bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the viscoelastic–viscoplastic model of layered siltstone using creep test and RBF neural network
Authors: Yang Yiran , Lai Xingping , Luo Tao , Yuan Kekuo , Cui Feng
Published: February 2021

Creep is a fundamental time-dependent property of rock. As one of the main surrounding rocks of underground engineering, layered siltstone is governed by creep to a great extent because of special structure. Based on the structural characteristics of layered siltstone, a viscoelastic–viscoplastic model was proposed to simulate and present its creep property. To verify the accuracy of the model, governing equation of the viscoelastic–viscoplastic model was introduced into finite element difference program to simulate a series of creep tests of layered siltstone. Meanwhile, creep tests on layered siltstone were conducted. Numerical simulation results of the viscoelastic–viscoplastic model were compared with creep test data. Mean relative error of creep test data and numerical simulation result was 0.41%. Combined with Lyapunov function, the radial basis function (RBF) neural network trained with creep test data was adopted. Mean relative error of creep test data and RBF neural network data was 0.57%. The results further showed high accuracy and stability of RBF neural network and the viscoelastic–viscoplastic model.
Is there a relation between serum methylarginine levels and infertility?
Authors: Saygın Yasin , Sivrikaya Abdullah , Akdağ Turan , Dursunoğlu Duygu , Kaynar Mehmet , Abuşoğlu Gülsüm , Ünlü Ali
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Infertility is defined as the absence of pregnancy within the reproductive period despite regular sexual intercourse. Methylarginines are formed as a result of methylation of arginine residues in proteins and formed in three forms as asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), symmetrical dimethyl arginine (SDMA) and monomethylarginine (L-NMMA). So, here, we aimed to evaluate arginine and their derivatives levels in fertile and infertile individuals.

Methods

Present study were consist of 30 oligozoospermia patients (proven by spermiogram analysis) and 30 healthy individuals with normozoospermia group who were applied to the urology department. With blood samples taken from individuals, serum methylarginine and its derivatives levels were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Clinic data and demographic characteristics of individuals were also recorded at the same time.

Results

The serum ADMA level (0.38 ± 0.07) of the oligozoospermia group was found to be significantly higher than the normozoospermia group (0.35 ± 0.05) (p=0.046). A positive correlation were observed between ADMA and SDMA (r=0.686, p=0.000), HArg and SDMA (r=0.611, p=0.001), citrulline and L-NMMA (r=0.595, p=0.001) in patients with oligosospermia. The increase in SDMA, arginine and HArg levels and a decrease in L-NMMA and citrulline levels were not significant as statistically. Also, the ADMA level was found to be high in individuals with low sperm concentration.

Conclusions

Consequently, serum ADMA levels of individuals with oligozoospermia were statistically significantly higher than those with normozoospermia. As proposal, determination of ADMA levels may be a potential biomarker parameter in terms of early diagnosis of fertility and infertility.
Kinetic analysis of dual impellers on methane hydrate formation
Authors: Longinos Sotirios Nik , Parlaktuna Mahmut
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the effects of types of impellers and baffles on methane hydrate formation. Induction time, water conversion to hydrates (hydrate yield), hydrate formation rate and hydrate productivity are components that were estimated. The initial hydrate formation rate is generally higher with the use of Ruston turbine (RT) with higher values 28.93 × 10−8 mol/s in RT/RT with full baffle (FB) experiment, but the decline rate of hydrate formation was also high compared to up-pumping pitched blade turbine (PBTU). Power consumption is higher also in RT/RT and PBT/RT with higher value 392,000 W in PBT/RT with no baffle (NB) experiment compared to PBT/PBT and RT/PBT experiments respectively. Induction time values are higher in RT/RT experiments compared to PBT/PBT ones. Hydrate yield is always smaller when there is no baffle in all four groups of experiments while the higher values exist in experiments with full baffle. It should be noticed that PBT is the same with PBTU, since all experiments with mixed flow have upward trending.
Phase relationships in the Ce–Nd–B system at 773 K
Authors: Cui Xuehong , Zhu Jinming , Luo Ketong , Liang Jianlie
Published: February 2021

Phase relationships in the Ce-Nd-B ternary system at 773 K were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. Six borides, i. e. CeB4, CeB6, NdB4, NdB6, NdB66 and Nd2B5 are confirmed in this work. No ternary compound was observed. CeB4 and NdB4 were discovered to form the continuous solid solution phase (Ce,Nd)B4, CeB6 and NdB6 also form the solid solution phase (Ce,Nd)B6. The maximum solid solubility of Ce in (Ce,Nd)2B5 phase is 46.5 at.%. The isothermal section of the Ce-Nd-B ternary system at 773 K consists of 3 three-phase regions, 7 two-phase regions and 7 single- phase regions.
Low temperature and pressureless synthesis of MgAlON: qualitative analysis and formation evolution
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Liu Lei , Qiu Guibo , Bai Zhitao , Guo Min , Cheng Fangqin , Zhang Mei
Published: February 2021

By calculating the Gibbs free energy of a magnesium aluminium oxynitride (MgAlON) system, pure MgAlON was obtained by pressureless sintering at 1 570 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere using Al, Al2O3, and MgO as raw materials. The formation mechanism of MgAlON and phase evolution of the Al-Al2O3-MgO-N2 system were investigated. The aluminium was melted at approximately 660 °C and formed AlN in the range 740- 1 250 °C. The reaction of AlN, Al2O3, and MgO started to form a primary crystalline MgAlON phase at 950 °C, and as the temperature increased, the minerals continuously dissolved in the primary crystalline phase.
An investigation of oxidation, hot corrosion, and thermal shock behavior of atmospheric plasma-sprayed YSZ–Al2O3 composite thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Avci Ali , Eker Aysegul Akdogan , Karabas Muhammet
Published: February 2021

In the current study, different types of thermal barrier coatings with various mass fractions were investigated in terms of oxidation, hot corrosion, and thermal shock resistance. The thermal barrier coatings consisted of six different samples, which included the usual YSZ, Al2O3, hybrid composites with 65 wt.% YSZ and 35 wt.% Al2O3, 50 wt.% YSZ and 50 wt.% Al2O3, 35 wt.% YSZ and 65 wt.% Al2O3 and the final one, which was a double layer composite (Al2O3 and YSZ). High temperature isothermal oxidation behavior of the coatings was tested at 1050 °C, using an air furnace for 48 h, 80 h, and 120 h respectively. Hot corrosion tests were applied at 1050 °C using a 45 wt.% Na2SO4 and 55 wt.% V2O5 mixture of salts. The microstructure and phase stability of coatings were evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The usual YSZ showed better hot corrosion and thermal shock resistance, while Al2O3 showed the lowest hot corrosion and oxidation resistance. Thermally grown oxide formation, thermal expansion coefficient mismatch and phase transformation in the thermal barrier coatings could be the main causes of degradation after thermal shock testing.
Perturbations on K-fusion frames
Authors: Bhandari Animesh , Mukherjee Saikat
Published: February 2021

Fusion frames are widely studied for their applications in recovering signals from large data. These are proved to be very useful in many areas, for example, wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we discuss a generalization of fusion frames, K-fusion frames. K-fusion frames provide decompositions of a Hilbert space into atomic subspaces with respect to a bounded linear operator. This article studies various kinds of properties of K-fusion frames. Several perturbation results on K-fusion frames are formulated and analyzed.
Herbal foodstuffs in Avicenna’s recommended diet to improve sperm quality and increase male fertility; an evidence-based approach
Authors: Sadogh Azita , Gorji Narjes , Moeini Reihaneh
Published: February 2021

Attention to diet was considered important issues in improvement of men infertility in Persian Medicine (PM). The purpose of this study was to extract herbal foodstuffs introduced by Avicenna, one of the greatest PM physicians to improve the semen production and to provide evidence of their impact on the basis of current studies.“Canon of Medicine”, the most important Avecinna's book, was searched with keywords equivalent to semen, fertility and infertility, main herbal foodstuffs were extracted and was searched with keywords sperm, semen, infertility, and fertility in Google scholar, PubMed and Scopus databases. Manuscripts from 1950 up to December 2019 were selected and reviewed. Almond, Onion, Chickpea, Garlic, Coconut, Palm date, Sesame, Fenugreek, Carrot, Fig, Grapes, Pistachio, Hazelnut and Walnut are among main foodstuffs which recommended by Avicenna and there is also evidence that they have positive effects on testosterone production and improvement of various sperm parameters, including count, motility and morphology. Containing large amount of different macro and micronutrients such as vitamins including vit B, C, A and E, minerals such as Mg, Se, Zn, Cu and Fe, important unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acids, amino acids such as lysine and arginine and phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes and steroids can be considered as a main factor in the effectiveness of these foodstuffs. Designing a diet based on the fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that Avicenna has recommended, may be effective in treating male infertility but further studies are needed to clarify this issue. Research on the effectiveness of his other recommended foodsuffs may also offer new treatments and supplements for this purpose.
Recent and future manifestations of a contingent global mean sea level acceleration
Authors: İz H. Bâki , Shum C.K.
Published: February 2021

We analyzed globally averaged satellite altimetry mean sea level time series during 1993 – 2018 and their future manifestations for the following 25 years using a kinematic model, which consists of a trend, a contingent uniform acceleration, and a random error model. The analysis of variance results shows that the model explains 71.7% of the total variation in global mean sea level for which 70.6% is by the secular trend, and 1.07% is due to a contingent uniform acceleration. The remaining 28.3% unexplained variation is due to the random errors, which are dominated by a first order autoregressive process driven mostly by oceanic and atmospheric variations over time. These numbers indicate more bumps and jumps for the future manifestations of the global mean sea level anomalies as illustrated using a one-step ahead predictor in this study. Our findings suggest preponderant random errors are poised to further confound and negatively impact the certitude of published estimates of the uniform global sea level acceleration as well as its prediction under an increasingly warmer Earth.
Positional uncertainty of network RTK observations in a modern datum
Authors: Bernstein T. , Janssen V.
Published: February 2021

The Geocentric Datum of Australia 2020 (GDA2020) is Australia’s new and much improved national datum. It is based on a single, nationwide least squares network adjustment that rigorously propagates uncertainty. This paper explores three options to include Network Real-Time Kinematic (NRTK) observations and their Positional Uncertainty (PU) in the survey control network of New South Wales (NSW) via the GDA2020 state adjustment. In the first option, PU is empirically estimated based on a dataset of more than 1,500 observations to obtain values that can be uniformly applied to all NRTK observations. In the second option, PU is calculated for each NRTK observation, based on the coordinate quality indicators provided by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment. Both options continue to treat NRTK observations as point-based position solutions, resulting in poor correlation with surrounding survey control marks. The third option overcomes this issue by utilising the automatically computed GNSS baselines between NRTK observations and their Virtual Reference Station (VRS) to create a connected network that can be adjusted like a static GNSS network. Using a typical urban NRTK survey in Sydney as an example, it is shown that this method offers a rigorous computation of PU, while maintaining the quick and easy nature of NRTK positioning.
Study of cooling strategy for pressure vessel in pool research reactor at accident situation
Authors: Zhang D. , Ran X. , Zhang Y. , Zhang H.
Published: February 2021

Pressure vessel in pool layout is usually used in high power and middle pressure research reactor, Flow inversion and residual heat removal is important problem. The heat removal strategy at accident situation for a pressure vessel in pool layout research reactor was studied in the paper, many cases was researched for the ability of heat removal and safety of core.
Optimal operation strategy of LWR based on the PCI online prognosis model
Authors: Wei X. , Wang P. , Zhao F.
Published: February 2021

The pellet-cladding interaction (PCI) is one of the major issues in fuel rod during the power change operation in light water reactors (LWR). The frequent power transient will lead to the PCI failure, which results in the radioactive leakage. Unfortunately, the failure cannot be detected on time during operation. For solving this problem, the PCI results is calculated and predicted before the power transient, and the results is used for optimizing the operation strategy. As everyone knows, the calculation of the fuel is a cumbersome work, which is not fit for online evaluation. At first, we present a PCI online prognosis model in this paper by the method of radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). Based on this online model, an optimal operation strategy is present then. The PCI evaluation results is treated as the feedback of the strategy, which will go to the power control system to decide to carry out the power plan or to modify it. The presented operation strategy used the fast online prognosis model to predict the PCI status, which is used as a feedback signal to the power control system. The optimal operation strategy is tested by the experimental data from the references, and the results demonstrate its effectiveness.
Pemetrexed-based first-line chemotherapy had particularly prominent objective response rate for advanced NSCLC: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Yuankai , Cao Zhuo , Pan Jiongwei , Gong Enhui , Zheng Hao , Cai Xiaoping
Published: February 2021

Objective

The aim of the present work was to investigate the clinical efficacy of first-line chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through a comprehensive network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods

The prospective randomized controlled clinical trials relevant to 10 first-line chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of advanced NSCLC were systematic electronic search in the databases of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CNKI. The combined direct or indirect objective response rate (ORR) between each of the 10 first-line chemotherapy regimens was calculated.

Results

Seventeen prospective clinical trials of first-line chemotherapy regimens in treatment of advanced NSCLC were included in the NMA. The 10 treatment regimens including A = cisplatin + gemcitabine, B = carboplatin + gemcitabine, C = gemcitabine, D = carboplatin + paclitaxel, E = paclitaxel + gemcitabine, F = docetaxel + carboplatin, G = gemcitabine + vinorelbine, H = pemetrexed + carboplatin, I = cisplatin + pemetrexed and J = cisplatin + docetaxel were compared in the present NMA. Direct pooled results indicated that the ORR was not statistically different (P
all > 0.05). However, NMA showed that the combined ORR for regimens A (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.80–2.81), B (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.45–6.923), D (OR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.22–9.33), E (OR = 4.36, 95% CI: 1.64–12.82), G (OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.12–12.83) and I (OR = 5.80, 95% CI: 2.04–17.86) was superior to regimen C. Rank probability analysis indicated that regimen C = gemcitabine and regimen I = cisplatin + pemetrexed had the highest probability of inferior and superior treatment ORR among the 10 first-line chemotherapy regimens.

Conclusion

Cisplatin + pemetrexed may have particularly prominent ORR for advanced NSCLC as the first-line chemotherapy regimen.
Early MRI imaging and follow-up study in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Zhang Shan-chun , Jia Jian-jun , Zhao Heng-li , Zhou Bo , Wang Wei , Lu Xiang-hui , Wang Hao , Wang Zhen-fu , Wu Wei-ping
Published: February 2021

Aim

To study the imaging features of leukoaraiosis (LA) and hemorrhage in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) patients.

Methods

The earliest MRI images of probable CAA patients and non-CAA patients were collected. The characteristics of LA in the two groups were analyzed. Cerebral micro bleeding (CMB), superficial siderosis (SS), and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were recorded in the follow-up study. The space relationship between CMB or SS and ICH was assessed.

Results

We found that 10/21 (47.6%) patients had occipital prominent LA and 14/21 (66.7%) patients had subcortical punctate LA before the ICH, which was higher than that of the ones in the control group (p = 0.015 and 0.038, respectively). The recurrence rate of ICH was 100% (3/3) in patients with diffuse SS and 36.4% (4/11) in patients without. The recurrence rate of ICH was 60% (3/5) in patients with multiple-lobe CMBs and 44.4% (4/9) in those without. The location of the ICH and CMB was inconsistent. ICH occurred in the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere of SS in three patients with diffuse SS.

Conclusion

LA, diffuse SS, and multiple-lobe CMBs are important imaging characteristics of CAA, which may help make early diagnosis and predict the recurrence of ICH.
Study of the Q-spiral-like functions of complex order
Authors: Noor Khalida Inayat , Shah Shujaat Ali
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to introduce the q-analogue of subclasses of the spiral-like functions of complex order and derive some inclusion properties by applying certain linear operators. The invariance of these classes under q-Bernardi integral operator has been discussed. Our results yield some known results as special case.
Approximation of the multi-m-Jensen-quadratic mappings and a fixed point approach
Authors: Bodaghi Abasalt
Published: February 2021

In this article, by using a new form of multi-quadratic mapping, we define multi-m-Jensen-quadratic mappings and then unify the system of functional equations defining a multi-m-Jensen-quadratic mapping to a single equation. Using a fixed point theorem, we study the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of multi-quadratic and multi-m-Jensen-quadratic functional equations. As a consequence, we show that every multi-m-Jensen-quadratic functional equation
(under some conditions) can be hyperstable.
Comparison of FDM-printed and compression molded tensile samples
Authors: Roj Robin , Nürnberg Jessica , Theiß Ralf , Dültgen Peter
Published: February 2021

Since the processing of plastics by additive manufacturing techniques, for example, fused deposition modeling, has become quite common, it is mainly used for the production of unique pieces for private consumption as well as for prototyping in industry. In order to professionally manufacture plastic components in large amounts, due to time, cost, and quality factors, injection molding is more suitable. Nevertheless, it is of great interest to print plastic parts in small batch series for technical tasks. In this paper, FDM-produced tensile samples, made from 16 materials, printed in three orientations, are compared to compression molded components. In addition to ordinary filaments, composite materials with metal-, carbon-, wood-, and stone-additives are also examined. While some cavities emerged in both printed and molded samples, the results support the hypothesis that the mechanical properties depend on the components’ densities.
Tension and compression moduli characterization of a bimodular ceramic-fiber reinforced SiO2 aerogel composite
Authors: Sun Yantao , Huang Jia , Shi Duoqi , Zhang Shengliang , Fu Zhizhong , Fan Tianyu , Dong Liwei , Zheng Xiaomei , Zhou Lei , He Xiuran , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: February 2021

Comprehensive characterization mechanical properties of aerogels and their composites are important for engineering design. In particular, some aerogel composites were reported to have varied tension and compression moduli. But conducting tension tests is difficult for the reason that low strength and brittleness will lead to unexpected failure in the non-test area. A method is presented for measuring both the tension and compression moduli of a ceramic-fiber reinforced SiO2 aerogel composite by bending via digital image correlation. First, the relationship between bending behavior and the tension/compression moduli was introduced for bimodular materials. Then a bending test was conducted to predict tension and the compression moduli of the ceramicfiber- reinforced SiO2 aerogel composite via digital image correlation. In addition, uniaxial tension and compression tests of the aerogel composites were carried out, respectively for measuring tension and compression moduli. The tension and compression moduli measured were numerically similar to results obtained from uniaxial tests with a difference of less than 14 %.
Finite element analysis and design optimization of a non-circular sandwich composite deep submarine pressure hull
Authors: Helal Mahmoud , Fathallah Elsayed
Published: February 2021

Diving depth is the criteria for designing the submarine pressure hull meant to achieve a definite collapse depth. In this study, a methodology to optimize a sandwich composite deep pressure hull is presented. Buoyancy factor (BF) minimization is considered as an objective function. The optimization process is achieved by ANSYS parametric design language (APDL). Composites failure criteria and structural stability are considered as constraints. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to analyze the effects of geometric parameters on optimal structural design. The results showed that, the utilization of a sandwich composite pressure hull for a deep submarine at extreme depths is not safe. Additionally, the results propose that the submarine designed should be able to operate at a maximum diving depth of up to 7500 m.
Taguchi optimization of surface roughness in grinding of cryogenically treated AISI 5140 steel
Authors: Kara Fuat , Köklü Uğur , Kabasakaloğlu Ufuk
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the performance of the grinding parameters used in the cylindrical grinding process of AISI 5140 steel and identified optimum grinding conditions via the Taguchi optimization method. Experiments were carried out via the L18 orthogonal array. Control factors for optimum surface roughness (Ra) values were determined by using the Taguchi method. Two different grinding wheels (SiC and Al2O3), three different cryogenic samples (CHT, DCTT-15 and DCTT-30) and depth of cuts (100, 200 and 300 μm) were selected as control factors. The cylindrical grinding test results showed that optimal Ra values were obtained on specimens cryogenically treated for 30 h (DCTT-30). Linear and quadratic regression analyses were conducted for the experimental results. The correlation coefficients (R2) were found to be 0.957 and 0.993 with linear and quadratic regression models, respectively. Finally, confirmation tests were performed and showed that the optimization had been successfully implemented.
Chip-based optical frequency combs for high-capacity optical communications
Authors: Hu Hao , Oxenløwe Leif K.
Published: February 2021

Current fibre optic communication systems owe their high-capacity abilities to the wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technique, which combines data channels running on different wavelengths, and most often requires many individual lasers. Optical frequency combs, with equally spaced coherent comb lines derived from a single source, have recently emerged as a potential substitute for parallel lasers in WDM systems. Benefits include the stable spacing and broadband phase coherence of the comb lines, enabling improved spectral efficiency of transmission systems, as well as potential energy savings in the WDM transmitters. In this paper, we discuss the requirements to a frequency comb for use in a high-capacity optical communication system in terms of optical linewidth, per comb line power and optical carrier-to-noise ratio, and look at the scaling of a comb source for ultra-high capacity systems. Then, we review the latest advances of various chip-based optical frequency comb generation schemes and their applications in optical communications, including mode-locked laser combs, spectral broadening of frequency combs, microresonator-based Kerr frequency combs and electro-optic frequency combs.
The “sound of silence” in Granada during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Manzano Jerónimo Vida , Pastor José Antonio Almagro , Quesada Rafael García , Aletta Francesco , Oberman Tin , Mitchell Andrew , Kang Jian
Published: February 2021

Exceptional circumstances in the city of Granada due to the COVID-19 lockdown have provided the opportunity to characterise the impact of humans on its urban acoustic climate. Traditional environmental noise management and urban sound planning usually take into account noise sources in the city, such as industrial activities or road traffic noise, in model estimations, as well as in empirical research. But trying to isolate human impact by itself, human activity including social activity, walking, talking or just going around the city, has always been a difficult or even impossible task. The COVID-19 lockdown measures have provided the opportunity to study urban climate as never before, affected just by natural or animal noise sources. Previous soundscape research at some iconic sites in the city of Granada carried out in 2019 before the lockdown and a special measuring campaign carried out at the same locations during the lockdown in 2020 offered valuable information on sound levels and local characteristics in order to carry out this comparison. Results show a great change in environmental noise levels that is interesting not only because of its magnitude, but also for its implications, especially at those sites where social human activity was an identifying characteristic. Natural or animal sounds became surprisingly evident at some study sites, especially where road traffic noise dramatically decreased, leading to significantly lower background noise levels. Important spectral changes are observed before and during the lockdown, suggesting a shift from anthropic to animal sources in the acoustic environment.
The nutmeg seedlings growth under pot culture with biofertilizers inoculation
Authors: Hindersah Reginawanti , Kalay Agusthinus Marthin , Kesaulya Henry , Suherman Cucu
Published: February 2021

Nutmeg is important for national and community revenue mainly in Maluku Province where nutmeg seedlings are grown in low-fertility soil without fertilizer. A greenhouse experiment was performed to evaluate the response of nutmeg seedlings following the application of two different biofertilizer concortia. The experimental design was completely randomized block design, which tested the combination treatments of two rates and the application methods of biofertilizer concortium. The rates of “bacillus biofertilizer” was 0.15 and 0.3%, while the rates of “mixed biofertilizer” was 0.5 and 1.0%. Both biofertilizer were inoculated by foliar spray and soil application. The results verified that at 24 weeks after inoculation, biofertilizers increased the seedling growth traits which included plant height, shoot dry weight, leaf surface area, root number, and root dry weight over the control. Soil application by 1% of “mixed biofertilizer” consists of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphate-solubilizing microbes resulted in better seedlings performance. However, the highest plant height was demonstrated by seedlings treated with 0.3% “bacillus biofertilizer” composed of phosphate solubilizing Bacillus. Biofertilizer inoculation also enhanced soil microbes and leaf surface area but did not change the root-to-shoot ratio of the seedlings. The results showed that biofertilizer inoculation improves the growth of nutmeg seedlings.
Sacred civility? An alternative conceptual architecture informed by cultural sociology
Authors: Horgan Mervyn
Published: February 2021

The roots of (im)politeness research in Durkheim’s sociology are neglected. Goffman is the go-to sociologist in (im)politeness research, and Goffman’s debt to Durkheim is substantial. This article argues that a renewed and broadened field of inquiry opens up around (im)politeness phenomena when we take seriously the centrality of Durkheim’s conception of the sacred to both the practice of everyday life and the analysis of everyday phenomena. To embed the sociology of the sacred into the analysis of (im)politeness phenomena, I develop an alternative conceptual architecture that both encompasses and expands the field. This involves two conceptual shifts that I draw out of contemporary Durkheimian cultural sociology. The first shift, from (im)politeness to (in)civility, brings a wider range of phenomena into our analytic purview, and the second, from face to ritual, displaces face as the central concept in (im)politeness research. The value of these conceptual shifts is illustrated using the example of an account of a racist encounter in public space. Consequences of these conceptual shifts for deeper and wider interdisciplinary exploration are explored.
Uncertainty propagation in Pu isotopic composition calculation by gamma spectrometry: theory versus experiment
Authors: Sarkar Arnab
Published: February 2021

Calculation and reporting of total uncertainties are essential criteria in the nuclear industry since measured results are used in decision making. Plutonium isotopic compositions (Pu IC) in different matrices are required at various stages of a close-loop nuclear fuel cycle. Under- and/or over-estimating uncertainties in Pu IC may result in avoidable radiological emergencies. In this work, we present the uncertainty budget for Pu IC determination using 120–450 keV gamma emission lines recorded with an HPGe. Detailed uncertainty propagation equations based on the propagation of partial derivatives are constructed and solved. Effects of the individual uncertainties on the total uncertainty are studied for different counting durations starting from 5 min up to 24 h. Results are compared with TIMS results and the theoretically calculated uncertainties were verified with multiple experimental data.
Air pollutants and impairments of male reproductive health-an overview
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Sharma Anupama , Thaker Riddhi
Published: February 2021

Excessive air pollution, both ambient and indoor are might be detrimental to human wellbeing and are related to morbidity and mortality, it may also affect the reproductive function and its outcome. It is a recognized fact that air pollution contains several toxicants, gases, particulate matter, toxic metals etc. Some of them might affect reproductive and developmental process and a few are persistent. The information accessible on air pollution to human male reproduction is stated to affect semen quality by diminishing one or more sperm quality parameters i.e., sperm morphology, concentration, motility etc. and may causes sperm DNA damage, these might alter the fertility potential which in turn affect pregnancy or its outcome. The impact might be related to the pollutant’s concentration and duration of exposure. The data on impact of air contamination on endocrine function are inadequate, inconsistence and the diversity of existence of air contaminants in area to area and multiplicity in semen quality parameters assessed in various studies as well as study design variables complicated the problem of evaluation of impact of air pollution on male reproduction. The data available suggests the air pollution is might be injurious to human male reproductive health, which depends upon amounts of air pollutants in the air, duration of exposure etc. but more comprehensive data are needed to substantiate the findings. The data are also needed on indoor air pollution on reproduction as people are might be subjected to greater quantities of some of the indoor air pollutants as compared to ambient air pollution.
Signic knowledge: its niche in semiotics and its various aspects
Authors: Jin Yiqiang , Cao Liqin
Published: February 2021

Signic knowledge is a crucial link without which the sign as a phenomenon tumbles to the ground. This topic, however, can hardly be incorporated by any existing theory of semiotics. Under the framework of “the theory of intentional sign,” signic knowledge can find its proper niche as an element of the “context” of a sign process. This niche furnishes a good basis on which to investigate the various aspects of signic knowledge, like its role, nature, origin, and life. Signic knowledge can also be automatized or externalized, whose end results tend to create delusions that obscure the nature of the sign and lead semiotics astray.
Spatial diagrams and geometrical reasoning in the theater
Authors: Degani-Raz Irit
Published: February 2021

This article offers an analysis of the cognitive role of diagrammatic movements in the theater. Based on the recognition of a theatrical work’s inherent ability to provide new insights concerning reality, the article concentrates on the way by which actors’ movements on stage create spatial diagrams that can provide new insights into the spectators’ world. The suggested model of theater’s epistemology results from a combination of Charles S. Peirce’s doctrine of diagrammatic reasoning and David Lewis’s theoretical account of the truth value of counterfactual conditionals. I argue that in several theatrical works – in particular those whose central image is dominated by movements – the relation of what Lewis names “comparative overall similarity” between the fictional and the actual world is based on diagrammatic homology. The cognitive process involved in deciphering them is, hence, based on diagrammatic reasoning. The main emphasis of the analysis is on the previously unnoticed but important cognitive role of observation in the theater: the idea that observation takes an active role in the reasoning process that enables the spectators to form new knowledge about their actual world. Samuel Beckett’s plays Quad and Come and Go serve here as case studies.
Health-related quality of life in tension-type headache: a population-based study
Authors: Ashina Sait , Buse Dawn C. , Bjorner Jakob B. , Bendtsen Lars , Lyngberg Ann C. , Jensen Rigmor H. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache disorder. We assessed the cross-sectional impact of TTH on health related quality of life (HRQoL) in a general population. We also examined the association of HRQoL scores with headache frequency, disability, medication overuse, poor self-rated health, psychiatric comorbidity, and pain sensitivity in individuals with TTH.

Methods

A sample of 547 subjects completed a headache diagnostic interview, the SF-12 to calculate physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component scores, depression (major depression inventory [MDI]) and neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) measures. We defined the following headache diagnosis categories: pure TTH, pure migraine, and coexistent headache (TTH + migraine). Cases were further classified into chronic (≥15) or episodic (<15 headache days/month).

Results

Using generalized linear models (GLM) adjusted for age, sex and education, both PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores varied in groups distinguished by migraine and TTH status; scores were lower for individuals with coexistent headache (TTH + migraine; n=83), followed by pure TTH (n=97) and pure migraine (n=43) compared to the no headache group (n=324) (p≤0.001). In analyses considering chronicity, PCS-12 scores were lower in chronic coexistent headache followed by pure chronic TTH (CTTH), episodic migraine +/− episodic TTH (ETTH) and pure ETTH than in the no headache group (p≤0.001). MCS-12 scores were lower in pure CTTH, followed by chronic coexistent headache, episodic migraine +/− ETTH and pure ETTH compared to the no headache group (p≤0.001). Multiple regression models showed that in TTH, lower PCS-12 scores were associated with age (p=0.04), female sex (p=0.02), and poor self-rated health (p≤0.001). Lower MCS-12 scores in TTH were associated with depression (p≤0.001).

Conclusions

In a population sample, TTH, and to higher degree CTTH, are associated with decreased HRQoL.
Analysis of the random measurement error of areal 3D coordinate measurements exclusively based on measurement repetitions
Authors: Müller Andreas Michael , Hausotte Tino
Published: February 2021

The measurement uncertainty characteristics of a measurement system are an important parameter when evaluating the suitability of a certain measurement system for a specific measurement task. The measurement uncertainty can be calculated from observed measurement errors, which consist of both systematic and random components. While the unfavourable influence of systematic components can be compensated by calibration, random components are inherently not correctable. There are various measurement principles which are affected by different measurement error characteristics depending on specific properties of the measurement task, e. g. the optical surface properties of the measurement object when using fringe projection or the material properties when using industrial X-ray computed tomography. Thus, it can be helpful in certain scenarios if the spatial distribution of the acquisition quality as well as uncertainty characteristics on the captured surface of a certain measurement task can be found out. This article demonstrates a methodology to determine the random measurement error solely from a series of measurement repetitions without the need of additional information, e. g. a reference measurement or the nominal geometry of the examined part.
Matthias Hofmann: Schleiermachers Vorlesungen über das Leben Jesu – Die Einleitungen der Kollegien von 1819/20 und 1829/30. Zwei Teileditionen von Hörernachschriften
Authors: Hofmann Matthias
Published: February 2021

Between 1819 and 1832 Friedrich Schleiermacher was giving lectures on the life of Jesus at the University of Berlin. The following article includes two partial editions, which document the introductory parts of the lectures from 1819/20 and 1829/30. Both are based on manuscripts written by Schleiermacher’s listeners. Especially to explore the development of Schleiermacher’s conceptual considerations this two partial editions should be a useful addition to the new critical edition of Schleiermacher’s Vorlesungen über das Leben Jesu published in 2018 by Walter Jaeschke (KGA II/15).
Eco-friendly Bladder wrack extract as a corrosion inhibitor for thermal desalination units during acid cleaning process
Authors: Deyab Mohamed A. , Al-Qhatani Mohsen Mohammed
Published: February 2021

To strengthen the thermal desalination units and sustainability of their performance and reduce their corrosion during acid cleaning processes to remove the scale layers, economy and nontoxic strategies are needed. Here we clarify how Bladder wrack extract (BWE) can reduce the corrosion mitigations for thermal units (carbon steel part) during the acid cleaning (1.0 M HCl). We find that the performance of BWE extract reached an excellent value (94.2%) at 500 ppm. The rate of electrochemical reactions is very low in the presence of BWE extract, and is consistent with the mass loss method. The activity of BWE extract as a corrosion inhibitor is due to the presence of mixture of organic compounds inside the extract. These compounds were identified by HPLC, SEM and FT-IR analysis.
Corticostriatal Plasticity Established by Initial Learning Persists after Behavioral Reversal
Authors: Ghosh Sanchari , Zador Anthony M.
Published: February 2021

The neural mechanisms that allow animals to adapt their previously learned associations in response to changes in the environment remain poorly understood. To probe the synaptic mechanisms that mediate such adaptive behavior, we trained mice on an auditory-motor reversal task, and tracked changes in the strength of corticostriatal synapses associated with the formation of learned associations. Using a ChR2-based electrophysiological assay in acute striatal slices, we measured the strength of these synapses after animals learned to pair auditory stimuli with specific actions. Here, we report that the pattern of synaptic strength initially established by learning remains unchanged even when the task contingencies are reversed. Our findings reveal that synaptic changes associated with the initial acquisition of this task are not erased or overwritten, and that behavioral reversal of learned associations may recruit a separate neural circuit. These results suggest a more complex role of the striatum in regulating flexible behaviors where activity of striatal neurons may vary given the behavioral contexts of specific stimulus-action associations.
Creating and Contesting Refugee Spaces
Authors: Gonzalez Elwing Su’o’ng
Published: February 2021

Despite a federal resettlement policy of dispersing Vietnamese refugees entering the United States after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, refugees resisted and resettled elsewhere. Within the first decade of settlement, the largest concentration of the refugees had formed in the Los Angeles area. This article identifies a number of factors in the rise of Vietnamese communities in Los Angeles, its San Gabriel Valley suburbs, and adjoining Orange County.
Endocrine toxicity of cancer immunotherapy: clinical challenges
Authors: Anderson Bliss , Morganstein Daniel L
Published: February 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now widely used in the treatment of multiple cancers. The major toxicities of these treatments are termed immune-related adverse events and endocrine dysfunction is common. Thyroid disease, hypopituitarism and a form of diabetes resembling type 1 diabetes are now all well described, with different patterns emerging with different checkpoint inhibitors. We review the presentation and management of the common endocrine immune-related adverse events, and discuss a number of recent advances in the understanding of these important, potentially life threatening toxicities. We also discuss some remaining dilemmas in management.
Descrición, cartografía e valor de conservación dos bosques da Devesa da Rogueira (Serra do Courel,NWPenínsula Ibérica)
Authors: Rodríguez Guitián Manuel Antonio , Romero Franco Rosa , Real Carlos , Ferreiro da Costa Javier
Published: February 2021

Se presenta un estudo detallado dos tipos de bosques existentes na Devesa da Rogueira (Folgoso doCourel, Lugo, España) elaborado a partir da información previamente publicada e da realización de novos traballos de inventariación en campo. En total, recoñécense 21 comunidades diferentes de bosques, para as que se describe a súa ecoloxía, caracterización florística e distribución dentro da área de estudio. Tendo en conta a reducida extensión da superficie arborada estudiada (310 ha) e a súa elevada riqueza fitocenótica, a Devesa da Rogueira confírmase como un lugar de excepcional valorambiental, non só dentro do contexto local ou autonómico, senón dentro da área temperada do NW Ibérico.
Pasantia - Javier Eduardo Becerra Becerra - Alicante, España
Authors: Javier Eduardo Becerra Becerra
Published: February 2021

Informe de movilidad académica. UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE.
Contenido del informe de avance del proyecto. ¿Sector financiero responsable? Aspectos generales y retos entorno al Financial Green Marketing
Authors: Violeta Rosa Zuluaga Cadena , John Milton Diaz Villarraga , José Antonio Fernandez Navarrete
Published: February 2021

La educación financiera en Latinoamérica registra un lento crecimiento en las últimas décadas, evidenciado de manera crítica en los estratos más vulnerables de la población, hechos claramente apreciables en los indicadores de crecimiento y desarrollo de los distintos países de la región, si bien es cierto hay algunas excepciones como Brasil, Chile y México que se encuentran a la vanguardia, aún persisten grandes brechas entre países, estas circunstancias son apreciables en la baja inclusión financiera de distintos grupos poblacionales, con las consecuentes pérdidas de oportunidad de acceso a los servicios financieros que pueden mejorar el bienestar y de paso la calidad de vida de las personas. Este fenómeno, está vinculado de una parte, con voluntades políticas de los gobiernos de turno y de otro lado por limitaciones hacia el acceso que tienen las entidades del sistema financiero.
Formato de presentación de proyecto. Modelo de regresión beta para la proporción de víctimas de desplazamiento forzado por municipio para el periodo 2002- 2016
Authors: Wilmer Pineda-Ríos , Dagoberto Bermúdez , Andrés Cruz Pérez , Natalia Niño Martínez
Published: February 2021

El desplazamiento forzado en Colombia ha sido, desde la década de los noventas, la consecuencia más visible del conflicto armado interno en el país. Entre 1985 y 2017, de acuerdo con el registro único de víctimas, 6.652.985 personas se han visto en la necesidad de desplazarse para proteger su vida e integridad y la de sus familias. Si bien no puede suponerse que el desplazamiento forzado es constante, si ha sido permanente en los últimos 25 años. En la presente investigación se propone realizar un modelo de Regresión Beta Bayesiano, con el fin de hacer una estimación de la proporción de víctimas de desplazamiento forzado por municipio entre 2002 y 2016. Con la aplicación de este modelo se pretende además identificar factores de influencia en el desplazamiento forzado en Colombia y, de esta forma, minimizar el riesgo de un individuo de ser victimizado.
Informe de proyecto de investigación.Generación de confianza de los directivos: análisis desde una perspectiva de género en PYMES del sector industrial de la ciudad de Bogotá D.C
Authors: Myriam Sosa Espinosa , Marta Gisela Durán Gamba , Myriam Sosa Espinosa
Published: February 2021

El retador contexto dentro del que se desenvuelven en la actualidad las organizaciones, genera la necesidad de vincular directivos cuyas habilidades de liderazgo favorezcan el desarrollo de ambientes laborales en los que prime el trabajador como factor de competitividad. Por ello, la influencia de los directivos tiene un papel central en el desarrollo de competencias que favorezcan el desempeño de las personas y la organización, como la confianza considerada un capital intangible que incentiva una mayor competitividad organizacional propiciada por estos al establecer acuerdos cooperativos y transparentes con sus stakeholders (Cegarra, Briones & Ros, 2005). Tradicionalmente existe el paradigma en el que prima el liderazgo masculino en los cargos directivos representando destrezas de una gerencia efectiva.