bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A permutation test based on the restricted mean survival time for comparison of net survival distributions in non-proportional excess hazard settings
Authors: Wolski Anna , Grafféo Nathalie , Giorgi Roch ,   the CENSUR working survival group
Published: August 2019

Net survival is used in epidemiological studies to assess excess mortality due to a given disease when causes of death are unreliable. By correcting for the general population mortality, it allows comparisons between regions or periods and thus evaluation of health policies. The Pohar-Perme non-parametric estimator of net survival has been recently proposed, soon followed by an appropriate log-rank-type test. However, log-rank tests are known to be under-optimal in non-proportional settings (e.g. crossing of the hazard functions). In classical survival analysis, one solution is to compare the restricted mean survival times. A difference in restricted mean survival time represents a life benefit or loss over the studied period. In the present article the restricted mean net survival time was used to derive a specific test statistic to compare net survivals in proportional and non-proportional hazards settings. The new test was generalized to more than two groups and to stratified analysis. The test performance was assessed on simulation study, compared to the log-rank-type test, and its use illustrated on a population-based colorectal cancer registry. The new test for net survival comparisons proved robust to non-proportionality and well-performing in proportional hazards situations. Furthermore, it is also suited to the classical survival framework.
Does Parental Co-creation Impacts Perceived Value? A Mixed-method Study in Indian Elementary Educational Innovations
Authors: Dasgupta Meeta , Prashar Anupama
Published: August 2019

Research on building innovative practices for enhancing the educational effectiveness has gained momentum. Schools as business units play a critical role in building effectiveness. Empirical investigation on the role of parents, the primary customers taking decisions with respect to availing school services for their children, as co-creators in conceptualizing and executing educational innovations is thin. To bridge this research gap, a mixed methods study was conducted on a sample of elementary schools in India. The study also investigated the impact of parents’ involvement on their perceived value and satisfaction. The results suggested that schools are undertaking various innovative initiatives in which parents play a primary role in execution both at home and in the school. It was found that parents’ perception of value for innovative practices introduced by the schools is high, irrespective of their low involvement in the conceptualization stage. The findings also indicated that parental involvement in the execution stage of the initiatives impacts their perceived value more than at the conceptualization stage.
The addition of golden flaxseed flour (Linum usitatissimum L.) in chicken burger: Effects on technological, sensory, and nutritional aspects
Authors: Cócaro Elaine Souza , Laurindo Laise Freitas , Alcantara Marcela , Martins Inayara Beatriz Araújo , Junior Augusto Aloísio Benevenuto , Deliza Rosires
Published: August 2019

Five different concentrations of golden flaxseed flour (0%: F0 (control), 5%: F1, 10%: F2, 15%: F3, 20%: F4) were used as a functional ingredient to replace the fat in chicken burgers. The products were analyzed for moisture, protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, shear force, consumer acceptance, and their sensory and technological characteristics. The fat, carbohydrate, and protein contents of the raw hamburgers did not differ significantly. An increase in golden flaxseed flour concentration caused a decrease in moisture content and an increase in ash content. The addition of golden flaxseed flour positively affected the technological characteristics and increases in the yield and water retention capacity were observed, together with decreases in shrinkage and mechanical resistance. Formulation F1 presented the highest average acceptance, which did not differ from the F0, and the latter also did not differ from F2. The F3 and F4 formulations differed from the others, with lower average values for acceptance. The check-all-that-apply method revealed that the formulations F0, F1, and F2 were described by sensory terms that corresponded to the desired sensory characteristics. The addition of golden flaxseed flour improved the technological characteristics and the biofunctional potential arising from its bioactive compounds, making it an option as an ingredient for meat products.
The diagnostic value of duplex ultrasound in detecting the presence and location of a stenosis in an autologous arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Ćosović Admira , van der Kleij Frank GH , Callenbach Petra MC , Hoekstra Marion C , Hissink Rutger J , van den Berg Michiel
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To determine the value of duplex ultrasound in the detection of significant (⩾50%) stenosis and the location of the stenosis in arteriovenous fistula, compared to angiography.

Methods:

Patients who underwent construction of an autologous arteriovenous fistula between January 2007 and December 2013 in Treant Care Group, hospital location Emmen, were included in this study. In all patients with a significantly decreased blood flow (flow <400 mL/min and/or ⩾20% decrease) measured by Transonic flowmeter before December 2016, duplex ultrasound was performed. Concordance between duplex ultrasound and angiography was analysed in all patients with a haemodynamically significant stenosis detected by duplex ultrasound.

Results:

In all, 63 patients had a significant decrease in blood flow leading to duplex ultrasound. In 51 (80.9%) of the 63 duplex ultrasound, a haemodynamically significant stenosis was detected. In 45 (88.2%) of these, angiography was performed, all confirming the presence of significant stenosis. In eight patients, no angiography was performed (sufficient residual blood flow (n = 7), death (n = 1)). Most stenoses were located in the venous outflow tract (75.6%). In 95.6%, a venous approach was possible during angiography. After intervention, a significant increase in blood flow was observed (from 530 mL/min to 910 mL/min (p < 0.001)).

Conclusion:

We show that duplex ultrasound is likely reliable to ascertain the presence of arteriovenous fistula stenosis in addition to flow criteria. Also, it provides important information to select the most effective and safe approach for cannulation. Duplex ultrasound may reduce costs and burden of diagnosing stenoses.
Community Radio as Amplification of Rural Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Backhaus Bridget
Published: August 2019

Community radio’s relationship with the farming communities has a long history in India. The earliest successful experiments in community broadcasting involved both farmers and agriculture. In terms of development communication, community radio in India represents a confluence of somewhat conflicting paradigms. While community radio is generally presented as a highly democratic, participatory medium, the way it is operationalized in India more closely aligns with the modernization/diffusion paradigm.

In 1976, Joseph Ascroft observed the phenomenon of ‘interpersonal diffusion’ among farmers, whereby for each farmer trained in new techniques, three more would adopt the innovations. While this ‘interpersonal diffusion’ was by no means perfect, it was illustrative of the complex communication networks involved in the diffusion process. It also hints towards the ways in which community radio can act as a facilitator of these processes; as somewhat of an intersection between diffusion and participatory communication.

Drawing on ethnographically inspired qualitative research conducted at a rural community radio station in South India, this article explores the role of community radio at the intersections of participatory development and diffusion.  This article argues that community radio facilitates the sharing of technical information and innovations among farmers and contributes to amplifying existing knowledge communication systems. The implications of this article suggest that a focus on existing local knowledge communication and transfer systems could contribute to achieving broader development outcomes and further situating the role of community radio within development and social change initiatives.
Lubrication analysis for the piston ring of a two-stroke marine diesel engine taking account of the oil supply
Authors: Li Tongyang , Ma Xuan , Lu Xiqun , Wang Chuanjuan , Jiao Bowen , Xu Hanzhang , Zou Dequan
Published: August 2019

The piston ring is one of the most important parts of a two-stroke marine diesel engine. It is lubricated by a special mode in which the lubricating oil is directly injected into the liner’s inner surface. In this article, taking account of the oil supply, a piston ring lubrication model is developed based on oil mass conservation. The lubrication region of this piston ring–cylinder liner is divided into inlet, core lubrication, and outlet regions, with the oil supply being converted into an oil film. The impact of the width of the core lubrication region on squeezing of the oil is considered. To verify the model, friction force measurements are performed in a reciprocating bench test under fully flooded conditions, and the model is further validated by comparing the minimum oil film thickness with data from the literature. The model is applied to the top ring of a two-stroke marine diesel engine, and the impacts of the oil supply and its design parameters are analyzed.
Hemodynamic and clinical effects of selexipag in children with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Rothman Abraham , Cruz Gabriel , Evans William N. , Restrepo Humberto
Published: August 2019

Selexipag is an oral prostacyclin receptor agonist; it was recently approved for use in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The safety and efficacy of selexipag has not yet been determined in the pediatric population. We describe short‐term hemodynamic and clinical data with selexipag therapy in four pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension. We reviewed clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic data. One patient was transitioned from subcutaneous treprostinil to selexipag, and in three patients, selexipag was added as a third agent. Drug dosing was attained empirically based on patient body size. A follow‐up catheterization was performed 12–18 months after initiation of selexipag therapy. All four patients tolerated selexipag well, without significant side effects. One patient transitioned successfully from subcutaneous treprostinil to selexipag. None of the four patients had clinical deterioration. In three patients who were able to perform a 6‐minute walk test, pre and post selexipag distances were 350 and 400, 409 and 390, and 300 and 360 m, respectively. Echocardiograms showed no significant changes. Catheterization showed a variable change in pulmonary vascular resistance (small decrease in three patients and increase in one patient). Brain natriuretic peptide levels before and after selexipag in the four patients were 38 and 49, 33 and 54, 29 and 25, and 12 and 14 pg/mL, respectively. Selexipag use for 16–28 months was safe in four pediatric patients; none of them had clinical deterioration. Larger number of patients and longer follow‐up intervals are necessary before further recommendations can be made.
MicroRNA-103 regulates the progression in endometrial carcinoma through ZO-1
Authors: Du Jing , Zhang Fengli , Zhang Ling , Jia Yueyue , Chen Huixiao
Published: August 2019

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common gynecological cancers in many developing countries. Although tremendous advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of EC, there is still no adequate biomarker currently available for predicting the prognosis of this cancer. In this study, we found that miR-103 expression was significantly upregulated in EC tissues than their paired non-carcinoma tissues. Overexpression of miR-103 significantly promoted EC cell proliferation, while downregulation of miR-103 significantly suppressed EC cell proliferation. In addition, ZO-1 expression was significantly downregulated in the EC tissues than their paired non-carcinoma tissues. We also found an inverse correlation between ZO-1 and miR-103. Moreover, ZO-1 was validated as the direct target of miR-103. The downregulation of ZO-1 significantly enhanced EC cell proliferation. In conclusion, miR-103 could regulate EC cell proliferation through directly targeting ZO-1. Our results provide a potential development of microRNA-based targeted approaches for the treatment of EC.
Melatonin prevents bone destruction in mice with retinoic acid–induced osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Xudong , Liang Tongzhou , Zhu Yuanxin , Qiu Jincheng , Qiu Xianjian , Lian Chengjie , Gao Bo , Peng Yan , Liang Anjing , Zhou Hang , Yang Xiaoming , Liao Zhiheng , Li Yongyong , Xu Caixia , Su Peiqiang , Huang Dongsheng
Published: August 2019

Background

The protective effect of melatonin against bone metabolism imbalance in osteoporosis (OP) induced by drugs such as retinoic acid (RA) is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of melatonin in bone destruction based on a mouse model.

Methods

RA-induced OP model mice were established. To assess the effect of melatonin on these mice, micro-CT was used to characterize the trabecular structure of normal mice and those treated with RA (model), RA + low-dose melatonin (Mlt-L), RA + high-dose melatonin (Mlt-H), and RA + alendronate sodium (positive control). The shape of the trabecular bone, the length and diameter of the femoral head and the height and diameter of vertebra(L1) of each group were also measured and the number of osteoclasts was determined by Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) staining. Meanwhile, the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry assays. The differences between groups in terms of liver and kidney oxidation–related indexes and serum and urinary indicators related to bone metabolism were also analyzed. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to evaluate the effect of melatonin on osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7 cells, respectively.

Results

RA induction led to a decrease in the amount and density of trabecular bone, a decrease in the length and diameter of the femur and height, diameter of the vertebra (L1), a decrease in bone mass and density and the expression of ALP, and an increase in the number of osteoclasts. Melatonin treatment alleviated these effects induced by RA, increasing the amount of trabecular bone in OP mice, improving the microstructure of the femur and vertebra(L1) and increasing bone mass bone density and the expression of ALP, as well as decreasing the number of osteoclasts. Additionally, blood and urinary bone metabolism-related indicators showed that melatonin promoted bone formation and inhibited bone resorption. Determination of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers in the livers and kidneys of the mice revealed that melatonin promoted the antioxidant level and suppressed the level of oxidant molecules in these organs. In vitro, RA promoted osteoclasts and inhibit osteogenesis by increasing oxidative stress levels in the RAW264.7 and MC3T3-E1 cells, but melatonin reversed this effect. Melatonin may, therefore, play a role in the ERK/SMAD and NF-κB pathways.

Conclusions

Melatonin can alleviate bone loss in RA-induced OP model mice, repair the trabecular microstructure, and promote bone formation. These effects may be related to reducing oxidation levels in vivo and vitro through the ERK/SMAD and NF-κB pathways.
Retro MTA and tricalcium phosphate/retro MTA for guided tissue regeneration of periodontal dehiscence defects in a dog model: a pilot study
Authors: Fakheran Omid , Birang Reza , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Razavi Sayed Mohammad , Behfarnia Parichehr
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Retro MTA is a fast setting Calcium silicate cement used in endodontic regeneration procedures in recent years. Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is another common biomaterial used for bone augmentation procedures. The present pilot study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Retro MTA and a mixture of Retro MTA / β-TCP for periodontal tissue regeneration.

Materials and methods

In 4 beagle dogs, periodontal dehiscence type defects were created. In each side, one dehiscence defect was left empty as a control site and three treatment modalities were randomly applied for the others: Retro MTA covered with a collagen membrane, Retro MTA + β-TCP covered with a membrane and covering the defect with a membrane without any bone augmentation. After 8 weeks Animals were sacrificed and Histomorphometric and histologic analysis were conducted.

Results

Histologic analysis showed more cementum formation for both Retro MTA+ β-TCP (3.74 ± 0.34 mm) and Retro MTA group (3.24 ± 0.56 mm) compared to control group 1 (1. 15 ± 0.45 mm) and control group 2 (0.78 ± 0.65 mm). Formation of newly formed bone and cementum in the experimental groups were significantly higher as compared to the control groups (
P
 < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Retro MTA or Retro MTA+ β-TCP covered with a collagen membrane resulted in regeneration of periodontal tissues. However, Retro MTA+ β-TCP showed tendency towards better results than the use of Retro MTA alone.
Making cheese with caprifig sap in Apulia, Italy: possible rebirth of an ancient tradition
Authors: Faccia Michele , Apruzzese Daniele , Passaro Pierluigi
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives

Making cheese by coagulating milk with extracts or parts of plants is a tradition of many countries facing the Mediterranean basin. Such cheeses were historically produced from sheep and goat milk and represent an important cultural heritage. In the European Union (EU), nowadays, their production is allowed only after legal validation of the manufacturing process under the hygienic point of view. Unfortunately, validation has been possible only for a few Protected Designation of Origin cheeses, but other dairy products exist for which it has not been carried out. It is the case of the caprifig sap cheeses produced in the “Murgia” highplain, Apulia region, Southern Italy. In this rural marginal area, three cheeses have been historically made by this coagulant: milk sap ricotta, Pampanella, and Cacioricotta. Due to the above legal concerns, they have become very rare and, if no action is taken, they will disappear very soon. The main purpose of the present work was to make a survey about the status of preservation of their processing methods and to document them before it is too late. A second aim was to perform a first summary investigation about their safety and compositional and sensory characteristics.

Methods

A series of face-to-face interviews was conducted to owners and cheesemakers of sheep and goat farms laying in the Murgia Hills territory. Cheese samples were prepared at three different rural dairies and subjected to chemical, microbiological, and sensory analyses.

Results and conclusions

The survey confirmed that caprifig sap cheeses are still occasionally produced for family consumption, mainly from goat milk in the southern part of the highplain. They have the common characteristic of deriving from milk subjected to strong heat treatment and containing both casein and whey proteins. The manufacturing procedures were observed, and two different methods of preparing and using caprifig sap were documented. The cheesemaking process was analyzed and discussed under a technological point of view, and geo-sociological connections were hypothesized. The three cheeses presented significant sensory differences and proved to potentially match the EU hygienic standards if the post-vat operations are performed under correct conditions. Overall, the study gave a contribution for the hygienic validation of the manufacturing process in view of a possible rebirth.
US Growth Hormone Use in the Idiopathic Short Stature Era: Trends in Insurer Payments and Patient Financial Burden
Authors: Grimberg Adda , Kanter Genevieve P
Published: August 2019

Objective

To investigate trends in prevalence and expenditures of growth hormone (GH) use by US youth in the last 15 years, a period during which the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved GH treatment of idiopathic short stature (ISS), and insurers imposed greater barriers to GH treatment reimbursements.

Design

With the use of 2001 to 2016 OptumInsight commercial claims data, we analyzed trends in claims of GH drugs among beneficiaries aged 0 to 18 years (n = 38,857 beneficiaries receiving GH). Outcome measures included annual prevalence of GH claims and annual total insurer and total patient payments for GH claims. t Tests were used for linear time trends in outcomes. The percentage of beneficiaries switching GH brands also was calculated.

Results

The number of members with GH claims per 10,000 beneficiaries under age 18 rose steadily from 5.1 in 2001 to 14.6 in 2016, without a dramatic change around 2003, the ISS approval date. Mean total GH expenditures decreased (−26% in constant dollars), as did the estimated insurance paid amount (−28%). However, mean total patient spending increased by 163%. Beneficiaries switching GH brands in the year ranged from 1.4% to 3.6% in 2001 to 2007 and from 5.1% to 8.8% after, with 25.6% switching in 2009 and 13.9% switching in 2015.

Conclusions

The FDA ISS approval was not a watershed event in the steady increase in GH use by US youth. Progressive restrictions on coverage and formulary preference coverage strategies appear to have succeeded in lowering total expenditures and insurer burden of GH treatment per beneficiary. However, those savings were not passed on to patients who bore greater burdens financially and from brand switches.
Case Report: Photo-activated oral disinfection in regenerative endodontics
Authors: Abdel Hafiz Abdel Rahim Al-Shaimaa , Abdelgawad Fatma , Abd Alsamed Ahmed M. , Moheb Dalia Mohamed , Wahab El-Dokky Norhan Abdel
Published: August 2019

Background: Root canal disinfection is considered critical for achieving successful regenerative endodontic procedures. Photo-activated oral disinfection is a novel disinfection method that can help to achieve the goal of regenerative endodontics. This article reports the clinical and radiographic results after single visit regenerative endodontics using photo-activated oral disinfection.

Methods: An 8.5-year-old girl complained of fractured upper right central incisor. Pulp necrosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings. The root canal was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite solution (1.5%) followed by saline. Then, the canal was dried with paper points. A combination of a photosensitizer solution and low power laser light were applied. EDTA solution was used as a final irrigant. Bleeding was induced, followed by placement of collagen resorbable matrix and white mineral trioxide aggregate. Two days later, the tooth was sealed and restored with permanent filling.

Results: Clinical findings revealed no pain on percussion or palpation tests. Radiographic examination revealed an increase in root length, an increase of apical root thickness and apical closure at the 12-month follow-up period.

Conclusion: Regenerative endodontics using photo-activated oral disinfection achieved successful outcomes in the necrotic immature permanent tooth.
Rankings of the Largest Russian Organizations, Audit Groups and Networks Following the Results of 2018
Authors: Ханферян В. , Khanferyan V.
Published: August 2019

Th e next, 24th annual issue of ranking of the largest Russian audit organizations and groups, prepared by the Expert RA Rating Agency, revealed a marked increase in revenue in this service sector, as opposed to a fall a year earlier. Th e main driver is the demand for services from fi nanciers and the state.
A Benders Decomposition Method for Designing Reliable Supply Chain Networks Accounting for Multimitigation Strategies and Demand Losses
Authors: Azad Nader , Hassini Elkafi
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the design of reliable supply networks to make them resilient to unpredictable disruptions. We develop an optimization model that incorporates several features, including (1) partial failure of facilities (instead of complete shutdown) resulting in interrupted supply capacity, (2) the effect of disruption on customer demand, and (3) the possibility to use multistrategies to mitigate disruption. We formulate a mixed-integer linear programming model to determine the optimal location of facilities and assignment of customers to opened facilities. An accelerated Benders decomposition method with valid inequalities is proposed to solve the problem. We discuss the computational efficiency of this decomposition procedure using two case studies as well as randomized data. For medium- and large-sized instances, our approach can decrease computational times by as much as 60% on average. We analyze the effect of multimitigation policies on the optimal solution and the model performance. Compared with the existing single-mitigation strategy models, we find that our model reduces the need for redundancy by as much as 50% and improves the total cost by as much as 8% in our case studies.
You are cordially invited…
Authors: Bissett Julie
Published: August 2019

Don't be a party pooper and turn down an opportunity to mingle – you may be missing out, says Julie Bissett
‘You are life changers’: A conference to inspire your team
Authors: Curtis Chris
Published: August 2019

We hear from cancer survivor Chris Curtis on the importance of your dental input at this year's Head & Neck Cancer International Conference
Help them fly
Authors: Fowler John
Published: August 2019

Empowering people to learn is not as scary as you might think. In the second part of this series on teaching, John Fowler discusses how the dental nurse can help shape the practical skills of others
FAQs on indemnity
Authors: Sharma Priya
Published: August 2019

There has been some confusion on the indemnity requirement for dental nurses. It's plain and simple – all registered dental professionals require indemnity, says Priya Sharma
Sweet talk: collaborate to educate
Authors: Middleton Anna , Medlin Sophie
Published: August 2019

Dental hygienist Anna Middleton and dietitian Sophie Medlin debate all things sugary
Oral health and our elderly population
Authors: Haslam Sarah
Published: August 2019

Dental nurse Sarah Haslam considers the implications of a CQC report that highlighted a failure to support care homes in their bid to maintain good oral health
Waste: what you need to know
Authors: Waters Rebecca
Published: August 2019

There are a number of hazardous dental wastes that, when improperly disposed, could cause harm to us – and the environment…
Polyindole Based Nanocomposites and Their Applications: A Review
Authors: Rita  , Mehtab Sameena , Zaidi M.G.H. , Singhal Kavita , Arya Bhagwati , Siddiqui T.I.
Published: August 2019

Polyindole (PIn) is hetroatomic organic molecule which belongs to the fused-ring family have emerged in the past several decades as promising materials due to their unique physical and electrochemical properties. PIn was successfully synthesized by chemical polymerization of indole. Properties of PIn can be improved by mixing polymer with conducting metals, metal oxide, carbon nanocomposites and other materials. Polyindole nanocomposites (PNCs) were characterized through various spectral, thermal and electrical methods. FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectra confirmed the formation of PNCs and SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) reveal the microstructure of surface of PNCs. Thermal characterization revealed that thermal stability of PNCs increases with addition of metal, metal oxide, carbon nanocomposites and other materials. These studies revealed that PNCs of PIn with other metals have an important influence on supercapacitors electrochemical devices, catalysis, anticorrosion, diodes, sensor and biology related applications. This review provide an overview of the preparation of PIn and their composites, followed by their application in various fields with future perspectives.
Evaluation of the reactivity of artificial mixtures of Portland cement clinker obtained by flame spray pyrolysis
Authors: Pinto Andrés Felipe , Tobón Jorge Iván , Betancur-Granados Natalia , Restrepo-Baena Oscar Jaime
Published: August 2019

The Portland cement clinker consists of 95% calcium oxide, silicon, aluminium and iron and 5% impurities of magnesium, sodium, potassium, titanium, sulfur, phosphorus and manganese. From the combination of two or more of the main oxides, the constituents of the white clinker are formed, corresponding to alite(3CaO.SiO2 or C3S), belite (2CaO.SiO2 or C2S) and celite (Ca3Al2O6 or C3A), which give cement its characteristic properties. The fundamental properties of cement are its mechanical resistance, chemical resistance, the speed of reaction with water and the heat given off in hydration. In this work, the reactivity of an artificial mixture of white clinker, formed from alite, belite and celite prepared by flame spray pyrolysis was evaluated. The phases were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and microcalorimetry, to evaluate their formation and reactivity. The characterization showed that during the synthesis of belite, a greater amount of the polymorph alpha was produced, with some impurities. On the other hand, the synthesis of celite allowed the production of the polymorph CII. The reactivity was evaluated by microcalorimetry.
DC Conductivity and Transference number in pure and potassium thiocyanate-doped polyvinyl alcohol films
Authors: Nagaraj N. , Babu P. Mohan , Ramesh Babu K. V.
Published: August 2019

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) – based solid electrolyte films with potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) were prepared by solution-cast technique. The pure and KSCN- doped PVA films have been investigated for the charge transport mechanism in the polymer electrolyte system by using the DC conductivity (The composition dependence and temperature dependence in 300-385K range) and transference number measurements. The graphs related to conductivity – temperature shows that an increase in conductivity with respect to rise in the temperature. At room temperature, the conductivity of the (PVA+KSCN) electrolyte is 102 times greater than that of pure PVA. The transference number data exhibit that the charge transport in this polymer electrolyte system is predominantly due to ions. The ionic transference numbers (tion) lies in the range of 0.92 to 0.99 for the films of PVA with KSCN in the wt% ratios (90:10), (80:20) and (70:30).
Electrical and Chemical Properties of Graphene over Composite Materials: A Technical Review
Authors: Rahat Rahman Mohammad , Rashid Md. Moshiur , Islam Md. Mashrur , Akanda Md. Masum
Published: August 2019

Graphene is a material that has superior mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. It has drawn the attention of many scientific researchers for this purpose. In this paper, three different types of fillers, GNPs, MWCNTs and EG reinforced epoxy nanocomposites were mainly studied. Different shear mixing speeds and shear mixing times were considered during the study of the nanocomposites with 0.1 wt% loading of the fillers. The effects of various types of fillers and different shear mixing speeds and durations on mechanical and electrical properties of the final composites were examined. The GNPs-reinforced epoxy nanocomposite was the only one that showed a 13% improvement in elastic modulus as compared to pure epoxy when the shear mixing conditions were 3000 rpm for 2 hours. The research also studied the effects of different loadings of GNPs and the addition of acetone as a solvent on the final mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the composites (with the fixed shear mixing speed and time). The tensile strength of the composites reduced drastically when the loading of GNPs increased while the elastic modulus shows some increase with the growth in GNP loading. The study found that GNPs reinforced composites did not show the percolation threshold even with 5 wt% (with the ratio to the weight of epoxy) loading of the GNPs. The GNPs-reinforced epoxy composites showed an 116% improvement in the thermal conductivity as compared to the pure epoxy samples when the GNPs loading was 5 wt%. The results from the studied literatures also showed that the samples prepared with the addition of acetone had higher thermal diffusivity than the samples prepared without acetone.
Application of Novel Clay Composite Adsorbent for Fluoride Removal
Authors: Gidi Lechisa Daba , Amare Enyew Zereffa , Ananda Murthy H C , Abebe Buzuayehu
Published: August 2019

A novel cost-effective, eco-friendly clay composite adsorbent was developed towards fluoride remediation. Clay, Grog, Bone char, and Sawdust were dry mixed within volume ratios of (5:1:1:1), (4:2:2:1), and (3:3:3:1), respectively. The powders were mixed again with distilled water, pressed with disc shape; sun dried for three days and fired for one hour in the muffle furnace at 400oC, 500oC, and 600oC. The cooled discs were ground and sieved to obtain nine different composite powdered with particle size less than 1.18 mm. The developed composite adsorbent was characterized using advanced techniques: XRD, SEM, and FT-IR. The adsorption studies showed that among the developed adsorbents, composite with the volume ratio of (3:3:3:1) and optimized at firing temperature of 400°C exhibited maximum adsorption capacities of 91.6% fluoride removal efficiency. The XRD analysis revealed mixed phases in the composite, and the presence of OH¯ functional groups was indicated by FT-IR analysis. The experimental results indicated that the Langmuir model was found to fit better for the removal of fluoride ion and followed the pseudo-second-order rate equation. The composite clay material exhibited excellent removal efficiency for the real water samples analyzed.
Acalypha indica and Curcuma longa plant extracts mediated ZnS nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar M. Sathish , Saroja M. , Venkatachalam M.
Published: August 2019

The development of biomedical electronics, biosynthesis of ZnS nanoparticles(NPs) much attracted researchers, due to an eco-friendly and cost-effective routes forsynthesisZnSnanoparticles. In this present work, ZnS NPswas synthesized by using acalypha indica and curcuma longa plant extract using chemical co-precipitation method. The structural, morphological, element composition of biosynthesisZnS NPs was characterized by XRD, SEM and EDAX respectively. Optical and photoluminescence (PL) properties were evaluated by UV Visible spectroscopy. The formation of inhibition zone diameter against human pathogenic microorganisms was screened by in vitro disc diffusion method. From this investigation formation of inhibition zones clearly shows biosynthesizedZnS NPs have high antimicrobial activity against tested organisms, especially curcuma longa plant extract mediated ZnS NPs was formed maximum inhibition against all the tested microorganism.
Comparative analysis of characteristics of stainless steel cellular material prepared through powder metallurgy using accicular and crushed urea as spaceholder
Authors: Joshi Shailendra
Published: August 2019

Stainless steel has an excellent mechanical property as well as high corrosion resistance. Stainless steel foams, therefore, seemed like an attractive material for impact energy absorption applications where damping capability is required such as in vehicles and buildings. Also when stainless steel foam is produced as stainless steel foam, the material density will be reduced thus the resulting foam will be a combination of light weight and high strength that can also be used in high strength applications. In our analysis, we tried to produce stainless steel foam through powder metallurgy in order to control mechanical properties in a better manner compared to the casting method. Also, we try to compare the pore morphology in foams on changing the space holder from accicular urea to crushed urea using FE-SEM. The properties of stainless steel foam, to a large extent, are found to depend on the arrangement of the pores which is decided by the space holder utilized during its synthesis using powder metallurgy route. The stainless steel obtained using acicular carbamide as space holder is found to possess acicular or irregular pores whereas those produced with crushed urea as space holder possesses nearly circular holes. Also, the previous foams are found to have better mechanical properties contributing towards more useful metallic foam.
On the Hölder continuity for a class of vectorial problems
Authors: Cupini Giovanni , Focardi Matteo , Leonetti Francesco , Mascolo Elvira
Published: August 2019

In this paper we prove local Hölder continuity of vectorial local minimizers of special classes of integral functionals with rank-one and polyconvex integrands. The energy densities satisfy suitable structure assumptions and may have neither radial nor quasi-diagonal structure. The regularity of minimizers is obtained by proving that each component stays in a suitable De Giorgi class and, from this, we conclude about the Hölder continuity. In the final section, we provide some non-trivial applications of our results.
Quasi-overlapping Semi-discrete Schwarz Waveform Relaxation Algorithms: The Hyperbolic Problem
Authors: Al-Khaleel Mohammad , Wu Shu-Lin
Published: August 2019

The Schwarz waveform relaxation (SWR) algorithms have many favorable properties and are extensively studied and investigated for solving time dependent problems mainly at a continuous level.
In this paper, we consider a semi-discrete level analysis and we investigate the convergence behavior of what so-called semi-discrete SWR algorithms combined with discrete transmission conditions instead of the continuous ones.
We shall target here the hyperbolic problems but not the parabolic problems that are usually considered by most of the researchers in general when investigating the properties of the SWR methods.
We first present the classical overlapping semi-discrete SWR algorithms with different partitioning choices and show that they converge very slow. We then introduce optimal, optimized, and quasi optimized overlapping semi-discrete SWR algorithms using new transmission conditions also with different partitioning choices. We show that the new algorithms lead to a much better convergence through using discrete transmission conditions associated with the optimized SWR algorithms at the semi-discrete level. In the performed semi-discrete level analysis, we also demonstrate the fact that as the ratio between the overlap size and the spatial discretization size gets bigger, the convergence factor gets smaller which results in a better convergence.
Numerical results and experiments are presented in order to confirm the theoretical aspects of the proposed algorithms and providing an evidence of their usefulness and their accuracy.
Diee-Apokope der femininen Singularflexion in westoberdeutschen Drucken vom 16. bis 18. Jh.
Authors: Wiedmann Carolin
Published: August 2019

Zur Frage der Realisierung oberdeutscher Schriftvarianten in gedruckten Texten wurden bereits einige Untersuchungen durchgeführt, allerdings konzentrierte sich das Interesse dabei vorrangig auf das ostoberdeutsche Sprachgebiet. In Bezug auf ihre Setzung im westoberdeutschen Sprachraum existieren noch keine Untersuchungen. Die vorliegende Analyse zur oberdeutschene-Apokope in der femininen Singularflexion gibt exemplarisch Aufschluss über dieses Forschungsdesiderat. Die Realisierung dere-Apokope bei Feminina wurde im Zeitraum von 1525 bis 1775 an Texten erforscht, die aus den westoberdeutschen Druckerzentren stammen, genauer aus Augsburg, Tübingen, Straßburg, Freiburg und Basel. Die Gesamtwerte der Druckorte des westoberdeutschen Sprachraums bestätigen die Ergebnisse des ostoberdeutschen, indem diee-Apokope bis 1700 ebenfalls die frequenteste Variante darstellt. Allerdings ergeben sich auch Unterschiede, die zum einen in der Beteiligung des aus dem Mittelhochdeutschen bewahrten, schwachen-(e)n-Flexivs am westoberdeutschen Variantenspektrum begründet liegen, zum anderen in Unterschieden innerhalb der westoberdeutschen Druckerzentren, die in differente politisch-konfessionelle Kontexte eingebunden sind.
Satzinterne Großschreibung diachron-kontrastiv
Authors: Nowak Jessica
Published: August 2019

Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht erstmals die Diachronie der satzinternen Großschreibung im Sprachvergleich: Hierzu werden exemplarisch englische und niederländische Bibeldrucke zwischen 1500 und 1750 analysiert und die Ergebnisse mit der Entwicklung im Deutschen kontrastiert. Trotz gemeinsamer Entwicklungslinien überwiegen insgesamt die Unterschiede im Ausprägungsgrad des Majuskelgebrauchs: Während englische Bibeldrucke im gesamten Untersuchungszeitraum kaum über eine pragmatisch motivierte Majuskelschreibung hinausgehen, weist das Niederländische zumindest eine temporäre, v. a. vom Konkretheitsgrad der bezeichneten Entitäten abhängige Großschreibungstendenz auf, die jedoch in Ausmaß und Konsequenz weit hinter der des Deutschen stehen bleibt.
Die historische Entwicklung der Kasusrektion von Sekundärpräpositionen
Authors: Vieregge Annika
Published: August 2019

Der Beitrag widmet sich einer diachronen Korpusuntersuchung zur Kasusrektion von Sekundärpräpositionen im Deutschen Textarchiv (DTA) und im DWDS-Kernkorpus über den Zeitraum von 1497 bis 1999. Untersucht werden exemplarisch die denominalen Präpositionendankundlautsowie die deverbalen Präpositionenwährendundentsprechend. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die bisherigen Erklärungsansätze für die beobachteten Entwicklungstendenzen zu kurz greifen: Ein einheitliches Bild ergibt sich bei der Entwicklung der hier untersuchten Präpositionen nicht. Für die Hypothese, der Wechsel der Kasusrektion werde zur Differenzierung vom Spenderlexem genutzt (Di Meola 2006), sprechen zwar die Entwicklung vonlautzur Dativrektion und der Übergang vondankzur Genitivrektion, dagegen spricht allerdings, dass die ursprüngliche Genitivpräpositionwährendihre Rektion recht lange und stabil beibehält.
Wortbildungswandel im frühen Deutsch
Authors: Schwarz Christian
Published: August 2019

Im Unterschied zu den jüngeren Epochen der deutschen Sprachgeschichte seit mittelhochdeutscher Zeit sind die ersten Jahrhunderte bis zum Mittelhochdeutschen in Bezug auf die Wortbildung kaum aus einer diachronen Perspektive untersucht worden. Die bestehenden Arbeiten widmen sich größtenteils synchronen Zuständen des Wortbildungssystems im Alt- oder Mittelhochdeutschen. In meinem Beitrag möchte ich erste Ergebnisse eines Vergleichs zwischen dem „Referenzkorpus Altdeutsch“ und dem seit 2017 online verfügbaren „Referenzkorpus Mittelhochdeutsch“ vorstellen und damit Möglichkeiten der Modellierung von Wortbildungswandel innerhalb einer z. T. trümmerartigen Sprachperiode aufzeigen. Der Fokus liegt im Bereich der Abstraktbildungen (wie z. B. in salb-idha ‚Salbung‘, irpolgan-nussi ‚Aufregung‘) und konzentriert sich zudem auf die Entwicklung der drei häufigsten Ableitungssuffixe ‑ida/‑ede, ‑nissa/‑nisse und ‑unga/‑unge. Konkret wird auf der Grundlage der in den beiden Korpora verfügbaren Ableitungssuffixe der Frage nachgegangen, wie sich diese in der Frühzeit des Deutschen insgesamt entwickelt haben und welche Konkurrenzen sich zwischen ihnen zeigen. Die Ergebnisse weisen auf eine konstante Zunahme der ‑unga/‑unge-Bildungen hin, die jedoch vielmehr auf Kosten von ‑nissa/‑nisse als von ‑ida/‑ede geht. Für ‑ida/‑ede-Bildungen kann gezeigt werden, dass sie im Hinblick auf die Faktoren Geographie (Dialekt) und Genre (Prosa/Vers) einen Schwerpunkt im alemannischen Vers-Bereich aufweisen und hier vom Alt- zum Mittelhochdeutschen deutlich zunehmen.
Linguistisch annotierte historische Texte stilistisch auswerten
Authors: Resch Claudia
Published: August 2019

Ausgehend von der These, dass korpuslinguistische Methoden dazu geeignet sind, musterhaft vorkommende Reguläritäten in Texten zu erkennen, wird in dieser Untersuchung geprüft, welchen Beitrag digitale Werkzeuge in der historischen Stilistik leisten können. Als konkretes Testset dient das linguistisch annotierteAustrian Baroque Corpus, in dessen digital aufbereiteten Texten mit dem ToolSketch Enginegeneralisiert nach spezifischen stilbildenden Elementen in Wortverbindungen gesucht wird. Die automatisch generierten Ergebnisse – syntaktische Muster wie Vergleiche, Wortpaare und Wiederholungserscheinungen – bestätigen die besondere Bedeutung einer sorgfältigen Wortartenannotation und verdeutlichen das Potential von korpusbasierten Methoden und Tools für die historische Stilanalyse.
Stabilizers in EQ-algebras
Authors: Cheng Xiao Yun , Wang Mei , Wang Wei , Wang Jun Tao
Published: August 2019

The main goal of this paper is to introduce the notion of stabilizers in EQ-algebras and develop stabilizer theory in EQ-algebras. In the paper, we introduce (fuzzy) left and right stabilizers and investigate some related properties of them. Then, we discuss the relations among (fuzzy) stabilizers, (fuzzy) prefilters (filters) and (fuzzy) co-annihilators. Also, we obtain that the set of all prefilters in a good EQ-algebra forms a relative pseudo-complemented lattice, where Str(F, G) is the relative pseudo-complemented of F with respect to G. These results will provide a solid algebraic foundation for the consequence connectives in higher fuzzy logic.
Decriminalizing People Smuggling
Authors: Gerver Mollie
Published: August 2019

Since 2015 millions of migrants have paid smugglers to take them across borders. In response, states have increasingly arrested smugglers, hoping to morally condemn smuggling, and to decrease the rate of inward migration. This article argues that, even if a state is justified in morally condemning smuggling, and justified in decreasing inward migration, arresting smugglers is a disproportionate response for reaching these ends.
Time to compile: A performance installation as human-robot interaction study examining self-evaluation and perceived control
Authors: Cuan Catie , Berl Erin , LaViers Amy
Published: August 2019

Embodied art installations embed interactive elements within theatrical contexts and allow participating audience members to experience art in an active, kinesthetic manner. These experiences can exemplify, probe, or question how humans think about objects, each other, and themselves. This paper presents work using installations to explore human perceptions of robot and human capabilities. The paper documents an installation, developed over several months and activated at distinct venues, where user studies were conducted in parallel to a robotic art installation. A set of best practices for successful collection of data over the course of these trials is developed. Results of the studies are presented, giving insight into human opinions of a variety of natural and artificial systems. In particular, after experiencing the art installation, participants were more likely to attribute action of distinct system elements to non-human entities. Post treatment survey responses revealed a direct relationship between predicted difficulty and perceived success. Qualitative responses give insight into viewers’ experiences watching human performers alongside technologies. This work lays a framework for measuring human perceptions of humanoid systems – and factors that influence the perception of whether a natural or artificial agent is controlling a given movement behavior – inside robotic art installations.