bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Natural Resource Rent on Economic Growth of Ghana
Authors: Adabor Opoku , Buabeng Emmanuel , Annobil-Yawson Godred 
Published: November 2020

This study examines the effect of oil and gas resource rent on economic growth of Ghana for the period of 2007 to 2019. The study uses the bounds test approach to cointegration within the framework of autoregressive distributed lags model as the estimation strategy. The results from the study revealed that oil resource rent had a negative and significant relationship with economic growth of Ghana. However, gas resource rent had a positive impact on economic growth of Ghana. Furthermore, the study also found that foreign direct investment and exchange rate had significant positive relation with economic growth of Ghana respectively. For government expenditure, it exerts a negative impact on economic growth of Ghana. Based on the negative and significant relationship with oil resource rent and economic growth of Ghana, it is recommended that the government should reduce taxes on oil industries to help increase the production of oil and gas in Ghana. Furthermore, the study recommends Government and private partnership to ensure effective management of exchange rate fluctuations in Ghana.
Topology Optimization of a Straight Subsoiler through Computer Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Allaie Saqib Parvaze , Tripathi Ashok , Dsouza P. M. , Parvaze Sabah 
Published: November 2020

Technologies and computer programs available today provide us with design programs and analytical techniques for solving complex problems in the different engineering disciplines. These technologies and programs have also found their significance in agricultural research. Computer-aided mathematical modelling was used for carrying out the design optimization of a straight subsoiler. At the initial stage, the static structural analysis under static loading conditions was performed. Details on the material and dimensions for the subsoiler were acquired from the manufacturer at the regional level. The existing subsoiler was then optimized for shank thickness, curve length, and shank width. Optimization was carried out for the objectives seeking minimum solid mass and maximum safety factor. The optimized design obtained was remodeled, and its static analysis performed. Results of the stresses, deformation, and safety factor before and after optimization were compared, and the conclusions drawn. The static structural analysis revealed that before optimization, the subsoiler mass was 24.54 kg, and the volume was 3117701.77 mm3. The maximum total deformation was 4.959 mm, maximum equivalent stress was 270.09 MPa, and the maximum principal stress was 295.06 MPa. The minimum value for the safety factor was 1.296. Parametric correlation of the input and output parameters showed that the relationship among two input parameters viz. shank thickness, shank width, and output parameters was strong. These input parameters were used for response surface generation and design optimization. Optimization reduced both the subsoiler mass and volume by 14.86 %. The maximum equivalent stress and maximum principal stress reduced by 4.10% and 5.39%, respectively, while the total deformation, minimum safety factor, and maximum working life increased by 7.15%, 4.28%, and 14.26%, respectively.
Mitigation of Climate Change through Approached Agriculture-Soil Carbon Sequestration (A Review)
Authors: Kumar Shamal S. , Mahale Ananta G. , Patil Ashutosh C. 
Published: November 2020

It is projected that by 2030, the global population will rise to 8.5 billion influencing various changes to the whole globe. Since 1750, the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) has increased sharply and exceeds more than 31 percent as a result of land use change and intense farming activities that require unique and modern actions to manage its climate - related risks. The earth is getting warmer day by day due to land use transition, intensive agriculture; global carbon (C) emissions have drastically increases after industrial revolution. Soil C depletion is enhanced by soil mismanagement, soil degradation and aggravated by land exploitation. Sources of emissions from various anthropogenic activities; land use change, burning of natural biomass, natural conversion to agricultural habitats, and soil cultivation. The soil as a dynamic natural entity has the potential of storing most of the C from atmosphere that will cause substantial decrease in CO2 content that is enhancing global climate change. Through agriculture, soils can reduce CO2 emissions in the atmosphere and store C while having good effect on food security, water quality and climate prior to the introduction of best management and restorative land-use practices. Most of the reduced C in soil carbon (SC) pools can be recovered by embracing conservation tillage (no-till, reduced tillage) with cover cropping and incorporating crop residues as mulch, nutrient management through integrated nutrient management practices, manure and organic amendments, biochar and using other productive soil management strategies. These management systems lead to preservation of lands that are being or have been depleted, increase carbon production, enhance soil health and decrease the amount of atmospheric CO2 leading to climate change mitigation.
Macrogeographic variation of a pond predator's top‐down effects in a common garden environment
Authors: Stemp Kenzi M. , Anderson Thomas L. , Davenport Jon M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGeographic variation in species behavior and life history has been well documented in biology. Species with wide geographic distributions (i.e., across a continent) but small home ranges (i.e., <1 km2) likely experience wide variability in abiotic environments across the entirety of their range, possibly exhibiting strong local adaptation. Understanding variation across a large geographic scale is especially important when considering species that have strong ecological importance, such as keystone species. Yet, few studies have compared the potential cascading ecological effects of a predator with a keystone role in at least part of its range. To understand how keystone ability in pond food webs can vary across a large geographic range, we conducted an artificial pond experiment with a known keystone predator in at least part of its range, the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum). To do so, we collected size‐matched salamander larvae from three geographically distant populations (>650 km apart) in Ohio, Mississippi, and North Carolina and placed them in mesocosms with a suite of spring breeding amphibian prey species. We observed differential survival of some prey species leading to differences in spring‐breeding amphibian diversity among the three predator populations, indicating that keystone predation may vary at a geographic scale. Prey diversity was lowest with predators from northern (Ohio) populations of salamanders. Further understanding of large‐scale variability in ecologically important predators and the potential effects of translocating wide‐ranging ambystomatid species is needed to direct future conservation efforts and preserve biodiversity.
A retrospective analysis of setup and intrafraction positional variation in stereotactic radiotherapy treatments
Authors: Barnes Micah , Yeo Adam , Thompson Kenton , Phillips Claire , Kron Tomas , Hardcastle Nicholas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of patient intrafraction motion in linac‐based frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and radiotherapy (SRT).MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 101 intracranial SRS/SRT patients immobilized with the Klarity stereotactic thermoplastic mask (compatible with the Brainlab frameless stereotactic system) and aligned on a 6 Degree of Freedom (DoF) couch with the Brainlab ExacTrac image guidance system. Both pretreatment and intrafraction correction data are provided as observed by the ExacTrac system. The effects of couch angle and treatment duration on positioning outcomes are also explored.ResultsInitial setup data for patients is shown to vary by up to ±4.18 mm, ±2.97°, but when corrected with a single x‐ray image set with ExacTrac, patient positions are corrected to within ±2.11 mm, ±2.27°. Intrafraction patient motion is shown to be uniformly random and independent of both time and couch angle. Patient motion was also limited to within approximately 3 mm, 3° by the thermoplastic mask.ConclusionsOur results indicate that since patient intrafraction motion is unrelated to couch rotation and treatment duration, intrafraction patient monitoring in 6 DoF is required to minimize intracranial SRS/SRT margins.
Commentary for special issue of Applied Cognitive Psychology in honor of Alan Scoboria
Authors: Lindsay D. Stephen 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe world would be a better place if there were more people like Alan. What an extraordinary convergence of kindness, reflectiveness, persistence, ethics, breadth of knowledge, and raw smarts! He positively and substantially contributed to cognitive, clinical, and social psychology, and to the lives of his students and collaborators. This collection carries that legacy forward. Alan would have relished reading every one of these articles. I am honored by the opportunity to comment. I hope to do so in a way that Alan would approve. I begin with a brief reflection on one of the “big picture” ideas in Alan's work. Then I discuss several issues that I know were near and dear to Alan and that have also occupied my own thinking for years. In addition to scientific accounts of true and false beliefs and memories, my comments are informed by the methodological reform movement. As an oldster, I also take this opportunity to mention a few earlier issues/findings that relate to current controversies.
Role of Metrology in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Does It Provide Unique Information in Assessing Patients and Predicting Outcome? Results From the British Society for Rheumatology Biologic Register for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Biallas Renke L. , Dean Linda E. , Davidson Lesley , Hollick Rosemary , Pathan Ejaz , Robertson Lindsay , Jones Gareth T. , Macfarlane Gary J. , Rotariu Ovidiu 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveTo determine among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) the factors associated with decreased spinal mobility and to determine whether poor mobility is a predictor of response to anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy.MethodsThis was a prospective UK cohort study of persons meeting Assessment of Spondylarthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria for axial SpA. At recruitment, clinical and patient‐reported factors independently associated with spinal mobility (measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index [BASMI]) were determined. Among those commencing anti‐TNF therapy, factors that were independent predictors of response were determined using ASAS criteria, quality of life, and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) response criteria.ResultsA total of 1,960 participants were eligible; 70% were male, the median age was 48 years (interquartile range [IQR] 37, 59), and the median BASMI score 3.6 (IQR 2.2, 5.3). Factors independently associated with poor spinal mobility were poorer function, meeting radiographic criteria for AS, longer symptom duration, higher levels of inflammation (measured by C‐reactive protein level), older age, male sex, not being currently employed, and lower levels of education. For 51% of participants, the measured BASMI score was within 1 of that estimated. Poorer mobility (higher BASMI score) was an independent predictor of not meeting response criteria for ASAS 20% improvement (odds ratio [OR] per increasing score 0.80 [IQR 0.66, 0.98]), ASAS 40% improvement (OR 0.69 [IQR 0.50, 0.95]), and quality of life (measured by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire) (β = 0.64 [IQR 0.26, 1.02]), but was not related to meeting ASDAS response criteria.ConclusionThe BASMI score was estimated moderately well by other routinely measured factors in patients with axial SpA and was an independent predictor of response to biologic therapy for some, but not all, commonly used measures. Consensus around its role in disease monitoring and clinical decisions, particularly in the likely context of face‐to‐face consultations becoming less frequent, remains to be established.
Observer‐based controller design for uncertain disturbed Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy systems: A fuzzy wavelet neural network approach
Authors: Ebrahimi Zeinab , Asemani Mohammad Hassan , Safavi Ali Akbar 
Published: November 2020

SummaryIn this article, we develop a novel method to design a controller for nonlinear systems represented by Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model in the presence of unknown dynamics, uncertainties in parameters of nonlinear system and external disturbances. The control law is constituted two segments. The first segment derives from parallel distributed compensation (PDC) procedure, in which each control rule is drawn from the respective rule of T‐S fuzzy model. The second segment stems from fuzzy wavelet neural network (FWNN) estimator which is evoked by the hypothesis of multiresolution analysis (MRA) of wavelet transforms and fuzzy notions, so as to approximate the uncertainties and external disturbances in T‐S fuzzy model accurately. In this regard, the Lyapunov stability theorem is applied to acquire the adaptive learning laws for training and tuning online FWNN parameters such as the dilations, translations, and the weights of networks. Moreover, the asymptotic stability of the closed loop system is guaranteed based on the Lyapunov stability theorem. Furthermore, a development of the proposed method to observer‐based controller design for uncertain nonlinear systems descripted by T‐S fuzzy model is provided. The efficiency and robustness of the proposed method are illustrated by simulation outcomes. It is noteworthy that the proposed controller remarkably handles the uncertainties and external disturbances in T‐S fuzzy model without employing traditional conservative lemma and without considering bounds on uncertainties.
Skin Mountable Capillaric Strain Sensor with Ultrahigh Sensitivity and Direction Specificity
Authors: Rivas Yepes Laura , Demir Ebru , Lee Ju Young , Sun Ruopeng , Smuck Matthew , Araci I. Emre 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMicrofluidic devices filled with conductive liquids exhibit a unique potential to integrate fluid physics and electronics while maintaining low mechanical load (i.e., extremely soft and stretchable) for skin mounted wearable device applications. Here, a novel microfluidic strain sensing mechanism is presented, which provides a theoretically unlimited tunable gauge factor, directionally specific and linear response, and negligible hysteresis for skin deformation measurements. The control over flow dynamics enables signal filtering, thresholding, and basic logic operations to be performed in the fluidic‐domain potentially simplifying the electronic and digital processing components. The capillaric strain sensor technology relies on the ultrahigh electrical resistance modification due to the capillary flow of conductive ionic liquids in response to the elastomeric deformation of silicone microchannels. The directional specificity and ultrahigh sensitivity (e.g., gauge factor > 3000) are demonstrated for distinguishing facial activity types and the subtle differences in facial muscle‐strengthening activities.
Analyzing Discursive Constructions of Community in Newspaper Articles
Authors: Malherbe Nick , Seedat Mohamed , Suffla Shahnaaz 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe manner by which power is reified through newspaper reporting can assist community psychologists in getting a handle on the complex, often contradictory, ways by which ideology and power are constituted in relation to particular communities. Accordingly, the present study draws on discursive psychology to analyse how 377 newspaper articles construct the community of Thembelihle (a low‐income community in South Africa) and how these constructions can inform counter‐hegemonic strategy. Two discourses were identified in the analysis, Signifying Legitimacy and Containing the Protest Community. Where the Signifying Legitimacy discourse established a Statist legitimacy‐illegitimacy binary against which Thembelihle was to be assessed, the Containing the Protest Community discourse constructed Thembelihle as a monolithic entity that enacted a wholly violent, and often directionless, mode of protest violence which was concerned with little more than ‘service delivery’. Together, these discourses suggest to us the manner by which low‐income communities are engaged by the State as well as how Statist representations function materially. Certainly, most newspaper articles relied on an interpretive frame whose hermeneutics were characterised primarily by violence and homogenously experienced suffering. Such representation, we argue, signifies the dominant discursive field and ideology against which counter‐hegemonic strategy and (re)presentation must act.
Visualisation of focal renal lesions on ultrasound: A review of 518 lesions with contrast CT correlation
Authors: Wylie Blanche , Necas Martin , Heaney Aine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionConventional ultrasound (US) is a common imaging investigation of the kidneys; however, the current diagnostic performance of US in the visualisation of focal renal lesions is unknown.MethodsThis study was a retrospective sequential review of 518 focal renal lesions (FRLs) in 200 patients aged 50 years or older who received an US of the kidneys followed by contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT).ResultsPatient’s age ranged from 50 to 94 years. The majority were hospital inpatients. 518 FRLs were identified on CECT ranging from 3 to 165 mm (median 8 mm). The majority of FRLs (96.1%) were benign. The visualisation rate of FRLs on US was size‐dependent: <5 mm, 10.2%; 5–9 mm, 22.3 mm; 10–14 mm, 48.0%; 15–19 mm, 82.1%; and 20–24 mm, 100%. The visualisation of simple cysts was 49.1% and hyperdense lesions 81.8%. Follow‐up was available on 58% of lesions. Benign lesions generally remained stable. Seven patients had concerning heterogeneous hyperdense masses on CECT, and US had visualised six of these (85.7%).ConclusionVisualisation of FRLs is size‐dependent. High rate of visualisation is achieved once the lesion exceeds 15 mm in size. Small FRLs are associated with a low rate of visualisation on ultrasound; however, they are rarely concerning. Hyperdense lesions on CECT that carry high suspicion of malignancy are associated with a high rate of US visualisation.
Ultrathin Porous Carbon Nitride Bundles with an Adjustable Energy Band Structure toward Simultaneous Solar Photocatalytic Water Splitting and Selective Phenylcarbinol Oxidation
Authors: Wu Baogang , Zhang Liping , Jiang Baojiang , Li Qi , Tian Chungui , Xie Ying , Li Weizuo , Fu Honggang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractActiniae‐like carbon nitride (ACN) bundles were synthesized by the pyrolysis of an asymmetric supramolecular precursor prepared from L‐arginine (L‐Arg) and melamine. ACN has adjustable band gaps (2.25 eV–2.75 eV) and hollow microtubes with ultrathin pore walls, which enrich reaction sites, improve visible‐light absorption and enhance charge separation. In the presence of phenylcarbinol, ACN exhibited excellent water‐splitting ability (95.3 μmol h−1) and in the meanwhile phenylcarbinol was selectively oxidized to benzaldehyde (conversion of 90.9 %, selectivity of 99.7 %) under solar irradiation. For the concurrent reactions, 2D isotope labeling, separation, and detection were conducted to confirm that the proton source of released hydrogen is water. The mechanism of water splitting and phenylcarbinol oxidation was also investigated.
Discovery and Design of Family VIII Carboxylesterases as Highly Efficient Acyltransferases
Authors: Müller Henrik , Godehard Simon P. , Palm Gottfried J. , Berndt Leona , Badenhorst Christoffel P. S. , Becker Ann‐Kristin , Lammers Michael , Bornscheuer Uwe T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPromiscuous acyltransferase activity is the ability of certain hydrolases to preferentially catalyze acyl transfer over hydrolysis, even in bulk water. However, poor enantioselectivity, low transfer efficiency, significant product hydrolysis, and limited substrate scope represent considerable drawbacks for their application. By activity‐based screening of several hydrolases, we identified the family VIII carboxylesterase, EstCE1, as an unprecedentedly efficient acyltransferase. EstCE1 catalyzes the irreversible amidation and carbamoylation of amines in water, which enabled the synthesis of the drug moclobemide from methyl 4‐chlorobenzoate and 4‐(2‐aminoethyl)morpholine (ca. 20 % conversion). We solved the crystal structure of EstCE1 and detailed structure–function analysis revealed a three‐amino acid motif important for promiscuous acyltransferase activity. Introducing this motif into an esterase without acetyltransferase activity transformed a “hydrolase” into an “acyltransferase”.
Effects of short fibers and processing additives on HDPE composites properties reinforced with Pinus and Eucalyptus fibers
Authors: Mendes Juliana Farinassi , Castro Larissa Souza , Corrêa Ana Carolina , Marconcini José Manoel , Mattoso Luiz Henrique Capparelli , Mendes Rafael Farinassi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis work aimed to investigate the effect of adding short fibers of Pinus and Eucalyptus, in different granulometry (24 and 200 mesh) and concentration (0–20 m/m), combined with processing aid Struktol TPW104 (S) in obtaining of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Overall, obtaining composites from short fibers caused relevant changes in the HDPE matrix, such as thermal stability, moisture barrier. In comparison to pure HDPE, the composites incorporated with 20% m/m of fibers, regardless of the type, decreased the melting temperature to 128°C and a wider crystallization temperature range. Another significant observation was the improvement of composites mechanical profile after adding the additive, the highest values were obtained for composites HDPEL20PS (35%—TS e 651%—EM) and HDPEL20ES (42%—TS e 681%—EM), showing good interaction and compatibility, according to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The same was verified with the mechanical results of flexion and impact. Therefore, the use of short fibers and processing aid was successful providing augmented mechanical properties and thermal stability, without negatively affecting their essential properties for industrial applications.