bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pandemic of Violence? The Impact of COVID-19 on Conflict
Authors: Polo Sara M.T. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This article examines the impact and repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on patterns of armed conflict around the world. It argues that there are two main ways in which the pandemic is likely to fuel, rather than mitigate, conflict and engender further violence in conflict-prone countries: (1) the exacerbating effect of COVID-19 on the underlying root causes of conflict and (2) the exploitation of the crisis by governments and non-state actors who have used the coronavirus to gain political advantage and territorial control. The article uses data collected in real-time by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Johns Hopkins University to illustrate the unfolding and spatial distribution of conflict events before and during the pandemic and combine this with three brief case studies of Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Libya. Descriptive evidence shows how levels of violence have remained unabated or even escalated during the first five months of the pandemic and how COVID-19-related social unrest has spread beyond conflict-affected countries.
Boron nitride nanoplatelets as two-dimensional thermal fillers in epoxy composites: new scenarios at very low filler loadings
Authors: Shi Yao , Lin Genlian , Ma Xi-Fei , Huang Xiao , Zhao Jing , Luo Hongjie , Sun Dazhi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoplatelets (0.6 μm in diameter and 100 nm in thickness) are introduced into epoxy resin to improve the polymer’s thermal conducting ability. As expected, the thermal conductivities (TCs) of the composites, especially the in-plane TCs, are significantly increased. The in-plane TC of the epoxy composites can reach 1.67 W/mK at only 0.53 wt% loading, indicating h-BN nanopletelets are very effective thermal fillers. However, after carefully studied the correlation of the TC improvement and filler content, a sudden drop of the TC around 0.53 wt% filler loading is observed. Such an unexpected decrease in TC has never been reported and is also found to be consistent with the T
g changes versus filler content. Similar trend is also observed in other 2-D nanofillers, such as graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, which may indicate it is a general phenomenon for 2-D nanofillers. SEM results suggest that such sudden drop in TC might be coming from the enrichment of these 2-D nanofillers in localized areas due to their tendency to form more ordered phase above certain concentrations.
Influence of trisilanol isooctyl POSS content on the structure, morphology and rheological properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Authors: Fiorio Rudinei , Danda Chaitanya , Maia João 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In this study, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) containing trisilanol isooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), a reactive nanofiller, were synthesized and characterized rheologically and morphologically, and the effects of POSS content on the melt thermal stability of the TPUs are investigated. Samples containing 0, 0.23, 0.57, 1.14, and 2.23% (w/w) POSS were synthesized by reactive extrusion and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), oscillatory and extensional rheometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS, respectively). The rheological properties of molten TPU are time-dependent and the melt thermal stability of the TPU is maximal at 1.14% of POSS. The addition of 0.23 and 0.57% POSS promotes strain-hardening at low extensional strain rates (0.01 and 0.10 s−1), not affecting the extensional characteristics at higher strain rates. The addition of increasing amounts of POSS leads to the formation of POSS-rich clusters well dispersed in the TPU matrix. SAXS and WAXS results show that the POSS domains are amorphous and that POSS does not modify the crystalline structure of TPU. Therefore, this work indicates that synthesizing TPU in the presence of trisilanol isooctyl POSS can increase the melt thermal stability of the polymer, facilitating its processing.
Do plasticized polyvinylchloride and polyurethane infusion sets promote infliximab adsorption?
Authors: Chennell Philip , Tokhadzé Nicolas , Sautou Valérie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesInfliximab diluted solutions have been shown to be physicochemically stable for long periods, however the adsorption of infliximab during infusions has not been readily investigated. This study aimed to evaluate potential adsorption phenomena of infliximab during administration through Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and Polyurethane (PU) infusion sets.MethodsInfliximab (INFLECTRA®) solutions at 0.4 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL were submitted to static (at T0, 24 and 96 h) and dynamic contact (flow rate of 2 mL/min during 2 h with analysis times at T0, 5 min, 30 min, 60 min and 120 min) with three different infusion sets. Two contained PVC plasticized with tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TOTM) tubings and one set was in PU tubing. Infliximab was quantified at each analytical time by protein total quantification using UV-spectroscopy according to European Pharmacopeia Monography (2.5.33) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) which allowed a specific quantification of the monomeric form and was able to highlight potential modification such as aggregation or oligomer formation.ResultsFor all analysis times and conditions, infliximab concentrations remained unchanged with a maximum variation of 2.81 and 4.63% from the initial concentrations assessed by SEC and UV spectroscopy and the percentage of monomeric form remained unaltered.ConclusionsOur study showed that there was no significant loss of infliximab. According to these results each of the three infusion sets could be used for the administration of infliximab solutions without causing any loss of active substance.
Chromatographic analysis of bio-oil formed in fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Grams Jacek 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most promising methods of the production of renewable fuels. However, an optimization of the conditions of bio-oil production is not possible without comprehensive analysis of the composition of formed products. There are several methods for the determination of distribution of products formed during thermal decomposition of biomass with chromatography being the most versatile among them. Although, due to the complex structure of bio-oil (presence of hundreds chemical compounds with different chemical character), an interpretation of the obtained chromatograms is not an easy task. Therefore, the aim of this work is to present an application of different chromatographic methods to the analysis of the composition of the mixture of products formed in high temperature decomposition of lignocellulosic feedstock. It includes pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), two dimensional gas (GC x GC) or liquid chromatography (LC x LC) and initial fractionation of bio-oil components. Moreover, the problems connected with the analysis of bio-oils formed with the use of various fast pyrolysis reactors and capabilities of multivariate analysis are discussed.
Greener and sustainable production of bioethylene from bioethanol: current status, opportunities and perspectives
Authors: Jamil Farrukh , Aslam Muhammad , Al-Muhtaseb Ala’a H. , Bokhari Awais , Rafiq Sikander , Khan Zakir , Inayat Abrar , Ahmed Ashfaq , Hossain Shakhawat , Khurram Muhammad Shahzad , Abu Bakar Muhammad S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe economic value of bioethylene produced from bioethanol dehydration is remarkable due to its extensive usage in the petrochemical industry. Bioethylene is produced through several routes, such as steam cracking of hydrocarbons from fossil fuel and dehydration of bioethanol, which can be produced through fermentation processes using renewable substrates such as glucose and starch. The rise in oil prices, environmental issues due to toxic emissions caused by the combustion of fossil fuel and depletion of fossil fuel resources have led a demand for an alternative pathway to produce green ethylene. One of the abundant alternative renewable sources for bioethanol production is biomass. Bioethanol produced from biomass is alleged to be a competitive alternative to bioethylene production as it is environmentally friendly and economical. In recent years, many studies have investigated catalysts and new reaction engineering pathways to enhance the bioethylene yield and to lower reaction temperature to drive the technology toward economic feasibility and practicality. This paper critically reviews bioethylene production from bioethanol in the presence of different catalysts, reaction conditions and reactor technologies to achieve a higher yield and selectivity of ethylene. Techno-economic and environmental assessments are performed to further development and commercialization. Finally, key issues and perspectives that require utmost attention to facilitate global penetration of technology are highlighted.
State-of-the-art of CO2 capture with amino acid salt solutions
Authors: Ramezani Rouzbeh , Mazinani Saeed , Di Felice Renzo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The emission of large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere is believed to be a major reason behind climate change, which has led to increased demand for CO2 capture. Postcombustion CO2 capture with chemical solvent is considered one of the most important technologies in order to reduce CO2 emission. Amino acid salt solutions have attracted special attention in recent years due to their excellent physicochemical properties, e.g., low volatility, less toxicity, and high oxidative stability, as well as capture performance comparable with conventional amines. In this study, physicochemical properties of 20 amino acids are reported and their CO2 absorption performance discussed. The topics covered in this review include the most relevant properties of amino acids including CO2 loading capacity, cyclic capacity, equilibrium constant, density, viscosity, dissociation constant, CO2 solubility, CO2 diffusivity, reaction kinetic between CO2 and amino acid salts, reaction rate constant, surface tension, heat of CO2 absorption, precipitation, toxicity, solvent degradation, and corrosion rate. This review provides the most recent information available in the literature on the potential of using amino acid salts as a solvent for CO2 capture which can help improve the performance of the CO2 capture process from flue gas streams.
Thermodynamic and kinetics investigation of homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation
Authors: Khaleghi Atefeh , Sadrameli Seyed Mojtaba , Manteghian Mehrdad 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Nucleation is a fundamental process widely studied in different areas of industry and biology. This review paper comprehensively discussed the principles of classical nucleation theory (primary homogeneous), and heterogeneous nucleation. In the homogeneous part, the nucleation rate in the transient and intransient state is monitored and also heterogeneous nucleation is covered. Finally, conclusions have been deduced from the collected works studied here, and offers for future studies are proposed.
Gut microbiota on gender bias in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hao Xia , Pan Jiao , Gao Xiumei , Zhang Shiyu , Li Yue 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Its three core symptoms are social communication disorder, communication disorder, narrow interest and stereotyped repetitive behavior. The proportion of male and female autistic patients is 4:1. Many researchers have studied this phenomenon, but the mechanism is still unclear. This review mainly discusses the related mechanism from the perspective of gut microbiota and introduces the influence of gut microbiota on the difference of ASD between men and women, as well as how gut microbiota may affect the gender dimorphism of ASD through metabolite of microbiota, immunity, and genetics, which provide some useful information for those who are interested in this research and find more gender-specific treatment for autistic men and women.
BDNF and nicotine dependence: associations and potential mechanisms
Authors: Huang Zeyi , Wu Daichao , Qu Xilin , Li Meixiang , Zou Ju , Tan Sijie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide and tobacco addiction has become a serious public health problem. Nicotine is the main addictive component of tobacco, and the majority of people that smoke regularly develop nicotine dependence. Nicotine addiction is deemed to be a chronic mental disorder. Although it is well known that nicotine binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and activates the mesolimbic dopaminergic system (MDS) to generate the pleasant and rewarding effects, the molecular mechanisms of nicotine addiction are not fully understood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most prevalent growth factor in the brain, which regulates neuron survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity, mainly through binding to the high affinity receptor tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). BDNF gene polymorphisms are associated with nicotine dependence and blood BDNF levels are altered in smokers. In this review, we discussed the effects of nicotine on BDNF expression in the brain and summarized the underlying signaling pathways, which further indicated BDNF as a key regulator in nicotine dependence. Further studies that aim to understand the neurobiological mechanism of BDNF in nicotine addcition would provide a valuable reference for quitting smoking and developing the treatment of other addictive substances.
Deutsche Sicherheitspolitik seit 1990: Auf der Suche nach einer Strategie
Authors: Schlie Ulrich 
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung
Der Aufsatz bilanziert die deutsche Sicherheitspolitik seit 1990 unter dem Gesichtspunkt von ressortübergreifendem Sicherheitsverständnis und gesamtstaatlicher Sicherheitsvorsorge. Er arbeitet das fehlende Bewusstsein für den Zusammenhang zwischen Diplomatie und Militärstrategie in historischer Perspektive heraus und identifiziert die damit verbundene strategische Lücke bei der Formulierung und Implementierung der praktischen Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik. Diese zeigt sich insbesondere bei den außenpolitischen Debatten im Bundestag und einem wenig ausgeprägten ressortgemeinsamen, sicherheitspolitischen Verständnis der Auslandseinsätze der Bundeswehr. Für eine vorausschauende, strategisch aufgestellte Sicherheitspolitik fehlen ressortübergreifende Planungs- und Analysekapazitäten, sowie die Bereitschaft, Außenpolitik, Wirtschaftspolitik und Militärstrategie ganzheitlich zu denken und in einem gemeinsamen sicherheitspolitischen Konzept umzusetzen.
Lichtfeld-Tiefenschätzung für die Vermessung teilspiegelnder Oberflächen
Authors: Uhlig David , Heizmann Michael 
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung
Die Deflektometrie analysiert Messproben durch indirekte Beobachtung einer bekannten Referenzszene als Reflexion in der Oberfläche. Sie benötigt jedoch Zusatzwissen, z.B. über mindestens einen Oberflächenpunkt, um sehr präzise Oberflächengradienten zu messen. Lichtfeldkameras als optische 3D-Messgeräte erlauben es bei teilspiegelnden Oberflächen, die Entfernung sowohl zur Oberfläche als auch zur Referenzszene zu messen. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Ansatz präsentiert, bei dem diese doppelte Tiefenschätzung effektiv mit der Deflektometrie kombiniert wird. Durch Formulieren der Oberflächenrekonstruktion als Variationsproblem wird die Tiefenschätzung mit den deflektometrischen Gradienten fusioniert. Experimente bestätigen die Methode und zeigen, dass hohe Rekonstruktionsgenauigkeiten erreicht werden.
Aero-thermal optimization of the rim seal cavity to enhance rotor platform thermal protection
Authors: Juangphanich Paht , Paniagua Guillermo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The flow field in the rotor-stator rim cavity is controlled by both the instantaneous distortion caused by rotor and stator airfoils. Naturally one would then assume that the design of optimal rim seal geometries would require full unsteady turbine stage simulations, that would then require an experimental assessment. This manuscript presents a reduced-order approach, neglecting the obvious unsteady interaction effects, to optimize the cavity geometry with a two-dimensional axisymmetric approach, making it possible to explore a wide range of geometries followed by an experimental assessment in a linear cascade. Two parameterization strategies are presented, coupled with a genetic optimizer to maximize thermal protection to the rotor rear platform while minimizing the cooling massflow required. This reduced-order optimization scheme was then assessed at different levels of sophistication to assess the effect of rotation, the vanes, and the rotor geometry with a series of increasing levels of fidelity to the real turbine conditions. Finally, this paper demonstrated the sensitivity of the optimal geometries to variations in the axial gap and purge coolant total pressure.
The complete series of sodium rare-earth metal(III) chloride oxotellurates(IV) Na2
RE
3Cl3[TeO3]4 (RE = Y, La–Nd, Sm–Lu)
Authors: Greiner Stefan , Zitzer Sabine , Strobel Sabine , Berdonosov Peter S. , Schleid Thomas 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The complete series of sodium rare-earth metal(III) chloride oxotellurates(IV) with the composition Na2
RE
3Cl3[TeO3]4 (RE = Y, La–Nd, Sm–Lu) has been synthesized via solid-state reactions. For these conversions mixtures of the respective rare-earth metal(III) oxides, tellurium dioxide and sodium chloride as flux and reactant were prepared, intimately ground and heated for 5 days at 1225 K. The almost colorless single crystals were characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. In the monoclinic crystal structure of these compounds two crystallographically different rare-earth metal(III), but only one sodium cation sites occur. [REO8]13− polyhedra around both RE
3+ positions as well as sodium-centered polyhedra [NaO4Cl4]8− form layers via different connectivity modes. These layers spread out parallel to the (001) plane and arrange alternatingly resulting in the three-dimensional network of the Na2
RE
3Cl3[TeO3]4 structure, where the Te4+ lone-pair cations at two different sites work as linkers by forming isolated ψ
1-tetrahedra [TeO3]2−. Some of these compounds were represented before in different settings of space group C2/c. Now the complete series of the Na2
RE
3Cl3[TeO3]4 representatives with RE = Y, La–Nd, Sm–Lu is described consistently for a better comparison and understanding. Additionally, a single crystal of Na2Pr3Cl3[TeO3]4 was measured via energy dispersive X-ray analysis to verify the included elements, powder samples of Na2Nd3Cl3[TeO3]4 were characterized by X-ray diffractometer data for a phase-purity check and a single-crystal Raman spectrum of Na2Yb3Cl3[TeO3]4 served for proving the signature of discrete [TeO3]2− anions.
First-principles study of structures, elastic and optical properties of single-layer metal iodides under strain
Authors: Ran Ran , Hu Cui-E , Cheng Yan , Chen Xiang-Rong , Ji Guang-Fu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The structure, elastic, electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) MI2 (M = Pb, Ge, Cd) under strain are systematically studied by the first-principles method. It is proved that the monolayer structure of 2D-MI2 is stable by phonon spectra. Moreover, the large ideal strain strength (40%), the large range of strain and the elastic constants of far smaller than other 2D materials indicate that the single-layer PbI2 and GeI2 possess excellent ductility and flexibility. By applying appropriate strain to the structure of 2D-MI2, the band gaps of single-layer MI2 can be effectively controlled (PbI2: 1.04 ∼ 3.03 eV, GeI2: 0.43 ∼ 2.99 eV and CdI2: 0.54 ∼ 3.36 eV). It is found that the wavelength range of light absorbed by these three metal iodides is 82–621 nm, so 2D-MI2 has great absorption intensity for ultraviolet light in a large wavelength range, and the strain of structure can effectively regulate the optical parameters.
Control of the half-cycle harmonic emission process for generating the intense and ultrashort single attosecond pulses (SAPs)
Authors: Feng Li-Qiang , Liu Li 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the half-cycle harmonic generation process has been controlled by using the asymmetric inhomogeneous chirped pulse combined with the ultraviolet (UV) pulse. It is found that by properly optimizing the chirps and chirp delays of the fundamental two-color pulse, the optimal negative and positive half-cycle laser profiles for the harmonic cutoff extension can be obtained. Further, with the introduction of the negative and positive inhomogeneous effect, respectively, the harmonic cutoff from the negative and positive half-cycle laser profiles can be further improved. Next, with the assistance of the UV pulse, the harmonic intensity can be enhanced due to the UV resonance ionization. Moreover, the single and double UV photon resonance ionizations are much better for generating the higher harmonic intensity. As a result, the stronger and broader harmonic plateaus with the larger harmonic cutoff can be obtained, which can support the generation of the high-intensity ultrashort attosecond pulses with the pulse durations of sub-45 as.
Anticancer effects of novel NSAIDs derivatives on cultured human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Özdemir Özlem , Marinelli Lisa , Cacciatore Ivana , Ciulla Michele , Emsen Bugrahan , Di Stefano Antonio , Mardinoglu Adil , Turkez Hasan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Several epidemiologic, clinical and experimental reports indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could have a potential as anticancer agents. The aim of this study was the evaluation of cytotoxic potential in human glioblastoma cells of novel synthesized NSAID derivatives, obtained by linking, through a spacer, α-lipoic acid (ALA) to anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen (AL-3, 11 and 17), flurbiprofen (AL-6, 13 and 19) and ibuprofen (AL-9, 15 and 21). The effects on the level of gene expression were also determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. According to our results, NSAID derivatives exhibited concentration dependent cytotoxic effects on U87-MG cell line when compared with the control group. Moreover, treatment of the most active compounds (AL-3, AL-6 and AL-9) caused upregulation of tumor suppressor gene PTEN and downregulation of some oncogenes such as AKT1, RAF1 and EGFR. In conclusion, our results revealed that AL-3, AL-6 and AL-9 could be suitable candidates for further investigation to develop new pharmacological strategies for the prevention of cancer.
Auf der Suche nach dem kirchenpolitischen System der Reichsverfassung
Authors: Wall Heinrich de 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

In search of the system of the state-church relation in the German Constitution – the academic discussion about state church law in the period of Weimar. The academic discussion during the period of Weimar about the state-church relation as it was adjusted by the German Constitution lasted only thirteen years. Among many other themes it focussed on the right of self-determination of religious communities and its limits, on the churches’ status as public corporations, and on the extent of state supervision over the churches. Summarizing these topics, the question how the “system of church politics of the constitution” could be defined was widely discussed. As the state-church regulation was the result of a compromise between fundamentally opposing positions, it was hardly possible to find a summarizing term for this concept. The formulations which were proposed clearly reflect this difficulty. Irrespective of this, the Weimar discussion developed principles of the state church law which are still valid.