bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of Temperance Scale in Pakistan
Authors: Shahab Syeda Omama , Adil Adnan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the present research was to construct and validate a measure of temperance—one's capability ofmoderationor voluntary self‐restraint. This research comprised two studies. In Study I, an item pool of 83 items was generated, 75 items were finalized by a committee of experts, and then these items were administered on a purposive sample of university students (n= 250). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a four‐factor solution with 24 items and the factors were named as Self‐regulation (α = .72), Prudence (α = .71), Humility (α = .79), and Forgiveness (α = .73). Study II of the present research confirmed the factorial structure of the Temperance Scale in an independent sample of university students (n= 268). The Temperance Scale, Academic Procrastination Scale, and Empathy Quotient Short Form were administered to the participants. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Temperance Scale demonstrated a good model fit to the data with the same four factors as established during the EFA. The Temperance Scale was positively correlated with empathy and it had a nonsignificant relationship with academic procrastination. The results support that the newly developed scale has promising validity.
Gold at crossroads of radical generation and scavenging at density functional theory level: Nitrogen and oxygen free radicals versus their precursors in the face of nanogold
Authors: Ahmadi Aliakbar , Kassaee Mohamad Z. , Ayoubi‐Chianeh Mojgan , Fattahi Alireza 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn our previous report (J. Phys. Org. Chem., 2017), we discussed the dual behavior of gold nanocluster (Au3 NC), where it scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) while promoted their generation to a lesser extent. Continuing this quest, we investigate the effects of Au3 NC on common reactive nitrogen species (RNS: ON˙ and ON˙O) and their precursors (ONH and ONOH, respectively), at B3LYP/LACVP+* level of theory. We compare the results with those of prevalent ROS (HO˙ and HOO˙) and their precursors (HOH and HOOH, respectively). To this end, various parameters are probed such as binding energy (Eb), bond dissociation energy (BDE), bond lengths, Mullikan spin density (MSD), critical point (CP) eigenvalues (atoms in molecules [AIM] analysis), and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis including natural population analysis (NPA) and change of charge transfer energy (ΔECT). Our results show that in the presence of Au3 NC, BDEs of the NH and OH bonds increase in both ONHAu3 (1) and ONOHAu3 (2) compared with their free forms (ONH and ONOH, respectively). In other words, the tendency to dissociate these bonds and form their corresponding RNS (1′ and 2′) decreases in the presence of gold. This is exactly the opposite of what is observed for the OH bonds in HOHAu3 (3), HOOHAu3 (4), and their corresponding ROS (3′ and 4′). Therefore, we can conclude that gold shows a different behavior in the face of RNS compared with ROS where it is a better scavenger of ROS than RNS.
Parallel random bitstreams from a single source of entropy based on nonthermal electrochemical microplasma
Authors: Allagui Anis , Elwakil Ahmed S. , Rojas Andrea E. , Majzoub Sohaib , Alawadhi Hussain 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study presents the simultaneous generation of two uncorrelated and continuous high‐quality random bitstreams originating from a single physical system based on confined, nonthermal electrochemical microplasma operating under atmospheric conditions. The randomness is intrinsically inherited from the time‐resolved electrical current and optical emission intensities of the microplasma system, which were collected using wide bandwidth current probe and photodetection device. The parallel bitstreams pass unambiguously all 15 NIST SP 800‐22 statistical tests without the need for any data post‐processing. Using the NIST SP 800‐90B package, the min‐entropy estimates of both noise sources were found to be no less than 0.994. This parallel data acquisition can be viewed as a simple strategy to increase the bit generation rate without compromising their quality or adding post‐processing routines.
Cystic fibrosis year in review 2019: Section 1 CFTR modulators
Authors: Savant Adrienne P. , McColley Susanna A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDuring the year 2019, research and case reports/series in the field of cystic fibrosis (CF) were in abundance. To adequately address the large body of CF research published during 2019, the CF year in review will be divided into three sections. This report is the first section, focusing specifically on new research related to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapy. Additional sections will concentrate on pulmonary and infections research and the multisystem effects of CF. It is an exciting time to be providing care for patients and their families with CF with all the exciting new discoveries that will be shared in these reviews.
Kinetic‐Pharmacodynamic Model of Platelet Time Course in Patients With Moderate‐to‐Severe Atopic Dermatitis Treated With Oral Janus Kinase 1 Inhibitor Abrocitinib
Authors: Soto Elena , Banfield Christopher , Gupta Pankaj , Peterson Mark C. 
Published: August 2020

The oral Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor abrocitinib reduced signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) in a placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind, phase IIb trial (dose range 10–200 mg). A kinetic‐pharmacodynamic (K‐PD) model consisting of proliferation, maturation, and blood circulation compartments was developed to characterize platelet count changes during the study. The K‐PD model consisted of a drug elimination constant, four system parameters describing platelet dynamics, variance terms, correlation, and residual errors. Overall, these patients exhibited mean transit time from progenitor cells to platelets of 8.2 days (longer than the reported megakaryocyte life span), likely arising from JAK1‐induced perturbations of platelet progenitor homeostasis. The final model described dose‐related platelet count declines until nadir at treatment week 4 and return to baseline levels thereafter. The model was deemed suitable to support the design of subsequent abrocitinib AD trials and indicated limited clinically relevant platelet reductions in the range of doses studied.
A robust adaptive model predictive control framework for nonlinear uncertain systems
Authors: Köhler Johannes , Kötting Peter , Soloperto Raffaele , Allgöwer Frank , Müller Matthias A. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryIn this article, we present a tube‐based framework for robust adaptive model predictive control (RAMPC) for nonlinear systems subject to parametric uncertainty and additive disturbances. Set‐membership estimation is used to provide accurate bounds on the parametric uncertainty, which are employed for the construction of the tube in a robust MPC scheme. The resulting RAMPC framework ensures robust recursive feasibility and robust constraint satisfaction, while allowing for less conservative operation compared with robust MPC schemes without model/parameter adaptation. Furthermore, by using an additional mean‐squared point estimate in the objective function the framework ensures finite‐gain stability w.r.t. additive disturbances. As a first contribution we derive suitable monotonicity and nonincreasing properties on general parameter estimation algorithms and tube/set‐based RAMPC schemes that ensure robust recursive feasibility and robust constraint satisfaction under recursive model updates. Then, as the main contribution of this article, we provide similar conditions for a tube‐based formulation that is parametrized using an incremental Lyapunov function, a scalar contraction rate and a function bounding the uncertainty. With this result, we can provide simple constructive designs for different RAMPC schemes with varying computational complexity and conservatism. As a corollary, we can demonstrate that state of the art formulations for nonlinear RAMPC are a special case of the proposed framework. We provide a numerical example that demonstrates the flexibility of the proposed framework and showcase improvements compared with state of the art approaches.
Consideration of spatial and temporal scales in stream restorations and biotic monitoring to assess restoration outcomes: A literature review, part 2
Authors: Griffith Michael B. , McManus Michael G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractStream and river restoration practices have become common in many parts of the world. To answer the question whether such restoration measures improve freshwater biotic assemblages or functions over time, and if not, can general reasons be identified for such outcomes, we conducted a literature survey and review of studies in which different types of stream restorations were conducted and outcomes assessed. In the first paper, we reviewed studies of culvert restorations, acid mine drainage or industrial pollution restoration; and urban stream restoration projects. Here, we review studies of restoration via dam removal, changes in dam operation or fish passage structures; instream habitat modification; riparian restoration or woody material addition; channel restoration and multiple restoration measures and develop some general conclusions from these reviews. Biomonitoring in different studies detected improvements for some restoration measures; other studies found minimal or no statistically significant increases in biotic assemblage richness, abundances or functions. In some cases, untreated stressors may have influenced the outcomes of the restoration, but in many cases, there were mismatches in the temporal or spatial scale of the restoration measure undertaken and associated monitoring. For example, either biomonitoring to measure restoration effects was conducted over a too short a time period after restoration for effects to be observed, or the sources and stressors needing remediation occurred at a larger catchment scale than the restoration. Also, many restoration measures lack observations from unimpaired reference sites for use in predicting how much of a beneficial effect might be expected.
Use of data mining in a two‐step process of profiling student preferences in relation to the enhancement of English as a foreign language teaching
Authors: Nowakowska Marzena , Bęben Karolina , Pajęcki Michał 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe paper pursues a twofold goal. The first goal refers to the identification of university students' needs regarding such modifications to English language courses that would improve English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching outcomes. The other goal refers to the methodical issue of achieving the first one. In this aspect, the use of selected data mining techniques in a hierarchical way in real data processing is proposed. These are: (a) Self‐Organizing Map (SOM) dataset segmentation and then (b) market basket analysis applied to the individual SOM segments. The research data were collected from the students' survey concerning their opinion of the EFL teaching process; 347 students of a faculty of a technical university in Poland completed the questionnaire. The use of SOM allowed the identification of homogeneous groups of students, while market basket analysis allowed indicating, within each group, the relationships between student opinions of effective methods of teaching English. In such a way, satisfactory student preference profiles as regards their approach to the improvement of English language competences were developed. On this basis, EFL teaching methods appropriate for the specific profile can be adapted.
Achieving transient competitive advantage in high‐speed rail projects bidding: Sustainable development perspective
Authors: Zhang Na , Hwang Bon‐gang , Deng Xiaopeng , Ning Yan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSince there is fierce competition in the global high‐speed rail (HSR) market, pursuing sustainable development has become an essential task for HSR firms. However, competition on the international HSR projects shows prominent dynamic characteristics, which pose severe challenges to the sustainable development of HSR firms. Transient competitive advantage (TrCA) as a kind of advantage, that can be built quickly and abandoned rapidly, would guide HSR firms winning awards and survival in the dynamic competitive environment. To explore how HSR project bidders achieve their TrCA in the bidding process, this study conducted a multicases approach. We have collected the data by using the query‐based website crawler as well as focus group discussion. First, the main strategic activities were identified while their sources and roles were discussed in the context of TrCA theory. Then, a conceptual framework was developed to reveal the improvement of TrCA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that proposes conceptual framework for TrCA improvement. Implications related to the findings are proposed to understand the formation and improvement of TrCA further. The results provide a comprehensive guidance for HSR project bid managers, market players, and future market entrants adopting main strategic activities.
Ultrafast Growth and Locomotion of Dandelion‐Like Microswarms with Tubular Micromotors
Authors: Lu Xiaolong , Shen Hui , Wei Ying , Ge Hongbin , Wang Joseph , Peng Hanmin , Liu Wenjuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDynamic assembly and cooperation represent future frontiers for next generations of advanced micro/nano robots, but the required local interaction and communication cannot be directly translated from macroscale robots through the minimization because of tremendous technological challenges. Here, an ultrafast growth and locomotion methodology is presented for dandelion‐like microswarms assembled from catalytic tubular micromotors. With ultrasound oscillation of self‐generated bubbles, such microswarms could overcome the tremendous and chaotic drag force from extensive and disordered bubble generation in single units. Tubular MnO2 micromotor individuals headed by self‐generated oxygen bubbles are ultrasonically driven to swim rapidly in surfactant‐free H2O2 solutions. A large bubble core fused from multiple microbubbles is excited to oscillate and the resultant local intensified acoustic field attracts the individual micromotors to school around it, leading to a simultaneous growth of dandelion‐like microswarms. The bubble‐carried micromotor groups driven by ultrasound could swarm at a zigzag pattern with an average speed of up to 50 mm s−1, which is validated in low H2O2 concentrations. Additionally, such superfast locomotion could be ultrasonically modulated on demand. The ultrafast microswarm growth and locomotion strategy offers a new paradigm for constructing distinct dynamic assemblies and rapid transmission of artificial microrobots, paving the way to a myriad of promising applications.
Genuine Active Species Generated from Fe3N Nanotube by Synergistic CoNi Doping for Boosted Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Dong Jing , Lu Yue , Tian Xinxin , Zhang Fu‐Qiang , Chen Shuai , Yan Wenjun , He Hai‐Long , Wang Yueshuai , Zhang Yue‐Biao , Qin Yong , Sui Manling , Zhang Xian‐Ming , Fan Xiujun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe surface reconstruction of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts has been proven favorable for enhancing its catalytic activity. However, what is the active site and how to promote the active species generation remain unclear and are still under debate. Here, the in situ synthesis of CoNi incorporated Fe3N nanotubes (CoNi–Fe3N) on the iron foil through the anodization/electrodeposition/nitridation process for use of boosted OER catalysis is reported. The synergistic CoNi doping induces the lattice expansion and up shifts the d‐band center of Fe3N, which enhances the adsorption of hydroxyl groups from electrolyte during the OER catalysis, facilitating the generation of active CoNi–FeOOH on the Fe3N nanotube surface. As a result of this OER‐conditioned surface reconstruction, the optimized catalyst requires an overpotential of only 285 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 34 mV dec−1, outperforming commercial RuO2 catalysts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further reveal that the Ni site in CoNi–FeOOH modulates the adsorption of OER intermediates and delivers a lower overpotential than those from Fe and Co sites, serving as the optimal active site for excellent OER performance.
Experimental study on mechanical behavior of thermally damaged grouted sleeve splice under cyclic loading
Authors: Xiao Jianzhuang , Liu Lianglin , Ding Tao , Xie Qinghai 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn experimental program concerning 48 specimens of grouted sleeve splices, first heated up to 600°C and then subjected to cyclic loading was presented and discussed in this study. Similar rebar splices were often used in the precast concrete structures designed for seismic regions. The temperature of the splice and the compressive strength of the grout were the main variables considered in this study. It is found that the temperature mainly affected the peak bearing capacity of the grout and the failure pattern of the connection. In fact, the typical failure pattern at room temperature (rebar fracture outside the sleeve) turned to rebar pullout of the sleeve above 400°C, which indicated that below this temperature grout‐to‐rebar bond kept most of its original efficacy. On the contrary, bond failure occurred for all specimens at 600°C because of rebar slip. A calculation method was proposed as well to evaluate the peak bearing capacity of grouted sleeve splice, based on the load transferring mechanisms of the bond between grout‐to‐rebar and sleeve‐to‐grout. The conducted experimental study and analysis provide a better understanding on the bond mechanism of thermally damaged grouted sleeve splices subjected to cyclic loading.
Experimental tests on shear capacity of naturally corroded prestressed beams
Authors: Belletti Beatrice , Rodríguez Jesús , Andrade Carmen , Franceschini Lorenzo , Sánchez Montero Javier , Vecchi Francesca 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn experimental campaign was carried out on full‐scale naturally corroded prestressed concrete (PC) beams without transverse reinforcement to investigate the corrosion effects on failure modes, shear capacity, and ductility. The analyzed PC beams, structural members of a thermal power plant, were subjected for 10 years to refrigerating wetting cycles with marine water. In this paper, the experimental results of four‐point bending tests, carried out at the Institute “Eduardo Torroja” in Madrid, are described. Before tests, a visual inspection was conducted to detect the damages induced by corrosion. During the tests, displacements and strains were measured by using linear variable displacement transducer (LVDT) and digital image correlation (DIC). After the tests, strands were removed from beams and cut in pieces, which were weighed to measure the mass loss. Last, it was proved that the residual life of PC beams, exposed to chloride attack, is strongly affected by corrosion, whose effects reduce the shear capacity in terms of both resistance and ductility.
Rutin‐protected BisGMA‐induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and apoptosis in macrophages through the reduction of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and induction of antioxidant enzymes
Authors: Huang Fu‐Mei , Chang Yu‐Chao , Su Chun‐Hung , Wu Sheng‐Wen , Lee Shiuan‐Shinn , Lee Min‐Wei , Yeh Kun‐Lin , Chiang Chen‐Yu , Tu Dom‐Gene , Lu Yin‐Che , Kuan Yu‐Hsiang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBisphenol‐A‐glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA) is a resin monomer frequently used in dentin restorative treatments. The leakage of BisGMA monomer from BisGMA‐based polymeric resins can lead to cytotoxicity in macrophages. Rutin has various beneficial bioeffects, including antioxidation and antiinflammation. In this study, we found that pretreatment of RAW264.7 macrophages with rutin‐inhibited cytotoxicity induced by BisGMA in a concentration‐dependent manner. BisGMA‐induced apoptosis, which was detected by levels of phosphatidylserine from the internal to the external membrane and formation of sub‐G1, and genotoxicity, which was detected by cytokinesis‐blocked micronucleus and single‐cell gel electrophoresis assays, were inhibited by rutin in a concentration‐dependent manner. Rutin suppressed the BisGMA‐induced activation of caspase‐3 and ‐9 rather than caspase‐8. Rutin inhibited the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, including cytochrome C release and mitochondria disruption, after macrophages were treated with BisGMA. Finally, BisGMA‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant enzyme (AOE) deactivation could be reversed by rutin. Parallel trends were observed in the elevation of AOE activation and inhibition of ROS generation, caspase‐3 activity, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway activation, and genotoxicity. These results suggested that rutin suppressed BisGMA‐induced cytotoxicity through genotoxicity, the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and relatively upstream factors, including reduction of ROS generation and induction of AOE.
Small‐scale electricity generation through thermal harvesting in rooftop photovoltaic picogrid using passively cooled heat conversion devices
Authors: Ajewole Titus O. , Olabode Olakunle E. , Alawode Kehinde O. , Lawal Muyideen O. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInvestigated in this study is harnessing the heat energy absorbed by photovoltaic (PV) solar cells for electricity generation, in order to boost the electric power output of rooftop PV power system, without expending on cooling the energy conversion devices. An experiment was carried out in which a metallic plate was attached to the back of a low rate rooftop PV installation to capture the waste heat of the PV array and evenly distribute the heat to the conversion devices. Four commercial thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules were attached to the plate for the conversion of the heat to electricity. The modules were passively cooled and connected in parallel. Outputs of the PV array and the TEG bundle were obtained on a data logger while the experiment lasted for 11 weeks during a sunny season in Nigeria. Voltage and current up to 2.5 V and 4 A, respectively, were obtained from the harvested heat, while the PV–TEG combination operated at higher efficiency than that of the PV alone. Potential of rooftop PV system in hot climates is thus maximized by the passive cooling. The approach could be improved further using metal plate with higher conductivity.
NCIPLOTand the analysis of noncovalent interactions using the reduced density gradient
Authors: Laplaza Rubén , Peccati Francesca , A. Boto Roberto , Quan Chaoyu , Carbone Alessandra , Piquemal Jean‐Philip , Maday Yvon , Contreras‐García Julia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNoncovalent interactions are of utmost importance. However, their accurate treatment is still difficult. This is partially induced by the coexistence of many types of interactions and physical phenomena, which hampers generality in simple treatments. The NCI index has been successfully used for nearly over 10 years in order to identify, analyze, and understand noncovalent interactions in a wide variety of systems, ranging from proteins to molecular crystals. In this work, the development and implications of the method will be reviewed, and modern implementations will be presented. Afterward, some sophisticated examples will be given that showcase the current advances toward the fast, robust, and intuitive identification of noncovalent interactions in real space.This article is categorized under:Software > Molecular ModelingQuantum Computing > Theory DevelopmentStructure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics