bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAXONOMY OF THREE TAXA OF BULBOCHAETE C. AG. AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Authors: Halder Nilu
Published: August 2018

In the present paper, altogether three algal taxa of genus Bulbochaete C. Ag. (Oedogoniales, Chlorophyceae) viz. Bulbochaete elatior f. pumila Hirn, Bulbochaete pseudoelatior Jao and Bulbochaete triangularis var. bengalensis J.P. Keshri have been morpho-taxonomically described with physico-chemical characterization of water and some additional information. These algal samples were collected as epiphytic conditions on submerged stems of angiospermic plants from two freshwater ponds in Hooghly district, West Bengal, India. All these three species are new records from this region. They were greenish, nannandrous, gynandrosporous or idioandrosporous. Most importantly, phenotypically their oospore shape was more or less alike as oogonium. The results of analyses of physico-chemical parameters of water showed that pH ranged from 7.2-7.4 (alkaline). The primary nutrients like nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and phosphate (PO43-) values were measured in lower amounts (0.15-0.17 mg/l and 0.23-0.24 mg/l, respectively) which affected Bulbochaete growth and diversity in the lentic water bodies. It was interesting to note that winter season was suitable for their occurrences.ECOPRINT 23: 13-18, 2016
RETRACTED: DOES BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE REDUCE ANTHROPOGENIC CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION? A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS
Authors: Krishnan T. S.
Published: August 2018

The following retraction notice appears in Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology Vol.24 (2017) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v24i0.21068On 11th September 2018 the Editorial Board of Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology agreed to retract the article ‘DOES BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE REDUCE ANTHROPOGENIC CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION? A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS’ published in Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology, Vol.23 (2016) pages 29-38 (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v23i0.20649) as it was found to be a duplicate publication of the following article: ‘DOES BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE REDUCE ANTHROPOGENIC CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION? A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS’ published in Law, Environment and Development Journal 12/1 (2016), p. 35, available at http://www.lead-journal.org/content/16035.pdf
ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF WILD PLANTS OF PARSA DISTRICT, NEPAL
Authors: Singh Shila
Published: August 2018

The present study was carried out to assess ethnobotanical information of some wild plants used by the Tharu community of Parsa district of Nepal. The study was conducted in four villages; Gadi, Madhuban mathwal, Sonbarsa and Shanker Sharaiya. The study focuses on the ethno botanical practices of the Tharu community and documentation of the traditional knowledge for the benefit of mankind. The information presented in this paper was gathered by frequent field visits in the villages, participatory observations, group discussion, interviews with local knowledgeable people in the year 2013 from February to November. A total of 46 ethnomedicinal wild plant species belonging to 31 families and 44 genera are documented in this study. Some new ethno medicinal uses of the plant species like Ficus benghalensis, Gymnema sylvestre, Mimosa pudica Oroxylem indicum, Hibiscus-rosa sinensis, Hydragia anomala, Matricaria chammomilla, Kalanchoe spathelata, Leucas cephalotes, Madhuca indica, Murraya koenigii, Melia azedarachta, Mentha arvensis, Nephrolepsis cordifolia, Morus alba, Nyctanthes arbortritris, Ocimum sanctum, Oxalis corniculata, Phyllanthus amarus, Plumbago zeylanica, Pterocarplus marsupium, Putranjiva roxburghii and Rauvolfia serpentine among Tharu community of Parsa district of Nepal are discussed in the present study.ECOPRINT 24: 1-12, 2017
AIR POLLUTION TOLERANCE INDEX OF SOME SELECTED GYMNOSPERM SPECIES ALONG THE ROAD SIDE OF KATHMANDU VALLEY, NEPAL
Authors: Hamal Jaya Prakash , Chettri Mukesh Kumar
Published: August 2018

Response of plants towards air pollution is assessed by air pollution tolerance index (APTI). Four species of Gymnosperms (Thuja orientiales, Cedrus deodara, Pinus roxburghii and Araucaria bidwillii) were evaluated for APTI. Leaves were collected during winter season from polluted sites (Airport, Dhumbarahi, Jawalakhel, Ratnapark, and Sankhapark) and less polluted site (Narayanthan) of Kathmandu valley. Of four gymnosperm species collected from road side, all species (Cedrus deodara, Araucaria bidwillii, Thuja orientiales and Pinus roxburghii) showed high value of APTI (i.e., more than 8), indicating their resistance to air pollution.ECOPRINT 24: 13-19, 2017
AN ENQUIRY ON ICHTHYODIVERSITY OF THE CHALAN BEEL, A KEY ICHTHYOFAUNAL HOTSPOT OF NORTHWESTERN BANGLADESH
Authors: Chowdhury Gawsia Wahidunnessa , Sarker Nime , Akash Muntasir , Latifa Gulshan Ara
Published: August 2018

This meta-analysis focused on the drift in ichthyodiversity of the Chalan Beel, a marshy, natural inland indentation, the largest of its kind in northwest (NW) Bangladesh. To apprehend the objective, we considered peer-reviewed fish inventories of the area published since 1971. The first checklist on the fishes of the Chalan Beel was compiled in 2009 after which, till now, we found only four similar studies. In total, we found 139 species annotated in these works including 10 exotic species. We, however, surmised a downward trend in fish fauna; from 114 species listed in 2009, in 2017 the Chalan Beel is reported to have 66 species – comprising only 30 species common in each of the five works. Cyprinidae is turned out as the most diverse abundant family for the area with 43 species. The most diverse order, on the contrary, is Siluriformes represented by 10 families and 42 species. Of the fish inventory, 3 were Critically Endangered, 15 Endangered, 13 Vulnerable and 21 Near Threatened in Bangladesh. The Chalan Beel is reported to have 3 globally Vulnerable and 10 globally Near Threatened fish. Reviewing works on the Chalan Beel revealed a potential new exotic species Trichogaster labiosa for Bangladesh and mentioning of 3 species found in no national fish inventories viz., Erethistoides infuscatus, Parachiloglanis hodgarti and Poropuntius clavatus.ECOPRINT 24: 37-46, 2017
EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE OF REGIONAL POLICY AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Dergachev V.O.
Published: August 2018

In Europe over the past decades, the processes of regionalization are actively occurring - the redistribution of the state's power competencies to a supranational or subnational (regional) level. The problems of competitiveness of the regions come to the fore, the increase of which is possible when using not only economic, but also local historical, sociocultural, ecological and other features. "New regionalism" differs from traditional development in conditions of multipolarity of the world, openness, formation "from below", participation of non-state and subnational actors. The new regionalism is a triple regionalism that takes into account not only the economic, but also the socio-cultural and environmental aspects. The advantage in competitiveness is given to regions and territorial communities, where local socio-cultural communications are taken into account most of all. The new European regionalism does not mean abandoning the nation state, but increasing the efficiency of regional development at the expense of human energy. As you know, Western Europe has limited energy and other resources. Therefore, in the global competition, the European Union, from the beginning of its formation, relied on the effective use of human resources. Its potential is significantly increased if a local comfortable environment is created that takes into account the sociocultural features of the territorial communities. Turning to the analogy, this means, for example, for Ukraine, that the people of Galicia do not feel discomfort in their sociocultural environment, and the inhabitants of the Donbass or Chernigov region in their own. Unlike the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that carried out administrative reforms during the period of geopolitical and geo-economic transformation, Ukraine could not realize it in a quarter of a century of independence. A decade ago, the American model of enlarged territorial units was taken as the basis of the territorial administrative reform, now the Polish model dominates in the absence of the state's financial capacity to reform, but with the participation of local businesses in the formation of territorial communities. As a result, the fundamental goal of the reform in improving the manageability of the territories is violated, which is a threat to the Ukrainian statehood.
MECHANISM OF HYPERTESTHESIS AND THEIR WAYS OF CORRECTION IN DENTAL THERMALS
Authors: Bandrivsky Y. L. , Bandrіvska O. O. , Vуnogradova O. M. , Dutko H. O.
Published: August 2018

A generalized analysis of data of modern foreign and domestic scientific literature devoted to the actual topic of dentistry – hypersensitivity of teeth has been carried out. The views of different authors about the etiology of hyperesthesia and possible ways of its correction in dental manipulation are considered.
Influence of electromagnetic radiations of the radio-frequency range on vegetative maintenance of cardiovascular reactions of the human body
Authors: Sergeeva L. A. , Sergeeva V. S. , Olenev D. G. , Valchenko A. I. , Glebova E. I.
Published: August 2018

With the help of questionnaires, medical exam and functional examination of students was found a positive correlation between the formation of vagotonic reactions of the cardiovascular system and the exposure time of the EMR radio frequency range, as well as the appearance of signs of neurocirculatory dystonia and other pre-nosological symptoms of adverse effects radio waves.
MATHEMATICAL FORMULA WITH FLOATING VARIABLE FOR PROGNOSIS OF SURVIVAL AND PERSONIFICATION OF PROGRAMS OF INTEGRATED TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CANCER OF STOMACH
Authors: Kirkilevsky S. I. , Dubinina V. G. , Lukyanchuk O. V. , Lurin A. G. , Mashukov A. A. , Bilenko A. A. , Zgura A. N. , Osadchy D. N. , Merlich S. V. , Ratsiborsky D. V. , Maksimovsky V. E. , Shilin I. V.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we illustrate the possibilities of modern online tools for mathematical computations of linear equation analysis systems and show a detailed algorithm a was done for a group of patients with stomach cancer (n = 221). Using the construction of a 9-variable system that is simple enough to understand, specific factors have been established that formed the formula for calculating the survival rate of gastric cancer patients operated radically in the Odessa Regional Oncology Dispensary in the period 2007–2013. Survival of this group of patients was calculated using the computer program "Regional Cancer Registry". The role in the survival of patients of such factors as the degree of primary tumor differentiation, the expression of TP53oncoprotein, the degree of infiltration of stomach wall from T1 = 1 toT4a = 4, T4b = 5, the number of regional lymph nodes in which metastases are found, measured by a morphologist after removal and some other factors.
Bacteriological studies in osteoarticular tuberculosis
Authors: Golka G. G. , Bitchuk D. D. , Burlaka V. V. , Oleynik A. A. , Vesnin V. V.
Published: August 2018

The article presents the results of bacteriological studies in two groups of patients. The main group included 60 patients with OAT confirmed by objective data and the control group of 25 patients with unconfirmed diagnosis. Sampling, preparation of samples and the study itself was carried out in a bacteriological laboratory according to conventional standards. Bacteriological confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained in 22 (36.7 %) Group I patients, of whom in 14 (23.3 %) patients MBT was isolated only by culture, in the rest – only by bacterioscopy and in 4 (6.7 %) cases positive results were obtained by two methods. Assessment of the results of bacteriological tests in the control group showed that samples (joints punctate) of these patients were not found to contain MBT. Evaluation of statistical indices of bacteriological studies revealed that though specificity of these studies in patients with OAT comprised 100 %, it is not particularly sensitive (36.7 %), and the total value of the method was 55.3 %. Thus, conducted bacteriological studies confirm that paucibacillary of all of the samples is typical for OAT.
Clinical case of tuberculosis in infant with bronchial obstructive syndrome
Authors: Klimenko V. A. , Yanovskaya Y. A. , Pasichnik Y. V. , Marchenko O. Y.
Published: August 2018

The objective of this article is to improve the etiology verification of the obstruction in young children by informing the physicians about the rare causes of obstructive syndrome which are difficult to diagnose, in particular about tuberculosis. Analyzed the clinical and medical history girls 6 months, presented data on the treatment and examination of the patient. The survey revealed that the main pathogenetic mechanism of bronchial obstruction of airway compression was increased bronchopulmonary lymph nodes on the background of specific tubercular process in lungs.
PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS AMONG POST-NATAL MOTHERS HAVING LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW) INFANTS
Authors: Ab Latif Latif Rusnanibinti
Published: August 2018

Introduction:Every pregnant mother wants their baby to be born in normal and healthy condition. Therefore, it would become a stressful event that might cause psychological distress or even emotional crisis in mother, when their infants are premature and low birth weight born. Methodology: A cross-sectional study to investigate the psychological well being of mothers with low birth weight infants admitted to the SCN. It was conducted on one hundred and thirty (n=130) of mothers who delivered their babies at labor room, HRPZ II, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) score were used. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square tests. Statistically significant with p-value < 0.05. Results:There was statistically significant between maternal age and anxiety (χ²=22.10, p=0.036) and stress (χ²=17.50, p=0.041) by using chi square test. There was no significant association between maternal age and depression (χ²=10.37, p=0.321). For others demographic variables, there was no statistically significant with depression, anxiety and stress of mothers (p>0.05). Conclusion:Based on the finding in this study, most of the respondent’s have anxiety compared to depression and stress. Therefore, a nurse must have knowledge and skills, especially in terms of psychology, in handling cases related to the mother who have given birth to a low birth weight (LBW) child because parting with their children due to the relatively long hospitalization.
MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT LOADED HYDROGEL FOR DIABETIC WOUND HEALING
Authors: Babu Natarajan Satheesh , Das Sreemoy Kanti , Chandran Suriyakala Perumal , Myo Oo Aung , Kanneppady Sowmya Shar , Entezarian Maryam , Mar Lwin Ohn
Published: August 2018

Diabetic wounds (DW) are a chronic, non-healing wound on the feet of diabetic patients that pose a serious challenge to world health. Around 84% of diabetic patients undergo lower leg amputations. Though numerous topical and systemic drugs have been used to heal the DW, these drugs have led to the emergence and subsequent rapid overgrowth of resistant bacterial strains, side effects and toxicity. Many herbal plants have very important role in wound healing because they promote the natural repair mechanisms. Moringaoleifera (MO) is an important medicinal plant which has an impressive range of medicinal uses including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anticancer activities. Recently few researchers reported that MO extracts have effective wound healing property due to the presence of rich flavonoids and vicenin-2.

The objective of the present study was to develop hydrogel formulations loaded with Moringaoleifera leaves extract. The prepared hydrogels were evaluated for physical appearance, rheological behavior, skin irritation and wound-healing power in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male wistar albino rats. Results showed that all hydrogel formulations exhibited good and acceptable physical properties. All the animals tolerated the applied gels and no signs of irritations were noticed during the skin irritation study. The in-vivo wound healing studies showed a time dependent increase in percentage of wound, a contraction which is higher than that produced by the control groups. These contractions were statistically significant (P<0.001), during the first 10 days of the study with MO-Hydrogel administration. The MO-hydrogel showed the highest percent wound contraction with complete wound closure and epithelization was observed on 7thday of wound induction.
BONE PROPERTIES AND BLOOD BONE METABOLISM MARKERS IN RESPONSE TO EXERCISES AND HONEY SUPPLEMENTATION: A CONTEMPORARY REVIEW
Authors: Kiew Ooi Foong
Published: August 2018

Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by a loss of bone mass and the structure deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in bone fragility and fractures. This disease imposes major burden on the health economy and being recognised as one of the major public health problems worldwide. To date, many strategies have been developed with the aim of preventing bone loss and increasing bone mass, these include involvement in physical activity programmes and through appropriate nutritional intake. Honey contains mainly carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are believed to be important for enhancing bone health. This article discusses the findings of several research studies on bone properties and blood bone metabolism markers in response to combined exercises and honey supplementation in animals and humans, which have been carried out by the bone and exercise research team of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
FIRST TIME EXPECTANT FATHERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON BREASTFEEDING
Authors: Al Furaikh Samia Saud , Ganapathy Thilagavathy
Published: August 2018

Background: Mothers who have a supportive and encouraging partner are more likely to plan to breastfeed for a longer duration. Objective: To explore the first-time expectant fathers’ attitudes towards breast feeding practices. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among n=157 purposively selected first-time expectant fathers attending antenatal clinics along with low risk term primigravida at a tertiary care corporate maternity hospital, Cosmopolitan Bangalore city, Karnataka, India from June 2015 to July 2016. In accordance with Declaration of Helsinki, data was collected by The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale (IIFAS). SPSS version 20 was used for analysis. Results: In general men had a favorable attitude towards breastfeeding (51.6±6.98) but they did not articulate specific benefits of it. Most expectant fathers reported that breastfeeding is the ideal way to feed a baby, contains the perfect proportion of nutrients and provides babies with a wide range of health benefits. Plus, breastfeeding is a great way for a mother to bond with her baby physically and mentally. However, 57.2% of them preferred formula-feeding for the baby while mother is away and felt it as healthy as breast milk. Although the men were generally supportive of breastfeeding, majority (58%) did not support breastfeeding in the public places. A few knew about the long-term benefits of breastfeeding on mother and infants. Majority (82.4%) expressed a need for support and information from health personnel on how they could practically support their partners in promoting and enabling breastfeeding. A significant association has been found between their attitudes and level of education and occupation at 0.05 levels. Conclusion: Health professionals must provide man-centric prenatal education to promote breastfeeding practices. They should involve, include and support fathers, recognizing their importance in the breastfeeding relationship.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Lange Klaus W. , Hauser Joachim , Kanaya Shigehiko , Kaunzinger Ivo , Lange Katharina M , Makulska-Gertruda Ewelina , Nakamura Yukiko , Sontag Thomas A , Tucha Lara
Published: August 2018

Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral disorders in children. Insufficient dietary intake of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) has been suggested to have an impact on the development of symptoms of ADHD in children. Individuals with ADHD have been demonstrated to have significantly reduced blood concentrations of PUFAs and, in particular, reduced levels of omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs. These findings suggest that PUFA supplementation may reduce the attention and behavior problems associated with ADHD.Objective: To provide an overview of the efficacy of dietary LC-PUFA supplementation in the treatment of ADHD. Methods: Literature published up until December 2013 on the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on ADHD symptoms was obtained using a PubMed search and critically reviewed.Results: Dietary PUFA supplementation appears to have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms although these effects are small. The clinical relevance of these observations remains to be determined.Conclusion: There is only limited support for the efficacy of PUFA supplementation for the core symptoms of ADHD. Given the small effect sizes regarding PUFA supplementation, it may not be a sufficient therapy for a majority of patients with ADHD.Keywords: diet, nutrition, polyunsaturated fatty acid, PUFA, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD
Probiotics as regulators of inflammation: A review
Authors: Lescheid David W.
Published: August 2018

A substantial and increasing body of clinical evidence supports the role of specific strains and mixtures of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Several general mechanisms of action have been proposed, including supporting repair of hyperpermeable epithelial barriers, interfering with infection by pathogens, and restoring a healthful balance of commensal microbes to affect metabolism. Emerging evidence supports an additional role of probiotics as important modulators of immune system responses, including inflammation, at mucosal surfaces. In particular, by preventing or repairing ‘leaky’ epithelial barriers, probiotics can indirectly affect the inflammatory response by negating the source of pro-inflammatory stimuli associated with low-grade endotoxemia. They also enhance production of short chain fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties (e.g. butyrate) as well as increase synthesis of antimicrobial peptides that influence inflammation resolution pathways in the mucosa. Furthermore, probiotics and some of their secreted metabolic products can act as ligands for innate immune system receptors, directly influencing key pro-inflammatory pathways. They also stimulate the differentiation and activity of important immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells, T cells), and subsequently increase production of important regulatory cytokines, including interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b). Finally, there are limited but increasing animal studies and clinical trials demonstrating probiotics do affect common biomarkers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, as well as signs and symptoms of the associated diseases suggesting they can have therapeutic benefit in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease.Keywords: probiotics, inflammation, endotoxemia, epithelial, cytokines, immune, butyrate, antimicrobial peptides
Can radiological technologists serve as primary screeners of low-dose computed tomography for the diagnosis of lung cancer?
Authors: Arai T. , Nagashima C. , Muramatsu Y. , Murao K. , Yamaguchi I. , Ushio N. , Hanai K. , Kaneko M.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND:

The Accreditation Council for Lung Cancer CT Screening of Japan established guidelines for the certification of Radiological Technologists in 2009.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the trends in examination pass rates of the Radiological Technologists and discuss the reasons.

METHODS:

The cohort comprised 1593 Radiological Technologists (as examinees) based on 10-year of data (with a total of 17 examination runs). First, the examinees’ written test results were analyzed. Second, an abnormal finding detection test was conducted using >100 client PCs connected to a dedicated server containing low-dose lung cancer CT screening images of 60 cases. The passing scores were correct answer rate >60% and sensitivity (TP) of >90%, respectively.

RESULTS:

Overall, 1243 examinees passed with an overall rate of 78%. The average pass rate for the written test was 91%, whereas that for the abnormal findings detection test was 85%. There was a moderate correlation between the test pass rate and average years of clinical experience of the examinees for the abnormal findings detection test ( R = 0.558), whereas no such correlation existed for the written test ( R = 0.105).

CONCLUSIONS:

In order for accredited Radiological Technologists to serve as primary screeners of low-dose computed tomography, it is important to revise the educational system according to current standard practices.
DnaG Primase—A Target for the Development of Novel Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Ilic Stefan , Cohen Shira , Singh Meenakshi , Tam Benjamin , Dayan Adi , Akabayov Barak
Published: August 2018

The bacterial primase—an essential component in the replisome—is a promising but underexploited target for novel antibiotic drugs. Bacterial primases have a markedly different structure than the human primase. Inhibition of primase activity is expected to selectively halt bacterial DNA replication. Evidence is growing that halting DNA replication has a bacteriocidal effect. Therefore, inhibitors of DNA primase could provide antibiotic agents. Compounds that inhibit bacterial DnaG primase have been developed using different approaches. In this paper, we provide an overview of the current literature on DNA primases as novel drug targets and the methods used to find their inhibitors. Although few inhibitors have been identified, there are still challenges to develop inhibitors that can efficiently halt DNA replication and may be applied in a clinical setting.
Study on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Viscoelastic Materials Based on Asymmetrical Sandwich Beams
Authors: Wu Qingqing , Wang Minqing
Published: August 2018

A modified estimation method for the dynamic mechanical properties of viscoelastic materials via asymmetrical sandwich specimens is presented. In contrast to the traditional vibrating cantilever beam test method (VCBTM), the proposed method allows asymmetrical base beams in sandwich specimens. Based on the complex stiffness method, complex parameters are introduced for general sandwich configurations. Calculation formulas for loss factor and shear modulus of the core material are presented. The effectiveness of this approach is validated numerically and experimentally by analysis of one symmetrical sandwich beam specimen and two specimens with asymmetrical thicknesses and materials. It is shown that dynamic mechanical parameters of the core material can be obtained regardless of sandwiches’ symmetry. The proposed method breaks the symmetrical criteria for sandwich specimens and may provide a wider application to measure viscoelastic materials’ dynamic properties.
Fire Behavior of U-shaped Steel Beams Filled with Demolished Concrete Lumps and Fresh Concrete
Authors: Wu Bo , Ji Mingming
Published: August 2018

To reuse waste concrete in a more straightforward and simplified way, a new kind of structural member containing fresh concrete (FC) and demolished concrete lumps (DCLs) distinctly larger than conventional recycled aggregates has been proposed. Previous research has shown that, at room temperature, the mechanical performance of the U-shaped steel beams filled with DCLs and FC is similar to that of the U-shaped steel beams filled with FC alone. This research explores the fire behavior of the U-shaped steel beams filled with DCLs and FC. Five specimens including three beams filled with DCLs and FC and two reference beams filled with FC alone were tested in fire. The experimental parameters included the replacement ratio of DCLs, the longitudinal reinforcement ratio, the load ratio, and the thickness of fire insulation. Based on the test results, numerical models in which the thermal resistance at the interface between the U-shaped steel and the in-filled concrete is considered are developed using SAFIR to determine the thermal and structural responses of the specimens. Lastly, parametric studies are carried out preliminarily to investigate the effects of some parameters on the fire resistance of such beams. It is found that the replacement ratio of DCLs within a range of 0% to 33% has a very limited effect on the temperature distribution, structural response, and fire resistance of the specimens, that embedding longitudinal reinforcements can significantly increase the fire resistance of such beams, that the interface thermal resistance can generate a temperature drop of up to 280 °C at the interface between the U-shaped steel and the in-filled concrete, and that the numerical models are capable of predicting the thermal and structural responses of such beams.
Partner Pen Play in Parallel (PPPiP): A New PPPiParadigm for Relationship Improvement
Authors: Mikhailova Alexandra , Friedman Daniel A.
Published: August 2018

Healthy romantic relationships contribute to human physical health and emotional well-being. Technologies that catalyze human sexuality such as silicone sex toys and video-conferencing are increasingly common today, and disruptive sexological artifacts such as sexbots are speculated to eventually compete directly with human-human sexuality. The consequences of these evolutionary transitions in human sociosexual behavior are entirely unknown at the individual or collective scale. Here we introduce Partner Pen Play in Parallel (PPPiP), the act of simultaneous improvisational drawing on paper without clinical supervision. In this prospective article we sketch out what PPPiP is, then provide interdisciplinary evidence from art therapy, sexology, affective neuroscience, and aesthetics to support PPPiP as a useful strategy for relationship development. PPPiP combines the advantages of individuated artistic practice with the established frameworks of improvisation and dyadic relationship interventions. Relative to traditional art therapy practices, PPPiP is less clinically oriented, features fewer external constraints, and directly encourages the dynamic integration of artistic creation with relationship co-creation. PPPiP emphasizes the importance of narrative structure and controlled novelty at multiple scales in intimate partnerships, connecting art therapy practices more directly to recent neuropsychological research. Evidence from brain imaging in improvisational and aesthetic contexts supports a model in which PPPiP synergistically activates motor and cortico-limbic neural circuits associated with skilled emotive-creative processes. PPPiP thus represents a transdisciplinary answer to the question of what will we carry from our sociosexual past towards a healthier textosexual future.
The Three-Dimensional Locating of VHF Broadband Lightning Interferometers
Authors: Liu Hengyi , Qiu Shi , Dong Wansheng
Published: August 2018

VHF (Very High Frequency) lightning interferometers can locate and observe lightning discharges with a high time resolution. Especially the appearance of continuous interferometers makes the 2-D location of interferometers further improve in time resolution and completeness. However, there is uncertainty in the conclusion obtained by simply analyzing the 2-D locating information. Without the support of other 3-D total lightning locating networks, the 2-station interferometer becomes an option to obtain 3-D information. This paper introduces a 3-D lightning location method of a 2-station broadband interferometer, which uses the theodolite wind measurement method for reference, and gives the simulation results of the location accuracy. Finally, using the multi-baseline continuous 2-D locating method and the 3-D locating method, the locating results of one intra-cloud flash and the statistical results of the initiation heights of 61 cloud-to-ground flashes and 80 intra-cloud flashes are given. The results show that the two-station interferometer has high observation accuracy on both sides of the connection between the two sites. The locating accuracy will deteriorate as the distance between the radiation source and the two stations increases or the height decreases. The actual locating results are similar to those of the existing VHF TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) lightning locating network.
Strategies to Improve the Energy Performance of Buildings: A Review of Their Life Cycle Impact
Authors: MIRABELLA Nadia , RÖCK Martin , Ruschi Mendes SAADE Marcella , SPIRINCKX Carolin , BOSMANS Marc , ALLACKER Karen , PASSER Alexander
Published: August 2018

Globally, the building sector is responsible for more than 40% of energy use and it contributes approximately 30% of the global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. This high contribution stimulates research and policies to reduce the operational energy use and related GHG emissions of buildings. However, the environmental impacts of buildings can extend wide beyond the operational phase, and the portion of impacts related to the embodied energy of the building becomes relatively more important in low energy buildings. Therefore, the goal of the research is gaining insights into the environmental impacts of various building strategies for energy efficiency requirements compared to the life cycle environmental impacts of the whole building. The goal is to detect and investigate existing trade-offs in current approaches and solutions proposed by the research community. A literature review is driven by six fundamental and specific research questions (RQs), and performed based on two main tasks: (i) selection of literature studies, and (ii) critical analysis of the selected studies in line with the RQs. A final sample of 59 papers and 178 case studies has been collected, and key criteria are systematically analysed in a matrix. The study reveals that the high heterogeneity of the case studies makes it difficult to compare these in a straightforward way, but it allows to provide an overview of current methodological challenges and research gaps. Furthermore, the most complete studies provide valuable insights in the environmental benefits of the identified energy performance strategies over the building life cycle, but also shows the risk of burden shifting if only operational energy use is focused on, or when a limited number of environmental impact categories are assessed.
Sustainability Assessment of Urban Heritage Sites
Authors: Leus Maria , Verhelst Wouter
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this research was to create a framework of indicators that enabled us to measure the classic dimensions of sustainable development (SD): People, Planet, and Profit, in combination with the sustainability of the heritage values and the policy dimension. Methods developed as an approach to sustainable urban planning and that were based on system analysis models were modified, streamlined, and adapted into a concrete set of indicators for historical city sites. This framework, a multimodal system which maps out the holistic sustainability could serve as an incentive from the policy to the heritage world to implement sustainable objectives; and it could be used as an extra argument for the broader social relevance of heritage care.
Analysis of Shallow Subsurface Geological Structures and Ground Effective Thermal Conductivity for the Evaluation of Ground-Source Heat Pump System Installation in the Aizu Basin, Northeast Japan
Authors: Ishihara Takeshi , Shrestha Gaurav , Kaneko Shohei , Uchida Youhei
Published: August 2018

Shallow subsurface geological structure mapping combined with ground effective thermal conductivity values at the basin scale provide an appropriate method to evaluate the installation potential of ground-source heat pump systems. This study analyzed the geological structure of the Aizu Basin (Northeast Japan) using sedimentary cores and boring log and mapped the distribution of average ground effective thermal conductivity in the range from −10 m to −100 m depth calculated from cores and logs. Gravel layers dominate in alluvial fans of the northern and southern basin areas, which are found to be associated with higher average ground effective thermal conductivity values, 1.3–1.4 W/m/K, while central and western floodplain areas show lower values of 1.0–1.3 W/m/K due to the existence of thick mud layers in the shallow subsurface. The results indicate that the conventional closed-loop systems are more feasible in northern and southern basin areas than in the central and western areas. Evaluation for the installation potential of the ground-source heat pump systems using depth-based distribution maps of average ground effective thermal conductivity is the originality of this study. This approach is valuable and proper for the simple assessment of the system installation in different sedimentary plains and basins in Japan and other countries.
Authenticity Testing and Detection of Eurycoma longifolia in Commercial Herbal Products Using Bar-High Resolution Melting Analysis
Authors: Fadzil Nur Fadhila , Wagiran Alina , Mohd Salleh Faezah , Abdullah Shamsiah , Mohd Izham Nur Hazwani
Published: August 2018

The present study demonstrated High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis combined with DNA barcode (Bar-HRM) as a fast and highly sensitive technique for detecting adulterants in Eurycoma longifolia commercial herbal products. Targeting the DNA barcoding of the chloroplastic region-ribulose biphosphate carboxylase large chain (rbcL) and the nuclear ribosomal region- internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), PCR amplification and HRM analysis using saturated Eva green dye as the source of fluorescence signals, was accomplished by employing a real-time cycler. The results were further validated by sequencing to identify unknown sequence from Genbank database and to generate phylogenetic tree using neighbour joint (NJ) analysis. Both of the DNA markers exhibited a distinguishable melting temperature and shape of the normalised curve between the reference and the adulterants. In the case of species identification, ITS2 was more successful in differentiating between species. Additionally, detection of admixture sample containing small traces of targeted E. longifolia DNA (w/v) can be detected as low as 5% for rbcL and less than 1% for ITS2, proving the sensitivity and versatility of the HRM analysis. In conclusion, the Bar-HRM analysis is a fast and reliable technique that can effectively detect adulterants in herbal products. Therefore, this will be beneficial for regulatory agencies in order to regulate food safety issues.
Association between Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in People with Rare Diseases and Their Satisfaction with Dental Care in the Health System of the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Hanisch Marcel , Wiemann Sabrina , Bohner Lauren , Kleinheinz Johannes , Jung Susanne
Published: August 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the current dental care situation in Germany from the perspective of those affected by a rare disease, especially concerning their satisfaction with the German dental health care system, and thus assess the relationship between their perspective and their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: A questionnaire regarding their experiences with the dental assistance and the health care system, such as the OHIP-14, was sent to the member associations of the organization of self-help groups for rare diseases ACHSE e.V. The correlation between OHIP-14 values and patient’s perspective was statistically analyzed by the non-parametric Tau de Kendall test (p < 0.05). Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between the OHIP score and the patient’s perspective regarding dental assistance and health care system (p < 0.05). For those surveyed who were satisfied with the support of the health care system, an average OHIP score of 8.54 ± 10.45 points (range: 0–48) was determined. The group that did not feel sufficiently supported by the health care system had an average OHIP score of 16.07 ± 13.43 points (range: 0–56). Discussion: The majority of respondents with rare diseases are dissatisfied with the German health care system and its support with regard to dental care.
Identification of Painted Rock-Shelter Sites Using GIS Integrated with a Decision Support System and Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Banerjee Ruman , Srivastava Prashant , Pike A. , Petropoulos George
Published: August 2018

The conservation and protection of painted rock shelters is an important issue. Throughout the world, if unprotected, they are vulnerable to vandalism or to industrial activities such as quarrying. This research explores the integrated use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) with a multi-criteria decision support system and fuzzy logic to identify possible rock art sites over the Vindhyan Plateau in the district of Mirzapur, Central India. The methodology proposed compares results obtained by spatial modelling with validation data derived from recent exhaustive field surveys of more than forty newly discovered rock-shelters in the Vindhyan region. The zones obtained by predictive modelling are in agreement with validation datasets and show that the method can be used for new site prospection. This method represents a potential tool for landscape planners and policy makers to employ when seeking protection from anthropogenic activities of potential areas of painted rock-shelter sites and archaeological deposits.
On the Performance of Wavelet Based Unit Root Tests
Authors: Eroğlu Burak Alparslan , Soybilgen Barış
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we apply the wavelet methods in the popular Augmented Dickey-Fuller and M types of unit root tests. Moreover, we provide an extensive comparison of the wavelet based unit root tests which also includes the recent contributions in the literature. Moreover, we derive the asymptotic properties of the wavelet based unit root tests under generalized least squares detrending mechanism. We demonstrate that the wavelet based M tests exhibit better size performance even in problematic cases such as the presence of negative moving average innovations. However, the power performances of the wavelet based unit root tests are quite similar to each other.
In Situ Stress Tensor Determination during Phase Transformation of a Metal Matrix Composite by High-Energy X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Geandier Guillaume , Vautrot Lilian , Denand Benoît , Denis Sabine
Published: August 2018

In situ high-energy X-ray diffraction using a synchrotron source performed on a steel metal matrix composite reinforced by TiC allows the evolutions of internal stresses during cooling to be followed thanks to the development of a new original experimental device (a transportable radiation furnace with controlled rotation of the specimen). Using the device on a high-energy beamline during in situ thermal treatment, we were able to extract the evolution of the stress tensor components in all phases: austenite, TiC, and even during the martensitic phase transformation of the matrix.
Aging Response and Precipitation Behavior after 5% Pre-Deformation of an Al-Mg-Si-Cu Alloy
Authors: Jin Shuoxun , Ngai Tungwai , Li Liejun , Jia Shian , Zhai Tongguang , Ke Dongjie
Published: August 2018

In this study, Al-1.00 Mg-0.65 Si-0.24 Cu alloy was solution heat-treated, water-quenched, and then pre-deformed for 5% before aging. The peak hardness and yield strength of the pre-deformed sample with subsequent artificial aging were similar to that of a T6 condition sample. It was also found that the pre-deformation treatment could inhibit the negative influence of natural aging to some degree. After seven days of natural aging, the pre-deformed sample obtained better peak hardness and yield strength upon artificial aging than the sample without pre-deformation. In addition, the pre-deformation treatment could reduce 50% of the artificial aging time to reach the peak aging condition compared with T6 treatment. For the peak aged condition in the pre-deformed sample, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation found two types of precipitates exhibited along the dislocations besides the β″ precipitates in the Al matrix. Both precipitates had disordered atomic arrangements on the ordered subcell (Si network). The disordered precipitates occupied a number of Mg and Si atoms, resulting in less β″ precipitates formed during artificial aging at 180 °C.
Fatigue Behavior of As-Built L-PBF A357.0 Parts
Authors: Bassoli Elena , Denti Lucia , Comin Andrea , Sola Antonella , Tognoli Emanuele
Published: August 2018

Laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is nowadays the preeminent additive manufacturing (AM) technique to produce metal parts. Nonetheless, relatively few metal powders are currently available for industrial L-PBF, especially if aluminum-based feedstocks are involved. In order to fill the existing gap, A357.0 (also known as A357 or A13570) powders are here processed by L-PBF and, for the first time, the fatigue behavior is investigated in the as-built state to verify the net-shaping potentiality of AM. Both the low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue areas are analyzed to draw the complete Wohler diagram. The infinite lifetime limit is set to 2 × 106 stress cycles and the staircase method is applied to calculate a mean fatigue strength of 60 MPa. This value is slightly lower but still comparable to the published data for AlSi10Mg parts manufactured by L-PBF, even if the A357.0 samples considered here have not received any post-processing treatment.
Detection of Particulate Matter of Size 2.5 μm with a Surface-Acoustic-Wave Sensor Combined with a Cyclone Separator
Authors: Kuo Fung-Yu , Lin Ying-Chen , Ke Ling-Yi , Tsai Chuen-Jinn , Yao Da-Jeng
Published: August 2018

A device to monitor particulate matter of size 2.5 μm (PM2.5) that has been designed and developed includes a surface-acoustic-wave sensor operating in a shear horizontal mode (SH-SAW) combined with a cyclone separator. In our tests, aerosols generated as incense smoke were first separated and sampled inside a designed cyclone separator; the sampled PM2.5 was then introduced into the sensing area of an SH-SAW sensor for detection. The use of microcentrifuge tubes as a cyclone separator effectively decreases the size and power consumption of the device; the SAW sensor in a well design and operating at 122 MHz was fabricated with MEMS techniques. After an explanation of the design of the cyclone separator, a simulation of the efficiency and the SAW sensor detection are discussed. A microcentrifuge tube (volume 0.2 mL, inlet and outlet diameters 0.5 mm) as a separator has separation cutoff diameters 50% (d50) at 2.5 μm; the required rate of volumetric flow at the inlet is 0.125 LPM, according to simulation with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software; the surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) sensor exhibits sensitivity approximately 9 Hz/ng; an experiment for PM2.5 detection conducted with the combined device shows a strong positive linear correlation with a commercial aerosol monitor. The limit of detection (LOD) is 11 μg/m3 with sample time 160 s and total detection duration about 5 min.