bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biorefineries at poultry farms: a perspective for sustainable development
Authors: Odales‐Bernal Leyanet , Schulz Ralf Kiran , López González Lisbet , Barrera Ernesto L
Published: November 2020

Poultry litter (PL) is one of the drier and bulkier manures produced in intensive agriculture. Land spreading is considered the most common treatment option for PL; however, this causes large atmospheric greenhouse emissions and consequently a high negative environmental impact. PL has several factors that limit its sustainable use as an energy source, and thus there is still a need for more studies about sustainable waste management. The paper aims at: (i) proposing sustainable pathways in order to maximise the PL valorisation process, based on previous experiences described in the literature; and (ii) showing the advantages of reforming poultry farms into biorefineries in Cuba. Combinations of techniques are used to increase PL valorisation, but only by modulating the theoretical data has an improvement occurred. In this work, pathways for thermo‐ and bioconversion processes are proposed which involve four major technologies for converting PL into useful energy and fertiliser, being pyrolysis/gasification, hydrothermal carbonisation and anaerobic digestion as key conversion technologies. Including technologies for nutrient recovery in the proposed pathways would allow better agricultural applications. The treatment of PL in biorefineries in Cuba would have a positive impact on the economy through income generation and savings resulting from reductions in imports (i.e. fossil fuels and agrochemicals), employment creation, improved living conditions and development in rural communities. Future studies should be aimed at evaluating the various proposed pathways in order to maximise the PL valorisation process, in addition to a marketing study of the products generated through the biorefineries at poultry farms. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Lessons worth repeating: Sidman's Tactics of Scientific Research
Authors: Branch Marc
Published: November 2020

Murray Sidman's (1960) Tactics of Scientific Research: Evaluating Experimental Data in Psychology just celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. It is without doubt one of the most influential books in the history of Behavior Analysis. This review outlines the rationales for, and details of, methods for the investigation of the behavior of individual subjects that Sidman presented. Many of his observations and recommendations are as timely as ever, maybe even more so, given the “reproducibility crisis” and one of its major origins.
Presence and type of decompensation affects outcomes in autoimmune hepatitis upon treatment with corticosteroids
Authors: Sharma Sanchit , Agarwal Samagra , Kaushal Kanav , Anand Abhinav , Gunjan Deepak , Yadav Rajni , Saraya Anoop
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

Decompensated cirrhosis in autoimmune hepatitis has poor prognosis. Besides liver transplant, treatment for this entity is undefined. We explored the outcomes of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)‐related decompensated cirrhosis with active disease on treatment with steroids.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, clinical data, laboratory parameters, and prognostic scores, such as baseline model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores, were compared among patients of AIH with decompensated cirrhosis with mild/no ascites (n = 38), gross ascites (n = 24), and compensated cirrhosis (n = 32) when administered steroids. The primary outcome was transplant‐free survival at 12 months. Biochemical remission rates and other adverse events were also assessed and compared between these groups.

Results

Steroids were initiated at lower doses (25 mg/day‐mild/no ascites, 20 mg/day‐gross ascites) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and at 40 mg/day in those with compensated cirrhosis. Transplant‐free survival was 25.4%, 74.6%, and 96.9% (P = 0.001), and biochemical remission occurred in 5.1%, 49.0%, and 64.1% (P = 0.001) at 12 months in patients with gross ascites, mild/no ascites, and compensated cirrhosis, respectively. Infections were seen more frequently in decompensated cirrhosis, while other adverse events were comparable. Among decompensated cirrhosis, those with mild/no ascites had better prognostic scores, fewer posttreatment infections, and more frequent biochemical remission than those with gross ascites, achieving rates comparable to compensated cirrhosis. On multivariate analysis, the MELD score (subdistributional hazards ratio [sHR]; 95% confidence interval: 1.153 [1.07–1.24]; P = 0.001) and ascites (sHR: 2.556 [1.565–5.65]; P = 0.020) predicted survival.

Conclusion

Type and severity of decompensation affect outcomes in patients with AIH‐related cirrhosis. Those with mild/no ascites have comparable outcomes to those with compensated cirrhosis upon treatment with low‐dose steroids.
Identifying predictors of patient radiation dose during uterine artery embolisation
Authors: Nocum Don J. , Robinson John , Halaki Mark , Liang Eisen , Thompson Nadine , Moscova Michelle , Reed Warren
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is regarded as a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids and/or adenomyosis. Dose reduction during UAE is critical for this reproductive‐age patient population to minimise the risks of radiation‐induced effects. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of radiation dose which can be controlled and optimised for patients during UAE.

Methods

A total of 150 patients between June 2018 and August 2019 were included in this study. Demographic and clinical information such as age, body mass index (BMI), total number of fibroids, total fibroid volume, total uterus volume and dosimetric measurements on Dose Area Product (DAP), Air Kerma (AK) and fluoroscopy time were recorded. Total digital subtraction angiography (DSA), total conventional roadmap (CRM), total last‐image hold (LIH) and total fluoroscopy were calculated from the dose report. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictor variables of total dose (DAP) using a regression model.

Results

Total DSA, total CRM and total LIH were identified as the determinants of dose for UAE (P < 0.05) and together accounted for 95.2% of the variance.

Conclusions

This study identified the key imaging predictors of dose for UAE. Total DSA, total CRM and total LIH were shown to have a greater impact on the outcome DAP compared to other demographic or dosimetric measurements. Optimisation of these predictors during future UAE procedures can facilitate radiation dose reduction to the pelvis and reproductive organs.
On making experimental design choices: Discussions on the use and challenges of demand effects, incentives, deception, samples, and vignettes
Authors: Eckerd Stephanie , DuHadway Scott , Bendoly Elliot , Carter Craig R. , Kaufmann Lutz
Published: November 2020

In late 2018, the Journal of Operations Management published an invited methods article by Lonati et al. (2018) to provide guidance to authors on how to design behavioral experiments to achieve the rigor required for consideration in the journal. That article was written as a response to a number of behavioral research submissions to JOM, each dealing with interesting topics but viewed by the editors to possess poor design choices at inception. While the Lonati et al. (2018) piece provides experimental guidance fitting to certain research agendas, questions have arisen concerning whether and how exactly to implement some of the points that it makes, and how to best address trade‐offs in the design of behavioral experiments. Questions have also arisen concerning how to apply these concepts in operations management research. This technical note seeks to address these questions, by diving into the details of research risks and trade‐offs regarding demand effects, incentives, deception, sample selection, and context‐rich vignettes. The authors would like to recognize the input of a large number of senior scholars in the JOM community who have provided support and feedback as we have sought to help authors tease out what can reasonably be done in designing strong behavioral experiments that fit various research agendas.
A brief history of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and the localized surface plasmon Dedicated to the memory of Richard Van Duyne (1945–2019)
Authors: Moskovits Martin , Piorek Brian D.
Published: November 2020

When discovered in 1977, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) almost immediately became a research phenomenon with dozens of groups on many continents probing this unusual result in which the Raman intensity of a molecule could be increased a millionfold when the molecule is placed on rough silver. Multiple putative explanations were reported that were winnowed down to two major groups: one made reference to the erstwhile nearly unknown entity called the surface plasmon (a collective electronic excitation of metal nanostructures); the other argued that SERS is merely unusually intense resonance Raman. The former was first enunciated by Moskovits in 1978. If indeed plasmonic in nature, one might suppose that SERS would be an effect that requires submicroscopic structure (i.e., nanostructure) and that it would be strongest for the coinage and the alkali metals and accordingly predict that the enhancement (which up to that point had been observed only on electrochemically roughened silver) will also be seen for true silver and gold colloids. All of these predictions were rapidly demonstrated experimentally by many groups, and the plasmonic model for SERS has been developed over the past 40 years into a descriptive, predictive, and quantitative theory that accounts for all of the seminal aspects of SERS.
Advanced mono‐ and multi‐dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques for oxygen‐containing compound characterization in biomass and biofuel samples
Authors: Beccaria Marco , Siqueira Anna Luiza Mendes , Maniquet Adrien , Giusti Pierre , Piparo Marco , Stefanuto Pierre‐Hugues , Focant Jean‐François
Published: November 2020

A wide variety of biomass, from triglycerides to lignocellulosic‐based feedstock, are among promising candidates to possibly fulfill requirements as a substitute for crude oils as primary sources of chemical energy feedstock. During the feedstock processing carried out to increase the H:C ratio of the products, heteroatom‐containing compounds can promote corrosion, thus limiting and/or deactivating catalytic processes needed to transform the biomass into fuel. The use of advanced gas chromatography techniques, in particular multi‐dimensional gas chromatography, both heart‐cutting and comprehensive coupled to mass spectrometry, has been widely exploited in the field of petroleomics over the past 30 years and has also been successfully applied to the characterization of volatile and semi‐volatile compounds during the processing of biomass feedstock. This review intends to describe advanced gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based techniques, mainly focusing in the period 2011–early 2020. Particular emphasis has been devoted to the multi‐dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques, for the isolation and characterization of the oxygen‐containing compounds in biomass feedstock. Within this context, the most recent advances to sample preparation, derivatization, as well as gas chromatography instrumentation, mass spectrometry ionization, identification, and data handling in the biomass industry, are described.
Selective enrichment‐release of trace dibutyl phthalate via molecular‐imprinting based photo‐controlled switching followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis
Authors: Huang Weihong , Jiang Pengfei , Yin Xifeng , Zhang Liming , Zhao Shan , Zhou Hengdeng , Ni Xiaoni , Xu Wanzhen
Published: November 2020

A novel intelligent photo‐controlled molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized, based on the magnetic core‐shell structure, with 4‐[(4‐methacryloyloxy) phenylazo] benzenesulfonic acid as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate as the cross‐linking agent. Subsequently, a series of light‐controlled enrichment‐release performance showed that it only took about 30 and 10 min to reach the equilibrium photosensitive characteristic peak, respectively. The photo‐controlled polymers could intelligently select target molecules, the maximum adsorption capacity for dibutyl phthalate was 3.88 mg/g. However, the adsorption capacity for its structural analogue dicyclohexyl phthalate was only 0.88 mg/g. The Freundlich and Langmuir isothermal equations were discussed for the specific enrichment process. Finally, the photo‐controlled molecularly imprinted polymers were successfully applied to the selective detection of dibutyl phthalate, with the recovery rate of 95.4–98.4%. It could be used for the analysis of trace dibutyl phthalate in actual samples.
A Dizzying Complaint: Investigating the Intended Meaning of Dizziness Among Patients and Providers
Authors: Sommerfeldt John M. , Fischer Jakob L. , Morrison Danielle A. , McCoul Edward D. , Riley Charles A. , Tolisano Anthony M.
Published: November 2020

Objective/Hypothesis

To assess for semantic differences regarding the definition of dizziness among otolaryngology patients, otolaryngologists, and non‐otolaryngologist providers.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Between March and May 2020, a survey consisting of 20 common descriptors for dizziness within five domains (lightheadedness, motion sensitivity, imbalance, vision complaints, and pain) was completed by patients at two outpatient otolaryngology clinics. Surveys were subsequently obtained from otolaryngology and non‐otolaryngology providers attending a multidisciplinary dizziness lecture. The primary outcome measure was to assess for differences in definition of dizziness between patients and providers. Secondary outcome measures included assessing differences between otolaryngologists and non‐otolaryngologists.

Results

About 221 patients and 100 providers participated. Patients selected a median of 7 terms compared to 8 for providers (P = .375), although providers had a larger overall distribution of number of terms selected (P = .038). Patients were more likely than providers to define dizziness according to the following domains: lightheadedness (difference 15.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5%–25.3%), vision complaints (difference 21.6%, 95% CI 12.0%–29.6%), and pain (difference 11.5%, 95% CI 4.7%–17.1%). Providers were more likely to define dizziness according to the motion sensitivity domain (difference 13.8%, 95% CI 6.8%–19.6%). Otolaryngology and non‐otolaryngology providers defined dizziness similarly across symptom domains.

Conclusion

Although patients and providers both view dizziness as imbalance, patients more commonly describe dizziness in the context of lightheadedness, vision complaints, and pain, whereas providers more frequently define dizziness according to motion sensitivity. These semantic differences create an additional barrier to effective patient‐provider communication.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 131:E1443–E1449, 2021
Large‐scale land acquisition as a potential driver of slope instability
Authors: Chiarelli Davide Danilo , D'Odorico Paolo , Davis Kyle Frankel , Rosso Renzo , Rulli Maria Cristina
Published: November 2020

Recently, vast tracts of land have been acquired by foreign and domestic–foreign partnerships to satisfy an increasing demand for agricultural products, often resulting in the conversion of forested landscapes into agricultural fields. Those conversions often occur in areas characterized by high slope angles with the potential to cause mass wasting and shallow landslides. An interesting case‐study is the Licungo basin in Mozambique, where from 2000 nearly 160,000 ha of forest were converted, 17% of which occurred in areas acquired through large‐scale land acquisitions (LSLAs). This study analyses the relationship between deforestation occurring within LSLA areas and the likelihood of landslide occurrence. To this end, we use a spatially distributed physically based model that couples the assessment of slope stability with hillslope‐scale hydrological processes and evaluates the change in slope stability associated with remotely sensed forest loss. Relative to conditions where no human modification of land cover has occurred, we find that LSLAs have the potential to increase the extent of areas susceptible to slope failure by as much as 15,000 ha. We also quantified potential direct and indirect implications of such events for the food supply of local populations, estimating that 4,000 people could lose approximately 700 kcal cap−1 d−1 if all LSLAs are put under production. This study demonstrates the linkages between LSLAs, slope instability, and knock‐on environmental and societal impacts. Governments should therefore take such impacts into account (in addition to those related to habitat destruction and carbon emissions) when issuing permits and concessions within forested lands.
LIBS and FTIR–ATR spectroscopy studies of mineral–organic associations in saline soil
Authors: Ma Fei , Du Changwen , Zhang Yiqiang , Xu Xuebin , Zhou Jianmin
Published: November 2020

Direct characterization of the spatial distribution of elements and compound binding of salt–organic associations in soil is imperative for understanding the mechanisms of organic matter decomposition and nutrient release involved in soil degradation and development processes. However, traditional chemical methods would damage the chemical bonds in salt–organic associations, and modern spectroscopic techniques provide alternative options for resolving this problem. In this study, mid‐infrared‐attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR–ATR) was used to obtain molecular group information; laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to obtain microlevel distribution of elements, and two‐dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) analysis was conducted to illustrate the binding combination features of mineral–organic associations in saline soil from the Hetao Irrigation District in China. The results showed that the distributions of Mg, Ca, Na, and K were heterogeneous at the microlevel; the spatial distributions of Mg and Ca showed a significant correlation (r = 0.90***), while K displayed a negative correlation with the soil organic matter (SOM) contents. In the soil with lower SOM contents, the elements were distributed at the top of the ablation area and enhanced with the increasing SOM content, which reflected the trends of the SOM layer thickness outside the mineral–organic associations at the microlevel. Furthermore, 2DCOS analysis suggested that the hydrogen bonds in silicate groups were stronger than those of organic functional groups, such as C=O/C=C, when combined with salt‐related compounds, and Mg, Ca, Na, and K did not originate from clay mineral compounds in saline soil but partially originated from deposited organic associations.
Impact of Payer Status on Delisting Among Liver Transplant Candidates in the United States
Authors: Karunungan Krystal L. , Sanaiha Yas , Hernandez Roland A. , Wilhalme Holly , Rudasill Sarah , Hadaya Joseph , DiNorcia Joseph , Benharash Peyman
Published: November 2020

Although socioeconomic disparities persist both pre‐ and post‐transplantation, the impact of payer status has not been studied at the national level. We examined the association between public insurance coverage and waitlist outcomes among candidates listed for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States. All adults (age ≥18 years) listed for LT between 2002 and 2018 in the United Network for Organ Sharing database were included. The primary outcome was waitlist removal because of death or clinical deterioration. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Kruskal‐Wallis and chi‐square tests, respectively. Fine and Gray competing‐risks regression was used to estimate the subdistribution hazard ratios (HRs) for risk factors associated with delisting. Of 131,839 patients listed for LT, 61.2% were covered by private insurance, 22.9% by Medicare, and 15.9% by Medicaid. The 1‐year cumulative incidence of delisting was 9.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3%‐9.8%) for patients with private insurance, 10.7% (95% CI, 9.9%‐11.6%) for Medicare, and 10.7% (95% CI, 9.8%‐11.6%) for Medicaid. In multivariable competing‐risks analysis, Medicare (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.24; P < 0.001) and Medicaid (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.24; P < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased hazard of death or deterioration compared with private insurance. Additional predictors of delisting included Black race and Hispanic ethnicity, whereas college education and employment were associated with a decreased hazard of delisting. In this study, LT candidates with Medicare or Medicaid had a 20% increased risk of delisting because of death or clinical deterioration compared with those with private insurance. As more patients use public insurance to cover the cost of LT, targeted waitlist management protocols may mitigate the increased risk of delisting in this population.
Preconditioning Navier–Stokes control using multilevel sequentially semiseparable matrix computations
Authors: Qiu Yue , van Gijzen Martin B. , van Wingerden Jan‐Willem , Verhaegen Michel , Vuik Cornelis
Published: November 2020

In this article, we study preconditioning techniques for the control of the Navier–Stokes equation, where the control only acts on a few parts of the domain. Optimization, discretization, and linearization of the control problem results in a generalized linear saddle‐point system. The Schur complement for the generalized saddle‐point system is very difficult or even impossible to approximate, which prohibits satisfactory performance of the standard block preconditioners. We apply the multilevel sequentially semiseparable (MSSS) preconditioner to the underlying system. Compared with standard block preconditioning techniques, the MSSS preconditioner computes an approximate factorization of the global generalized saddle‐point matrix up to a prescribed accuracy in linear computational complexity. This in turn gives parameter independent convergence for MSSS preconditioned Krylov solvers. We use a simplified wind farm control example to illustrate the performance of the MSSS preconditioner. We also compare the performance of the MSSS preconditioner with the performance of the state‐of‐the‐art preconditioning techniques. Our results show the superiority of the MSSS preconditioning techniques to standard block preconditioning techniques for the control of the Navier–Stokes equation.
An unconditionally stable algorithm for multiterm time fractional advection–diffusion equation with variable coefficients and convergence analysis
Authors: Ravi Kanth Adivi Sri Venkata , Garg Neetu
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on the numerical solution of the variable coefficient multiterm time fractional advection–diffusion equation via exponential B‐splines. We discretize the temporal part by using the Crank–Nicolson method and spatial part by the exponential B‐splines. The unconditional stability is obtained by the Von‐Neumann method. The convergence rates are also studied. Numerical simulations confirm the theoretically expected accuracy in both time and space directions. A comparative analysis with the other methods shows the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Exploring Pediatric Obesity Training, Perspectives, and Management Patterns Among Pediatric Primary Care Physicians
Authors: Campoverde Reyes Karen J. , Perez Numa P. , Czepiel Kathryn S. , Shaw Ashley Y. , Stanford Fatima Cody
Published: November 2020

Objective

Significant variability exists in the amount of formal obesity training obtained by physicians caring for pediatric patients. The study objective was to assess the relationship between formal obesity training and pediatrics physicians’ perceptions, practice patterns, overall knowledge, and confidence during management of pediatric obesity.

Methods

An anonymous survey was distributed via email from February 2020 through March 2020 at a large academic system. Internal medicine/pediatrics (46 total) and pediatrics (104 total) primary care providers were selected. Data were collected on the total number of obesity‐related training hours by quartiles, demographics, physicians’ clinical practice patterns, and physicians’ knowledge of pediatric obesity management, along with their perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs.

Results

A total of 73 survey participants completed the survey: 69% were female, 77% were older than 40 years, and 74% were White. Physicians with the highest training were most likely to feel confident when managing pediatric obesity. However, only 20% of all physicians felt confident providing pre‐ and post‐bariatric surgery care, and just 6% of physicians self‐reported achieving management success.

Conclusions

Increased obesity training improves physicians’ confidence and leads to familiarity with management guidelines. Formal obesity training should be prioritized during residency and beyond so that physicians who care for pediatric patients are better equipped to offer unbiased and effective care.
Fused deposition modeling of poly (lactic acid)/almond shell composite filaments
Authors: Song Xiaohui , He Wei , Chen Peiqi , Wei Qingsong , Wen Jingxian , Xiao Guorui
Published: November 2020

In this paper, poly (lactic acid)/almond shell powder (PLA/ASP) composite filaments were prepared using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method. The influence of chemical treatments on the chemical groups of ASP was determined, and the effects of material ratios (3, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) and sliane concentration (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%) on thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The optimal ratio in the PLA/ASP composite was observed at 10 wt% ASP and 4 wt% silane. With the optimal processing parameters, the Td0 (onset temperature) and Td1 (the temperature at the maximum degradation rate) of PLA were enhanced. Furthermore, the tensile and compressive strengths of PLA were increased. Finally, porous scaffolds using PA15S4 filament were manufactured, which have a controllable porosity of 10% to 75%, interconnected pores size of 100 to 900 μm and a satisfy compressive modulus. The results indicated that the PLA/ASP composites have the potential to be used to prepare lighter‐weight parts with internal pores by using FDM.
A sorghum gigantea mutant attenuates florigen gene expression and delays flowering time
Authors: Abdul‐Awal S. M. , Chen Junping , Xin Zhanguo , Harmon Frank G.
Published: November 2020

GIGANTEA (GI) is a conserved plant‐specific gene that modulates a range of environmental responses in multiple plant species, including playing a key role in photoperiodic regulation of flowering time. The C4 grass Sorghum bicolor is an important grain and subsistence crop, animal forage, and cellulosic biofuel feedstock that is tolerant of abiotic stresses and marginal soils. To understand sorghum flowering time regulatory networks, we characterized the sbgi‐ems1 nonsense mutant allele of the sorghum GIGANTEA (SbGI) gene from a sequenced M4 EMS‐mutagenized BTx623 population. sbgi‐ems1 plants flowered later than wild type siblings under both long‐day or short‐day photoperiods. Delayed flowering in sbgi‐ems1 plants accompanied an increase in node number, indicating an extended vegetative growth phase prior to flowering. sbgi‐ems1 plants had reduced expression of floral activator genes SbCO and SbEHD1 and downstream FT‐like florigen genes SbFT, SbCN8, and SbCN12. Therefore, SbGI plays a role in regulating SbCO and SbEHD1 expression that serves to accelerate flowering. SbGI protein physically interacts with the sorghum FLAVIN‐BINDING, KELCH REPEAT, F‐BOX1‐like (SbFFL) protein, a conserved flowering‐associated blue light photoreceptor, and the SbGI‐SbFFL interaction is stimulated by blue light. This work demonstrates that SbGI is an activator of sorghum flowering time upstream of florigen genes under short‐ and long‐day photoperiods, likely in association with the activity of the blue light photoreceptor SbFFL.

Significance Statement

This study elucidates molecular details of flowering time networks for the adaptable C4 cereal crop Sorghum bicolor, including demonstration of a role for blue light sensing in sorghum GIGANTEA activity. This work validates the utility of a large publicly available sequenced EMS‐mutagenized sorghum population to determine gene function.
Electrical Interface Characterization of Ultrathin Amorphous Silicon Layers on Crystalline Silicon
Authors: Thoma Patrick , Breyer Evelyn Tina , Thoma Oana‐Maria , Salvan Georgeta , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: November 2020

Heterojunctions of amorphous (a‐Si) and crystalline (c‐Si) silicon combine the favorable absorption characteristics of a‐Si for the solar spectrum, high energy conversion efficiencies, low processing temperatures, potential for low production costs, and a reduced amount of silicon used due to thin a‐Si films. To investigate a‐Si/c‐Si heterojunctions, amorphous p‐type silicon (a‐Si) with a thickness of 5 nm is deposited via radio frequency‐pulsed magnetron sputtering on p‐doped, (100)‐oriented, crystalline silicon (c‐Si) wafers. During deposition, the crystalline silicon wafers are kept at 430 °C and the hydrogen flow rate is varied from 0 to 50 sccm (standard cubic centimeters per minute). Temperature‐dependent current–voltage measurements are carried out to investigate the dominant transport mechanisms of electrical conduction. Moreover, the influence of hydrogen on physical properties such as barrier height, activation energy, and electrical conductivity is analyzed. A current–voltage dependence as predicted by the thermionic emission model for the low forward‐bias region below 0.25 V is observed. Temperature regimes for nearest neighbor hopping and band conduction are revealed by the Arrhenius plot and are found to depend on the hydrogen flow rate.
Effects of the atomic number of alkali atom and pore size of graphyne on the second‐order nonlinear optical response of superalkali salts of graphynesOM3+@GYs−(M = Li, Na, and K)
Authors: Hou Na , Du Fang‐Yue , Feng Ran , Wu Hai‐Shun , Li Zhi‐Ru
Published: November 2020

Based on the combination of novel carbon material graphynes (GYs) and superalkalis (OM3), a class of GY superalkali complexes, OM3+@(GY/GDY/GTY)−(M = Li, Na, and K), has been designed and investigated using the density functional theory method. Computational results reveal that these complexes with high stability can be regarded as novel superalkali salts of GYs due to electron transfer from OM3to GYs. For second‐order nonlinear optical response, these superalkali salts exhibit large first hyperpolarizabilities (β0). Two essential effects onβ0values are found, namely, the atomic number of alkali atom in superalkali and the pore size of GY. Integrating the two effects, the selected combination of OLi3with large pore size graphtrigne (GTY) can lead to a considerableβ0value (6.5 × 105au), which is a new record for superatom‐doped GYs. In the resulting complex, the OLi3unit is located at the center of the pore of GTY, forming a planar structure with the highest stability among these salts. Besides largeβ0values, these superalkali salts of GYs have a deep‐ultraviolet working region; hence, they can be considered a kind of high‐performance deep‐ultraviolet NLO molecule.
An intra‐operative video comparison of laparoscopic versus robotic transabdominal lateral adrenalectomy
Authors: Gokceimam Mehmet , Akbulut Serkan , Erten Ozgun , Kahramangil Bora , Kim Yoo S. , Li Pengpeng , Berber Eren
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim was to compare intraoperative conduct of adrenalectomy between laparoscopic and robotic approaches.

Methods

Intraoperative video‐recordings of patients who underwent robotic (n = 30) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (n = 30) were analysed using Mann–Whitney U, chi‐square and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Demographics, indications and outcomes were similar between groups. For all tumour sizes, camera was more engaged to surgical task and exhibited less vision problems in robotic versus laparoscopic group. There was less instrument exchange and restriction of exposure with robotic approach. For dissection, robotic approach allowed for a wider range of instrument reach around adrenal. Robotically, there was an increased ability to do fine dissection, rather than en bloc division with rigid laparoscopic vessel sealers. Bleeding problems were less robotically.

Conclusion

Despite similarities in post‐operative morbidity and hospital stay, there was a superiority in quality of procedure performed with robotic versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy for both small and large adrenal tumours.
Population effect of a large‐scale stream restoration effort on Chinook salmon in the Pahsimeroi River, Idaho
Authors: Copeland Timothy , Blythe Demitra , Schoby Windy , Felts Eli , Murphy Patrick
Published: November 2020

Stream habitat restoration is an important tool for fisheries management in impaired lotic systems. Although small‐scale benefits of stream habitat restoration are commonly investigated, it is difficult to demonstrate population effects. The Pahsimeroi River Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha population was previously restricted to the lower portion of the river by multiple irrigation structures. To address fish passage issues, a combination of restoration projects was initiated including barrier removals, instream flow enhancements and installation of fish screens on diversions. The largest barrier was removed in 2009, more than doubling the amount of accessible linear habitat. We hypothesized restoration efforts would expand the distribution of spawning salmon in the Pahsimeroi River watershed, leading to a broader distribution of juveniles. We also hypothesized a broader juvenile distribution would have population effects by reducing the prevalence of density‐dependent growth and survival. Redds were documented in newly accessible habitat immediately following barrier removal and accounted for a median of 42% of all redds in the Pahsimeroi River watershed during 2009–2015. Snorkel surveys also documented juvenile rearing in newly accessible habitat. Juvenile productivity increased from a median of 64 smolts/female spawner for brood years 2002–2008 to 99 smolts/female spawner for brood years 2009–2014. Overall, results suggested increased habitat accessibility in the Pahsimeroi River broadened the distribution of spawning adult and rearing juvenile salmon and reduced the effects of density‐dependent survival. Large‐scale stream restoration efforts can have a population effect. Despite the large‐scale effort and response, habitat restoration alone is likely not sufficient to restore this population.
High‐Throughput Measurements of Intra‐Cellular and Secreted Cytokine from Single Spheroids Using Anchored Microfluidic Droplets
Authors: Saint‐Sardos Adrien , Sart Sébastien , Lippera Kevin , Brient‐Litzler Elodie , Michelin Sébastien , Amselem Gabriel , Baroud Charles N.
Published: November 2020

While many single‐cell approaches have been developed to measure secretions from anchorage‐independent cells, these protocols cannot be applied to adherent cells, especially when these cells require to be cultured in 3D formats. Here, a platform to measure secretions from individual spheroids of human mesenchymal stem cells, cultured within microfluidic droplets is introduced. The platform allows to quantify the secretions from hundreds of individual spheroids in each device, by using a secondary droplet to bring functionalized micro‐beads in proximity to each spheroid. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐A) is measured on and a broad distribution of secretion levels within the population of spheroids is observed. The intra‐cellular level of VEGF‐A on each spheroid, measured through immuno‐staining, correlates well with the extra‐cellular measurement, indicating that the heterogeneities observed at the spheroid level result from variations at the intra‐cellular level. Further, the molecular accumulation within the droplets is modeled and it is found that physical confinement is crucial for measurements of protein secretions. The model predicts that the time to achieve a measurement scales with droplet volume. These first measurements of secretions from individual spheroids provide several new biological and technological insights.
Cocrystals of Atomically Precise Noble Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Bodiuzzaman Mohammad , Dar Wakeel Ahmed , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: November 2020

Cocrystallization is a phenomenon involving the assembly of two or more different chemical entities in a lattice, occurring typically through supramolecular interactions. In this concept, recent advancements in the cocrystallization of atomically precise noble metal clusters and their potential future directions are presented. Different strategies to create coassemblies of thiolate‐protected noble metal nanoclusters are presented first. An approach is the simultaneous synthesis, and cocrystallization of two clusters having similar structures. A unique pair of clusters found recently, namely Ag40 and Ag46 with same core but different shell are taken to illustrate this. In another category, the case of the same core is presented, namely Ag116 with different shells, as in a mixture of Ag210 and Ag211. Next, an intercluster reaction is presented to create cocrystals through selective crystallization of the reaction products. The coexistence of competing effects, magic sizes, and magic electron shells in a coassembly of alloy nanoclusters is discussed next. Finally, an assembly strategy for nanoclusters using electrostatic interactions is described. This concept is concluded with a future perspective on the emerging possibilities of such solids. Advancements in this field will certainly help the development of novel materials with exciting properties.
Prototype Atomically Dispersed Supported Metal Catalysts: Iridium and Platinum
Authors: Chen Yizhen , Sun Hanlei , Gates Bruce C.
Published: November 2020

When metal nanoparticles on supports are made smaller and smaller—to the limit of atomic dispersion—they become cationic and take on new catalytic properties that are only recently being discovered. The synthesis of these materials is reviewed, including their structure characterization—especially by atomic‐resolution electron microscopy and X‐ray absorption and infrared spectroscopies—and relationships between structure and catalyst performance, for reactions including hydrogenations, oxidations, and the water gas shift. Structure determination is challenging because of the intrinsic nonuniformity of the support surfaces—and therefore the structures on them—but fundamental understanding has advanced rapidly, benefiting from nearly uniform catalysts consisting of metals on well‐defined—crystalline—supports and their characterization by spectroscopy and microscopy. Recent advances in atomic‐resolution electron microscopy have spurred the field, providing stunning images and deep insights into structure. The iridium catalysts have typically been made from organoiridium precursors, opening the way to understanding and control of the metal–support bonding and ligands on the metal, including catalytic reaction intermediates. Platinum catalysts are usually made with less precision, from salt precursors, but they catalyze a wider array of reactions than the iridium, typically being stable at higher temperatures and seemingly offering rich prospect for discovery of new catalysts.
New insights into the affinities, autoecology, and habit of the Mesozoic fernWeichselia reticulatabased on the revision of stems from Bernissart (Mons Basin, Belgium)
Authors: Blanco‐Moreno Candela , Decombeix Anne‐Laure , Prestianni Cyrille
Published: November 2020

The Mesozoic is a key period in fern evolution, with the rise of most modern families.Weichselia reticulatais a widely distributed Jurassic–Cretaceous fern that has been suggested to belong to the Matoniaceae or possibly the Marattiaceae. The most accepted classic whole‐plant reconstruction for this species is based on stem and foliage material from the Barremian–Aptian locality of Négresse (Bernissart, Mons Basin, Belgium). In this work, two of these stems are revised and analysed using computed tomography, providing new information on their internal anatomy and external morphology.Weichselia reticulatahas a unique anatomy, distinct from all other extant or fossil ferns. Stem external morphology suggests adaptations to stressful environments, due to the scale insertions, and a thick cortex. Especially noteworthy is the presence of structures interpreted as aerophores or nectaries at the base of putative roots and petioles that could suggest a need for extra ventilation of the frond or interactions with animals. Although these new results do not settle the question of the systematic affinities ofWeichselia, they provide new information about its autoecology and allow us to test the validity of previous whole‐plant reconstructions.
Building Livelihoods Resilience in the Face of Climate Change: Case Study of Small-Holder Farmers in Tanzania
Authors: Mwasha Saumu Ibrahim , Robinson Zoe
Published: November 2020

The impacts of climate change are already being felt on human and environmental systems, with the brunt of the impacts being felt by communities in the Global South, particularly small-holder farmers due to their poverty levels and greater direct dependency on natural resources for their livelihoods. Hence, there is a need to understand how to build small-holder farmers’ resilience to climate change. Climate change adaptation strategies need to build livelihood resilience in the face of climate change as well as address the factors that contribute to farmers’ vulnerability. This chapter draws from a mixed-method study conducted in three villages each in a different agro-ecological zone in the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania, to explore how to build farmers’ livelihood resilience through addressing factors that increase livelihood vulnerability to climate change. These farmers’ livelihoods are vulnerable because of both the impacts of climate variability on the farmers’ livelihood assets and certain social and environmental structures and characteristics. Building small-holder farmers’ livelihood resilience that can ensure the desired levels of livelihood outcomes in the face of climate variability and change, requires integration of strategies across household resource management as well as farm-based livelihood assets, and a holistic rather than piecemeal approach to small-holder farmers’ livelihoods.
A General Model for the Comparative Analysis of Social Inequalities Between Europe and Latin America
Authors: López-Roldán Pedro , Fachelli Sandra
Published: November 2020

The chapter is an introduction to the book that places the research perspective for the comparative analysis of social inequalities between Europe and Latin America in a theoretical and methodological framework. Particularly, we present the INCASI project, the objectives, and discuss the concept of social inequalities in Latin American countries in comparison with European countries in order to create a dialogue that fills the knowledge gap between these two different traditions. To do so, we propose an Analytical Model on Social Inequalities and Trajectories (AMOSIT). Finally, the structure and general contents of the book are presented.
Social Times, Reproduction and Social Inequality at Work: Contrasts and Comparative Perspectives Between Countries
Authors: Domínguez-Amorós Màrius , Muñiz Leticia , Rubilar Gabriela
Published: November 2020

If the focus is placed specifically on the problem of work and family, the daily life of people and their use of time are a main problem. This time is expressed in both freely available time, which is related to activities, and time of the productive and reproductive sphere. This chapter considers work in a broad sense and takes into account the sexual division of labour.

Specifically, this chapter will explore transformations in time use and social inequality in unpaid work. For this purpose, a comparative analysis of time-use surveys will be used, analysing the time spent, and the time dedicated to household chores in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Spain. From an analytical viewpoint, the analysis will place social reproduction at the centre of the socio-economic system, showing that the economic crisis has affected women and men differently, and that in both Europe and Latin America the family pattern is being replaced by a dominant family model of a male provider and a double presence of women. The large-scale incorporation of women into the labour market has emphasised the role that women assume in the domestic sphere perpetuating gender segregation in employment and in domestic and care work.
Social Models for Dealing with Inequalities
Authors: Martín-Artiles Antonio , Chávez-Molina Eduardo , Semenza Renata
Published: November 2020

This chapter compares social models in Europe and Latin America. The goal is to study the interaction between two institutions: on the one hand, pre-distributive (ex ante) institutions, such as the structure and coverage of collective bargaining and, on the other hand, post-distributive (ex post) institutions, such as unemployment protection and social policy. Pre-distributive institutions are important for correcting inequalities in the labour market, because they introduce guidelines for egalitarian wage structures. Post-distributive institutions help to mitigate inequalities generated in the labour market.

The methodology is based on statistical analysis of a series of indicators related to pre and post-distributive policies. The results present three types of model: (1) coordinated economies, typical of neo-corporatist Scandinavian countries; (2) mixed economies, typical of Mediterranean systems, and (3) uncoordinated economies, which equate to liberalism and the Latin American ‘structural heterogeneity’ model. It is neo-corporatist coordinated economies that generate the most pre and post-distributive equality. In turn, uncoordinated economies, and Latin American ones in particular, generate more inequalities due to highly informal employment and the weakness of their post-distributive institutions.
The Measurement of Social Stratification: Comparative Perspectives Between Europe and Latin America
Authors: Barozet Emmanuelle , Boado Marcelo , Marqués-Perales Ildefonso
Published: November 2020

This chapter analyses compared social stratification in three Latin American countries (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) and four European countries (Finland, France, Spain, Great Britain). We focus on both external and internal borders of social classes, as well as on the challenges posed by their analysis for sociology. We compare social classes using EGP6 in relation to a variety of social indicators, to examine how social classes vary among countries. We include debates on production models and welfare state policies to understand the specific configurations and compare the conditions of some of the INCASI countries regarding social stratification. Lastly, we apply a latent class analysis to validate the number of social classes and to recognise class boundaries.