bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted catalytic degradation of organophosphates: pursuing sensors
Authors: Hostert Leandro , Campos Renan B. , Fonsaca Jéssica E. S. , Silva Valmir B. , Blaskievicz Sirlon F. , Ferreira José G. L. , Takarada Willian , Naidek Naiane , Santos Yane H. , Nascimento Leonardo L. Q. , Zarbin Aldo J. G. , Orth Elisa S. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Chemical security has been a hot topic over several years, especially involving organophosphates (OP), which are related to organophosphorus chemical warfare and pesticides. The main challenges are to develop efficient ways to destroy stockpiles of these materials and also to monitor their presence in the field or food. A promising approach in this sense is the targeted design of catalysts that can react with OP and degrade them. Herein, we present a summary of some recent advances towards OP detoxification and monitoring that involves four different approaches: (i) How? Understanding the mechanism: thorough mechanistic elucidation and design of an ideal catalytic scaffold; (ii) Nanocatalysts and sensors: rational functionalization of carbon nanomaterials leading to nanocatalysts as powder and thin films. A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor for OP was also obtained combining the functionalized material with silver nanoparticles; (iii) Catalysts from waste: reuse of rice husk waste as well as waste derived from the cheap gum arabic for developing biocatalysts that have high added-value and are environmentally friendly; (iv) A simple sensor: a simple, cheap and compact homemade colorimeter that can be used as a colorimetric sensor for detecting quantitatively various compounds, including pesticides.
Covalent functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with super-hydrophobic property
Authors: Li Minghua , Xu Zhiyuan , Chen Jinyang , Zhu San-E 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Surface covalent functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is carried out by coupling of isocyanate-decorated MWCNTs with hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HTPS), resulting in the formation of functionalized MWCNTs. Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) of functionalized MWCNTs-1,2,3 exhibits the similar peaks in the temperature range of 200–500°C, which all correspond to the degradation of chemically grafted polyurethane on the nanotube surface. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) reveals that as the polyurethane grafted onto the surface of MWCNTs loading ratio increased, the surface roughness of the MWCNTs is reduced. The chemical interaction of HTPS with isocyanate-decorated nanotube surface using the grafting-to strategy in a one-step process is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The surface contact angle of MWCNTs-3 with the largest content of polyurethane reached 171°, indicating that the surface covered with low surface energy polyurethane shows a super-hydrophobic property. The good dispersion of polyurethane-functionalized MWCNT-3, particularly at high content in the NR nanocomposites, is evidenced from transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Contiguity in prosodic words: Evidence from Spanish
Authors: Broś Karolina 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSpanish dialects show substantial variation in codasweakening. Yet, to provide a comprehensive treatment of this phenomenon, a bigger prosodic constituent than just the coda position should be analysed. Crucially, two aspirating varieties of Spanish are considered. The Granada dialect weakenssto [h] inside words, at word edges and at prefix edges. The process may be either transparent (esto[éh.to] ‘this’,des-calzar[deh.kal.sáɾ] ‘to unshoe’,las cosas[lah.kó.sah] ‘the things’) or opaque (des-hecho[de.hé.tʃo] ‘undone’,las aguas[la.há.ɣwah] ‘the waters’). Chilean Spanish, on the other hand, presents transparent (esto[éh.to] ‘this’,des-calzar[deh.kal.sáɾ] ‘to unshoe’) and opaque (las aguas[la.há.ɣwa] ‘the waters’) aspiration, as well as deletion (las cosas[la.kó.sa] ‘the things’), and no aspiration across a prefix boundary (des-hecho[de.sé.tʃo] ‘undone’). The reported variable behaviour calls for an integrated approach to segmental weakening across all prosodic constituents, and for a revision of the present understanding of contiguity. The boundary between the prefix and the stem is protected by the grammar despite the weak coda position of the prefix-finals, therefore the domain of application of the CONTIGUITYconstraint should be extended to the supramorphemic level.
A phase-based account of NPI-licensing in Turkish
Authors: Kayabaşi Demet , Özgen Murat 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThere is a consensus in the literature that a negative polarity item is an expression that requires a licenser varying from overt negation to questions or conditionals (see Benmamoun 1997; Kelepir 2001; Kumar 2006; Kural 1997; Laka 2013; Mahajan 1990; Vasishth 1999). However, the licensing conditions of NPIs might have different accounts, which has not been fully discussed within the literature. This study aims to discuss whether phasemateness (in the sense of Chomsky 2001 and further) might have a direct influence on NPI-licensing. Based on preliminary observations, the fact that the derivation will crash if a domain containing negative polarity items is spelled out before being licensed by a negative verb suggests that licensing of negative polarity items may have to do with their positions in the derivation in coordination with the accessibility of the spell-out domains as well as with asymmetrical c-command relationships. The analysis has also an extension and an implication as to such theoretical problem as phasehood of DPs.
An attack called defence: the communication strategy of ‘gender opponents’ in Italy
Authors: Ottaviano Cristiana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
‘Gender Ideology’ (‘GI’), as an expression, appeared at the beginning of this century within documents of the Catholic Church with the aim of delegitimising what had been produced in the field of Gender Studies. That intent was strongly clarified, being coincident with the discussion in France about the law on equal marriage, during the protests of Manif pour Tous. Likewise, in Italy, oppositions to draft laws about homophobia and civil unions generated movements unified by the denouncing of ‘GI’. This essay presents research conducted between 2014 and 2017 about online materials of some Italian associations that are positioned as ‘GI opponents’. The content analysis underlines the use of a violent communication style that aims to create alarm and panic regarding presumed ‘gender drifts’ within social and educational contexts. This operation reveals the attempt to reaffirm an anthropological vision of sexuality based on the hierarchical–complementary relationship between male and female. The analysis highlights the risk of a sort of ‘Silence Spiral’, where – in the face of a noisy and violent minority – numerous and various voices disappear. These voices differentiate and invoke the urgency of a deeper debate about the concept of gender and its implications within educational, social and ecclesiastical contexts.
Movement of new direction from conjugated polymer to semiconductor composite polymer nanofiber
Authors: Upadhyay Anjali , Karpagam Subramanian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the past few years, there was a tremendous growth in conjugated polymer nanofibers via design of novel conjugated polymers with inorganic materials. Synthetic routes to these conjugated polymers involve new, mild polymerization techniques, which enable the formation of well-defined polymer architectures. This review provides interest in the development of novel (semi) conducting polymers, which combine both organic and inorganic blocks in one framework. Due to their ability to act as chemosensors or to detect various chemical species in environmental and biological systems, fluorescent conjugated polymers have gained great interest. Nanofibers of metal oxides and sulfides are particularly interesting in both their way of applications and fundamental research. These conjugated nanofibers operated for many applications in organic electronics, optoelectronics, and sensors. Synthesis of electrospun fibers by electrospinning technique discussed in this review is a simple method that forms conjugated polymer nanofibers. This review provides the basics of the technique and its recent advances in the formation of highly conducting and high-mobility polymer fibers towards their adoption in electronic application.
The Effects of Research and Development (R&D) Investments on Sustainable Economic Growth: Evidence from OECD Countries (1996-2015)
Authors: Yazgan Şekip , Yalçinkaya Ömer 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study is devoted to the empirical analysis by second generation panel data analysis of the effects of the R&D investment variables in different qualifications in OECD countries grouped as OECD-20 and OECD-9 based on the income levels of the economic growth for the period of 1996-2015. Within this context, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether or not the economic growth performances of OECD-20 and OECD-9 countries have a sustainable structure that endogenizes the technological advancements and occurs by the increments in average factor productivity. At the end of the paper it is determined that all the R&D variables in different qualifications of the OECD-20 group have a higher income level in sample period and have positive and statistically significant effects on the economic growth. On the other hand, only the private sector, universities and the total R&D investments have positive and statistically significant effects on the economic growth of the OECD-9 group which has comparatively lower income level. However, it is specified that the size of the positive and statistically significant effects of the R&D investment variables in different qualifications is more than two times bigger in the OECD-20 group as opposed to the OECD-9 group. These results reveal that the economic performances of OECD-20 countries in the investigated period have a more substantial relation with the qualified and sustainable structure that endogenizes the technologic advancements and occurs by the increments in average factor productivity. All of this shows that the R&D investments also are substantially sufficient to change the long-term economic growth performances and income levels of the countries in OECD-20 and OECD-9 groups.
Structure-property-processing investigation of electrically conductive polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Dweiri Radwan , Suherman Hendra , Sulong Abu Bakar , Al-Sharab Jafar F. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This paper investigates the structure-property-processing correlations of electrically conductive polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites. The process parameters and fabrication techniques of PP-based composite materials were studied. Various structures of carbon allotrope-based materials, including synthetic graphite (SG), exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon black (CB), were used to fabricate the PP-based nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were prepared by either direct melt mixing using an internal mixer or by ball milling of components before the melt mixing process. The electrical and flexural properties were measured. In order to understand the conductivity behavior, both in-plane and through-plane electrical conductivities were measured. The results showed that the incorporation of the xGnP into PP/60 wt.% SG composites resulted in a slight increase of the in-plane conductivities and had a minimal effect on the through-plane conductivities. The addition of MWCNTs and CB to the PP/SG/xGnP composites had a significant effect on the electrical properties and was more pronounced in the case of MWCNTs. The flexural properties of all samples were much lower than those of pure PP. The interface between the filler and the PP matrix and the morphology of the composite materials were observed from the fracture surfaces of the composites using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, SEM was employed to observe adhesion, microstructural homogeneity, orientation of the xGnP platelets and agglomeration in the composites.
A Peircean epistemology of metaphor
Authors: Jiang Yicun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper aims to elaborate an epistemology of metaphor in the Peircean semiotic tradition. As a logician, Peirce sees metaphor as a result of logical processes that create new meaning. His exposition on iconicity and iconic reasoning has laid a solid foundation upon which may be erected a fresh epistemology of metaphor fit for the contemporary study of language and mind. Broadly speaking, metaphor in Peirce can be examined from two perspectives: macroscopically it is an icon as opposed to index and symbol, whereas microscopically it is a subdivided hypoicon on the third level as opposed to image and diagram. Semioticians after Peirce have further developed his theory of metaphor. Through his concept of “arbitrary iconicity,” Ersu Ding stresses the subjective nature of metaphorization and tries to draw our attention to the specific cultural contexts in which metaphors occur. He also emphasizes the diversity and multivalency of metaphorical vehicles. Umberto Eco sees the interpretation of signs as an open-ended process that involves knowledge of all kinds. Encyclopedic knowledge thus serves as an unlimited source for metaphorical association. For Eco, the meaning of a metaphor should be interpreted in the cultural framework based on a specific cultural community. These ideas are in line with Peirce’s theoretical framework where the meaning of a metaphor depends on an interpreter in a particular socio-historical context. Based on the above theories, the present article proposes a cultural space where innumerable semantic features of objects or life situations are rhizomaticly linked on the basis of encyclopedic knowledge shared by members of a particular culture.
The dichotomy of society and urban space configuration in producing the semiotic structure of the modernism urban fabric
Authors: Aziz Amen Mustafa , Nia Hourakhsh Ahmad 
Published: April 2018

AbstractUrban space organization associates with specific characteristics in the transformation of society’s behavior and views; it is composed of principles of dichotomy that work as a system of signs to transfer meaning with conventional interpretation. The urban fabric as a context is full of signifiers that tend to convey a meaning implicitly carved in its space organization system. Therefore, it is not just a simple physical configuration. Instead, it is a translation of human experiences with the different synchronic architectural characteristics that needs a critical examination to segregate discrete layers of structural elements. The association is so prevailing that each portion has a significant role in creating a combination of mental prototypes of interpretation between the different factors that give the urban space its final form. The study aims to find the internal signs system within urban space organization that is a combination of signs that represents the aesthetic values of space. The study aimed to explore implicit space organization to make out what is internally powerful to work as aesthetic signs of urban space organization. We conclude that there is a difference as a result of intervening new concepts in the urban space organization without taking in account the existing sign system. This difference could be a source of misunderstanding and confusion in the space organization system and needs understanding and restructuring through the development of procedures.
Narcoculture? Narco-trafficking as a semiosphere of anticulture
Authors: Haidar Julieta , Chávez Herrera Eduardo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this paper we approach a current issue related to the so-called concept of narcoculture. Several works in Latin America and the United States have addressed this matter and not only accept the term narcoculture, but also stress both the symbolic and aesthetic perspectives. In order to rethink the concept of narcoculture from different angles, we appeal to Juri Lotman and Boris Uspensky’s proposals regarding the concepts of culture, non-culture and anticulture. Rather than accept and reproduce the concept of narcoculture, by means of linking Lotman and Uspensky’s approach with the standpoint of complexity thinking and transdisciplinarity, we propose the treatment of drug trafficking as a semiosphere of anticulture. We emphasize the contradictions inherent in the actors dwelling in this semiosphere, incorporating reflections from chaotic and barbaric processes designed to wreak havoc in Mexican society. The common acceptance of the concept of narcoculture does not acknowledge the current devastation and bloodshed produced by narco-traffickers and others in cahoots with the Mexican government and its militarized drug war strategy. During the last few decades, drug trafficking has inspired organized crime and their actors, spurring the representation of everyday societal features such as music, fashion, architecture, or traffickers’ social status.
Sensory representation in literature
Authors: Nuessel Frank 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe five senses (vision, audition, touch, olfaction, gustation) constitute the essence of our ability to interact with the external world and make sense of it. This contact is transmitted through various sensory organs and the information for each sense is transmitted to and translated in various parts of the brain. The anatomical and physiological aspects of this external-internal interface are complex. Likewise, the philosophical approaches to this world-body communication and comprehension involves at least two perspectives, namely, the rationalist viewpoint (perception is brain-determined) and empirical (perception is externally acquired). This essay discusses how creative writers re-create sensory experience in their texts. It will examine each of the five senses and the strategies employed by authors to stimulate and arouse memories of previous reader experience both synchronically and diachronically. Writer and reader co-create and co-participate in this process.
Postural control in subclinical neck pain: a comparative study on the effect of pain and measurement procedures
Authors: Amaral Gabriela , Martins Helena , Silva Anabela G. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background and aims:
This study investigated whether young university students with neck pain (NP) have postural control deficits when compared to sex and age-matched asymptomatic subjects.

Methods:
Centre of pressure (COP) sway area, velocity, anterior-posterior and mediolateral distances were measured in participants with (n=27) and without (n=27) neck pain for different combinations of static standing (narrow stance, tandem stance and single leg stance) and measurement time (90, 60, 30 and 15 s) with eyes closed using a force plate. Additionally, static and dynamic clinical tests of postural control were used.

Results:
No significant between group differences were found for the COP measurements (p>0.05). However, individuals with subclinical NP were more likely to fail the 90 s tandem test (p<0.05) in the force plate and univariate comparisons revealed significant between group differences in the tandem and single leg stance clinical test measurements.

Conclusions:
Taken together, the inconsistent results might suggest an emerging postural control deficit in university students with low disability and low intensity chronic idiopathic NP.
Chronic pain experience and pain management in persons with spinal cord injury in Nepal
Authors: Thapa Sagun , Kitrungrote Luppana , Damkliang Jintana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background and aims:
Chronic pain is the frequent and significantly challenging complications in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Socio-cultural background may lead people perceive and manage pain differently. The study aims to describe the chronic pain experience and pain management of SCI persons in Nepal.

Methods:
A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among purposively selected sample of 120 SCI persons with chronic pain living in the eight districts of Bagmati Zone of Nepal. The data were collected using the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set Version 2 (ISCIPBDS-2) and Open-ended Pain Management Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis method.

Results:
The back (n=84), lower legs/feet (n=63) and buttocks/hips (n=51) was found as the common pain locations. In common, the onset of pain was found within the first 6 month of the injury. Overall pain intensity and pain interference were found to be at the moderate level. The SCI persons used pain medications and non-pharmacological pain management. Ibuprofen was the commonly used pain medication and commonly used non-pharmacological pain management methods included physical support (e.g. massage, exercise), relaxation (e.g. distraction, substance abuse), coping (e.g. acceptance, praying), and traditional herbs.

Conclusions:
SCI persons had chronic pain experience which interfered with their daily living. They used pain medications and non-pharmacological pain management methods based on their beliefs, knowledge, and community resources in Nepal.

Implications:
This study provides some evidence to help the team of rehabilitation professional to plan and help SCI persons with chronic pain. Based on these findings, chronic pain management intervention for SCI persons should be developed and supported continuously from hospital to home based community context of Nepal.
Exploring effect of pain education on chronic pain patients’ expectation of recovery and pain intensity
Authors: Mittinty Manasi M. , Vanlint Simon , Stocks Nigel , Mittinty Murthy N. , Moseley G. Lorimer 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background and aims:
Chronic pain affects an estimated 1 in 10 adults globally regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, income or geography. Chronic pain, a multifactorial problem requires multiple interventions. One intervention which demonstrates promising results to patient reported outcomes is pain education. However, patient perspective on pain education and its impact remains fairly unknown. A cross-sectional study involving individuals with chronic pain examined their perspectives on pain education; did it change their understanding about their pain and self-management and did it have any impact on their perceived pain intensity and recovery.

Methods:
The study complied with CHERRIES guidelines and the protocol was locked prior to data collection. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and participants’ expectation of recovery. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to analyze the data.

Results:
Five hundred and seventy three people participated; full data sets were available for 465. Participants who observed changes in their pain cognition and self-management following pain education reported lower pain intensity and greater expectation of recovery than participants who did not observe changes to cognition and management.

Conclusions:
The results suggest that individuals who observed changes to pain cognition and self-management on receiving pain education reported lower pain intensity and higher expectations of recovery than their counterparts who did not perceive any changes to pain cognition and self-management.

Implications:
Pain intensity and expectations about recovery are primary considerations for people in pain. What influences these factors is not fully understood, but education about pain is potentially important. The results suggest that individuals who observed changes to pain cognition and self-management on receiving pain education reported lower pain intensity and higher expectations of recovery than their counterparts who did not perceive any changes to pain cognition and self-management. The results from this study highlight the importance of effective pain education focused on reconceptualization of pain and its management.