bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Modest Argument Against Scepticism
Authors: Grimaltos Mascaros Tobies , Moya Espí Carlos J. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract: In this paper we don’t intend to show, against the sceptic, that most of our everyday beliefs about the external world are cases of knowledge. What we do try to show is that it is more rational to hold that most of such beliefs are actually ca- ses of knowledge than to deny them this status, as the external world sceptic does. In some sense, our point of view is the opposite of Hume’s, who held that reason clearly favours scepticism about the independent existence of an external world rather than common sense belief in such an independent existence. In arguing for the superior rationality of this common sense, Moorean view, we also take a fallibi- list conception of knowledge to be rationally preferable to an infallibilist view of it.
Keywords: Scepticism, argument from knowledge, common sense, brains-in-a-vat, Moore, Hume, fallibilism.
Anti-vaxxers
Authors: Berman Jonathan M. 
Published: September 2020

From science advocate and March on Science National Co-Chair Jonathan M. Berman, an essential takedown of the anti-vaccination movement, from its nineteenth-century antecedents to today's Facebook activists, offering strategies for refuting false claims of friends and family.
Vaccines are a documented success story, one of the most successful public health interventions in history. Yet there is a vocal anti-vaccination movement, featuring celebrity activists (including Kennedy scion Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and actress Jenny McCarthy) and the propagation of anti-vax claims through books, documentaries, and social media. In Anti-Vaxxers, Jonathan Berman explores the phenomenon of the anti-vaccination movement, recounting its history from its nineteenth-century antecedents to today's activism, examining its claims, and suggesting a strategy for countering them.
The Ends Game
Authors: Bertini Marco , Koenigsberg Oded 
Published: September 2020

How some firms are rewriting the rules of commerce by pursuing “ends”—actual outcomes—rather than selling “means”—their products and services.
Would you rather pay for health care or for better health? For school or education? For groceries or nutrition? A car or transportation? A theater performance or entertainment? In The Ends Game, Marco Bertini and Oded Koenigsberg describe how some firms are rewriting the rules of commerce: instead of selling the “means” (products and services), they adopt innovative revenue models to pursue the “ends” (actual outcomes). They show that paying by the pill, semester, food item, vehicle, or show does not necessarily reflect the value that customers actually derive from their purchases. Revenue models anchored on the ownership of products, they argue, are patently inferior.
Bertini and Koenigsberg explain that advances in technology have made it possible for firms to collect “impact data” that tells them when and how customers use their products and how those products perform, and that firms can draw on this data to turn products into seamless services. New revenue models will enable transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Bertini and Koenigsberg offer real-world examples of how companies in health care, transportation, education, and other sectors are already playing “the ends game,” describing, among other things, the successes of Dollar Shave Club, Rent the Runway, and “pay as you fly” insurance for drone flights.
Finally, they outline the challenges in adopting these new models, offering guidance on such issues as criteria for defining an outcome, concerns over data collection, and internal organizational obstacles.
Usefulness of the cytokines expression of Th1/Th2/Th17 and urinary CD80 excretion in adult-onset minimal change disease
Authors: Chen Ping , Chen Yan , Jiang Maoqing , Mo Yijun , Ying Huanhuan , Tang Xun , Zhang Jun 
Published: September 2020

Background
Minimal change disease (MCD) is a common form of nephrotic syndrome in adults. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of MCD remains incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the cytokines expression of Th1/Th2/Th17 and urinary CD80 excretion in adult-onset MCD patients.

Methods
The lymphocyte subsets, 34 cytokine levels of Th1/Th2/Th17, serum and urine concentrations of CD80, and expression of CD80 in glomeruli were analyzed in 28 cases (15 males and 13 females; average age: 34.1 years, age range: 18–56 years), including 10 patients with MCD in relapse, nine patients with MCD in remission and nine healthy controls.

Results
There was no significant difference of CD3+CD4+ cells proportion among patients with MCD in relapse, MCD in remission and healthy controls (P = 0.802). The cytokine levels of GM-CSF and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) in patients with MCD in relapse increased 1.5 times higher than those in remission. An evident increase in the excretion of urinary CD80 was found in patients with relapsed MCD compared with those in remission (598.4 ± 115.8 vs 81.78 ± 7.04 ng/g creatinine, P < 0.001) and healthy controls (598.4 ± 115.8 vs 67.44 ± 8.94 ng/g creatinine, P < 0.001). CD80 expression was observed in podocyte of MCD patient in relapse by immunofluorescence technique.

Conclusions
The cytokines GM-CSF and TRANCE are increased and the urinary CD80 levels are elevated in adult-onset MCD patients in relapse, indicating a disorder of Th1/Th2/Th17 balance and that the elevated excretion of CD80 may underlie the pathogenesis and development of adult-onset MCD.
Development of limb bone laminarity in the homing pigeon (Columba livia)
Authors: McGuire Rylee S. , Ourfalian Raffi , Ezell Kelly , Lee Andrew H. 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBirds show adaptations in limb bone shape that are associated with resisting locomotor loads. Whether comparable adaptations occur in the microstructure of avian cortical bone is less clear. One proposed microstructural adaptation is laminar bone in which the proportion of circumferentially-oriented vascular canals (i.e., laminarity) is large. Previous work on adult birds shows elevated laminarity in specific limb elements of some taxa, presumably to resist torsion-induced shear strain during locomotion. However, more recent analyses using improved measurements in adult birds and bats reveal lower laminarity than expected in bones associated with torsional loading. Even so, there may still be support for the resistance hypothesis if laminarity increases with growth and locomotor maturation.MethodsHere, we tested that hypothesis using a growth series of 17 homing pigeons (15–563 g). Torsional rigidity and laminarity of limb bones were measured from histological sections sampled from midshaft. Ontogenetic trends in laminarity were assessed using principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality followed by beta regression with a logit link function.ResultsWe found that torsional rigidity of limb bones increases disproportionately with growth, consistent with rapid structural compensation associated with locomotor maturation. However, laminarity decreases with maturity, weakening the hypothesis that high laminarity is a flight adaptation at least in the pigeon. Instead, the histological results suggest that low laminarity, specifically the relative proportion of longitudinal canals aligned with peak principal strains, may better reflect the loading history of a bone.
An Empirical Survey on Damages Caused by Erosional Depositions on Farmlands along Jimeta-Yola Road, Adamawa State Nigeria
Authors: Sadiq A. A. , Abdullahi Maryam , Bello Abubakar 
Published: September 2020

Aim: To empirically survey the damages caused by erosional deposition on farmlands along Jimeta-Yola road, Adamawa state Nigeria.
Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in June-July 2020 rainy season due to the unprecedented depositions on three farmlands (Abattoir, Garage and Yola Bridge) in the area.
Methodology: Data was obtained in three phases which include on-farm interviews and questionnaires, direct measurement of depositions using simple bathymetric method and collection of three representative soil samples from the profiles for determination of some physico-chemical properties.
Results: The result indicated that rice was major crop grown in the area for about 30 years with an average yield ranges from 2000-8000 kg (20-80 bags). The number of farmlands damaged was 11 with total of 22 acres, at Abattoir, 5 farmlands at Garage having a total of 15 acres and 7 farmlands were also damaged with about 10 acres respectively. Fine sandy soil was deposited to an average depth of 55 cm with an estimated volume of 48.96 m3 at Abattoir area, debris and clay loam was deposited to an average of 20 cm at Garage having an estimated of 12.14 m3 and at Yola Bridge farm location about 4.24 m3 volume of loamy soils were also deposited to an average depth of 10 cm. The depositional soils have pH values ranges from 5.23-6.23, organic matter content of 0.43-2.33%, water holding capacity 35-55% with rapid to moderate permeability.
Conclusion: To combat the damaged imposed by soil erosions on farmlands in the area both preventive and conservative measures should adopted by the government and the farmers with the aim of restoring and sustaining the good soil health that will support food production for growing population.
Physico-chemical Characterization and Identification of Wood Species in Benin with High Bio-thermal Conversion for Carbonization
Authors: Fagbemi Latif Adéniyi , Ganhoun Gaston , Adamon David Gildas F. , Ekouedjen Evrard Karol 
Published: September 2020

Physico-chemical characteristics of ten tropical wood species in Benin were determined to identify the species with high bio-thermal conversion for carbonization (charcoal production). The wood species were obtained from Dassa-Zoume, Dan, and Djidja localities in Central region, where charcoal production is a major economic activity. The physico-chemical properties determined were elemental composition, fixed carbon content, volatile matter content, ash content, and calorific value. The species selection criteria was quantified using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) statistical method implemented by R-software package. The three wood species identified as most suitable for bio-thermal conversion were Burkea africana (Wild Syringa), Prosopis africana (Mesquite Iron Tree) and Bridelia ferruginea (Bridelia Yellow Cassia), which exhibited high calorific values, high fixed carbon levels and relatively low proportions of ash and volatile matter.
Antifungal Activity of Senna alata, Senna bicapsularis and Pityrogramma calomelanos
Authors: Guerra Florencia , Ansari Abdullah Adil , Kurup Rajini , Subramanian Gomathinayagam 
Published: September 2020

Aims: Senna alata (Carrion crow bush), Senna bicapsularis (Money bush) and Pityrogramma calomelanos (Wild maran) are known for their value in traditional medicine. The study was an effort to identify, environment friendly antifungal compounds from these locally available plants against fungal pathogen Curvularia lunata.
Study Design: An experiment based study done to identify antifungal property and phytochemical identification of C. lunata.
Place and Duration of Study: Plants were collected from the coastal areas of Guyana and identified at the Biodiversity Center, University of Guyana, Guyana between January 2017- May 2017.
Methodology: Phytochemical extraction was conducted using soxhlet and rotovap apparatus. Hexane, methanol and aqueous extracts of plants were analyzed for antifungal properties. Antifungal activity was tested using the poisoned food and well diffusion technique. Data analysis of the study was done using R-Studio Program for statistical computing and graphics. A Tukey test was done along with ANOVA and Boxplots.
Results: Methanol extract of P. calomelanos showed maximum antifungal activity with an inhibition percentage of 60.3% at 400 µl, with poison food technique. With well diffusion method, P. calomelanos showed an inhibition zone of 54 mm at 500 µl. Saponins, steroids and glycosides were identified with methanol extract of P. calomelanos.
Conclusion: The finding of this study indicates, the possible use of P. calomelanos extract as an antifungal agent against C. lunata and its potential to control fungal plant diseases.
Integrating Conductivity, Captivity, and Immobility Ability into N/O Dual‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanocage Anchored with CNT as an Effective Se Host for Advanced K‐Se Battery
Authors: Zhou Xuefeng , Wang Lifeng , Yao Yu , Jiang Yu , Xu Rui , Wang Haiyun , Wu Xiaojun , Yu Yan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPotassium–selenium (K‐Se) batteries have attracted increasing attention for their potential as stationary energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density and low cost. The major challenges of these batteries are the low utilization of active selenium, sluggish kinetics, and the volume change during cycling. Herein, a N and O dual‐doped porous carbon nanocage anchored with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (denoted as NO‐nanocage/CNT) is designed as a host for Se. This material combines multiple advantages, such as abundant N/O active sites and excellent electrical conductivity, to realize highly efficient immobilization of Se and polyselenide and fast redox kinetics. The hollow carbon skeleton, with abundant micro and mesoporous structures, shortens the diffusion distances between the ions/electrons and accommodates the volume expansion of the active materials. Density functional theory calculations further confirm that the NO‐nanocage/CNT exhibits strong chemical affinity to K2Se, which is in agreement with the experimental results. The Se@NO‐nanocage/CNT cathode displays a remarkable reversible capacity (623 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and an ultra‐long cycle life (274 mAh g−1 after 3500 cycles at 1.0 A g−1). The design presented in this paper offers a new approach for the design of multifunctional Se hosts for advanced alkali metal‐chalcogen batteries.
1D Nanomaterial‐Based Highly Stretchable Strain Sensors for Human Movement Monitoring and Human–Robotic Interactive Systems
Authors: Dahiya Abhishek Singh , Gil Thierry , Thireau Jerome , Azemard Nadine , Lacampagne Alain , Charlot Benoit , Todri‐Sanial Aida 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper describes a facile strategy of micromolding‐in‐capillary process to fabricate stretchable strain sensors wherein, the sensing material is wrapped within silicone rubber (Dragon Skin [DS]) to form a sandwich‐like structure. Two different 1D sensing materials are exploited to fabricate and study strain sensing performance of such device structure, namely multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs). The fabricated strain sensors using MWCNT exhibits wide sensing range (2–180%), and moderately high sensing performance with outstanding durability (over 6000 cycles). It is found that MWCNT presents a strong strain‐dependent character in the 45–120% elongation regime. On the other hand, very high gauge factor of >106 is achieved using AgNWs at 30% strain with good stability (over 100 cycles). Sensing mechanisms for both 1D conductive sensing materials are discussed. They can be applied for human motion monitoring such as finger, knee, and wrist bending movements to enable human physiological parameters to be registered and analyzed continuously. They are also employed in multichannel and interactive electronic system to be used as a control mechanism for teleoperation for robotic end‐effectors. The developed sensors have potential applications in health diagnosis and human–machine interaction.
Higher‐Order Nonclassicality in Photon Added and Subtracted Qudit States
Authors: Mandal Kathakali , Verma Amit 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHigher‐order nonclassical properties of r photon added and t photon subtracted qudit states (referred to as rPAQS and tPSQS, respectively) are investigated here to answer: How addition and subtraction of photon can be used to engineer higher‐order nonclassical properties of qudit states? To obtain the answer, higher‐order moment of relevant bosonic field operators is first obtained and subsequently used to study the higher‐order nonclassical properties (e.g., higher‐order antibunching, higher‐order squeezing, and higher‐order sub‐Poissonian photon statistics) of the corresponding states. These witnesses establish that rPAQS and tPSQS are highly nonclassical. To quantitatively establish this observation and to make a comparison between rPAQS and tPSQS, volumes of the negative part of Wigner function are computed. Finally, for the sake of verifiability of the obtained results, optical tomograms are also reported. Throughout the study, a particular type of qudit state named as a new generalized binomial state is used as an example.
Corporate social responsibility and eco‐innovation: The triple bottom line perspective
Authors: Pan Xin , Sinha Paresha , Chen Xuanjin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in eco‐innovation from the triple bottom line perspective. We unpack CSR into three dimensions (financial, social, and environmental) and categorise eco‐innovation into two kinds (pollution prevention and sustainable environmental innovation) to get a comprehensive picture of the relationship. Drawing on the resource‐based view, we suggest that the environmental dimension of CSR is positively related to pollution prevention because the returns on this kind of innovation are more predictable and straightforward, which appeals to firms. We also suggest that there is a U‐shaped relationship between the environmental dimension of CSR and sustainable environmental innovation, as this kind of innovation can only be realised when environmental commitments are high. Moreover, we expect the social and financial dimensions of CSR to interact with the environmental dimension to affect eco‐innovation. Using Chinese firm data from 2011 to 2015, we find that the social and financial dimensions of CSR have a positive moderating effect on sustainable environmental innovation. However, we fail to find support for their moderating effect on pollution prevention. Theoretical and practical implications, based on the findings, are discussed.
Pitting of carbon steel in the synthetic concrete pore solution
Authors: Macdonald Digby D. , Qiu Jie , Sharifi‐Asl Samin , Yang Jie , Engelhardt George R. , Xu Yi , Ghanbari Elmira , Xu Aoni , Saatchi Alireza , Kovalov Danyil 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPitting corrosion is a possible mode of failure of the carbon steel overpack of the Belgian supercontainer concept for the isolation of high‐level nuclear waste (HLNW). However, no firm experimental data are currently available to estimate the probability of failure over the extended storage time (100,000 years). Extensive work shows that passivity breakdown results from the condensation of cation vacancies (CVs) at the metal/barrier layer (m/bl) interface, in response to the absorption of Cl− into oxygen vacancies at the surface of the barrier oxide layer. The CVs migrate across the bl to the m/bl interface where they condense, leading to the separation of the bl from the metal. The resulting blister prevents the growth of bl into the metal and dissolution results in blister rupture, marking a passivity breakdown event. Stabilization via differential aeration produces a potentially damaging, stable pit. We review our work on passivity breakdown and the nucleation of pits on P355 QL2 carbon steel in high‐pH aqueous media typical of concrete pore solution, with emphasis on the mechanistic aspects. We conclude that failure of the carbon steel overpack containing the HLNW over a storage horizon of 100,000 years is improbable.
A multicenter prospective study for overactive bladder patient treatment satisfaction with mirabegron after being unsatisfied with antimuscarinic therapy (FAVOR study)
Authors: Ko Kwang Jin , Choo Myung‐Soo , Chang Young‐Seop , Kim Joon Chul , Lee Kyu‐Sung 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimWe investigated the satisfaction and efficacy of mirabegron in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms who were unsatisfied with previous antimuscarinic treatment.MethodsThis was a 12‐week, open‐label study of adults with OAB who had been treated with antimuscarinics within 2 years of screening and expressed dissatisfaction over poor efficacy or adverse events of antimuscarinics. All enrolled patients have received mirabegron 50 mg once daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients reporting treatment satisfaction questions (TSQ) at week 12 (“very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied”). Patients completed voiding diaries, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire short form (OAB‐q‐SF), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and the global response assessment (GRA) at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12. At 12‐weeks, patients were assessed for willingness to continue treatment.ResultsThe response rate of treatment satisfaction at 12 weeks was 69.3% (275/397) (95% confidence interval 64.7–73.8). Significant improvements from baseline to weeks 4 and 12 were observed in the frequency, urgency due to urinary incontinence, and urgency episodes per 24 h (all p < .0001). Both OAB‐q‐SF and OABSS were significantly improved compared to baseline. At 4 and 12 weeks, 27.5% and 41.8% of patients, respectively, responded to the GRA as being moderately or markedly improved. At 12 weeks, 80.8% of patients were willing to continue mirabegron.ConclusionsMirabegron improved the rates of treatment satisfaction and symptoms in patients with OAB who were unsatisfied with prior antimuscarinic treatment.
Rapid screening and purification of potential inhibitors from Medicago sativa by ultrafiltration‐liquid chromatography combined with stepwise flow rate counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Hou Wanchao , Liu Chunming , Xia Jianli , Niu Huazhou , Li Sainan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionMedicago sativa contains flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, sterols, monoterpenes, and organic acids, with flavonoids being the main active constituents. Flavonoids naturally contain a 2‐phenylchromone structure with antioxidant, free radical scavenging, cardiovascular, and trace estrogen‐like effects.ObjectiveScreening and isolation of neuraminidase, lipoxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors from M. sativa via ultrafiltration‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UF‐LC–MS) combined with stepwise flow rate counter‐current chromatography (CCC).MethodUtilising the medicinal plants M. sativa as the research objects and UF‐LC–MS was used for activity screening followed by isolation and purification of the inhibitors by stepwise flow rate CCC. Finally, identification of the three active compounds was achieved by MS and nuclear magnetic resonance.ResultsThree major compounds, viz. quercetin, genistein, and formononetin, were identified as potent neuraminidase, lipoxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors, respectively. A two‐phase solvent system of ethyl acetate/methanol/n‐butanol/water (5.0:1.5:5.0:10; v/v/v/v) was subsequently selected for separation by stepwise flow rate CCC.ConclusionThis novel approach based on UF‐LC–MS and stepwise flow rate CCC represents a powerful tool for the screening and isolation of neuraminidase, lipoxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors from complex matrices. Therefore, a useful platform for the large‐scale production of bioactive and nutraceutical ingredients was developed herein.