference to language rather than the speech community of the immediate surroundings and attempt to create a representation of a timeless unified Polish community in line with the static framework of the European nation-state that promotes linguistic, cultural and racial purity. While advocating sedentary, permanent and classed images of migration and integration into British society, the organisations marginalise uses of other language varieties and erase observed historical, class and regional differences within the community.
Introduction: the changing faces of transnational communities in Britain
Authors: Curdt-Christiansen Xiao Lan , Hua Zhu , Wei Li
Published: May 2021

In this editorial introduction, we outline the key conceptualisations and overarching questions of this collection of studies on the changing faces of the transnational communities in Britain. Using the nexus of migration and language as our critical lens, we examine the internal diversities within the transnational communities in Britain, evident in the emergence of groups differing on migration trajectories, social and educational backgrounds, linguistic repertories and status assigned to community languages. We also explore how language shapes, and is shaped by, these internal diversities and wider socio-cultural-political dynamics and pay particular attention to the multilingual and translanguaging practices in these communities. We demonstrate how these communities function as sites for contestation of language and identity that can be conflictual as well as a source of othering. The introduction concludes with an outline of the contributions made by the studies in this special issue, highlighting the key claims put forward by the contributors.
NP-ellipsis and numeral classifiers in Korean
Authors: Park So-Young
Published: May 2021

The syntactic status of numeral classifiers with respect to NP-ellipsis in classifier languages has been a controversial subject in many recent discussions. Addressing this issue, this article argues that Korean numeral classifiers can serve as functional heads that license NP-ellipsis via PF-deletion. A null NP appearing in a numeral classifier context cannot be identified with any other null categories, such as a pro or a null NP pro-form. This null NP induces a different reading from a pro, especially when a possessor argument is stacked with a numeral classifier construction. Unlike an NP pro-form, it allows the extraction of an internal argument and exhibits a complementary distribution withkes‘one’, a visible counterpart of a Korean NP pro-form. This article’s claim gains additional support from the asymmetries in NP-ellipsis of auy-marked numeral classifier, contingent on its ambiguity, such as a ‘quantity’ or ‘property’ interpretation. In addition, the distribution of bare numerals in relation to the NP pro-formkesoffers further evidence, reinforcing the claim.
Suspended silicon waveguide platform with subwavelength grating metamaterial cladding for long-wave infrared sensing applications
Authors: Liu Weixin , Ma Yiming , Chang Yuhua , Dong Bowei , Wei Jingxuan , Ren Zhihao , Lee Chengkuo
Published: May 2021

Long-wave infrared (LWIR, 6–14 µm) processes enormous potential for chem/biosensing as it covers abundant molecular absorption fingerprints. Waveguides provide an attractive chip-scale miniaturization solution for optical sensors. However, the exploration of waveguide sensors in this wavelength range is limited. Here, an LWIR photonic platform for fast and sensitive on-chip gas sensing is developed using suspended silicon (Si) waveguide supported by subwavelength grating (SWG) metamaterial claddings. This platform provides a viable approach to fully exploit the transparency window of Si. The SWG structure provides a promising solution to engineer the mode profile for strong light–analyte interaction. Propagation loss and bending loss are studied in the broad wavelength range of 6.4–6.8 µm. Functional devices including grating couplers, Y-junctions, and directional couplers are also demonstrated with high performance. Sensing demonstration based on our platform is presented using toluene vapor detection as an example. The corresponding limit of detection reaches 75 ppm. The response and recovery time to 75 ppm toluene are about 0.8 and 3.4 s, respectively. This good performance makes our platform a promising candidate for on-site medical and environmental applications.
The crystal structure of 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-naphtho [1,8-de][1,3,2]diazaborinine, C18H17BN2O2
Authors: Ma Qiang , Miao Zong-Cheng
Published: May 2021

C18H17BN2O2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.5782(14) Å, b = 13.6724(14) Å, c = 8.7113(9) Å, β = 97.819(6)°, V = 1484.2(3) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0482, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1357, T = 193 K.
Past, Present, Future: An Overview of Roman Malta
Authors: Cardona David
Published: May 2021

Roman Malta has been the subject of numerous historical and archaeological studies since the seventeenth century. However, the lack of documented excavations and the restricted number of sites – particularly those within the boundaries of the two main Roman towns – meant that numerous grey areas persist in our understanding of the islands under Roman rule, regardless of how many studies have been done so far. This article attempts to provide an overview of past works, studies and a discussion of the known consensus on knowledge of sites, populations and economies. This in an attempt to provide a clear picture of what we know (and what we do not) about Roman Malta. Finally, I will comment on current and new research and projects which are being carried out by various local entities and foreign institutions to enhance our knowledge of this very important historic era for the Maltese islands. This culminates into a proposal for the use of a predictive model that may help us identify new sites and, consequently, provide new data on this phase.
Metal effect pigments
Authors: Pfaff Gerhard , Bartelt Michael R. , Maile Frank J.
Published: May 2021

Metal effect pigments are luster pigments consisting of platelet-like metallic particles, mostly of aluminum (so-called silver bronzes), copper, copper/zinc (so-called gold bronzes), and zinc flakes. After parallel orientation in their application medium, they show a metal-like luster by reflection of light at the surface of the flat metal particles in one direction. Thus, the pigment particles act similar to small mirrors and lead when orientated parallel in the application system to a reflecting metal luster (metallic effect). Metal effect pigments are used in all relevant application systems such as coatings, paints, plastics, artist paints, cosmetics, printing inks, leather, construction materials, paper, glass, and ceramics. Specific composition, particle size distribution and surface quality determine the coloristic and application technical properties of the individual pigments. Many pigments are coated with a specific surface treatment to improve the quality concerning the stability and the compatibility with the application system. Metal effect pigments are offered in form of powders, pastes, pellets, suspensions or color concentrates. They are manufactured starting from a metal granulate (grit), which is ground under formation of flakes.
Strategic Welfare Policies with Migration: A Theoretical Model and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Antonelli Maria Alessandra , De Bonis Valeria
Published: May 2021

We test the welfare magnet hypothesis for Europe. We modify the existing theoretical frameworks assuming that: (a) welfare services, intended as the output of welfare expenditure, not the poor’s income or social expenditure, enter the median voter’s utility function; (b) preferences depend on the position of the median voter in the income distribution; and (c) the total amount of welfare services provided may differ from the amount needed to finance them, because of inefficiencies in the transfer process. We then test the welfare magnet hypothesis for 22 European countries by estimating a reaction function corresponding to the generic form adopted by the literature, but using the variables inspired by the model. We find evidence of a positive strategic interaction among countries, which suggests a downward bias in the choice of the protection level because of welfare competition. The level of social protection also positively depends on GDP, the redistributive attitudes of residents and their weight in the population, vis-à-vis the migrants’ share, and the efficiency of social expenditure.
A Real-Business-Cycle Model with Institutional Quality: The Case of Bulgaria (1999–2018)
Authors: Vasilev Aleksandar
Published: May 2021

This paper takes an otherwise standard real-business-cycle (RBC) setup with government sector, and augments it with an output-expropriation mechanism and shocks to institutional quality in order to study business cycle fluctuations. The extraction decision is endogenous: households can use their time either productively, or engage in opportunistic activities. Stronger institutions decrease the size of the available resources for capture, and suppress corrupt behavior. As a test case, the model is calibrated to Bulgaria after the introduction of the currency board (1999–2018). Overall, the shocks to institutional quality generate business cycles of the same magnitude as in data, which suggests that political economy factors might be the major driving force behind the observed economic fluctuations in Bulgaria. Another interesting result, generated by the model, is that on average, the estimated size of evaded resources is approximately one-fourth of output, which is very close to the estimates of the unofficial economy share, e.g. European Commission (2014). Special eurobarometer 402: undeclared work. European Commission, Brussels and Medina, L. and Schneider, F. (2017). Shadow economies around the world: what did we learn over the last 20 Years? IMF Working Paper WP/18/17. International Monetary Fund, Washington DC.
Spiritueller Missbrauch: Eine qualitativ-empirische Untersuchung von 105 Betroffenen in Freikirchen
Authors: Sewer Raffael , Pfeifer Samuel
Published: May 2021

Der Begriff „Geistlicher Missbrauch“ bezeichnet eine Form von Machtmissbrauch im religiösen Kontext, die sowohl im katholischen als auch im freikirchlichen Raum beschrieben wurde. Bisher gab es aber kaum empirische Studien des Phänomens. Befragt wurden 105 Personen aus dem freikirchlichen Umfeld, die in einer Online-Umfrage angaben, einen spirituellen Missbrauch erlebt zu haben. Bei sieben Befragten wurde zudem ein ausführliches narratives Interview durchgeführt, das dann aufgrund der Methodik der Grounded Theory systematisch ausgewertet wurde. Folgende Formen des Missbrauchs wurden beschrieben: Bevormundung und Beschämung, Kleinhalten der Person, Machtansprüche aufgrund der Position, Missbrauch der Bibel oder von „Geistesgaben“, unangemessene Einmischung ins Privatleben, Ausbeutung, Gesetzlichkeit und Vermittlung eines falschen Gottesbildes. Keine Person beschrieb einen sexuellen Missbrauch. Die Auswirkung eines spirituellen Missbrauchs zeigt sich neben verschiedenen spirituellen und psychischen Auswirkungen in einer signifikanten Verminderung des Interesses an der Kirche (von 82 vor der Missbrauchserfahrung auf 33.9 Prozent danach), während die selben Personen weiterhin den persönlichen Glauben als wichtig erachteten (82 gegenüber 92 Prozent vor dem Missbrauch). Die Aussagen der Betroffenen in der Online-Umfrage und in den Interviews geben Einblicke in ihre Strategien der Bewältigung des Traumas mit den Schwerpunkten Abgrenzung, Eigenverantwortung und Veränderung der Führungskultur in den Kirchen.
Kombinierte Augmented Reality und 3D-Vermessung zur Inspektion großer mechanischer Bauteile
Authors: Sauer Steffen , Heizmann Michael , Berndt Dirk
Published: May 2021

In dieser Arbeit stellen wir einen neuen Ansatz zur geometrischen Inspektion großer mechanischer Bauteile vor. Dazu benutzen wir ein Portal, das auf einer Linearachse manuell verschoben werden kann. An dem Portal sind ein frei beweglicher 3D-Streifenlichtsensor und eine zusätzliche Augmented-Reality-Kamera angebracht. Insgesamt deckt das Portal einen Arbeitsraum von

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3
,
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,
8

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ab, wobei die Position und Orientierung der Sensoren in einem globalen Koordinatensystem durch ein optisches Motion-Capturing-System bestimmt werden. Es wird gezeigt, dass Nutzer mittels Augmented Reality sehr schnell und intuitiv grobe Geometrieabweichungen erkennen können. Zur detaillierten, metrischen Vermessung können 3D-Punktewolken aufgenommen und automatisiert ausgewertet werden.
Sprung in die zweite Reihe? Zu den lokalen Bedingungen rent gap-getriebener immobilienwirtschaftlicher Aufwertung in Brandenburgs Mittelstädten
Authors: Bůžek Richard , Mießner Michael
Published: May 2021

Gegenwärtig sind nicht mehr nur deutsche Großstädte von Immobilien- und Mietpreissteigerungen geprägt, sondern zunehmend auch die Wohnungsmärkte des metropolitanen Umlandes. Angesichts dieser Entwicklungen drängt sich die Frage auf, ob sich die Wohnungsfrage zunehmend auch auf Mittelstädte ausweitet. Der Beitrag geht dieser Frage mit Rückgriff auf die rent gap-Theorie nach. Diese versteht die Entwicklungen auf Immobilienmärkten nicht als abstrakte Automatismen der räumlichen Ausweitung immobilienwirtschaftlicher Aufwertung, sondern betont, dass die rent gap gesellschaftlich unter verschiedenen historisch-geographischen Bedingungen immer wieder neu hergestellt wird. Folglich diskutiert der Beitrag die konkreten lokalen Konstellationen aus angebots- und nachfrageseitigen Entwicklungen sowie stadtpolitischen Interventionen, die Grundrentensteigerungen ermöglichen. Als empirisches Beispiel dienen die brandenburgischen Zweite Reihe-Städte Fürstenwalde (Spree) und Neuruppin. Während beide Mittelstädte eine ähnliche Bevölkerungsentwicklung zu verzeichnen haben, sind sie verkehrsinfrastrukturell unterschiedlich gut an das Berliner Zentrum angebunden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich in der besser an Berlin angeschlossenen Stadt Fürstenwalde (Spree) keine rent gap öffnet, während in der weiter entfernten Stadt Neuruppin eine rent gap entsteht. Diese – den abstrakten Theorien räumlicher Ausbreitung von Immobilieninvestitionen entgegenstehenden – Forschungsergebnisse machen deutlich, dass die jeweiligen historisch-geographischen und lokalen Bedingungen entscheidend sind, um die Entstehung von rent gaps zu verstehen. Der Beitrag schlussfolgert, dass die Wirtschafts- und Stadtgeographie diesen Bedingungen größere Aufmerksamkeit widmen sollte, um Entwicklungen in Mittelstädten zu verstehen.
A convenient one-pot approach to the synthesis of novel pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles fused to heterocyclic systems and evaluation of their biological activity as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Ashram Muhammad , Al-Mustafa Ahmed , Al-Zereini Wael A. , Awwadi Firas F. , Ashram Islam
Published: May 2021

Pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles fused with various heterocycles, such as oxazolidine, oxazinane, imidazolidine, hexahydropyrimidine and benzimidazole, were synthesized transition metal-free by domino reactions which involved the condensation of 1-(2-bromoethyl)-3-chloro-1H-indole-2-carbaldehydes28–31with various nucleophilic amines, resulting in the formation of two new interesting fused heterocycles. The anticholinesterase, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the compounds were evaluated. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities were tested by Ellman’s assay, antioxidant activities were detected using the 2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) free-radical scavenging method and antibacterial activities were determined by agar diffusion tests. The oxazolo-pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles (8,10), the oxazino-pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles (16,18,19), the pyrimido-pyrazino[1,2-a]indole(22), and the benzoimidazo-pyrazino[1,2-a]indole (27) possessed the highest inhibitory activity against AChE with IC50values in the range 20–40 μg mL−1. The oxazolo-pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles (8,9), the imidazo-pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles (12,13), and the benzoimidazo-pyrazino[1,2-a]indole (24) revealed the highest antioxidant values with IC50values less than 300 μg mL−1. However, the oxazolo-pyrazino[1,2-a]indole (11) and imidazo-pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles (12,13) exhibited weak to moderate bioactivities against all tested Gram-positive bacteria, namelyStaphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilisandBacillus cereus.
ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND SENSORY QUALITY OF BEEF PATTIES FORMULATED WITH PENNYROYAL (Mentha pulegium L.) POWDER
Authors: GULIYEVA Farida , TURHAN Sadettin
Published: May 2021

The present study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory quality of beef patties containing different levels of pennyroyal powder (PP) during storage at 4 °C for up to 9 days. The PP was added to patties at 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, and 3.0% levels and compared to negative (without PP) and positive controls (0.01% propyl gallate). The PP addition decreased the protein content and increased the ash content (P <0.05). The PP inclusion improved cooking loss, but negatively affect the hardness and overall acceptability (P <0.05). However, overall acceptability scores of patties containing up to 1.5% PP were similar to the negative and positive controls (P >0.05). The PP incorporation improved the pH, lipid, and color stability during the storage period (P <0.05). Thus, the inclusion of 1.5% PP could be recommended to retard the lipid and color oxidation of patties with minimal compositional, textural, and sensory changes.