bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of coconut shell powder on physico‐mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polyvinyl chloride recovered from waste rigid pipes
Authors: Sahoo Subhaprada , Sahoo Ayesha Baby , Priyadarshee Janmejay , Gohatre Omdeo Kishorrao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis research work focuses experimentally study on the utilization of coconut shell powder (CSP) as a strengthening filler in recycled polyvinyl chloride (r‐PVC) retrieve from waste PVC pipes to high mechanical strength composites. Herewith, to improve the interaction within the organic based natural filler and un‐plasticized r‐PVC, the epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was used as a processing aid. The melt mixing of r‐PVC using CSP as well as ESO was carried out by a two‐roll milling process and further sheets manufacturing process followed by compression molding. The effect of CSP filler content on the physico‐mechanical properties, thermal properties, and morphology of r‐PVC/CPS composites was investigated. The result shows that the incorporation of CSP filler within polymer indicated, the change in physical with enhancement in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact strength, and surface hardness properties. Meanwhile, the density and water absorption of composites has been increased as the filler content in the r‐PVC matrix increases. The morphology study of composites indicates poor interfacial interaction as an increase in CSP content in the composites. The marginal improvement in thermal stability of prepared composite also increased with 20 wt% of CSP content and analyzed by performing differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry analysis. This study, therefore, shows the potential of CSP filler in r‐PVC as an alternative particulate material for the development of a new polymer matrix composite.
A theoretical mechanistic study of [K ⊂ [2.2.2]]+ enantiomerization
Authors: Balović Jelena , Ćoćić Dušan , Đorđević Slađana , Radenković Slavko , van Eldik Rudi , Puchta Ralph 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDensity functional calculations at three different levels of theory (B3LYP/LANL2DZp, B3LYP‐GD3/LANL2DZp, and ωB97XD/def2tzvp) were applied to different conformers of the Lehn‐type macrobicyclic polyether cryptate complex [K ⊂ [2.2.2]]+ to construct the enantiomerization pathway and to compute the energy barrier for the change in symmetry. Changes in the conformation of the investigated complex are discussed in terms of energy and geometric criteria, where changes in the structures follow a trend of activation energies prohibiting the achiral pathways. The investigated D3‐symmetric cryptate [K ⊂ [2.2.2]]+ shows enantiomerization through an all chiral five step pathway with two local minima (C2 and C2′) and three C1 transition states ending in the D3′‐symmetric cryptate [K ⊂ [2.2.2]]+, the mirror image of the starting structure. The potential achiral transition states are higher order saddle points with a minimum twice as high in energy as an all‐chiral path. This study unambiguously accounts for Lehn's NMR data showing fluxionality of the studied complex. The obtained results were further rationalized by means of energy decomposition analysis (EDA) and natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations performed for the metal cation and the host in its different conformations.
A class of azocarbazole‐based carboxylates: High‐efficiency ionic unimolecular photobase generators for thiol‐epoxy click polymerization under blue light
Authors: Xu Can , Wu Xiang , Xiong Ying , Li Zhen , Tang Hongding 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTwo new unimolecular azocarbazole‐based visible photobase generators (Ac‐C‐Base) with different strong bases such as 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) and 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidine (TMG) as the potential active species were prepared. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HR‐MS. According to the photolysis and EPR results, Ac‐C‐Base could generate free radicals and strong bases simultaneously through the photodecarboxylation mechanism under 455 nm LED irradiation. Thus they can effectively catalyze the thiol‐epoxy polymerization without post exposure baking under light exposure. In addition, the Ac‐C‐TBD containing a stronger base shows a faster polymerization rate and higher epoxy conversion.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Authors: Schrijvers Erik , Prins Corien , Passchier Reijer 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOn 24 June 2019, an hour-long outage hit the Dutch emergency number 112 and 0900–8844, the national police telephone line. It was also impossible to contact hospitals, municipalities, and companies for some time. The primary system of KPN – the telecom provider – was out of action while three back-up systems failed. The incident, which according to KPN was probably due to software error, once again revealed the vulnerability of facilities in the physical world to digital failures. It also underlined the report’s central message: the need to be better prepared for incidents involving a digital dimension. These incidents are all the more critical when they are not limited to the digital domain, but have potentially disruptive consequences in the physical world and for confidence in the core institutions of society.
Universal relations for holographic interfaces
Authors: Karch Andreas , Luo Zhu-Xi , Sun Hao-Yu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We study the entanglement entropy in 1+1 dimensional conformal field theories in the presence of interfaces from a holographic perspective. Compared with the well-known case of boundary conformal field theories, interfaces allow for several interesting new observables. Depending on how the interface is located within the entangling region, the entanglement entropies differ and exhibit surprising new patterns and universal relations. While our analysis is performed within the framework of holography, we expect our results to hold more generally.
The Classical and Quantum Photon Field for Non-compact Manifolds with Boundary and in Possibly Inhomogeneous Media
Authors: Strohmaier Alexander 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this article I give a rigorous construction of the classical and quantum photon field on non-compact manifolds with boundary and in possibly inhomogeneous media. Such a construction is complicated by zero-modes that appear in the presence of non-trivial topology of the manifold or the boundary. An important special case is $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

with obstacles. In this case the zero modes have a direct interpretation in terms of the topology of the obstacle. I give a formula for the renormalised stress energy tensor in terms of an integral kernel of an operator defined by spectral calculus of the Laplace Beltrami operator on differential forms with relative boundary conditions.
Using adaptive psychophysics to identify the neural network reset time in subsecond interval timing
Authors: Sadibolova Renata , Sun Stella , Terhune Devin B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractState-dependent network models of sub-second interval timing propose that duration is encoded in states of neuronal populations that need to reset prior to a novel timing operation to maintain optimal timing performance. Previous research has shown that the approximate boundary of this reset interval can be inferred by varying the inter-stimulus interval between two to-be-timed intervals. However, the estimated boundary of this reset interval is broad (250–500 ms) and remains under-specified with implications for the characteristics of state-dependent network dynamics sub-serving interval timing. Here, we probed the interval specificity of this reset boundary by manipulating the inter-stimulus interval between standard and comparison intervals in two sub-second auditory duration discrimination tasks (100 and 200 ms) and a control (pitch) discrimination task using adaptive psychophysics. We found that discrimination thresholds improved with the introduction of a 333 ms inter-stimulus interval relative to a 250 ms inter-stimulus interval in both duration discrimination tasks, but not in the control task. This effect corroborates previous findings of a breakpoint in the discrimination performance for sub-second stimulus interval pairs as a function of an incremental inter-stimulus delay but more precisely localizes the minimal inter-stimulus delay range. These results suggest that state-dependent networks sub-serving sub-second timing require approximately 250–333 ms for the network to reset to maintain optimal interval timing.
Ecosystem Functioning Influences Species Fitness at Upper Trophic Levels
Authors: Regos Adrián , Tapia Luis , Arenas-Castro Salvador , Gil-Carrera Alberto , Domínguez Jesús 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGlobal change is severely affecting ecosystem functioning and biodiversity globally. Remotely sensed ecosystem functional attributes (EFAs) are integrative descriptors of the environmental change—being closely related to the processes directly affecting food chains via trophic cascades. Here we tested if EFAs can explain the species fitness at upper trophic levels. We took advantage of a long-term time series database of the reproductive success of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)—an apex predator at the upper trophic level—over a 17-year period across a bioclimatic gradient (NW Spain; c. 29,575 km2). We computed a comprehensive database of EFAs from three MODIS satellite-products related to the carbon cycle, heat dynamics and radiative balance. We also assessed possible time-lag in the response of the Golden Eagle to fire, a critical disruptor of the surface energy budget in our region. We explored the role of EFAs on the fitness of the Golden Eagle with logistic-exposure nest survival models. Our models showed that the reproductive performance of the Golden Eagle is influenced by spatiotemporal variations in land surface temperature, albedo and vegetation productivity (AUC values from 0.71 to 0.8; ΣWiEFAsfrom 0.66 to 1). Fire disturbance also affected ecological fitness of this apex predator—with a limited effect at 3 years after fire (a time-lagged response to surface energy budget disruptions; ΣWiFire = 0.62). Our study provides evidence for the influence of the matter and energy fluxes between land surface and atmosphere on the reproductive success of species at upper trophic levels.
Digital Leg Volume Quantification: Precision Assessment of a Novel Workflow Based on Single Capture Three-dimensional Whole-Body Surface Imaging
Authors: Etzel Lucas , Schenck Thilo L. , Giunta Riccardo E. , Li Zhouxiao , Xu Ya , Koban Konstantin C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWhole-body three-dimensional surface imaging (3DSI) offers the ability to monitor morphologic changes in multiple areas without the need to individually scan every anatomical region of interest. One area of application is the digital quantification of leg volume. Certain types of morphology do not permit complete circumferential scan of the leg surface. A workflow capable of precisely estimating the missing data is therefore required. We thus aimed to describe and apply a novel workflow to collect bilateral leg volume measurements from whole-body 3D surface scans regardless of leg morphology and to assess workflow precision. For each study participant, whole-body 3DSI was conducted twice successively in a single session with subject repositioning between scans. Paired samples of bilateral leg volume were calculated from the 3D surface data, with workflow variations for complete and limited leg surface visibility. Workflow precision was assessed by calculating the relative percent differences between repeated leg volumes. A total of 82 subjects were included in this study. The mean relative differences between paired left and right leg volumes were 0.73 ± 0.62% and 0.82 ± 0.65%. The workflow variations for completely and partially visible leg surfaces yielded similarly low values. The workflow examined in this study provides a precise method to digitally monitor leg volume regardless of leg morphology. It could aid in objectively comparing medical treatment options of the leg in a clinical setting. Whole-body scans acquired using the described 3DSI routine may allow simultaneous assessment of other changes in body morphology after further validation.
An Environmental Scan of Existing Canadian Childcare Resources Targeting Improvements in Health Behaviours
Authors: Carson Valerie , Predy Madison , Hunter Stephen , Storey Kate , Farmer Anna P. , McIsaac Jessie-Lee , Flynn Jenn 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe objective was to conduct an environmental scan of existing Canadian childcare resources targeting nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep. A comprehensive search plan was conducted that involved four search strategies: (1) grey literature databases, (2) customized Google search engines, (3) targeted websites, and (4) consultation with content experts. A resource (i.e., information, materials) must have been created by government or an organization/agency within Canada, available in English, intended for childcare educators or directors working with children ≤ 5 years of age, and focused on targeting improvements in nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep. The quality of each included resource was assessed using a modified version of the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance checklist. A total of 192 eligible resources were included. Most resources targeted only nutrition (n = 101) or physical activity (n = 60), and few resources targeted only sedentary behaviour (n = 2) or sleep (n = 1). The remaining 28 resources targeted more than one health behaviour. The 4 most common topics of resources were menu/meal planning (n = 55), healthy nutrition practices/environment (n = 37), physical activities/games (n = 33), and nutrition/food literacy (n = 20). Only 52 included resources cited evidence. One-third of the included resources (n = 64) were rated as high quality, including 55 that received a point for the significance criterion. Therefore, numerous high quality Canadian childcare resources exist for nutrition and physical activity. Future resource development is needed for sedentary behaviour and sleep. Findings can assist future intervention work and the database of resources can be utilized by relevant stakeholders to support other childcare initiatives.
The application of soft systems thinking in SDG interaction studies: a comparison between SDG interactions at national and subnational levels in Colombia
Authors: Hernández-Orozco Efraim , Lobos-Alva Ivonne , Cardenas-Vélez Mario , Purkey David , Nilsson Måns , Martin Piedad 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSince the approval of the Agenda 2030, researchers and policy makers have pointed out the need to understand interactions among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—suggesting that progress or the lack of progress toward one goal will affect other goals through systemic interactions, producing synergies and trade-offs. However, most of the methods used to account for these interactions rely on hard systems thinking approaches, which are limited by the absence of needed data below national levels. Moreover, a general lack of data also constrains the scope of analysis to the 17 Goals, ignoring their 169 underlying targets. Given these challenges, we report on an experiment using an example of a soft systems thinking methodology: the SDG Synergies approach, which is based not only on available information but also on the elicitation of stakeholder and expert opinions. Thus, the approach allows for analysis of target-to-target interactions at subnational scales. The study, the first of its kind, assessed interactions at two scales: the national level in Colombia and the subnational level in the department of Antioquia. The results reveal profound differences between the two scales, suggesting that national-scale analysis of SDG interlinkages is not certain to capture local-level realities. The findings raise important issues for understanding and managing cross-scale interactions. Our work suggests that soft systems thinking is more appropriate for assessing SDG interactions because such an approach lends itself to conducting target-level analysis at various scales in the face of limited data availability.
The Timing of Research Consent
Authors: Sachs Benjamin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis essay is about the timing of research consent, a process that involves (potential) participants being given information about, among other things, upcoming research interventions and then being invited to waive their claims against those interventions being undertaken. The standard practice, as regards timing, is as follows: (potential) participants are invited to waive all their claims at a single moment in time, and that point in time immediately follows the information-provision. I argue that there we’re not justified in keeping to this practice. What we ought to do is disaggregate the claim-waiving part of the process and move it later, such that the (potential) participant is invited to waive her claim against the undertaking of any given intervention only the immediate moment before that intervention is to be undertaken.
Pilot study to investigate the effect of long-term exposure to high pCO2 on adult cod (Gadus morhua) otolith morphology and calcium carbonate deposition
Authors: Coll-Lladó Clara , Mittermayer Felix , Webb Paul Brian , Allison Nicola , Clemmesen Catriona , Stiasny Martina , Bridges Christopher Robert , Göttler Gwendolin , Garcia de la serrana Daniel 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTo date the study of ocean acidification on fish otolith formation has been mainly focused on larval and juvenile stages. In the present pilot study, wild-captured adult Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were exposed to two different levels ofpCO2,422µatm (ambient, lowpCO2) or 1091µatm (highpCO2), for a period of 30 weeks (from mid-October to early April 2014–2015) in order to study the effects on otolith size, shape and CaCO3crystallization amongst other biological parameters. We found that otoliths from cod exposed to highpCO2were slightly smaller (− 3.4% in length; − 3.3% in perimeter), rounder (− 2.9% circularity and + 4% roundness) but heavier (+ 5%) than the lowpCO2group. Interestingly, there were different effects in males and females; for instance, male cods exposed to highpCO2exhibited significant changes in circularity (− 3%) and roundness (+ 4%) compared to the lowpCO2males, but without significant changes on otolith dimensions, while females exposed to highpCO2had smaller otoliths as shown for length (− 5.6%), width (− 2%), perimeter (− 3.5%) and area (− 4.8%). Furthermore, while the majority of the otoliths analysed showed normal aragonite deposition, 10% of fish exposed to 1091µatm ofpCO2had an abnormal accretion of calcite, suggesting a shift on calcium carbonate polymorph crystallization in some individuals under highpCO2conditions. Our preliminary results indicate that high levels ofpCO2in adult Atlantic cod might affect otolith growth in a gender-specific way. Our findings reveal that otoliths from adult cod are affected by ocean acidification, and we believe that the present study will prompt further research into this currently under-explored area.
Application of sonicated extracts of cyanobacteria and microalgae for the mitigation of bacterial canker in tomato seedlings
Authors: Toribio A. J. , Jurado M. M. , Suárez-Estrella F. , López-González J. A. , Martínez-Gallardo M. R. , López M. J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMicroalgae and cyanobacteria could play an important role in crop protection, since they produce bioactive substances that promote plant growth and/or trigger the plant resistance mechanisms. The present study focuses on the control of bacterial canker caused byClavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensison tomato plants by using sonicated extracts from cyanobacteria and microalgae of the generaLeptolyngbya,Nostoc,Chlorella, andScenedesmus. For the development of this study, 8 strains were firstly tested for their capacity to inhibit the growth ofC. michiganensissubsp.michiganensisin vitro, as well as to produce cytokinins and salicylic acid. In order to discard those more phytotoxic strains, the germination index was also estimated in watercress seeds.Scenedesmus-677 andLeptolyngbya-1267 strains were selected in this first phase based on their pesticide and phytostimulant capacity in vitro. Subsequent bioassays on tomato seedlings showed that root application ofScenedesmus-677 could be more aimed at controlling the disease caused byC. michiganensissubsp.michiganensis, while foliar and root application ofLeptolyngbya-1267 seems to be more related to the strengthening of the plant through the salicylic acid route. These preliminary results could serve as the basis for a deeper characterization of the biopesticidal and biostimulant effect of both strains, as well as to reveal the benefits derived from the combination of both capacities.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Coronary Artery Disease Patients: Potential Improvements in Mastery and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Lundgren Oskar , Garvin Peter , Nilsson Lennart , Tornerefelt Viktor , Andersson Gerhard , Kristenson Margareta , Jonasson Lena 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDepressive symptoms after coronary events are associated with a worse prognosis. When changing the focus from psychopathology towards a resilience framework, treatments such as mindfulness meditation could offer novel ways to address psychological distress among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We studied the feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for CAD patients with depressive symptoms. Seventy-nine CAD patients with elevated depressive symptoms were invited to an 8-week MBSR course. Twenty-four patients (30%) accepted and 16 (20%) completed MBSR. Depressive symptoms decreased immediately after the course (p = .006). After 12 months, this improvement remained, and Mastery scores increased (p = .005). A reference group of 108 CAD patients did not show any significant changes in depressive symptoms or Mastery between 1 and 12 months after a coronary event. MBSR thus appears to be a feasible alternative for CAD patients with elevated depressive symptoms. Future studies are warranted to study if MBSR can improve psychological functioning in CAD patients.Clinicaltrials.gov (Registration Number: NCT03340948).
An Agent-based Decision Support for a Vaccination Campaign
Authors: Sulis Emilio , Terna Pietro 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe explore the Covid-19 diffusion with an agent-based model of an Italian region with a population on a scale of 1:1000. We also simulate different vaccination strategies. From a decision support system perspective, we investigate the adoption of artificial intelligence techniques to provide suggestions about more effective policies. We adopt the widely used multi-agent programmable modeling environment NetLogo, adding genetic algorithms to evolve the best vaccination criteria. The results suggest a promising methodology for defining vaccine rates by population types over time. The results are encouraging towards a more extensive application of agent-oriented methods in public healthcare policies.