bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nondestructive Visualization of Interfacial Conducting Inhomogeneities in Memristive Oxides by Electroluminescence
Authors: Lin Weijian , Li Dong , Su Yangtao , Shi Haibin , Wang Li , Cao Xinyu , Meng Yang , Zhao Hongwu
Published: December 2020

The formation of conducting paths consisting of oxygen vacancies plays a crucial role in the resistive switching (RS) phenomenon in oxides. However, it is extremely challenging to probe the dynamic distribution of oxygen vacancies under changing electric field without breaking the device. In this work, the temporal‐spatial variation of oxygen vacancies in memristive Nb‐SrTiO3 devices has been investigated nondestructively by defect states mediated electroluminescence (EL). The disparate spatial inhomogeneities of conducting paths penetrating the Au/Nb‐SrTiO3 interfaces are clearly demonstrated on the device scale, which is completely subject to the forming bias polarity. Moreover, the EL spectroscopy results confirm the existence of temporary nonequilibrium states in conducting paths. The causal relationship between the EL emission and oxygen vacancies concentration paves a pathway to explore RS dynamics in oxides, and further to design novel electro‐optical devices.
Synthesis of thermoresponsive copolymer/silica‐coated magnetite nanoparticle composite and its application for heavy metal ion recovery
Authors: Tomonaga Hitoshi , Hayashi Kodai , Matsuyama Tatsushi , Ida Junichi
Published: December 2020

To enhance chemical stability and suppress of aggregation of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), which are used as a support for thermoresponsive copolymer immobilization, silica coating of the MNPs is applied via the electrooxidation method. Although the resulting silica coated‐MNPs also formed aggregates, the size distribution of the aggregate shifted to smaller size range. Because of that, the surface area available for copolymer immobilization increased approximately 6.7 times at maximum as compared with that of the uncoated MNPs. It contributed to the increase of the amount of the immobilized copolymer on the silica‐coated MNPs, which is approximately four times larger than that on the uncoated MNPs. Fe3O4 dissolution test confirmed enhancement of chemical stability of MNPs. The thermoresponsive copolymer immobilized on the silica‐coated MNPs shows the ability to recycle Cu(II) ion from Cu(II) containing solution by changing temperature with significantly shorter time than those in other thermoresponsive adsorbents in gel form.
Preparation and Performance of Dual‐functional Magnetic Phase‐change Microcapsules
Authors: Li Furong , Sun Zhicheng , Jiao Shouzheng , Ma Yutong , Zhang Qingqing , Zhou Yang , Wen Jinyue , Liu YuanYuan
Published: December 2020

The fabrication of desired anti‐magnetic materials for irradiation shielding remains a challenge to date. In this work, a new type of dual‐functional magnetic shielding phase change microcapsules with paraffin as the core, melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) resin as the shell and doped with magnetic particles in the shell were successfully prepared by in situ polymerization. The magnetic particles were dispersed in the shell layer by coating a hydrophilic emulsifier on the surface. These microcapsules were specifically applied to the field of magnetic shielding by the screen printing method. The effect of magnetic particles on the performance of phase‐change microcapsules was examined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses. The magnetic type and magnetic strength of the microcapsules were studied by the vibrating sample magnetometer. Moreover, the effects of different magnetic particles (Fe3O4, CrO2) on the performance of phase change microcapsules and the magnetic strength of microcapsules were compared. The results showed that these two kinds of magnetic particles can greatly improve the phase change latent heat, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity of the microcapsules. Finally, the great magnetic shielding role of these microcapsules was demonstrated in both static and pulsed magnetic fields through the screen printing of magnetic shielding ink on wallpaper. Incorporating 0.5 g Fe3O4 inside of microcapsules, specifically, the magnetic intensity was effectively reduced by ∼250 Oe within a short distance in the static field. We expect that these magnetic microcapsules hold great potential for the shielding of irradiations via the screen printing on various substrates.
Sliding mode control of double input buck buck–boost fused converter
Authors: Sen Dibyendu , Saha Tapas Kumar , Dey Jayati
Published: December 2020

This paper develops a hysteresis band‐based multivariable sliding mode control (SMC) for the double input buck buck–boost fused converter. The considered converter is operated at a controlled output voltage, while supplied from two different levels of input voltages from two different sources. The proposed control is to ensure the faster time of responses during the variation in the dual references, the output voltage, and low‐voltage source current, simultaneously. The controller is developed by considering these two controlled variables, which are directly dependent on each other. This multivariable SMC is shown to perform successfully to maintain the controlled variables at their desired values despite the variation in the input voltage sources and also during perturbation in the load impedance. The stability analysis for the closed‐loop system is established with the Lyapunov method, which confirms that both of the controlled variables reach the desired stable band at the steady state. The control is implemented in the simulation environment for different operating conditions. A laboratory prototype is developed to implement the multivariable SMC. The experimental results successfully validate their simulated counterparts.
A Novel Optimization of Water‐Soluble Compound Polysaccharides from Chinese Herbal Medicines by Quantitative Theory and Study on Its Characterization and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Yang Xu , Ji Hai‐yu , Feng Ying‐ying , Yu Juan , Liu An‐jun
Published: December 2020

The present study optimized the extraction characterization and antioxidant activities of water‐soluble compound polysaccharides (CPs) from hawthorn, lotus leaf, Fagopyrum tataricum, semen cassiae, Lycium barbarum, and Poria cocos Chinese herbal medicines that have mass ratios of 4 : 2 : 2 : 1.5 : 1 : 1. The CPs yield equation was predicted using quantitative theory, to which a maximum CPs yield of 7.18±0.24 % under the following optimal extraction conditions: a water‐to‐raw material ratio of 30 mL/g, an extraction temperature of 65 °C, an extraction time of 45 min, and extraction mode ultrasonic‐assistant extraction. CPs were consisted of Ara, Gal, Glc, Xyl, Man, GalA and GlcA in a molar ratio of 3.1 : 2.6 : 50.6 : 1.7 : 20.4 : 17.2 : 4.2. The HPGPC profiles and FT‐IR spectra implied that CPs were heterogeneous acidic polysaccharides and possessed the β‐d‐pyranose configuration. Congo red test, CD spectrum and SEM revealed that CPs with three helix conformation showed a flocculent, granulous or sheet‐like appearance. Furthermore, the relationships between antioxidant activity and concentration of CPs displayed significant positive correlation, and the scavenging abilities for DPPH, hydroxyl radical, ABTS, superoxide‐anion radical and reducing power of CPs were 93.56±2.51 %, 84.03±1.69 %, 83.29±1.93 %, 37.49±1.93 % and 0.467±0.006 at a concentration of 4.0 mg/mL. Therefore, CPs could be applied as a potential natural antioxidant in pharmaceutical or functional food fields.
Singlet Fission in Thin Solid Films of Bis(thienyl)diketopyrrolopyrroles
Authors: Rais David , Toman Petr , Pfleger Jiří , Acharya Udit , Panthi Yadu R. , Menšík Miroslav , Zhigunov Alexander , Thottappali Muhammed A. , Vala Martin , Marková Aneta , Stříteský Stanislav , Weiter Martin , Cigánek Martin , Krajčovič Jozef , Pauk Karel , Imramovský Aleš , Zaykov Alexandr , Michl Josef
Published: December 2020

The singlet fission (SF) process discovered in bis(thienyl)diketopyrrolopyrroles (TDPPs) can boost their potential for photovoltaics (PV). The crystal structures of TDPP analogs carrying n‐hexyl, n‐butyl, or 2‐(adamant‐1‐yl)ethyl substituents are similar, but contain increasingly slipped stacked neighbor molecules. The observed SF rate constants, kSF, (7±4), (9±3) and (5.6±1.9) ns−1 for thin films of the three compounds, respectively, are roughly equal, but the triplet quantum yields vary strongly: (120±40), (160±40) and (70±16), respectively. The recent molecular pair model reproduces the near equality of all three kSF at the crystal geometries and identifies all possible pair arrangements in which SF is predicted to be faster, by up to two orders of magnitude. However, it is also clear that the presently non‐existent ability to predict the rates of processes competing with SF is pivotal for providing a guide for efforts to optimize the materials for PV.
Acute hyperglycaemia in cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations
Authors: Merjaneh Lina , Toprak Demet , McNamara Sharon , Nay Laura , Sullivan Erin , Rosenfeld Margaret
Published: December 2020

Background

Hyperglycaemia may contribute to failure to recover from pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and mechanism of hyperglycaemia during and post‐exacerbations.

Methods

Nine paediatric CF patients, not on insulin, hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics, underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) upon admission (visit 1) and an OGTT 2 weeks (visit 2) and 6 weeks to 12 months later when at stable baseline (visit 3). Insulin and glucose levels were measured before, 30, 60 and 120 min after glucose ingestion during OGTT. Hyperglycaemia on OGTT was defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria as abnormal OGTT or consistent with diabetes. Hyperglycaemia on CGM was defined as CGM time above 140 mg/dL > 4.5%.

Results

At visit 1, 8/9 patients had hyperglycaemia on both CGM and OGTT (2 diabetes and 6 abnormal OGTT). At visit 2, 5/8 had hyperglycaemia (all abnormal OGTT). At visit 3, (median (IQR) time since visit 1, 4.9 (3.8‐6.3) months), 5/7 had hyperglycaemia (2 diabetes and 3 abnormal OGTT). At visits 1, 2 and 3, respectively, mean (SD) 2‐hour OGTT glucose was 175.8 (42.3), 146.3 (31.9) and 176.9 (51.7) mg/dL. CGM time above 140 mg/dL at visit 1 was 25.3% (16.9). Insulin AUC decreased from visit 2 (median (IQR) 5449 (3321‐8123) mcIU‐min/mL) to visit 3 (3234 (2913‐3680) mcIU‐min/mL).

Conclusion

Hyperglycaemia is prevalent during paediatric CF exacerbations; it appears to improve with exacerbation treatment but to worsen later in association with decreased insulin secretion.
Fabrication of the Oxygen Vacancy Amorphous MnO2/Carbon Nanotube as Cathode for Advanced Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tong Hao , Li Tingting , Liu Jiang , Gong Daxiong , Xiao Jinpan , Shen Laifa , Ding Bing , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: December 2020

The serious limitations of MnO2 are poor electrical conductivity and low utilization rate of electrochemical active area. These problems have seriously limited the application of MnO2 aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, preparing MnO2 uniformly loaded on carbon nanotubes with good electrical conductivity can greatly improve the poor electrical conductivity of MnO2. Moreover, by introducing oxygen vacancy, the surface capacitance, the reaction kinetics, and the electrochemical performance of MnO2 is increased. The specific capacity of the Vo‐MnO2/CNT material is 314 mAh g−1, at 0.2 A g−1, and capacity retention of 81% is achieved after 1000 cycles. In particular, the prepared device presents a distinct energy density of 416.2 Wh kg−1. As a result, the capacity as well as the cycle stability is effectively improved compared with the original MnO2.
Safety of high‐dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix in adolescent rats based on metabolomics
Authors: Chen Limei , Jiang E. , Guan Yongmei , Xu Pan , Shen Qian , Liu Zhiyong , Zhu Weifeng , Chen Lihua , Liu Hongning , Dong Huanhuan
Published: December 2020

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) is the dried root of the leguminous plant Pueraria lobata and is a common component of health products and medicines. Although it is considered safe, some studies have reported that PLR has hepatotoxicity and estrogen‐like effects. In this study, the safety of high doses of PLR water extract administered to adolescent SD rats for 30 days was evaluated by biochemical, histopathological, and metabolomic analyses. Overall, there were no significant differences between the low‐dose and blank control groups in parameter values, including organ wet weight, organ coefficient, routine blood indicators, serum biochemical indexes of liver and renal function, levels of estradiol and testosterone, histopathological parameters, and primary differential metabolite profiles. Compared with the blank control group, the high‐dose group may have a certain effect on the liver. These effects might be mediated by abnormal phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis or phenylalanine metabolism. However, histopathological analyses did not show differences in the liver, kidney, breast, uterus, ovary, testis, and epididymis between the control group and the group treated with a high dose of PLR water extract. PLR water extract did not significantly promote the precocity of male and female sexual organs. Overall, PLR water extract is relatively safe for adolescent SD rats.
Where children play sport: A comparative analysis of participation in organised sport in school and club settings
Authors: Lincoln Douglas J. , Clemens Susan L.
Published: December 2020

Issue addressed

The health benefits for children of regular physical activity (PA) are well documented. This study examined relationships between organised sport participation in multiple settings and child and household‐level characteristics.

Methods

Using a general population survey of Queensland children's health and lifestyle characteristics, participation in organised sport was examined in (a) club settings, (b) club‐based team and individual organised sport settings and (c) school settings. The association between organised sport participation in these settings and meeting the Australian PA guidelines was also considered.

Results

Organised sport participation prevalence was 46% (both school and club settings), 16% (club sport only), 20% (school sport only) and 18% (neither setting). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated participation in one setting increased the odds of participation in other settings, exclusive participation in individual sport decreased the odds of school sport participation and organised sport participation was not associated with meeting recommended PA guidelines for children.

Conclusions

The study highlights areas where the contribution of organised sport to PA more broadly could be strengthened. Organised sport participation, however, was not sufficient to meet the child PA guidelines. The home environment, availability of parents and guardians and PA opportunities in other settings, such as school, free time and active transport, are as important to increasing children's PA levels.

So what?

While organised sport is an important component towards meeting PA guidelines, PA policy and program development should consider strategies to encourage PA in other settings to help children achieve health‐enhancing levels of PA that are sustained into adulthood.
Which uncertainty is powerful to forecast crude oil market volatility? New evidence
Authors: Li Xiafei , Wei Yu , Chen Xiaodan , Ma Feng , Liang Chao , Chen Wang
Published: December 2020

This paper focuses on distinguishing the predictive power of five newly developed uncertainty indices, that is, global and US economic policy uncertainty (GEPU and US EPU), global geopolitical risk (GPR), US monetary policy uncertainty (MPU) and equity market volatility (EMV), on crude oil market volatility. We construct the extended GARCH‐MIDAS models to assess the forecasting ability of these indices and then compare them with four commonly used oil volatility drivers: oil supply, oil demand, oil speculation and interest rate. Firstly, the in‐sample analysis suggests that all uncertainty indices and traditional determinants have significant impacts on oil volatility. Secondly, the out‐of‐sample evaluations suggest that US MPU, EMV and EPU indices are more powerful than other predictors to improve the forecasting accuracy of crude oil volatility, and US EMV exhibits the best prediction ability. Then, we find that EPU and MPU indices are more effective in forecasting high volatility in crude oil market, while traditional determinants together with US EMV index are more helpful in predicting low oil volatility. Finally, the forecasts of bad oil volatility can be improved by all predictors except for GEPU index, while the forecasts of good oil volatility can only be enhanced by US MPU, EMV and EPU.
Evaluation of wind erosion control practices at a photovoltaic power station within a sandy area of northwest, China
Authors: Wang Chun , Hill Robert L. , Bu Chongfeng , Li Bingyin , Yuan Fang , Yang Yanzhe , Yuan Senpeng , Zhang Zhenshi , Cao Yongxiang , Zhang Kankan
Published: December 2020

The widespread construction of photovoltaic power stations within northwest China poses an environmental threat because of severe increased wind erosion and land degradation. Engineering, plant, and biocrust treatments were evaluated in this study for their effectiveness in the reduction of wind erosion. The placement of solar panels caused wind speed variation and resulted in distinct abrasion and deposition zones between the rows of the solar panels and the formation of deflation zones under the solar panels. Combined treatments (gravel and red clay mulch were applied within the abrasion and deposition zones, respectively) and moss‐crust were the optimal choices within the engineering and biocrust treatments, respectively. We found that for engineering treatments, the combined procedures led to treatments had sand transport rate reductions of 87%, while the straw checkerboard, gravel, and red clay treatments gave reductions of 51, 78, and 74%, respectively. Within the biocrust treatments, the moss‐crust decreased the sand transport rates and the sand erosion–deposit budget by 71 and 114%, respectively, while the cyanobacteria crust caused reductions of 65 and 109%, respectively, in comparison to the control. Both plant treatments decreased the sand transport rates and the sand erosion–deposit budgets, but were inferior to other optimal treatments with the best plant treatment dependent on the placement pattern used for plant establishment. All the treatments had effects on reducing wind erosion, and we strongly recommend the use of moss‐crust and combined treatments in the deflation zones and between the rows of the solar panels, respectively, to significantly reduce the severe wind erosion occurring at these photovoltaic power stations located in sandy areas.
High‐Speed Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Phase‐Controlled Delay Line
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuki , Badarla Venkata Ramaiah , Ideguchi Takuro
Published: December 2020

Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is the golden standard of mid‐infrared (MIR) molecular spectroscopic analysis through optically encoded vibrational signatures. Michelson‐type FTIR and MIR dual‐comb spectrometers allow us to simultaneously investigate multiple molecular species via the broadband and high‐resolution spectroscopic capabilities. However, these are not applicable to high‐speed measurements due to the low temporal resolution which is fundamentally limited by the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). In this study, a high‐speed FTIR spectroscopy technique called phase‐controlled Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (PC‐FTIR) that has the capability to measure MIR absorption spectra at a rate of above 10 kHz is developed. PC‐FTIR demonstrates the high scan rate with a high SNR for various spectral bandwidths by arbitrarily adjusting the instrumental spectral resolution. As a proof of principle demonstration, high‐speed mixing dynamics of two liquids is measured at a rate of 24 kHz. MIR spectra of gas‐phase molecules are also measured with higher spectral resolution at a rate of 12 kHz. This high‐speed MIR spectrometer could be used especially for measuring non‐repetitive fast phenomena and acquiring a large amount of spectral data within a short time.
Upper Paleolithic Figurines Showing Women with Obesity may Represent Survival Symbols of Climatic Change
Authors: Johnson Richard J. , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Fox John W.
Published: December 2020

Figurines of women with obesity or who are pregnant (“Venus figurines”) from Upper Paleolithic Europe rank among the earliest art and endured from 38,000 to 14,000 BP (before present), one of the most arduous climatic periods in human history. We propose that the Venus representation relates to human adaptation to climate change. During this period, humans faced advancing glaciers and falling temperatures that led to nutritional stress, regional extinctions, and a reduction in the population. We analyzed Paleolithic figurines of women with obesity to test whether the more obese figurines are from sites during the height of the glacial advance and closer to the glacial fronts. Figurines are less obese as distance from the glaciers increases. Because survival required sufficient nutrition for child‐bearing women, we hypothesize that the overnourished woman became an ideal symbol of survival and beauty during episodes of starvation and climate change in Paleolithic Europe.
Enhanced toughness and thermal properties of bismaleimide resin based on the synergistic effect of reactive amino‐terminal poly(phthalazinone ether nitrile sulfone) and bisallyl bearing diphenol group
Authors: Liu Cheng , Jia Hang , Li Nan , Qiao Yue , Weng Zhihuan , Du Gaize , Jian Xigao
Published: December 2020

Bismaleimide (BMI) resins have poor toughness due to their high crosslink density, which limits their wide development and application. In this study, the amino‐terminated poly(phthalazinone ether nitrile sulfone) (PPENS‐DA) resin was designed and the curing agent of 3,3′‐diallyl‐4,4′‐biphenol (DABP) was synthesized to toughen N,N′‐(4,4′‐diphenylmethane) bismaleimide (BDM) resin. The impact strength, flexural strength and fracture surface structures of the DABP/BDM and PPENS‐DA/DABP/BDM blends were studied. The results showed that the notched impact strength of the blends with 10‐phr PPENS‐DA is 4.98 kJ/m2, which was 36% higher than that of pristine BDM/DABP blend and 200% higher than that of the 2,2′‐diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA) modified BMI resin system. The glass transition temperature (Tg) has been improved from 247 to 269°C for the blend system as evidenced by DMA. Rheological behavior analysis indicated that the blend system has a broad processing window (90‐175°C) with low viscosity of less than 1 Pa·s and low curing activation energy of 67.2 kJ/mol.
Comparison of UV resistance of HDPE added with hindered amine light stabilizers with different molecular structures
Authors: Jiang Tiankai , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2020

UV resistance of versatile plastics has been received attention for a long time, especially of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). It was studied systematically that hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) with different molecular structures had an effect on the UV resistance of HDPE. The molecular weights of the two HALS were 423.7 and 2100–3000 g/mol, respectively. It was found that the low‐molecular‐weight HALS outperforms the polymeric one of HDPE matrix in UV resistances due to the different molecular structures. HDPE‐containing HALS with different molecular structures followed different degradation mechanisms during artificial accelerated aging. In addition, HDPE matrix composites with low‐molecular‐weight HALS show better mechanical properties than the polymeric one because of the decrease of delay of molecular chain fracture during irradiation. Therefore, HDPE matrix composites with low‐molecular‐weight HALS have better UV degradation resistance. However, polymeric HALS has the advantage of hard to move out of the sample surface.
Chlorogenic acid depresses cellular bioenergetics to suppress pancreatic carcinoma through modulating c‐Myc‐TFR1 axis
Authors: Yang Hongbao , Said Abdullahi Mohamed , Huang Huimin , Papa Akuetteh Percy David , Jin Guihua , Wu Shijia , Ma Nengfang , Lan Linhua , Shangguan Fugen , Zhang Qiyu
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is severe malignant tumor in human, the outcomes of PDAC is extremely poor. Here, we evaluated the potential anti‐tumor activity of chlorogenic Acid (CA) in PDAC. Here, we found CA was effective to suppress PDAC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found overall oxygen consumption rate was significantly decreased in CA dose‐dependent manner. We also found glycolysis reverse was decreased in CA‐treated cells, while basal glycolysis and glycolytic capacity were not significantly changed. Mechanistically, we demonstrated TFR1 could be a novel downstream target of CA, which is essential for PDAC cell growth and cellular bioenergetics maintenance. Furthermore, we validated that CA‐reduced c‐Myc resulted to down‐regulation of TFR1, which contributes to mitochondrial respiration dysfunction and cell growth delay. Together, this study indicates that CA suppresses PDAC cell growth through targeting c‐Myc‐TFR1 axis and suggests CA could be considered as a promising compound for PDAC treatment.
Anatomical factors influencing traditional abdominal examination in Kampo diagnosis: Analysis by computed tomography
Authors: Shimada Hirobumi , Namiki Takao , Hirasaki Yoshiro , Oji Takeshi , Nakaguchi Toshiya , Ueda Keigo , Kasahara Yuji , Nagamine Koichi , Okamoto Hideki , Yakubo Shuji
Published: December 2020

Aim

In Japanese‐Oriental (Kampo) medicine, the abdominal examination is an important diagnostic method. We examined the influence of anatomical factors in Kampo medicine on the Kampo diagnosis of abdominal aortic pulsation using abdominal computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Our subjects were 67 patients (34 men, 33 women; average age: 61.4 ± 16.3 years) who underwent abdominal CT in the Department of Japanese‐Oriental ‘Kampo’ Medicine at Chiba University Hospital. We measured the depth of the abdominal artery from the midline of the body surface and the blood vessel diameter at that point, and calculated the averages of these parameters among all patients at three locations of abdominal aortic pulsation (epigastrium, supra‐umbilical region, and infra‐umbilical region) on the CT section.

Results

The detection rate of abdominal aortic pulsation was highest in the supra‐umbilical region (30%), followed by the epigastrium (21%) and the infra‐umbilical region (15%). The average depth of the aorta from the body surface was shallowest in the supra‐umbilical region (74.9 mm) and deepest at the epigastrium (103.5 mm). As the depth of the artery decreased at the epigastrium and supra‐umbilical region, significant abdominal aortic pulsation was observed (P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that abdominal aortic pulsation is anatomically associated with the depth of the artery. The supra‐umbilical region appeared to be the most suitable location for evaluating abdominal aortic pulsation, as the aortic artery is shallowest at that point and is least influenced by the depth of the abdominal artery.
Leadership Learning Partnerships: Self‐Authored Leadership through the Learning Partnerships Model
Authors: Chunoo Vivechkanand S.
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, the author folds the learning partnerships model into leadership learning experiences for students’ self‐authored leadership and offers practical guidance for leadership educators seeking to develop leaders who are authentically empowered agents of change.
Gesundheitsinformationsverhalten 65+: Erreichbarkeit älterer Zielgruppen
Authors: Stehr Paula , Weber Winja , Rossmann Constanze
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Der Anteil älterer Personen in der Bevölkerung wächst stetig. Gleichzeitig steigen im Alter die Risiken für gesundheitliche Probleme. Aus Sicht der Gesundheitsförderung ist es deshalb wichtig, diese Zielgruppe zu erreichen. Für die Auswahl geeigneter Kommunikationskanäle sollte das Mediennutzungs- bzw. Gesundheitsinformationsverhalten berücksichtigt werden. Dabei kann auch eine Segmentierung der heterogenen Zielgruppe 65+ in Teilzielgruppen notwendig sein.

Ziel des Beitrags

Der Beitrag liefert aktuelle empirische Daten zum Gesundheitsinformationsverhalten der Zielgruppe 65+ insgesamt sowie spezifischer Teilzielgruppen. Auf dieser Basis können geeignete Kommunikationskanäle ausgewählt werden, um diese Gruppen gezielt zu erreichen.

Methodik

Es wurden zunächst 20 Personen mit qualitativen Leitfadeninterviews befragt und anschließend eine standardisierte telefonische Befragung von 1001 zufällig ausgewählten Personen ab 65 Jahren durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die Zielgruppe 65+ kann am besten über interpersonale und traditionelle, massenmediale Quellen erreicht werden. Dabei spielen, insbesondere für chronisch kranke Menschen, auch gesundheitsspezifische Angebote wie Apothekenzeitschriften eine wichtige Rolle. Weiterhin stellen Gespräche mit medizinischem Personal eine wichtige Quelle für chronisch Erkrankte und Menschen mit einem eher negativen Altersbild dar. Über das Internet werden eher Männer und Personen mit höherem Einkommen erreicht.

Diskussion

Die Älteren in Deutschland sind eine heterogene Zielgruppe. Bei der Erreichbarkeitsplanung müssen Unterschiede im Gesundheitsinformationsverhalten verschiedener Teilzielgruppen berücksichtigt werden. Weiterhin sollten auch Inhalte und Gestaltung von Kommunikationsmaßnahmen evidenzbasiert konzeptioniert werden.
A novel mathematical formulation for solving the dynamic and discrete berth allocation problem by using the Bee Colony Optimisation algorithm
Authors: Prencipe Luigi Pio , Marinelli Mario
Published: December 2020

Berth allocation is one of the crucial points for efficient management of ports. This problem is complex due to all possible combinations for assigning ships to available compatible berths. This paper focuses on solving the Berth Allocation Problem (BAP) by optimising port operations using an innovative model. The problem analysed in this work deals with the Discrete and Dynamic Berth Allocation Problem (DDBAP). We propose a novel mathematical formulation expressed as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) for solving the DDBAP. Furthermore, we adapted a metaheuristic solution approach based on the Bee Colony Optimisation (BCO) for solving large-sized combinatorial BAPs. In order to assess the solution performance and efficiency of the proposed model, we introduce a new set of instances based on real data of the Livorno port (Italy), and a comparison between the BCO algorithm and CPLEX in solving the DDBAP is performed. Additionally, the application of the proposed model to a real berth scheduling (Livorno port data) and a comparison with the Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO) metaheuristic are carried out. Results highlight the feasibility of the proposed model and the effectiveness of BCO when compared to both CPLEX and ACO, achieving computation times that ensure a real-time application of the method.
Situating ICT in early childhood teacher education
Authors: Masoumi Davoud
Published: December 2020

Preparing the next generation of preschool teachers who can integrate and make use of ICT to capitalise on and develop young children’s digital competences remains a challenging goal for teacher education programmes (TEP). Given the current gaps in the literature, this study aims to expand and deepen our understanding of the extent to which early childhood pre-service teachers encounter ICT during their training and how they are prepared to use digital technologies in their future practices. The empirical data was generated through a focus group study with pre-service teachers and interview with their teacher educators at an institution of higher education in Sweden. The findings of the study suggest that pre-service teachers feel they have not been adequately prepared to integrate ICT into their future educational practices in preschool. Teacher educators, however, demonstrated a completely different perspective, highlighting a variety of initiatives that they were implementing to prepare the next generation of preschool teachers to use digital technologies. It will discuss why pre-service teachers, unlike teacher educators, feel they are not being adequately prepared to use digital technologies in early childhood education. The study also provides a detailed account of the varied procedures involved in preparing pre-service teachers’ digital competences and makes recommendations to teacher educators on how to enhance future preschool teachers’ TPACK.
A domain-specific language framework for farm management information systems in precision agriculture
Authors: Groeneveld Desirée , Tekinerdogan Bedir , Garousi Vahid , Catal Cagatay
Published: December 2020

Farm management information system (FMIS) is an important element of precision agriculture to support the decision making process in the agricultural business. Developing FMIS is not trivial and requires the proper design and implementation models for supporting the understandability, enhancing communication and analysis of the design decisions, and the communication among stakeholders. To cope with these challenges, a Domain-specific language (DSL) framework for the design and development of precision-agriculture FMISs is proposed and evaluated. The DSL framework is developed based on a domain-driven design approach in which a feature diagram is provided that represents the common and variant features of the precision agriculture domain. The key requirements for the DSL framework are discussed, the scope of the DSL is defined, and the set of DSLs for supporting FMISs is presented. A controlled experiment demonstrates that the proposed DSL framework is easy to learn and to use, and is effective in developing high-quality system models for precision agriculture.
Phase transitions on the Markov and Lagrange dynamical spectra
Authors: Lima Davi , Moreira Carlos Gustavo
Published: December 2020

The Markov and Lagrange dynamical spectra were introduced by Moreira and share several geometric and topological aspects with the classical ones. However, some features of generic dynamical spectra associated to hyperbolic sets can be proved in the dynamical case and we do not know if they are true in classical case.

They can be a good source of natural conjectures about the classical spectra: it is natural to conjecture that some properties which hold for generic dynamical spectra associated to hyperbolic maps also hold for the classical Markov and Lagrange spectra.

In this paper, we show that, for generic dynamical spectra associated to horseshoes, there are transition points

a

and

\tilde a

in the Markov and Lagrange spectra respectively, such that for any

\delta > 0

, the intersection of the Markov spectrum with

(−\infty ,a−\delta )

has Hausdorff dimension smaller than one, while the intersection of the Markov spectrum with

(a,a + \delta )

has non-empty interior. Similarly, the intersection of the Lagrange spectrum with

(−\infty ,\tilde a−\delta )

has Hausdorff dimension smaller than one, while the intersection of the Lagrange spectrum with

(\tilde a,\tilde a + \delta )

has non-empty interior. We give an open set of examples where

a \neq \tilde a

and we prove that, in the conservative case, generically,

a = \tilde a

and, for any

\delta > 0

, the intersection of the Lagrange spectrum with

(a−\delta ,a)

has Hausdorff dimension one.
Towards simulating a realistic data analysis with an optimised angular power spectrum of spectroscopic galaxy surveys
Authors: Faggioli Guglielmo , Tanidis Konstantinos , Camera Stefano
Published: December 2020

The angular power spectrum is a natural tool to analyse the observed galaxy number count fluctuations. In a standard analysis, the angular galaxy distribution is sliced into concentric redshift bins and all correlations of its harmonic coefficients between bin pairs are considered—a procedure referred to as ‘tomography’. However, the unparalleled quality of data from oncoming spectroscopic galaxy surveys for cosmology will render this method computationally unfeasible, given the increasing number of bins. Here, we put to test against synthetic data a novel method proposed in a previous study to save computational time. According to this method, the whole galaxy redshift distribution is subdivided into thick bins, neglecting the cross-bin correlations among them; each of the thick bin is, however, further subdivided into thinner bins, considering in this case all the cross-bin correlations. We create a simulated data set that we then analyse in a Bayesian framework. We confirm that the newly proposed method saves computational time and gives results that surpass those of the standard approach.
The (Very) Political Dissent: Dissenting Opinions and the Polish Constitutional Crisis
Authors: Bricker Benjamin
Published: December 2020

This Article examines changes in dissent patterns that occurred on the Polish Constitutional Tribunal during a period of intense constitutional and political change in Poland. An analysis of these dissents shows judges only rarely used this opportunity to express the traditional differences of opinion on law or policy. Instead, judges on the Tribunal increasingly used dissents in an altogether new form – as a way to broadcast allegations of legal and procedural violations that occurred within the court’s operation itself. More troublingly, some judges also used their dissents to advance distinctly political narratives and overtly attempt to de-legitimize the court’s announced decisions. Ultimately, these dissents show that constitutional judges may not be immune to participating in the larger social and constitutional battles within society. In fact, these dissent patterns suggest that, in a more fragmented and polarized era of politics, judges can and have made use of the dissent as a way to broadcast distinctly political messages.
The Implementation of Collective Redress – A Comparative Approach
Authors: Stöhr Alexander
Published: December 2020

This Article attempts to outline the optimal implementation of collective redress by using a comparative approach. After exploring the weaknesses of individual actions, which should be avoided, this Article presents the main forms of collective redress that exist in the various states. In particular, these forms include: Group action, representative action, and group settlement. The comparison of the various legal orders demonstrates the existence of several important parameters that need to be evaluated in order to design appropriate legislation. As a result, this Article supports alignment with the American class action and proposes specific modifications in order to eliminate several disadvantages of the original model.
Measuring mental health and well-being of South African undergraduate students
Authors: Eloff Irma , Graham Marien
Published: December 2020

Background

Increased investment in optimal student mental health and well-being has been noted by universities around the world. Studies show the need for contextually relevant, granular understandings of specific aspects of student mental health and well-being.

Methods

A survey was conducted at two time points – at the beginning and end of the academic year – at a large, urban university in South Africa. The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, the Flourishing Scale, and the Fragility of Happiness Scale were used in the testing of undergraduate students from a variety of scientific disciplines. Two separate comparisons were made, based on the baseline data (n = 551) and the follow-up data (n = 281). In Comparison 1 (baseline, n = 443; follow-up, n = 173), two independent, biographically (very) similar groups were compared. Comparison 2 (n = 108) compared the results from the baseline and follow-up of the same group of students who completed the instruments at both time points.

Results

Results indicate a significant decline in mental health and well-being for both groups (independent and dependent) over the course of the academic year. Both follow-up groups were found to have lower psychological, emotional and social well-being, psychological flourishing, and reduced mental health, in comparison with the baseline groups.

Conclusions

The statistically significant decreases in the mental health and well-being of participants in this study indicate the need for substantive interventions to support student mental health and well-being. Strong foci for well-being interventions should include self-efficacy, sense of direction, meaning and creating a sense of belonging.
Anthony Trollope: Novelist of the “Democratic Revolution”
Authors: Henary Sara
Published: December 2020

Anthony Trollope uses the characters and drama of his “semi-political” Palliser novels to pursue the ends of Alexis de Tocqueville's political science in a lighthearted yet serious way. Describing himself as an “advanced conservative Liberal,” Trollope claims that his “political theory” is expressed most fully in the Palliser novels. Preoccupied with the phenomenon Tocqueville designates the “democratic revolution,” the novels emphasize the historical “tendency towards equality,” consider its social and political implications, and intimate how traditionally aristocratic England might respond to it. While he endorses the justice of the democratic revolution, Trollope shows that it is accompanied by such disadvantages as a decline in human excellence and greatness. Realistic depictions of character arouse sympathy for his view that by adopting a posture of prudent liberalism toward the advance of equality, the English could both reform their aristocratic institutions and rely on those institutions to mitigate the excesses of democracy.
Perceptions of wild bees and farm characteristics associated with the uptake of pollinator-supporting land management practices among Canadian apple growers
Authors: Nalepa Rachel A. , Epstein Graham , Pittman Jeremy , Colla Sheila R.
Published: December 2020

Pollination services are critical for food production. Although domesticated honey bees are important pollinators in agriculture, there is growing interest in supporting naturally occurring wild bees. Diversifying pollination management strategies by encouraging healthy wild bee communities may be especially useful for growers of insect-pollinated crops, such as apples. Although research has identified several land management practices that can enhance local pollinator communities on farms, there are few studies on the factors that influence growers to adopt pollinator-supporting actions on their land. Here, we surveyed 75 Canadian apple growers and used regression models to explore the influence of farm characteristics and perceptions about bees on the likelihood of adopting 15 unique pollinator-supporting practices. We also provide a descriptive analysis of growers' pollination management practices and self-assessed resourcefulness on the ability to improve habitat for wild pollinators on the farm. We found that an increase in three variables: awareness of wild bees, perception of the severity of threats facing wild populations, and the perception of the benefits provided by wild bees is associated with more pollinator-supporting practices on the farm. Overall, growers were less likely to adopt pollinator-friendly practices as the fraction of rented land increased and as the perceived costs of implementing these practices rose. We found ‘low-hanging fruit’ (i.e., pollinator-supporting practices that could be easily and inexpensively implemented) were adopted by less than one-third of growers and that the majority of those surveyed had little to no knowledge on what actions to take if they wanted to improve their farms for wild bees or where to go for that knowledge. Our results suggest that policies and programs that focus on raising grower awareness of wild bees, increasing grower perception of their benefits, and reducing the perceived costs of implementing pollinator-supporting practices may positively affect their uptake. A deeper understanding of grower perceptions will provide essential insight into how growers may contribute to wild pollinator conservation while potentially increasing agricultural production and reducing vulnerability borne of heavy reliance on managed pollinators.
Acidifying Oceans Could Get Help from Kelp
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Forests of fast-growing kelp influence the chemistry of the water in which they live. A new study evaluates their potential to ameliorate ocean acidification in sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Modeling Groundwater and Crop Production in the U.S. High Plains
Authors: Carmichael Jady
Published: December 2020

Innovative new research by a team of international scholars borrows modeling methods from ecology and applies them to groundwater sustainability.
The spatial phenotype of genotypically distinct meningiomas demonstrate potential implications of the embryology of the meninges
Authors: Fountain Daniel M. , Smith Miriam J. , O’Leary Claire , Pathmanaban Omar N. , Roncaroli Federico , Bobola Nicoletta , King Andrew T. , Evans Dafydd Gareth
Published: December 2020

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumor and their incidence and prevalence is increasing. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the embryogenesis of the human meninges in the context of meningioma pathogenesis and anatomical distribution. Though not mutually exclusive, chromosomal instability and pathogenic variants affecting the long arm of chromosome 22 (22q) result in meningiomas in neural-crest cell-derived meninges, while variants affecting Hedgehog signaling, PI3K signaling,TRAF7,KLF4, andPOLR2Aresult in meningiomas in the mesodermal-derived meninges of the midline and paramedian anterior, central, and ventral posterior skull base. Current evidence regarding the common pathways for genetic pathogenesis and the anatomical distribution of meningiomas is presented alongside existing understanding of the embryological origins for the meninges prior to proposing next steps for this work.
Autism-associated miR-873 regulates ARID1B, SHANK3 and NRXN2 involved in neurodevelopment
Authors: Lu Jing , Zhu Yan , Williams Sarah , Watts Michelle , Tonta Mary A. , Coleman Harold A. , Parkington Helena C. , Claudianos Charles
Published: December 2020

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders with significant genetic heterogeneity. Noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) are recognised as playing key roles in development of ASD albeit the function of these regulatory genes remains unclear. We previously conducted whole-exome sequencing of Australian families with ASD and identified four novel single nucleotide variations in mature miRNA sequences. A pull-down transcriptome analysis using transfected SH-SY5Y cells proposed a mechanistic model to examine changes in binding affinity associated with a unique mutation found in the conserved ‘seed’ region of miR-873-5p (rs777143952: T > A). Results suggested several ASD-risk genes were differentially targeted by wild-type and mutant miR-873 variants. In the current study, a dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed miR-873 variants have a 20-30% inhibition/dysregulation effect on candidate autism risk genesARID1B, SHANK3andNRXN2and also confirmed the affected expression with qPCR. In vitro mouse hippocampal neurons transfected with mutant miR-873 showed less morphological complexity and enhanced sodium currents and excitatory neurotransmission compared to cells transfected with wild-type miR-873. A second in vitro study showed CRISPR/Cas9 miR-873 disrupted SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells acquired a neuronal-like morphology and increased expression of ASD important genesARID1B,SHANK3,ADNP2, ANK2andCHD8. These results represent the first functional evidence that miR-873 regulates key neural genes involved in development and cell differentiation.