bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Appropriating BANA Teaching Approaches to Suit TESEP Contexts: A Case Study in a Saudi University
Authors: Grami Grami Mohammad A. , Alshenqeeti Hamza , Alsamdani Hadi 
Published: February 2020

This article briefly looks at the practice of appropriating Western teaching methodologies into the Arab world. It accounts for recent and historical attempts to do so and evaluates the success or otherwise of such practice. The paper adopts Adrian Holliday's (1994) distinction between British, Australian and North American (BANA) context and Tertiary, Secondary, and Primary English language education (TESEP) where the context of the current study fits. The paper argues that appropriating Western methodologies risks alienating the culture from which these teaching approaches come. Since one reason for learning a language is to become familiar with its culture, one may question the need for adapting its teaching methodologies by simply separating it from its cultural values in the first place. The question is that shall one protect his or her cultural identity by dismissing the cultures of other dominant languages? This is a conundrum that cannot be easily saved but one that needs looking at nonetheless. The paper looks at a widely used series of textbooks in a TESEP context and attempts to see if adapting ow local contexts can shape BANA methodologies.
Adaptive finite‐time tracking control for robotic manipulators with funnel boundary
Authors: Bao Jialei , Wang Huanqing , Xiaoping Liu Peter 
Published: February 2020

SummaryThe finite‐time tracking control problem with the output‐constraint property of robotic manipulators subjected to system uncertainties is addressed. Specifically, the radial basis function neural network is employed to compensate for system uncertainties. The finite‐time stability theorem is used for the backstepping design process, by which the limit of the settling time is set. A funnel boundary is used to limit the output overshoot. The proposed controller guarantees that all the signals are semi‐globally practically finite‐time bounded, while the tracking errors are enveloped by the funnel boundary. The performance of the proposed control method is illustrated by a numerical simulation of a 3‐DOF manipulator. It is shown that the tracking errors are bounded by prescribed funnel boundaries. In the meantime, the manipulator is stabilized within a finite period of
time.
Dynamic modeling: The influence of the improved solid elutriation correlation on the two‐phase mathematical model of polyolefin polymerization in a gas‐phase fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Atan Mohd Farid , Hussain Mohd Azlan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDynamic modeling of the polyolefin polymerization process in the gas phase is relatively complex due to its high nonlinearity. This nonlinearity is induced by several factors including the reaction mechanism, the heat and mass transfer mechanism, the flow properties in both solid and gas phases, the type of reactor, and the correlations between the operating conditions and the chemical and physical properties of the polyolefin. In this study, polymerization of the polypropylene was observed in a fluidized bed reactor to potentially improve the solid elutriation correlations proposed previously, to increase the reliability and the accuracy of this two‐phase model. By embedding the improved solid elutriation correlations, the production rate was reduced relative to earlier proposed solid elutriation correlations due to the loss of the product at the top of the fluidized bed reactor. The composition of the reactants and the catalyst flow rate also influenced the production rate, yet the inlet temperature did not. The current two‐phase model is validated with the pilot plant data with the deviations lower than the previously validated model with reference to the production rate, the concentration of propylene and hydrogen, and the temperature of the reactor.
Characterization, conductivity studies, dielectric properties, and gas sensing performance of in situ polymerized polyindole/copper alumina nanocomposites
Authors: Sankar S. , Naik Adarsh A. , Anilkumar T. , Ramesan M. T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractConducting polymer composites of polyindole (PIN) and copper–alumina (Cu–Al2O3) nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of indole with different contents of Cu–Al2O3 nanoparticles. The polymer nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and ammonia gas sensing performance was also analyzed. FTIR and XRD studies revealed the attachment of Cu–Al2O3 in the molecular chain of PIN. The presence of bright trapezoid channels and variation in morphology for different loading of nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM and TEM. The attachment of Cu–Al2O3 nanoparticles in the PIN matrix was confirmed through EDX spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the composites were greatly enhanced with the loading of Cu–Al2O3. Enhancement in alternating current conductivity, dielectric constant and the current–voltage characteristics of the prepared composite revealed the semiconducting nature of the system with an increase in the loading of nanoparticles. Also, nanocomposite exhibited an excellent sensitivity and fast response to ammonia gas. The evaluated result of the present study suggested that Cu–Al2O3 reinforced PIN hybrid is a good candidate for the fabrication of electrochemical devices.
Design of a rigid side chain for poly(N‐vinylamide) derivatives bearing an alkenyl group and evaluation of their ability to inhibit tetrahydrofuran hydrate crystal growth
Authors: Kawatani Ryo , Kelland Malcolm A. , Ajiro Hiroharu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractKinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) are water‐soluble polymers that are used to prevent gas hydrate formation in flow lines during upstream oil and gas production. All commercial polymers have pendant hydrophobic moieties with saturated carbon–carbon bonds. In our previous studies, poly(N‐vinylamide) derivatives bearing alkyl groups and ethylene glycol groups were synthesized and investigated as KHIs. For comparison, we have now synthesized poly(N‐vinylamide) derivatives in which an alkenyl group has been introduced at the N‐position to improve the rigidity and steric hindrance of the side chain. The KHI performances of synthesized polymers were evaluated by the method of tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate crystal growth. The molecular weight of the synthesized polymers affected their ability to inhibit THF hydrate crystal growth. Higher molecular weight polymers, above 4,000 g/mol, tended to show higher inhibition efficiencies compared with lower molecular weight polymers of around 1,000 g/mol. However, the KHI performance of poly(N‐vinylamide) derivatives bearing alkenyl groups was generally lower than the polymers in the previous studies. This indicates that the side chain rigidity and/or steric hindrance do not significantly influence the KHI performance.
Boosting the Peroxidase‐like Activity of Cobalt Ions by Amino Acid‐based Biological Species and Its Applications
Authors: Guo Yanyan , Xu Lijun , Liu Aihua 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEnzyme mimics have been widely used as alternatives to natural enzymes, owing to their high stability and low cost. However, the activity and atom economy of enzyme mimics still need to be improved. Herein, we report the boosting effects of amino acids, peptides and proteins on the peroxidase‐like activity of Co2+. Among 20 amino acids, tryptophan (Trp) enhanced the activity of Co2+ approximately 8 times and was identified as the best stimulator. The study revealed the synergy of amino acids‐based species and HCO3− for efficient catalysis. Co2+ is proposed to bind simultaneously to HCO3− and Trp, and to form a ternary catalyst which facilitates the generation of reactive oxygen species. Based on the selective boosting by Trp, a simple and low‐cost Co2+ sensor with high sensitivity was developed, which showed a linear range of 10–300 μM and a limit of detection of 0.4 μM for Co2+.
Leaders and followers in mutual funds: A dynamic Bayesian approach
Authors: Andreu Laura , Sarto José L. , Gargallo Pilar , Salvador Manuel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article proposes a dynamic Bayesian framework to analyze the leadership relationships between mutual funds. To this end, a two‐step procedure is proposed. First, a Bayesian rolling window based on the Capital Asset Pricing Model is used to estimate the evolution of mutual funds' market exposure over time. Then, a vector autoregressive (VAR) model is used to analyze the leader‐follower relationship between pair of mutual funds. Several leadership measures are studied. An application to Spanish mutual funds is carried out. In addition, the study examines the determining factors of mutual fund leadership.
Prediction of biochemical cure in patients with medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Machens A , Lorenz K , Dralle H 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
The impact of number of node metastases versus metastatic lymph node ratio versus AJCC node category on biochemical cure in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is not well defined.

Methods
Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine clinical and histopathological variables that contribute to biochemical cure in node-positive MTC.

Results
Some 584 of 1026 patients with MTC underwent systematic lymph node dissections for node-positive disease; 27·4 per cent (54 of 197) were biochemically cured after the initial operation and 13·5 per cent (42 of 310 patients) after repeat surgery. Cured patients had significantly less extrathyroid extension (11–14 versus 33·2–55·6 per cent), fewer lymph node metastases (median 2–4 versus 12–16), a lower metastatic lymph node ratio (median 0·05–0·08 versus 0·23–0·28), and were less likely to have AJCC pN1b disease (56–76 versus 89·9–91·6 per cent) and distant metastases (0 versus 28·4–37·1 per cent) than patients who were not cured. Biochemical cure curves advanced steadily up to 7–12 node metastases and a metastatic lymph node ratio of 0·33, eventually levelling off after 16–17 node metastases and metastatic lymph node ratios of 0·45–0·65. In logistic regression analysis, number of lymph node metastases (odds ratio (OR) 17·24 for more than 20 metastases, OR 5·28 for 11–20 metastases, OR 2·22 for 6–10 metastases), preoperative basal serum calcitonin (OR 6·24 for over 1000 pg/ml), reoperation (OR 5·34) and extrathyroid extension (OR 2·42) independently predicted failure to reach biochemical cure.

Conclusion
Number of lymph node metastases, unlike metastatic lymph node ratio or AJCC node category, determines likelihood of biochemical cure after initial and repeat surgery for node-positive MTC.
Feasibility of spectral pH measurement during the low‐pH virus inactivation step of continuous therapeutic antibody production
Authors: Goby Jeffrey D. , Furuya Kenji , Zimmermann Eike , Beller Justin A. , Schmitt John M. , Cortese Margot , Breit Jeffrey F. , Coffman Jonathan L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAcidic virus inactivation is commonly used during production of biotherapeutic products to provide virus safety in case of undetected virus contamination. Accurate pH measurement is required to ensure the product pH reaches a virus‐inactivating level (typically 3.5–3.7), and a level post‐inactivation that is appropriate for later purification steps (typically 5.5–7.5). During batch low‐pH inactivation in discrete tanks, potentiometric glass probes are appropriate for measuring pH. During continuous inactivation for 2–3 weeks in an enclosed product stream, probe calibration drift and lag may lead to poor accuracy, and operational difficulties when compensating for drift. Monitoring the spectral response of compounds (indicators) in the product stream whose spectra are pH‐sensitive offers a possible alternative way to measure pH without these drawbacks. Such indicators can already exist in the stream (intrinsic) or can be added (extrinsic). Herein are reported studies evaluating the feasibility of both.Promising ultraviolet screening results with the two extrinsics studied, thiamine and ascorbic acid, led to the addition of both to product stream samples titrated to different potentiometric pH values in the 3.3–4.5 range (a representative range encountered during continuous inactivation), and attempts to model pH using sample ultraviolet spectra. One model, based on variability in six spectral attributes, was able to predict pH of an independent sample set within ±0.07 units at the 95% confidence level. Since a typical inactivating pH tolerance is ±0.1 units, the results show that extrinsic indicators potentially can measure inactivation pH with sufficient accuracy. Suggested future steps and an alternative approach are presented.
Aaptolines A and B, Two New Quinoline Alkaloids from the Marine Sponge Aaptos aaptos
Authors: Tang Wei‐Zhuo , Yu Hao‐Bing , Lu Jing‐Rong , Lin Hou‐Wen , Sun Fan , Wang Shu‐Ping , Yang Fan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTwo new quinoline alkaloids, aaptolines A and B, were isolated from the marine sponge Aaptos aaptos. Their structures were determined by HR‐ESI‐MS data, NMR analysis, and X‐ray crystallography. Structurally, aaptoline A is characterized as having a quinoline skeleton fused with a 1,4‐dioxane motif at the C(7)−C(8) position, whereas aaptoline B possessed an intriguing 1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐g]quinoline moiety. The cytotoxic assay of these compounds showed no cytotoxicity towards HepG2, A549, and PC9 cancer cell lines and had IC50 values greater than 20 μm.
Rare anoxic brain injury sequela of delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy due to recreational drug overdose with benzodiazepines
Authors: Kaplan Kara , Alam Ariful , Dymm Braydon , Valiuddin Hisham , Nanthabalan Sangeetha 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA growth in recreational drug use will lead to a rise in delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy cases. Physicians may inadvertently misdiagnose this rare condition as a primary psychiatric disorder by not maintaining a broad differential diagnosis.
Self‐assembly Mesoporous FeP Film with High Porosity for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Cong , Xia Maosheng S. , Liu Zhipeng P. , Huang Guoqing Q. , Yuan Shisheng S. , Ai Jing , Li Nan , Li Xiaotian T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractExploring efficient noble metal‐free electrocatalysts is of significance for water electrolysis. In this work, we fabricated a high‐efficiency self‐supporting electrode with mesoporous FeP film coated on carbon cloth (meso‐FeP film/CC) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Compared with nanoparticle‐stacked disordered porous structure, the ordered mesoporous iron phosphide film exhibits high porosity as high as 2.3×1017 site per mg, as well as small pore size and uniform pore distribution, which enables the exposure of abundant active sites. Moreover, the self‐supporting structure with enhanced conductivity further optimizes its electrocatalytic performance towards the HER. As a result, the meso‐FeP film/CC displays a low overpotential (65 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2) and a small Tafel slope (44 mV dec−1) in acid condition, which is competitive among most of noble‐metal free electrocatalysts.
Effect of support on the apparent activity of palladium oxide in catalytic methane combustion
Authors: Zanoletti Massimiliano , Godard François , Perrier Michel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe support effect on the low temperature catalytic oxidation of methane over palladium catalysts was studied by comparing a series of metal oxides as the support. Samples of 0.010 g/g Pd catalysts supported on different grades and/or phases of TiO2, Al2O3, and ZrO2 were prepared via incipient impregnation and their catalytic activity was evaluated using a laboratory plug‐flow reactor. The specific surface area of the supports determined by nitrogen adsorption varied from about 13‐220 m2/g. Initial experiments conducted with titania (anatase) as a support showed a low apparent activity and a poor thermal stability. Focusing on anatase, we have successfully improved its thermal stability by additions of Al2O3 or by doping with CeO2, or La2O3. However, contrary to expectations based on some information in the literature, we have found that the activity decreased in the sequence of Al2O3 > ZrO2 > TiO2, and was not a direct function of specific surface area. This was especially evident in the case of titania. The surface structure of the support and the nature of its interaction with the active component PdO seem to play a far more important role in activity than the apparent specific surface area. Moreover, anatase‐supported catalysts present a very rapid deactivation, whereas rutile‐supported catalysts are relatively stable. The observed phenomena could potentially be related to the interaction between support and the active phase of palladium. Several models have been proposed to describe the strong metal‐support interaction, but either charge transfer or encapsulation seems to be the most probable.
Distinct patterns of hybridization across a suture zone in a coral reef fish (Dascyllus trimaculatus)
Authors: Salas Eva , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Bernal Moisés A. , Simison W. Brian , Berumen Michael L. , Bernardi Giacomo , Rocha Luiz A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHybrid zones are natural laboratories for investigating the dynamics of gene flow, reproductive isolation, and speciation. A predominant marine hybrid (or suture) zone encompasses Christmas Island (CHR) and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKE), where 15 different instances of interbreeding between closely related species from Indian and Pacific Oceans have been documented. Here, we report a case of hybridization between genetically differentiated Pacific and Indian Ocean lineages of the three‐spot dascyllus,Dascyllus trimaculatus(Rüppell, 1829). Field observations indicate there are subtle color differences between Pacific and Indian Ocean lineages. Most importantly, population densities of color morphs and genetic analyses (mitochondrial DNA and SNPs obtained via RADSeq) suggest that the pattern of hybridization within the suture zone is not homogeneous. At CHR, both color morphs were present, mitochondrial haplotypes of both lineages were observed, and SNP analyses revealed both pure and hybrid genotypes. Meanwhile, in CKE, the Indian Ocean color morphs were prevalent, only Indian Ocean mitochondrial haplotypes were observed, and SNP analysis showed hybrid individuals with a large proportion (~80%) of their genotypes assigning to the Indian Ocean lineage. We conclude that CHR populations are currently receiving an influx of individuals from both ocean basins, with a greater influence from the Pacific Ocean. In contrast, geographically isolated CKE populations appear to be self‐recruiting and with more influx of individuals from the Indian Ocean. Our research highlights how patterns of hybridization can be different at scales of hundreds of kilometers, due to geographic isolation and the history of interbreeding between lineages.
Assessment of lipid response to acute olanzapine administration in healthy adults
Authors: Nahmias Avital , Stahel Priska , Dash Satya 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundAtypical antipsychotics (AAP) can induce hypertriglyceridaemia and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain contributes to these effects, but there is evidence that AAP can have acute metabolic effects on glycaemia independent of weight change.AimsWe undertook a single‐blind crossover study in eight healthy volunteers to assess whether the AAP olanzapine acutely increases triglyceride and free fatty acid in response to a high‐fat oral load (50 g fat with no carbohydrate) and whether these effects are attenuated by the dopamine D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine.MethodsParticipants underwent three treatments in random order: Olanzapine 10 mg plus placebo (OL + PL), Olanzapine 10 mg plus bromocriptine 5 mg (OL + BR) and placebo plus placebo (PL + PL).ResultsOlanzapine increased plasma prolactin, an effect that was reversed by co‐administration of the D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine (P = .0002). There were no significant differences in postprandial triglyceride (P = .8), free fatty acid (P = .4) or glucose (P = .8).ConclusionThese results suggest that AAPs likely do not directly increase postprandial lipids but may do so indirectly via changes in body weight and/or glycaemia.
Ion current rectification behavior of a nanochannel having nonuniform cross‐section
Authors: Yen Wei‐Kuan , Huang Wei‐Cheng , Hsu Jyh‐Ping 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDue to its versatile applications in biotechnology, ion current rectification (ICR), which arises from the asymmetric nature of the ion transport in a nanochannel, has drawn much attention, recently. Here, the ICR behavior of a pH‐regulated nanochannel comprising two series connected cylindrical nanochannels of different radii is examined theoretically, focusing on the influences of the radii ratio, the length ratio, the bulk concentration, and the solution pH. The results of numerical simulation reveal that the rectification factor exhibits a local maximum with respect to both the radii ratio and the length ratio. The values of the radii ratio and the length ratio at which the local maximum in the rectification factor occur depend upon the level of the bulk salt concentration. The rectification factor also shows a local maximum as the solution pH varies. Among the factors examined, the solution pH influences the ICR behavior of the nanochannel most significantly.
Nonconventional measurements on insulation materials high voltage bushings and power cables using frequency response analysis method
Authors: Arumugam Saravanakumar 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPower utilities desire an alternate noninvasive test method for assessing the diagnostic status of power apparatus. The primary reason is to minimize the economic constraints and ensure lifetime and reliability of power apparatus within shorter duration. In this context, frequency response analysis (FRA) method is increasingly recommended. The underlying principle of fault diagnosis using FRA method focuses on correlating the insulation condition to the changes in the magnitude and phase frequency response function. Existing practices validates the usage of FRA method in ascertaining the insulation integrity of transformers. Further attempts to expand the potential of FRA in method in determining the insulation status of power apparatus other than transformers, lack scientific and experimental evidence. To fill this gap, a research on using FRA method in assessing the insulation condition of high voltage bushings and power cables is initiated. Initially, test samples of insulation materials that are commonly used in bushings and cables are selected. The chosen samples are prepared in such a way that they represent common defect conditions that inflict premature material degradation and failures. These samples are grouped accordingly, placed on test cells, subjected to nonconventional FRA tests and their diagnostic status are respectively ascertained through comparative analysis. Following this, the pertinent findings are validated on actual bushings and power cables installed on a power transformer. In summary, the findings of this studies not only validate the usage of FRA method but provides the missing scientific and technical evidences and indices that could be used for diagnosing power apparatus.