bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of competency‐based training system in Assiut‐ITEC: A case study
Authors: Ahmed Adel , Sayed Khairy 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionThis paper presents a didactic model that was developed at Assiut Integrated Technical Education Cluster (ITEC) to support the implementation of a competency‐based training system (CBT). ITEC was established in Assiut, Egypt, to meet community demands, to raise the status of vocational education, and also to change the community perception of this type of education.ObjectiveA new didactic model is introduced in terms of its conceptualization, realization, and evaluation. The model is built using concepts of competency‐based didactic methods. Didactic methods are implemented to help teachers support students in developing their ability to integrate skills, knowledge, and attitudes, such that they are able to solve professional technical tasks and challenges. A case study is applied in Assiut city using a competency‐based approach for the development and evaluation of training modules. These modules were first developed using learning situations. This includes determining the appropriate knowledge base for vocational and technical education teachers, core curriculum, minimal standards, new models of delivery, pedagogy, and connections with practice, relationships necessary with industry, research, and evaluation. The implementations of three programs at ITEC Assiut were based on discipline‐specific didactic methods with multiple integrated systems. The scheme adapts the training courses into a series of flexible modules.DiscussionIntegrated learning situations are developed to enrich students' skills in electrical technology modules. This system, called the competency‐based training, incorporates an intelligent didactic system. It is necessary to work continuously in small groups in order to achieve noticeable learning progress for the competencies to be gained successfully.
Electrodeposited Tin‐Antimony Alloys as Novel Electrocatalysts for Selective and Stable Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Formate
Authors: Lucas Francisco W. S. , Lima Fabio H. B. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe activity of SnSb alloy films as electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to formate was presented for the first time. The effects of the film composition, electrochemical potential, and nature and concentration of the supporting electrolyte on the activity and long‐term stability of these catalysts were evaluated. Sn9Sb1 alloy exhibited improved long‐term stability when compared to pure Sn films, and this was attributed to the lower insertion of alkali and lower formation of hydride species, inhibiting the electrode disintegration. Additionally, the Sn9Sb1 film exhibited the highest faradaic efficiency (F.E.) among all prepared films, including pure Sn, reaching 96.2 % at −1.25 V vs. RHE. This was ascribed to the better balance between the number of Sn atoms (active species) exposed on the surface and the induced morphologic effect brought by the presence of Sb, generating cube‐shaped crystallites. These structures have a high number of undercoordinated surface atoms (located on the steps, corners, and kinks) and grain boundaries, resulting in more “reactive” Sn atoms, which serve as CO2 activation sites, increasing the overall activity and F.E. for formate production.
In Situ Electrochemical Formation of a Core‐Shell ZnFe2O4@Zn(Fe)OOH Heterostructural Catalyst for Efficient Water Oxidation in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Appiah‐Ntiamoah Richard , Baye Anteneh Fufa , Kim Hern 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLow‐cost, stable and highly active electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are needed to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production via water splitting. However, developing such a catalyst is still a challenge. Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) is non‐toxic and made from cheap and earth‐abundant materials making it a potential raw material for synthesizing “green” low‐cost catalysts for the OER. However, it has largely been ignored due to its low stability, conductivity and OER‐inactive Zn2+. Herein, ZnFe2O4 is used effectively as a pre‐catalyst to synthesize core‐shell ZnFe2O4@Zn(Fe)OOH polycrystalline heterostructures in situ via cyclic voltammetry. The ZnFe2O4@Zn(Fe)OOH heterostructures display much higher OER catalytic activity and stability than the benchmark RuO2 catalyst in alkaline medium, owing to its high conductivity, stability and electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). Our findings thus reveal a new and effective way by which ZnFe2O4 can be applied in water electrolysis.
Green and Eco‐Friendly Removal of Mycotoxins with Organo‐Bentonites; Isothermal, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Farooq Komal , Nafees Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad , Akhter Mohammad Salim , Waseem Amir 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn the current study the application of organo‐modified bentonite for the adsorption of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, citrinin, patulin, and zearalenone) is presented. The modification of clays is carried out using benzyl‐tri‐n‐butyl ammonium bromide (BTB), benzethonium chloride (BTC), and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS). Various experimental parameters such as pH, time, adsorbent dose, and mycotoxins concentration are thoroughly studied. The modified clays (B‐BTB, B‐BTC and B‐DSS) are characterized by X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results depicted the high detoxification efficiency (≈99%) of modified clays for the removal of mycotoxins under optimized conditions (pH 5, time: 30 min, adsorbent amount: 50 mg). The adsorption capacities of modified clays are found in the order of: B‐BTC (AFB1: 18.02, CIT: 18.35, PAT: 18.21, ZEA: 18.09 mg g−1) > B‐BTB (AFB1: 17.7, CIT: 18.11, PAT: 17.95, ZEA: 17.90 mg g−1) > B‐DSS (AFB1: 17.5, CIT: 18.02, PAT: 17.86, ZEA: 17.80 mg g−1). The obtained results fitted well with thermodynamic, isothermal (Langmuir) and pseudo‐second order kinetics. Low cost organo‐modified bentonite shows the promise in mitigating mycotoxin contamination, which could improve food safety and reduce environmental contamination.
Mechanism and policy of multimedia communications model and green low‐carbon development mechanism in coal industry with cloud Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Xilian , Jia Xianmin 
Published: July 2020

SummaryWith the rapid development of China's economy, the extensive mode of growth supported by coal has caused great damage to resources and the environment. Problems such as gas drainage, coal gangue dumping, water resources destruction, and surface subsidence during the coal mining process have directly led to severe damage to the environment in the mining area to ensure the survival and development of the coal industry, and to achieve sustainable development, we must actively promote the “optimized layout, intensive development, green mining, safe production, and clean use.” This paper proposes the multimedia communications model and green low‐carbon development mechanism in coal industry with cloud Internet of Things (IoT) to deal with this challenge. In a distributed computing scenario, the communication bandwidth between different nodes is very limited and heterogeneous, and some different computing nodes support a wide range of computing capabilities. Decentralized computing connects devices with computing power to the network, and the nodes communicate directly or indirectly will deal with this challenge effectively. The multimedia transmission is also applied to guarantee the visualized model. The experiment compared with the other state‐of‐the‐art methodologies has proven that the proposed model has the higher transmission efficiency and robustness.
Investigation of antioxidant and anti‐nociceptive potential of isoxazolone, pyrazolone derivatives, and their molecular docking studies
Authors: Anwar Tayyaba , Nadeem Humaira , Sarwar Sadia , Naureen Humaira , Ahmed Safia , Khan ArifUllah , Arif Muazzam 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA series of new isoxazolone (3a–d) and pyrazolone (4a–d) derivatives were synthesized and assessed for their antioxidant and analgesic activity. Among synthesized compounds, 3b and 4b having nitro (NO2) group show high analgesic activity at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Analgesic activity was further proceeded to explore the contribution of opioidergic mechanisms in the mediation of analgesic effects. Animals were administered with naloxone, a nonselective opioid inverse agonist, at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg. The results obtained suggested that the analgesic effects of the synthesized compounds were not reversed by naloxone, specifying that the compounds 3b and 4b do not follow the opioidergic pathway in order to relieve pain in animal models. Further, the binding interactions of compounds 3b and 4b were analyzed by docking them against nonopioid receptors COX‐1 (3N8X) and COX‐2 (3LN1). The results demonstrate the analgesic potential of isoxazolone and pyrazolone derivatives, especially compounds 3b and 4b can be considered promising lead molecules for further investigation and development into potent analgesic drugs. In addition, the antioxidant potential of compounds was also found to be related to better analgesic activity, thus providing an insight into the role of oxidative stress in the mediation of analgesia.
Complete mitochondrial genome and assembled DNA barcoding analysis of Lutjanus fulgens (Valenciennes, 1830) and its comparison with other Lutjanus species
Authors: Afriyie Gyamfua , Wang Zhongduo , Dong Zhongdian , Ayisi Larbi Christian , Asiedu Berchie , Guo Yusong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLutjanus fulgens (Valenciennes, 1830) is a teleost species classified under the family Lutjanidae which is a native of the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Though highly commercialized due to its abundance and good taste, the production output has declined in recent years. This is an indication of the need for effective management and conservation measures. However, accurate species identification will ensure strategic management and conservation measure. DNA‐based species identification has proven its reliability in this regard via precise species identification. Several researchers have confirmed the accuracy of DNAbarcode as a species identification tool as well as species phylogeny analysis based on both the complete mitogenome and COI gene. Currently, nine specimens of L. fulgens were sampled from Ghana and subjected to DNA‐based analysis, namely, complete mitochondrial DNAand COI gene (DNA barcoding) analyses. The mitogenomic result revealed that L. fulgens is made up of a 16,500 base pairs (bp) mtDNA which consists of 22 transfer RNAs, 13 protein‐coding genes, and two ribosomal RNAs (GenBank Accession Number: MN398650). Furthermore, a sequence polymorphism analysis of the COIgene (MN986442–MN986450) detected two haplotypes. These haplotypes were both collected from the same fish landing site which suggests a possible cryptic linage diversity in the L. fulgens population at Vodza. According to the phylogeny examination, a close taxonomic relationship exists between L. fulgens and Lutjanus buccanella caused by a recent evolution termed as sympatric speciation. This study serves as a novel study for this species, building the foundation for future molecular‐based study for this species and as a DNA barcode reference data.
Morphology and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells cultured on a nanoscale structured substrate
Authors: Yamazaki Masashi , Kojima Hiroki , Miyoshi Hiromi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is known to show responsiveness to the physical properties, such as stiffness and nano to microstructures, of the extracellular environment. However, the signaling mechanism has not been fully elucidated yet. Here, the effects of nanoscale pillar arrays of the cell culture substrate on morphology and differentiation were evaluated in human MSC to understand the signaling mechanism in regulation of differentiation in response to the nanoscale structures. Human MSCs were cultured on a quartz substrate with the three types of pillar‐arrays with 200 nm in side length, 150 nm in height, and different center‐to‐center spacings (300, 400, and 700 nm) in a cell culture medium with no differentiation induction regent. The cells were well spread, and about half of the cells showed osteogenic differentiation on the flat region of the substrate. The spreading and the osteogenic differentiation were suppressed in the cells on the pillar‐arrayed region regardless of the pillar spacing. This provided insight that the human MSCs spontaneously differentiate into the osteoblast in response to the stiff substrate with no structure, and the suppression of the cell spreading caused by the nanoscale structures can downregulate the progress of the osteogenic differentiation.
Comparison of Carbon‐based Electrodes for Detection of Cresols in Voltammetry and HPLC with Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Vosáhlová Jana , Sochr Jozef , Baluchová Simona , Švorc Ľubomír , Taylor Andrew , Schwarzová‐Pecková Karolina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe electrochemical behavior of o‐cresol and p‐cresol was investigated using boron doped diamond (BDD) and sp2 carbon‐based electrodes. BDD electrodes with different boron doping levels were used to optimize conditions for detection of cresols using differential pulse and square‐wave voltammetry. Comparable detection limits from 2.74 μM to 0.79 μM were achieved, using in‐situ anodic pretreatment to prevent fouling of electrode surface. Lower detection limits for cresols and other phenolic pollutants, in the 10−7 M concentration range, were obtained using amperometric detection in HPLC. The proposed voltammetric and HPLC methods were utilized for determination of cresols in model river water samples.
Effects of caregiver dementia training in caregiver‐patient dyads: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Birkenhäger‐Gillesse Elizabeth G. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Janus Sarah I.M. , Kollen Boudewijn J. , Zuidema Sytse U. 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesCaregivers for people with dementia (PWD) have reported needing emotional and social support, improved coping strategies, and better information about the illness and available support services. In this study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of an Australian multicomponent community‐based training program that we adapted and implemented in a non‐medical Dutch health care setting.Methods and designA randomized controlled trial was performed: 142 dyads of cohabiting caregivers and PwD were randomized to control (care as usual) or intervention (training program) groups and outcomes were compared. Programs lasted 1 week, comprised 14 sessions, and were delivered by specialist staff. We included 16 groups of two to six caregivers. The primary outcome was care‐related quality of life (CarerQol‐7D) at 3 months. The main secondary outcomes for caregivers were self‐rated burden, health and mood symptoms, and for PwD were neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and agitation.ResultsNo significant difference was observed for the primary outcome. However, caregivers experienced fewer role limitations due to physical function (adjusted mean difference, 13.04; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 3.15‐22.93), emotional function (13.52; 95%CI, 3.76‐23.28), and pain reduction (9.43; 95%CI, 1.00‐17.86). Positive outcomes identified by qualitative analysis included better acceptance and coping and improved knowledge of dementia and available community services and facilities.ConclusionQuantitative analysis showed that the multicomponent course did not affect care‐related quality of life but did have a positive effect on experienced role limitations and pain. Qualitative analysis showed that the course met the needs of participating dyads.
Investigating cortico‐subcortical circuits during auditory sensory attenuation: A combined magnetoencephalographic and dynamic causal modeling study
Authors: Hua Lingling , Recasens Marc , Grent‐'T‐Jong Tineke , Adams Rick A. , Gross Joachim , Uhlhaas Peter J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSensory attenuation refers to the decreased intensity of a sensory percept when a sensation is self‐generated compared with when it is externally triggered. However, the underlying brain regions and network interactions that give rise to this phenomenon remain to be determined. To address this issue, we recorded magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data from 35 healthy controls during an auditory task in which pure tones were either elicited through a button press or passively presented. We analyzed the auditory M100 at sensor‐ and source‐level and identified movement‐related magnetic fields (MRMFs). Regression analyses were used to further identify brain regions that contributed significantly to sensory attenuation, followed by a dynamic causal modeling (DCM) approach to explore network interactions between generators. Attenuation of the M100 was pronounced in right Heschl's gyrus (HES), superior temporal cortex (ST), thalamus, rolandic operculum (ROL), precuneus and inferior parietal cortex (IPL). Regression analyses showed that right postcentral gyrus (PoCG) and left precentral gyrus (PreCG) predicted M100 sensory attenuation. In addition, DCM results indicated that auditory sensory attenuation involved bi‐directional information flow between thalamus, IPL, and auditory cortex. In summary, our data show that sensory attenuation is mediated by bottom‐up and top‐down information flow in a thalamocortical network, providing support for the role of predictive processing in sensory‐motor system.
Aerodynamic investigation of the shock train in a scramjet with the effects of backpressure and divergent angles
Authors: Gugulothu Santhosh K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNumerical simulations are carried out to study the effect of divergence angle and adverse pressure gradient on the movement of a shock wave train in a scramjet isolator. The commercial software tool ANSYS Fluent 16 was used to simplify the two‐dimensional Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equation with the compressible fluid flow by considering the density‐based solver with the standard k‐ε turbulence model. The species transport model with a single‐step volumetric reaction mechanism is employed. Initially, the simulated results are validated with experimental results available in the open literature. The obtained results show that the variation of the divergence angle and backpressure on the scramjet isolator has greater significance on the flow field. Also, with an increase in the backpressure, due to the intense turbulent combustion, the shock wave train developed should expand along the length and also move towards the leading edge of the isolator leading to a rapid rise in the pressure so that the pressure at the entrance of the isolator can match the enhanced backpressures.
Health information systems implementation: Weaving alliances in East African Community
Authors: Senyoni Wilfred F. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of fragmentation and lack of coordination in the context of health information systems. Drawing on a longitudinal action research study of implementing a regional database in East African Community; a process model is developed illustrating forms of institutional work in weaving alliance through three non‐linear phases: standardisation, evolving and stabilisation. The study first contributes by conceptualising weaving alliance as a process whereby novel Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) capabilities such as the implementation and use of dashboards emerge and co‐evolve with intentional actions by actors aligning stakeholders with diverse interests. The second contribution concerns how dashboards emerge and co‐evolve with existing work practises facilitating a common understanding among multi‐stakeholders. Collectively, the study broadens our understanding of introducing and sustaining ICT4D solutions in settings characterised by fragmented information systems.
Three‐component one‐pot synthesis of pyrazino[2,3‐a]acridine derivatives under catalyst‐free conditions
Authors: Liu Jia‐Yan , Xu Jin‐Xing , Qiao Xiao‐Ming , Cai Ya , Chen Dong‐Sheng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA new series of pyrazino[2,3‐a]acridine derivatives were prepared, via three‐component reaction of quinoxalin‐6‐amine, aromatic aldehydes and 5,5‐dimethyl cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione or cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione in ethanol as a solvent at reflux. The advantages of this protocol include mild reaction conditions, easy purification, high yields, and catalyst‐free approach.
Weather type classification and its relation to precipitation over southeastern China
Authors: Wang Yongdi , Sun Xinyu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt is very important to identify the possible mechanism of precipitation generation in southeastern China. To determine the weather type (WT) that is likely to generate precipitation, the Jenkinson–Collison classification method was applied to wintertime daily mean sea level pressure data across southeastern China. We found that all WTs with easterly components are prone to generate precipitation. These WTs were merged into one type named the ensemble of easterly wind components (the EE type). The persistence and transformation rules of the EE type are studied. Anticyclone type is the easiest one to convert to EE type. The persistence and transformation rules of the EE type provide favourable conditions for the formation of precipitation. Furthermore, we examined the influence of two common teleconnections (Western Pacific [WP] and Eurasian [EU]) in East Asia in winter on the WTs. When WP is in the positive phase and EU is in the negative phase, EE type weather patterns will appear frequently in southeastern China. At this time, it is most conducive to the formation of precipitation. On the one hand, warm and cold air converge in this area. On the other hand, the prevailing east wind can provide sufficient water vapour. The study implies that whether a WT is easy to produce precipitation can be judged by wind direction. The results will help us better understand the physical mechanism of precipitation generation in this area.
Demystifying the mist: Sources of microbial bioload in dental aerosols
Authors: Kumar Purnima S. , Subramanian Kumar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe risk of transmitting airborne pathogens is an important consideration in dentistry and has acquired special significance in the context of recent respiratory disease epidemics. The purpose of this review, therefore, is to examine (1) what is currently known regarding the physics of aerosol creation, (2) the types of environmental contaminants generated by dental procedures, (3) the nature, quantity, and sources of microbiota in these contaminants and (4) the risk of disease transmission from patients to dental healthcare workers. Most dental procedures that use ultrasonics, handpieces, air‐water syringes, and lasers generate sprays, a fraction of which are aerosolized. The vast heterogeneity in the types of airborne samples collected (spatter, settled aerosol, or harvested air), the presence and type of at‐source aerosol reduction methods (high‐volume evacuators, low volume suction, or none), the methods of microbial sampling (petri dishes with solid media, filter paper discs, air harvesters, and liquid transport media) and assessment of microbial bioload (growth conditions, time of growth, specificity of microbial characterization) are barriers to drawing robust conclusions. For example, although several studies have reported the presence of microorganisms in aerosols generated by ultrasonic scalers and high‐speed turbines, the specific types of organisms or their source is not as well studied. This paucity of data does not allow for definitive conclusions to be drawn regarding saliva as a major source of airborne microorganisms during aerosol generating dental procedures. Well‐controlled, large‐scale, multi center studies using atraumatic air harvesters, open‐ended methods for microbial characterization and integrated data modeling are urgently needed to characterize the microbial constituents of aerosols created during dental procedures and to estimate time and extent of spread of these infectious agents.