bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seen one, seen ‘em all? Do reports about law violations of a single politician impair the perceived trustworthiness of politicians in general and of the political system?
Authors: Halmburger Anna , Baumert Anna , Rothmund Tobias
Published: June 2019

By bringing together a sophisticated conceptualization of political trustworthiness (integrated model of trust) with theorizing from information processing (trait inferences, inclusion-exclusion model), our research aimed at investigating the impact of a politician’s unlawful behavior on political trust. In four experimental studies, we investigated how laypersons draw inferences from media reports about a politician’s law violation to the trustworthiness of (a) that politician, (b) politicians in general, and (c) the political system as a whole. Participants who read a bogus newspaper report about a violation of law (child pornography or financial fraud) ascribed lower integrity, benevolence, and competence to the respective politician compared to those in a control condition (Study 1, 3, & 4). The perceived trustworthiness of politicians in general and the political system was also found to be decreased in one study (Study 2), which did not include items asking for the trustworthiness of the law-violating politician. By contrast, two studies including such items revealed only indirect effects through the perceived trustworthiness of the politician in question (Study 3 & 4). Our results suggest that law violations negatively affect the responsible politicians. In line with the inclusion-exclusion model, the impact from the wrongdoing of one politician to all politicians or the political system seems to be highly influenced by boundary conditions.
Envolvimento e interesse local pela conservação da biodiversidade no Parque Estadual do Cantão
Authors: Gonçalves Angélica Beatriz Corrêa , Malvasio Adriana , Marques Elineide Eugênio , Mucari Talita Buttarello
Published: June 2019

A perda da biodiversidade pela extinção de espécies, por meio de desmatamentos e outras práticas causadoras da destruição irreversível de ecossistemas, como a sobrepesca, vem ocorrendo, globalmente, em números crescentes. Diretrizes acordadas no âmbito da Convenção sobre Diversidade Biológica (CDB) recomendam o estabelecimento de áreas protegidas como alternativa estratégica à perda da biodiversidade. O Sistema da Unidades de Conservação do Estado do Tocantins reflete o cenário brasileiro e de outras regiões tropicais, com níveis crescentes de ameaças, associados ao baixo conhecimento sobre biodiversidade e à incipiente efetividade de gestão. Neste artigo são abordados alguns aspectos da implementação do Parque Estadual do Cantão, analisando o ponto de vista das populações do entorno acerca do processo de consolidação da unidade. A pesca de captura é um problema global com aumento da perda de estoques. Pescadores locais percebem a importância da conservação dos ambientes naturais do parque como mantenedores dos estoques pesqueiros da região, no entanto, estão excluídos dos processos de implementação da unidade. A adoção de estratégias de longo prazo focadas na excelência de gestão e o estabelecimento de processos de avaliação do progresso de implementação, que inclua a participação dos stakeholders são propostas para garantir a consolidação do parque.
Information Security in Libraries
Authors: San Nicolas-Rocca Tonia , Burkhard Richard J
Published: June 2019

Libraries in the United States handle sensitive patron information, including personally identifiable information and circulation records. With libraries providing services to millions of patrons across the U.S., it is important that they understand the importance of patron privacy and how to protect it. This study investigates how knowledge transferred within an online cybersecurity education affects library employee information security practices. The results of this study suggest that knowledge transfer does have a positive effect on library employee information security and risk management practices.
The attainment set of the $\varphi$-envelope and genericity properties
Authors: Cabot A. , Jourani A. , Thibault L. , Zagrodny D.
Published: June 2019

The attainment set of the $\varphi$-envelope of a function at a given point is investigated. The inclusion of the attainment set of the $\varphi$-envelope of the closed convex hull of a function into the attainment set of the function is preserved in sufficiently general settings to encompass the case $\varphi$ being a norm in a power not less than $1$. The non-emptiness of the attainment set is guaranteed on generic subsets of a given space, in several fundamental cases.
A note on the van der Waerden complex
Authors: Hooper Becky , Van Tuyl Adam
Published: June 2019

Ehrenborg, Govindaiah, Park, and Readdy recently introduced the van der Waerden complex, a pure simplicial complex whose facets correspond to arithmetic progressions. Using techniques from combinatorial commutative algebra, we classify when these pure simplicial complexes are vertex decomposable or not Cohen-Macaulay. As a corollary, we classify the van der Waerden complexes that are shellable.
Variable opportunities for outcrossing result in hotspots of novel genetic variation in a pathogen metapopulation
Authors: Laine Anna-Liisa , Barrès Benoit , Numminen Elina , Siren Jukka P
Published: June 2019

Many pathogens possess the capacity for sex through outcrossing, despite being able to reproduce also asexually and/or via selfing. Given that sex is assumed to come at a cost, these mixed reproductive strategies typical of pathogens have remained puzzling. While the ecological and evolutionary benefits of outcrossing are theoretically well-supported, support for such benefits in pathogen populations are still scarce. Here, we analyze the epidemiology and genetic structure of natural populations of an obligate fungal pathogen, Podosphaera plantaginis. We find that the opportunities for outcrossing vary spatially. Populations supporting high levels of coinfection –a prerequisite of sex – result in hotspots of novel genetic diversity. Pathogen populations supporting coinfection also have a higher probability of surviving winter. Jointly our results show that outcrossing has direct epidemiological consequences as well as a major impact on pathogen population genetic diversity, thereby providing evidence of ecological and evolutionary benefits of outcrossing in pathogens.
Discovery of plasma messenger RNA as novel biomarker for gastric cancer identified through bioinformatics analysis and clinical validation
Authors: Cao Wei , Zhou Dan , Tang Weiwei , An Hanxiang , Zhang Yun
Published: June 2019

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, partially due to the lack of effective screening strategies. Thus, there is a stringent need for non-invasive biomarkers to improve patient diagnostic efficiency in GC.

Methods

This study initially filtered messenger RNAs (mRNAs) as prospective biomarkers through bioinformatics analysis. Clinical validation was conducted using circulating mRNA in plasma from patients with GC. Relationships between expression levels of target genes and clinicopathological characteristics were calculated. Then, associations of these selected biomarkers with overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter online tool.

Results

Based on a comprehensive analysis of transcriptional expression profiles across 5 microarrays, top 3 over- and underexpressed mRNAs in GC were generated. Compared with normal controls, expression levels ofcollagen type VI alpha 3 chain(COL6A3),serpin family H member 1 (SERPINH1)andpleckstrin homology and RhoGEF domain containing G1 (PLEKHG1)were significantly upregulated in GC plasmas. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves on the diagnostic efficacy of plasmaCOL6A3,SERPINH1andPLEKHG1mRNAs in GC showed that the area under the ROC (AUC) was 0.720, 0.698 and 0.833, respectively. Combined, these three biomarkers showed an elevated AUC of 0.907. Interestingly, the higherCOL6A3level was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in GC patients. High level ofSERPINH1mRNA expression was correlated with advanced age, poor differentiation, lower OS, andPLEKHG1was also associated with poor OS in GC patients.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that circulatingCOL6A3,SERPINH1andPLEKHG1mRNAs could be putative noninvasive biomarkers for GC diagnosis and prognosis.
Effect of assisted walking-movement in patients with genetic and acquired neuromuscular disorders with the motorised Innowalk device: an international case study meta-analysis
Authors: Schmidt-Lucke Caroline , Käferle Jana , Rydh Berner Britt-Marie , Ahlborg Lotta , Hansen Hege Marie , Skjellvik Tollefsen Ulrika , Thon Tonje , Damkjær Moen Rikke , Pekanovic Ana , Tornberg Åsa B. , Lauruschkus Katarina
Published: June 2019

People with physical disabilities (PD) suffer from consequences due to lack of physical activity and consequently, are at increased risk of chronic diseases. We aimed to evaluate the ability of a motorised assistive device for dynamic standing with weight-bearing in addition to standard state-of-the-art therapy to improve clinical outcome in a meta-analysis of available studies. A total of 11 studies were identified from different European countries analysing the effect of the dynamic device Innowalk. Raw data of nine studies were pooled including a total of 31 patients observed between 2009 and 2017. Standardised questionnaires and physical outcomes were examined in this exploratory meta-analysis. We recorded patients’ characteristics, duration, intensity, and location of usage as well as general clinical outcomes and improvement of passive range of motion (PROM). The analysed population consisted in 90% cases of patients younger than 18 years of age. Patients were severely disabled individuals (aged 8 (6–10) years; 58% male; 67% non-ambulatory, 86% cerebral palsy). A total of 94% used the Innowalk in a home-based or day-care setting. For nearly all individuals (94%), improvements were recorded for: walking or weight-bearing transfer (n= 13), control/strength of the trunk or head (n= 6), joint mobility (n= 14), sleep (n= 4 out of 6/67%), or muscle strength (n= 17), vital functions (n= 16), bowel function (n= 10), attention/orientation (n= 2). PROM of the hip (flexion, abduction, and adduction) significantly (p< 0.001 for multiple comparisons) increased after 1 month (p< 0.05 flexion, adduction) and further after 5 months (p< 0.05 each) in contrast (p< 0.05 each) to a control group with state-of-the-art therapy. Similarly, PROM showed a trend towards improvement in dorsal extension of the ankle (p= 0.07). In summary, this is the first report of a novel device with additional benefit to standard therapy for severe PD. These intriguing results warrant the planned prospective randomised controlled trial to prove the concept and mechanism of action of this device.
An Evaluation of the Performance of Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Scheme in Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibitoye S. J. , Saliu O. J.
Published: June 2019

The study evaluated the performance of Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Scheme in Kogi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 300 insured farmers. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The services provided by the scheme include; subsidized livestock, subsidized crops, commercial livestock, commercial crops, multiple cover, motor liability, fire, and special peril, general accident, engineering and bonds, and special risks. However, the study showed that insured farmers in the state were only engaged in subsidized crops (94.7%), subsidized livestock (44.3%), multiple covers (17.7%), and commercial crops (1.7%). The findings further showed that 92.7% of the insured farmers used the scheme occasionally. Commercial banks (99.3%) and cooperative societies (92%) were the major sources of information on agricultural insurance among the insured farmers. The study showed an improvement in the income of insured farmers after the scheme, though the marginal increase was not significant. Conclusively, the insurance scheme has not brought about the desired increase in farmers’ income.
The Impact of Coastal Forest Succession and the Healthcare Challenges in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Udom Ettemfon Silas , Ukpong Iniodu George , Udom Anietie
Published: June 2019

The impact of coastal forest succession and the healthcare challenges was conduct in some selected oil communities in Eastern Obolo. The area was abandoned after severe environment devastation by Oil Company. The major objective of the study was to determine how successions by exotic plants, impacted on the healthcare need of the people. Questionnaires, structured group – discussion and field survey were used to obtained primary data from the field, while internet and library provided the secondary data. Three 25 x 25 cm plots with replicates were designed for recording of plants of 1.0 m in height. ANOVA was employed to determine the relationship between coastal succession and healthcare challenges of the people. From the result, it was observed that succession by Nypa fruticans and the extinction of the original plants were evidence. The soil analysis shows that the nutrients were relatively normal for mangrove ecosystem. Tidal actions, deforestation, pollution, channelization, rise in sea level and flooding were factors that facilitates succession (Xs). Loss of medicinal plants, loss of herbs, low income, proximity to healthcare centres and drugs availability/affordability were healthcare challenges indices (Y). The regression of the Xs and Y variables were significant at 0.05% probability test. It was concluded that loss of medicinal plants, herbs, inaccessibility of health facilities and low income due to succession by exotic Nypa fruticans constituted a serious health problems to the coastal people.
Convergence of the Ishikawa Type Iteration Process with Errors of I-Asymptotically Quasi-nonexpansive Mappings in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Rahman Ashfaque Ur , Qureshi K. , Modi Geeta , Ughade Manoj
Published: June 2019

The goal of this article is to consider an Ishikawa type iteration process with errors to approximate the fixed point of -asymptotically quasi non-expansive mapping in convex cone metric spaces. Our results extend and generalize many known results from complete generalized convex metric spaces to cone metric spaces.
Application of Moringa in the Removal of Salts from the Desalinator Reject
Authors: Filho A. J. Gomes , Paiva S. C. de , Takaki G. M. C. , Messias A. S.
Published: June 2019

This study aims to analyze the reject produced by the desalinators implanted in the semi-arid Pernambuco in contact with the seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam. For this, Moringa seeds were collected and prepared with the following treatments: reject (control), reject with whole seed with and without husks, reject with crushed seed with and without husks, seed residue with and without husks, in five replicas. Each replica was constituted with doses equivalent to 2.0 g of Moringa seeds for 200 mL of reject, with contact time corresponding to 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes, in a completely randomized design, under laboratory conditions, total of 140 experimental units. The physical-chemical and statistical analyses were performed through analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the F test, at confidence interval of 95%. It has been found through laboratory tests that seeds with crushed or ground Moringa husks are equally effective at adsorbing sodium from 1,868,0 mg/L to 24,6 mg/L (98,7 %), calcium from 1,005.0 mg/L to 894.6 mg/L (11%), magnesium from 741.0 mg/L to 728.3 mg/L (1.7%) and chloride from 6,997.5 mg/L to 6,782.4 mg/L (1.8%). Therefore, Moringa seed can be considered promising in the adsorption of chemical elements of saline water desalinizers.
Flood Vulnerability Assessment of Afikpo South Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Okonufua Endurance , Olajire Olabanji O. , Ojeh Vincent N.
Published: June 2019

The study was conducted in Afikpo South Local Government covering a total area of 331.5km2. Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) were integrated with multicriteria analysis to delineate the flood vulnerable areas. Seven criteria were considered; rainfall, runoff, slope, distance to drainage, drainage density, landuse and landcover, and soil. The various criteria were fit into fuzzy membership classes based on their effect in causing flood. The fuzzy members of all criteria were then overlaid to generate the flood vulnerability map. The result of the flood vulnerability map shows that very low vulnerable zones cover 86.7% of the total area, low vulnerable zones cover 1.6% of the total area, moderate vulnerable zones cover 2.17% of the total area, highly vulnerable zones cover 2.3% of the total area while very highly vulnerable zones cover 7.3% of the total area. Built up was used as a measure of the effect of flooding on human lives and properties in Afikpo South Local Government. Built up covers a total area of 38.6km2. Over sixty eight (69.8%) of built up lies in very low vulnerable zone, 3% lies in low vulnerable zone, 3.7% lies in moderate vulnerable zone, 0.6% lies in highly vulnerable zone and 17.9% lies in very highly vulnerable zone. The study provides information on target areas that may be affected by flood in Afikpo South Local Government. This information is useful for decision making on flood early warning and preparedness as well as in mitigation preparedness within Afikpo LGA.
Competitiveness among Rhizobia for Nodulation of Introduced Leguminous Tree Gliricidia sepium in a Sub-Saharan Sandy Soil
Authors: Diouf Adama , Ndiaye Malick , Fall-Ndiaye Mame Arama , Diop Tahir Abdoulaye
Published: June 2019

Agroforestry systems are progressively integrated by small farmer holder to mitigate agricultural production charge and contribute to sustainable agriculture by restoring and maintaining sandy soil fertility. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to test the nodulation level of introduced Gliricidia sepium tree with foreign rhizobial reference strains TAL1769 and TAL1770 against native rhizobial community using PCR/RFLP techniques. Restriction patterns of the two inoculated reference strains obtained for 16S – 23S rDNA - IGS were different to those of indigenous rhizobia detected in all remained nodules collected from root plants regarding the restriction enzymes HaeIII and MspI. Nodule occupancy rates of the reference strains and native rhizobial strains of profile F ranged from 18.36 to 22.45 and were higher compared to others rhizobial strains detected in gliricidia rhizosphere. Therefore, regarding its high competitiveness level, the native rhizobial strain may be considered as a good candidate to inoculate the introduced legume tree gliricidia.
Serum Visfatin in Preeclampsia and Normal Pregnancy in Lagos, South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Oshodi Yusuf Abisowo , Rabiu Kabiru Afolarin , Onyinyechi Agbara Joy , Motunrayo Akinlusi Fatimat , Taiwo Kuye Olufunmilayo , Folashade Olalere Haleemah , Onyekwere Chioma Ann
Published: June 2019

Background: Adipocytokines have been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Visfatin is one of such adipokines.

Objective: To determine the association between serum visfatin levels and preeclampsia.

Methods: A prospective, case-control study was carried out in 160 pregnant women consisting of 80 pre-eclamptics and 80 normotensive controls, matched for age and parity during the third trimester. Maternal serum visfatin levels were determined in both groups using a visfatin (Human) enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. Serum Visfatin levels were compared between the groups and correlated to the blood pressure, proteinuria, fetal birth weight and Apgar scores.

Results: The mean serum visfatin level was significantly higher (10.3±6.9 ng/ml) in preeclampsia than (7.4±4.4 ng/ml) in the control group (p=0.001). The mean serum visfatin level was higher in severe pre-eclamptics (10.8±8.9 ng/ml) compared to (9.6±5.8ng/ml) in mild preeclamptics and this was statistically significant (p=0.021). Visfatin levels showed a negative and non-significant correlation with both systolic (r= -0.011 and p=0.924), diastolic blood pressure (r= -0.012, p=0.913) and body mass index (r= -0.142, p=0.209) in both study and control groups. Mean birth weight was significantly lower in the preeclampsia (2.8±0.25 kg) compared to the control group (3.2±0.31 kg) P=0.000. the mean birth weight was lower in severe preeclampsia (2.7±0.25 kg compared to 2.9±0.39 in mild preeclamsia. There was no significant correlation between the visfatin levels and Apgar score at 5minutes and birth weights in both groups (P=>0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed a significant increase in the level of visfatin in preeclampsia compared to their normo-tensive controls. However, this increased level was not consistent with the severity of the disease.
Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Studies of the Crude Extracts of the Leaves of Carica papaya Linn (Pawpaw) and Psidium guajava Linn (Guava)
Authors: Alexander Priscilla , Sudi Ismaila Yada , Tizhe Martin
Published: June 2019

Psidium Guajava (Guava) and Carica Papaya leaves which have some ethnomedicinal applications were investigated. Phytochemical screening of their leaves revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, tannins and glycosides. Antimicrobial screening of the crude ethanolic extracts showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for P. gujava on the organism was found to be 5.00 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli and S. faecalis, while that of C. papaya leaves is 10.00 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli and 8.00 mg/ml against S. faecalis respectively. C. papaya ethanolic extract showed more active inhibition against S. aureus with mean zone inhibition of 9.54 ± 0.03.  P.   gujava ethanolic extract has more active inhibition against E. coli with antibacterial activity with mean zone of inhibition of 10.44±0.02 and S. faecalis with mean zone of inhibition of 6.72 ± 0.01 respectively.  This study showed that the leaves extract of these plants are good sources of bioactive compounds. Demonstration of antibacterial activity against the test isolates is an indication that there is possibility of sourcing alternative antibiotic substances in these plants for the production of newer antibacterial agents. These plants therefore, could be an important source of medicine for the treatment of various diseases.
Inhibition of amyloid‐induced toxicity by ergothioneine in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model
Authors: Cheah Irwin K. , Ng Li‐Theng , Ng Li‐Fang , Lam Vanessa Y. , Gruber Jan , Huang Cheryl Y.W. , Goh Fang‐Qin , Lim Keith H.C. , Halliwell Barry
Published: June 2019

The abnormal accumulation of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) is recognized as a central component in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. While many aspects of Aβ‐mediated neurotoxicity remain elusive, Aβ has been associated with numerous underlying pathologies, including oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, metal ion imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and even tau pathology. Ergothioneine (ET), a naturally occurring thiol/thione‐derivative of histidine, has demonstrated antioxidant and neuroprotective properties against various oxidative and neurotoxic stressors. This study investigates ET’s potential to counteract Aβ‐toxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans overexpressing a human Aβ peptide. The accumulation of Aβ in this model leads to paralysis and premature death. We show that ET dose‐dependently reduces Aβ‐oligomerization and extends the lifespan and healthspan of the nematodes.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and cell senescence: deciphering a complex relationship
Authors: Chapman James , Fielder Edward , Passos João F.
Published: June 2019

Cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction have both been defined as classical hallmarks of the ageing process. Here, we review the intricate relationship between the two. In the context of ageing, it is now well regarded that cellular senescence is a key driver in both ageing and the onset of a number of age‐related pathologies. Emerging evidence has pinpointed mitochondria as one of the key modulators in the development of the senescence phenotype, particularly the pro‐inflammatory senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This review focuses on the contribution of homeostatic mechanisms, as well as of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial metabolites in the senescence programme. Furthermore, we discuss emerging pathways and mitochondrial‐mediated mechanisms that may be influencing the SASP and, subsequently, explore how these may be exploited to open up new therapeutic avenues.
The 40 Years’ Evolution of the Chinese Adult and Continuing Education: Where Does it Move Driven by the China Dream?
Authors: Sun Qi , Chang Bo
Published: June 2019

This paper charts the historical and political contexts for the evolution of Chinese adult and continuing education over the past 40 years, focusing on the national adult education reforms and relevant policies, and establishing the national lifelong education system. The progress and transformations of Chinese adult education, including how purposes and roles of adult education have been defined and adjusted to meet the needs, is situated and contextualized in the three main eras, under four Chinese leaderships to clearly understand each ideological foundation and national strategic plan. Reflections on the changes in the Chinese adult education landscape lead to some theoretical understandings of China's ideological shifts and a focus that moved from adult education to vocational and adult education, toward building a lifelong education system, serving the realization of the China Dream, through the current Xi's One Belt and One Road national initiative. Finally, this paper concludes and shares implications.
Building a Learning Society: Perspective From Thailand
Authors: Charungkaittikul Suwithida
Published: June 2019

The concept of lifelong learning is deeply entrenched in Thai culture and tradition. Gradually moving from a primarily agricultural society toward a manufacturing, industrial and service, and society with the goal of becoming a learning society, Thailand needs to offer its people with more lifelong learning opportunities and support to continuously upgrade their lives. This article presents keys aspects regarding lifelong learning, and reviews several Thai nation policies and initiatives for the development of lifelong learning activities toward building a learning society in the Thai context. Case studies presented reflect efforts have been made to help raise local citizens’ awareness to the transformation of communities, cities, and regions into a learning society in Thailand. This article may help provide some developmental guidelines for countries that are in the similar processes of cultivating lifelong learning environment and culture for a sustainable development of a society.
Building a Learning City for Sustainable Development: Spotlight on Beijing, China
Authors: Yuan Dayong , Gui Min , Shen Xinyi
Published: June 2019

The idea of building learning cities is one of the important strategies for implementing lifelong learning in China. It is well accepted through policymaking, research, and practice. This article provides an overview of building a learning city in Beijing. Three cases offer perspectives that explain the structure, policy, and practice of building a learning city: the Community Colleges, an important provider of learning recourses to various learners; the Adult Schools in Daxing, another type of provider from the administrative district offering adult education programs for the local residents; and a learning organization of Shougang, a state owned enterprise that provides learning activities to their employees, updating knowledge and skills for competitiveness and production. It concludes that supported by national and local policies, Beijing has established a system serving as an exemplary model city to practice lifelong learning through and for individuals, institutions, and society at large to achieve the goal of sustainable development for this increasingly developing mega city.
Lifelong Learning on the Go: English Language Mobile Learning in China
Authors: Kang Haijun , Lin Xi
Published: June 2019

As China is playing an active role in the World's politics, economy, and cultural circles, being able to communicate in English has become one of the basic life and work skills and a key for global access and integration. High mobile technology penetration, together with the proliferation of mobile learning applications, have made it possible for Chinese adult learners to learn English on the go. Mobile technology's core features including portability, instant power‐on, on‐demand, and the ability to accommodate multimodal learning styles and preferences are accounted for to describe mobile learning apps’ affordances for lifelong adult learners’ English learning. Four popular English language learning apps, are compared to illustrate how Chinese lifelong adult learners are learning English on the go.
Japanese Social Education and Kominkan Practice: Focus on Residents’ Self‐Learning in Community
Authors: Wang Qianran
Published: June 2019

This article introduces Kominkan and its practice on Japanese social education and how it facilitates Japanese adult education and lifelong learning in local communities. Historically, social education was understood as all education that promotes social development and societal progress. Kominkan, as Japanese social education institutions for citizens, contribute to community development and resolve community issues and problems through self‐determined learning. Nowadays, Kominkan is declining mainly because of administration reasons. However, the need of restoring Kominkan is recognized and reconfirmed in practice. Through elaborating two practices in urban and rural areas in Nagano Prefecture in Japan, it is confirmed that, though Kominkan is under the administration of education bureau, the main idea of Kominkan has always centered on local residents’ self‐learning and encouraging residents’ self‐government on cultivating the community. The practice of Kominkan infuses new insights into empowering communities while promoting lifelong learning and a learning society at local level.
Adoption of Lifelong Learning Policies and Reterritorialization of Adult Education in East Asia
Authors: Choi Seonjoo , Han Soonghee
Published: June 2019

This article, through the sketched history from the mid‐1940s to current, presents the dynamics of adult education in East Asia traditionally called social education, that has survived after lifelong learning has been adopted, assimilated, and dominates the whole pattern of practice. This article argues that the soul of adult education has been unfading in the changing landscape of lifelong learning in East Asia.
Compressive Properties of Aluminum Matrix Syntactic Foams Prepared by Stir Casting Method
Authors: Su Mingming , Wang Han , Hao Hai
Published: June 2019

Aluminum matrix syntactic foams with the density of 1.68–2.05 g cm−3 are prepared by the stir casting method. Al2O3 hollow spheres with a volume fraction of 38–48% are chosen as reinforcement and their diameters had three ranges. Ca particles increased melt viscosity to ensure uniform dispersion and good interfacial wettability of the hollow spheres in matrixes. Quasi‐static compression tests are performed. The results show that the mechanical properties and energy absorption capacity increased with decreasing size of the hollow spheres and increasing density of syntactic foams. For the same size hollow spheres and the same density gradient, the T6‐ZL111 matrix syntactic foams had the highest properties, while the cpAl matrix syntactic foams had the lowest values. Macroscopically, relative to plastic collapse, brittle fracture of syntactic foams dominated in compression process. The microscopic deformation and failure mechanism related to matrix plasticity, heat treatment, and density of syntactic foams.
pH‐Triggered Conformational Change of Antp‐Based Drug Delivery Platform for Tumor Treatment with Combined Photothermal Therapy and Chemotherapy
Authors: Liang Peiqing , Wang Mohong , Zhang Shixiong , Wang Jiayu , Dai Chunlei , Quan Changyun
Published: June 2019

Poor cellular uptake and low therapeutic efficacy of small‐molecule antitumor drugs limit the application of drug delivery systems (DDSs) in cancer therapy. A conformational change of the Antp mimetic peptide (AMP) in tumor microenvironments can greatly increase the cellular uptake as well as control drug release from a DDS. In this study, AMP‐based nanoparticles (AMP‐NPs) conjugated with tyroserleutide (YSL), an immunologically therapeutic tripeptide, are designed to encapsulate doxorubicin (Dox) and indocyanine green (ICG) to improve cellular uptake and cancer therapeutic efficacy by combining chemotherapy with photothermal therapy. In vitro studies verify that AMP‐NPs can control the release of Dox and YSL at different pH values. Cell experiments show that AMP‐NPs can promote the cellular uptake of Dox, and YSL can promote hepatocarcinoma cell (H22) apoptosis through downregulating Bcl‐2 and cyclin D1 expression. In a mouse xenograft model using H22 cells, tumors are ablated when Dox‐ and ICG‐loaded AMP‐NPs are injected with the combination of hyperthermia effect induced by near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation and chemotherapy from Dox and YSL. The pH‐, photothermal‐, and glutathione‐responsive AMP‐NPs with a conformational transition strategy can be utilized to synergistically enhance the cancer therapeutic efficacy with few side effects upon NIR laser irradiation.
Biomimetic Shape–Color Double‐Responsive 4D Printing
Authors: Wang Jingchun , Wang Zhenguo , Song Zhengyi , Ren Luquan , Liu Qingping , Ren Lei
Published: June 2019

An emerging technology for producing programmable stimuli‐response materials, 4D printing, is currently confined to shape changing. A new type of 4D printing technology that produces shape–color double‐responsive materials similar to those ubiquitous in biomaterials systems, such as octopuses simultaneously altering their skin color and shape in response to environmental stimuli, is presented. Shape–color double‐responsive composites are prepared through the incorporation of shape‐memory polymer (polylactic acid) and thermochromic pigments. Using the prepared composites and a fused deposition modeling 3D printer, shape–color double‐responsive 4D printing is achieved. The influence of the process parameters and stimulus methods on the characteristics of 4D deformation and discoloration is investigated. Furthermore, by regulating the geometry, process parameters, and stimulus conditions, the speed of shape changing and color transition can be controlled simultaneously. Finally, as a proof‐of‐concept, biomimetic soft robots with shape–color dual responses, including a color‐shifting blooming flower and a camouflaging octopus, are demonstrated. Compared with previously reported 4D printing technologies, this research offers a facile method for manufacturing multiresponsive active composites. The developed shape–color double‐responsive 4D printing method is expected to be helpful for exploring the full potential of 4D printing.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Dihydronaphthalene‐1,4‐Diones via Carbene‐Catalyzed Stereodivergent Reaction
Authors: Zhao Zhifei , Yang Shuang , Lan Shouang , Liu Jinggong , Liu Shuhua , Fang Xinqiang
Published: June 2019

2‐Hydroxy‐2,3‐dihydronaphthalene‐1,4‐diones (HDNDs) are ubiquitous in natural products and bioactive molecules, but the rapid asymmetric construction of such scaffolds remains a significant challenge to date. Reported herein is the rapid construction of the above key units via carbene‐catalyzed benzoin reaction. The resolution technique of divergent reaction on racemic mixture (divergent RRM) was employed, affording both isomers of HDNDs in a one‐step fashion. Disubstituted substrates afford products with two contiguous quaternary stereocenters. A series of highly selective transformations on the products can be realized, and mechanistic studies indicate that the benzoin reaction is much faster than the racemization process and the aldol reaction.

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3D anthropometric assessment and perception of male body morphology in relation to physical strength
Authors: Kordsmeyer Tobias L. , Stern Julia , Penke Lars
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The assessment of men's physical strength is an important part of human social perception, for which observers rely on different kinds of cues. However, besides previous studies being limited in considerable ways, as yet there is no comprehensive investigation of a range of somatometric measures in relation to both objectively measured and observer‐perceived physical strength using valid stimuli.

Methods

We examined observer‐perceptions of physical strength from 3D body scans of n = 165 men, the usage and validity of somatometric measures as cues to strength, differences between strength ratings from stimuli presented on computer monitors vs in real‐life size using a projector, and between male and female observers.

Results

A medium‐sized correlation between measured and perceived strength was found, partly mediated by target men's chest‐to‐hip ratio, body density, ankle girth, height, upper arm, and forearm girth. No significant differences between men's and women's strength perceptions or the method of stimuli presentation (computer monitor vs projector) emerged.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that men's physical strength can be assessed with moderate accuracy from 3D body models and that some somatometric measures represent valid cues, which were used by observers, positively predicting both measured and perceived physical strength.
The Football Players’ Health Study at Harvard University: Design and objectives
Authors: Zafonte Ross , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Baggish Aaron , Weisskopf Marc G. , Taylor Herman A. , Connor Ann , Baker Jillian , Cohan Sarah , Valdivia Chelsea , Courtney Theodore K. , Cohen I. Glenn , Speizer Frank E. , Nadler Lee M.
Published: June 2019

The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University (FPHS) is a unique transdisciplinary, strategic initiative addressing the challenges of former players’ health after having participated in American style football (ASF). The whole player focused FPHS is designed to deepen understanding of the benefits and risks of participation in ASF, identify risks that are potentially reversible or preventable, and develop interventions or approaches to improve the health and wellbeing of former players. We are recruiting and following a cohort of former professional ASF players who played since 1960 (current n = 3785). At baseline, participants complete a self‐administered standardized questionnaire, including initial reporting of exposure history and physician‐diagnosed health conditions. Additional arms of the initiative are addressing targeted studies, including promising primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions; extensive in‐person clinical phenotyping, and legal and ethical concerns of the play. This paper describes the components of the FPHS studies undertaken and completed thus far, as well as those studies currently underway or planned for the near future. We present our initiatives herein as a potential paradigm of one way to proceed (acknowledging that it is not the only way). We share what we have learned so that it may be useful to others, particularly in regard to trying to make professional sports meet the needs of multiple stakeholders ranging from players to owners, to fans, and possibly even to parents making decisions for their children.
A Triangular Platinum(II) Multinuclear Complex with Cytotoxicity Towards Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Eskandari Arvin , Kundu Arunangshu , Ghosh Sushobhan , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: June 2019

The preparation of multinuclear metal complexes offers a route to novel anticancer agents and delivery systems. The potency of a novel triangular multinuclear complex containing three platinum atoms, Pt‐3, towards breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) is reported. The trinuclear platinum(II) complex, Pt‐3 exhibits selective toxicity towards breast CSCs over bulk breast cancer cells and non‐tumorigenic breast cells. Remarkably, Pt‐3 inhibits the formation, size, and viability of mammospheres to a better extent than salinomycin, an established CSC‐potent agent, and cisplatin and carboplatin, clinically used platinum drugs. Mechanism of action studies show that Pt‐3 effectively enters breast CSCs, penetrates the nucleus, induces genomic DNA damage, and prompts caspase‐dependent apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, Pt‐3 is the first multinuclear platinum complex to selectively kill breast CSCs over other breast cell types.
When Nanozymes Meet Single‐Atom Catalysis
Authors: Jiao Lei , Yan Hongye , Wu Yu , Gu Wenling , Zhu Chengzhou , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: June 2019

Nanomaterials with enzyme‐like activities, coined nanozymes, have been researched widely as they offer unparalleled advantages in terms of low cost, superior activity, and high stability. The complex structure and composition of nanozymes has led to extensive investigation of their catalytic sites at an atomic scale, and to an in‐depth understanding of the biocatalysis occurring. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs), characterized by atomically dispersed active sites, have provided opportunities for mimicking metalloprotease and for bridging the gap between natural enzymes and nanozymes. In this Minireview, we illustrate the unique properties of nanozymes and we discuss recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of SACs. Subsequently, we outline the impressive progress made in single‐atom nanozymes and we discuss their applications in sensing, degradation of organic pollutants, and in therapeutic roles. Finally, we present the major challenges and opportunities remaining for a successful marriage of nanozymes and SACs.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Activated Carbon Composite Materials for the Removal of Ammonia from Contaminated Airstreams
Authors: McHugh Lauren N. , Terracina Angela , Wheatley Paul S. , Buscarino Gianpiero , Smith Martin W. , Morris Russell E.
Published: June 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials that show promise in the removal of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) from contaminated airstreams, though their development for this application has so far been hindered by issues of water stability and the wide availability and low cost of traditionally used activated carbons. Here a series of three MOF‐activated carbon composite materials with different MOF to carbon ratios are prepared by growing STAM‐17‐OEt crystals inside the commercially available BPL activated carbon. The composite materials display excellent water stability and increased uptake of ammonia gas when compared to unimpregnated carbon. Such properties make these composites very promising in the fields of air purification and personal protective equipment.
In‐situ Chemiluminescence‐Driven Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain‐Transfer Photopolymerization
Authors: De Alwis Watuthanthrige Nethmi , Allegrezza Michael L. , Dolan Madison T. , Kloster Alex J. , Kovaliov Marina , Averick Saadyah , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: June 2019

The power of chemical light generation (chemiluminescence) is used to drive polymerization reactions. A biphasic reaction is developed such that light‐generating reactions are confined to the organic phase and photopolymerization occurs in the aqueous phase. Well‐defined RAFT‐capped polymers are synthesized and the kinetics are shown to be dictated by light generation.
Developing A “Polysulfide‐Phobic” Strategy to Restrain Shuttle Effect in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: He Yibo , Qiao Yu , Chang Zhi , Cao Xin , Jia Min , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: June 2019

Inspired by hydrophobic interface, a novel design of “polysulfide‐phobic” interface was proposed and developed to restrain shuttle effect in lithium–sulfur batteries. Two‐dimensional VOPO4 sheets with adequate active sites were employed to immobilize the polysulfides through the formation of a V−S bond. Moreover, owing to the intrinsic Coulomb repulsion between polysulfide anions, the surface anchored with polysulfides can be further evolved into a “polysulfide‐phobic” interface, which was demonstrated by the advanced time/space‐resolved operando Raman evidences. In particular, by introducing the “polysulfide‐phobic” surface design into separator fabrication, the lithium–sulfur battery performed a superior long‐term cycling stability. This work expands a novel strategy to build a “polysulfide‐phobic” surface by “self‐defense” mechanism for suppressing polysulfides shuttle, which provides new insights and opportunities to develop advanced lithium–sulfur batteries.
Asymmetric Hydrocyanation of Alkenes without HCN
Authors: Li Xiuxiu , You Cai , Yang Jiaxin , Li Shuailong , Zhang Dequan , Lv Hui , Zhang Xumu
Published: June 2019

A general and efficient rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric cyanide‐free hydrocyanation of alkenes has been developed. Based on the asymmetric hydroformylation/condensation/aza‐Cope elimination sequences, a broad scope of substrates including mono‐substituted, 1,2‐, and 1,1‐disubstituted alkenes (involving natural product R‐ and S‐limonene) were employed, and a series of valuable chiral nitriles are prepared with high yields (up to 95 %) and enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee). Notably, the critical factor to achieve high enantioseletivies is the addition of catalytic amount of benzoic acid. This novel methodology provides an efficient and concise synthetic route to the intermediate of vildagliptin and anagliptin.
Physiochemical properties and novel biological applications of Callistemon viminalis‐mediated α‐Cr2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Hassan Dilawar , Khalil Ali Talha , Solangi Amber Rehana , El‐Mallul Ahmed , Shinwari Zabta Khan , Maaza Malik
Published: June 2019

We report an eco‐friendly synthesis of α‐Cr2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) using Callistemon viminalis (Bottle Brush) flower extracts as an efficient reducing and capping agent. NPs of sizes 15 nm and 17 nm were synthesized by annealing them at 400°C and 500°C, respectively, which were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV–Vis, Fourier transform‐infrared, high‐resolution‐transmission electron microscopy/scanning electron microscopy, SAED, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and SQUID. Microplate‐based assay was used for examining antibacterial potential against 12 pathogenic bacterial strains, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations were calculated. MTT cytotoxic assay was accomplished on Leishmania tropica amastigotes and promastigotes, which revealed IC50 values of 44 μg/ml and 10.56 μg/ml, respectively. An IC50 value of 46.32 μg/ml was obtained for HepG2 cancer cells. Enzyme inhibition studies indicated good acetylcholinesterase, moderate butyrylcholinesterase and low alpha‐glucosidase inhibition. Hemolytic assay indicated hemocompatibility at low concentration. In addition, good DPPH radical scavenging and moderate reducing power and total antioxidant potential was revealed by α‐Cr2O3 NPs.
A lithium‐organic framework as a fluorescent sensor for detecting aluminum (III) ion
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Ren Guojian , Ding Shunan , Wang Fuxiang , Yang Weiting , Liang Zhiqiang , Pan Qinhe
Published: June 2019

Due to the low coordination number and the relatively weak coordination ability, it is a great challenge to introduce Li+ into the construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Here, one Li‐based metal–organic framework (Li‐MOF), [Li4L(DMF)2]n (HNU‐31), is constructed by the assembly of LiNO3 and 5‐(bis(4‐carboxybenzyl)amino)isophthalic acid (H4L) ligand, which possesses a 3D framework, and can be serve as a luminescent sensor for detecting Al3+ ion with the detection limit of 4 × 10−6 M.