bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production and characterization of liquid biofuels from locally available nonedible feedstocks
Authors: Fadhil Abdelrahman B.
Published: September 2020

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) seeds were exploited as possible nonedible feedstock for the synthesis of liquid biofuels, namely, biodiesel and bio‐oil via alkali–alcoholysis and pyrolysis routes, respectively. The alkali–alcoholysis reaction of mandarin seed oil with an equivalent mixture of methanol–ethanol alcohols was examined and optimized by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The best experimental yield of biodiesel (95.55 ± 1.55 wt.%) was comparable with the predicted yield (95.0 wt.%). Also, analysis by one‐way ANOVA showed that the selected variables were statistically significant. The 1H NMR spectroscopy asserted the transformation of the oil to biodiesel. Also, the evaluated properties of the biodiesel were in the range given by ASTM D6751 standards. The mandarin citrus seeds have also subjected to the thermal pyrolysis process in a fixed‐bed reactor to obtain bio‐oil and bio‐char. The influence of the pyrolysis temperature, time, feed particle size, and heating rate on the bio‐oil yield was optimized. The highest yield of bio‐oil (52.34 ± 1.25 wt.%) was attained at 475°C for 60 min using 70 mesh particle size of the feed with a heating rate of 20°C/min. The bio‐oil was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H NMR spectroscopy, and ultimate analysis. The bio‐oil derived from MCS has an empirical formula of CH1.88 O0.16 N0.012 S0.0005 with 37.96 MJ/kg of heating value. The elevated carbon level, low oxygen content, and high calorific value (25.45 MJ/kg) of the attained bio‐char suggest its suitability as a solid fuel. Also, the obtained bio‐char can be utilized for preparing carbon adsorbent as a result of its good surface area.
Effect of phosphorus–nitrogen compound on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polylactic acid
Authors: Hu Xu , Sun Jinhao , Li Xing , Qian Lijun , Li Juan
Published: September 2020

A phosphorus‐nitrogen flame retardant (PN) was synthesized by using cytosine and diphenylphosphinic chloride. The flame retardancy and thermal stability of polylactic acid (PLA)/PN composites were investigated by the UL‐94 vertical burning test, limited oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter test, and thermogravimetric analysis. The PN performs efficiently on improving the flame retardancy of PLA. The PLA composite achieves the UL‐94 V‐0 rating and its LOI increases to 30.4 vol% by adding 0.5 wt% PN. The flame retardant mechanism analysis showed that PN catalyzes the degradation of PLA to improve the flame retardancy by melting‐away mode. Meanwhile PN reduces the release of flammable gasses during thermal degradation of PLA by promoting the transesterification of PLA, which is helpful for extinguishing flame. Moreover, triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) was used as a micro‐crosslinking agent to reduce the loss of mechanical properties of PLA/PN composites caused by degradation. Adding 0.1 wt% TGIC and 1.0 wt% PN into PLA, the tensile strength and elongation at break of PLA/PN are increased to the same level as that of PLA. Therefore, PLA with excellent comprehensive performance can be obtained.
The effect of component addition order on the properties of epoxy resin/polyurethane resin interpenetrating polymer network structure
Authors: Cheng Hsien‐Tai , Lee Ya‐Shiuan , Liu Hsu‐Chen , Lee Wen‐Jau
Published: September 2020

Epoxy resin (ER) is one of the most important synthetic resins, but it has the disadvantage of lacking impact resistance. However, it can be improved by mixing with polyurethane resin (PU). In this study, Epon 828, triethylenetetramine (TETA), polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) were used as raw materials to prepare ER/PU interpenetrating polymer network structures (IPNs) by three different blending processes. The results showed the reactivity between TETA and IPDI were greater than that between TETA and ER. When ER/TETA/PTMG/IPDI/DBTDL were mixed at the same time, or ER and PU resins were prepared separately and then mixed, the ER/PU composites produced had a phase separation inside the structure. The most appropriate blending method was to mix ER with PTMG, IPDI, DBTDL first, and then add TETA after 10 min. The composite formed had a uniform appearance, and had better physical, mechanical, and thermal properties than the others did.
The impact of intense types of effects on poly(N‐vinyl caprolactam) and composites in the system nanoscale anatase – poly(N‐vinyl caprolactam)
Authors: Chikhacheva Irina , Safyanova Lidiya , Timaeva Olesya , Kuz'micheva Galina , Kubrakova Irina , Komova Ninel
Published: September 2020

For the first time, the effects of microwave and ultrasonic treatments and an alternating electric field on poly(N‐vinyl caprolactam) (PVCL40) both in the original and in the composite with nanoscale anatase have been studied. Comparison of the results of studying the samples by X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) before and after treatments allowed us to identify, and explain the response of objects to different types of effects with a change in their characteristics. Analysis and comparison of the results do not exclude the misorientation of the PVCL40 domains in thin films (microwave processing), which becomes flat‐ordered after their rubbing, the destruction of the PVCL40 and the disorder of the side substituent are found, accompanied by a change in the periodicity chains (microwave processing, electric field), a decrease in the water content in the system (microwave processing) and amorphization of nanoscale anatase (microwave processing, electric field) were revealed. The implementation of the revealed effects as response to microwave, ultrasonic, and electric field treatments on a similar type of polymers with a different composition and structure is not ruled out.
Reinforcement of polypropylene by cellulose microfibers modified with polydopamine and octadecylamine
Authors: Nagamine Shinsuke , Mizuno Yosuke , Hikima Yuta , Okada Kiyomi , Wang Long , Ohshima Masahiro
Published: September 2020

Cellulose microfibers (CMFs) having surfaces modified with polydopamine (PDPA) and octadecylamine (ODA) were prepared, and their reinforcing abilities for polypropylene (PP) were investigated. The PDPA coating was made via self‐polymerization of dopamine (P‐CMF), and subsequent alkylation was conducted by the reaction with ODA (OP‐CMF). The modified CMFs exhibited improved dispersibility in the PP matrix due to the reduced hydrophilicity. The OP‐CMF/PP composite prepared by batch mixing had a higher tensile modulus compared to that for the pure PP and composites with unmodified CMFs. However, excess alkylation lowered the tensile modulus, and the presence of an optimal degree of alkylation was demonstrated. The CMF/PP‐IM composites fabricated by injection molding exhibited improved tensile properties compared to those prepared by batch mixing. Both the tensile modulus and yield stress were increased by increasing the CMF content and improved by the surface modification of the CMFs.
Study on curing shrinkage and mechanism of DHOM‐modified epoxy‐acrylate‐based UV‐curing 3D printing materials
Authors: Li Songyi , Sun Dachao , Li Aqiang , Cui Yihua
Published: September 2020

UV‐curing 3D printing technology is one of the technologies with the highest molding efficiency and accuracy in the field of 3D printing. At present, the main problems of UV‐curing 3D printing materials include the high curing shrinkage and the low toughness. In this work, free radical/cation hybrid curing system was developed, the effects of expansion monomer (DHOM, 3,9‐diethyl‐3′,9′‐dihydro‐xymethyl‐1,5,7,11‐tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecanone) on the curing shrinkage, toughness, and other properties of the epoxy acrylate‐based UV‐curing 3D printing materials were investigated. The results showed that when the added amount of DHOM was 15 wt%, the best comprehensive performance of UV‐curing 3D printing materials was obtained. At this time, the curing shrinkage rate decreased from 6.13% to 3.47%. The main reason was that DHOM undergoes ring‐opening polymerization under the action of cationic photoinitiator, resulted in volume expansion. The impact strength increased from 9.61 to 12.13 KJ/m2, which was because that the ring‐opening reaction of DHOM reduced the curing shrinkage of the resin system and released the internal stress between the resin molecules.
Superior anticorrosion performance of epoxy‐based composites with well‐dispersed melamine modified graphene oxide
Authors: Li Yue , Yang Hui , Wang Fengqi , Huang Yong
Published: September 2020

In order to improve the dispersion of graphene in epoxy resin, the preparation of melamine modified graphene oxide (M‐rGO) is reported. The π‐π interaction between melamine and graphene oxide (GO) sheet is confirmed via ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, which endows M‐rGO with well dispersion. The dispersion concentration of M‐rGO in dimethyl sulfoxide is up to 9 mg/ml, and the stability of which keeps more than 18 months. The anticorrosion performance of M‐rGO/epoxy composite coatings was analyzed through electrochemical measurements and salt spray tests, these results indicate that M‐rGO has a good barrier effect on corrosive medium and even can replace zinc powder in zinc‐rich epoxy. In addition, the reinforced mechanical strength of M‐rGO/epoxy composite coatings is proved via mechanical strength tests.
Poly(imide‐siloxane) films with controlled thickness
Authors: Janegová Kristýna , Sysel Petr , Kulhánková Hana , Perfilov Viacheslav A. , Bernauer Milan , Fíla Vlastimil
Published: September 2020

Polyimides containing siloxane moieties are used in some advanced applications. For example, these polymers can be employed as separation membranes in the form of self‐standing, thin films. These products are formed by components of different polarities that have the tendency, at least partly, to separate in the final materials, with an impact on their final, bulk, and/or surface properties. The aim of this work is to study the dependence of the composition of the polyimide, poly(imide‐siloxane) (PIS) and copolymeric PIS self‐standing films differing in thickness on their properties. The important finding is that there is a rather large difference observed in the water contact angle on the film side oriented toward the air atmosphere during film preparation and that oriented toward a hydrophobic Teflon surface. Nevertheless, the gas transport properties of carbon dioxide and methane for these membranes are more influenced by the membrane composition than by the surface properties.
Complex dynamics in psychosocial work with unaccompanied minor refugees with uncertain future prospects: A case study
Authors: Hettich Nora , Meurs Patrick
Published: September 2020

This case study explores the arriving process of an unaccompanied minor refugee in Germany and his perception of the psychosocial support he received. The aim is to elaborate possibilities to support refugee adolescents' arrival processes adequately. Two interviews—theme‐centered and narrative—were conducted and afterwards examined by a group of five researchers who used experts' validation as the analyzing tool. Four main dimensions were identified contributing to the complex dynamics in psychosocial work with unaccompanied minor refugees: (a) the distinct need for self‐determination and idealization, (b) the fight for state recognition as a legal refugee, (c) the attempt of achieving recognition by the society, and (d) the inability of building trusting and affective relationships with friends and caregivers in the host country. Thus, professionals working with unaccompanied minor refugees need to consider the adolescents' demand for self‐determination and perceive idealization not only as a defense mechanism but also as a coping strategy to survive in an unpredictable environment. Being a reliable object that can be used by the adolescent can help to establish a trusting basis for the relationship. This case study indicates that approaches of psychosocial support with unaccompanied minor refugees need to acknowledge and work with the interrelation between the inner world and the external reality of refugee adolescents.
Leaf Angle eXtractor: A high‐throughput image processing framework for leaf angle measurements in maize and sorghum
Authors: Kenchanmane Raju Sunil K. , Adkins Miles , Enersen Alex , Santana de Carvalho Daniel , Studer Anthony J. , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Schnable Patrick S. , Schnable James C.
Published: September 2020

Premise

Maize yields have significantly increased over the past half‐century owing to advances in breeding and agronomic practices. Plants have been grown in increasingly higher densities due to changes in plant architecture resulting in plants with more upright leaves, which allows more efficient light interception for photosynthesis. Natural variation for leaf angle has been identified in maize and sorghum using multiple mapping populations. However, conventional phenotyping techniques for leaf angle are low throughput and labor intensive, and therefore hinder a mechanistic understanding of how the leaf angle of individual leaves changes over time in response to the environment.

Methods

High‐throughput time series image data from water‐deprived maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) were obtained using battery‐powered time‐lapse cameras. A MATLAB‐based image processing framework, Leaf Angle eXtractor (LAX), was developed to extract and quantify leaf angles from images of maize and sorghum plants under drought conditions.

Results

Leaf angle measurements showed differences in leaf responses to drought in maize and sorghum. Tracking leaf angle changes at intervals as short as one minute enabled distinguishing leaves that showed signs of wilting under water deprivation from other leaves on the same plant that did not show wilting during the same time period.

Discussion

Automating leaf angle measurements using LAX makes it feasible to perform large‐scale experiments to evaluate, understand, and exploit the spatial and temporal variations in plant response to water limitations.
Hesperidin modulates the rhythmic proteomic profiling in Drosophila melanogaster under oxidative stress
Authors: Jayapalan Jaime J. , Subramanian Perumal , Kani Akshaya , Hiji Jumriah , Najjar Sara G. , Abdul‐Rahman Puteri S. , Hashim Onn H.
Published: September 2020

The circadian clock regulates vital aspects of physiology including protein synthesis and oxidative stress response. In this investigation, we performed a proteome‐wide scrutiny of rhythmic protein accrual in Drosophila melanogaster on exposure to rotenone, rotenone + hesperidin and hesperidin in D. melanogaster. Total protein from fly samples collected at 6 h intervals over the 24 h period was subjected to two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics tool, Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships classification system was used to the determine the biological processes of the proteins of altered abundance. Conspicuous variations in the proteome (151 proteins) of the flies exposed to oxidative stress (by rotenone treatment) and after alleviating oxidative stress (by hesperidin treatment) were observed during the 24 h cycle. Significantly altered levels of abundance of a wide variety of proteins under oxidative stress (rotenone treatment) and under alleviation of oxidative stress (rotenone + hesperidin treatment) and hesperidin (alone) treatment were observed. These proteins are involved in metabolism, muscle activity, heat shock response, redox homeostasis, protein synthesis/folding/degradation, development, ion‐channel/cellular transport, and gustatory and olfactory function of the flies. Our data indicates that numerous cellular processes are involved in the temporal regulation of proteins and widespread modulations happen under rotenone treatment and, action of hesperidin could also be seen on these categories of proteins.
Novel pyrazole‐clubbed thiophene derivatives via Gewald synthesis as antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory agents
Authors: Nayak Soukhyarani G. , Poojary Boja , Kamat Vinuta
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to synthesize newer potent Schiff bases by condensing 2‐amino‐5‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)thiophene‐3‐carbonitrile and 1,3‐disubstituted‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbaldehydes, and to investigate their biological activity. The compounds were synthesized via Gewald synthesis and characterized by spectral data and elemental analyses. They were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities. The synthesized compounds were also evaluated for in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using the microplate Alamar Blue assay. Compounds 8b, 8c, 8f, 8g, 8k, 8n, and 8o showed promising antibacterial activity. The interactions between the substituted pyrazoles and bovine protein showed promising anti‐inflammatory activity. The experimental results revealed compound 8a as a promising antitubercular agent. Hemolytic assays confirmed that the compounds are nontoxic, with percentage hemolysis ranging from 3.6 to 20.1, at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. The results suggest that the pyrazole ring and the substitution pattern on the heterocyclic moiety have an effect on the bioactivity.
Mediterranean Diet and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Findings From the French E3N‐EPIC Cohort Study
Authors: Nguyen Yann , Salliot Carine , Gelot Amandine , Gambaretti Juliette , Mariette Xavier , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Seror Raphaèle
Published: September 2020

Objective

The Mediterranean diet has been reported to be associated with a significant reduction in risk of noncommunicable diseases. We undertook this study to assess the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially in high‐risk individuals.

Methods

The E3N study (Etude Epidémiologique Auprès des Femmes de la Mutuelle Générale de l’Education Nationale) is a French prospective cohort study that has included 98,995 women since 1990. Dietary data were collected via a validated food frequency questionnaire in 1993. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using a 9‐unit dietary score evaluating consumption of vegetables, legumes, cereal products, fish, meat, dairy products, olive oil, and alcohol. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for incident RA were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age and the main potential confounders, including smoking.

Results

Among 62,629 women, we identified 480 incident cases of RA. In the entire study population, the Mediterranean diet adherence score was not associated with RA risk (HR 0.86 [95% CI 0.67–1.09] for high score versus low score; P for trend = 0.09); however, among ever‐smokers, a higher score was associated with a decreased risk of RA (HR 0.91 [95% CI 0.84–0.99] for 1‐point increase in score; P = 0.03). In ever‐smokers, the absolute risks of RA in those with high scores and those with low scores were 38.3 and 51.5 per 100,000 person‐years, respectively, compared to 35.8 per 100,000 person‐years in never‐smokers with high Mediterranean diet scores.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that adherence to the Mediterranean diet could reduce the high risk of RA among ever‐smoking women. Our results must be confirmed in future research.
Regulating Back Electron Transfer through Donor and π‐Spacer Alterations in Benzothieno[3,2‐b]indole‐based Dye‐sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Nitha P. R , Jayadev V. , Pradhan Sourava C. , Divya Velayudhan V. , Suresh Cherumuttathu H. , John Jubi , Soman Suraj , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: September 2020

Three metal‐free organic D−π−A dyes with benzothieno[3,2‐b]indole as electron donor, cyanoacrylic acid as both electron acceptor and anchoring group with benzene (BID‐1), thiophene (BID‐2) and furan (BID‐3) as π‐spacers were designed and synthesized for application in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A planar and electron‐rich heterocycle such as benzothieno[3,2‐b]indole offers better backbone rigidity and improves charge transport properties in comparison to indolo[3,2‐b]indole donor, previously reported from our group. Additionally, we synthesized a benzothieno[3,2‐b]indole donor grafted with longer alkyl chains which efficiently prevented the approach of oxidized species in the electrolyte coming closer to semiconductor thereby arresting recombination. A power conversion efficiency of 4.11 % was achieved for dye‐sensitized solar cells based on the furan π‐spacer benzothieno[3,2‐b]indole dye BID‐3 in comparison to the corresponding indolo[3,2‐b]indole dye (IID‐3) having an efficiency of 1.71 %. Detailed interfacial electrical measurements along with theoretical calculations disclosed the mechanism of back electron transfer and improvement in photovoltaic performance with respect to variation in both donor and π‐spacer.
Virtual age, is it real? ‐ Discussing virtual age in reliability context
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim , Cha Ji Hwan
Published: September 2020

Several settings, where the notion of virtual age is employed, are discussed. We argue that the age reduction imperfect repair modeling is often not sufficiently justified in practice, as it is not possible to execute repair in most of real situations that conforms with this model. On the other hand, a shock‐based virtual age model is suggested and justified via the probabilities of failures on shocks. The new notion of virtual age for degrading items is also introduced. We discuss how to recalculate virtual age after switching from one regime to another. Several examples illustrating different notions of virtual age are presented.
Rotation of open clusters based on Gaia data. Praesepe
Authors: Loktin Alexander V. , Popov Alexander A.
Published: September 2020

High–precision trigonometric parallaxes, proper motions, and radial velocities of the Gaia DR2 catalog allow us to investigate the problem of open clusters rotation. Such a study could naturally be started with the clusters closest to the Sun, so we chose Praesepe as an object of our study. We selected 908 probable cluster members up to the apparent magnitude G = 19 mag based on their trigonometric parallaxes and proper motions, within 10° distance from the cluster center. We estimated the cluster distance modulus to be 6.36 mag and 6.02 mag using the trigonometric parallaxes of the probable cluster members and by fitting the theoretical isochrone to the cluster hertzsprung‐russell (HR) diagram, respectively. The cluster rotation velocity was estimated to be 0.4 km s−1 at the periphery of the cluster, using three different methods. In the future, we will continue the study of clusters rotation, with several nearby open clusters.
Accuracy of magnitudes in pre‐telescopic star catalogs
Authors: Protte Philipp , Hoffmann Susanne M.
Published: September 2020

Historical star magnitudes from catalogs by Ptolemy (137 AD), al‐Sūfī (964), and Tycho Brahe (1602/27) are converted to the Johnson V‐mag scale and compared to modern‐day values from the HIPPARCOS catalog. The deviations (or “errors”) are tested for dependencies on three different observational influences. The relation between historical and modern magnitudes is found to be linear in all three catalogs as it had previously been shown for the Almagest data by Hearnshaw, J. B., 1999, New A Rev., 43, 403. A slight dependency on the color index (B‐V) is shown throughout the data sets and al‐Sūfī's, as well as Brahe's data also give fainter values for stars of lower culmination height (indicating extinction). In all three catalogs, a star's estimated magnitude is influenced by the brightness of its immediate surroundings. After correction for the three effects, the remaining variance within the magnitude errors can be considered approximate accuracy of the pre‐telescopic magnitude estimates. The final converted and corrected magnitudes are available via the Vizier catalog access tool (Ochsenbein, F., Bauer, P., & Marcout, J., 2000, A&AS, 143, 23).
Astrometric observations of visual binaries using 26‐inch refractor at Pulkovo Observatory during 2014–2019
Authors: Izmailov Igor , Rublevsky Aleksey , Apetyan Arina
Published: September 2020

We present 18,365 astrometric observations of 290 visual binaries obtained with the 26‐inch refractor of Pulkovo Observatory during 2014–2019. The separation between components is from 1″.3 to 37″ with a median value of 4″.8. For a single observation, the mean separation error is 0″.013, and the mean position angle error is 0∘.44/ρ, where ρ is an angular distance in arcseconds. We compare the observations of sample stars with the data from the Gaia DR2 catalog and the results of the ground‐based observations performed with other telescopes.
California introduces bill to increase board diversity
Authors: Dodds Amy
Published: September 2020

In the wake of the worldwide protests following the death of George Floyd, many companies publicly supported racial diversity and better representation. However, supporting a cause does not always lead to long‐term systemic change. That is why on June 29, 2020, the California State Legislature introduced proposed legislation that would compel publicly owned companies headquartered in the state to increase diversity on their boards or face fines.
Electrochemical Performance and Mechanism of Calcium Metal‐Organic Battery
Authors: Bitenc Jan , Scafuri Antonio , Pirnat Klemen , Lozinšek Matic , Jerman Ivan , Grdadolnik Jože , Fraisse Bernard , Berthelot Romain , Stievano Lorenzo , Dominko Robert
Published: September 2020

The abundance of Ca, its low redox potential and high specific capacity make Ca metal batteries an attractive energy storage system for the future. A recent demonstration of room temperature calcium plating/stripping opened a new avenue of the development, but the performance of cathode materials is lagging far behind. Due to the nature of divalent cations, conversion and coordination electrochemical reactions show better performance compared to insertion. Herein, we demonstrate the use of the anthraquinone‐based polymer as a cathode material for the Ca metal‐organic battery. Electrochemical mechanism investigation confirms the reversible reduction of the carbonyl bond and coordination with Ca2+ cations in the discharged state, opening a pathway toward high energy density battery. Continued performance of a 2‐electrode cell is strongly hampered by the overpotential increase caused by the Ca stripping process on the Ca metal anode stating the need for further development of Ca electrolytes. Ca metal‐organic battery promises to achieve cells with gravimetric energy density on the practical level compared to the state‐of‐the‐art Li‐ion batteries.
Integrating data in a complex mixed‐methods classroom interaction study
Authors: Ertesvåg Sigrun K. , Sammons Pamela , Blossing Ulf
Published: September 2020

Mixed‐methods (MM) designs have gained increasing interest in educational research. Still, many studies collect quantitative and qualitative data but report these data separately and do not attempt to integrate them in practice. The aim of this article is to discuss the purposes and processes of integrating qualitative and quantitative data in an MM classroom interaction study. Issues regarding mixing and integration, including how to overcome integration barriers, are discussed. Based on this outline, the study then presents details about the various integration processes adopted in a recent MM study on classroom interaction in Norway. The possibilities and challenges of integration to produce new knowledge and a deeper understanding throughout the research process in classroom studies are illustrated with a specific focus on points of interface. A key issue is whether the new knowledge obtained in an MM study is more than the sum of the individual quantitative and qualitative parts. Using selected questions from the MM alphabet proved a helpful heuristic for guiding the iterative processes of integration and provided richer explanations and an enhanced understanding of the implementation and impact of a complex classroom intervention initiative. The study provides a new methodological contribution to the MM literature by examining the integration processes and challenges faced in a specific study.
A new highly selective fluorescent sensor based on a novel fluorophore for cyanide and its applications in bioimaging
Authors: Liu Yan , Du Jian shi , Qi Shao long , Zhu Lu bao , Yang Qing biao , Xu Hai , Li Yao xian
Published: September 2020

A novel highly active fluorescence chemical sensor (TBI) for CN− was synthesized based on triphenylamine–benzothiazole as a new fluorophore, and was used for the first time as a fluorophore for detection of CN−. Fluorescence quantum yield of the probe clearly increased when using triphenylamine–benzothiazole as the group. The probe possessed good selectivity towards CN− and had anti‐interference ability over common ions. After adding CN−, the UV–visible spectrum of TBI changed clearly and underwent a dramatic colour change from red to colourless, which could be observed clearly by the naked eye. The limit of detection for CN− was calculated to be 2.62 × 10−8 M, which was well below the WHO cut‐off point of 1.9 μM. The novel probe displayed fast sensing of CN−. The detection mechanism was a nucleophilic addition reaction between CN− and a carbon atom –C = N– in indole salt. The π‐conjugation and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transition in the TBI molecule were destroyed by this addition, which resulted in a change of fluorescence before and after the addition of CN−. The mechanism was verified using theoretical calculation, 1H NMR titration, and mass spectra. In addition, the probe showed low cytotoxicity and could be used for biological imaging in HeLa cells.
Pyronaridine: An update of its pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action
Authors: Bailly Christian
Published: September 2020

Pyronaridine (PYR) is an erythrocytic schizonticide with a potent antimalarial activity against multidrug‐resistant Plasmodium. The drug is used in combination with artesunate for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, in adults and children. The present review briefly retraces the discovery of PYR and recent antimalarial studies which has led to the approval of PYR/artesunate combination (Pyramax) by the European Medicines Agency to treat uncomplicated malaria worldwide. PYR also presents a marked antitumor activity and has revealed efficacy for the treatment of other parasitic diseases (notably Babesia and Trypanosoma infections) and to mitigate the Ebola virus propagation. On the one hand, PYR functions has an inhibitor of hemozoin (biomineral malaria pigment, by‐product of hemoglobin digestion) formation, blocking the biopolymerization of β‐hematin and thus facilitating the accumulation of toxic hematin into the digestive vacuole of the parasite. On the other hand, PYR is a bona fide DNA‐intercalating agent and an inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase 2, leading to DNA damages and cell death. Inhibition of hematin polymerization represents the prime mechanism at the origin of the antimalarial activity, whereas anticancer effects relies essentially on the interference with DNA metabolism, as with structurally related anticancer drugs like amsacrine and quinacrine. In addition, recent studies point to an immune modulatory activity of PYR and the implication of a mitochondrial oxidative pathway. An analogy with the mechanism of action of artemisinin drugs is underlined. In brief, the biological actions of pyronaridine are recapitulated to shed light on the diverse health benefits of this unsung drug.
Finding Freedom in Discipline
Authors: Moore Jannice
Published: September 2020

Jannice Moore is president of The Governance Coach, a Calgary, Alberta, Canada–based firm that specializes in Policy Governance® consultation and coaching. In this article, Moore discusses how a disciplined commitment to following Policy Governance® principles can free up a board to explore new possibilities and improve its performance.
Harnessing interdisciplinary education in biochemistry and molecular biology: A report on the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 “harnessing interdisciplinary education in biochemistry and molecular biology” conference
Authors: Macaulay Janet , Heralde Francisco M. , Yu Gracia Fe B.
Published: September 2020

The “Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” education conference was held on November 13–15, 2019 in Manila, Philippines. The conference was sponsored by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular (IUBMB). With over 400 attendees from 22 countries themes discussed by the speakers and enthusiastic participants ranged from teaching biochemistry and molecular biology at all levels and to students in a range of disciplines.
Meeting report: BioMolViz workshops for developing assessments of biomolecular visual literacy
Authors: Procko Kristen , Engelman Shelly , Jakubowski Henry , Beckham Josh T. , Dean Diane M. , Franzen Margaret A. , Novak Walter R. P. , Roberts Rebecca , Roca Alberto I. , Shor Audrey C. , Terrell Cassidy R. , Dries Daniel R.
Published: September 2020

While molecular visualization has been recognized as a threshold concept in biology education, the explicit assessment of students' visual literacy skills is rare. To facilitate the evaluation of this fundamental ability, a series of NSF‐IUSE‐sponsored workshops brought together a community of faculty engaged in creating instruments to assess students' biomolecular visualization skills. These efforts expanded our earlier work in which we created a rubric describing overarching themes, learning goals, and learning objectives that address student progress toward biomolecular visual literacy. Here, the BioMolViz Steering Committee (BioMolViz.org) documents the results of those workshops and uses social network analysis to examine the growth of a community of practice. We also share many of the lessons we learned as our workshops evolved, as they may be instructive to other members of the scientific community as they organize workshops of their own.
Zinc‐protoporphyrin determination by HPLC with fluorescence detection as a biomarker of lead effect in artisanal pottery workers
Authors: Santos Nathália R. , Bandeira Matheus de J. , Bah Homègnon A. Ferreol , Rodrigues Juliana L.G. , Cardoso Mariana S. , Rocha Andrea R. , Menezes‐Filho José A.
Published: September 2020

Lead (Pb) exposure compromises heme synthesis by inhibiting ferrochelatase, forming zinc‐protoporphyrin (ZnPP). This study aims to validate a method for the determination of ZnPP by HPLC with fluorescence detection and apply this method to evaluate the extent of Pb exposure of artisanal pottery workers. Extraction procedures were tested using both nonacid and acid liquid–liquid extraction. The former presented a better chromatogram and recovery results. The validated method yielded a good resolution of ZnPP and its free form peaks with acceptable precision and accuracy. Total run time was 15 min and ZnPP peak retention time was 5.6 min. We applied this method to evaluate 39 potters (90% male), mean age 40 years (9–80). The medians (ranges) of blood lead, ZnPP and hemoglobin were 16.0 μg/dl (2.2–71.5), 12.6 μg/dl (4.6–279.8) and 15.1 g/dl (11.0–17.8), respectively. Significant differences were observed for blood lead according to gender, age range (>40 years), direct handling of lead oxide and years of occupation. Significantly higher levels of ZnPP were observed in male potters involved with lead glazing activity. The validated method was shown to be simple with one‐step nonacid extraction, good sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy. Our data shows that these laborers are dangerously exposed to Pb, reflecting the effect on the heme synthesis.
Alteration in topological properties of brain functional network after 2‐year high altitude exposure: A panel study
Authors: Xin Zhenlong , Chen Xiaoming , Zhang Qian , Wang Jiye , Xi Yibin , Liu Jian , Li Baojuan , Dong Xiaoru , Lin Yiwen , Zhang Wenbin , Chen Jingyuan , Luo Wenjing
Published: September 2020

Introduction

High altitude (HA) exposure leads to cognitive impairment while the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Brain functional network is crucial for advanced functions, and its alteration is implicated in cognitive decline in multiple diseases. The aim of current study was to investigate the topological changes in HA‐exposed brain functional network.

Methods

Based on Shaanxi‐Tibet immigrant cohort, neuropsychological tests and resting‐state functional MRI were applied to evaluate the participants' cognitive function and functional connection (FC) changes, respectively. GRETNA toolbox was used to construct the brain functional network. The gray matter was parcellated into 116 anatomically defined regions according to Automated Anatomical Labeling atlas. Subsequently, the mean time series for each of the 116 regions were extracted and computed for Pearson's correlation coefficients. The relation matrix was further processed and seen as brain functional network. Correlation between functional network changes and neuropsychological results was also examined.

Results

The cognitive performance was impaired by HA exposure as indicated by neuropsychological test. HA exposure led to alterations of degree centrality and nodal efficiency in multiple brain regions. Moreover, two subnetworks were extracted in which the FCs significantly decreased after exposure. In addition, the alterations in FCs within above two subnetworks were significantly correlated with changes of memory and reaction time.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that HA exposure modulates the topological property of functional network and FCs of some important regions, which may impair the attention, perception, memory, motion ignition, and modulation processes, finally decreasing cognitive performance in neuropsychological tests.
The determinants of business contribution to the 2030 Agenda: Introducing the SDG Reporting Score
Authors: Pizzi Simone , Rosati Francesco , Venturelli Andrea
Published: September 2020

Within the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations have explicitly required that the Member States introduce within their jurisdictions new forms of regulations about non‐financial reporting practices. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects related to the transposition of Directive 2014/95/EU by analyzing firm‐level, governance‐level, and report‐level determinants of business reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To conduct such an analysis, this study defines and introduces the SDG Reporting Score (SRS)—a qualitative proxy representing a firm orientation toward SDG reporting. The study sample includes the non‐financial reports of 153 Italian Public Interest Entities. The results show a positive relationship between a firm's SRS and various determinants, such as the presence of independent directors on the board, expertise with non‐financial reporting, and length of the report. Finally, the highest levels of SRS are achieved by firms operating in environmental sensitive sectors.
Target‐driven cloud evolution using position‐based fluids
Authors: Zhang Zili , Li Yunfei , Yang Bailin , Li Frederick W. B. , Liang Xiaohui
Published: September 2020

To effectively control particle‐based cloud evolution without imposing strict position constraints, we propose a novel method integrating a control force field and a phase transition control into the position‐based fluids (PBF) framework. To produce realistic cloud simulation, we incorporate both fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to govern cloud particle movement. The fluid dynamics is simulated through our novel driving and damping force terms. As these terms are only formulated based on cloud particle density and position, they simplify the inputs and make our method free from artificial positional constraints. The thermodynamics is implemented by our phase transition control, which can effectively simulate cloud evolution between discrepant initial and target shapes, producing plausible results. Uniquely, our method can also support target shape change during cloud simulation. Experiment results have demonstrated our method surpasses existing methods.
Automatic text‐to‐gesture rule generation for embodied conversational agents
Authors: Ali Ghazanfar , Lee Myungho , Hwang Jae‐In
Published: September 2020

Interactions with embodied conversational agents can be enhanced using human‐like co‐speech gestures. Traditionally, rule‐based co‐speech gesture mapping has been utilized for this purpose. However, the creation of this mapping is laborious and often requires human experts. Moreover, human‐created mapping tends to be limited, therefore prone to generate repeated gestures. In this article, we present an approach to automate the generation of rule‐based co‐speech gesture mapping from publicly available large video data set without the intervention of human experts. At run‐time, word embedding is utilized for rule searching to get the semantic‐aware, meaningful, and accurate rule. The evaluation indicated that our method achieved comparable performance with the manual map generated by human experts, with a more variety of gestures activated. Moreover, synergy effects were observed in users' perception of generated co‐speech gestures when combined with the manual map.
A variational U‐Net for motion retargeting
Authors: Uk Kim Seong , Jang Hanyoung , Kim Jongmin
Published: September 2020

Motion retargeting is the process of copying motion from one character (source) to another (target) when the source and target body sizes and proportions (of arms, legs, torso, etc.) are different. The problem of automatic motion retargeting has been studied for several decades; however, the motion quality obtained with the application of current approaches is on occasion unrealistic. This is because previous methods, which are mainly based on numerical optimization, generally do not incorporate prior knowledge of the details and nuances of human movements. To address these issues, we present a novel human motion retargeting system using a deep learning framework with large‐scale motion data to produce high‐quality retargeted human motion. We establish a deep‐learning‐based motion retargeting system using a variational deep autoencoder combining the deep convolutional inverse graphics network (DC‐IGN) and the U‐Net. The DC‐IGN is utilized for disentangling the motion of each body part, while the U‐Net is employed to preserve details of the original motion. We conduct several experiments to validate the proposed motion retargeting system, and find that ours achieves better accuracy along with reduced computational burden when compared with the conventional motion retargeting approach and other neural network architectures.
Using rewards and penalties to promote sustainability: Who chooses incentive‐based electricity products and why?
Authors: Mahmoodi Jasmin , Hille Stefanie , Patel Martin K. , Brosch Tobias
Published: September 2020

Incentives, both rewards and punishments, are effective instruments that have been embedded in electricity product designs to reduce electricity consumption. Reducing electricity consumption can considerably contribute to climate change mitigation. To better understand consumer preferences for incentive‐based electricity products, a choice experiment using choice‐based conjoint analysis was conducted among a representative sample of Swiss electricity consumers. Based on stated preferences for different product attributes, four consumer segments were identified. While two segments (49.6%) stated preference for incentive‐based products, two other segments were less accepting of incentive components (particularly of penalties). We further explain the segments' preferences using psychographic characteristics, combining measures from psychology and behavioral economics. Precisely, environmental values and emotions, energy saving intentions and motives, perceived product attractiveness, as well as loss and risk aversion, and comparative optimism bias best described the segments. We align our findings with previous segmentation studies and argue for a stronger integration of behavioral economics in the environmental discourse. We further discuss the usefulness of consumer segmentation to develop tailored strategies that effectively target consumers' preferences and needs.
Synthesis and Toxicity of Halogenated Bisphenol Monosubstituted‐Ethers: Establishing a Library for Potential Environmental Transformation Products of Emerging Contaminant
Authors: Guo Rui , Cao Mengxi , Hu Ming , Deng Wenchao , Zhang Wenjuan , Gao Yangguang , Ye Shihan , Zhou Weixiang , Shi Jianbo
Published: September 2020

As an important branch of halogenated bisphenol compounds, the halogenated bisphenol monosubstituted‐ether compounds have received a lot of attention in environmental health science because of their toxicity and variability. In this study, a synthetic method for bisphenol monosubstituted‐ether byproduct libraries was developed. By using the versatile and efficient method, tetrachlorobisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol A, and tetrabromobisphenol S monosubstituted alkyl‐ether compounds were accessed in 39–82 % yield. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of 27 compounds were screened using three different cell lines (HepG2, mouse primary astrocytes and Chang liver cells). Compound 2,6‐dibromo‐4‐[3,5‐dibromo‐4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)benzene‐1‐sulfonyl]phenol was more toxic than other compounds in various cells, and the sensitivity of this compound to the normal hepatocytes and cancer cells was inconsistent. The compounds 2,6‐dichloro‐4‐(2‐{3,5‐dichloro‐4‐[(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)oxy]phenyl}propan‐2‐yl)phenol and 2,6‐dibromo‐4‐(2‐{3,5‐dibromo‐4‐[(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)oxy]phenyl}propan‐2‐yl)phenol were the most toxic to HepG2 cells, and most of the other compounds inhibited cell proliferation. Moreover, typical compounds were also reproductive and developmental toxic to zebrafish embryos at different concentrations. The synthetic byproduct libraries could be used as pure standard compounds and applied in research on environmental behavior and the transformation of halogenated flame retardants.