bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjudicating Cryptocurrencies at the WTO: Potential Threshold and Substantive Issues
Authors: Chandy Sandeep Thomas , Bhardwaj Prakhar
Published: August 2020

Taking Venezuela’s complaint against the United States at the World Trade Organisation (“WTO”) as the inflection point, this Article will explore whether a characterisation of cryptocurrencies as a ‘currency’ (similar to a fiat currency) would ensure that cryptocurrencies are not covered by WTO disciplines on goods and services. Despite customary international law principles such as ius cudendae monetae and the persuasive argument that a ‘currency’ is neither a good or service – the Article answers this question in the negative. It will divide issues that can arise during such a WTO dispute into three categories: threshold, substantive and compliance issues. Threshold issues would involve interpretative challenges to determine whether the General Agreement on Trade in Services (“GATS”) and General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (“GATT”) regulate cryptocurrencies. Since the GATS Schedule of Commitments has historically been interpreted in a technologically neutral manner, identifying cryptocurrencies as a ‘service’ may not prove to be insurmountable. However, the claim that cryptocurrencies are barter goods that will be subject to disciplines of the GATT deserves critical scrutiny – more so because the GATT regulates tangible products and contains specific provisions relating to balance-of-payments. The Article also undertakes a theoretical analysis of the heterodoxical nature of the cryptocurrency to evaluate whether it can be classified as a ‘security’ within the meaning of the GATS’ Annex on Financial Services. These threshold issues are, however, the tip of the iceberg. Once a WTO Panel commences its analysis, the substantive issues for consideration would involve determining whether a unique product such as cryptocurrencies has a ‘like product’ in the respondent Member’s market. Further, the Panel’s analysis would involve a consideration relating to ‘general exceptions’ under Article XIV, GATS or Article XX, GATT which would entail an examination of whether the measure was necessary to achieve, amongst other regulatory objectives, either compliance with domestic regulations or the maintenance of public order. If the measure adversely impacting cryptocurrencies is determined to be WTO-inconsistent, issues of compliance and suspension of concessions are imminent. WTO Panels have historically estimated the . quantum of suspensions of concessions by determining the trade volumes affected by the WTO-inconsistent measure and factoring it for a future time period. The decentralised nature of the distributed ledger technology underlying cryptocurrencies complicates any country-specific quantification of the impact on trade volumes of cryptocurrencies affected by the WTO inconsistent measure. Accordingly, determining suspensions of concessions in relation to cryptocurrencies would require significant judicial innovation by the arbitrator. Adjudicating Cryptocurrencies at the WTO: Potential Threshold and Substantive Issues.
Hedging devices in applied linguistics research papers: Do gender and nativeness matter?
Authors: Weisi Hiwa , Asakereh Ahmad
Published: August 2020

The present study aims at investigating the impact of gender and being native and non-native on the use of hedging devices in the discussion part of Applied Linguistics research papers written by native English/non-native (Iranian) male and female research writers. To this end, 60 Applied Linguistic research papers (15 for each group of research writers) were investigated based on Salager-Meyer, Françoise. 1994. Hedges and textual communicative function in medical English written discourse. English for Specific Purposes 13(2). 149–170 taxonomy. The results of Chi-square analyses indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between male and female research writers in terms of the frequency of use of hedging devices adopted in the discussion part of the research papers in the realm of Applied Linguistics. Moreover, the results of the study showed that the discussion parts of Applied Linguistics research papers written by male and female native English research writers were more hedged than those written by their Iranian counterparts. The pedagogical and implications of the findings are dealt with in the discussion and conclusion sections of the study.
Propylene carbonate synthesis from propylene oxide and CO2 over Ga-Silicate-1 catalyst
Authors: Aouissi Ahmed , Aldhayan Dhaifallah , Abduh Naaser A. Y. , Kahtani Abdullah Al
Published: August 2020

Gallosilicate zeolite (Ga-Silicate-1) was synthesized and characterized by wet chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, BET surface area analysis and29Si MAS NMR. The prepared Ga-Silicate-1, calcined in the temperature range from 350°C to 550°C, was tested as a catalyst for the synthesis of propylene carbonate (PC) from CO2and propylene oxide in a solvent-free reaction. The effects of various parameters, such as co-catalyst, reaction temperature, reaction time, and pressure of CO2, on the reaction were investigated. It has been found that increasing the calcination temperature from 500°C to 550°C decreased both the conversion and selectivity to PC from 63.7% to 20.6% and from 77.6% to 58.9%, respectively. Unlike conversion and selectivity, the surface area increased from 96.1 to 103.8 m2/g. This significant increase in surface area due to the degalliation of the zeolite, along with the decrease in conversion, clearly indicates the role of gallium in the production of PC. Under mild reaction conditions (75°C andP(CO2)= 0.55 MPa), a conversion of 70.8% and a selectivity of 81.3% were obtained. Based on the obtained results, a mechanism for the synthesis of PC over the Ga-Silicate-1 catalyst was proposed.
Does watching violent electronic and social media content lead to increased levels of aggression? A survey among adolescents in an urban slum of metropolitan Karachi
Authors: Tahir Ayesha , Baig Lubna Ansari , Ahmer Zaeema
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Increased levels of aggression and desensitization of adolescents has been witnessed as a result of exposure to violent social/electronic media content. It is imperative for policymakers to study such behavioral outcomes in order to make sound policies regarding media literacy. The objective of the study therefore was to assess relationship between violent electronic/social media exposure and level of aggression.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 9–19 years in peri-urban slum of Karachi. Content-based Media Exposure scale and Buss and Perry questionnaire, internationally validated tools were used to collect data. Level of aggression was the main outcome variable which was analyzed.

Results

Four hundred and twenty-two adolescents participated in the survey. Usage of television was significantly higher in the younger age group whereas the effect of watching violent content among the adolescents varied. It was observed that 153 (36.3%) respondents felt stressed and 24 (5.7%) felt aggressive after watching violent content on electronic and social media. The contents showing people who fight (39.6 ± 5.6, p-value<0.05), who steal (39.5 ± 7.5, p-value=<0.05) and destroyed someone else’s belongings (40.6 ± 7.6, p-value=<0.05) had a significant effect on the level of aggression. Regression analysis predicted a strong positive association of exposure of violent content with level of aggression (β=0.43).

Conclusions

The usage of violent content on social and electronic media was popular among adolescents, and produced negative effects on the behavior of adolescents. Measures should be taken to introduce media literacy of the children in Pakistan, especially in the peri-urban slums.
Contraception use: is everything played at first intercourse?
Authors: Meuwly Marion , Barrense-Dias Yara , Auderset Diane , Surís Joan-Carles
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The rate of condom and other contraception use varies depending on social, personal and sexual characteristics. We present a study covering various contraceptive means, considering sexual orientation and considering a large panel of co-variables among Swiss resident young adults.

Methods

Data were obtained from a self-administrated national survey on sexual behavior. Participants (N=4703, 49% males) were divided into three groups based on the mean of contraception used at last intercourse: CONDOM (55.1, 54.3% males), CONTRACEPTIVE (34.3, 43.1% males) and NON-USE (10.5, 50.7% males). By gender, groups were compared on sociodemographic and personal characteristics, contraception used at first intercourse (FI) and sexual life.

Results

Globally, 90% of participants used a reliable contraception at last intercourse. Compared to the CONDOM group, participants in the CONTRACEPTIVE group were more likely to have already used a contraceptive at FI, and individuals in the NON-USE group were more likely to have had a non-use or to have used a contraceptive only at FI.

Conclusions

Contraception at FI seems to have a considerable impact on the further use of contraception. It seems thus essential to make all necessary efforts in order to promote the best contraception and protection at FI.
Water polo-related injuries among adolescents and young adults treated at emergency departments
Authors: Forrester Mathias B.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Water polo is a physically demanding contact sport involving swimming, overhead throwing, and wrestling/defending that can result in acute injuries. The objective of this study was to characterize water polo-related injuries among adolescents and young adults treated at United States (US) emergency departments (EDs).

Methods

Cases were water polo-related injuries among patients age 13–25 years reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) during 2000–2019. The distribution of the national injury estimates was determined for selected variables.

Results

A total of 418 water polo-related injuries among patients age 13–25 years treated at US EDs during 2000–2019 were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 15,426 injuries. The patient was age 13–18 years in 73.5% of the injuries, 19–22 years in 20.5%, and 23–25 years in 6.0%; 62.1% of the patients were male and 37.9% female. The injury occurred at a place of recreation or sports in 63.4% of the injuries and a school in 21.4%. The most common diagnoses were a laceration (19.4%), strain or sprain (17.8%), contusion or abrasion (17.6%), or fracture (13.0%). The affected body part was 53.6% head and neck, 31.1% upper extremity, 8.0% trunk, 6.5% lower extremity, and 0.7% other/unknown. The patient was treated, released, or transferred in 98.3% of the injuries.

Conclusion

The majority of patients were adolescents and male. Most of the injuries occurred at a place of recreation or sports or school. The most commonly reported injuries were laceration and strain or sprain and most often affected the head and neck.
The use of beetroot extract and extract powder in sausages as natural food colorant
Authors: Aykın-Dinçer Elif , Güngör Keziban Kübra , Çağlar Emine , Erbaş Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Four colorants (control, carmine, beetroot extract and beetroot extract powder) and two methods (fermentation and heat treatment) were used in the production of sausages. The betalain content, total phenolic substance content and ORAC and TEAC values of concentrated beetroot extract were 562.08 mg/L, 27.72 mg GAE/mL, 33.96 µmol TE/mL and 35.70 mmol TE/L, respectively. The moisture content, pH value, lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and odor values of heat-processed sausages were higher than those of fermented sausages. 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were lower in sausages with beetroot extract (20.51 μmol·MDA/kg) and powder (19.03 μmol MDA/kg) than for control and carmine treatments. The use of beetroot extract and powder positively affected the sensory appearance, color, flavor and overall acceptance of sausages. Thus, beetroot extract and powder could be used as alternatives to carmine in sausage production.
Stability control of a novel multidimensional fractional-order financial system with time‐delay via impulse control
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhang Jing , Cheng Fan Yong , Liu Feng , Ding Can
Published: August 2020

This paper is concerned about the impulsive control of a class of novel nonlinear fractional-order financial system with time-delay. Considering the variation of every states in the fractional-order financial system in the real world has certain delay for various reasons, thus we add corresponding delay on every state variable. Different from the traditional method of stability judgment, we choose two dimensions of time and space to analyze, which makes the process more accurate. In addition, the sufficient condition of the stability criterion for the fractional-order financial system based on impulsive control is derived. Moreover, the impulsive control can not only make the fractional-order financial system stable in different time delay but also in the different fractional operator. Consequently, the impulsive control has generality, universality and strong applicability. In the end, some numerical simulation examples are provided to verify the effectiveness and the benefit of the proposed method.
Analysis of the bio-psychological characteristics of Sasang typology in Korean preschool children using the ponderal index and the temperament and character inventory
Authors: Lee Sun Haeng , Hwang Minwoo , Choi Seong Heon , Kim Hyung Joong , Lee Eun Ju , Kwon Chan-Young , Chung Sun Yong , Kim Jong Woo , Chang Gyu Tae
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify different physical and mental characteristics among three common Sasang types, Tae-eum, So-yang, and So-eum (except scarce type, Tae-Yang) in preschoolers, to improve constitutional diagnoses.

Methods

Our study included 65 boys and 67 girls from six kindergartens in South Korea. The number of children who were categorized as Tae-Yang, Tae-Eum, So-Yang, and So-Eum types were 1, 56, 40, and 35, respectively. We measured height, weight, mid-parental height, predicted adult height, ponderal index (PI), and findings from the junior temperament and character inventory 3 to 6.

Results

The Tae-eum type exhibited higher weight percentiles and PIs than the other types (p < 0.001), and the So-eum type displayed higher harm avoidance (HA) scores than the Tae-eum type (p = 0.033).

Conclusions

Children with high PIs and low HA scores have a higher probability of being classified as the Tae-eum type than as the So-eum type.
Two Dogmas of Egalitarianism
Authors: Den Uyl Douglas J. , Rasmussen Douglas B.
Published: August 2020

It is more than clear that in our previous works—Norms of Liberty and The Perfectionist Turn—we are opposing what is generally understood as egalitarianism in political philosophy.  Our purpose here is to clarify our opposition by showing that our rejection of egalitarianism cannot be successfully accused of being inconsistent with morality itself. We believe that discussing what we call “two dogmas of egalitarianism” will go some distance in accomplishing that end. These “dogmas” can be stated as follows: (1) The burden of proof for any deviation from equality in ethics rests upon the advocate of inequality; and (2) One's position on the natural equality (or inequality) of human beings requires a similar position in one’s ethical conclusions.
Right-angled Artin groups and enhanced Koszul properties
Authors: Cassella Alberto , Quadrelli Claudio
Published: August 2020

Let

𝔽

{\mathbb{F}}

be a finite field.
We prove that the cohomology algebra

H
∙

⁢

(

G
Γ

,
𝔽
)

{H^{\bullet}(G_{\Gamma},\mathbb{F})}

with coefficients in

𝔽

{\mathbb{F}}

of a right-angled Artin group

G
Γ

{G_{\Gamma}}

is a strongly Koszul algebra for every finite graph Γ.
Moreover,

H
∙

⁢

(

G
Γ

,
𝔽
)

{H^{\bullet}(G_{\Gamma},\mathbb{F})}

is a universally Koszul algebra if, and only if, the graph Γ associated to the group

G
Γ

{G_{\Gamma}}

has the diagonal property.
From this, we obtain several new examples of pro-p groups, for a prime number p, whose continuous cochain cohomology algebra with coefficients in the field of p elements is strongly and universally (or strongly and non-universally) Koszul.
This provides new support to a conjecture on Galois cohomology of maximal pro-p Galois groups of fields formulated by J. Mináč et al.
1 × 2 plasmonic wavelength demultiplexer using rectangular MIM waveguide
Authors: Aparna U. , Mendiratta Rahul , Shrinidhi L. K.
Published: August 2020

A 1 × 2 plasmonic demultiplexer with a rectangular metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide comprising one input port and two output ports has been proposed. The proposed demultiplexer is based on the principle of interference of surface plasmon polariton waves. By placing the output port at the designed position along the rectangular MIM waveguide, the desired wavelength can be extracted from the mixture of the wavelengths. Results were simulated using finite element method (FEM) technique and plot of field and its intensity were obtained for both the wavelengths. The results agree with the proposed theory. Power transmission of more than 80% at the desired port with a suppression of more than 90% at the undesired port is obtained for both the wavelengths. A low crosstalk of less than −11.06 dB with a low insertion loss of less than 14.32 dB are measured. It is shown that the wavelength selectivity of the plasmonic demultiplexer is further dependent on the width of the MIM waveguide as well as the materials chosen. The design can be further extended to a 1×N demultiplexer by appropriate selection of position of the output ports.
Prevalence of autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes mellitus pediatrics in Mazandaran, North of Iran
Authors: Zamanfar Daniel , Aarabi Mohsen , Amini Monireh , Monajati Mahila
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Its most important immunologic markers are pancreatic beta-cell autoantibodies. This study aimed to determine diabetes mellitus antibodies frequency among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

This descriptive study evaluated the frequency of four diabetes autoantibodies (glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 autoantibodies [GADA], islet cell autoantibodies [ICA], insulin autoantibodies [IAA], tyrosine phosphatase–like insulinoma antigen-2 antibodies [IA-2A]) and their serum level in children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus at the diabetes department of Bou-Ali-Sina Hospital and Baghban Clinic, Sari, Iran, from March 2012 to March 2018. The relationship between the level of different antibodies and age, gender, and diabetes duration were determined. A two-sided p value less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

One hundred forty-two eligible patient records were screened. The average age at diabetes diagnosis was 4.2 ± 4.4 years. The median duration of diabetes was 34.0 (12.7–69.7) months. 53.5% of patients were female, and 81.7% of them had at least one positive autoantibody, and ICA in 66.2%, GADA in 56.3%, IA-2A in 40.1%, and IAA in 21.8% were positive. The type of the autoantibodies and their serum level was similar between females and males but there was a higher rate of positive autoantibodies in females. The level of IA-2A and ICA were in positive and weak correlation with age at diagnosis.

Conclusions

More than 80% of pediatric and adolescent patients with type 1 diabetes were autoantibody-positive. ICA and GADA were the most frequently detected autoantibodies. The presence of antibodies was significantly higher in females.
Identification of nucleotide polymorphism within the NeuroD1 candidate gene and its association with type 1 diabetes susceptibility in Iranian people by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
Authors: Soltani asl Maryam , Azimnasab-sorkhabi Parviz , Abolfathi Ali-Akbar , Hashemi aghdam Yashar
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Diabetes is a serious disease, and the number of affected individuals with diabetes is considerably high. The aim of this study is the identification of NeuroD1 Ala45Thr polymorphism and its association with type 1 diabetes susceptibility in Iranian people.

Methods

Clinical and biochemical characteristics for 146 people (76 diabetics and 70 nondiabetics) were measured, such as fasting blood sugar, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, age, and weight in each individual. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (MwoI restriction-enzyme) was used for genotyping of the NeuroD1 Ala45Thr polymorphism.

Results

In this study, the frequency of the A allele in diabetic patients in comparison with the healthy control group had a significantly higher percentage (p < 0.01), whereas diabetic patients had the AA genotype, approximately four times more than the healthy control group (p < 0.01). In addition, we observed that fasting blood sugar had a higher concentration in the AA genotype than in AG + GG genotypes (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The A allele may be a risk factor for the expansion of type 1 diabetes in the Iranian population. However, the NeuroD1 Ala45Thr polymorphism and its role in type 1 diabetes in different populations are controversial.
Assessment of thyroid gland vascularity with superb microvascular imaging in healthy children and its relationship with potential factors
Authors: Ozturk Mehmet , Durmaz Mehmet Sedat , Ateş Fatih , Kara Turgay , Durmaz Funda Gökgöz , Akyürek Nesibe
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To define thyroid gland vascularity index (VI) values in healthy children with the superb microvascular imaging (SMI) method and to assess whether or not there is a correlation with potential factors that may affect these values.

Methods

This prospective study included a total of 138 children, their ages varying from 3–17 years. Cases were divided into three subgroups according to age: 3–6, 7–12 and 13–17 years. Gender, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) values were recorded. Volume and SMI measurements were performed with a 14 L5 mHz linear transducer. VI measurements were performed in the transverse and longitudinal planes and correlation with basic descriptive data was researched.

Results

Mean age was 11.14 ± 3.34 years and BMI was 19.95 ± 4.92. VI values were 4.59 ± 2.34 in the right lobe and 4.23 ± 2.73 for the left lobe, with no significant difference identified. There were no significant differences in mean VI for all parenchyma regarding gender and age groups. While there was no correlation identified with mean VI for all parenchyma with TSH and fT4, there was, however, a negative correlation with BMI.

Conclusions

Reference VI values for normal thyroid glands in healthy children and adolescents were defined with the SMI method. There was no correlation between the VI values and age, gender, volume, TSH and fT4 values, while there was a negative significant correlation with BMI.
Ambulatory blood pressure profile in office normotensive obese children: prevalence of masked hypertension and impact of parental hypertension
Authors: Valent Morić Bernardica , Jelaković Bojan , Vidatić Ines , Trutin Ivana , Jelaković Ana , Stipančić Gordana
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to analyze ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) data in office normotensive obese children, to determine the prevalence and characteristics of masked hypertension (MH) and to investigate the impact of parental hypertension (PH) on ABP.

Methods

Seventy-nine obese and 35 normal weight children were enrolled. Each weight group was further divided in accordance with the presence of PH. ABP was recorded in an outpatient setting.

Results

Obese children had higher systolic ABP (p<0.05) and heart rate (p<0.001) compared with normal weight children. In obese children with PH, only nighttime systolic ABP (p=0.01) was higher compared with obese without PH, whereas normal weight children with PH had higher 24 h and daytime systolic and diastolic BP (all p<0.05) and nighttime DBP (p<0.001) compared with those without PH. PH but not obesity was associated with nondipping phenomenon. Prevalence of MH in the whole group was 23.6% being significantly higher in obese than in nonobese subjects (31.6 vs. 5.7%; p=0.0026) as well as in obese subjects with PH compared with obese subjects without PH (48.7 vs. 15%; χ2=10.37; p=0.001). MH was diagnosed more frequently in obese with high-normal office BP compared with obese with normal office BP, although it did not reach statistical significance (50 vs. 26.2%; χ2=3.631; p=0.056). In the normal weight group, neither PH nor office BP category had an impact on the prevalence of MH.

Conclusions

Office normotensive obese children had higher ABP values. MH was associated with obesity, PH and high-normal BP.
Democratic Erosion, Populist Constitutionalism, and the Unconstitutional Constitutional Amendments Doctrine
Authors: Roznai Yaniv , Hostovsky Brandes Tamar
Published: August 2020

The world is experiencing a crisis of constitutional democracies. Populist leaders are abusing constitutional mechanisms, such as formal procedures of constitutional change, in order to erode the democratic order. The changes are, very often, gradual, incremental, and subtle. Each constitutional change, on its own, may not necessarily amount to a serious violation of essential democratic values. Yet, when examined in the context of an ongoing process, such constitutional changes may prove to be part of the incremental, gradual process of democratic erosion in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This Article explores how courts can respond to such constitutional changes. We argue the Unconstitutional Constitutional Amendment Doctrine should be adapted to respond to existing constitutional practices that utilize incremental and subtle amendments to dismantle the democratic order. We suggest that an aggregated judicial review should be developed. We must also rethink the automatic immunity – the result of two hundred years of revolutionary constitutional theory – provided to complete constitutional replacement from constitutional restrictions and scrutiny. Finally, as opposed to the instinct to require judicial self-restraint with respect to constitutional changes that concern the judiciary itself, we suggest that this is perhaps the type of changes that require strictest scrutiny.
Relative abundance and activity patterns of terrestrial carnivorous mammals in Península Valdés, Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: D’Agostino Romina L. , Udrizar Sauthier Daniel E.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to assess the relative abundance and activity patterns of terrestrial carnivorous mammals living in San Pablo de Valdés Wildlife Reserve, which is located in Península Valdés (PV), Chubut province, Argentina. To this end, camera traps were placed in different plant communities of this reserve and they were used from January 2015 to December 2016. A total of 256 independent events, with a sampling effort of 1811 camera nights, were obtained. The following species were identified in order of relative abundance: Conepatus chinga, Lycalopex gymnocercus, Leopardus geoffroyi, Puma concolor, and Leopardus colocolo, and the activity patterns of the first three were estimated. Those of P. concolor and L. colocolo could not be estimated as insufficient independent events were obtained. Our results show a cathemeral activity pattern in C. chinga and L. geoffroyi and a more nocturnal pattern in L. gymnocercus. Our results highlight the need to expand the sampling area to obtain further details on the behavioral patterns and population parameters of the carnivores identified. Knowledge of ecological issues, such as relative abundance and activity patterns of carnivorous mammals, is imperative to formulate monitoring and conservation programs.
Synthesis and structural characterization of dialkyltin complexes of N-salicylidene-L-valine
Authors: Tian Laijin , Wang Ruili , Zhang Jiawei , Zhong Fubi , Qiu Yulin
Published: August 2020

The synthesis and characterization of five new chiral dialkyltin complexes of N-salicylidene-L-valine, [2-O-3-R-5-R'C6H2C(H)=NCH(CH(CH3)2)C(O)O]SnR''2 (R, R', R'' = H, H, Me (1); H, Br, Me (2); OMe, H, Et (3); Br, Br, n-Bu (4); CH(OMe)2, Me, n-Bu (5)), have been reported. Compounds 1-5 are all (S)-enantiomers, and their crystal structures have been studied. Compound 1 displays a trimeric macrocyclic structure in which the coordination environment of each tin atom is a distorted [SnC2NO3] octahedron. In complexes 2-5, the tin atom has an intermediate geometry between trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramidal, and 3 is closer to a square pyramid. In crystals, a zigzag supramolecular chain is formed by the intermolecular C-H…O, O-H…O or Sn…O interactions.
Countering COVID-19-related anti-Chinese racism with translanguaged swearing on social media
Authors: Zhu Hongqiang
Published: August 2020

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has generated a spectacular rise in social media communication and an unprecedented avalanche of global conversation. This paper traces the emergence of the racist term “Chinese virus” used by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, on the Western social media platform Twitter and its reception and recontextualization on Chinese social media. Creative bilingual responses fusing English and Chinese resulted in a popular searchable meme “#用中式英语跨文化交流#” (“#Chinglish used for cross-cultural communication#”), on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. Such linguistic creativity involves a variation of swears to mock and condemn the racist phrase. Formally, linguistic practices such as self-coinage, transliteration, verbal repetition, and acronyms can be observed. Functionally, the recontexualizations evidence a defensive ideology linked to nationalism and modernism. Ultimately, combatting the English racist term “Chinese virus” with a creative mixture of English and Chinese demonstrates how English has become ever more decentered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multilingual communication experiences of international students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Jia , Xie Ping , Ai Bin , Li Lisheng
Published: August 2020

While an increasing literature on multilingualism addresses the key role of language in access to social resources, including crisis communication, little attention has been paid to practices of English-mediated multilingualism. Based on semi-structured interviews with 10 international students from South Asia and Southeast Asia receiving their higher education in China, the study reveals what language-related challenges international students encounter, how they mobilize their multilingual resources to enhance their access to crisis communication and build a shared community, and how their multilingual competences are valorized and enacted in the shifting paradigm of the China-oriented new economy addressing mutual accountability in South-South cooperation. The study suggests that English-mediated multilingualism in China fails to bridge the needs of international students of diverse backgrounds. The study also calls attention to the shifting paradigm of multilingual studies and the necessity of addressing the real world problems of health communication in a diverse context.
Effect of the glass-transition temperature of latexes on drying-stress development of latex films and inkjet coating layers
Authors: Lee SangGil , Kim Sunhyung , Lee Hak Lae
Published: August 2020

Highly porous silica pigments and PVOH binder are commonly used for inkjet coated papers. The use of PVOH increases the viscosity of coating colours and increases drying stresses in the coatings. In this study, the possibility of using S/A lattices as inkjet binders to decrease the viscosity of inkjet coatings and meet the quality requirements of the inkjet papers was investigated. Three S/A latices were prepared and tested as binders for inkjet coating. The effect of drying temperature and binderTg{T_{\mathrm{g}}}on the drying stress development and crack formation in the coating was investigated. The results showed that theTg{T_{\mathrm{g}}}of S/A latices, drying temperature, and PVC influenced the drying-stress patterns during drying. Drying stress decreased as theTg{T_{\mathrm{g}}}of the latex decreased and the drying temperature increased. The presence of silica pigment caused a sudden increase and then decrease of the drying stress due to cracking of the coating layer. Two S/A latices gave coating colours with lower Brookfield viscosities and drying stresses than conventional PVAc latex, and they also gave coatings similar in brightness, opacity, gloss and roughness to the conventional latex coating.
Nanoengineering in biomedicine: Current development and future perspectives
Authors: Jian Wei , Hui David , Lau Denvid
Published: August 2020

Recent advances in biomedicine largely rely on the development in nanoengineering. As the access to unique properties in biomaterials is not readily available from traditional techniques, the nanoengineering becomes an effective approach for research and development, by which the performance as well as the functionalities of biomaterials has been greatly improved and enriched. This review focuses on the main materials used in biomedicine, including metallic materials, polymers, and nanocomposites, as well as the major applications of nanoengineering in developing biomedical treatments and techniques. Research that provides an in-depth understanding of material properties and efficient enhancement of material performance using molecular dynamics simulations from the nanoengineering perspective are discussed. The advanced techniques which facilitate nanoengineering in biomedical applications are also presented to inspire further improvement in the future. Furthermore, the potential challenges of nanoengineering in biomedicine are evaluated by summarizing concerned issues and possible solutions.
Recent advances in ocean wave energy harvesting by triboelectric nanogenerator: An overview
Authors: Huang Bin , Wang Pengzhong , Wang Lu , Yang Shuai , Wu Dazhuan
Published: August 2020

A sustainable power source is more and more important in modern society. Ocean wave energy is a very promising renewable energy source, and it is widely distributed worldwide. But, it is difficult to develop efficiently due to various limitations of the traditional electromagnetic generator. In recent years, the newly developed triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) provides an excellent way to convert water wave energy into electrical energy, which is mainly based on the coupling between triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. In this paper, a review is given for recent advances in using the TENG technology harvesting water wave energy. We first introduce the four most fundamental modes of TENG, based on which a range of wave energy harvesting devices have been demonstrated. Then, these applications’ structure and performance optimizations are discussed. Besides, the connection methods between TENG units are also summarized. Finally, it also outlines the development prospects and challenges of technology.
Application of nanoscale zero-valent iron in hexavalent chromium-contaminated soil: A review
Authors: Chen Xilu , Li Xiaomin , Xu Dandan , Yang Weichun , Bai Shaoyuan
Published: August 2020

Chromium (Cr) is a common toxic heavy metal that is widely used in all kinds of industries, causing a series of environmental problems. Nanoscale zero- valent iron (nZVI) is considered to be an ideal remediation material for contaminated soil, especially for heavy metal pollutants. As a material of low toxicity and good activity, nZVI has been widely applied in the in situ remediation of soil hexavalent chromium (Cr(vi)) with mobility and toxicity in recent years. In this paper, some current technologies for the preparation of nZVI are summarized and the remediation mechanism of Cr(vi)-contaminated soil is proposed. Five classified modified nZVI materials are introduced and their remediation processes in Cr(vi)-contaminated soil are summarized. Key factors affecting the remediation of Cr(vi)-contaminated soil by nZVI are studied. Interaction mechanisms between nZVI-based materials and Cr(vi) are explored. This study provides a comprehensive review of the nZVI materials for the remediation of Cr(vi)-contaminated soil, which is conducive to reducing soil pollution.
English Language Politics and Economic Theory
Authors: Burke Kenneth
Published: August 2020

Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary theorists have recently begun to take an interest in the political economy of language, specifically with a concern for the impact of English as a global lingua franca. Political, linguistic, educational, and economic researchers interested in the political economy of the English language should remain aware that the diverse disciplines often lack a common language and that it can be easy to misconstrue interpretations of the political implications of linguistic globalisation. In doing so, the research area needs to develop a theoretical base that provides greater depth-of-knowledge. Thus, following a critical review of the most influential work in the area, the purpose of this article is to provide a knowledge map through a theory-based method grounded in a history of ideas.
Politics of Sight: Civilizational Mission of Modern Warfare
Authors: Senanayake Harsha , Bhatia Mukul
Published: August 2020

Civilization is not what it means and it is not eliminating brutality, and yet it would frame uncivilized elements within the civilized framework with legitimacy. However, the thrust of civilization has not been towards the elimination of such acts altogether, but towards hiding such acts out of sight, making the individual oblivious to their true nature due to a lack in ability to visualize and therefore, to fully cognize. The paper critically examines in what ways the concept of concealment and distance hijacked by modern warfare and technology to remove the sense of violence from the cognition by creating an illusionary image of civilization. The phenomenon of modern war is a similar representation of modernity’s betrayed promises. The purpose of this research paper is to employ the conceptual framework of Politics of sight offered by Pachirat in his work “Every Twelve Seconds”, to show how the war in the modern world does not disappear but is made acceptable through concealment and distancing. The case study method along with the discourse analysis has been employed to derive the politics of sights and modern warfare, and it is based on a wide range of sources, both primary and secondary. In conclusion, the paper argues that the modern battlefield differs significantly from its pre-modern counterpart, in that it is governed by many rules articulated in terms of humanitarian law and operationalised by technologies, which, to many, might serve as an apparent indicator of civility. However, a discursive reading into modern warfare, structures and apparatuses built around it, and technologies that enable it might indicate otherwise.
Global occurrence, chemical properties, and ecological impacts of e-wastes (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Purchase Diane , Abbasi Golnoush , Bisschop Lieselot , Chatterjee Debashish , Ekberg Christian , Ermolin Mikhail , Fedotov Petr , Garelick Hemda , Isimekhai Khadijah , Kandile Nadia G. , Lundström Mari , Matharu Avtar , Miller Bradley W. , Pineda Antonio , Popoola Oluseun E. , Retegan Teodora , Ruedel Heinz , Serpe Angela , Sheva Yehuda , Surati Kiran R. , Walsh Fiona , Wilson Benjamin P. , Wong Ming Hung
Published: August 2020

The waste stream of obsolete electronic equipment grows exponentially, creating a worldwide pollution and resource problem. Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) comprises a heterogeneous mix of glass, plastics (including flame retardants and other additives), metals (including rare Earth elements), and metalloids. The e-waste issue is complex and multi-faceted. In examining the different aspects of e-waste, informal recycling in developing countries has been identified as a primary concern, due to widespread illegal shipments; weak environmental, as well as health and safety, regulations; lack of technology; and inadequate waste treatment structure. For example, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and China have all been identified as hotspots for the disposal of e-waste. This article presents a critical examination on the chemical nature of e-waste and the resulting environmental impacts on, for example, microbial biodiversity, flora, and fauna in e-waste recycling sites around the world. It highlights the different types of risk assessment approaches required when evaluating the ecological impact of e-waste. Additionally, it presents examples of chemistry playing a role in potential solutions. The information presented here will be informative to relevant stakeholders seeking to devise integrated management strategies to tackle this global environmental concern.
Extraction of various metal ions by open-chain crown ether bridged diphosphates in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Duan Di , Su Baogen , Bao Zongbi , Yang Qiwei , Yang Yiwen , Ren Qilong
Published: August 2020

Various toxic metal ions were successfully removed from solid matrix into supercritical CO2 (scCO2) by open-chain crown ether bridged diphosphates at 313.15 K and 20 MPa, these diphosphates with different ester side chains and different length of ethylene oxide bridge group are highly soluble in supercritical CO2. The extraction efficiency (E%) of heavy metals is between 55 and 89%. Mulliken charge distribution of ligand’s P=O coordination group was calculated to indicate the stability of metal complex. The ligand structure effects and the rationale for different selectivity were discussed. In addition, binding property of these diphosphates towards the alkaline earth metals was further studied following the same extraction procedures. Alkaline earth metal ions Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ were extracted with E% at 49–74%, 50–73% and 16–64%, respectively. DFT calculations were performed to investigate the interaction energy of the complexes and the correlation with the E% was discussed.
A revolution in sex education using sex robots
Authors: Jacquerye Agnès
Published: August 2020

After more than four decades of school sex education programs, there is still a great deal of inadequate information around, together with mixed messages and general confusion. Topics covered have ranged from “no sex” to “safe sex”, and there has been a tendency for pupils to drift into the “alternative” areas of pornographic media. This approach may have contributed to generations of women and men finding themselves, in adult life, living with unresolved sexual problems caused by a truncated and disorderly “education”. The arrival of robots presents an opportunity to reconsider the way in which sexuality is taught and to introduce an innovative and ethical educational practice. This article proposes a conceptual framework where there can be an extension of medical simulation toward sex education based on advanced sex robots, offering a dynamic, effective and ethical teaching method. This article considers why, how and where as well as what is workable and technically feasible. The target is that, with the help of a new generation of robots, a fulfilling love life will be accessible to every man and woman. The engagement of both, the simulation community itself and the political will, is vital to ensure that a more enlightened and emotionally intelligent sex education can become a reality in the near future.
Perceived and one’s own motion in response priming
Authors: Bermeitinger Christina , Hackländer Ryan , Kollek Marie , Stiegemeyer Matthis , Tränkner Alexandra E.
Published: August 2020

In response priming, motor pre-activations from a prime to the response to a target can be measured, as a function of whether they require the same (compatible) or different (incompatible) responses. With moving primes and static arrow targets, the results depend on the stimulus onset asynchrony between prime and target: with short SOAs, there were faster responses to compatible than incompatible targets, with longer SOAs, the pattern reverses. However, this reversal was not found with more biological motions. The current study comprised 3 experiments in order to replicate several findings from previous research and add evidence regarding the interplay of one’s own and perceived motions. Subjects performed a response priming task with moving prime stimuli while in motion themselves. With this paradigm, we tested the general influence of motion on responding and compatibility effects in response priming with moving prime stimuli. Furthermore, we assessed specific interactions of features of the perceived stimuli (e.g., moving vs. static; direction of the prime or target) and the own motion (e.g., walking vs. standing; direction of being rotated). We used two different own motions (walking on a treadmill, Exp. 1 & 3; rotating in a human gyroscope, Exp. 2) and two different visual stimulus types (rows-of-dots, Exp. 1 & 2; point light displays, Exp. 3). Compatibility effects were, in general, neither increased nor decreased during motion. Their size depended on the stimulus type, the velocity of one’s own motion, and several interactions of perceived and own motion. We discuss our findings with respect to perception-action interactions and previous findings on response priming with moving prime stimuli.
A scoping review of sources of mercury and its health effects among Pakistan’s most vulnerable population
Authors: Khan Ejaz Ahmad , Abbas Zaigham
Published: August 2020

Mercury and methyl mercury are poisonous to human body. In the recent times, exposure to mercury has been anthropogenic in nature. Within the past several decades, many incidences of mercury poisoning have been documented in several countries including Pakistan. Mercury has been ingested where it has been used to preserve crops, through the point and non-point source discharge into the surface water, and consequently entering the food chain. We conducted this scoping review of mercury and its health effects in Pakistan in order to raise the flag to a silent ongoing Minamata disease in the country. We conducted a systematic search of the available literature in Google Scholar, PubMed, and grey literature of unpublished theses and reports of various universities across the country. We found that in the northern Pakistan, suspended sediments were the major pathway of the riverine mercury transport. Sediments of Hunza and Gilgit River were found high in mercury concentrations. Gold mining leads to an increase in mercury concentration in soil and river waters flowing in this region. High concentrations up to 108 ng/L were found in Shimsal River. It is suspected that that high level of mercury transport may be leading to accumulation of mercury in major water bodies and lakes downstream. Occupational exposure to mercury and other heavy metals is common in an unregulated private sector of the country. Goldsmiths burn the amalgamated gold without personal protective measures. Direct exposure to the fumes of mercury leads to respiratory, dermatological, systemic and neurological ailments specific to mercury poisoning. We found good evidence of bioaccumulation of mercury in fish and fish products in Pakistan. The untreated waste water discharge is responsible to not only afflicted the fish but also the birds which feed on this fish. Further, the same untreated waste water from factories and agriculture runoffs affect vegetables grown in it. Studies looking at the biomarkers for mercury in humans have shown increased and even toxic levels of mercury among the most vulnerable populations of the country. Other sources of mercury exposure included mercury in traditional medicines and cigarette products. Though no evidence was found for its presence in drinking water, its existence in the food chain and occupational exposure pose great threat to the humans as well as animals.