bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomia de competências determinantes para a gestão de processos em mudanças emergenciais: estudo de caso da gestão do teletrabalho em uma universidade pública da região norte
Authors: Silva Cleia Leimara Marinho , Morais Fabio Rogério de
Published: November 2024

A pandemia da COVID-19 teve um impacto significativo nas dinâmicas de trabalho em todo o mundo, forçando organizações públicas a adotarem medidas de emergência, como o teletrabalho, a fim de manterem suas atividades com qualidade. Essa mudança abrupta para o trabalho remoto apresentou desafios únicos para a gestão de processos, exigindo a adaptação rápida e eficiente dos fluxos de trabalho, sistemas de comunicação e colaboração. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as mudanças em processos e as competências determinantes para a gestão de processos em mudança emergencial ocasionada pelo coronavírus. Através de uma revisão abrangente da literatura e de um estudo empírico realizado na Diretoria de Administração de Pessoal, departamento da Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia. Adotou-se a estratégia de pesquisa estudo de caso e a coleta de dados se deu por meio da análise documental, entrevistas e observação participante. Ao explorar as competências determinantes da gestão de processos durante mudanças emergenciais para o teletrabalho, esta pesquisa contribuirá para o avanço teórico e prático da área, fornecendo insights valiosos para as organizações lidarem com situações semelhantes no futuro,  desenvolverem estratégias eficazes de gestão e capacitar seus gestores de processos com as competências necessárias para lidar com esses desafios. Como resultados, foi constatado que as competências essenciais identificadas foram classificadas em seis categorias. Além disso, observou-se que algumas competências não sofreram mudanças significativas durante o período estudado. Também foi possível identificar quais habilidades são consideradas mais e menos importantes nesse cenário específico, tendo sido apresentadas de forma hierarquizada.
Effect of Different Organic Liquid Formulations on the Growth and Yield of Soybean: A Case Study from North Konkan Region of Maharashtra
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Dekhane Swapnil
Published: November 2024

This case study investigates the influence of the six different organic formulations on the growth and yield parameters of soybean (Glycine max L.), which is a popular vegetable oilseed in India. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications was considered to carry out the field experiment during rabi seasons of year 2022-23. Well-formulated organic liquids, namely Jeevamrut, Panchgavya, Vermiwash, Cowdung wash, Cow urine, and a Control, were applied as part of an integrated nutrient management (INM) approach. Key observations were recorded for various parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, length of pod, number of seeds per pod, test weight, pod yield, seed yield, and straw yield. The study indicate that Panchgavya (T2) was most effective among the treatments, showing highest seed yield of 1223 kg/ha and a corresponding straw yield of 2144.5 kg/ha. The outcomes of the study would be beneficial for other crops currently facing many challenges related to quality and yield due to the use of chemical-based treatments.
Arguments against Federalism in Nepal: A Discussion on State Structure Reform
Authors: Kafle Dol Raj , Ghimire Tara Nath , Nepal Jagat
Published: November 2024

Aims: This study critically examines the evolution of federalism in Nepal and its challenges within the country's diverse political, social, and ethnic landscape. The objective is to explore how political parties, ethnic groups, and indigenous communities differ in their perspectives on state restructuring and national unity.
Study Design: Qualitative study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study utilizes secondary data sources from library archives, academic articles, party manifestos, public speeches, and reports published over the past decade.
Methodology: The study applies thematic analysis to secondary data, identifying recurring themes such as nationalism, ethnic identity, governance structures, and critiques of federalism. Sources include academic literature and public documents on political discourse in Nepal.
Results: The study reveals that the debate on federalism is highly contested, particularly in terms of ethnic fragmentation, socio-economic risks, and national disintegration. Political opposition to federalism raises concerns about governance, ethnic relations, and national cohesion.
Conclusion: Federalism in Nepal remains a complex and contested issue, with significant political and ethnic implications. The study highlights the need for more historical and cultural research to support federal restructuring based on identity, while addressing concerns about the risks posed to national unity and economic stability.
A Case Study of Black oil PVT Modelling with Differential Liberation Expansion (DLE) Analysis and Standing Correlations
Authors: APRIOKU Peter Sydney , USIABULU Godsday Idanegbe , OKOH Ifeanyi Eddy , UBOH Idorenyin Isim , KANEBI Prisca
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the Pressure, Volume, and Temperature (PVT) modeling of black oil using Differential Liberation Expansion (DLE) analysis and Standing correlations. Black oil, characterized by its complex fluid properties, presents significant challenges in reservoir management and production optimization. Black oil samples were collected for analysis. The PVT analysis was carried out at Reservoir Fluid Laboratory, Port Harcourt. Oil samples were collected from the Q oil field. The PVT analysis results were correlated to validate the bubble point pressure (Pb), oil isothermal compressibility, (Co), oil formation volume factor (Bo), and the oil viscosity (mo. The PVT report gives Po = 2000 psi while the Standing Correlation gives Pb = 1934.271 psi a difference of 65.7 psi, i.e. 3.3% and solution gas/oil ratio 647.3 SCF/STB while the Standing Correlation gives 671.03 SCF/STB a difference of 3.5%, oil formation volume factor (Bo) of 1.456 reses. Bbl/STB while standing correlations give (Bo) of 1.0675 res bbl/STB a difference of 3.6%. The isothermal compressibility of the oil ranges from 10.12 x 10-6 psi-1 at P < Pb (at 4500 psi) to 4.1309 x 1018 cp at 15 psi. The conclusion is that Gas began evolving at 2000 psig and increased as the pressure decreased. Also, it was noticed that at a high pressure of 4500 psig the black oil viscosity was low at 0.54 cp while at a lower pressure of 15 psi the viscosity recorded was higher (1.38 cp). The crude is of high viscosity, with an average absolute error = 3.5% (0.035). The reservoir contains heavy crude oil with an API rating of 30.
Proximate Analysis of Multi-grain Pizza Base
Authors: Singh Pawan , Lal Aditya
Published: November 2024

The ill effects of junk foods are widely known, as it is acknowledged that their regular consumption may cause irreparable damage to the body. The role of millet-rich foods in offering protection against diabetes and heart disease is well established, which has led to an interest in increasing nutrients in developed pizza bases. The present research has been conducted to develop a nutritionally rich "millet-based pizza base "using whole wheat flour, Kodo millet, buckwheat flour, and brown rice flour. The developed pizza base is noted to have advantages over a normal base made from refined wheat flour. Sensory evaluation by a panel of 25 members using a nine-point scale showed that T3 was the most preferred among the samples, suggesting its potential as a standardized pizza base. Nutrient analysis revealed protein content ranging from 7.13% to 9.5%, fat from 1.59% to 1.75%, fiber from 0.798% to 0.913%, moisture from 36.12% to 37.08%, and ash from 0.91% to 0.98%. Overall, the study concluded that these value-added pizza bases offer superior nutritional benefits compared to conventional options.
Evaluation of Nutritional Composition of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf Extract
Authors: E. C. Moneme, , A. C. Nwaka, , F. O. Ajakpofo, , R. O. Anyanwu, , M. E Onuegbu,
Published: November 2024

Vegetables are known to be vital sources of nutritive foods. This study evaluates the nutritional composition of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract vis-a-vis proximate, minerals and vitamins analyses. Fresh leaves of O. gratissimum were purchased from a local market in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria and were washed, destalked, oven-dried at 40 0C, pulverized, and sieved through 2.0 mm mesh prior to analysis. Proximate, minerals, and vitamin analyses were carried out, using standard methods. Results indicated that O. gratissimum contained high levels of carbohydrate (51.78 ± 0.50 %), protein (10.50 ± 0.04 %), and fiber (9.38 ± 0.05 %), with minute quantity of crude fat (4.94 ± 0.03 %). Analysis of the mineral compositions showed that the vegetable contained considerable quantity of minerals that is sufficient to improve general well-being, while the vitamin analysis revealed that the leaves of O. gratissimum was sufficiently rich in Vitamin E and could, therefore, act as antioxidant and consequently help to improve health status of its consumers.
Characterization of Zinc Nanoparticles Synthesized Using the Mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju
Authors: Padhi A. , Magar S.J. , Jena M. K. , Kavale A.N. , Sahu S.
Published: November 2024

Fungi including mushrooms contain various enzymes and biomolecules, making them an effective agent for synthesizing various nanoparticles. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize zinc nanoparticles using the zinc sulphate salt at the concentration of 1mM and the mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju. The P. sajor-caju synthesized zinc nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectral analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. They did not change the color and showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band peaking at 300nm. They were spherical and the particle size was found in the range of 7.29 nm to 13.27 nm. They showed ten bands at different stretching with wave numbers ranging between 675.17cm-1 and 3675.56cm-1. The presence of advantageous features in the zinc nanoparticles synthesized from P. sajor-caju revealed the usefulness of the synthesis of other metal nanoparticles from P. sajor-caju.
Estimation of Genetic Diversity Using D\(^2\) and PCA in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Prashant  , Yadav G.C. , Singh Dharmendra Bahadur , Tiwari Anuj , Singh Nitesh Kumar
Published: November 2024

The current investigation was carried out on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) during autumn winter season 2021 -2022 with the aims to study the genetic diversity with the help of D2 and principle component analysis. The experimental material for study consisted of 38 genotypes including one check (NDB-2) and laid out in Completely Randomized-Block Design with three replications. Based on D2 the genotypes were grouped into seven different non-overlapping clusters. Cluster I had highest number of genotypes (23) followed by cluster II (10) and cluster III, IV, V, VI and VII (1). The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and VII. Maximum percent contribution in genetic divergence was showed by fruit circumference, TSS, number of primary branches per plant and minimum contribution by fruit yield per plant. Based on the PCA with 13 traits, it formed 6 principal components (PCs) with more than 1 Eigen value apart from PC6 (0.80). These components indicated maximum variation among the variables with a diversity percentage of 79.30 per cent. The first PC showed 23.43 per cent variation, while the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth PCs showed the variation of 16.89 per cent, 14.11 per cent, 10.37 per cent, 8.31 per cent and 6.17, respectively. Therefore, the traits coming under the 6 PCs manifest a high degree of genetic variation and they add up the genetic diversity between the genotypes which could be exploited in crop improvement programmes. Thus, there is a great potential for effective crop modification for improved yield and yield-attributing traits in present brinjal germplasm.
Optimal Placement of TCSC and DPFC on Nigeria Power Transmission Network for Capacity Enhancement
Authors: Amahia Diligent Onuoma , Oshevire Patrick
Published: November 2024

The increasing demand for electrical energy and the high costs and challenges associated with building new transmission lines highlight the need to optimize existing power transmission networks. This study focuses on optimizing or enhancing Nigeria's 28-bus power transmission system using Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices, specifically, Dynamic Power Flow Controller (DPFC) and Thyristor-Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC). This research employed the Bacterial Foraging Optimization Algorithm (BFOA) in MATLAB to determine the optimal placement and sizing of DPFC and TCSC to minimize power losses, voltage deviations, and installation costs. Simulation results were compared, before and after incorporating the FACTS devices. In the base case, 32% of the buses had voltage profiles outside the acceptable range (0.95 to 1.05 p.u.), with real power loss of 602.91 kW and reactive power loss of 4559.69 kVAR. After optimally placing two DPFC and two TCSC devices in the system, all bus voltages were regulated to fall between 0.95 and 1.06 p.u., while real and reactive power losses were reduced by approximately 84.6% and 84.7%, respectively. This demonstrates a significant improvement in the efficiency and capacity of the power transmission network.
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Psidium guajava (Guava) Leaf Extracts
Authors: Ally-Charles Bibi R. , Tyrell Ede , Khatun Rebecca , Lall Richard , Yassin Bibi , King Martin , Rajnarine Devi , Dey Basil , Singh Narita , Hutson Andrew , Vanlewin Obena , Jeeboo Karishma
Published: November 2024

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of four Psidium guajava leaf extracts against three strains of Candida albicans and a strain of Cryptococcus neoformans. 
Study Design: Experiment-observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: P. guajava leaves were collected from specific areas in Regions Three and Four in Guyana; and the preparation of the leaf extracts and the treatment against the fungi were performed in two laboratories at the University of Guyana from August 2022-September 2023.
Methodology: P. guajava leaves were washed with water, air-dried at room temperature, and ground in a disinfected food mixer. Extracts were prepared by soaking the ground leaves in different solvents, and then using the rotary evaporator to reduce the solutions and obtain crude extracts. Filter paper discs were prepared and allowed to soak in various concentrations of the crude extracts. The discs were then subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing on Potato Dextrose agar seeded with an appropriate fungus according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institutes guidelines. The plates were incubated and the zone of inhibition (ZOIs) was measured.
Results: P. guajava leaves were effective against all four strains of fungi evaluated. The largest ZOI was observed for C. neoformans (25 mm) with the ethyl acetate extract at 100 mg/mL concentration. Large ZOI was also observed for the three strains of C. albicans (10-15 mm). For one of the C. albicans strains, a ZOI significantly higher than the antifungal agents (ketoconazole and fluconazole) was observed with the P. guajava ethyl acetate extract at 100 mg/mL.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that P. guajava leaves have antifungal activity against C. albicans and C. neoformans, potentially greater than current antifungal agents like ketoconazole and fluconazole.
Knowledge Gaps Regarding Allergic Rhinitis among the Patients Visiting Community Pharmacies of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Sara , Hasnat Ahmad , Arif Fatima , Amin Tameen , Qaiser Marium , Khalid Urooj , Yousaf Urwah , Yousaf Ayehsa , Ahmad Ehtisham , Umer Ali , Ali Wasiq , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a varied disorder characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal blockage, nasal itching, and a runny nose. This study assessed the knowledge of patients about Allergic rhinitis and to identify knowledge gaps in patient’s understanding along with the factors that may impact knowledge regarding the disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was implemented to collect data from patients visiting community pharmacies of Lahore on a structured questionnaire (self-developed) containing 12 items related to knowledge. The questionnaire was distributed to physician diagnosed Allergic rhinitis patients. The questionnaire with closed-ended questions was completed by 240 participants of both genders as sampled through random sampling procedure. The study spanned over a period of eight months.
Results: Among 240 respondents, 81.3% were students and majority were female (58.3%). It revealed that only 33.3% of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge about Allergic rhinitis, while 66.7% demonstrated inadequate knowledge. Among demographic variables, female respondents presented better knowledge compared to the male population. Moreover, education status was positively associated with knowledge of respondents. Low education status of study subjects was observed to be the reason for knowledge gap among respondents. The p-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in respondent’s knowledge, emphasizing the need for targeted education and intervention. Low literacy rate was the major factor negatively associated with respondents’ knowledge of Allergic rhinitis. Improved knowledge is crucial to promoting good practices and achieving desired outcomes. Educational interventions and seminars should be conducted at public health sectors to enhance awareness in the general population.
Time Series Analysis of Dry Chilli Price Trends in Byadagi Market, Haveri District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Devihosoor Mangala C. , K. V. Ashalatha , J. Vasantha Kumari , Budihal Huchesh , Arabhanvi Basavaraj A.
Published: November 2024

Spices are conventional aromatic vegetables mainly utilized for flavoring of food. Among these, chilli (capsicum annuum), is one of most important spice used around the world. The present study examined dry chillies price behaviour in the Byadagi market of Haveri District, Karnataka. The study was based on secondary data from 2000-2022 collected in Agmarketnet.in. Time series analysis involves a complex mix of four main components: trend (Tt), seasonal (St), cyclical (Ct), and irregular (It) variations. The result revealed that there was a significant increasing trend in prices of dry chillies from 2000-2022. The Multiplicative model of TCSI was used in this study, the polynomial regression was also used for the trend analysis and found the Third-degree model best fit. The highest seasonal index was found in January (112.44) while the lowest seasonal index in the month of July (93.28) the analysis of seasonal indices in the price of dry chilli would help to understand the status of dry chilli marketing in the Byadagi market. The dry chilli prices exhibit no oscillatory movement and no definite periodicity during the study period.
Antecipações Kierkegaardianas da Angústia Lacaniana.
Authors: Ribeiro Caio  Paiva Vaz Sampaio
Published: November 2024

O nome de Kierkegaard é um dos primeiros a ser citados no Seminário X: a angústia de Jacques Lacan e também um dos últimos. Isso não é obra do acaso, pois que o tratado do filósofo dinamarquês redigido sobre esta mesma temática chamado O conceito de angústia trata ostensivamente do tema e de uma tal forma que, apesar de publicado no ano de 1844 sob o pseudônimo de Vigilius Haaufeniensis, causou em meados do século XX grandes alvoroços no pensamento europeu, mas não só. É que a filosofia da existência de Kierkegaard, profundamente visceral e pungente, não permite que aqueles que dela sse aproximem se conservem silentes diante daquilo que presenciaram. A atitude de Lacan, portanto, em citá-lo é mais que acertada, uma vez que suas formulações sobre a angústia são indispensáveis a qualquer um que deseje se aproximar do tema com algum rigor e seriedade. Assim, a partir do intuito de expor algumas antecipações que Kierkegaard alcançou em relação à posterior formulação psicanalítica da questão proposta por Lacan, buscar-se-á apresentar que a sua antecipação consiste fundamentalmente em sua crítica à Psicologia, bem como sua estruturação do conceito de angústia. Ademais, a crítica a Hegel proposta pelo dinamarquês também será bem útil no que concerce a esclarecer o uso que Lacan faz desse filósofo em suas formulações, mais especificamente onde ele o antagoniza e onde é capaz de se aliar a ele.
Mobile Terminal Antenna Design
Authors: Li Hui
Published: August 2018

Wireless communication system has experienced a dramatic development over the recent years, with expanding users and higher data rate. Antennas, as a critical part of any wireless communication system, have also undergone tremendous evolvement. Compared with the base station antennas, antennas in the mobile terminals experienced more evolution, from external antennas to internal antennas, from single band antennas to multiband antennas, from single antenna toMIMOantenna, and from low frequencies to millimeter wave frequencies. The design of mobile terminal antenna is more challenging as well, as it faces the contradiction between the small size and the requirement of multiple bands, wideband, and multiple elements. The article briefly reviews the history of the mobile terminal antennas, pointing out the milestones during the development. The requirements and challenges in designing mobile antennas are illustrated. In view of this, some important antenna types and their corresponding techniques to meet the design requirement are overviewed, including both the conventional and the newly developed techniques. In addition, some related technologies emerged in recent years are introduced, such asMIMO, massiveMIMO, and millimeter wave antennas. The article also covers the topic of the human body interaction with the terminal antennas, as it is important to both the antenna performance and the human's health.
Palladium‐Acid Co‐Catalyzed Cleavage of Alkynoates to Construct Dibenzo[c,h]xanthene Derivatives
Authors: Tang Bo‐Cheng , Wang Miao , Ma Jin‐Tian , Wang Zi‐Xuan , Wu Yan‐Dong , Wu An‐Xin
Published: August 2018

A novel palladium‐acid co‐catalyzed C(sp)−C(sp2) cleavage of alkynoates for the construction of dibenzo[c,h]xanthene derivatives is reported. A catalytic amount of triflic acid (TfOH) afforded an efficient transformation into the final product. Furthermore, a reduction process of alkynoates was observed during the formation of dibenzo[c,h]xanthene, preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the protonation of the new‐formed methyl group in dibenzo[c,h]xanthene mainly came from water.

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Electrochemical Synthesis of 3,5‐Disubstituted‐1,2,4‐thiadiazoles through NH4I‐Mediated Dimerization of Thioamides
Authors: Wang Zi‐Qiang , Meng Xiu‐Jin , Li Qian‐Yu , Tang Hai‐Tao , Wang Heng‐Shan , Pan Ying‐Ming
Published: August 2018

A electrochemical method for the synthesis of 3,5‐disubstituted‐1,2,4‐thiadiazoles through NH4I‐mediated dimerization of thioamides is reported. Using the inexpensive NH4I as electrolyte and catalyst, this electrosynthesis approach requires no oxidizing agents and enables the convenient production of diverse 1,2,4‐thiadiazoles products. The approach is an example of S−N bond construction through the electrochemical method.

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A novel heterogeneous La0.8Sr0.2CoO3−δ/(La0.5Sr0.5)2CoO4+δ dual‐phase membrane for oxygen separation
Authors: Han Ning , Wang Wei , Zhang Shuguang , Sunarso Jaka , Zhu Zhonghua , Liu Shaomin
Published: August 2018

Dual‐phase membrane is an attractive concept that combines the advantages of two different phases into single membrane matrix. The recently reported significant enhancement of oxygen surface kinetics on the La0.8Sr0.2CoO3−δ (LSC)/(La0.5Sr0.5)2CoO4+δ (LSC214) hetero‐interface due to the formation of fast oxygen transport paths along hetero‐interface is adopted into dual‐phase membrane to achieve enhanced oxygen permeability. The 1300°C sintered LSC/LSC214 (4:1 weight ratio) hollow fiber displayed a maximum oxygen flux of 3.35 ml·min−1·cm−2 at 900°C and 200 ml min−1 helium sweep gas flow rate, which represents up to 80% enhancement relative to that of the 1300°C sintered LSC hollow fiber at the same experimental condition. Such enhancement is enabled by the enlargement of triple phase boundaries to larger areas across the membrane surface for dual‐phase case as confirmed by the significantly lower area specific resistance for LSC/LSC214|Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC)|LSC/LSC214 relative to LSC|SDC|LSC symmetrical cell between 600°C and 800°C. This nominal dual‐phase LSC/LSC214 hollow fiber also showed very stable fluxes of 3.3 and 2.3 ml·min−1·cm−2 during 300‐hr permeation test at 900°C and 850°C, respectively.
DMSO as solvent on the synthesis of flame‐retardant polyether polyols
Authors: Borreguero Ana M. , Rodríguez Juan F. , Velencoso María M. , Serrano Ángel , Ramos María J.
Published: August 2018

Polyether polyols with flame‐retardant properties are synthesized using glycerol phosphate disodium salt as an initiator and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent. The molecular weight of the polyol decreased when higher solvent to initiator ratios were used, revealing that a larger amount of salt was activated. In addition, the larger the amount of activated salt was, the higher the percentage of phosphorous was in the final polyol. Glycerol phosphate disodium salt was still partially insoluble in the studied proportions of DMSO. Thus, the recovery and reuse of this part of the salt for the synthesis of new flame‐retardant polyols were evaluated. The recovered salt promoted a shorter induction period because it presented a larger amount of deprotonated hydroxyl groups. In addition, there were no differences between both synthesized polyols, indicating that it is possible to use the recovered salt in the same way as it is used commercially with the advantage of a shorter induction period for polymerization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47042.
Organizational culture and public diplomacy in the digital sphere: The case of South Korea
Authors: Robertson Jeffrey
Published: August 2018

Digital diplomacy is the latest technological advance to push change in diplomatic practice. It relates to the application of digital technologies, including information and communication technologies, software engineering and big data, and artificial intelligence, to the practice of diplomacy.

Positioned in the top ranks of connectivity, internet speed, smartphone ownership, and social media usage, South Korea should be a leader in the use of digital technologies in diplomatic practice. However, South Korea is not a leader; indeed, it has been left behind.

I explore digital diplomacy as a “disruptive technology” and look at criteria for organizational adaptation. I then use these criteria to assess South Korea's adaptation and draw from these the specific policy challenges facing South Korea. To conclude, I propose four core criteria to aid digital diplomacy adaptation in South Korea and other similar states.
Apatinib targets both tumor and endothelial cells in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Chaoxu , Qin Shukui
Published: August 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide with poor prognosis and tends to be hypervascular. Aberrant expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR‐2) has been implicated in the progression of HCC and represents a valid target for anticancer therapy. Apatinib, a small molecule inhibitor of VEGFR‐2 tyrosine kinase, shows strong antitumor activity in various tumors. This study is designed to evaluate the activity of apatinib on both human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and HCC cell lines (in vitro and in vivo), and also to investigate the characteristics and possible mechanisms underlying these effects by molecular biology methods. Following the results in our study, apatinib inhibited phosphorylation of VEGFR‐2 in HUVECs and blocked in vitro endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Concentration‐dependent antiproliferative effects of apatinib were also observed in all 6 HCC cell lines including SK‐Hep‐1, HepG2, Hep3B, Huh‐7, PLC/PRF/5, SMMC‐7721. Moreover, response to apatinib of HCC cell lines was significantly correlated with VEGFR‐2 expression level. Additionally, apatinib significantly inhibit VEGF‐triggered VEGFR‐2 phosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling molecules such as Akt and ERK1/2 in HCCs. Apatinib can also induce a cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and promote HCC apoptosis tested in vitro. In vivo data showed that apatinib can effectively inhibit tumor growth, decreased angiogenesis, as well as induced HCC apoptosis (in some tumors), and thus prolonged animal survival in a mouse xenograft model of human HCC. Our findings suggested that apatinib is a highly potent, oral active anti‐angiogenic, and anti‐HCC agent. The results from current study provide a clear biological rationale to evaluate apatinib as a new agent in HCC in clinical setting, especially for the VEGFR‐2 overexpression ones.
Prenatally diagnosed large mediastinal lymphangioma: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Hideaki , Masumoto Kouji , Aoyama Tomohiro , Sanmoto Youhei , Ono Kentaro , Sakamoto Naoya , Kawakami Hajime
Published: August 2018

Key Clinical Message

Thoroughly planned labor with immediate postnatal resuscitation and percutaneous decompression is mandatory for a large mediastinal lymphangioma that compromises the cardiopulmonary function, and close observation with the administration of Eppikajutsuto (TJ‐28), a Japanese herbal medicine, may be a reasonable treatment, especially when resection of the lesion seems technically challenging.
Ambient Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia from Nitrogen and Water Catalyzed by Flower‐Like Gold Microstructures
Authors: Wang Ziqiang , Li Yinghao , Yu Hongjie , Xu You , Xue Hairong , Li Xiaonian , Wang Hongjing , Wang Liang
Published: August 2018

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia is proposed as a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process because it can be driven by renewable electricity at ambient conditions. Currently, the development of such a process is hampered by the lack of efficient electrocatalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Herein, we report a super‐rapid approach for the synthesis of flower‐like Au microstructures (Au flowers) within 5 s. The obtained Au structures are assembled by staggered nanoplates as building blocks, which provide abundant electrocatalytically active sites for the NRR. The Au flowers achieve a high performance (NH3 yield: 25.57 μg h−1 mgcat.−1; faradaic efficiency: 6.05 %), 100 % selectivity (no N2H4 production), and long‐term durability toward the electrochemical ammonia production. The work is highly valuable for the rapid synthesis of active catalysts for the NRR.
Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Covalent Organic Framework (COF‐LZU1) Nanobars in CO2/Water Solvent
Authors: Zhang Fanyu , Zhang Jianling , Zhang Bingxing , Tan Xiuniang , Shao Dan , Shi Jinbiao , Tan Dongxing , Liu Lifei , Feng Jiaqi , Han Buxing , Yang Guanying , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2018

The development of facile, rapid, low‐energy, environmentally benign routes for the synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is of great interest. This study concerns the utilization of water containing dissolved CO2 as a solvent for the room‐temperature synthesis of COF. The as‐synthesized particles, denoted COF‐LZU1, combine advantages of good crystallinity, nanoscale size, and high surface area, which suggests promising application as a support for heterogeneous catalysts. Moreover, this versatile CO2‐assisted method is also applicable for the room‐temperature synthesis of Cu−COF‐LZU1. This method gives rise to new opportunities for fabricating COFs and COF‐based materials with different compositions and structures.
Flow cytometry in formamide treated cells
Authors: Radicchio Giovanna , Colicchia Valeria , Marrapodi Ramona , Carbonari Maurizio
Published: August 2018

The use of formamide for the study in flow cytometry of cell cycle phases, by DNA content measurement in human cancer cell lines, was recently published. In this manuscript, we verify the possibility of extending the procedure to simultaneous analysis of other parameters. The results obtained, here reported, show that the treatment of samples by formamide is compatible with the simultaneous detection of DNA content and surface phenotypes, with quantification of replicating DNA and with measurement of cells with fractional content of DNA. For each of these three applications, we have adapted the procedure to gain simple, reproducible and above all advantageous protocols. Regarding the simultaneous analysis of DNA content and phenotyping the use of formamide achieves optimal DNA stoichiometric staining (C.V. < 3; G2/G1 ratio = 2 ± 0.05) and sufficient maintenance of physical parameters and membrane fluorescence. In the study of duplicating DNA labeled with click chemistry, our procedure eliminates paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixation improving the DNA stoichiometric staining and allows the use of 7‐aminoactinomycin D (7‐AAD) preserving the Alexa Fluor 488 quantum efficiency. Concerning the detection of cells with fractional content of DNA, permeabilization and fixation by formamide gives the advantage of resolve on linear scale sub‐G1 cells from debris and to allow optimal sample recovery (>90%) which is essential in the study of cell necrobiology. Cells treatment by formamide, suitably modified for different applications, can be used to prepare cell samples for flow cytometry analyses that go far beyond stoichiometric staining of DNA.
Toxic dinoflagellates produce true grazer deterrents
Authors: Xu Jiayi , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: August 2018

Many phytoplankton species produce toxic substances, but their functional role is unclear. Specifically, it remains uncertain whether these compounds have a toxic or deterrent effect on grazers; only, the latter is consistent with toxins as defensive tools. Here, we show that 10 of 12 species or strains of toxic dinoflagellates were consumed at lower rates than a similarly sized nontoxic dinoflagellate by a copepod. Through video observations of individual prey–grazer interactions, we further demonstrate that the dominating mechanism is through capture, examination, and subsequent rejection of vital cells, that is, a true deterrent effect that offers a straightforward explanation to its evolution. We argue that the diversity of grazer responses to toxic phytoplankton reported in the literature, including toxic effects, and the high diversity of toxin profiles between strains of the same phytoplankton species reflect different stages of an ever‐ongoing evolutionary arms race, facilitated by rapid adaptation of grazers to toxic substances. We further argue that defensive toxicity requires a chemical signal exterior to the cell that informs the grazer about the toxicity of the cell. The signal can be the toxin itself or just an aposematic signal of toxicity. In the former case, allelochemical effects may emerge at high cell concentrations as a nonadaptive side effect of a predator defenses.
Visible light‐based indoor localization using k‐means clustering and linear regression
Authors: Saadi Muhammad , Saeed Zeeshan , Ahmad Touqeer , Saleem M. Kamran , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn
Published: August 2018

Visible light positioning techniques employing received signal strength (RSS)–based fingerprints are becoming popular and ubiquitous. However, RSS is more susceptible to signal degradation and environmental changes resulting in location inaccuracies. To minimize these limitations, clustering in conjunction with linear regression is applied to RSS database made up of light intensity variations of light emitting diodes. Optimum cluster size is determined and trained clusters are exploited for location assessment by curtailing the difference between the database readings and cluster centroids. Regression is then applied on the clustered data, which partitions it further and helps refining the results. Simulation results of the proposed algorithm dictate a significant improvement in location estimation accuracy of up to 40 cm in an indoor environment with the dimensions of 5 m × 5 m × 4 m and exhibit superior performance than many state‐of‐the‐art RSS‐based methods.
Loss of neural crest‐associated gene FOXD1 impairs melanoma invasion and migration via RAC1B downregulation
Authors: Wu Huizi , Larribère Lionel , Sun Qian , Novak Daniel , Sachindra Sachindra , Granados Karol , Umansky Viktor , Utikal Jochen
Published: August 2018

Recent studies suggest that malignant melanoma heterogeneity includes subpopulations of cells with features of multipotent neural crest (NC) cells. Zebrafish and mouse models have shown that reactivation of neural crest‐specific pathways during transformation determines the invasiveness of melanoma cells. In our study, we show that the neural crest‐associated transcription factor FOXD1 plays a key role in the invasion and the migration capacities of metastatic melanomas both in vivo and in vitro. Gene expression profiling analysis identified both an upregulation of FOXD1 in NC and melanoma cells, as well as a downregulation of several genes related to cell invasion in FOXD1 knockdown cells, including MMP9 and RAC1B. Furthermore, we demonstrate that knockdown of RAC1B a tumor‐specific isoform of RAC1, significantly impaired melanoma cell migration and invasion and could abrogate enhanced invasiveness induced by FOXD1 overexpression. We conclude that FOXD1 may influence invasion and migration via indirect regulation of MMP9 and RAC1B alternative splicing in melanoma cells.
Design, Synthesis, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Propylene‐tethered 8‐Methoxyl Ciprofloxacin‐isatin Hybrids
Authors: Guo Hua
Published: August 2018

A series of 8‐methoxyl ciprofloxacin (8‐OMe CPFX)‐isatin hybrids 3a–f and 4a–f tethered through propylene were designed, synthesized, and examined for their in vitro antibacterial activities against a panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens including drug‐resistant bacteria. All the synthesized hybrids (minimum inhibitory concentration: ≤0.03–64 μg/mL) exhibited considerable activities against the tested strains, especially against the Gram‐negative pathogens. Among them, hybrid 3b was no inferior to the parent 8‐OMe CPFX that could act as a starting point for further optimization.
Review of U. S. Contributions to Warm‐Core Rings
Authors: JOYCE TERRENCE M.
Published: August 2018

Warm‐core rings have been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent years. In fact, most of the detailed studies of rings have transpired since Richardson [1983] wrote his review of the literature for the Gulf Stream. Thus, this IUGG Quadrennial review of U. S. research will attempt to bring the reader up to date on the recent results since Richardson's summary for the Gulf Stream including some of the recent work by U. S. investigators in the Agulhas and Gulf of Mexico.
Special heavy plate solutions for bridges
Authors: Lehnert Tobias
Published: August 2018

In many European countries, both road and railway infrastructure needs intensive investment to keep up with the growing demands of mobility [1] and goods traffic. Steel or steel‐concrete composite bridges offer viable and very sustainable solutions in this context [2]. Owing to its unlimited recyclability, steel can generally be regarded as the ideal material for such sustainable structures. In particular, when designers or fabricators exploit the possibilities of the steel industry available nowadays, very cost‐efficient and remarkable structures are feasible. This paper will highlight some of the newest developments in heavy plates for bridge‐building. For example, the so‐called thick‐plate trough bridges have proved to be a favourable concept for small‐span railway bridges [3]. Very heavy plates with single plate weights of up to 42 t allow these bridges to be built very efficiently from just one or very few single plates. Another interesting development is the so‐called longitudinally profiled plate, which allows the plate thickness to be varied along the actual loading profile. Finally, the benefits of high‐thickness thermomechanically rolled plates (TM steel) will be discussed; these offer an ideal solution as the use of higher‐strength steels in bridge‐building gains more and more ground.
Integration of renewable energy systems and challenges for dynamics, control, and automation of electrical power systems
Authors: Sajadi Amirhossein , Strezoski Luka , Strezoski Vladimir , Prica Marija , Loparo Kenneth A.
Published: August 2018

This paper tackles the key challenges for dynamics, control, and automation of power systems that are imposed by the integration of renewable power plants. First, the current practice of automation and control in large‐scale power systems are reviewed. Then, dynamics and control of electrical transmission systems are discussed and the issues associated with the integration of large‐scale wind and solar power plants are exploited. The discussion carries on with a focus on control of electrical distribution systems and the key issues associated with the integration of distributed generation power plants. An emerging concern in power and energy industry is the dynamic interaction between transmission and distribution systems as a result of technological and topological changes in power systems that can put their control at risk. These topics are also covered in this paper. In terms of automation, the key challenges and opportunities for accommodation of higher penetration and share of renewable energy, as part of the vision for grid modernization, are explored in this paper. Throughout the discussion, some results from the recent studies are shown.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure
Numerical simulation of the tissue differentiation and corrosion process of biodegradable magnesium implants during bone fracture healing
Authors: Ma Songyun , Zhou Bei , Markert Bernd
Published: August 2018

Biodegradable magnesium implants are considered as promising fixation devices in the orthopaedic application to replace the conventional implants with unexpected properties. Extensive applications of magnesium implants are still limited by the uncontrolled corrosion rate in the body fluid and their interactions with the tissue differentiation during bone healing. In addition, the evaluation of the mechanical integrity of implants is essential for stabilisation fractured bones. Therefore, a modelling approach is required to investigate the effect of the degradation process of implants on the healing efficiency of fractured bones. In the present work, a mechano‐regulatory model based on the biphasic stimuli is used to simulate tissue differentiation of fractured tibia. A corrosion damage model is extended by employing a nonlocal integral formulation to describe the pitting corrosion of magnesium implants. The physiological loadings are taken into account in 3D simulations. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental observation in the literature. The present modelling approach provides an efficient tool in the design and the performance evaluation of biodegradable magnesium implants.
Conserved higher spin supercurrents for arbitrary spin massless supermultiplets and higher spin superfield cubic interactions
Authors: Buchbinder I. L. , Gates S. James , Koutrolikos Konstantinos
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We give an explicit superspace construction of higher spin conserved supercurrents built out of 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

massless supermultiplets of arbitrary spin. These supercurrents are gauge invariant and generate a large class of cubic interactions between a massless supermultiplet with superspin Y
1 = s
1 + 1/2 and two massless supermultiplets of arbitrary superspin Y
2. These interactions are possible only for s
1 ≥ 2Y
2. At the equality, the supercurrent acquires its simplest form and defines the supersymmetric, higher spin extension of the linearized Bel-Robinson tensor.
Simple unfolded equations for massive higher spins in AdS3
Authors: Kessel Pan , Raeymaekers Joris
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We propose a simple unfolded description of free massive higher spin particles in anti-de-Sitter spacetime. While our unfolded equation of motion has the standard form of a covariant constancy condition, our formulation differs from the standard one in that our field takes values in a different internal space, which for us is simply a unitary irreducible representation of the symmetry group. Our main result is the explicit construction, for the case of AdS3, of a map from our formulation to the standard wave equations for massive higher spin particles, as well as to the unfolded description prevalent in the literature. It is hoped that our formulation may be used to clarify the group-theoretic content of interactions in higher spin theories.
A Monte Carlo approach to the 4D scattering equations
Authors: Farrow Joseph A.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

The scattering equation formalism is a general framework for calculation of amplitudes in theories of massless particles. We provide a detailed introduction to the 4D scattering equation framework accessible to non-experts, outline current difficulties solving the equations numerically, and explain how to overcome them with a Monte Carlo algorithm. With this submission we include treeamps4dJAF, the first publicly available Mathematica package for calculating amplitudes by solving the scattering equations, supporting MHV analytical and N
k − 2MHV numerical computations. The package provides a powerful and flexible computational tool for calculating tree-level amplitudes in super Yang Mills theories, Einstein supergravity and conformal supergravity. We tabulate sets of numerical solutions up to 9 points in all MHV sectors and 12 points in the NHMV sector which can be used for fast evaluation of amplitudes.
Lay Perspectives on Receiving Different Types of Genomic Secondary Findings: a Qualitative Vignette Study
Authors: Vornanen M. , Aktan‐Collan K. , Hallowell N. , Konttinen H. , Haukkala A.
Published: August 2018

Genome‐wide sequencing may generate secondary findings (SFs). It is recommended that validated, clinically actionable SFs are reported back to patients/research participants. To explore publics’ perspectives on the best ways to do this, we performed a vignette study among Finnish adults. Our aim was to explore how lay people react to different types of hypothetical genomic SFs. Participants received a hypothetical letter revealing a SF predisposing to a severe but actionable disease—cardiovascular disease (familial hypercholesterolemia, long QT syndrome) or cancer (Lynch syndrome, Li–Fraumeni syndrome). Participants (N = 29) wrote down their initial reactions, and discussed (N = 23) these in focus groups. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Reactions to hypothetical SFs varied according to perceived severity and familiarity of the diseases. SFs for cancer were perceived as more threatening than for cardiovascular diseases, but less distressing than risk for psychiatric or neurological disorders, which participants spontaneously brought up. Illness severity in terms of lived experience, availability of treatment, stigma, and individual’s responsibility to control risk were perceived to vary across these disease types. In addition to clinical validity and utility, SF reporting practices need to take into account potential familiarity and lay illness representations of different diseases. Illness representations may influence willingness to receive SFs, and individuals’ reactions to this information.