bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal patterns in deep acoustic backscatter layers near vent plumes in the northeastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Burd Brenda J. , Thomson Richard E.
Published: June 2019

We used moored 75 kHz acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) to examine seasonal cycles in zooplankton deep scattering layers (DSLs) observed below 1300 m depth at Endeavour Ridge hydrothermal vents. DSLs are present year-round in the lower water column near vent plumes. Temporal variations suggest passive, flow-induced displacements superimposed on migratory movements. Although the strongest DSLs are shallower than the neutrally buoyant plumes (1900–2100 m), anomalies also occur at and below plume depth. Upward movement from plume depth in the main DSL is evident in late summer/fall, resulting in shallower DSLs in winter, consistent with the timing of adult diapause/reproduction in upper-ocean migratory copepods. Movement from the upper ocean to plume depth coincides with pre-adult migration to greater depths in spring. Synchronous 20–40 d cycles in DSLs may account for patchiness in space and time of above-plume zooplankton layers observed in summer during previous net-sampling surveys, and suggests lateral and vertical migratory movements to counter current drift away from plume-derived food sources. Persistent near-bottom DSLs move vertically between the spreading plume and seafloor. Historical net data suggests that these are deep, resident fauna. Unlike upper ocean fauna, they seem to be advected considerable distances from the ridge axis, where they are evident as remnant scattering layers.
Evaluation of energy efficient propulsion technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Matlock Jay , Warwick Stephen , Sharikov Philipp , Richards Jenner , Suleman Afzal
Published: June 2019

The transition to cleaner, more efficient and longer-endurance aircraft is at the forefront of research and development in air vehicles. The focus of this research is to experimentally evaluate hybrid propulsion and energy harvesting systems in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Hybrid systems offer benefits over conventional gasoline and electric systems including lower environmental impacts, reduced fuel consumption, redundancy, and distributed propulsion. Additional energy efficiency can be achieved by harvesting some of the thermal energy of the exhaust gases. The development and experimental evaluation of a hybrid propulsion UAV was carried out at the University of Victoria Center for Aerospace Research (UVIC-CfAR) in the framework of the Green Aviation Research & Development Network (GARDN) grant. The work involved the development of a framework to evaluate UAV hybrid propulsion efficiency, and to predict the amount of power harvestable from thermoelectric generators (TEGs). The objective was to combine all of the components into a modular test bench that will allow the performance of the parallel hybrid system to be characterized and compared with theoretical results. Several experiments were performed to collect performance data of various components including a triple-TEG system connected to an engine, and system variables were modified to simulate flight profiles.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CENTRAL BANK INTERVENTION: EVIDENCE FROM TAIWAN’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET
Authors: CHEN DAR-HSIN , LEE YING-HSIN
Published: June 2019

This paper explores the effectiveness in which the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) artificially devalues the New Taiwan Dollar relative to the US Dollar via the major foreign exchange brokered firm in Taiwan. The empirical results support that Taiwan’s central bank targets to step into the major market to influence the exchange rate at some specific intervals. However, the effectiveness of intervention in the major brokered company is short run and might reverse overnight. Moreover, intervention increases the returns and spreads of the two markets for a few minutes. Finally, the effectiveness of moral suasion is insignificant, depending on the timing of interventions and the response of market participants to those interventions.
CAPITAL FLOW WAVES AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM ADVANCED AND DEVELOPING ECONOMIES
Authors: HLAING SU WAH , KAKINAKA MAKOTO
Published: June 2019

There have been growing concerns that volatile international capital flows could harm macroeconomic conditions in a country, although capital mobility generally promotes efficient resource allocation. To understand the roles of gross capital inflows and outflows, this study examines the effects of extreme capital flow waves on economic growth in 164 developing and advanced economies. The main results show clear differences between them. Growth in advanced countries is insensitive to extreme capital flow waves, but for developing countries, sudden stops and retrenchments (sudden decreases in capital inflows and outflows) hurt growth, while surges (sudden increases in capital inflows) are positively associated with growth. The analysis indicates that developing economies are vulnerable to sharp decreases in both capital inflows and capital outflows. Our findings have policy implications for financial regulators, particularly in developing countries, indicating that they should pay more attention to macroprudential policies related to capital flow management aimed at stabilizing capital flow movements.
A CMOS low-noise active mixer with enhanced linearity and isolation by exploiting capacitive neutralization technique
Authors: Guo Benqing , Wang Huifen , Chen Jun , Deilamsalehi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a broadband complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) active down-conversion mixer is presented. Specifically, a capacitor cross-coupled (CCC) transconductor serves as the input stage to reduce noise figure of the mixer while providing wideband input matching. Moreover, a capacitive neutralization technique is used to compensate the source-drain parasitic of input stage and boost loop gain of the transconductor, resulting in improved isolation and linearity. The current-reuse technique applied to the developed transconductor by stacked nMOS/pMOS architecture efficiently saves power consumption of the circuit. Implemented in the TSMC 28-nm CMOS process, post-simulations show that the proposed mixer provides a maximal conversion gain of 11.4 dB and an NF of 3.9–4.7 dB across RF input frequency range of 2–9.6 GHz. The average IIP3 of 5 dBm are obtained while the mixer core consumes 6.2 mW from a 1 V supply.
An elementary particle model with Bertotti–Robinson core
Authors: Habib Mazharimousavi S. , Halilsoy M.
Published: June 2019

Spherically symmetric classical model of an elementary particle or a black hole spacetime without central singularity had been constructed by O. B. Zaslavskii, Classical model of an elementary particle with a Bertotti–Robinson core and extremal black holes, Phys. Rev. D 70 (2004) 104017. In this model, an extremal Reissner–Nordström (RN) black hole and a Bertotti–Robinson (BR) spacetime are glued at the horizon such that the inner/core spacetime is the regular BR while outside is the extremal RN. The fact that near horizon geometry of the extremal RN coincides with BR spacetime becomes helpful in the construction. We investigate the stability of such a particle/regular black hole against linear radial perturbations. The model turns out to be stable against such perturbations with a linear equation of state for a perfect fluid after the perturbation. To complete our study, we give a generic particle model whose inner and outer metrics must satisfy more general conditions.
Modi’s Neighborhood Policy and China’s Response
Authors: CHATURVEDY RAJEEV RANJAN
Published: June 2019

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election victory in May 2014 under the leadership of Narendra Modi saw the first parliamentary majority achieved by a single party in three decades. Both Indian and foreign observers of India’s foreign policy knew a little of Modi and the BJP’s approach to India’s external engagements. Modi’s image as a nationalist and strong leader led to the speculation that he would substantially change the direction of India’s foreign policy. This may be most visible in India’s “Neighborhood-First” Initiative (NFI). This study focuses on Modi’s neighborhood policy. It gives an overview of how the Modi government is redefining India’s neighborhood policy and considers the new vision and approach that the Modi government is pursuing with India’s neighborhood. It is followed by an assessment of difficulties in putting the policy into practice. Finally, it discusses responses from China and summarizes key points in the concluding section.
INTERMEDIATION FOR OPEN INNOVATION: COMPARING DIRECT VERSUS DELEGATED SEARCH STRATEGIES OF INNOVATION INTERMEDIARIES
Authors: DIENER KATHLEEN , LUETTGENS DIRK , PILLER FRANK THOMAS
Published: June 2019

Intermediaries are an inherent part of value creation in open innovation. They connect organisations seeking external solutions for an innovation-related problem (seekers) with potential solution providers (solvers). To bridge between the innovation problem and external knowledge sources, intermediaries deploy different search strategies. This study compares the cost of using two prevalent approaches: direct versus delegated search. Direct search corresponds to the conventional understanding of search by screening a pre-identified set of solution providers that the intermediary has identified as potentially relevant contributors. Delegated search comprises more indirect search such as problem broadcasting or crowdsourcing. Here, the innovation problem is distributed to a large external network of potential solvers, allowing even unobvious outsiders to contribute to its solution. An empirical study of 53 open innovation intermediaries indicates that delegated search outperforms direct search in terms effectiveness. The lower overall effort for intermediation in delegated search mainly arises from decoupling the effort to coordinate the search process by shifting it towards the solution provider.
Enhanced Performance of Near-Infrared-Absorption CdSeTe Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells Via Octa-Aminopropyl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Modification
Authors: Feng Zichao , Ma Ruina , Du An , Zhang Yinan , Zhao Xue , Fan Yongzhe , Cao Xiaoming
Published: June 2019

The charge recombination caused by surface defects limits photovoltaic properties of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), which can be suppressed by modifying organic or inorganic molecules and atomic ligands. In this paper, octa-aminopropyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OA-POSS) connected and modified near-infrared absorption CdSeTe quantum dots (QDs) through coupling agent (1-ethyl-3-3-dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide hydrochloride). The results suggest that OA-POSS reduces the surface defects of CdSeTe QDs and suppresses charge recombination. Therefore, the power conversion efficiency improves nearly 41%, which increases from 2.00% to 2.82%.
One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of CoNi2S4 for Hybrid Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Liu Peng , Sui Yanwei , Wei Fuxiang , Qi Jiqiu , Meng Qingkun , Ren Yaojian , He Yezeng
Published: June 2019

In this study, a simple one-step hydrothermal method was developed to prepare a novel hierarchical CoNi2S4 nanostructure similar to rambutan fruit. The surface microstructural study clearly visualized that the rambutan-like CoNi2S4 consists of nanorods grown directly on the surface of spherical core structures. The close attachment of the nanorods to the spheres increased the active areas of the electrode, which facilitates efficient charge transport from the nanorods to the spherical core structure. CoNi2S4 with a rambutan-like hierarchical structure showed an excellent specific capacitance of 944[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 1[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], considerable rate capacitance (75.6% retention at 10[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]) and excellent cycling life (91.1% retention after 5000 circulations) in the three-electrode system. Besides, the assembled hybrid supercapacitor based on CoNi2S4 and reduced graphene oxide exhibited a high specific energy density of 23.58[Formula: see text]Wh[Formula: see text]kg[Formula: see text] at the power density of 800[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text]kg[Formula: see text].
Preparation and Photocatalytic Mechanism of Ag3PO4/SnO2 Composite Photocatalyst
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Guang , Song Yinghua
Published: June 2019

A simple hydrothermal conversion method for the preparation of Ag3PO4/SnO2 composite photocatalyst has been developed. The morphological properties of the nanocomposites are studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and other methods. Different properties of catalysts are prepared by adjusting the temperature of hydrothermal reaction and the volume ratio. The prepared photocatalyst is tested by degradation of tetracycline solution under visible light show that the degradation rate of tetracycline can reach 74% when the initial [Ag3PO4]/[SnO2] molar ratio is 15 and the temperature is 140∘C. Moreover, by constructing Ag3PO4/SnO2 composite structure, the impedance and photocurrent of material are enhanced significantly according to the electrochemical characterization.
Section problems for configuration spaces of surfaces
Authors: Chen Lei
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we give a close-to-sharp answer to the basic questions: When is there a continuous way to add a point to a configuration of [Formula: see text] ordered points on a surface [Formula: see text] of finite type so that all the points are still distinct? When this is possible, what are all the ways to do it? More precisely, let PConf[Formula: see text] be the space of ordered [Formula: see text]-tuple of distinct points in [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the map given by [Formula: see text]. We classify all continuous sections of [Formula: see text] up to homotopy by proving the following:

(1) If [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], any section of [Formula: see text] is either “adding a point at infinity” or “adding a point near [Formula: see text]”. (We define these two terms in Sec. 2.1; whether we can define “adding a point near [Formula: see text]” or “adding a point at infinity” depends in a delicate way on properties of [Formula: see text].) (2) If [Formula: see text] a [Formula: see text]-sphere and [Formula: see text], any section of [Formula: see text] is “adding a point near [Formula: see text]”; if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the bundle [Formula: see text] does not have a section. (We define this term in Sec. 3.2). (3) If [Formula: see text] a surface of genus [Formula: see text] and for [Formula: see text], we give an easy proof of [D. L. Gonçalves and J. Guaschi, On the structure of surface pure braid groups, J. Pure Appl. Algebra 182 (2003) 33–64, Theorem 2] that the bundle [Formula: see text] does not have a section.
Synthesis of stable aqueous colloid of functionalized silver nanorod
Authors: Singh Abha , Samanta Siddhartha , Bage Nirgaman , Ghosh Barnali Dasgupta , Kar Pradip , Roy Poulomi
Published: June 2019

The aqueous colloid of mercapto ligand-functionalized silver nanorod was successfully synthesized by citric acid reduction method. The bigger silver nanospheres were preferably stabilizing in nanorod structure due to the presence of very high concentrations of both silver salts as well as mercapto ligand stabilizer. The properties and stability of the mercapto ligand-functionalized silver nanorod in aqueous colloid was investigated from standard characterizations. These types of surface functionalization silver nanorod conjugated with various biomolecules have been considered as interesting probe in electrochemical bioassay with improved sensitivity, selectivity for biomedical application and clinical analysis purpose.
Magnetoresistive Biosensors for Direct Detection of Magnetic Nanoparticle Conjugated Biomarkers on a Chip
Authors: Huang H. T. , Garu P. , Li C. H. , Chang W. C. , Chen B. W. , Sung S. Y. , Lee C. M. , Chen J. Y. , Hsieh T. F. , Sheu W. J. , Ouyang H. , Wang W. C. , Chang C. R. , Wang C. L. , Hsu M. S. , Wei Z. H.
Published: June 2019

In this review, we introduce various magnetic biosensors that have been developed. We first explain the advantages of magnetic biosensing and their general operating principles as well as the biolabeling technique for magnetic nanoparticles. Next, we focus on magnetoresistive biosensing technologies because magnetoresistive biosensors will be an essential development direction due to the demand for miniaturization and portable lab-on-a-chip devices. The magnetoresistive effects employed in biosensing include anisotropic magnetoresistance, giant magnetoresistance and tunneling magnetoresistance. In addition to magnetoresistive sensors, the advantages and disadvantages of some nonmagnetoresistive magnetic biosensors are discussed and compared. Finally, we introduce research on integrating magnetic biosensors into the microfluidic laboratory-on-a-chip systems and comment on future development trends.
Organization and reorganization of drainage and sediment routing through time: the Mississippi River system
Authors: Blum Mike
Published: June 2019

It has been said that large rivers are the bloodlines of continents, and the Mississippi River system is the most prominent bloodline in North America. The Mississippi drainage stretches from the Rocky Mountains in the western USA to the Appalachian Cordillera in the east, and sediment from this vast area is then routed to the alluvial–deltaic plain of south Louisiana and the basin-floor fan in the deep Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Origins of the Mississippi system can be traced to the Late Cretaceous–Early Paleocene reorganization of North American drainage. However, integration of a continental-scale Mississippi drainage is a Late Neogene phenomenon, and sediment routing to the GoM has changed significantly over multiple timescales in response to a variety of large-scale natural forcing mechanisms and to human activities. This paper reviews large-scale change in drainage, sediment routing and sediment storage for the Mississippi system over timescales of 150 myr, where tectonic and geodynamic processes dominate, the last 150 kyr, where Milankovitch climate and sea-level changes dominate, and the 150 year period of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries when human activities have fundamentally altered the sediment routing and dispersal system.
The Môn–Deemster–Ribblesdale fold–thrust belt, central UK: a concealed Variscan inversion belt located on weak Caledonian crust
Authors: Pharaoh Tim , Haslam Richard , Hough Ed , Kirk Karen , Leslie Graham , Schofield Dave , Heafford Adrian
Published: June 2019

The Ribblesdale fold belt, representing the Variscan inversion of the Bowland Basin, is a well-known geological feature of northern England. It represents a crustal strain discontinuity between the granite-underpinned basement highs of the northern Pennines and Lake District in the north, and the Central Lancashire High/southern Pennines, in the south. Recent seismic interpretation and mapping have demonstrated that the Ribblesdale fold belt continues offshore towards Anglesey via the Deemster Platform, beneath the Permo-Triassic sedimentary cover of the southern part of the East Irish Sea Basin. The Môn–Deemster fold–thrust belt (FTB) affects strata of Mississippian to late Pennsylvanian age. Variscan thrusts extend down into the pre-Carboniferous basement but apparently terminate at a low-angle detachment deeper in the crust, here correlated with the strongly sheared Penmynydd Zone exposed in the adjacent onshore. Up to 15% shortening is observed on seismic sections across the FTB offshore, but is greater in the strongly inverted onshore segment. Pre-Carboniferous thrusting post-dates formation of the Penmynydd Zone, and is probably of Acadian age, when basement structures such as the southward-vergent Carmel Head Thrust formed. Extensional reactivation of the Acadian structures in early Mississippian time defined the northern edge of the offshore Bowland Basin. The relatively late brittle structures of the Menai Strait fault system locally exhume the Penmynydd Zone and define the southern edge of the basin. The longer seismic records from the offshore provide insights to the tectonic evolution of the more poorly imaged FTB onshore.
What Do Older Adults and Clinicians Think About Traditional Mobility Aids and Exoskeleton Technology?
Authors: Jung Merel M. , Ludden Geke D. S.
Published: June 2019

Mobility impairments can prevent older adults from performing their daily activities, which highly impacts quality of life. Powered exoskeletons, which are wearable robotic devices, can assist older adults by providing additional support to compensate for age-related decline in muscle strength. To date, little is known about the opinions and needs of older adults regarding exoskeletons, as current research primarily focuses on the technical development of exoskeleton devices and on groups with more severe mobility impairments such as people with spinal cord injuries. Therefore, the aim of this article is to inform the design of exoskeletons for older adults from a person-centered perspective. Interviews were conducted with seven older adults and six clinicians. Results indicated that exoskeletons can be a valuable addition to existing mobility devices to support older adults during walking and other actions necessary to perform their daily activities. Although reactions towards the concept of exoskeleton technology were positive, older adults did not currently perceive the need for an exoskeleton device. Exoskeletons for older adults should be easy to use; preferably, users should be able to put the device on and take it off independently. Moreover, the appearance of the exoskeleton should be as inconspicuous as possible, as most older adults do not like to advertise their need for assistive devices. At this point in time, the willingness to use exoskeleton technology will depend on personal needs and preferences.
A Diagnostic Human Workload Assessment Algorithm for Collaborative and Supervisory Human--Robot Teams
Authors: Heard Jamison , Heald Rachel , Harriott Caroline E. , Adams Julie A.
Published: June 2019

High-stress environments, such as first-response or a NASA control room, require optimal task performance, as a single mistake may cause monetary loss or even the loss of human life. Robots can partner with humans in a collaborative or supervisory paradigm to augment the human’s abilities and increase task performance. Such teaming paradigms require the robot to appropriately interact with the human without decreasing either’s task performance. Workload is related to task performance; thus, a robot may use a human’s workload state to modify its interactions with the human. Assessing the human’s workload state may also allow for dynamic task (re-)allocation, as a robot can predict whether a task may overload the human and, if so, allocate it elsewhere. A diagnostic workload assessment algorithm that accurately estimates workload using results from two evaluations, one peer based and one supervisory based, is presented. The algorithm correctly classified workload at least 90% of the time when trained on data from the same human--robot teaming paradigm. This algorithm is an initial step toward robots that can adapt their interactions and intelligently (re-)allocate tasks.
Visually Lossless Content and Motion Adaptive Shading in Games
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhdan Dmitry , Kilgariff Emmett , Lum Eric B. , Zhang Yubo , Johnson Matthew , Rydgård Henrik
Published: June 2019

We present a technique that adaptively adjusts the shading rate during rendering based on the scene content and motion. Our goal is to improve performance with no loss in perceived quality. We determine per-screen-tile shading rate by testing an error estimate against a perceptually-corrected just-noticeable difference threshold. Our design features an effective and efficient error estimate using spatial and frequency analysis of half and quarter rate shading. We also study the effect of motion in reducing perceived error, a consequence of display-persistence and/or motion blur effects. Our implementation uses the computed per-tile shading rate with variable rate shading (a recent GPU feature) to lower shading cost. We demonstrate the quality and performance of our technique on two high-end game engines and shipped games.
Dynamics Analysis of a Stochastic Delay Gilpin-Ayala Model with Markovian Switching
Authors: Gao Qiaoqin , Luo Zhijiang , Liu Guirong
Published: June 2019

This paper considers a stochastic delay Gilpin-Ayala model with Markovian switching. Using Lyapunov method, we show existence and uniqueness of global positive solution. Then, by using Chebyshev’s inequality, M-matrix method, and BDG’s inequality, stochastic permanence and asymptotic estimations of solutions are studied. Finally, numerical simulations illustrate the theoretical results. Our results generalize and improve the existing results.
PDMS-Based Capacitive Pressure Sensor for Flexible Transparent Electronics
Authors: Chen Longlong , Chen Xin , Zhang Zhihan , Li Tongkuai , Zhao Tingting , Li Xifeng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: June 2019

We propose a flexible pressure sensor based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and transparent electrodes. The transmittance of the total device is 82% and the minimum bending radius is 18 mm. Besides, the effect of annealing temperature on the mechanical properties of PDMS is reported here. The results show that the PDMS film under lower annealing temperature of 80°C has good compression property but poor dynamic response. While for higher temperatures, the compression property of PDMS films significantly reduced. The best compromise of annealing temperature between compression property and dynamic response is found for PDMS film of about 110°C. The pressure sensor under 110°C curing temperature shows a good sensitivity of 0.025 kPa−1 and robust response property. The device shows a promising route for future intelligent transparent sensing applications.
Food Safety Practice and Its Associated Factors among Mothers in Debarq Town, Northwest Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dagne Henok , Raju R. P. , Andualem Zewudu , Hagos Tesfaye , Addis Kidstemariam
Published: June 2019

Background. Food safety practice is an important Public Health issue to prevent or control food-borne illnesses. Evidence shows that 10 to 20% of food-borne diseases outbreaks are because of contamination by food handlers in restaurants, butcher shops, markets, etc. However, the food safety practice and associated factors among mothers who are the food handlers at their homes are not well studied and understood. This study aimed to assess food safety practice and associated factors among mothers in Debarq town. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April, 2018. Four hundred and twenty-three study participants were included using simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with food safety practice based on AOR with 95% CI and p < 0.05. Results. About 210 (49.6%) of study participants had good food safety practice. Food safety practice of mothers was significantly associated with their educational status; secondary educational status adjusted odds ratio, AOR 3.09, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.54, 6.20; College and University education AOR 2.95, 95% CI: 1.22, 7.12; food safety knowledge AOR 2.49, 95% CI: 1.41, 4.40; and attitude towards food safety AOR 3.67, 95% CI: 2.27, 5.94. Conclusion. Half of the study subjects had a good level of self-reported food safety practice and the other half had a poor level. Educational status, food safety knowledge, and attitude towards food safety were the identified factors associated with food safety practice. Improving the knowledge and educational status of the mothers is important to enhance their food safety practices.
Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Female Urinary Incontinence and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: An Update
Authors: Franić Damir , Fistonić Ivan
Published: June 2019

Vaginal birth trauma is the leading cause of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. Also, the process of ageing and hormonal deprivation in postmenopause alters the metabolism of connective tissues and decreases collagen production leading to pelvic floor dysfunction. Noninvasive treatment is recommended as first-line management of urinary incontinence (UI) in women. Surgical procedures are more likely to be implemented to cure UI but are associated with more adverse events. Sex hormone deficiency affects changes also in the lower urinary tract where estrogens are the main regulators of physiological functions of the vagina. In the last decade, laser treatment of SUI and of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) has been shown a promising treatment method in peer-reviewed literature. This review’s aim is to present the evidence-based medical data and laser treatment of SUI and GSM in an outpatient setting to be a good treatment option, regarding short-term as well as long-term follow-ups. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to confirm that laser treatment is a good, painless outpatient procedure with no side effects in postmenopausal women.
Investigation of the Effect of Confining Pressure on the Mechanics-Permeability Behavior of Mudstone under Triaxial Compression
Authors: Shi Lu , Zeng Zhijiao , Fang Zhiming , Li Xiaochun
Published: June 2019

Injecting CO2 into a reservoir disturbs the geostress field, which leads to variations in the permeability of caprock and affects its sealing performance. In this paper, the evolution characteristics of the permeability of Yingcheng mudstone were experimentally studied during deviatoric compression under different confining pressures. As the confining pressure increased, the strength of the mudstone increased bilinearly, the angle between the fault and the maximum principle stress increased, and the fault became flatter. During compression, the permeability of mudstone first decreased and then increased and the turning point of the permeability was between the onset of dilatancy and the turning point of volumetric strain; when the fault formed, the permeability increased sharply and the fault-induced increment was reduced exponentially with increasing confining pressure. In addition, the mudstone transformed to the ductile failure mode when the effective confining pressure was greater than 35 MPa, which means that the permeability did not jump within a small strain. Finally, a practical strain-based model of permeability evolution that separately considers compaction and dilatancy was proposed, and the predicted permeability values were in good agreement with the experimental results. This study revealed the effect of confining pressure on permeability evolution during compression and can help evaluate the sealing ability of mudstone caprock.
Selecting Effective Herbal Medicines for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder via Text Mining of Donguibogam
Authors: Bae Hyo Won , Lee Se Yeon , Kim Sung Ji , Shin Hwa Kyoung , Choi Byung Tae , Baek Jin Ung
Published: June 2019

Objective. Several attempts have been made to reduce the harmful side effects and increase the efficacy of current drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many articles have studied medicinal herbs as an effective supplement in treating ADHD. In a similar manner, this study provides foundational data to identify herbs that are potentially effective in treating ADHD by text mining of Donguibogam, which is a comprehensive summation of the important traditional principles and practices of Korean medicine.Methods. Text mining was performed for 3833 herbal prescriptions and 1108 medicinal herbs comprising prescriptions listed in Donguibogam. The first step was frequency analysis followed by chi-square test, which is a statistical hypothesis test.Results and Conclusions. Twelve medicinal herbs were selected for each ADHD subtype: hyperactivity ADHD type (ADHD-PHI) and attention-deficit ADHD type (ADHD-PI). Compared to previous research on traditional literature, a newer and more efficient methodology of selecting herbal medicines was developed in this process.
Effects of the Shape and Size of Irregular Particles on Specific Breakage Energy under Drop Weight Impact
Authors: Gan Deqing , Gao Feng , Zhang Yunpeng , Zhang Jinxia , Niu Fusheng , Gan Ze
Published: June 2019

Particle shape and size are main factors influencing particle breakage. Single‐particle breakage tests were conducted on irregular magnetite ore using modified drop weight impact equipment to analyze the effect of shape and size on specific breakage energy. A method to measure the effective breakage energy is presented. Ore particles with different sphericities and different sizes were broken into several fragments with differing impact energies in the tests. Experimental studies indicate that the shape of particles significantly influences the impact loading mode and breakage progress; the specific breakage energy has an obvious relationship with the sphericity and the initial size. The specific breakage energy decreases with larger initial loading area. The particle needs less specific breakage energy if the shape or placement state is more conducive to tensile fracture. There is an increase in specific breakage energy corresponding to an increase in particle sphericity with fixed initial size range. With the increase in the initial size of the particle, the specific breakage energy decreases with fixed sphericity range, which presents a power function with the exponent −0.5. The comprehensive relationship between specific breakage energy, particle sphericity, and initial size was established, showing that the input power of the crushing machinery and the optimization of crushing technology should be performed with consideration of the influence of particle shape and initial size to reduce specific energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.
Thermal Stability of Shear-Induced Precursors and Their Effect on the Crystalline Structure of β-Nucleated Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Tian Yefei
Published: June 2019

The thermal stability and lifetime of shear-induced precursors under various annealing temperatures, as well as the influence of their relaxation on the crystalline modification in β-nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP), are investigated using an ARES rheometer. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction results show that the β-crystal content of sheared β-nucleated iPP samples gradually increases with thermal treatments. The relaxation of shear-induced precursors during annealing which caused the decrease of shear nuclei may restrain the counteraction effect between the shear flow and β-nucleation agent as well as result in the increase of β-crystal content. At the early stage of relaxation, the relaxation degree is closely related to the increase of β-crystals, for which the deeper relaxed shear-induced precursors result in the more restoration of β-crystals. However, when the relaxation degree exceeded a certain limitation, where the β-crystals reached the maximum, the relaxation of shear-induced precursors will no longer influence the crystal structure of β-nucleated iPP.
Arsenic Species Analysis at Trace Level by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hou Hongfang , Cui Wanjing , Xu Qing , Tao Zhanhui , Guo Yafei , Deng Tianlong
Published: June 2019

A sensitive and accurate simultaneous continuous analysis for six arsenic species including arsenobetaine (AsB), arsenocholine (AsC), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), arsenite (AsIII), and arsenate (AsV) has been developed by high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). An anion-exchange column of Hamilton PRP-X100 (Switzerland) was applied for separation of the six arsenic species with gradient elution of 1.25 mmol/L Na2HPO4 and 11.0 mmol/L KH2PO4 as the mobile phase A and 2.5 mmol/L Na2HPO4 and 22.0 mmol/L KH2PO4 as the mobile phase B. The linearity ranges for AsB, AsC, MMA, DMA, AsIII, and AsV were between 0.5 and 50.0 μg/L, and the detection limits of the six arsenic species were all within 0.01–0.35 ng/L. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were within 2.26–3.68% and the recovery rates of samples ranged from 95 to 103%. The proposed method was applied for the arsenic speciation analysis of sediment pore-water samples, which were taken from the supernatant after centrifugation and filtration.
Atopic Eczema: Genetic Analysis of COL6A5, COL8A1, and COL10A1 in Mediterranean Populations
Authors: Strafella Claudia , Caputo Valerio , Minozzi Giulietta , Milano Filippo , Arcangeli Mauro , Sobhy Nagat , Abdelmaksood Rania , Hashad Doaa , Vakirlis Efstratios , Novelli Giuseppe , Cascella Raffaella , Giardina Emiliano
Published: June 2019

To date, the genes associated with susceptibility to Atopic Eczema (AE) are mainly implicated in immunity, inflammation, and maintenance of skin barrier. Little is known about the possible relationship between genes modulating Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM) and AE etiopathogenesis. In this regard, the primary objective of the present study has been the investigation of susceptibility biomarkers localized within genes encoding collagen proteins. Several studies have shown that polymorphisms within the genes encoding such proteins may generate abnormal connective tissues, making them more susceptible to mechanical stress, loss of epidermal integrity, and aging. We therefore decided to investigate three polymorphisms located in COL6A5, COL8A1, and COL10A1 as potential susceptibility biomarkers for AE in a cohort of 1470 subjects of Mediterranean origin. The genes of interest have been selected considering that the ECM and immune/inflammatory response are strongly dysregulated in AE and other complex disorders. The study confirmed that the susceptibility to AE depends on a complex interaction between latitude, geographical localization, and the differential distribution of genetic variants among populations exposed to similar environmental factors.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation on Body Parts’ Weight Coefficients towards Sitting Comfort Based on AHP to Limit Entropy Method
Authors: Gao Zhenhai , Li Mingyue , Gao Fei , Wang Xingyue
Published: June 2019

In order to quantify the effects of different body parts on sitting comfort, an ontology model for sitting comfort in “human—machine” system was established. In light of the subjectivity and arbitrariness issue of AHP, as well as the characteristic of entropy method be vulnerable to disturbed by extremum, a new weighting method was implemented which corrects subjective data with objective data, named AHP to limit entropy method. An overall comfort formula was created containing shoulder, back, waist, buttock, and thigh. Finally, three other vehicle’s seats were tested as comparative verification, with a result showing that the weighted method was effective. And this method can provide an effective approach for evaluating sitting comfort.
Prevalence, Patterns, and Factors Associated with Peripheral Neuropathies among Diabetic Patients at Tertiary Hospital in the Kilimanjaro Region: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study from North-Eastern Tanzania
Authors: Amour Ahlam A. , Chamba Nyasatu , Kayandabila Johnstone , Lyaruu Isaack A. , Marieke Dekker , Shao Elichilia R. , Howlett William
Published: June 2019

Objective. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and may progress to diabetic foot, which frequently leads to amputation and/or disability and death. Data is scanty on the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of peripheral neuropathy, its severity, and the associated factors. Methods. The study was a cross-sectional hospital-based study and was carried out from October 2017 to March 2018 among adolescent and adult patients attending Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) diabetes clinic. Results. A total of 327 diabetic patients, females n=215 (65.7%) and males n=121 (34.3%), were included in the study. The mean age was 57.2 yrs. A total of 238 (72%) had type 2 and 89 (27.2%) had type1 DM. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 72.2% of whom 55% were severe, 19% were moderate, and 26% were mild. The severity of neuropathy increased with the increase in age >40 years (p < 0.001) and increase in body mass index (p<0.001) and duration of diabetes; duration >7 years (p <0.006). The main associated factors were age >40 years, OR 2.8 (1.0-7.7), >60 years, OR 6.4 (2.3-18.2), obesity, OR 6.7 (0.9-27.7), and hypertension, OR 4.3 (2.2-8.2). Conclusion. More than half of the patients included in this study were found to have neuropathy, nearly half of whom presented with the severe form. The main risk factors were increasing age, increasing duration of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is underdiagnosed in northern Tanzania where screening for neuropathy is not routinely done.
Spectrum and Stability of a 1‐d Heat‐Wave Coupled System with Dynamical Boundary Control
Authors: Jin Xue-Lian , Li Yan , Zheng Fu
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the negative proportional dynamic feedback is designed in the right boundary of the wave component of the 1‐d heat‐wave system coupled at the interface and the long‐time behavior of the system is discussed. The system is formulated into an abstract Cauchy problem on the energy space. The energy of the system does not increase because the semigroup generated by the system operator is contracted. In the meanwhile, the asymptotic stability of the system is derived in light of the spectral configuration of the system operator. Furthermore, the spectral expansions of the system operator are precisely investigated and the asymptotical stability is not exponential and is shown in view of the spectral expansions.
High-Efficiency DNA Extraction Using Poly(4,4′-Cyclohexylidene Bisphenol Oxalate)-Modified Microcrystalline Cellulose-Magnetite Composite
Authors: Al balawi Aisha Nawaf , Yusof Nor Azah , Kamaruzaman Sazlinda , Mohammad Faruq , Wasoh Helmi , Al-Lohedan Hamad A.
Published: June 2019

In this study, we studied the DNA extraction capability of poly(4,4′-cyclohexylidene bisphenol oxalate) following the surface modification and composite formation with that of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs). The physical characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed for the poly(bisphenol Z oxalate)-MCC-magnetite composite during different stages of its formation. The results confirmed the successful modification of the polymer surface. On testing in the presence of three types of binding buffers, a high value of 72.4% (out of 10,000 ng/μL) efficiency with a total yield of DNA at 2×106 ng and absorbance ratio of A260/A280 (1.980) was observed for the 2 M GuHCl/EtOH binding buffer. These results were compared against the other two buffers of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and NaCl. The lowest value of DNA extraction efficiency at 8125 ng/μL of 58.845% with absorbance ratios of A260/A280 (1.818) for PBS was also observed. The study has concluded an enhancement in the DNA extraction efficiency when the polymer is in the composite stage along with cellulose and magnetite particles as compared against the bare polymer.
Outcome of Chair-Side Dental Fear Treatment: Long-Term Follow-Up in Public Health Setting
Authors: Kankaala T. , Määttä T. , Tolvanen M. , Lahti S. , Anttonen V.
Published: June 2019

Aim. Purpose of this practice and data-based study was to evaluate the outcome of dental fear treatment of patients referred to the Clinic for Fearful Dental Patients (CFDP) in the primary oral health care, City of Oulu, Finland, during period 2000–2005. Methods. A psychological approach including behavioral interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy (BT/CBT) was used for all participants combined with conscious sedation or dental general anesthesia (DGA), if needed. The outcome was considered successful if later dental visits were carried out without any notifications in the patient records of behavioral problems or sedation. Data collection was made in 2006; the average length of the observation period from the last visit in the CFPD to data collection was 2 y 3 m (SD 1 y 5 m). All information was available for 163 patients (mean age 8.9 y at referral). Study population was dominated by males (58.0%). Cause for referrals was mostly dental fear (81.0%) or lack of cooperation. Results. The success rate was 69.6% among females and 68.1% among males. Success seemed to be (p=0.053) higher for those treated in ≤12 years compared with the older ones. The participants, without need for dental general anesthesia (DGA) in the CFDP, had significantly a higher success rate (81.4%) compared with those who did (54.8%, p<0.001). Use of conscious oral sedation (p=0.300) or N2O (p=0.585) was not associated with the future success. Conclusions. A chair-side approach seems successful in a primary health care setting for treating dental fear, especially in early childhood. Use of sedation seems not to improve the success rate.
The Effect of Cochlear Size on Cochlear Implantation Outcomes
Authors: Kuthubutheen Jafri , Grewal Amandeep , Symons Sean , Nedzelski Julian , Shipp David , Lin Vincent , Chen Joseph
Published: June 2019

Objectives. To determine if cochlear duct length and cochlear basal diameter, measured using routinely available radiology software, affect hearing outcomes after cochlear implantation with two different length electrodes. Methods. 55 patients who received a Med-El Flex electrode were retrospectively reviewed. 34 patients received the Flex 31 electrode (31mm) and 21 patients received the Flex 28 electrode (28mm). Preoperative high-resolution CT scans of the temporal bone were reformatted in the axial and coronal plane. The basal diameter of the cochlear (A-value) and the outer-wall lengths of the cochlear duct were measured using readily available imaging software. Postoperative plane X-rays were used to determine the degree of electrode insertion and the number of electrodes within the cochlea and speech discrimination scores at 6 months were evaluated. Results. The cochlear metrics obtained were comparable with those previously published in the literature. There was no significant difference in the degree of insertion or speech outcomes between the two electrode lengths. However, when the group who had received the shorter electrode were analysed, there was an association seen between both cochlear duct length and cochlear diameter and speech outcomes. Conclusions. Cochlear size may be a factor in determining speech outcomes that cannot be explained solely by insertion depth or degrees of insertion. Further studies are required to determine if cochlear duct length is an independent predictor of speech outcomes.