Search results for "41"
showing 10 items of 3365 documents
Inorganic Mercury Sequestration by a Poly(ethylene imine) Dendrimer in Aqueous Solution
2015
The interaction of the G-2 poly(ethylene imine) dendrimer L, derived from ammonia as initiating core, with Hg(II) and HgCl4 2− was studied in aqueous solution by means of potentiometric (pH-metric) measurements. Speciation of these complex systems showed that L is able to form a wide variety of complexes including 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 3:2 metal-to-ligand species, of different protonation states, as well as the anion complexes ((H7L)HgCl4) 5+ and ((H8L)HgCl4) 6+ . The stability of the metal complexes is very high, making L an excellent sequestering agent for Hg(II), over a large pH range, and a promising ligand for the preparation of functionalized activated carbons to be employed in the remedi…
Scholarly publishing depends on peer reviewers
2018
The peer-review crisis is posing a risk to the scholarly peer-reviewed journal system. Journals have to ask many potential peer reviewers to obtain a minimum acceptable number of peers accepting reviewing a manuscript. Several solutions have been suggested to overcome this shortage. From reimbursing for the job, to eliminating pre-publication reviews, one cannot predict which is more dangerous for the future of scholarly publishing. And, why not acknowledging their contribution to the final version of the article published? PubMed created two categories of contributors: authors [AU] and collaborators [IR]. Why not a third category for the peer-reviewer? published
Exploring students’ metacognition in relation to an integral-area evaluation task
2021
Several studies have been conducted to explore students’ understanding of the integral-area relationships, however, only a few focused on students’ metacognition in relation to this topic. In this study, students’ metacognitive knowledge, skills, and experiences in relation to an integral-area evaluation task are explored using semi-structured interviews and think-aloud protocol. The results show that several students developed monitoring strategies in relation to integral-area relationships; however, they do not use these strategies when solving integral-area tasks. The findings suggest that teachers and lecturers could use monitoring strategies more often when solving mathematical questio…
Longitudinal metagenomics
2018
Culture-independent approaches are revolutionizing biology. Whether in a clinical or in an environmental sample, metagenomics can reveal which microorganisms exist and what they actually do. Metagenomic studies have unveiled more microbial diversity in a few years than traditional microbiology in centuries. From the top branches down to the roots, its discoveries are reshaping the tree of life dramatically. Metagenomics is a powerful tool for the study of microbial communities, but it requires equally powerful methods of analysis. Current challenges in the analysis of metagenomic data include the accurate comparison of samples, the estimation of the uncertainty in the results, and the effec…
Scientific Opinion addressing the state of the science on risk assessment of plant protection products for in‐soil organisms
2017
Abstract Following a request from EFSA, the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues developed an opinion on the science behind the risk assessment of plant protection products for in‐soil organisms. The current risk assessment scheme is reviewed, taking into account new regulatory frameworks and scientific developments. Proposals are made for specific protection goals for in‐soil organisms being key drivers for relevant ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes such as nutrient cycling, soil structure, pest control and biodiversity. Considering the time‐scales and biological processes related to the dispersal of the majority of in‐soil organisms compared to terrestrial non…
Microencapsulation of Salmonella-Specific Bacteriophage Felix O1 Using Spray-Drying in a pH-Responsive Formulation and Direct Compression Tableting o…
2019
The treatment of enteric bacterial infections using oral bacteriophage therapy can be challenging since the harsh acidic stomach environment renders phages inactive during transit through the gastrointestinal tract. Solid oral dosage forms allowing site-specific gastrointestinal delivery of high doses of phages, e.g., using a pH or enzymatic trigger, would be a game changer for the nascent industry trying to demonstrate the efficacy of phages, including engineered phages for gut microbiome modulation in expensive clinical trials. Spray-drying is a scalable, low-cost process for producing pharmaceutical agents in dry powder form. Encapsulation of a model Salmonella-specific phage (Myoviridae…
Assessment of the Inter-Batch Variability of Microstructure Parameters in Topical Semisolids and Impact on the Demonstration of Equivalence
2019
Demonstration of similar microstructure is essential for demonstrating the equivalence of generic topical products since the microstructure of semisolids may affect the drug release. The objective of this study was to compare the microstructure-defining physical parameters of different batches of a reference ointment containing calcipotriol and betamethasone (Daivobet 50 µ
Robotizing meaningful work
2021
PurposeRobots have a history of replacing human labor in undesirable, dirty, dull and dangerous tasks. With robots now emerging in academic and human-centered work, this paper aims to investigate psychological implications of robotizing desirable and socially rewarding work.Design/methodology/approachTesting the holistic stress model, this study examines educational professionals’ stress responses as mediators between robotization expectations and future optimism in life. The study uses survey data on 2,434 education professionals.FindingsRespondents entertaining robotization expectations perceived their work to be less meaningful and reported more burnout symptoms than those with no roboti…
Stepping up to strike: a union mobilization case study of Polish migrant workers in the Netherlands
2015
This article examines a union mobilization of Polish temporary agency workers in the Netherlands. The case study contributes to the migrant organizing literature a micro-level account of the dynamics of mobilization from the viewpoint of the migrants and organizers involved. The findings emphasize the importance of key actors in building solidarities within and between different groups of workers in fragmented workplaces, with implications for unions seeking new ways to respond to changing employment practices. This study highlights some of the possibilities and limitations of organizing among contractually fragmented workforces.