bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Leaf and Fibre Characteristics of Agave sisalana
Authors: Onakpoma Ighoyivwi , Oluwadare Abiodun Oluwafemi , Ndulue Nkolika Benedeth , Amusan Timothy Adeyinka
Published: June 2020

With decrease in wood from the forest, non-wood fibres have attracted interest in the production of pulp and paper products in recent times due to their short growth cycles, moderate irrigation and fertilizer requirements as well as their low lignin content. The use of these plants will aid sustainable development in the pulp and paper industry. This study investigated leaf dimensions and fibre characteristics of Agave sisalana and how the leaf dimensions relates to its fibre characteristics. Leaves were collected from three sisal plant stands in Oyo State, Nigeria. The plant whorl was divided systematically into bottom, middle and top from which five leaves were randomly collected from each whorl position. The fibres of the leaves were extracted from which 2cm of fibres were taken from three positions on the leaf (top, middle and base). Extracted fibres were macerated and 3375 fibres were measured. The result shows that Agave sisalana leaves collected at the top had the longest length and was also widest at the base and middle. The average fibre length was 1.69 mm, while the fibre diameter, lumen width and cell wall thickness of Agave sisalana were 16.98 µm, 12.33 µm and 2.32 µm respectively. The slenderness ratio averaged 99.4 while the coefficient of flexibility averaged 72.61. The highest value of the runkel ratio of Agave sisalana was 0.42. There was significant negative correlation between leaf characteristics and fibre characteristics. Young sisal (Agave sisalana) leaves produced the best fibre characteristics suitable for the production of high quality paper.
Influence of Phosphorus on Initial Growth and Production of Fresh Biomass of Legumes
Authors: Azevedo Sebastiana Renata Vilela , Sousa Geovana Gomes de , Ferreira Maria Beatriz , Júnior Marcelo Pereira Dutra , Rocha Iara Cristina Araujo , Medeiros Jaqueline Rocha de , Pinto Marília Gabriela Caldas , Santos Rivaldo Vital dos
Published: June 2020

Aims: To evaluate whether the initial growth and production of green biomass of the legume species Crotalaria juncea L. and Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. are influenced by phosphate fertilizer.

Study Design: A completely randomized design was used in a scheme 05 treatments x 02 cultures, with 3 replications, totaling 30 vessels in the experiment.

Place and Duration of Study: Forest nursery the Federal University of Campina Grande, campus of Patos-PB, between April 2018 and May 2018.

Methodology: The treatments consisted of two legumes (C. juncea and C. ensiformis) and five doses of phosphorus (00-50-100-150-200 mg kg-1 of P2O5) through single super phosphate. Fortnightly measurements of height and diameter were performed for 60 days. Fresh biomass of the shot and root was obtained at the end of the evaluations.

Results: There is a higher growth in height for individuals of C. ensiformis when cultivated in doses of 150 mg kg-1, with an average of 30.68 cm. For C. juncea, the treatments were similar. For the stem diameter, there was significant interaction (p <0.05) only for C. juncea, in which, unlike the results obtained for height, this variable grew linearly with increased phosphorus doses. Regardeless of the P doses fresh biomass production of C. ensiformis was higher than to C. juncea. Already in function on the levels of P there is an influence of nutrient only for C. ensiformis, with higher total biomass production and when cultivated with 100 mg kg-1 of P2O5.

Conclusion: Regardless of the cultivated species phosphorus influences the initial growth and production of fresh biomass. In general, it is recommended to cultivate the legumes studied with doses of 100 mg kg-1 of P2O5 through single super phosphate for a higher production of total fresh biomass.
Components of the Production and Chemical Composition of Safflower Seeds as a Function of Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Balena Fernando Luiz da Cruz , Santos Reginaldo Ferreira , Bassegio Doglas , Tokura Luciene Kazue , Johann Jerry Adriani , Júnior Luiz Antônio Zanão
Published: June 2020

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application on the direct and indirect productive components of safflower.

Study Design: The treatments were arranged in randomized blocks, with four replicates, and consisted of five doses of nitrogen (N): 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg.ha-1, in the form of urea (45% N), which was manually incorporated into the soil 30 days after plant emergence.

Place and Duration of Study: Sowing was carried out under field conditions on a small rural property in the municipality of Toledo-PR, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in between May and October 2018, totaling 158 days.

Methodology: Morphometric parameters were evaluated at the full flowering stage, and the yield and chemical composition of the achenes were assessed during physiological maturation of the plants. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 5% significance level. Regression equations were fitted to the means of the quantitative variables.

Results: The results showed that safflower grain yield was strongly influenced by the application of N-urea, with the maximum yield at a dose of 120 kg.ha-1 N. A joint analysis of the regression equation for N-urea application and grain yield, and the prices of N and safflower grains used, revealed that the most economical dose was 70 kg.ha-1 N, which provided the maximum profit per unit area. There was a positive linear correlation between grain yield and protein content (r = 0.51). Stem diameter, aerial dry biomass, grain yield, number of branches, and floral chapters per plant increased with N application, indicating that safflower culture responds positively to nitrogen fertilization.

Conclusion: We conclude that sustainable use of nitrogen fertilizer using the maximum economic efficiency dose, can contribute to better plant health and, at the same time, reduce production costs.
Enhancing Operational Performance through Supply Chain Management Practices: Evidence from Firms in the Petroleum Downstream
Authors: Nkrumah Seth Kofi , Apam Joseph , Boadu Prince
Published: June 2020

Aims: Whilst adoption of supply chain management (SCM) practices has grown in recent decades, research into supply chain management practices of firms in the petroleum downstream remains very limited. This study examines the effect of SCM practices on operational performance for firms in the petroleum downstream.

Study Design: Survey.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ghana from January 2019 to February 2020.

Methodology: The study developed and tested a research model which proposed that Strategic Supplier Partnership, Customer Relationship, Supply Chain Information Management and Postponement significantly influenced Operational Performance of firms in the petroleum downstream. Data for the study was obtained from a survey of 150 firms operating in Ghana’s petroleum downstream.

Results: The findings of the study revealed that Strategic Supplier Partnership and Supply Chain Information Management had positive and significant impacts on Operational Performance, but Customer Relationship and Postponement did not.

Conclusion: Firms operating in the petroleum downstream should focus more on developing and managing strategic partnerships with their suppliers and managing their supply chain information.
Pattern and Outcome of Cardiac Interventions Performed within and Outside Nigeria for Children with Structural Heart Diseases in Sokoto, North-western Nigeria
Authors: Sani U. M. , Waziri U. M. , Isezuo K. O. , Garba B. I. , Abubakar U. , Ismail S.
Published: June 2020

Background: Management of structural heart diseases is quite challenging in Nigeria, due to limited availability and access to cardiac care services. There is paucity of data on the pattern and outcome of cardiac interventions in children from the study area. 

Aims: To determine the pattern of cardiac interventions and the early outcome (within six-months) of such interventions in children with structural heart diseases (SHD) seen in our hospital.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, between August 2012 to September 2019.

Methodology: All children with SHDs seen at our hospital, but had Cardiac surgery or interventional cardiac procedures within and outside Nigeria were recruited. Relevant information including type of lesion, procedure performed and the outcome within the first six months and length of hospital stay was analyzed.

Results: Only 63 out of 780 (8.1%) children with structural heart diseases, aged 6 months-15 years (Mean age 6.5± 5.0 years, M: F = 1.3:1), had cardiac interventions. The interventions were surgical in 61 ((96.8%) and catheter-based in 2 (3.2%) patients; with 49 (77.8%) of these performed abroad. Patent Ductus arteriosus 14 (22.2%), Tetralogy of Fallot 14 (22.2%), ventricular septal defect 13 (20.6%) and atrial septal defect 6 (9.5%) were the commonest lesions for which interventions were undertaken. Early post-operative complications included pulmonary hypertensive crises, pericardial and pleural effusion, complete heart block and left branch pulmonary artery stenosis warranting re-intervention. During the first six months after the interventions, three (4.8%) patients died while 60 (95.2%) survivors were followed up. However, 25 (39.7%) of them were thereafter lost to follow.

Conclusion: Majority of the cardiac interventions were surgical, performed predominantly in older children with CHDs; and associated with good outcome. However, most of them were undertaken outside the country, highlighting the need to ensure these services are available and accessible locally.
Factors Affecting Women’s Autonomy in Household Decision-Making among Married Women in Zambia
Authors: Thankian Kusanthan
Published: June 2020

The main aim of the study was to examine factors that affect women’s household decision-making among married women in Zambia. This paper utilizes secondary data from the 2013 Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify various factors associated with factors that affect women’s autonomy in household decision-making among married women in Zambia. The findings of the study show that married women in Zambia are more likely to participate in decision-making that involved purchases of daily household needs (86%) followed by decision making that involved visits to her family or relatives (75%) and decisions about her own health care (74%). About 66per cent of the respondents reported having participated in household major purposes. Some socio-demographic variables only influenced women in some domains and not all. For instance, age only influenced decision-making on household goods and visits to family. Rich wealthy status, living in urban areas, higher levels of education and justification of wife-beating were influential to healthcare decision-making among women. Zambian programmes and policy initiatives should develop a clear policy foundation that should be crucial to empower women to take part in decision-making processes in the household. Moreover, enhancing their access to and control over economic resources and enabling them to establish and realise their rights are also essential means to empower women to be more autonomous in decision-making.
Magnetic Structure and Metamagnetic Transitions in the van der Waals Antiferromagnet CrPS4
Authors: Peng Yuxuan , Ding Shilei , Cheng Man , Hu Qifeng , Yang Jie , Wang Fanggui , Xue Mingzhu , Liu Zhou , Lin Zhongchong , Avdeev Maxim , Hou Yanglong , Yang Wenyun , Zheng Yi , Yang Jinbo
Published: June 2020

In 2D magnets, interlayer exchange coupling is generally weak due to the van der Waals layered structure but it still plays a vital role in stabilizing the long‐range magnetic ordering and determining the magnetic properties. Using complementary neutron diffraction, magnetic, and torque measurements, the complete magnetic phase diagram of CrPS4 crystals is determined. CrPS4 shows an antiferromagnetic ground state (A‐type) formed by out‐of‐plane ferromagnetic monolayers with interlayer antiferromagnetic coupling along the c axis below TN = 38 K. Due to small magnetic anisotropy energy and weak interlayer coupling, the low‐field metamagnetic transitions in CrPS4, that is, a spin‐flop transition at ≈0.7 T and a spin‐flip transition from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic under a relatively low field of 8 T, can be realized for H∥c. Intriguingly, with an inherent in‐plane lattice anisotropy, spin‐flop‐induced moment realignment in CrPS4 for H∥c is parallel to the quasi‐1D chains of CrS6 octahedra. The peculiar metamagnetic transitions and in‐plane anisotropy make few‐layer CrPS4 flakes a fascinating platform for studying 2D magnetism and for exploring prototype device applications in spintronics and optoelectronics.
Printed Flexible Heaters‐Based Thermotherapy Platform for Multiduty Thermal Management
Authors: Liu Qun , Tian Bin , Luo Chengsheng , Liang Jing , Wu Wei
Published: June 2020

Printed flexible heaters (FHs) with excellent heating performance and thermal stability are quite desirable for the development of portable thermotherapy platform. Herein, the facile screen‐printing technology is used to fabricate the highly oxidation‐resistant Cu @ Ni rose‐stem nanowires (RSNWs) ‐ based low‐cost scalable FHs. The Cu @ Ni RSNWs possess low sheet resistance of 1.9 Ω sq−1 after low temperature sintering (90 °C). The FHs not only exhibit great oxidation resistance (almost no change at 180 °C for 30 min), but also maintain the great conductivity (ΔR/R0 < 0.3) even after being exposed to ambient atmosphere for 60 days. Furthermore, the FHs exhibit great heating performance with the saturation temperature of 172.8 °C under 6 V, and can keep stable heating cycles for 5500 s under both parameters of the stepwise‐rising voltage from 2 to 6 V and consistent load‐on voltage of 6 V. In addition, the heaters array can greatly shorten the time of raising the temperature of the blood bag from 5 to 20 °C. The outstanding heating performance of the FHs provides great chances for portable variable‐area flexible heating platform in the field of multiduty thermal management.
The Fast Charge Transfer Kinetics of the Lithium Metal Anode on the Garnet‐Type Solid Electrolyte Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12
Authors: Krauskopf Thorben , Mogwitz Boris , Hartmann Hannah , Singh Dheeraj K. , Zeier Wolfgang G. , Janek Jürgen
Published: June 2020

The charge transfer kinetics between a lithium metal electrode and an inorganic solid electrolyte is of key interest to assess the rate capability of future lithium metal solid state batteries. In an in situ microelectrode study run in a scanning electron microscope, it is demonstrated that—contrary to the prevailing opinion—the intrinsic charge transfer resistance of the Li|Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) interface is in the order of 10−1 Ω cm2 and thus negligibly small. The corresponding high exchange current density in combination with the single ion transport mechanism (t+ ≈ 1) of the inorganic solid electrolyte enables extremely fast plating kinetics without the occurrence of transport limitations. Local plating rates in the range of several A cm−2 are demonstrated at defect free and chemically clean Li|LLZO interfaces. Practically achievable current densities are limited by lateral growth of lithium along the surface as well as electro‐chemo‐mechanical‐induced fracture of the solid electrolyte. In combination with the lithium vacancy diffusion limitation during electrodissolution, these morphological instabilities are identified as the key fundamental limitations of the lithium metal electrode for solid‐state batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes.
Synthesis of adipic acid through oxidation of K/A oil and its kinetic study in a microreactor system
Authors: Li Guangxiao , Liu Saier , Dou Xiaoyong , Wei Huilong , Shang Minjing , Luo Zheng‐Hong , Su Yuanhai
Published: June 2020

Synthesis of adipic acid (AA) through the oxidation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (K/A oil) with nitric acid was conducted in a capillary microreactor system. Effects of the temperature, the nitric acid concentration, the volumetric flow rate ratio of nitric acid to K/A oil, and the capillary length on the selectivity and the product yield were investigated systematically to achieve optimal reaction conditions. Notably, a high yield of AA (i.e., 90%) was achieved just in 6 seconds at 85°C with the use of 55 wt% nitric acid. Gas components produced in this oxidation process and its total volumetric flow rate were determined under various operational conditions, which was beneficial for reaction mechanism characterization and process optimization. Finally, a kinetic model was established, which was of crucial theoretical significance and practical value for optimizing the reactor design and better understanding such fast and highly exothermic multiphase processes with abundant gas production.
Metal–Graphene Hybrid Chiral Metamaterials for Tunable Circular Dichroism
Authors: Li Fuyu , Tang Tingting , Mao Yinghui , Luo Li , Li Jie , Xiao Jiaxin , Liu Kunlin , Shen Jian , Li Chaoyang , Yao Jianquan
Published: June 2020

In the field of optoelectronics, circular dichroism (CD) has caused great research interest because it is widely used in imaging and biosensing. A new method for dynamically controlling terahertz (THz) CD in metamaterials is proposed. By introducing chirality and graphene to metamaterials, a pair of chiral structures with completely opposite responses to left‐handed circularly polarized (LCP) waves and right‐handed circularly polarized (RCP) waves are designed. The influencing factors of CD are explored, including the gap of the structure, the linewidth of graphene, and the Fermi level of graphene. The largest CD (ΔR) is 77%. The CD can be actively modulated in a modulation range of 39–77% and the modulation depth is up to 38%. In addition, two‐channel and four‐channel chiral metasurfaces for near‐field imaging are designed in this way. Good imaging effects and on (“1”) or off (“0”) effects of the multichannel metasurface are demonstrated. This work provides new ideas for the design of tunable metasurfaces and promotes the application of metasurfaces in THz dynamic imaging.
Transient paraplegia due to subarachnoid haemorrhage following spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Olivei M. C. , Tamanti P. , Giachetti A. , Nespoli P. , Berta G. , Caironi P.
Published: June 2020

Spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage is a rare complication of spinal anaesthesia, especially following atraumatic lumbar puncture and in the absence of coagulopathies. The initial presentation of spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage is variable and paraplegia with full recovery within a few hours is rare. Bleeding can extend into the intracranial subarachnoid space, but there are only a few reports of symptomatic intracranial and spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage after spinal anaesthesia. We report co‐existing spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage and intracranial subarachnoid haemorrhage after atraumatic spinal anaesthesia in a 69‐year‐old woman without a coagulopathy. The day after surgery she developed flaccid paraplegia that spontaneously resolved in a few hours. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated subarachnoid high signal intensity from T11–S2, consistent with spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage. On the same day the patient complained of severe headache which was later followed by diplopia. Neurological imaging studies revealed diffuse distribution of blood in the subarachnoid space but no intracranial vascular malformations. At the time of diagnosis spontaneous recovery of spinal symptoms had already begun and the clinical manifestations eventually resolved with conservative management. The possibility of an intracranial haemorrhage should always be considered when spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage is identified, even in cases of uncomplicated spinal anaesthesia in patients with no known risk factors for spinal haemorrhage.
Anaesthetic management of emergency caesarean section with isolated cortical vein thrombosis and subacute intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Robson M. , Higgins N. , Evans E.
Published: June 2020

We report the case of an emergency caesarean section 5 days following the onset of a right‐sided hemiparesis due to an intracerebral haemorrhage. Computerised tomography imaging in the postoperative period revealed an isolated cortical vein thrombosis as the likely cause. The caesarean section was conducted under general anaesthesia following consideration of the risks and benefits and discussion of these with the patient. No peri‐operative complications occurred and neuro‐rehabilitation was commenced as an inpatient. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a targeted systolic blood pressure whilst avoiding increased intracranial pressure in the obstetric patient with an intracerebral haemorrhage, and that the mode and conduct of anaesthesia can have a profound impact on these measurements. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient having an emergency caesarean section after subacute intracerebral haemorrhage caused by an isolated cortical vein thrombosis and it demonstrates that general anaesthesia can be used safely in this context. In this complex obstetric case, the role of multidisciplinary team collaboration in the peri‐operative period was essential to optimising the patient’s outcome.
Electromagnetic interference shielding properties of graphene quantum‐dots reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol)/polypyrrole blend nanocomposites
Authors: Rani Priyanka , Ahamed Basheer , Deshmukh Kalim
Published: June 2020

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/polypyrrole (WPPy) nanocomposite films with various GQDs loadings were synthesized using the versatile solvent casting method. The structural and morphological properties of PVA/WPPy/GQDs nanocomposite films were investigated by employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability of synthesized nanocomposites while enhanced dielectric properties were also observed. The maximum dielectric constant value for PVA/WPPy/GQDs nanocomposite films was observed to be ε = 6,311.85 (50 Hz, 150°C). The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of nanocomposite films was determined in the X‐band (8–12 GHz) and Ku‐band (12–18 GHz) frequency region. The EMI SE was found to be increased from 0.8 dB for the pure PVA film to 9.8 dB for the PVA/WPPy/GQDs nanocomposite film containing 10 wt% GQDs loading. The enhanced EMI shielding efficiency of nanocomposite films has resulted from the homogenous dispersion of GQDs in PVA/WPPy blend nanocomposites. Thus, the prepared nanocomposites are envisioned to utilize as a lightweight, flexible, and low‐cost material for EMI shielding applications.
Different Hierarchies of Anti–Modified Protein Autoantibody Reactivities in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sahlström Peter , Hansson Monika , Steen Johanna , Amara Khaled , Titcombe Philip J. , Forsström Björn , Stålesen Ragnhild , Israelsson Lena , Piccoli Luca , Lundberg Karin , Klareskog Lars , Mueller Daniel L. , Catrina Anca I. , Skriner Karl , Malmström Vivianne , Grönwall Caroline
Published: June 2020

Objective

Anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are a hallmark of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Yet, the precise disease‐relevant autoantigens that are targeted by ACPAs remains a matter of debate. This study utilized patient‐derived monoclonal ACPAs, rather than serum autoantibody analysis, to characterize the multireactivity to different protein modifications and to reveal autoantibody subsets in patients with RA.

Methods

Twelve human monoclonal ACPAs (positive by the second‐generation cyclic citrullinated peptide test) were generated from 6 RA patients, and a head‐to‐head comparison of their reactivities was performed. For profiling, we used a complementary DNA–based protein array (Engine GmbH) and 3 peptide‐screening platforms with RA autoantigens (Thermo Fisher Scientific), citrullinated and carbamylated peptides (NimbleGen/Roche), or histone‐derived peptides with different posttranslational modifications (JPT Histone Code), covering >207,000 peptides (>7,800 gene products).

Results

The fine‐specificity profiles of the investigated ACPAs varied, but all of the monoclonal ACPAs displayed multireactivity to a large number of citrullinated peptides/proteins, each characterized by specific binding properties. ACPA subsets could be defined by clone‐distinct consensus binding motifs (e.g., Cit–Gly, Gly–Cit, or Arg–Cit–Asp), with the most common ACPA recognition being that of a Gly in the +1 flanking position, but with additional amino acid preferences. For ACPA protein recognition, we observed a preference for citrullinated RNA‐binding proteins with high Arg/Gly content. Six of the 12 ACPA clones also bound acetylated lysine (KAc) or homocitrulline peptide motifs, displaying a similar affinity or higher apparent affinity than that for citrullinated peptides.

Conclusion

ACPAs and anti–modified protein autoantibodies represent overlapping facets of RA autoimmunity and bind to a wide variety of modified proteins, extending well beyond the historically recognized set of RA autoantigens. So far, KAc reactivity has been detected only in the context of anti–carbamylated and anti–citrullinated peptide autoantibody responses, postulating the existence of hierarchies of autoreactivity in RA. Future investigations of ACPA fine specificities and functionality should take into consideration the presence of consensus Cit/Carb/KAc motifs and the multireactivity of these autoantibodies in patients with RA.
Einfluss moderner Medientechnik auf das Innenraumklima in Unterrichtsräumen am Beispiel des sommerlichen Wärmeschutzes
Authors: Wagner Stefan , Fülle Wolff , Dietz Eckhard
Published: June 2020

Das Raumklima wird neben den solaren Wärmeeinträgen wesentlich durch die Wärmeabgabe von Personen, elektrischen Geräten usw. beeinflusst. Insbesondere durch die Verbesserung der thermischen Qualität der Gebäudehülle werden innere Lasten bei gutem Sonnenschutz der Verglasungen zunehmend raumklimabestimmend. Für die Gebäudeplanung stehen zur Beurteilung des sommerlichen Wärmeschutzes die Planungswerkzeuge und Anforderungsgrenzen aus diversen Regelwerken und Richtlinien zur Verfügung. Dieser Bericht zeigt die Grenzen dieser Regelwerke auf.
Experimentelle und numerische Untersuchung des Einflusses der Strahlungsasymmetrie auf die thermische Behaglichkeit am Beispiel temperierter Halbräume
Authors: Gritzki Ralf , Schinke Lars , Beyer Maximilian , Seifert Joachim , Felsmann Clemens
Published: June 2020

Der Einfluss der Strahlungsasymmetrie auf die thermische Behaglichkeit wird in der Fachwelt in jüngster Zeit wieder kontrovers diskutiert. Die in den Vorschriften wie z. B. der DIN EN ISO 7730 [1] / DIN EN 16798‐1 [2] verankerten Grenzwerte lassen sich in ausgewählten Fällen deutlich überschreiten, ohne dass dies von den Nutzern als unbehaglich empfunden wird [3, 4]. In anderen Fällen hingegen ist die tatsächliche Nutzerakzeptanz deutlich geringer als vorhergesagt. Um die grundlegenden Zusammenhänge zwischen unterschiedlichen, dem Menschen aufgeprägten Werten der Strahlungsasymmetrie in Räumen und dem daraus resultierenden thermischen Empfinden der betroffenen Nutzer besser verstehen zu können, wurde von den Autoren eine Kombination von experimentellen Untersuchungen im Combined Energy Lab 2.0 der TU Dresden [5] in Verbindung mit Probandenversuchen und zusätzlichen numerischen Untersuchungen auf Basis dieser Probandenversuche gewählt. Die Versuchskonfigurationen und die Ergebnisse der Probandenversuche wurden hierbei als Basis für die gekoppelten Gebäude‐, Anlagen‐ und Strömungssimulationen genutzt. Somit ist es möglich, ein deutlich breiteres Spektrum an Versuchsanordnungen numerisch abzubilden und zudem die räumlich und zeitlich hoch aufgelöst verfügbaren Feldgrößen der Geschwindigkeiten, der Luft‐ und Strahlungstemperaturen sowie aller dazugehörigen Kriterien der thermischen Behaglichkeit in die Betrachtungen einzubeziehen.
Thermografie zur Erfassung von Schäden an Brückenbauwerken
Authors: Mold Lisa , Auer Mathias , Strauss Alfred , Hoffmann Markus , Täubling Benjamin
Published: June 2020

Betonbauwerke wie Brücken sind ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des Straßennetzes. Um die Sicherheit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit einer Brücke zu gewährleisten, sind regelmäßige, z. T. aufwendige Inspektionen und Untersuchungen erforderlich, um Schäden an einem Bauwerk frühzeitig zu erkennen. Mit innovativen zerstörungsfreien Untersuchungsmethoden ist es möglich, den Schadenserkennungsprozess von Bauwerken zeitlich und kostenmäßig zu optimieren.

In der Vergangenheit wurden bereits Drohnen für Oberflächenaufnahmen von Brücken mit Laserscan oder digitaler Bildgebung eingesetzt, um Schäden wie Risse und Abplatzungen zu erkennen. Diese Methoden sind zeitsparender als die herkömmlichen, komplexeren Verfahren zur Sichtprüfung. Um auch Schäden unter der Oberfläche mittels Flächenaufnahmen nachweisen zu können, wurde ein vielversprechender Ansatz – die Thermografie – untersucht. Ein großer Vorteil der Thermografie ist die flexible Einsatzmöglichkeit und zerstörungsfreie Anwendung am Bauwerk. Die Methode ermöglicht eine thermografische Aufzeichnung der gesamten Brücke. Durch Temperaturunterschiede auf der Oberfläche können Schäden wie Delamination, Hohlräume und Feuchtigkeitsstellen im Beton erkannt werden. Um die Zuverlässigkeit dieser Methode zur Erkennung der genannten Schäden gewährleisten zu können, wurden die Erkennungsgenauigkeiten und ‐grenzen ermittelt. Zu diesem Zweck wurden Tests an Betonproben durchgeführt, die Delamination, Hohlräume und feuchte Bereiche in unterschiedlichen Größen und Tiefen im Beton aufwiesen. Während der Tests wurden die Betonproben aktiv erhitzt. Im Laufe des Abkühlvorgangs erfolgte die Aufnahme der Oberfläche mit der Wärmekamera. Die Erstellung von nichtlinearen Finite‐Elemente‐Modellen der Testkörper ermöglichte weitere Variationen der Geometrien und der Temperaturen der Betonproben. Mittels der erhaltenen Daten konnte die Detektionswahrscheinlichkeit der untersuchten Schäden ermittelt und eine Empfehlung für die Anwendung dieser Methode gegeben werden.
Analyse der zulässigen Brandausbreitung über die Fassade
Authors: Engel Thomas , Werther Norman
Published: June 2020

Aufbauend auf den grundlegenden Forderungen der Bauordnung lassen sich aktuell in Deutschland verschiedene Erläuterungen zur Konkretisierungen des Schutzziels „Begrenzung der Brandausbreitung über die Fassade“ finden. Eine allgemeingültige Festlegung gibt es bisher nicht. Diese Festlegung wäre jedoch, insbesondere für die Betrachtung von neuen Fassaden und Außenwandbekleidungen, eine wichtige Basis. Die nachfolgende Studie beschreibt die aktuell in Deutschland zur Verfügung stehenden Grundlagen zur Bewertung „brandschutztechnisch sicherer“ Fassaden. Diese sind Prüfverfahren für Fassadenbrandversuche, Hintergründe für die Prüfverfahren, Vorgaben aus bauordnungsrechtlichen Richtlinien und Auslegungen der Bauaufsicht. Weiter werden die Vorgaben der europäischen Nachbarländer, die bereits ein konkretes Schutzziel definiert haben, dargestellt. Als Ergebnis stellt die Studie einen Vorschlag für Beurteilungskriterien für „brandschutztechnisch sichere“ Fassaden vor.
Impact of Tb3+ ion concentration on the morphology, structure and photoluminescence of Gd2O2SO4:Tb3+ phosphor obtained using thermal decomposition of sulfate hydrate
Authors: Rodrigues R.V. , Marciniak Ł. , Khan L.U. , Muri E.J.B. , Cruz P.C.M. , Matos J.R. , Strȩk W. , Marins A.A.L.
Published: June 2020

Gadolinium oxysulfate doped with terbium (Gd2O2SO4:Tb3+; 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mol%) materials were obtained using thermal decomposition from sulfate hydrate under a dynamic air atmosphere and between 1320–1400 K. The materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric investigations and X‐ray powder diffraction patterns. The Tb2O2SO4 compound was obtained at 1300 K and was used to compare thermal stability and photoluminescence behaviour with that of Gd2O2SO4:Tb3+ (0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mol%). Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated the presence of 15% Tb4+ phases within Tb2O2SO4. The materials were excited at 377 nm and displayed green narrow lines with the strongest emission peak at 545.5 nm due to the 5D4→7F5 transition of Tb3+ ions. Brightness of terbium‐activated gadolinium oxysulfate phosphors was enhanced with increase in the concentration of Tb3+. Detailed analysis of spectroscopic properties of materials under investigations revealed efficient Gd2O2SO4 to Tb3+ and Tb3+ to Tb3+ energy transfers. Increase in dopant concentration led to the enhancement of 5D4→7FJ emission intensity and reduction of 5D3→7FJ emission intensity via cross‐relaxation mechanisms. Distribution of particle size was increased by controlling dopant concentration in the host lattice. Obtained results confirmed that these materials could be applied potentially in field emission display devices and light‐emitting diodes.
Examining the behavior of renewable‐energy fund investors
Authors: Marti‐Ballester Carmen‐Pilar
Published: June 2020

Mutual fund investors could contribute to sustainable development by encouraging fund managers to channel their savings into the funding of sustainable energy projects adopted by firms. This study examines whether renewable‐energy investors take into account financial and/or nonfinancial factors when making the decision to invest in a specific fund, comparing their investment behavior with that of black‐energy and conventional investors. To this end, we have gathered information about 4,368 mutual funds (76 renewable‐energy funds, 109 black‐energy funds, and 4,183 conventional mutual funds) from January 2007 to December 2017. For this sample, we adopt a panel‐data approach with Petersen's standard errors clustered by fund and year. Our results indicate that renewable‐energy fund investors are less sensitive to past financial performance than are black‐energy and conventional fund investors, indicating that the former derive their utility from nonfinancial attributes whereas black‐energy investors derive their utility from a conditional multiattribute and conventional fund investors derive their utility from financial attributes.
Patient‐controlled subcutaneous analgesia using sufentainil or morphine in home care treatment in patients with stage III‐IV cancer: A multi‐center randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wan Cheng‐Fu , Meng Qing‐Zhu , Wang Yan‐Wei , Qi Liang , Ai Chang‐Liang , Sui Xin , Song Tao
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Patient‐controlled subcutaneous analgesia (PCSA) with sufentanil is an alternative analgesia strategy in patients with stage III‐IV cancer; however, its efficacy and safety have not been fully investigated.

Methods

From May 10, 2017 to November 10, 2017, 120 patients with stage III‐IV cancer suffering from moderate to severe pain were prospectively enrolled from six hospitals and randomized to receive PCSA with morphine (control group) or sufentanil (intervention group). Before the PCSA and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 after treatment, the numeric rating scale (NRS) and 36‐item Short Form health survey (SF‐36) were completed for each patient and the side effects were also recorded.

RESULTS

No significant differences (P > .05) were observed in the preoperative NRS score and the SF‐36 parameters between the two groups. Patients in the intervention group achieved better pain relief, as indicated by lower NRS scores at days 14 (P = .040), 28 (P < .001), and 56 (P < .001) after PCSA device implantation (vs control group). Furthermore, the patients in the intervention group also achieved a better life quality, as indicated by the physical role, general health, social function body pain, and mental health scores. Finally, the patients receiving sufentanil showed lower levels of nausea and somnolence than those in the control group.

Conclusion

PCSA with sufentanil achieves better pain control and life quality as well as fewer adverse reactions in stage III‐IV cancer patients with pain and may be a promising pain management in these patients.

Trial registration

This study was registered at chictr.org.cn with the trial number: ChiCTR‐IPR‐17011280.
MiRNAs as potential biomarker of kidney diseases: A review
Authors: Ramanathan Kumaresan , Padmanabhan Giri
Published: June 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 22 nucleotides short, non‐coding and tissue‐specific single‐stranded RNA which modulates target gene expression. Presently, shreds of evidence confirmed that miRNAs play a key role in kidney pathophysiology. The objectives of the present review are to summarize new research data towards the latest developments in the potential use of miRNAs as a diagnostic biomarker for kidney diseases. This holistic information will update the existing knowledge of kidney disease biomarkers. “miRNA profile for Diabetic Kidney disease, Acute kidney injury, Renal fibrosis, hemodialysis, transplants, FSGS, IgAN, etc.” are the search keywords which have been used in this review. The search outcome gave an exciting insightful perception of miRNAs competence as a biomarker. Also it is observed that various samples as plasma, urine and biopsies were used for profiling the miRNA expression. The miRNAs were not only used for diagnostic biomarkers but also for therapeutic targets. Each kidney disease showed different miRNAs expression profile and few miRNAs quite common with some kidney diseases. miRNAs are simple and efficient diagnostic biomarkers for kidney diseases.
Hydrocephalus and myelopathy: A rare and challenging case of sarcoidosis and review of literature
Authors: Alfraji Nasam , Douedi Steven , Hossain Mohammad A.
Published: June 2020

Neurological involvement is a rare presentation of sarcoidosis. Physicians should consider sarcoid as a cause of myelitis and hydrocephalus as early management with steroid improves patient survival and reduces long‐term disability.
Synthesis of Molybdenum Pincer Complexes and Their Application in the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Nitriles
Authors: Leischner Thomas , Spannenberg Anke , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: June 2020

A series of molybdenum(0), (I) and (II) complexes ligated by different PNP and NNN pincer ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. Along with previously described Mo−PNP complexes Mo‐1 and Mo‐2, all prepared compounds were tested in the catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic nitriles to primary amines. Among the applied catalysts, Mo‐1 is particularly well suited for the hydrogenation of electron‐rich benzonitriles. Additionally, two aliphatic nitriles were transformed into the desired products in 80 and 86 %, respectively. Moreover, catalytic intermediate Mo‐1a was isolated and its role in the catalytic cycle was subsequently demonstrated.
Postoperative circulating tumor cells: An early predictor of extrahepatic metastases in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing curative surgical resection
Authors: Sun Yun‐Fan , Wang Peng‐Xiang , Cheng Jian‐Wen , Gong Zi‐Jun , Huang Ao , Zhou Kai‐Qian , Hu Bo , Gao Ping‐Ting , Cao Ya , Qiu Shuang‐Jian , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Guo Wei , Yang Xin‐Rong
Published: June 2020

Background

Postoperative extrahepatic metastases (EHM) contribute to a grim outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are undergoing curative surgical resection. The current study investigated the clinical value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in predicting EHM after curative surgery.

Methods

A total of 197 patients with HCC who were undergoing curative surgical resection were assigned to a retrospective training cohort (144 patients) or a prospective validation cohort (53 patients). The CELLSEARCH system was used for the detection of CTCs prior to surgical resection and 1 month thereafter. The cutoff value of CTCs was estimated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple testing in a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

In the training cohort, EHM was found to be associated with a higher postoperative CTC burden compared with no EHM (mean: 4.33 vs 0.52; P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated a postoperative CTC count ≥3 as the optimal cutoff value for the prediction of EHM. Patients with a postoperative CTC count ≥3 experienced a higher EHM risk (56.3% vs 5.5%) and a shorter median overall survival (31.25 months vs not reached) (all P < .001). The prognostic significance of a postoperative CTC count ≥3 also applied to patient subgroups with a low EHM risk, such as those with an α‐fetoprotein level ≤400 ng/mL, absence of vascular invasion, well differentiation, and early tumor stage, and its predictive value was retained in patients with a continuous normal α‐fetoprotein level during postoperative follow‐up (all P < .05). The results were confirmed in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

A postoperative CTC count ≥3 appears to be a surrogate marker for the prediction of EHM after curative surgical resection of HCC. More careful surveillance should be recommended to patients with a high CTC load to ensure the greater possibility of early interventions for postoperative EHM.
Rapid recovery of tropical forest diversity and structure after shifting cultivation in the Philippines uplands
Authors: Mukul Sharif A. , Herbohn John , Firn Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Shifting cultivation is a widespread land‐use in the tropics that is considered a major threat to rainforest diversity and structure. In the Philippines, a country with rich biodiversity and high rates of species endemism, shifting cultivation, locally termed as kaingin, is a major land‐use and has been for centuries. Despite the potential impact of shifting cultivation on forests and its importance to many people, it is not clear how biodiversity and forest structure recover after kaingin abandonment in the country, and how well these post‐kaingin secondary forests can complement the old‐growth forests. We investigated parameters of forest diversity and structure along a fallow age gradient in secondary forests regenerating after kaingin abandonment in Leyte Island, the Philippines (elevation range: 445–650 m asl). We first measured the tree diversity and forest structure indices in regenerating secondary forests and old‐growth forest. We then measured the recovery of tree diversity and forest structure parameters in relation to the old‐growth forest. Finally, using linear mixed effect models (LMM), we assessed the effect of different environmental variables on the recovery of forest diversity and structure. We found significantly higher species density in the oldest fallow sites, while Shannon’s index, species evenness, stem number, basal area, and leaf area index were higher in the old‐growth forest. A homogeneous species composition was found across the sites of older fallow age. Multivariate analysis revealed patch size as a strong predictor of tree diversity and forest structure recovery after shifting cultivation. Our study suggests that, secondary forests regenerating after shifting cultivation abandonment can recover rapidly. Although recovery of forest structure was not as rapid as the tree diversity, our older fallow sites contained a similar number of species as the old‐growth forest. Many of these species are also endemic to the Philippines. Novel and emerging ecosystems like tropical secondary forests are of high conservation importance and can act as a refuge for dwindling tropical forest biodiversity.
The impact of acute rosiglitazone on insulin pharmacokinetics at the blood‐brain barrier
Authors: Galindo Demi C. , Banks William A. , Rhea Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

CNS insulin levels are decreased and insulin receptor signalling is dampened in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increasing CNS insulin levels through a variety of methods has been shown to improve memory. Indeed, medications routinely used to improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes are now being repurposed for memory enhancement. CNS insulin is primarily derived from the circulation, by an active transport system at the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). The goal of this study was to determine whether rosiglitazone (RSG), a drug used to improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, could enhance insulin transport at the BBB, as a potential therapeutic for improving memory.

Methods

Using radioactively labelled insulin and the multiple‐time regression analysis technique, we measured the rate of insulin BBB transport and level of vascular binding in mice pretreated with vehicle or 10 µg RSG in the presence or absence of an insulin receptor inhibitor.

Results

Although we found acute RSG administration does not affect insulin transport at the BBB, it does restore BBB vascular binding of insulin in an insulin receptor–resistant state.

Conclusions

Acute RSG treatment does not alter insulin BBB transport in healthy mice but can restore insulin receptor binding at the BBB in an insulin‐resistant state.
β‐cyclodextrin as Lithium‐ion Diffusion Channel with Enhanced Kinetics for Stable Silicon Anode
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Chen Gen , Zhang Ning , Ma Renzhi , Liu Xiaohe
Published: June 2020

Silicon (Si) is regarded as a promising anode material for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity. However, the drastic volume change and the continuous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation during the lithiation/delithiation process seriously hinder its practical application as commercial anodes. Herein, macrocyclic beta‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) has been designed as the diffusion channel for lithium ions at the molecular scale. The diameter of molecular channel is approximately comparable with the solvated lithium ions, which enables the transport of lithium ions and prevents the penetration of solvent molecules. Moreover, the addition of β‐CD changes the formation behavior of SEI layer and stabilizes the Si nanoparticles. The enhanced electrochemical performances in terms of fast kinetics and improved stability have been achieved. The Si anode with the particularly selected lithium‐ion diffusion channel and stabilized SEI layer exhibits a high reversible capability of 2 562 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at the current density of 500 mA g−1, 1 944 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at the current density of 1 A g−1, and high rate performance. The novel strategy of molecular channel for lithium‐ion diffusion offers new insights into the design of alloy‐typed anode electrodes with high capacity for lithium‐ion batteries.