bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Thermal Behavior of γ-PA1010: Evolution of Structure and Morphology in the Simultaneous Thermal Stretched Films
Authors: Zhang Zhenya , Liu Wentao , Liu Hao , Sun Aihua , Yoo Yeonwoo , He Suqin , Zhu Chengshen , Yang Mingcheng
Published: April 2020

In this work, polyamide 1010 (PA1010) films were prepared by melt-quenching. A wide-angle X-ray diffractometer (WAXD) with a thermal stretching stage was used to investigate the structure transformation, crystallinity and degree of orientation in the course of simultaneous thermally stretched PA1010. The crystallinity increased along with the increase of draw ratio and then decreased as the draw ratio was over 2.00 times—which the maximum value reached when the draw ratio was about 2.00 times. The degree of orientation of γ-PA1010 was much greater at higher temperature than room temperature (RT); the difference gradually became weaker with the increase of draw ratio. There was a linear relationship between the draw ratios and tensile force at higher temperatures, and the tensile force increased with the increase of draw ratios. The tensile force may induce crystallization and promote orientation in the course of simultaneous thermally stretched PA1010. These phenomena are beneficial to understand the structure-processing-performance relationship and provide some theoretical basis for the processing and production.
From Bioinspired Glue to Medicine: Polydopamine as a Biomedical Material
Authors: Hauser Daniel , Septiadi Dedy , Turner Joel , Petri-Fink Alke , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara
Published: April 2020

Biological structures have emerged through millennia of evolution, and nature has fine-tuned the material properties in order to optimise the structure–function relationship. Following this paradigm, polydopamine (PDA), which was found to be crucial for the adhesion of mussels to wet surfaces, was hence initially introduced as a coating substance to increase the chemical reactivity and surface adhesion properties. Structurally, polydopamine is very similar to melanin, which is a pigment of human skin responsible for the protection of underlying skin layers by efficiently absorbing light with potentially harmful wavelengths. Recent findings have shown the subsequent release of the energy (in the form of heat) upon light excitation, presenting it as an ideal candidate for photothermal applications. Thus, polydopamine can both be used to (i) coat nanoparticle surfaces and to (ii) form capsules and ultra-small (nano)particles/nanocomposites while retaining bulk characteristics (i.e., biocompatibility, stability under UV irradiation, heat conversion, and activity during photoacoustic imaging). Due to the aforementioned properties, polydopamine-based materials have since been tested in adhesive and in energy-related as well as in a range of medical applications such as for tumour ablation, imaging, and drug delivery. In this review, we focus upon how different forms of the material can be synthesised and the use of polydopamine in biological and biomedical applications.
Conductance Tunable Suspended Graphene Nanomesh by Helium Ion Beam Milling
Authors: Liu Fayong , Wang Zhongwang , Nakanao Soya , Ogawa Shinichi , Morita Yukinori , Schmidt Marek , Haque Mayeesha , Muruganathan Manoharan , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

This paper demonstrates that the electrical properties of suspended graphene nanomesh (GNM) can be tuned by systematically changing the porosity with helium ion beam milling (HIBM). The porosity of the GNM is well-controlled by defining the pitch of the periodic nanopores. The defective region surrounding the individual nanopores after HIBM, which limits the minimum pitch achievable between nanopores for a certain dose, is investigated and reported. The exponential relationship between the thermal activation energy (EA) and the porosity is found in the GNM devices. Good EA tuneability observed from the GNMs provides a new approach to the transport gap engineering beyond the conventional nanoribbon method.
Fusing Artificial Cell Compartments and Lipid Domains Using Optical Traps: A Tool to Modulate Membrane Composition and Phase Behaviour
Authors: Vivek Adithya , Bolognesi Guido , Elani Yuval
Published: April 2020

New technologies for manipulating biomembranes have vast potential to aid the understanding of biological phenomena, and as tools to sculpt novel artificial cell architectures for synthetic biology. The manipulation and fusion of vesicles using optical traps is amongst the most promising due to the level of spatiotemporal control it affords. Herein, we conduct a suite of feasibility studies to show the potential of optical trapping technologies to (i) modulate the lipid composition of a vesicle by delivering new membrane material through fusion events and (ii) manipulate and controllably fuse coexisting membrane domains for the first time. We also outline some noteworthy morphologies and transitions that the vesicle undergoes during fusion, which gives us insight into the mechanisms at play. These results will guide future exploitation of laser-assisted membrane manipulation methods and feed into a technology roadmap for this emerging technology.
High Variability in Erythrocyte, Plasma and Whole Blood EPA and DHA Levels in Response to Supplementation
Authors: Sparkes Cassandra , Sinclair Andrew J. , Gibson Robert A. , Else Paul L. , Meyer Barbara J.
Published: April 2020

(1) Aim: the aim of this secondary analysis was to report the variability in response to n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) supplementation in erythrocytes, plasma and whole blood of a previously published dose response study. (2) Methods: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of parallel design was conducted, whereby pre-menopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 0.35, 0.7 or 1 g/day of supplemental eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fasted blood samples were taken at baseline and after eight weeks intervention. Erythrocyte, plasma and whole blood fatty acids were extracted using the method of Lepage and Roy and analysed using gas chromatography. (3) Results: There were significant increases in EPA plus DHA levels in the 0.7 g and 1 g dose groups, with the highest increase with the 1 g dose notably: in erythrocytes (from 5.69% to 7.59%), plasma (from 2.94% to 5.48%) and in whole blood (from 3.81% to 6.03%). There was high variability in response to the supplement in erythrocytes, plasma and whole blood across the different doses. (4) Conclusion: there is high individual variability in n-3 LCPUFA levels in response to n-3 LCPUFA supplementation, which should be taken into account in clinical trials using n-3 LCPUFA supplements.
Norfloxacin-Loaded Electrospun Scaffolds: Montmorillonite Nanocomposite vs. Free Drug
Authors: Faccendini Angela , Ruggeri Marco , Miele Dalila , Rossi Silvia , Bonferoni Maria Cristina , Aguzzi Carola , Grisoli Pietro , Viseras Cesar , Vigani Barbara , Sandri Giuseppina , Ferrari Franca
Published: April 2020

Infections in nonhealing wounds remain one of the major challenges. Recently, nanomedicine approach seems a valid option to overcome the antibiotic resistance mechanisms. The aim of this study was the development of three types of polysaccharide-based scaffolds (chitosan-based (CH), chitosan/chondroitin sulfate-based (CH/CS), chitosan/hyaluronic acid-based (CH/HA)), as dermal substitutes, to be loaded with norfloxacin, intended for the treatment of infected wounds. The scaffolds have been loaded with norfloxacin as a free drug (N scaffolds) or in montmorillonite nanocomposite (H—hybrid-scaffolds). Chitosan/glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin sulfate or hyaluronic acid) scaffolds were prepared by means of electrospinning with a simple, one-step process. The scaffolds were characterized by 500 nm diameter fibers with homogeneous structures when norfloxacin was loaded as a free drug. On the contrary, the presence of nanocomposite caused a certain degree of surface roughness, with fibers having 1000 nm diameters. The presence of norfloxacin–montmorillonite nanocomposite (1%) caused higher deformability (90–120%) and lower elasticity (5–10 mN/cm2), decreasing the mechanical resistance of the systems. All the scaffolds were proven to be degraded via lysozyme (this should ensure scaffold resorption) and this sustained the drug release (from 50% to 100% in 3 days, depending on system composition), especially when the drug was loaded in the scaffolds as a nanocomposite. Moreover, the scaffolds were able to decrease the bioburden at least 100-fold, proving that drug loading in the scaffolds did not impair the antimicrobial activity of norfloxacin. Chondroitin sulfate and montmorillonite in the scaffolds are proven to possess a synergic performance, enhancing the fibroblast proliferation without impairing norfloxacin’s antimicrobial properties. The scaffold based on chondroitin sulfate, containing 1% norfloxacin in the nanocomposite, demonstrated adequate stiffness to sustain fibroblast proliferation and the capability to sustain antimicrobial properties to prevent/treat nonhealing wound infection during the healing process.
Neuroprotective Effect of Bergamot Juice in 6-OHDA-Induced SH-SY5Y Cell Death, an In Vitro Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ferlazzo Nadia , Cirmi Santa , Maugeri Alessandro , Russo Caterina , Lombardo Giovanni Enrico , Gangemi Sebastiano , Calapai Gioacchino , Mollace Vincenzo , Navarra Michele
Published: April 2020

Much evidence suggests that both oxidative stress and apoptosis play a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of bergamot juice (BJ) against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)- or H2O2-induced cell death. Treatment of differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with 6-OHDA or H2O2 resulted in cell death that was significantly reduced by the pre-treatment with BJ. The protective effects of BJ seem to correlate with the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide generation caused by 6-OHDA or H2O2. BJ also attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction, caspase-3 activation, imbalance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, MAPKs activation and reduced NF-ĸB nuclear translocation evoked by neurotoxic agents. Additionally, BJ exhibited excellent antioxidant capability in cell-free assays. Collectively, our results suggest that BJ exerts neuroprotective effect through the interplay with specific cell targets and its antioxidant activity, making it worthy of consideration for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
Falling Weight Impact Damage Characterisation of Flax and Flax Basalt Vinyl Ester Hybrid Composites
Authors: Dhakal Hom Nath , Méner Elwan Le , Feldner Marc , Jiang Chulin , Zhang Zhongyi
Published: April 2020

Understanding the damage mechanisms of composite materials requires detailed mapping of the failure behaviour using reliable techniques. This research focuses on an evaluation of the low-velocity falling weight impact damage behaviour of flax-basalt/vinyl ester (VE) hybrid composites. Incident impact energies under three different energy levels (50, 60, and 70 Joules) were employed to cause complete perforation in order to characterise different impact damage parameters, such as energy absorption characteristics, and damage modes and mechanisms. In addition, the water absorption behaviour of flax and flax basalt hybrid composites and its effects on the impact damage performance were also investigated. All the samples subjected to different incident energies were characterised using non-destructive techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray computed micro-tomography (πCT), to assess the damage mechanisms of studied flax/VE and flax/basalt/VE hybrid composites. The experimental results showed that the basalt hybrid system had a high impact energy and peak load compared to the flax/VE composite without hybridisation, indicating that a hybrid approach is a promising strategy for enhancing the toughness properties of natural fibre composites. The πCT and SEM images revealed that the failure modes observed for flax and flax basalt hybrid composites were a combination of matrix cracking, delamination, fibre breakage, and fibre pull out.
Facile Construction of Superhydrophobic Surfaces by Coating Fluoroalkylsilane/Silica Composite on a Modified Hierarchical Structure of Wood
Authors: Wang Jiajie , Lu Yingzhuo , Chu Qindan , Ma Chaoliang , Cai Lianrun , Shen Zhehong , Chen Hao
Published: April 2020

Constructing superhydrophobic surfaces by simple and low-cost methods remains a challenge in achieving the large-scale commercial application of superhydrophobic materials. Herein, a facile two-step process is presented to produce a self-healing superhydrophobic surface on wood to improve water and mildew resistance. In this process, the natural hierarchical structure of wood is firstly modified by sanding with sandpaper to obtain an appropriate micro/nano composite structure on the surface, then a fluoroalkylsilane/silica composite suspension is cast and dried on the wood surface to produce the superhydrophobic surface. Due to the full use of the natural hierarchical structure of wood, the whole process does not need complicated equipment or complex procedures to construct the micro/nano composite structure. Moreover, only a very low content of inorganic matter is needed to achieve superhydrophobicity. Encouragingly, the as-obtained superhydrophobic surface exhibits good resistance to abrasion. The superhydrophobicity can still be maintained after 45 abrasion cycles under the pressure of 3.5 KPa and this surface can spontaneously recover its superhydrophobicity at room temperature by self-healing upon damage. Moreover, its self-healing ability can be restored by spraying or casting the fluoroalkylsilane/silica composite suspension onto this surface to replenish the depleted healing agents. When used for wood protection, this superhydrophobic surface greatly improves the water and mildew resistance of wood, thereby prolonging the service life of wood-based materials.
Time Operator, Real Tunneling Time in Strong Field Interaction and the Attoclock
Authors: Kullie Ossama
Published: April 2020

Attosecond science, beyond its importance from application point of view, is of a fundamental interest in physics. The measurement of tunneling time in attosecond experiments offers a fruitful opportunity to understand the role of time in quantum mechanics. In the present work, we show that our real T-time relation derived in earlier works can be derived from an observable or a time operator, which obeys an ordinary commutation relation. Moreover, we show that our real T-time can also be constructed, inter alia, from the well-known Aharonov–Bohm time operator. This shows that the specific form of the time operator is not decisive, and dynamical time operators relate identically to the intrinsic time of the system. It contrasts the famous Pauli theorem, and confirms the fact that time is an observable, i.e., the existence of time operator and that the time is not a parameter in quantum mechanics. Furthermore, we discuss the relations with different types of tunneling times, such as Eisenbud–Wigner time, dwell time, and the statistically or probabilistic defined tunneling time. We conclude with the hotly debated interpretation of the attoclock measurement and the advantage of the real T-time picture versus the imaginary one.
Multi-Scale Evaluation of the TSEB Model over a Complex Agricultural Landscape in Morocco
Authors: Elfarkh Jamal , Ezzahar Jamal , Er-Raki Salah , Simonneaux Vincent , Ait Hssaine Bouchra , Rachidi Said , Brut Aurore , Rivalland Vincent , Khabba Said , Chehbouni Abdelghani , Jarlan Lionel
Published: April 2020

An accurate assessment of evapotranspiration (ET) is crucially needed at the basin scale for studying the hydrological processes and water balance especially from upstream to downstream. In the mountains, this term is poorly understood because of various challenges, including the vegetation complexity, plant diversity, lack of available data and because the in situ direct measurement of ET is difficult in complex terrain. The main objective of this work was to investigate the potential of a Two-Source-Energy-Balance model (TSEB) driven by the Landsat and MODIS data for estimating ET over a complex mountain region. The complexity is associated with the type of the vegetation canopy as well as the changes in topography. For validating purposes, a large-aperture scintillometer (LAS) was set up over a heterogeneous transect of about 1.4 km to measure sensible (H) and latent heat (LE) fluxes. Additionally, two towers of eddy covariance (EC) systems were installed along the LAS transect. First, the model was tested at the local scale against the EC measurements using multi-scale remote sensing (MODIS and Landsat) inputs at the satellite overpasses. The obtained averaged values of the root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R) were about 72.4 Wm−2 and 0.79 and 82.0 Wm−2 and 0.52 for Landsat and MODIS data, respectively. Secondly, the potential of the TSEB model for evaluating the latent heat fluxes at large scale was investigated by aggregating the derived parameters from both satellites based on the LAS footprint. As for the local scale, the comparison of the latent heat fluxes simulated by TSEB driven by Landsat data performed well against those measured by the LAS (R = 0.69, RMSE = 68.0 Wm−2), while slightly more scattering was observed when MODIS products were used (R = 0.38, RMSE = 99.8 Wm−2). Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that (1) the TSEB model can be fairly used to estimate the evapotranspiration over the mountain regions; and (2) medium- to high-resolution inputs are a better option than coarse-resolution products for describing this kind of complex terrain.
An Optimal Population Modeling Approach Using Geographically Weighted Regression Based on High-Resolution Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Roni Rezaul , Jia Peng
Published: April 2020

Traditional choropleth maps, created on the basis of administrative units, often fail to accurately represent population distribution due to the high spatial heterogeneity and the temporal dynamics of the population within the units. Furthermore, updating the data of spatial population statistics is time-consuming and costly, which underlies the relative lack of high-resolution and high-quality population data for implementing or validating population modeling work, in particular in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Dasymetric modeling has become an important technique to produce high-resolution gridded population surfaces. In this study, carried out in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, dasymetric mapping was implemented with the assistance of a combination of an object-based image analysis method (for generating ancillary data) and Geographically Weighted Regression (for improving the accuracy of the dasymetric modeling on the basis of building use). Buildings were extracted from WorldView 2 imagery as ancillary data, and a building-based GWR model was selected as the final model to disaggregate population counts from administrative units onto 5 m raster cells. The overall accuracy of the image classification was 77.75%, but the root mean square error (RMSE) of the building-based GWR model for the population disaggregation was significantly less compared to the RMSE values of GWR based land use, Ordinary Least Square based land use and building modeling. Our model has potential to be adapted to other LMIC countries, where high-quality ground-truth population data are lacking. With increasingly available satellite data, the approach developed in this study can facilitate high-resolution population modeling in a complex urban setting, and hence improve the demographic, social, environmental and health research in LMICs.
Multi-Layered Circular Dielectric Structures’ Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Based on Green’s Function Using Non-Uniform Measurements
Authors: Wu Baolong , Álvarez-Narciandi Guillermo , Laviada Jaime
Published: April 2020

The electromagnetic imaging of multi-layered circular structures can be accomplished by means of different approaches. Among these approaches, the use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques with the compensation of the Green’s function for multi-layered circular cylinders provides a trade-off between accuracy and computational complexity. Nevertheless, this approach relies on measurement points acquired uniformly. Thus, this prevents the adoption of more flexible sampling schemes, limiting the use of inaccurate positioners or manual scanners. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a method to handle non-uniform cylindrically acquired data, enabling multi-layered circular imaging based on non-uniformly acquired measurements. For this purpose, the presented method starts by projecting the non-uniformly measured points onto different circles with equally-spaced points. After that, the Green’s function-based circular-SAR imaging method is applied to each projection circle. Lastly, the final SAR image is obtained by the superposition of the images from the previous step. Numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method for practical nondestructive testing (NDT) applications.
Quality of Life Regional Differences: Case of Self-Governing Regions of Slovakia
Authors: Oláh Judit , Hajduová Zuzana , Lacko Roman , Andrejovský Pavol
Published: April 2020

Quality of life is one of the most important areas of human well-being explored worldwide. The issue of quality of life, namely its quantification, is a current topic evidenced by a number of literary sources in the literature. We solved this issue in the conditions of the Slovak Republic and within this problem, we analyzed the development of the quality of life parameters for each self-governing region of Slovakia. We calculated a Quality of Life Index for the regions of Slovakia using selected indicators. We compared the quality of life in the regions of Slovakia and selected parameters suitable for calculating the overall index together with the methodology of the index’s creation. We found that there are statistically significant differences between regions, in terms of economic, social and environmental factors. The assessment of the quality of life in the regions of Slovakia, as well as the assessment of the quality of life also on the level of Slovakia, even internationally, is an important aspect affecting the further development of society and the existence of humanity itself.
Transfer for Sustainable Development at Higher Education Institutions—Untapped Potential for Education for Sustainable Development and for Societal Transformation
Authors: Nölting Benjamin , Molitor Heike , Reimann Julian , Skroblin Jan-Hendrik , Dembski Nadine
Published: April 2020

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly confronted with societal needs beyond research and teaching. These include sustainable development and technology transfer as well as the practical application of knowledge and ideas. Several HEIs already put sustainable development and transfer into practice. These practitioner–university partnerships comprise a broad range of actors, disciplines, topics, and formats. However, transfer activities that contribute to sustainable development in society still make up only a very small part of HEIs’ activities. In response to calls from society as a whole, HEIs could combine transfer and sustainable development more systematically. In this article, we suggest a concept of transfer for sustainable development. The focus is on sustainability transfer in teaching. We used mixed methods for this conceptual work: exploratory workshops, expert interviews, and a case study of transfer in teaching. One of the results presented in this article is a working definition of sustainability transfer at HEIs. In addition, six characteristics for describing sustainability transfer in its various forms are formulated. This conceptualization makes it possible to analyze the diversity of HEIs’ sustainability transfer activities, it helps to identify and encourage potential transfer actors at HEIs as well as practitioners, and, thus, tap the full potential of sustainability transfer.
Spatial Configurations for The Revitalization of a Traditional Market: The Case of Yukgeori Market in Cheongju, South Korea
Authors: Jeong Sang Kyu , Ban Yong Un
Published: April 2020

Changes in consumer purchasing patterns in South Korea in the 1990s led to a gradual decline in traditional markets. However, Yukgeori Market, a representative and unique traditional market in the city of Cheongju, has survived and continued to develop while maintaining the physical and operational characteristics of a traditional market. There is a lack of studies on the revitalization of traditional markets in non-metropolitan areas outside of Seoul in Korea. Thus, this study has identified the characteristics of the spatial configurations that foster the vitality of traditional markets by analyzing the attributes of the spaces based on their accessibility in the street network of Cheongju, and especially in the neighborhood surrounding Yukgeori Market. This was done by calculating the depths of the nodes in the network using a spatial analytical model. The results showed that long streets with a high public level (integration), which attract people and act as a communication bridge between highly modernized commercial areas and traditional markets as well as a boundary to preserve and develop a market’s traditional characteristics, can lead to the sustainable development of both types of area.
The Gender Perspective of Professional Competencies in Industrial Engineering Studies
Authors: Tazo Maria Inmaculada , Boyano Ana , Fernandez-Gámiz Unai , Calleja-Ochoa Amaia
Published: April 2020

Sexism and gender relations in higher education require special attention and are a topic of great interest in regulations related to education. The low participation percentage of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) studies has been identified as one of the main problems that must be resolved in order to close the gender gap that exists in the technology sector. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of professional competences on the selection of university studies according to the absence or presence of masculinization factors in those studies. Mechanical engineering competences, both generic and transversal, and competence acquisition methods, are classified into ‘care’ (feminine) or ‘provisions’ (masculine) concepts. After the competence analysis, it can be concluded that explicit engineering curricula are focused on “provisions”, which translates into a cultural perception of industrial engineering as a male profession. After a professional competence analysis in engineering studies at The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), our study identified a relationship between the masculinization factors included in professional competences and the selection of university studies. This paper presents working actions towards the incorporation of a gender perspective into the degree in mechanical engineering at the UPV/EHU.
A Bicycle Origin–Destination Matrix Estimation Based on a Two-Stage Procedure
Authors: Ryu Seungkyu
Published: April 2020

As more people choose to travel by bicycle, transportation planners are beginning to recognize the need to rethink the way they evaluate and plan transportation facilities to meet local mobility needs. A modal shift towards bicycles motivates a change in transportation planning to accommodate more bicycles. However, the current methods to estimate bicycle volumes on a transportation network are limited. The purpose of this research is to address those limitations through the development of a two-stage bicycle origin–destination (O–D) matrix estimation process that would provide a different perspective on bicycle modeling. From the first stage, a primary O–D matrix is produced by a gravity model, and the second stage refines that primary matrix generated in the first stage using a Path Flow Estimator (PFE) to build the finalized O–D demand. After a detailed description of the methodology, the paper demonstrates the capability of the proposed model for a bicycle demand matrix estimation tool with a real network case study.
Can ESG Performance Affect Bond Default Rate? Evidence from China
Authors: Li Peixin , Zhou Rongxi , Xiong Yahui
Published: April 2020

Capturing determinants of bond default risks has aroused heated discussions ever since the “rigid payment” system collapsed in China. Within this context; this paper aims to clarify the relation between an issuer’s environmental; social; and corporate (ESG) performance and its bond default rate. We developed an ESG factors-embedded Logistic Regression model to empirically examine Chinese default bonds and outstanding industrial bonds from 2014 to 2019. Results indicate that the bond default rate is positively correlated with the company’s energy consumption and negatively correlated with its attention to social responsibilities; and corporate governance; in addition to its financial performances. In conclusion; to fully take ESG factors into consideration during the decision-making process and daily operations might improve stability and credibility of corporations in modern Chinese national context.
Visualizations of Projected Rainfall Change in the United Kingdom: An Interview Study about User Perceptions
Authors: Kause Astrid , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Fung Fai , Taylor Andrea , Lowe Jason
Published: April 2020

Stakeholders from public, private, and third sectors need to adapt to a changing climate. Communications about climate may be challenging, especially for audiences with limited climate expertise. Here, we study how such audience members perceive visualizations about projected future rainfall. In semi-structured interviews, we presented 24 participants from climate-conscious organizations across the UK with three prototypical visualizations about projected future rainfall, adopted from the probabilistic United Kingdom Climate Projections: (1) Maps displaying a central estimate and confidence intervals, (2) a line graph and boxplots displaying change over time and associated confidence intervals, and (3) a probability density function for distributions of rainfall change. We analyzed participants’ responses using “Thematic Analysis”. In our analysis, we identified features that facilitated understanding—such as colors, simple captions, and comparisons between different emission scenarios—and barriers that hindered understanding, such as unfamiliar acronyms and terminology, confusing usage of probabilistic estimates, and expressions of relative change in percentages. We integrate these findings with the interdisciplinary risk communication literature and suggest content-related and editorial strategies for effectively designing visualizations about uncertain climate projections for audiences with limited climate expertise. These strategies will help organizations such as National Met Services to effectively communicate about a changing climate.
Corporate relationships in integrated business: key challenges and areas of improvement
Authors: Vinslav Yu.B.
Published: April 2020

The content of the terms «corporate relations» and «corporate policy» has been clarified, and the principles of rational organization of corporate relations in domestic companies have been systematized. The main tasks of management to improve corporate policy using the system of corresponding regulations (standards) have been formed. Recommendations are given to improve the practice of strategic business planning in terms of key functional areas of business. Methodical approach to evaluation of corporate synergy in integrated structures is proposed.
Centro Hiperdia Minas: avaliação da intervenção interdisciplinar no cuidado de usuários com diabetes tipo 2
Authors: Quaresma Soares Marcela , Sepúlveda Reis Janice , Nazareth Soares Aleida , Magalhães de Melo Cristiane , Calsolari Pereira de Souza Maria Regina
Published: April 2020

Introdução: O diabetes mellitus configura-se como uma pandemia em crescimento, impactando nos custos relativos à saúde e à qualidade de vida da população. O Modelo de Atenção às Condições Crônicas tem sido adotado com intuito de minimizar tais impactos. Em Minas Gerais, dentre as ações desenvolvidas nesta perspectiva, destaca-se a implementação dos Centros Hiperdia Minas. Tal modelo preconiza, entre outras ações, o enfoque interdisciplinar e a atenção centrada no usuário. Objetivo: Analisar a eficácia da intervenção interdisciplinar no cuidado aos usuários com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 assistidos pelo Centro Hiperdia Minas da Região de Saúde de Viçosa. Materiais e Métodos: Foram utilizados dados registrados nos prontuários de 95 usuários com diabetes tipo 2 atendidos no período de 2011 a 2015, sendo avaliados os dados iniciais e finais. Resultados: A avaliação da intervenção interdisciplinar indicou melhora significativa na hemoglobina glicada e nos níveis de colesterol, em relação aos dados obtidos na primeira consulta, além da adequada prescrição medicamentosa. Por outro lado, não houve melhora nos índices de IMC e triglicérides, sendo importante ressaltar também as dificuldades do serviço na avaliação das complicações do diabetes tipo 2. Conclusão: A iniciativa de criação dos Centros Hiperdia Minas representa um importante avanço na atenção aos diabéticos. A equipe apresentou desempenho satisfatório, embora sejam percebidas fragilidades.
Stereoassembled V
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O
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@FeOOH Hollow Architectures with Lithiation Volumetric Strain Self-Reconstruction for Lithium-Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Yao , Rui Kun , Huang Aoming , Ding Ying , Hu Kang , Shi Wenhui , Cao Xiehong , Lin Huijuan , Zhu Jixin , Huang Wei
Published: April 2020

Vanadium oxides have recently attracted widespread attention due to their unique advantages and have demonstrated promising chemical and physical properties for energy storage. This work develops a mild and efficient method to stereoassemble hollow V
2
O
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@FeOOH heterostructured nanoflowers with thin nanosheets. These dual-phased architectures possess multiple lithiation voltage plateau and well-defined heterointerfaces facilitating efficient charge transfer, mass diffusion, and self-reconstruction with volumetric strain. As a proof of concept, the resulting V
2
O
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@FeOOH hollow nanoflowers as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) realize high-specific capacities, long lifespans, and superior rate capabilities, e.g., maintaining a specific capacity as high as 985 mAh g
−1
at 200 mA g
−1
with good cyclability.
The Jurassic dinoflagellate cyst zonation of Subboreal Northwest Europe
Authors: Poulsen Niels E. , Riding James B.
Published: April 2020

The Jurassic dinoflagellate cyst zonation for the British–Danish area is revised and discussed in relation to palaeoenvironmental factors, in particular, eustatic changes and fluctuations in palaeotemperature. The stepwise evolution of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages as defined by inceptions and apparent extinctions was largely controlled by sea-level change, particularly during intervals with significant short-term eustatic fluctuations. During times characterised by less pronounced, or longer term, sea-level change, fluctuations in oceanic palaeotemperatures appear to have influenced dinoflagellate evolution. Differences in the ranges of certain taxa between Denmark and the United Kingdom may be partly related to differences in palaeotemperature.
Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous of the Danish Central Graben: structural framework and nomenclature
Authors: Japsen Peter , Britze Peter , Andersen Claus
Published: April 2020

The Danish Central Graben is part of the mainly Late Jurassic complex of grabens in the central and southern North Sea which form the Central Graben. The tectonic elements of the Danish Central Graben in the Late Jurassic are outlined and compared to those in the Early Cretaceous based on reduced versions of published maps (1:200 000), compiled on the basis of all 1994 public domain seismic and well data. The Tail End Graben, a half-graben which stretches for about 90 km along the East North Sea High, is the dominant Late Jurassic structural feature. The Rosa Basin (new name) is a narrow, north–south-trending basin extending from the south-western part of the Tail End Graben. The Tail End Graben ceased to exist as a coherent structural element during the Early Cretaceous and developed into three separate depocentres: the Iris and Gulnare Basins to the north and the Roar Basin to the south (new names). The Early Cretaceous saw a shift from subsidence focused along the East North Sea High during the Late Jurassic to a more even distribution of minor basins within the Danish Central Graben. The depth to the top of the Upper Jurassic – lowermost Cretaceous Farsund Formation reaches a maximum of 4800 m in the northern part of the study area, while the depth to the base of the Upper Jurassic reaches 7500 m in the Tail End Graben, where the Upper Jurassic attains a maximum thickness of 3600 m. The Lower Cretaceous Cromer Knoll Group attains a maximum thickness of 1100 m in the Outer Rough Basin.
The August 17, 1914 Bilimbaev earthquake: location based on instrumental data
Authors: Malovichko Aleksey , Morozov Alexey , Vaganova Natalya , Asming Vladimir , Dyagilev Ruslan , Evtyugina Zinaida
Published: April 2020

The parameters of the hypocenter of the Bilimbaev earthquake that occurred on August 17, 1914, are located. We performed earthquake location based on our compilation of all available seismological bulletins of the time that included data from the ISC-GEM (International Seismological Centre–Global Earthquake Model) project, the EuroSeismos project, and the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The location was performed using a modified generalized beamforming method based on the ak135 travel time model and regional model by the Ural region. The new epicenter is removed from the epicenters, previous-ly determined from macroseismic and partly instrumental data, at a distance not exceeding 28 km. The previously calculated earthquake epicenters are in the region of the error ellipse of the new epicenter. The depth values indicated earlier also lie in the range of possible depths of the focus of the specified hypocenter. Thus, all the epicenters, including the new one, are relevant and with equal probability can be considered as the true epicenter of the earthquake
Lessons Learned from Online PLCs of Rural STEM Teachers
Authors: Durr Tony , Kampmann Jennifer , Hales Patrick , Browning Larry
Published: April 2020

This exploratory study of a Title II grant funded project analyzed the design and delivery of online professional learning communities (PLC) for rural STEM teachers. This research identified the frequency a video posting, the type of videos posted, and the style of reflection questions, as critical aspects to the engagement to participating teachers. Additionally, teachers showed an increase in teacher efficacy as a result of being part of the online PLCs and they indicated strong enjoyment and value in participation of the program.
THE IMPACT OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING METHOD ON YEMENI ADULT STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF GLOBAL ISSUES VOCABULARY
Authors: Al-Shuga’a Lamis Abdulkarim , Yunus Kamariah , Abugohar Mohammed Abdulgalil
Published: April 2020

The cooperative learning method is one of the most effective student-centered learning methods used in teaching English language classes. It is an updated and effective pedagogic method that should be integrated into classrooms. The previously reviewed studies showed that the use of cooperative learning method may improve students’ knowledge of the language. This paper aims at investigating the impact of cooperative learning methods on Yemeni adult students’ knowledge of global issues vocabulary. The study employed an experimental method research design where the quantitative data collection method was conducted. A pretest and posttest (of the same test) were administered to the 25 respondents in the experimental group and the other 25 respondents in the control group. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used to analyse the difference between the two groups’ performance using the t-test. Results showed that the students in the experimental group performed significantly better than the students in the comparison group in the required tasks relating to global issues vocabulary knowledge. Findings also indicated that the cooperative learning method had positive effects on students’ vocabulary knowledge in classrooms. The participants gained confidence and their language skills were improved. Social skills like leadership, decision-making, trust-building, communication, and conflict-management skills were also developed. The study concludes that cooperative learning contributes to cognitive growth, increased autonomy and productivity of adult learners. The cooperative learning method should be integrated into English language classrooms to improve the growth and productive knowledge of students at the tertiary level.
IMPLEMENTATION OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY AMONG TEACHERS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Abu Hassan Mohd Aizat , Musa Kamarudin , Hashim Zahari , Habidin Nurul Fadly
Published: April 2020

This study conducted to identify the level of implementation of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) among teachers in Malaysia. Respondents of the study consisted of 419 randomly selected school teachers. Overall, the professional learning community among teachers in Malaysia is still at a moderate level. This finding will help the relevant parties to find solutions to help improve the level of implementation of Professional Learning Communities among teachers in Malaysia.
EXPLORING GIFTEDNESS: TRAITS OF COGNITIVE AND PRACTICAL SKILLS OF A GIFTED CHILD
Authors: Ismail Md Jais , Anuar Azu Farhana , Yusuf Rorlinda
Published: April 2020

Previous studies reveal that there is at least 1 gifted child in 10,000 children. Managing these gifted children at home and schools is in fact a demanding task. Parents and teachers need to understand gifted children’s traits in order to cater to their learning needs. This study aims to explore the traits of the cognitive and practical skills of a gifted child through a case study. The respondent is a male child of Pusat GENIUS@pintar Negara, Malaysia, aged 13 years old who has passed the ‘gifted tests’ which are UKM1, UKM2, and UKM3. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and observations. The result shows that the gifted child possesses high ability in terms of cognitive and practical skills compared to his peers who are at the same age. In terms of cognitive skill, he could answer all questions correctly in a quiz conducted and obtained the highest marks in every examination including intelligence tests namely gifted tests. Whilst, for the practical skill he could master playing violin in a very short period of time even though he had never played one before. Additionally, for both skills, he has won a lot of gold medals at the international level. Thus, the researcher suggests a more comprehensive and acceleration learning should be adapted and allowed the gifted child to tailor his cognitive and emotional needs.
EXPECTATIONS AND REALITY OF LEARNER AUTONOMY AND COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN PAKISTANI HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: A REVIEW
Authors: Shahid Choudhry , Ong Eng Tek , Wong Kung Teck , Perveen Asma
Published: April 2020

The primary aim of this study is to analyse the main factors affecting the learner autonomy and communicative competence of the EFL learners at higher education level in Pakistan. Nowadays, the English language is considered a language of education, business, and research, moreover, English is a medium of instruction in higher education institutions in Pakistan and communication ability and autonomy are regarded highly important skills for the students’ academic success and professional development in the university context. This study has used the literature review and situational analysis approach in order to explore the teaching and learning of the English language at the tertiary level in Pakistan. This study will discuss the present situation of English Language teaching in Pakistan, and the main challenges hindering the skill development of the students. This study has recommendations for the policymakers, teachers, trainers, and students struggling to develop communicative competence and learner autonomy at higher education level in Pakistan. The finding of the study indicates that gap in skill development, low proficiency, improper evaluation, and problematic pedagogy are the main factors affecting skill development in the Pakistani EFL context. Students’ skills can be promoted incompetence and autonomy areas by providing them with interpersonal and physical space in learning the target language.
Activities of higher education institutions in the technology transfer
Authors: Kvasha T.K. , Paladchenko O.F. , Molchanova I.V.
Published: April 2020

The article is devoted to the transfer of technologies created in the framework of research and development by the higher education institutions (HEIs), which are subordinated to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, as one of the key components of innovation activity. The purpose of the article is to evaluate the results of HEIs activities in the field of technology transfer, to identify the main problems and the most effective ways to solve them. The work was carried out within the framework of innovative legislation by a monitoring method conducted based on the information of the main spending units of the budget for the transfer of technologies created by the budget, which are subordinated to the Ministry of Education and Science. The results of the study are presented, and it shows the next: in 2018, HEIs, which subordinates to MESU, transferred 969 technologies, of which almost all (93.2%) were given to industrial enterprises. Compared to 2017, the number of transferred technologies has overall decreased, but only in the domestic market. Moreover, the volumes of technology transfer revenues have increased both in the domestic and foreign markets due to the increased competitiveness of the transferred technologies, especially in the external market, where with the small increase in the number of the technologies transferred there was a significant increase in the amount of technology transfer revenues. By type of transfer, “know-how”, agreements for the acquisition (transfer) of technology” were preferred, both in the domestic and foreign markets. For the period 2016–2018, the dynamics of received technology transfer revenues is positive. In 2016, the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” was the leader in the sphere of technology transfer, and in 2017 and 2018 — the Sumy State University. The main problem is that the transmitted technologies were created only at the expense of enterprises and contracting entities for the direct introduction and development of innovative activity of enterprises, which does not contribute to the expansion of the number of HEIs in the field of technology transfer. In order to solve the problem and activate innovative development, it is proposed to provide state financial support for innovation activity in the HEIs, in particular through innovative programs, government procurement and individual innovation projects, as provided by the Law on Innovation.