bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of amphiphilic chitosan in hybrid nanocellulose–reinforced polylactic acid biocomposite
Authors: Nasution H. , Olaiya Niyi G. , Haafiz M. K. Mohamad , Abdullah C. K. , Bakar Suriani Abu , Olaiya Funmilayo G. , Mohamed Azmi , H. P. S. Abdul Khalil 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe blending of hydrophilic materials with hydrophobic polymers has been reported with agglomeration due to their functional group immiscibility properties. In this study, the properties of PLA/CNF biocomposite were enhanced with amphiphilic chitosan produced by a substitution reaction. The substitution reaction was studied with FT‐IR analysis. The amphiphilic chitosan was used as part of the matrix PLA/chitosan and reinforced with CNF to obtain PLA/chitosan/CNF biocomposite using combined melt extrusion and compression molding technique. The morphology and structural bonding of amphiphilic chitosan added in the biocomposite were studied with SEM, XRD, and FT‐IR. Furthermore, the mechanical, thermal, and wettability properties of PLA/chitosan/CNF composite were studied with tensile analysis, thermogravimetry analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, water absorption, thickness swelling, and contact angle test. The preparation of the amphiphilic chitosan was successful, as observed from the FT‐IR functional group analysis. The PLA/chitosan/CNF biocomposite properties showed a significant enhancement in the miscibility, mechanical, and thermal properties with no agglomeration. The wettability test also showed that the composite has a reduced hydrophobic nature compared with the neat PLA. The PLA/chitosan/CNF properties showed potential use for packaging application.
Low velocity and compression after impact behaviors of fiber‐reinforced MA‐g‐PP and MA‐g‐ABS matrix composites
Authors: Ayten Ali İmran 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study mainly focused on how one layer of fiber fabric can increase the energy absorption and post‐damage behaviors of composite structures. For this purpose, the low velocity and compression after impact behaviors of thermoplastic matrix composite materials were experimentally investigated. A total of 0.1%–0.3% maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene and 0.3%–0.5% maleic anhydride grafted acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymers were used as the matrix materials, whereas only single‐layer plain weave aramid fiber, carbon fiber, and glass fiber fabric were used as the reinforcement materials. The impact tests were conducted at the energy values of 20, 50, and 80 J. The results showed that the aramid fiber increased energy absorption on every level of impact energy for both matrix materials, while the carbon and glass fiber fabrics only increased the energy absorption of the MA‐g‐ABS matrix. They negatively affected the energy absorption of the MA‐g‐PP polymer. No reinforcement materials had any contribution to the maximum CAI strength value of the two matrix materials, especially in the MA‐g‐ABS composites, while all reinforcement materials increased the maximum strain values of MA‐g‐ABS up to 75%. They did not increase the CAI strain values of MA‐g‐PP due to the flexible structure of polypropylene.
Rodent management and cereal production in Asia: Balancing food security and conservation
Authors: Singleton Grant R , Lorica Renee P , Htwe Nyo Me , Stuart Alexander M 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRodents present a major problem for food security in Asia where smallholder farming families are particularly vulnerable. We review here recent developments in the biology and management of rodent pests in cereal cropping systems in Asia. The past decade has seen a strong focus on ecologically‐based rodent management (EBRM), its adoption in field studies significantly increased rice yields (6–15%) and income (>15%) in seven Asian countries. EBRM principles have also been successfully applied to maize in China. We provide case studies on EBRM in Cambodia, on interactions between rodent pests and weeds, and on the importance of modified wetlands for biodiversity and rodent pest management. Knowledge on post‐harvest impacts of rodents is increasing. One research gap is the assessment of human health impacts from a reduction of rodent densities in and around houses. We identify 10 challenges for the next decade. For example, the need for population modelling, a valuable tool missing from our toolbox to manage rodent pests in cereal systems. We also need to understand better the interactive effects of cropping intensification, conservation agriculture and climate change. Finally, new management approaches such as fertility control are on the horizon and need to be considered in the context of smallholder cereal farming systems and mitigating health risks from zoonotic diseases associated with rodents. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Understanding effect site pharmacology of uprifosbuvir, a hepatitis C virus nucleoside inhibitor: Case study of a multidisciplinary modeling approach in drug development
Authors: van den Berg Paul , Gao Wei , Ahsman Maurice J. , Arrington Leticia , Kesisoglou Filippos , Miller Randy , Post Teun M. , Rizk Matthew L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUprifosbuvir is a uridine nucleoside monophosphate prodrug inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus NS5B RNA polymerase. To quantitatively elucidate key metabolic pathways, assess the link between unmeasurable effect site concentrations and viral load reduction, and evaluate the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, a model‐informed drug development (MIDD) framework was initiated at an early stage. Originally scoped as a modeling effort focused on minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic and covariate analyses, this project turned into a collaborative effort focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the data from drug metabolism, biopharmaceutics, pharmacometrics, and clinical pharmacology perspectives. This article presents an example of the practical execution of a MIDD‐based, cooperative multidisciplinary modeling approach, creating a model that grows along with the team's integrated knowledge. Insights gained from this process could be used in forming optimal collaborations between disciplines in drug development for other investigative compounds.
Nonlinear parameter‐varying state‐feedback design for a gyroscope using virtual control contraction metrics
Authors: Wang Ruigang , Koelewijn Patrick J. W. , Manchester Ian R. , Tóth Roland 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this article, we present a virtual control contraction metric (VCCM) based nonlinear parameter‐varying approach to design a state‐feedback controller for a control moment gyroscope (CMG) to track a user‐defined trajectory set. This VCCM based nonlinear (NL) stabilization and performance synthesis approach, which is similar to linear parameter‐varying (LPV) control approaches, allows to achieve exact guarantees of exponential stability and‐gain performance on NL systems with respect to all trajectories from the predetermined set, which is not the case with the conventional LPV methods. Simulation and experimental studies conducted in both fully‐ and under‐actuated operating modes of the CMG show effectiveness of this approach compared with standard LPV control methods.
Major risks to aquatic biotic condition in a Neotropical Savanna River basin
Authors: Martins Isabela , Macedo Diego Rodrigues , Hughes Robert Mason , Callisto Marcos 
Published: May 2021

AbstractConditions in freshwater ecosystems are responsible for maintaining biodiversity and other ecosystem services. Identifying and understanding how anthropogenic disturbances affect biotic conditions are important steps in rehabilitating and protecting environmental quality. The relative risk, relative extent, and attributable risk approaches are used to determine ecosystem conditions in ecological monitoring programs conducted across large spatial extents. Our study was conducted in the Pandeiros River basin, which is a protected area in Minas Gerais, Brazil, that contains 233 km of mapped streams that were perennial and accessible. Field sampling was conducted in the dry period (April and June 2016) at 40 randomly selected sites. Ten multimetric indices (MMIs), previously determined to be sensitive in this river basin, were calculated. All the physical habitat disturbance metrics were significantly correlated with the MMIs. The risk of finding poor MMI scores was 1.6–1.7 times higher at sites with a high integrated disturbance index (IDI) or local disturbance index (LDI) score. Pasture was the most extensive disturbance, affecting 40.8% of the stream length, followed by 40.1% for low bed stability, 29% for fine substrates (<16 mm), 24.4% for high IDI scores, and 21.7% for high LDI scores. This is useful to know for five reasons: (1) standardized MMIs can assess environmental quality. (2) MMIs clarify that both catchment and local disturbances may represent serious risks to aquatic assemblages. (3) MMIs indicate which disturbances represent the most risk by comparing MMI scores against disturbance scores. (4) MMI risk assessments facilitate choosing the most appropriate mitigation actions. (5) Our results suggest environmental conservation actions for similar river basins.
Bracing for the Typhoon: Climate change and sovereign risk in Southeast Asia
Authors: Beirne John , Renzhi Nuobu , Volz Ulrich 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article investigates and empirically tests the link between climate change and sovereign risk in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian countries are among those most heavily affected by climate change. The number and intensity of extreme weather events in the region have been increasing markedly, causing severe social and economic damage. Southeast Asian economies are also exposed to gradual effects of global warming as well as transition risks stemming from policies aimed at mitigating climate change. To empirically examine the effect of climate change on the sovereign risk of Southeast Asian countries, we employ indices for vulnerability and resilience to climate change and estimate country‐specific OLS models for six countries and a fixed effects panel using monthly data for the period 2002–2018. Both the country‐specific and the panel results show that greater climate vulnerability appears to have a sizable positive effect on sovereign bond yields, while greater resilience to climate change has an offsetting effect, albeit to a lesser extent. A higher cost of debt holds back much‐needed investment in public infrastructure and climate adaptation, increases the risk of debt sustainability problems, and diminishes the development prospects of Southeast Asian countries.
Computational Studies on Reactions of Some Organic Azides with C−H Bonds
Authors: Devi Shougaijam Premila , Mittal Ankit , Kakkar Rita 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe computational methods, B3LYP and MP2 with the basis set 6‐311++G(d,p) have been used to decipher the energetics and mechanisms of different nitrene reactions, namely organic azide decomposition, singlet and triplet nitrene addition to different kinds of C−H bonds, azide insertion into C−H bonds and substitution reaction of azides to alkanes. The addition of singlet nitrene to the C−H bond is exothermic, with one‐step addition accompanied by a considerable barrier, where the sequence of facility H>Ac>Me indicates the electrophilic nature of the nitrene reactant. In the case of triplet nitrene, the initial step involves smaller barriers and is endothermic due to the formation of radicals as intermediate products, and the final step involves the coupling of radicals and is hence exothermic. The direct azide addition has higher barrier then the stepwise addition reaction. The Hammond postulate can be used to differentiate the transition state geometries for different reaction steps as “early” or “late”.
Towards a sustainability‐oriented religious tourism
Authors: Romanelli Mauro , Gazzola Patrizia , Grechi Daniele , Pollice Francesca 
Published: May 2021

AbstractReligious tourism and pilgrimages increasingly contribute to developing the social and economic growth of local economies and communities over time. The aim of the present study is to analyse the role of religious touristic routes as sites of pilgrimages and an opportunity to drive a pathway for sustainable tourism development. The study relies on analysing qualitative and quantitative data, through a questionnaire distributed in late 2018; the questionnaire relates to pilgrimages concerning the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and Via Francigena as religious touristic destinations that contribute to the social and economic sustainability of local economies. Indeed, these pilgrimages strengthen the importance of building collaborative processes by enabling religious touristic destinations to open up to better managing and by driving sustainability‐oriented policies, thus enhancing social and economic growth within local communities.
A comparative evaluation of strain measurement techniques in reinforced concrete structures–A discussion of assembly, application, and accuracy
Authors: Clauß Felix , Ahrens Mark Alexander , Mark Peter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe measurement of strain in structural elements is a necessary means of investigating the condition of a structure, both in research and in practice. The measurement methods for recording strain considered in this work represent both well‐established techniques (strain gauges), as well as techniques that are part of rather current research streams (fiber optic sensors, digital image correlation). This work's contribution lies in providing an overarching comparison of these approaches, thereby informing practitioners and researchers as to parameters concerning their assembly, application, and their accuracy. To such ends, two test series were carried out, one on RC tension rods and another on a RC beam in a four‐point bending test. From the latter scenario, for example, certain generalizations were to be deduced for varying load levels: low strains are measured well using the fiber optic technique. Conversely, digital image correlation was discovered to be an adequate choice when assessing higher strain levels and concomitant concrete cracking, as this non‐contact technique avoids imprecisions caused by adhesives. Findings are to assist the future user by contrasting the three techniques in terms of assembly, handling, application and resilience of sensors, external influences as well as measurement resolution and accuracy. Such practice‐oriented remarks should simplify a selection of the suitable measurement techniques catering to the respective, context‐dependent testing scenario.
A comprehensive review on recent advances of polyanionic cathode materials in Na‐ion batteries for cost effective energy storage applications
Authors: Sapra Simranjot K. , Pati Jayashree , Dwivedi Pravin K. , Basu Suddhasatwa , Chang Jeng‐Kuei , Dhaka Rajendra S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSustainable and efficient energy storage devices are crucial to meet the soaring global energy demand. In this context, Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) have emerged as one of the excellent alternatives to the Li‐ion batteries, due to the uniform geographical distribution, abundance, cost‐effectiveness, comparable operating voltage as well as similar intercalation chemistry. However, due to larger size of Na and other related issues, a subtle strategy of research is required for the development of electrode materials for NIBs to enhance overall electrochemical performance. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on recent advances of polyanionic cathode materials for NIBs for cost effective and large scale energy storage applications. Owing to their great thermal and chemical stability, high redox potential (inductive effect), and rich structural diversity, polyanionic cathodes have been considered potential candidates in recent years. We cover a large number of polyanionic materials and conclude with the strategies to improve the energy and power density of NIB.This article is categorized under:
Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
Energy and Development > Science and Materials
Energy and Transport > Science and Materials
Assessment of health‐sector response to gender‐based violence at different levels of health facilities in Bhutan (2015–2016)
Authors: Norbu Norbu , Zam Kinley 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecognizing gender‐based violence (GBV) as a serious public health problem, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act of Bhutan was enacted in 2013 that mandates the Ministry of Health to establish appropriate facilities with trained health professionals to provide care for the survivors of domestic violence. Although health facilities in the country provide services to the survivors of GBV, there is limited information on the quality of care and burden of survivors availing services at health‐care facilities in Bhutan. The assessment was conducted in 70 health facilities in 20 districts. A self‐administered questionnaire and facility assessment checklist were used to collect the quantitative data. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Key informants' interviews were conducted with relevant officials and findings were analyzed qualitatively using the content analysis method. A total of 1557 GBV cases were reported in health facilities in a year and 80% were reported to regional and district hospitals (n = 1257). Of those who received medical care, 68% of GBV survivors were women. Eighty‐six percent of health‐care professionals who provided care did not receive any training on GBV management. We conclude that there is an urgent need to develop national guidelines and train health workers regarding health system and health‐care responses to GBV, including streamlining the data collection and storage at health facilities.
Uncoordinated‐substituents‐induced zinc(II) coordination polymers exhibiting multifunctional fluorescent sensing activity for cations, anions and organochlorine pesticides
Authors: Chi Jie , Zhong Baoqi , Li Yan , Shao Pengpeng , Liu Guocheng , Gao Qiang , Chen Baokuan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn order to explore the influence of carboxylic acid substituents on the structures and properties of coordination polymers, three new coordination polymers (CPs) of [Zn2(L)2(IP)2] (1), [Zn(L)(HIP)] ⋅ 3H2O (2) and [Zn(L)(NIP)] ⋅ H2O (3) [H2IP=isophthalic acid, H2HIP=5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid, H2NIP=5‐nitroisophthalic acid] were designed and synthesized under hydrothermal conditions with a multi‐torsion‐centered N‐donor ligand of N,N′‐bis(4‐methylenepyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,4‐naphthalene dicarboxamide (L). All three CPs have similar 4,4‐connected two‐dimensional structures exhibiting different structural details, which is induced by uncoordinated‐substituents and discussed systematically. The title CPs 1 and 2 show multi‐functional fluorescent responses towards metal ion (Fe3+), anions (MnO4−, CrO42− and Cr2O72−) and pesticide (2,6‐dichloro‐4‐nitroaniline). The corresponding detection limits are 6.1×10−5 M−1, 3.7×10−4 M−1, 5.5×10−4 M−1, 3.0×10−4 M−1 and 6.7×10−5 M−1 for CP 1, 2.8×10−5 M−1, 4.1×10−4 M−1, 3.0×10−4 M−1, 4.1×10−4 and 2.8×10−5 M−1 for CP 2.
2nSILAC for Quantitative Proteomics of Prototrophic Baker’s Yeast
Authors: Dannenmaier Stefan , Oeljeklaus Silke , Warscheid Bettina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry is a quantitative strategy for the comparative analysis of (sub)proteomes. It is based on the metabolicincorporation of stable isotope-coded amino acids during growth of cells or organisms. Here, complete labeling of proteins with the amino acid(s) selected for incorporation needs to be guaranteed to enable accurate quantification on a proteomic scale. Wild-type strains of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which is a widely accepted and well-studied eukaryotic model organism, are generally able to synthesize all amino acids on their own (i.e., prototrophic). To render them amenable to SILAC, auxotrophies are introduced by genetic manipulations. We addressed this limitation by developing a generic strategy for complete “native” labeling of prototrophic S. cerevisiae with isotope-coded arginine and lysine, referred to as “2nSILAC”. It allows for directly using and screening several genome-wide yeast mutant collections that are easily accessible to the scientific community for functional proteomic studies but are based on prototrophic variants of S. cerevisiae.
Slippery FACTs: The Rise of a “mandated” Animal Welfare Science
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis chapter assesses the growing importance and institutionalisation of animal welfare science after 1965. It also analyses the science’s status as a “mandated discipline” tasked with establishing welfare definitions and evaluating production systems. The institutionalisation of welfare science benefited from new official funding streams and sponsorship from non-governmental bodies like the RSPCA and Ruth Harrison’s FACT. Although early hopes for universal welfare indicators were disappointed, three distinct welfare approaches emerged: (1) a first approach evaluated classic physiological indicators of animals’ basic health and biological functioning, (2) a second approach employed a mix of physiological and behavioural methods to study how animals cope with farm environments, and (3) a third approach focused on the “naturalness” of different production systems. Disagreements over how to weight welfare factors coincided with challenges to scientists’ authority by animal rights campaigners. Scientists also faced the challenge of meeting funder expectations without compromising research integrity.
From Protest to ‘Holy Writ’: The Mainstreaming of Welfare Politics
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis chapter examines the evolution of British farm animal welfare politics during the last two decades of Harrison’s campaigning. In 1979, the RSPCA boycotted the Thatcher government’s new Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC). The short-lived protest triggered a membership revolt and moderation of RSPCA policies. It also coincided with a weakening of agricultural corporatism in Westminster. FAWC was granted relative independence from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food and explicitly acknowledged an updated version of the five freedoms. Ensuing British welfare reforms were also driven by the increasing involvement of European bodies in animal welfare. Now in her 60s, Ruth Harrison joined FAWC as a welfare member. Her increasing public recognition as a senior welfare campaigner enabled her to proactively push for reforms, expand her fundraising activities, and sponsor additional welfare research. By the late 1990s, most of her welfare positions had become part of mainstream politics.
Conclusion
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe conclusion reflects on Harrison’s achievements as a campaigner and analyses the wider changes of animal welfare politics, science, and activism that occurred during her life. Between 1920 and 2000, synthesist Edwardian campaigning gave rise to professionalised activism and new concepts of animal cognition, affective states, and welfare. The “backstage” of British corporatist welfare politics was similarly transformed by polarising “frontstage” public protest and animal rights thinking. Aided by the rise of a new “mandated” animal welfare science and European integration, the turbulent 1970s eventually resulted in a new world of British welfare politics characterised by transnational decision-making and market-driven assurance schemes, which relied on consumer citizens rather than citizen campaigners to drive change. Determined to bear witness to animal welfare, Harrison shaped and witnessed most of these changes even though the economic drivers of welfare were becoming divorced from the universalist moral framework she believed in.