Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Properties of clay nanocomposites based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co- hexafluoropropylene)

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanocomposites with different contents of nanoclays were prepared by melt mixing. The clays used included unmodified clays, a commercially available hydrophilic nanoclay based on bentonite (nanoclay 1) and organically modified clay based on montmorillonite (nanoclay 2). The nanocomposites obtained were analyzed by x-ray diffraction, differential thermal and differential scanning calorimetry analyses and their basic tensile and other characteristics were determined. The distribution of the filler throughout the matrix was found to be good for both the types of nanocomposite materials. Nanoclay 1 induced slight increase in the β-phase and higher deviation of the main diffractions (2θ = 18.6° and 20.1° at 10 mass% filler). The degree of crystallinity of the materials containing nanoclay 2 decreased from 26.4 to 20.5% and from 23.9 to 18.7%, respectively, for the first and second heating. The tensile strength of the materials based on PVDF-HFP with nanoclays 1 and 2 was close to that of the initial copolymer or slightly increased with the addition of nanoclay 2. Young’s modulus was in the range of 215–265 MPa. The heat resistance by Vicat increased by 7°C compared with the initial copolymer.
Evaluating the Carbonation Resistance of Self Compacting Concrete made with Recycled Concrete Aggregates

The paper presents the results of an investigation conducted to examine carbonation resistance of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) made with coarse Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA). In total, five SCC mixes were prepared by systematically replacing coarse Natural Aggregates (NA) by RCA at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. In order to measure the carbonation resistance of SCC made with RCA, accelerated carbonation tests were performed for 4 and 12 weeks of exposure to carbon dioxide. The carbonation resistance has been evaluated after curing periods of 28 and 90 days. In addition to this, the compressive strength of all the mixes was also obtained after 7, 28 and 90 days of curing and ultra-sonic pulse velocity tests (UPV) were also conducted. The results indicate that with the increase in the content of RCA as replacement of NA, decrease in the carbonation resistance, compressive strength and UPV was observed for all SCC mixes. It has been observed that the SCC mixes containing low percentages of RCA (i.e. 25%) as replacement of NA do not impart detrimental behaviour in the overall performance but higher replacement levels (>50%) have been found to deteriorate the performance in terms of carbonation resistance, compressive strength and UPV.
Microstructure in a copper—aluminium—nickel shape–memory alloy

Microstructures in a copper–aluminium–nickel shape–memory alloy are constructed using a geometrically nonlinear theory of martensitic transformations. All of the twins and habit planes are found, and a detailed comparison with experimental data is presented. Further, it is shown that twinned wedge microstructures with both type I and type II twins are possible in this alloy because its lattice parameters satisfy a special relation.
Strengthening of concrete structures with near-surface mounted CFRP laminate strips

In recent years, the near-surface mounted (NSM) strengthening technique has been used to increase the load carrying capacity of concrete structures. This technique consists in the insertion of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminate strips into pre-cut slits opened in the concrete cover of the elements to be strengthened. The laminates are fixed to concrete with an epoxy adhesive. This technique, in some cases, presents substantial advantages with respect to externally bonded laminates. The present work intends to contribute to a better knowledge of the behavior of concrete structures strengthened with NSM CFRP laminate strips. The study carried out is composed of an experimental, an analytical and a numerical part. The experimental research was developed at the Laboratory of the Structural Division of the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Minho, Portugal, and at the Structural Technology Laboratory of the Technical University of Catalonia, Spain. The main objective of the experimental work was to assess the bond behavior between the CFRP and concrete. With this purpose, pullout-bending tests were carried out. The influence of bond length, concrete strength and load history on the bond behavior was investigated. Using the results of the pullout-bending tests and a numerical strategy, an analytical local bond stress-slip relationship was obtained. The numerical strategy was developed with the aim of solving the second-order differential equation that governs the slip phenomenon. This numerical strategy was also used to calculate the critical anchorage length for this type of reinforcement. Numerical tools were developed for the simulation of the nonlinear behavior of concrete structures strengthened with NSM CFRP laminate strips. These tools were implemented in a computer code named FEMIX, which is a general purpose finite element software system. In the context of this work, the following capabilities were added: an elasto-plastic multi-fixed smeared crack model to simulate concrete, interface elements and a constitutive material model for the simulation of the nonlinear behavior of the interface between CFRP and concrete.
Total Hip Arthroplasty by the Direct Anterior Approach Using a Neck-preserving Stem: Safety, efficacy and learning curve

Background The concept of femoral neck preservation in total hip replacement (THR) was introduced in 1993. It is postulated that retaining cortical bone of the femoral neck offers triplanar stability, uniform stress distribution, and accommodates physiological anteversion. However, data on safety, efficacy and learning curve are lacking. Materials and Methods We prospectively assessed all patients who were operated for a THR with a short neck preserving stem (MiniHip) between 2012 and 2014. The safety and learning curve were assessed by recording operative time; stem size; and adverse events including periprosthetic fracture; paresthesia; and limb length discrepancy (LLD). The cohort was divided into equal groups to assess the learning curve effect, and the cumulative sums (CUSUM) test was performed to monitor intraoperative neck fractures. For assessment of efficacy, Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Results 138 patients with median age 62 years (range 35–82 years) were included with a median followup of 42 months (range 30–56 months). The minimum followup was 2.5 years. The OHS, SF-36 (physical and mental component) scores improved by a mean score of 26, 28, and 27 points, respectively. All patients had LLD of <10 mm (1.9 mm ± 1.3). Adverse events included intraoperative neck fracture (n = 6), subsidence (n = 1), periprosthetic fracture (n = 1), paresthesia (n = 12), and trochanteric bursitis (n = 2). After early modification of the technique to use a smaller finishing broach, the CUSUM test demonstrated acceptable intraoperative neck fracture risk. The second surgery group had a reduced risk of intraoperative neck fracture (5/69 vs. 1/69 P = 0.2), reduced operative time (66 vs. 61 min, P = 0.06), and increased stem size (5 vs. 6, P = 0.09) although these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions The MiniHip stem is safe alternative to standard THR with good functional outcomes but with a learning curve for the surgical technique, implants sizing, and the risk of intraoperative neck fractures.
An instrument for dimensional diagnosis of a child’s constitution (ICC)

Developmental disorders present themselves with complex problems that may threaten a child’s development. In every child a disorder shows itself in a unique way, which makes it necessary to individualize. The objective of this preliminary study is to develop an instrument that provides a dimensional diagnosis by mapping the degree of (dis)balance in three domains of child development. The instrument is based on anthroposophic anthropology and typology. The instrument will be usable in all kinds of care for children with developmental disorders.The typology of a child’s constitution was operationalized using concept mapping and consensus building with experts. Preliminary tests of the psychometric properties of the instrument were applied on children with developmental disorders in a pilot study in Dutch healthcare. The Instrument for diagnosis of a Child’s Constitution (ICC) developed in this study consists of two parts. Part I contains 36 polar formulated items in three subscales of 12 items and is to be completed by healthcare professionals. Part II consists of three VAS scales (Visual analogue scales) and is to be completed y a practitioner. The outcome (the scores of Part I and II) forms a profile of the child’s constitution, showing the (dis) balance in three domains of child development. A pilot study with 38 children shows positive face validity, and moderate internal consistency and inter-rater reliability of the ICC. The ICC has been developed as a diagnostic instrument to assess individualized dimensional diagnosis of children with a developmental disorder. Future studies will focus on validation of the instrument.
Study on Viscosity Reduction Mechanism of Crumb Rubber Asphalt with Sasobit Based on Chemical Composition

Asphalt cement is mainly composed of the complex colloidal structure of different components. Therefore,the viscosity of asphalt cement is influenced by the change of composition and colloid structure. Chemical composition test and DSC test were conducted on both the crumb rubber asphalt and WAM crumb rubber asphalt. The results indicated that adding the powder into asphalt changes the colloid structure,developing into rubber asphalt immiscible system. And light component in crumb rubber asphalt decreases,and large molecular component increases,which makes viscosity of it largen. When Sasobit was added into the crumb rubber asphalt,the contnet of saturated component increase,and asphaltene decreases. Along with th increase of content of Sasobit,the liquidity of rubber asphalt greatly improved,and viscosity in high temperature significantly reduced
IONOTROPIC GELATION AND POLYELECTROLYTE COMPLEXATION : THE NOVEL TECHNIQUES TO DESIGN HYDROGEL PARTICULATE SUSTAINED , MODULATED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM : A REVIEW

The utilization of natural and chemically modified polysaccharides as a part of drug development has increased in the past two decades. Great attention has also been focused on biopolymer based hydrogels for use as potential carriers in controlled drug delivery. Hydrogels are three dimensional, hydrophilic networks capable of imbibing large amount of water or biological fluids, mimics biological tissues. Because of this nature, great attention was devoted to these systems for biomedical applications. Indeed, these networks can be made suitable as the modulated drug delivery devices by tuning the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels with varying the degree of crosslinking either by physical or chemical or physical-chemical means. Numerous approaches have been investigated for formulation of controlled release dosage forms of different therapeutic agents including proteins, peptides, and even cells. In this present review, an attempt was made to narrate the different natural polyanions and their mechanism to form cross-linked hydrogel beads. This review was also focused on various methods of preparation of beads. Here, it was also tried to explain the importance of ionotropic gelation and polyelectrolyte complexation approaches, as these methods show great promise as a tool for the development of encapsulation process. Each method has its own advantages as well as limitations. For further improvement in this area, it is important to understand the strength and drawbacks of each method. Hence, an attempt was also made to discuss the same.
Biyuanling suppresses the toluene-2, 4-diisocyanate induced allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs

Allergic rhinitis (AR), one of the common diseases of the upper respiratory system, is associated with high risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Biyuanling Granules (BLG), a formulated preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used in China for treatment of AR for more than a decade; however, its exact action against allergic rhinitis and the mechanism involved remain unclear. In this study, we studied the effects of BLG on allergic rhinitis induced by toluene-2, 4- diisocyanate (TDI) in guinea pigs. The anti-AR effects of BLG were evaluated by behavior observations, histological examinations of the nasal tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E), immunohistochemical analyses of pulmonary surfactant associated protein (SP), Bcl-2 Associated X Protei (Bax), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in the nasal mucosa, and serum tests of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and human SARS-specific immunoglobulin (SIgE) levels. We observed that in the AR-positive animals treated with BLG, the symptom scores were significantly higher (P < 0.01), the nasal mucosa edemas and inflammatory infiltrates were significantly alleviated (P < 0.01) and the serum IL-4 and SIgE levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group. Immunohistochemical examinations of the nasal mucosa demonstrated that the expressions of TNF-α, SP and VCAM-1 were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), whereas Bax expression was increased in the BLG treatment groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that BLG can effectively suppress the TDI-induced AR, and that the protective effects of BLG were associated with reductions of TNF-α, SP and VCAM-1, and an elevation of Bax, suggesting that BLG exerts its AR-suppressive effects through inhibition of inflammatory response.
Bio-aerogels: new promising materials for thermal superinsulation

Bio-aerogels are a new generation of aerogels made from biomass-based polymers, mainly polysaccharides. We prepared aerogels from cellulose (“Aerocellulose” /1, 2, 3/) and pectin (“Aeropectin” /4/) via polymer dissolution, coagulation and drying with super-critical CO2. Their density varies from 0.05 to 0.2 g/cm3 and specific surface area is around 200-300 m2/g. Bio-aerogels are mechanically strong materials, with Young’s moduli from 1 to 30 MPa and plastic deformation without breakage up to 60-70% strain. The thermal conductivity of Aeropectin is around 0.015 – 0.020 W/(m.K) making it the first thermal super-insulating fully biomass-based aerogel reported. The thermal conductivity of Aerocellulose is rather “high”, around 0.030-0.035 W/(m.K), due to the presence of large macropores. We demonstrate that by using cellulose functionalization and making polymer-silica interpenetrated aerogel network the specific surface area increases to 800-900 m2/g and thermal conductivity decreases below that of the air.
The potential of in-beam positron-emission-tomography for proton therapy monitoring: first phantom experiments

Since 1997 in-beam PET is successfully used to monitor the precision of dose application in highly conformal carbon ion tumour therapy at the experimental facility at the Gesellschaft fur Schwerionenforschung Darmstadt (GSI), Germany. The potential of the method for the monitoring of proton therapy is currently under investigation. In our first experiment, three monoenergetic proton beams were stopped in targets of organic plastics placed in the centre of the field of view of the in-beam PET scanner at GSL The /spl beta//sup +/-activity was found to be three times higher than that induced by carbon ions at the same range and applied dose. The reconstructed /spl beta//sup +/-activity distributions were rather well reproduced by model calculations. The possible extraction of valuable clinical information from the comparison between measured and calculated 3'-activity distributions is discussed. Despite the weaker spatial correlation between /spl beta//sup +/-activity and dose depth-profiles in the proton case, the presented analysis strongly supports the feasibility and clinical usefulness of in-beam PET for the monitoring of proton therapy.
Individual differences in regulatory mode moderate the effectiveness of a pilot mHealth trial for diabetes management among older veterans

mHealth tools to help people manage chronic illnesses have surged in popularity, but evidence of their effectiveness remains mixed. The aim of this study was to address a gap in the mHealth and health psychology literatures by investigating how individual differences in psychological traits are associated with mHealth effectiveness. Drawing from regulatory mode theory, we tested the role of locomotion and assessment in explaining why mHealth tools are effective for some but not everyone. A 13-week pilot study investigated the effectiveness of an mHealth app in improving health behaviors among older veterans (n = 27) with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes. We developed a gamified mHealth tool (DiaSocial) aimed at encouraging tracking of glucose control, exercise, nutrition, and medication adherence. Important individual differences in longitudinal trends of adherence, operationalized as points earned for healthy behavior, over the course of the 13-week study period were found. Specifically, low locomotion was associated with unchanging levels of adherence during the course of the study. In contrast, high locomotion was associated with generally stronger adherence although it exhibited a quadratic longitudinal trend. In addition, high assessment was associated with a marginal, positive trend in adherence over time while low assessment was associated with a marginal, negative trend. Next, we examined the relationship between greater adherence and improved clinical outcomes, finding that greater adherence was associated with greater reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Findings from the pilot study suggest that mHealth technologies can help older adults improve their diabetes management, but a “one size fits all” approach may yield suboptimal outcomes.
Merging Strategies for Authoring QoE-based Adaptive Hypermedia

Personalization is desirable, but writing the adaptation behaviour description to go with it is taxing. Even more challenging is the application of multiple adaptation strategies over the same static content. This paper focuses on recent work on strategy modularisation and merger development in the authoring process ofadaptive hypermedia. The reason for the modularisation of strategies is to break a complex adaptation decision into a number of simpler ones, which may be reused more easily and applied in different orders. The rationale for strategy merger is to be able to apply multiple adaptation strategies over the same content - a challenge which is not yet fully addressed in current adaptive hypermedia systems. To demonstrate the proposed method we present an example case study and sample strategies written in the LAG adaptation language. The case study is based on a recently proposed model for Quality of Experience in e-learning. This model exposes the complex interaction between a number of factors affecting QoE and hence presents a good candidate for the application of a strategy merger, as well as modularisation. We have then evaluated this approach via structured questionnaires used with a number of design experts of hypermedia content creation, especially in the domain of education. This allows us to draw generic conclusions for both our own further research, as well as for the community at large, interested in the area of reuse and modularisation of adaptation.
Three-dimensional natural frequency analysis of anisotropic functionally graded annular sector plates resting on elastic foundations

Abstract Natural frequency analysis of anisotropic functionally graded material (FGM) annular sector plates on Winkler elastic foundations based on three-dimensional theory of elasticity was investigated. The three-dimensional graded finite element formulation was derived based on the principle of minimum potential energy and the Rayleigh-Ritz method. For an orthotropic FGM, the material properties were assumed to have in-plane polar orthotropy and transverse heterogeneity according to an exponential law, whereas the mass density was assumed to be constant. For an isotropic FGM, material properties varied continuously through the thickness direction according to a power-law distribution, whereas Poisson’s ratio was set to be constant. The effects of material gradient exponents, different sector angles, different thickness ratio, Winkler parameter and two different boundary conditions on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of FGM annular sector plates have been investigated. Numerical solution was compared with the result of an FGM annular circular plate, which showed good agreement.
Multiperiod Scheduling for Wireless Sensor Networks: A Distributed Consensus Approach

In wireless sensor networks, many sensors face energy constraints and can switch among different work modes to save energy. How to properly schedule work modes is important for network utility maximization (NUM) in the long run. This paper proposes multiperiod scheduling to maximize total network utility by considering energy constraints and periodic sensing requirements. This NUM problem presents challenging mixed-integer programming, and it is difficult to solve by using a centralized approach under complete information. Thus, we first simplify the multiperiod problem to an equivalent single-period problem, and then further reduce it to a pure-integer programming problem, which can be solved easily in a centralized way. As for the cases without a centralized coordinator among all sensors, we propose an average consensus-based distributed algorithm (ACDA) to distributively schedule the work modes of all sensors using only local information. We prove that ACDA converges exponentially fast and reaches global optimum as long as the energy consumption of running the algorithm is ignorable. The proposed distributed solution is also robust against packet drop, node failures, and the changes of communication topology. Extensive simulation results have also shown the effectiveness of the proposed distributed algorithms.
The Standardized Extract of Limonium tetragonum Alleviates Chronic Alcoholic Liver Injury in C57Bl/6J Mice

Background: In traditional folk medicine, Limonium tetragonum is used in the treatment of uterine hemorrhage, tinnitus, and oligomenorrhea. Objective: This study aimed to identify the therapeutic effect of L. tetragonum EtOAc extract (EALT) on liver of mice with chronic alcohol poisoning. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6J mice were administered 100 mg/kg of EALT with a single binge ethanol/Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet for 8 weeks. Results: The chronic-binge ethanol diet induced a significant increase in liver marker enzyme activities. Coadministration of EALT reversed the elevation of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride as well as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase due to chronic alcohol consumption. Histologic findings including markedly attenuated fat accumulation in hepatocytes were observed in EALT-treated mice. EALT supplementation prevented alcoholic liver injury through attenuation of inflammatory mediators such as toll-like receptor-4, cytochrome P4502E1, and cyclooxygenase-2, and inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6. Conclusion: Results provided direct experimental evidence for the hepatoprotective effect of EALT in the NIAAA mouse model. Therapeutic attempts with the L. tetragonum extract might be useful in the management of alcoholic liver disease. Abbreviations used: EALT: L. tetragonum EtOAc extract; TC: Total cholesterol; TG: Triglyceride; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; CYP2E1: Cytochrome P4502E1; TLR-4: Toll-like receptor-4; COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2.