bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The challenges of using head mounted virtual reality in K-12 schools from a teacher perspective
Authors: Fransson Göran , Holmberg Jörgen , Westelius Claes 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe use of head mounted displays (HMDs) to experience virtual realities (VR) has become increasingly common. As this technology becomes more affordable, immersive and easier to use, it also becomes more serviceable in educational and training contexts. Even though the technology, content and feasibility for K-12 school purposes are still being developed, it is reasonable to expect that the call or ‘push’ to use HMD VR in K-12 schools will increase, especially as there is now a greater economic interest in the use of digital technologies in educational contexts. This article aims to inform the process of implementing HMD VR in K-12 contexts by researching the preconditions and challenges of use from a teacher perspective. It does this by analysing the organisational, institutional, contextual and practical challenges and opportunities in the implementation of HMD VR in K-12 school contexts. The data draws on (a) interviews, informal conversations and observations of teachers testing HMD VR and different VR applications in a Digital Learning Lab (DLL) and (b) data from a project involving upper secondary school history teachers discussing the planned implementation of HMD VR in their teaching and being in the DLL. The main findings are related to: (a) economy and technology, (b) initial learning barriers, (c) organisation and practical enactment for teaching and learning, (d) curricula, syllabuses and expected learning outcomes and (e) teachers’ competences, professional development and trust. The consequences for educational contexts and possible ways forward are also discussed.
Measuring Poverty Efficiently Using Adaptive Deprivation Scales
Authors: Bailey Nick 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDeprivation scales are becoming increasingly familiar in research and official statistics on poverty. Taking advantage of the basis of these scales in Item Response Theory, this paper proposes a more efficient approach to implementation using adaptive testing. This maximises information collected for a given amount of survey time by screening respondents on the basis of initial answers, and halting questioning where it is very unlikely any further information will be gathered. The paper illustrates various implementations using data from eight years of the UK’sFamily Resources Survey (FRS). Results show that an adaptive approach collects more than 99% of the information from the UK’s official deprivation measure in half the survey time. In addition, the paper suggests improvements in the design of the UK’s official deprivation scale as well as lessons for the development of future deprivation scales more generally.
Cinnamyl Alcohol Oxidation Using Supported Bimetallic Au–Pd Nanoparticles: An Optimization of Metal Ratio and Investigation of the Deactivation Mechanism Under Autoxidation Conditions
Authors: Rucinska Emilia , Pattisson Samuel , Miedziak Peter J. , Brett Gemma L. , Morgan David J. , Sankar Meenakshisundaram , Hutchings Graham J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aerobic oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol in toluene under autoxidation conditions has been studied using a range of 1 wt% Au–Pd/TiO2 catalysts. The catalysts have been studied to determine the effect of preparation method (impregnation and sol immobilisation) and metal ratio on the conversion of cinnamyl alcohol and the selectivity to cinnamaldehyde. The catalysts prepared by sol-immobilisation demonstrate higher selectivity to the desired aldehyde than the analogous impregnation materials. The most active catalyst was found to be 0.75 wt% Au–0.25 wt% Pd/TiO2 prepared by sol-immobilisation and this demonstrates the importance of metal ratio optimisation in this catalytic process. Furthermore, this metal ratio was found to be most stable under the reactions conditions with little change observed over multiple uses.
Sustainable Intensification of Rice-Based Systems with Potato in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains
Authors: Gatto Marcel , Petsakos Athanasios , Hareau Guy 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn many parts of Asia food security and poverty remain issues even though arable land is available to produce nutritious food. Sustainable intensification of agricultural systems has been proposed to produce more outputs on same land area whilst minimizing environmental degradation. Tradeoffs, however, are inevitable and evidence thereof is scant. In this study, we analyze effects of sustainable intensification of rice-based systems with potato and focus on the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains of India and Bangladesh. A literature review, expert consultation, and an economic surplus exercise are used to address our objective. We find that sustainable intensification has a huge potential and positive welfare effects. Socio-economic tradeoffs, especially for labour, need to be considered and balanced out. Increasing input efficiency for instance by improving farming practices may reduce negative environmental effects.
An Armour from a finery?—a late medieval couter from Ogrodzieniec Castle in the Kraków-Częstochowa Jura
Authors: Imiołczyk Ewelina , Żabiński Grzegorz , Goryczka Tomasz , Aniołek Krzysztof , Balińska Agnieszka , Miśta-Jakubowska Ewelina 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe paper deals with a couter of a late fourteenth to early fifteenth century date which was found in Ogrodzieniec Castle, Zawiercie District, Poland (now in the collection of the Upper Silesian Museum in Bytom, MG 7755). The find survived in a vestigial condition, but it was still possible to propose some typological analogies to it. Metallographic examinations demonstrated that the artefact had been manufactured from almost carbon-free iron with a high content of phosphorus. An analysis of slag inclusions in the find suggests that the couter may have been made from refined blast furnace iron. It may thus be an early example of the application of indirect process iron in the manufacture of plate armour.
Theory and applications of differential scanning fluorimetry in early-stage drug discovery
Authors: Gao Kai , Oerlemans Rick , Groves Matthew R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDifferential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is an accessible, rapid, and economical biophysical technique that has seen many applications over the years, ranging from protein folding state detection to the identification of ligands that bind to the target protein. In this review, we discuss the theory, applications, and limitations of DSF, including the latest applications of DSF by ourselves and other researchers. We show that DSF is a powerful high-throughput tool in early drug discovery efforts. We place DSF in the context of other biophysical methods frequently used in drug discovery and highlight their benefits and downsides. We illustrate the uses of DSF in protein buffer optimization for stability, refolding, and crystallization purposes and provide several examples of each. We also show the use of DSF in a more downstream application, where it is used as an in vivo validation tool of ligand-target interaction in cell assays. Although DSF is a potent tool in buffer optimization and large chemical library screens when it comes to ligand-binding validation and optimization, orthogonal techniques are recommended as DSF is prone to false positives and negatives.
Geophysical investigation of resistivity and groundwater quality in Ogbe-Ijoh coastal area of the western Niger Delta of Nigeria
Authors: Ohwoghere-Asuma Oghenero , Iserhien-Emekeme Ruth , Aweto Kizito Ejiro , Ofomola Merrious Oviri 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGroundwater quality assessment is essential for groundwater resource management, especially as it concerns the health of those that consume it. Consequently, we assembled resistivity and hydrogeochemical data to assess the adverse effect of anthropogenic sources on groundwater quality in Ogbe-Ijoh, a coastal area of the western Niger Delta. Geoelectrical data showed no evidence of quality degradation as reflected by high resistivity values that ranged from 29.3 to 349.9 Ωm. Aquiclude of adequate thickness capping aquifers was uncovered in most areas assessed, with the exception of areas near the bank of the river. The delineated clay sedimentary horizon probably enhanced groundwater quality sustainability by acting as a barrier to migrating contaminants, especially from leachate and septic tanks. The physical properties of groundwater sampled indicated moderate pH, TDS and EC magnitudes, with a majority having magnitudes lesser than the requisite standards. The geochemistry of groundwater revealed cations and anions with magnitudes that are distinctively lesser than the desired ranges. Piper plot revealed two different water types: NaCl−and Ca2+ + Mg2+ + Cl− + SO4, which implied that cation exchange has a weighty effect on quality of groundwater. Overall, the hydrogeochemical results are consistent with resistivity data and revealed the efficacy of the pairs in groundwater quality assessment in the absence of lithologic information. The groundwater condition is relatively safe for consumption; nevertheless, due to health implications we recommend that pH should be increased to the required standard before drinking.
Assessment of dynamic efforts taking into account of inertial and vibrating loads in deaxial pumping units
Authors: Ahmedov Beyali 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe choice of rational designs of pumping units for lifting fluid from a well and the modes of their operation is one of the most urgent tasks in oil production. Despite the large amount of theoretical and extreme research, the solution of the problem in this direction cannot be considered complete, given that the dynamic characteristics of the movement of the well product and the kinematics of the well pumping unit are extremely complex. This article discusses the issue of determining the dynamic forces acting at the rod suspension point, in the new constructive solution of a beamless pumping unit depending on the angle of rotation of the crank and dimensionless kinematic parameter characterizing the relationship of the length of the crank to the length of the working part of the rope and the relative eccentric. Analytical dependencies are proposed to determine the maximum load at the rods suspension point depending on inertial and vibration forces.
Controlling excess water production in fractured carbonate reservoirs: chemical zonal protection design
Authors: Ghosh Bisweswar , Ali Samhar Adi , Belhaj Hadi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFractured carbonate reservoirs are prone to premature water cut production at the early stage of recovery. Conventionally completed long horizontal wells, suffering from high water cut through fracture networks, need reliable and cost-effective treatment solutions to control water entry, without damaging oil-saturated segments. Protection of oil flow channels from polymer gel invasion could be a challenge in complex fractured reservoirs because of the enormity of the number of zones that may require damage protection. In this work, a chemical package system is developed, comprising three different chemical solutions. The first fluid is designed to protect the low-permeable oil-saturated zones by creating an impermeable barrier while keeping the water conductive fractures open, followed by a gelant, designed to invade, solidify, and seal off the water conductive fractures. The third treatment is designed for a complete dissolution of the protective barrier created by the first fluid. The effectiveness of this process is evaluated through a set of four core flood studies at reservoir conditions. It was observed that whereas the effective brine permeability could be reduced by 74–91%, oil effective permeability is reduced by 12–17% depending on the fracture aperture. The paper also discusses the key parameters to be addressed for successful field implementation of this technology.
Low-Temperature Growing Anatase TiO2/SnO2 Multi-dimensional Heterojunctions at MXene Conductive Network for High-Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Linsheng , Zhou Xiaowen , Xue Rui , Xu Pengfei , Wang Siliang , Xu Chao , Zeng Wei , Xiong Yi , Sang Hongqian , Liang Dong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA multi-dimensional conductive heterojunction structure, composited by TiO2, SnO2, and Ti3C2TX MXene, is facilely designed and applied as electron transport layer in efficient and stable planar perovskite solar cells. Based on an oxygen vacancy scramble effect, the zero-dimensional anatase TiO2 quantum dots, surrounding on two-dimensional conductive Ti3C2TX sheets, are in situ rooted on three-dimensional SnO2 nanoparticles, constructing nanoscale TiO2/SnO2 heterojunctions. The fabrication is implemented in a controlled low-temperature anneal method in air and then in N2 atmospheres. With the optimal MXene content, the optical property, the crystallinity of perovskite layer, and internal interfaces are all facilitated, contributing more amount of carrier with effective and rapid transferring in device. The champion power conversion efficiency of resultant perovskite solar cells achieves 19.14%, yet that of counterpart is just 16.83%. In addition, it can also maintain almost 85% of its initial performance for more than 45 days in 30–40% humidity air; comparatively, the counterpart declines to just below 75% of its initial performance.
Evolution of reproductive strategies in coleoid mollusks
Authors: Fuchs Dirk , Laptikhovsky Vladimir , Nikolaeva Svetlana , Ippolitov Alexei , Rogov Mikhail 
Published: January 2020

AbstractColeoid cephalopods exhibited two distinct reproductive strategies, resulting in small pelagic and large demersal hatchlings, both in the geologic past and recently. In ectocochleate cephalopods, the hatching event is recorded in shell structures (e.g., nepionic constrictions, ultrastructural shifts, or ornamentation differences). In contrast, well-defined hatching markers do not exist on coleoid shells. Changes in septal spacing may be evidence of hatching (e.g., some extant sepiids), but not in all fossil groups. In the present study, we subdivide the early ontogenetic shells of phragmocone-bearing coleoids (belemnoids, spirulids, and sepiids) into key architectural stages and describe their reference to the hatching event. Belemnoids exhibit three key stages, the second of which is here considered to occur shortly before or after hatching. In spirulids and sepiids, there is only one key stage. In Mesozoic belemnoids, spirulids, and sepiids, hatching accordingly occurred with a total shell length of less than 2 mm, which corresponds to mantle lengths of small planktonic hatchlings. Production of small pelagic hatchlings and thus small eggs was therefore the dominant reproductive strategy within the Coleoidea. The first evidence of enlarged hatchlings appeared during the Maastrichtian in Groenlandibelus. During the Eocene, the large-egg strategy apparently became more widespread, particularly in belosaepiids.
The alternate-day fasting diet is a more effective approach than a	calorie restriction diet on weight loss and hs-CRP levels
Authors: Razavi Roghaye , Parvaresh Arefe , Abbasi Behnood , Yaghoobloo Khadijeh , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Mohammadifard Noushin , Clark Cain C. T. , Morteza Safavi Sayyed 
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Background and Objective: The aim of present study was to compare, and determine, the effects of a modified alternate-day fasting diet vs. calorie restriction on inflammatory indices and coagulation factors. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial consisting of 80 metabolic syndrome patients, who were enrolled and randomly dichotomized into a modified alternate-day fasting diet or calorie restriction group for 4 months. We measured weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumstance (WC), waist-hip-ratio (WHR) and fat mass as primary outcomes and assessed high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and coagulation factors levels as secondary outcomes before and after intervention. Results: Compared to the calorie restriction diet, following a modified alternate-day fasting diet led to a greater reduction in body weight (kg) (–6.43 ± 4.34 vs –4.11 ± 4.27; P = 0.02), BMI (kg/m2) (–3.19 ± 2.90 vs –1.43 ± 2.72; P = 0.01), fat mass (kg) (–4.88 ± 2.09 vs –3.72 ± 2.43; P = 0.03), WC (cm) (–5.57 ± 5.64 vs –2.32 ± 5.95; P = 0.01) and WHR (–0.05 ± 0.06 vs –0.02 ± 0.07; P = 0.04). Furthermore, a greater change was found in hs-CRP levels (mg/L) (–2.06 ± 1.18 vs –0.97 ± 0.82; P = 0.03), prothrombin time (s) (1.41 ± 2.34 vs –0.41 ± 2.17; P < 0.001), activated partial thromboplastin time (s) (0.26 ± 3.70 vs –1.78 ± 3.56; P = 0.04) in modified alternate-day fasting diet when compared to calorie restriction diet. However, there was no difference in TNF-α or IL-6 and fibrinogen between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a modified alternate-day fasting diet can be a beneficial alternative for the management of body weight, fat mass and WC as well as hs-CRP and coagulation factors levels among metabolic syndrome patients.
Critical Altitudinal Shift From Detrital to Pedogenic Origin of the Magnetic Properties of Surface Soils in the Western Pamir Plateau, Tajikistan
Authors: Kang Jian , Zan Jinbo , Bai Yan , Fang Xiaomin , Chen Chihao , Guan Chong , Khodzhiev Amriddin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSedimentary archives of the westerlies‐influenced Pamir Plateau in Tajikistan, a climatically sensitive region in arid central Asia, provide information on past climatic changes and the tectonic evolution of the northern Tibetan Plateau. However, due to the scarcity of meteorological stations, knowledge of the recent precipitation history of the region is limited. We conducted a detailed rock magnetic investigation of 34 surface loess samples from the western Pamir Plateau. The results show that on the windward side, below an altitude of 2,000–2,200 m above sea level, the concentration of magnetic minerals initially decreases and then begins to increase with increasing altitude. Below 2,000–2,200 m above sea level, the surface soils are enriched in multidomain magnetite particles, suggesting a detrital origin of the magnetic minerals, whereas above this altitude the samples are enriched in fine superparamagnetic magnetite/maghemite grains of pedogenic origin. The inferred variations in pedogenic intensity, combined with analysis of the available meteorological data and the content of organic matter and clay, support the occurrence of an altitudinal threshold separating a predominantly detrital control on surface soil magnetic mineral assemblages from a predominantly pedogenic control. Within the plateau interior, the surface loess samples exhibit low and uniform values of magnetic concentration parameters and organic matter and clay content, which is attributed to the decreased supply of moisture from westerly sources because of the rain shadow effect. Our results indicate that rock magnetic investigations can be used to define a critical climatic boundary in arid central Asia.
Dampened El Niño in the Early Pliocene Warm Period
Authors: White S. M. , Ravelo A. C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEl Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the strongest mode of interannual climate variability, and its predicted response to anthropogenic climate change remains unclear. Determining ENSO's sensitivity to climatic mean state and the strength of positive and negative feedbacks, notably the thermocline feedback, will help constrain its future behavior. To this end, we collected ENSO proxy data from the early and mid‐Pliocene, a time during which tropical Pacific zonal and vertical temperature gradients were much lower than today. We found that El Niño events had a reduced amplitude throughout the early Pliocene, compared to the late Holocene. By the mid‐Pliocene, El Niño amplitude was variable, sometimes reduced and sometimes similar to the late Holocene. This trend in Pliocene ENSO amplitude mirrors the long‐term strengthening of zonal and vertical temperature gradients and verifies model results showing dampened ENSO under reduced gradients due to a weaker thermocline feedback.
A Major Collapse of Kangerlussuaq Glacier's Ice Tongue Between 1932 and 1933 in East Greenland
Authors: Vermassen Flor , Bjørk Anders A. , Sicre Marie‐Alexandrine , Jaeger John M. , Wangner David J. , Kjeldsen Kristian K. , Siggaard‐Andersen Marie‐Louise , Klein Vincent , Mouginot Jeremie , Kjær Kurt H. , Andresen Camilla S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn recent years, several large outlet glaciers in Greenland lost their floating ice tongue, yet little is known regarding their stability over a longer timescale. Here we compile historical documents to demonstrate a major ice tongue collapse of Kangerlussuaq Glacier between 1932 and 1933. This event resulted in a 9‐km retreat, exceeding any of the glacier's recent major retreat events. Sediment cores from the fjord are used to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and to investigate a potential sedimentological trace of the collapse. During the 1920s, local and regional sea surface temperatures and air temperatures increased rapidly, suggesting a climatic trigger for the collapse. Fjord bathymetry played an important role too, as the (partially) pinned ice tongue retreated off a submarine moraine during the event. This historical analogue of a glacier tongue collapse emphasizes the fragility of remaining ice tongues in North Greenland within a warming climate.
Westward Acceleration of Tropical Stratopause Zonal Winds During Major Sudden Stratospheric Warming Events
Authors: Koushik N. , Kumar Karanam Kishore , Siddiqui Tarique A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe tropical Mesosphere‐Lower Thermosphere‐Ionosphere system is found to show significant variabilities during Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events. Recent studies have highlighted the possible role played by modified background wind conditions in communicating the SSW‐induced stratospheric perturbations to the Mesosphere‐Lower Thermosphere‐Ionosphere region. In the present study, changes in the background zonal winds at the tropical stratopause during major SSW events inferred from MERRA‐2 reanalysis data sets, rocket observations, and model simulations are reported for the first time. The tropical stratopause shows enhanced westward winds during the course of major SSW events. Rocketsonde observations from a low latitude station Thumba (8.5 ° N,76.9 ° E) also showed significant westward acceleration during three major SSW events. Further, Specified Dynamics version of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model simulations for the 2008–2009 SSW replicate the observed features.