bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a solventless stir bar sorptive extraction/thermal desorption large volume injection capillary gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for ultra-trace determination of pyrethroids pesticides in river and tap water samples
Authors: Sargazi Mona , Bücking Mark , Kaykhaii Massoud 
Published: November 2020

AbstractStir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) has been developed in 1999 to efficiently extract and preconcentrate volatile compounds, and many applications have been found after that. This technique conforms to the principles of green chemistry. Here, we used an autosampler with an online thermal desorption unit connected to CGC-MS to analyze pesticides. This study describes the development of a highly sensitive extraction method based on SBSE for simultaneous determination of ultra-trace amounts of four pesticides λ-cyhalothrin, α-cypermethrin, tefluthrin, and dimefluthrin in environmental water samples. This method was compared to the standard liquid–liquid extraction. In this study, a totally solventless SBSE was applied to river and tap water samples for the extraction and preconcentration of four pesticides. PDMS-coated SBSEs of 10 mm × 1 mm thickness were used for this purpose, and SBSEs were directly placed into a large-volume injector of a CGC-MS for thermal desorption of the analytes. In all extractions, deltamethrin was used as an internal standard. This method showed linearity in the range of 1.0–200.0 ng L−1 for cyhalothrin, tefluthrin, and dimefluthrin and 10.0–800 ng L−1 for cypermethrin. Preconcentration factors of 179, 7, 162, and 166 were obtained with very low limits of detection of 0.32, 3.41, 0.36m and 0.69 ng L−1 for cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, tefluthrinm and dimefluthrin, respectively. These detection limits are thousands of times lower than that of the standard method of liquid–liquid extraction. Reproducibility of the method, based on the relative standard deviation, was better than 7.5% and recoveries for spiked tap and river water samples was within the range of 87.83–114.45%. The application of PDMS-coated SBSE coupled with CGC-MS equipped with a large volume injector thermal desorption unit can be used for ultra-trace analysis of environmental water samples. Solventless SBSE offers several advantages over conventional traditional liquid–liquid extraction such as being very fast and economical and provides better extraction without requiring any solvents; so it can be considered as a green method for the analysis of pesticides.
(F)utility of urine Bence Jones proteins for “routine” screening for plasma cell dyscrasia
Authors: Parmar Malvinder S. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Testing urine for Bence Jones Protein (BJP) had been a time old procedure used for screening and monitoring of monoclonal disorders since its description. However, has poor sensitivity and despite advances in diagnostic methods of monoclonal disorders it is being continued to be requested in individuals for evaluation of myeloma or plasma cell disorders. Effective utilization and minimizing untimely or unnecessary investigations is important in the evaluation and management of any medical condition. Though, we are hard-wired during our education with some “trigger” or “peculiar” words that make us jump to actions too quickly, without comprehending the actual problem. Supporting evidence is presented to avoid reflexive use of multiple tests and utilize tests that improve utilization, reduce waste, and uphold the Choosing Wisely principles in providing optimal care to the patients.
Redox initiation in semicontinuous polymerization to search for specific mechanical properties of copolymers
Authors: Sandoval-Díaz José Manuel , Rivera-Gálvez Francisco Javier , Fernández-García Marta , Jasso-Gastinel Carlos Federico 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this work, for a semicontinuous emulsion polymerization reaction, it is shown that using a redox initiation system at 40°C, substantial modifications in copolymer chain composition with conversion can be easily obtained. To test controllable trajectories for comonomer feeding, linear and parabolic profiles were chosen to get different types of chain composition variations for the 50/50 w/w styrene/n-butyl acrylate system. For the “forced composition copolymers,” the molecular weight averages and distribution were obtained by size exclusion chromatography. The composition along conversion was followed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance to determine the weight composition distribution (WCD) of the copolymer chains. Mechanodynamic (dynamic-mechanical analysis), tensile, and hardness tests exhibited consistent results depending on the WCD that outcomes from the respective feeding profile. The results confirm that this methodology is of great potential for industrial applications when looking for synergy in copolymer properties, and low-cost processes.
Polar migration behavior of phosphonate groups in phosphonate esterified acrylic grafted epoxy ester composites and their role in substrate protection
Authors: Chen Xuyong , Li Xiaorui , Yang Kai , Zhang Qian , Zhu Hui , Li Kaibin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Epoxy resin is widely used in metal surface protection, because of corrosion resistance and adhesion. However, it’s water solubility, oxygen, and water impermeability are not enough. In this paper, linoleic acid (LOFA) and epoxy resin (E20) were used to synthesize epoxy ester (EL) and grafted with phosphonate esterified acrylic resin (AR-P) to prepare acrylic grafted epoxy ester (EL@AR-P). After modification, water solubility and film-forming property were improved, and the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) decreased. At the addition of PM-2 at 2%, the OTR, WVTR, and water-uptake rate decreased by 12.9%, 25.0%, and 12.1%, respectively. Subsequently, the modified material was subjected to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The low-frequency impedance of EL@AR-P2 is three times higher than EL@AR-P0. After 16 days of immersion, the low-frequency impedance of EL@AR-P2 is 20 times higher than EL@AR-P. Energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the P elements were concentrated on the substrate surface and found the presence of P–O–Fe bonds, demonstrating that the phosphonate groups were migrated to the substrate surface to form a chelate layer with the substrate and enhancing the coating adhesion and corrosion resistance. This paper modifies the molecular structure of epoxy resin, which is expected to be an excellent material for anti-corrosion coatings.
Are the Liabilities of Newness and Smallness the Same for Male and Female Informal Entrepreneurs? Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Wolfe Marcus , Richter Jack I. , Patel Pankaj C. , Williams Colin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Though challenges to female entrepreneurship are widely acknowledged in the settings of developed countries or the context of formal firms, the challenges faced by female informal entrepreneurs in developing markets are less explored. Based on the liabilities of newness and smallness framework in organizational ecology, we draw on a sample of 2562 Brazilian informal firms, to examine the unique differences in the experience of newness and smallness between male and female informal entrepreneurs. With increasing firm age, female informal entrepreneurs realized lower firm revenues (inverted-U), however, the firm age and firm revenue association are linear for males. Informal firm performance did not vary by size between male and female informal entrepreneurs. The distinctive differences in firm revenues for male and female entrepreneurs have implications for informal entrepreneurship.
Natural Interest Rate and Money Interest Rates
Authors: van Suntum Ulrich 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The long lasting period of declining interest rates raises the question, whether the latter result from a savings glut, from a money glut, or from both. Moreover, it renewed the old question how the natural interest rate should be sensibly defined, and if it could ever fall below the growth rate, thereby causing dynamic inefficiency. The present article contributes to this debate on a pure theoretical base, leaving the empirical issue for other research. In particular, I briefly discuss Böhm-Bawerk’s three causes for the existence of an interest rate in a private barter economy. I argue that the natural interest rate remains a meaningful concept even in an economy with both a public sector and money. From a welfare economic view, it is also preferable above the so-called golden rule, provided the interest rate does not fall below the growth rate. Although the natural interest rate could well get negative by excess saving in principle, this is normally prevented when durable goods like land or precious metals are available for storing private wealth. On the other hand, issuing credit money tends to push the interest rate below its natural level, even in the long run. In order to prevent this, one could either replace it by neutral helicopter money or return to a gold currency.
Highly efficient artificial magnetic conductor enabled CPW fed compact antenna for BAN wearable applications
Authors: Alam Maksud , Khan Amber , Mainuddin  , Kanaujia Binod Kumar , Beg Mirza Tariq 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this paper a coplanar waveguide feed (CPW) monopole antenna backed with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structure for efficient radiation has been presented for off-body wearable applications. A split ring resonator (SRR) having thiner and longer lines to produce higher inductance and six splits with smaller gaps for high capacitance have been placed underneath CPW fed monopole to achieve resonance mode at a lower frequency. Higher values of inductance and capacitance produce resonant modes at relatively lower frequencies resulting in highly miniaturized antenna. The desired −10dB S11 bandwidth has been optimized firstly, by tuning/optimizing flow of surface currents with the help of several slots/slits and later by realizing AMC reflector with the help of full ground backed foam. The proposed antenna covers 2.45 GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band body area network (BAN) application and posses good front to back ratio (FBR) and thereby low and acceptable values of specific absorption rate (SAR). The proposed antenna has been designed and simulated using Ansys high frequency structured simulator and tested using vector network analyzer and anechoic chamber. The simulated and measured results well agree with each other.
Spatiotemporal variation and climatic response of water level of major lakes in China, Mongolia, and Russia
Authors: Tan Qinghua , Liu Yujie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Lakes are important indicators of climate change. The change in lake water level objectively reflects the availability of regional water resources. Analyzing the changes in water level and climate response of major lakes in countries along the “Belt and Road” is essential for sustainable water use and ecological protection. Based on the water level datasets of 39 large lakes (>400 km2) in China, Mongolia, and Russia (CMR) from 2002 to 2016, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal characteristics of water levels in major lakes of CMR, and their responses to climatic factors containing temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration. The results showed that (1) the water level of main lakes in CMR slightly increased with change rates ranged from −0.36 to 0.48 m/a, and the trends varied in lakes, (2) the water level of most lakes was sensitive to temperature with sensitivity value ranged from −2.14 m/°C to 5.59 m/°C, (3) changes of annual cumulative precipitation and evapotranspiration contributed most to the change of lake water level, but key factors affecting water level varied in lakes. Human activity is an important driving factor for the change in water levels and its impacts need further study.
Petrography and geochemistry of clastic sedimentary rocks as evidence for the provenance of the Jurassic stratum in the Daqingshan area
Authors: Zhang Minjie , Yu Yanqiu , Choi Jinyong , Cai Kui , Shi Mingyuan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The Daqingshan area is located in the Khondalite belt in the northern margin of the North China Craton. It has the best-preserved Mesozoic basin and is an ideal area for research on Jurassic strata. Sandstones mainly contain quartz and feldspar, with significantly less debris content. In addition, petrography and geochemical classifications have revealed the presence of arkose and wacke. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns of samples are characterized by the enrichment of light rare elements and the flat trend toward heavy rare earth elements. Petrography and source rock discrimination diagrams of geochemical data suggest the presence of felsic rock and Precambrian basement in the northern and southern parts of the basin, which are crucial source areas; however, few mafic materials occur in the Wudanggou Formation. Tectonic discrimination diagrams of geochemical data show that the source materials were deposited on an active continental margin and/or continental island arc. Petrological and geochemical data from the Wudanggou Formation and Changhangou Formation samples suggest that the Yanshan movement influenced the formation of the Changhangou Formation.
Effect of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin oligomer size on the decay resistance of beech wood
Authors: Biziks Vladimirs , Bicke Sascha , Koch Gerald , Militz Holger 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Treating wood with water-soluble resins is a well-known and effective method to improve the durability of wood. However, there has been no systematic work to date related to the influence of average molecular size of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin on the decay resistance of wood, especially of hardwoods. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the effect of average molecular size of PF resin treatment on the resistance of beech wood against brown- and white-rot fungi. Four different average molecular weights (M
w) of resol type resin oligomers (297, 421, 655 and 854 g/mol) were examined. Different weight percent gains (WPGs) in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood blocks (15 × 20 × 50 mm3) were attained through vacuum impregnation using various concentrations of aqueous-PF solutions. Afterwards treated wood blocks passed the leaching and were exposed to brown-rot fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum; Coniophora puteana) and white-rot fungi (Trametes versicolor) for 16 weeks. No effect of oligomer size on the resistance against G. trabeum decay of wood blocks was observed, resulting in resin loadings of 7–8%. The required WPG for resistance to brown-rot decay by C. puteana increased slightly with increasing oligomer molecular size: 6, 7, 10 and 11% for wood treated with 297, 421, 655 and 854 g/mol, respectively. The extent of white-rot fungal decay resistance of treated wood was affected by the molecular size of oligomers. Resin loadings of 8% and of 17% against T. versicolor were required to attain similar durability levels for beech wood treated with M
w = 297 and 854 g/mol, respectively.
Computational study for suppression of CD25/IL-2 interaction
Authors: Dehbashi Moein , Hojati Zohreh , Motovali-bashi Majid , Ganjalikhani-Hakemi Mazdak , Shimosaka Akihiro , Cho William C. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Cancer recurrence presents a huge challenge in cancer patient management. Immune escape is a key mechanism of cancer progression and metastatic dissemination. CD25 is expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells including tumor-infiltrating Treg cells (TI-Tregs). These cells specially activate and reinforce immune escape mechanism of cancers. The suppression of CD25/IL-2 interaction would be useful against Treg cells activation and ultimately immune escape of cancer. Here, software, web servers and databases were used, at which in silico designed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), de novo designed peptides and virtual screened small molecules against CD25 were introduced for the prospect of eliminating cancer immune escape and obtaining successful treatment. We obtained siRNAs with low off-target effects. Further, small molecules based on the binding homology search in ligand and receptor similarity were introduced. Finally, the critical amino acids on CD25 were targeted by a de novo designed peptide with disulfide bond. Hence we introduced computational-based antagonists to lay a foundation for further in vitro and in vivo studies.
Effects of covariates on alternating recurrent events in accelerated failure time models
Authors: Chatterjee Moumita , Sen Roy Sugata 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this article, we model alternately occurring recurrent events and study the effects of covariates on each of the survival times. This is done through the accelerated failure time models, where we use lagged event times to capture the dependence over both the cycles and the two events. However, since the errors of the two regression models are likely to be correlated, we assume a bivariate error distribution. Since most event time distributions do not readily extend to bivariate forms, we take recourse to copula functions to build up the bivariate distributions from the marginals. The model parameters are then estimated using the maximum likelihood method and the properties of the estimators studied. A data on respiratory disease is used to illustrate the technique. A simulation study is also conducted to check for consistency.
Drive-train selection criteria for n-dof manipulators: basis for modular serial robots library
Authors: Singla Ekta , Singh Satwinder , Singla Ashish 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Towards planning a modular library for customized designs of serial manipulators, a trade-off is required between minimum modules inventory and maximum robotic applications to be handled. This paper focusses at the types of modules which are majorly based upon optimized payload capacity of the modular links. To find minimum types of modules in the modular library, an exercise has been performed on a large variety of robotic manipulators, with variations in degrees-of-freedom (dof) between 3 and 9 in number and that in payload capacity between 0 and 5 in kgs. Observing the pattern of the maximum-torque based drive-train selections for all the manipulators in consideration, three types of actuators are selected from a set of Maxon motor-gear assemblies. Subsequently, three types of modules are planned—Heavy (H), Medium (M) and Light (L). Challenge involved is the maximum load estimations for each joint involving variations due to large number of dof, various possible configurations and realistic weight estimation. This paper provides a general recursive framework for optimized drive-train, with one step as determination of maximum load estimation at a joint, and the second step as the selection of appropriate motor-gear assembly for the joint—providing an appropriate weight estimation for critical-configuration evaluation of the next link. The methodology is utilized for planning optimized number of modular divisions, for evaluating payload capacity of each division and possible modular combinations for given number of degrees-of-freedom.
Systematic formulation of a general numerical framework for solving the two-dimensional convection–diffusion–reaction system
Authors: V. Sugathan Aswin , Awasthi Ashish 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A general numerical framework is designed for the two-dimensional convection–diffusion–reaction (CDR) system. The compatibility of differential quadrature and finite difference methods (FDM) are utilized for the formulation. The idea is to switch one numerical scheme to another numerical scheme without changing the formulation. The only requirement is to input the weighting coefficients associated with the derivative discretizations to the general algorithm. Three numerical schemes comprising combinations of differential quadrature and FDMs are studied using the general algorithm. Properties of numerical schemes and the algorithm are analyzed by using the simulations of two-dimensional linear CDR system, Burgers’ equation, and Brusselator model.
Numerical solution for the fractional-order one-dimensional telegraph equation via wavelet technique
Authors: Srinivasa Kumbinarasaiah , Rezazadeh Hadi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this article, we proposed an efficient numerical technique for the solution of fractional-order (1 + 1) dimensional telegraph equation using the Laguerre wavelet collocation method. Some examples are illustrated to inspect the efficiency of the proposed technique and convergence analysis is discussed in terms of a theorem. Here, the fractional-order telegraph equation is converted into a system of algebraic equations using the properties of the Laguerre wavelet, and solutions obtained by the proposed scheme are more accurate and they are compared with the analytical solution and other method existed in the literature.
Positive periodic solution for inertial neural networks with time-varying delays
Authors: Duan Feng , Du Bo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this paper the problems of the existence and stability of positive periodic solutions of inertial neural networks with time-varying delays are discussed by the use of Mawhin’s continuation theorem and Lyapunov functional method. Some sufficient conditions are obtained for guaranteeing the existence and stability of positive periodic solutions of the considered system. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Communicating the intention of an automated vehicle to pedestrians: The contributions of eHMI and vehicle behavior
Authors: Dey Debargha , Matviienko Andrii , Berger Melanie , Pfleging Bastian , Martens Marieke , Terken Jacques 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
External Human-Machine Interfaces (eHMIs) are expected to bridge the communication gap between an automated vehicle (AV) and pedestrians to replace the missing driver-pedestrian interaction. However, the relative impact of movement-based implicit communication and explicit communication with the aid of eHMIs on pedestrians has not been studied and empirically evaluated. In this study, we pit messages from an eHMI against different driving behaviors of an AV that yields to a pedestrian to understand whether pedestrians tend to pay more attention to the motion dynamics of the car or the eHMI in making road-crossing decisions. Our contributions are twofold: we investigate (1) whether the presence of eHMIs has any objective effect on pedestrians’ understanding of the vehicle’s intent, and (2) how the movement dynamics of the vehicle affect the perception of the vehicle intent and interact with the impact of an eHMI. Results show that (1) eHMIs help in convincing pedestrians of the vehicle’s yielding intention, particularly when the speed of the vehicle is slow enough to not be an obvious threat, but still fast enough to raise a doubt about a vehicle’s stopping intention, and (2) pedestrians do not blindly trust the eHMI: when the eHMI message and the vehicle’s movement pattern contradict, pedestrians fall back to movement-based cues. Our results imply that when explicit communication (eHMI) and implicit communication (motion-dynamics and kinematics) are in alignment and work in tandem, communication of the AV’s yielding intention can be facilitated most effectively. This insight can be useful in designing the optimal interaction between AVs and pedestrians from a user-centered design perspective when driver-centric communication is not available.