bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproduction of Local Strong Wind Area Induced in the Downstream of Small‐scale Terrain by Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Approach
Authors: Uchida Takanori , Araki Keiji
Published: April 2019

In this research, the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) approach that has been used in wind power generation
field was applied for the solution of the problems of local strong wind areas in railway fields, and the mechanism
of wind generation was discussed. At the same time, the affectivity of the application of computational fluid
dynamic approach to railway field was discussed. The problem of local wind that occurs on the railway line in
winter was taken up in this research. A computational simulation for the prediction of wind conditions by LES was
implemented and it was clarified that the local strong wind area is mainly caused by separated flows originating
from the small‐scale terrain positioned at its upstream (at approximately 180.0 m above sea level). Meanwhile, the
effects of the size of calculation area and spatial grid resolution on the result of calculation and the effect of
atmospheric stability were also discussed. It was clarified that when the air flow characteristic of the separated flow
originating from the small‐scale terrain (at altitude of approximately 180.0 m) targeted in this research is
reproduced at high accuracy by computational simulation of wind conditions, approximately 10.0 m of spatial
resolution of computational grid in horizontal direction is required. As a result of the computational simulation of
wind conditions of stably stratified flow (Fr = 1.0), lee waves were excited at the downstream of the terrain over
time. As a result, the reverse‐flow region lying behind the terrain that had been observed at a neutral time was
inhibited. Consequently, local strong wind area was generated at the downstream of the terrain and the strong
wind area passing through the observation mast was observed. By investigating the speed increasing rate of local
strong wind area induced at the time of stable stratification, it was found that the wind was approximately 1.2
times stronger than what was generated at a neutral time.
Performance Comparing and Analysis for Slot Allocation Model
Authors: Ye ZhiJian , Li YanWei , Bai JingTing , Zheng Xinxin
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the effect of weight setting of objectives on displacement and implementation difficulty in slot allocation model. Therefore, a linear integer programming model including three kinds of evaluation objectives with different weights is designed to compare and analyze displacement and implementation difficulty in this slot allocation model. Test results show that the difficulty of implementation can be significantly reduced to a certain extent by weight setting with a little increase of displacement under the condition of specific capacity setting. Next, whether the movements are listed in order of descending priority or not has a great impact on displacement and implementation difficulty in slot allocation model. Capacity is surely a key factor affecting displacement and implementation difficulties. This study contributes to propose an index of implementation difficulty to comparing and selecting suitable weights of evaluation objectives which can help decision makers to upgrade slot allocation policies.
A Systems Analysis Approach to Identifying Critical Success Factors in Drinking Water Source Protection Programs
Authors: Merrett Hew Cameron , Chen Wei Tong , Horng Jao Jia
Published: April 2019

The success of source protection in ensuring safe drinking water is centered around being able to understand the hazards present in the catchment then plan and implement control measures to manage water quality risk to levels which can be controlled through downstream barriers. The programs in place to manage source protection are complex sociotechnical systems involving policy, standards, regulators, technology, human factors and so on. This study uses System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) to analyze the operational hazards of a typical drinking water source protection (DWSP) program and identify control measures to ensure safe operations. To validate the results a questionnaire was developed and distributed to specialists in DWSP in Taiwan, Australia and Greece. Using Principle Components Analysis (PCA) of the questionnaire responses, the study identified four critical success factors (CSFs) for DWSP. The four factors identified are ‘Policy and Government Agency Support of Source Protection’, ‘Catchment Risk Monitoring and Information’, ‘Support of Operational Field Activities’ and ‘Response to Water Quality Threats’. The results of this study provide insight into the approach of grouping of source protection measures to identify a series of targeted CSF for operational source protection programs. Using CSF can aide catchment management agencies in ensuring that the risk level in the catchment is managed effectively and that threats to public health from drinking water are managed appropriately.
Willingness to Pay for Improved Water Quality and Influencing factors: An Insight from Chia Lagoon, Malawi
Authors: Makwinja Rodgers , Kosamu Ishmael , Kaonga Chikumbusko
Published: April 2019

(1) Background: Water resources at Chia lagoon experience possible threat to its sustainability. Communities are seeking alternatives to improve water quality at the lagoon. The study evaluated the extent at which local communities are WTP to improve water quality at Chia lagoon and the influencing factors. (2) Methods: A study was conducted at Chia lagoon, Western Part of Lake Malawi from November, 2015 to March, 2016. Wide range of data collection approaches such as household surveys, exploratory surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observation were employed. A sample of 240 households were selected randomly. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors influence WTP. (3) Results: Out of 240 respondents, 57.4% expressed WTP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated significant (P<0.01 or P<0.05) relationship between demographic (Gender, age, literacy level), social-economic (Land ownership, main agriculture water source and income) and institution (civic education and social network, extension, water user rights) factors and WTP. (4) Conclusion: The findings from this study provide significant clues for further research and baseline information for local government and local communities in development of more effective and holistic approaches to improve water quality.
Evanescent Waves and Superluminal Behavior of Matter
Authors: Nanni Luca
Published: April 2019

An evanescent wave is a non-propagating wave with an imaginary wave vector. In this study, we prove that these are solutions of the tachyon-like Klein–Gordon equation, and that in the tunneling of ultrarelativistic spin-1/2 particles they describe superluminal states arising from interactions between a particle and barrier. These states decay as a particle emerges from the opposite side of a potential barrier, conserving the same initial energy but not necessarily the same mass. The obtained theory is applied to the neutrino, to explain flavor oscillations during free flight and determine the conditions that maximize the probability of their occurrence.
Extracellular Vesicle Integrins Distinguish Unique Cancers
Authors: Hurwitz Stephanie N. , Meckes Jr. David G.
Published: April 2019

The proteomic profile of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been of increasing interest, particularly in understanding cancer growth, drug resistance, and metastatic behavior. Emerging data suggests that cancer-derived EVs may carry an array of oncogenic cargo, including certain integrin proteins that may, in turn, promote cell detachment, migration, and selection of future metastatic sites. We previously reported a large comparison of secreted vesicle protein cargo across sixty diverse human cancer cell lines. Here, we analyze the distinct integrin profiles of these cancer EVs. We further demonstrate the enrichment of integrin receptors in breast cancer EVs compared to vesicles secreted from benign breast epithelial cells. Total EV integrin levels, including the quantity of integrins α2, αv, β4, and β5 correlate with breast tumor stage. In particular, integrin α2 also largely reflects progenitor cell expression, highlighting the utility of this integrin protein as a potential circulating biomarker of primary tumors. This study provides preliminary evidence of the value of vesicle-associated integrin proteins in cancer diagnosis and prediction of tumor stage. Differential expression of integrins across cancer cells, and selective packaging of integrins into EVs may contribute to further understanding the development and progression of tumor growth and metastasis across a variety of cancer types.
In Vitro Evaluation of Eudragit Matrices for Oral Delivery of BCG Vaccine to Animals
Authors: Saleem Imran , Coombes Allan , Chambers Mark
Published: April 2019

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) in humans and animals. It is most commonly administered parenterally but oral delivery is highly advantageous for immunisation of cattle and wildlife hosts of TB in particular. Since BCG is susceptible to inactivation in the gut, vaccine formulations were prepared from suspensions of Eudragit L100 copolymer powder and BCG in PBS, containing Tween 80, with and without the addition of mannitol or trehalose. Samples were frozen at -20oC, freeze-dried and the lyophilised powders were compressed to produce BCG-Eudragit matrices. Production of the dried powders resulted in a reduction in BCG viability. Substantial losses in viability occurred at the initial formulation stage and at the stage of powder compaction. Data indicated that the Eudragit matrix protected BCG against simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The matrices remained intact in SGF and dissolved completely in SIF within three hours. The inclusion of mannitol or trehalose in the matrix provided additional protection to BCG during freeze-drying. Control needs to be exercised over BCG aggregation, freeze-drying and powder compaction conditions to minimise physical damage of the bacterial cell wall and maximise the viability of oral BCG vaccines prepared by dry powder compaction.
Varying Physical Constants, Astrometric Anomalies, Redshift and Hubble Units
Authors: Gupta Rajendra P.
Published: April 2019

We have developed a cosmological model by allowing the speed of light c, gravitational constant G and cosmological constant Λ in the Einstein filed equation to vary in time, and solved them for Robertson-Walker metric. Assuming the universe is flat and matter dominant at present, we obtain a simple model that can fit the supernovae 1a data with a single parameter almost as well as the standard ΛCDM model with two parameters, and has the predictive capability superior to the latter. The model, together with the null results for the variation of G from the analysis of lunar laser ranging data determines that at the current time G and c both increase as dG/dt = 5.4GH0 and dc/dt = 1.8cH0 with H0 as the Hubble constant, and Λ decreases as dΛ/dt = -1.2ΛH0. This variation of G and c is all what is needed to account for the Pioneer anomaly, the anomalous secular increase of the Moon eccentricity, and the anomalous secular increase of the astronomical unit. We also show that the Planck’s constant ħ increases as dħ/dt = 1.8ħH0 and the ratio D of any Hubble unit to the corresponding Planck units increases as dD/dt = 1.5DH0. We have shown that it is essential to consider the variation of all the physical constants that may be involved directly or indirectly in a measurement rather than only the one whose variation is being considered.
Solar PV Cost Reduction Potential in Japan
Authors: Höller Robert , Gudopp Daniel , Leschinsky Tobias
Published: April 2019

One of the key areas of the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) programme of work is the analysis of renewable technology costs and performance and the dissemination of these results to as wide an audience as possible. In addition to analysis, IRENA seeks to engage a broad range of stakeholders in the context of this work through the Renewable Costing Alliance. The Costing Alliance brings together companies, industry association, governments and researchers to share, confidentially, data for real-world renewable energy project cost and performance, helping to build further on IRENA’s costing work to date. In this context the authors analyse the current cost differentials and cost reduction potentials for solar PV in Japan compared to best practice levels and identify the reasons for higher costs in Japan and how to reduce them. This study analyses the current installed cost differentials for utility-scale, commercial and residential rooftop solar PV systems. In addition to identifying the reasons for the cost differentials, potential policy recommendations to reduce the cost differential are identified.
A Correction Method of Mixed Pesticide Content Prediction in Apple by Using Raman Spectra
Authors: Li Yan , Peng Yankun , Qin Jianwei , Chao Kuanglin
Published: April 2019

In the study, a new correction method was applied to reduce error during detection on mixed pesticide residue in apples by using Raman spectra. Combined with self-built pesticide residues detection system by Raman spectroscopy and the application of surface enhancement technology, rapid real-time qualitative and quantitative analysis of deltamethrin and acetamiprid residues in apples can be applied effectively. In quantitative analysis, compared with the intensity value of characteristic peaks of single pesticide with same concentration, the intensity value of characteristic peaks of the two pesticides decreased after mixing the pesticides, which interferes the results severely. By comparing the difference in the intensity of characteristic peaks of single and mixed pesticides, a correction method is proposed to eliminate the influence of pesticides mixture. Characteristic peak intensity values of gradient concentration pesticide from 10-1 g•kg-1 to 10-6 g•kg-1 and Lagrangian interpolation are applied in the correction method. And a smooth surface is applied to describe the correction ratio of characteristic peak intensity. Through detecting the characteristic peak intensity values of the mixed pesticide, correction ratio will be obtained. Then real values of the peak intensity of pesticides and the content of each component of the mixed pesticide will be acquired by the correction method. Correlation coefficient of model validation exceeds 0.88 generally and Root Mean Square Error also decreases obviously after correction, which proved the reliability of the method.
Early Corticosteroid Therapy for Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia Irrespective of Used Antibiotics in Children
Authors: Yang Eun-Ae , Kang Hun-Mi , Rhim Jung-Woo , Kang Jin-Han , Lee Kyung-Yil
Published: April 2019

Antibiotics’ effect on Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection still remains controversial. A prospective study of 257 children with MP pneumonia during a recent epidemic (2015-2016) was conducted. All MP pneumonia patients were treated with corticosteroids within 24-36 h after admission. Initially, oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg) or intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) (1-2 mg/kg) was administered for mild pneumonia patients, and IVMP (5 -10 mg/kg/day) for severe pneumonia patients. If patients showed persistent fever for 36-48 hours or disease progression, additive IVMP (5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) was given. Eighty-five patients received only a broad-spectrum antibiotic without macrolide. The mean age and the male:female ratio were 5.6 ± 3.1 years, respectively. Seventy-four percent of patients (190/257) showed immediate defervescence within 24 h, and 95.7% (246/257) of patients showed defervescence within 72 h with improvements in clinical symptoms. Eight patients who received additive IVMP also showed clinical improvement within 48 h without adverse reactions. There were no clinical or laboratory differences between patients treated with a macrolide (n = 172) and without (n = 85). Early corticosteroid therapy might reduce disease morbidity and prevent disease progression in MP pneumonia patients without side effects, and antibiotics may have limited effects on MP infection.
Information Usage Behavior and Importance: Korean Scientist and Engineer Users of a Personalized Recommendation Service
Authors: Park Jung-Hoon , Park Seong Eun , Choi Hee-Seok , Hwang Yun-Young
Published: April 2019

Background: We conducted research on the newly developed personalized recommendation service (PRS) of the global network of Korean scientists and engineers (KOSEN) in order to explore the information usage behavior and importance of the PRS used by Korean scientists and engineers. Methods: In order to understand information usage behavior, we gathered data from 513 survey results and analyzed them in terms of information usage behavior and the corresponding importance in each of the service quality areas. Results: We analyzed the 321 outcomes that indicated non-use of the PRS in order to understand the underlying reason(s); we employed 192 results that demonstrated the use of functionality to examine information usage behavior and importance. They found that the predominant motive for non-use of the service resulted from the respondents not knowing how to use it. According to demographic characteristics, the usage behavior of the PRS showed a difference regarding the purpose of using the service in the categories of gender and major field of study. Furthermore, users were concerned with various components of the PRS such as ease of use, design, relevance of content, user support, and interactivity. Conclusions: We suggest reinforcing user education degree and promotion to enhance the PRS. Since users were concerned with ease of use, design, relevance, user support, and interactivity, we recommend these as major points for improvement.
Evaluating Approximations and Heuristic Measures of Integrated Information
Authors: Sevenius Nilsen André , Juel Bjørn Erik , Marshall William , Storm Johan Frederik
Published: April 2019

Integrated information theory (IIT) proposes a measure of integrated information (Φ) to capture the level of consciousness for a physical system in a given state. Unfortunately, calculating Φ itself is currently only possible for very small model systems, and far from computable for the kinds of systems typically associated with consciousness (brains). Here, we consider several proposed measures and computational approximations, some of which can be applied to larger systems, and test if they correlate well with Φ. While these measures and approximations capture intuitions underlying IIT and some have had success in practical applications, it has not been shown that they actually quantify the type of integrated information specified by the latest version of IIT. In this study, we evaluated these approximations and heuristic measures, based not on practical or clinical considerations, but rather based on how well they estimate the Φ values of model systems. To do this, we simulated networks consisting of 3–6 binary linear threshold nodes randomly connected with excitatory and inhibitory connections. For each system, we then constructed the system’s state transition probability matrix (TPM), as well as its state transition matrix (STM) over time for all possible initial states. From these matrices, we calculated, approximations to Φ, and measures based on state differentiation, state entropy, state uniqueness, and integrated information. All measures were correlated with Φ in a state dependent and state independent manner. Our findings suggest that Φ can be approximated closely in small binary systems by using one or more of the readily available approximations (r > 0.95), but without major reductions in computational demands. Furthermore, Φ correlated strongly with measures of signal complexity (LZ, rs = 0.722), decoder based integrated information (Φ*, rs = 0.816), and state differentiation (D1, rs = 0.827), on the system level (state independent). These measures could allow for efficient estimation of Φ on a group level, or as accurate predictors of low, but not high, Φ systems. While it’s uncertain whether the results extend to larger systems or systems with other dynamics, we stress the importance that measures aimed at being practical alternatives to Φ are at a minimum rigorously tested in an environment where the ground truth can be established.
Landscape Image Conceptual Model of Forests in China
Authors: Wang Chen , Luo Fen , Li Xueli , Zhong Yongde
Published: April 2019

The landscape image is the bridge of communication between people and forests, and the cut point of the supply-side reform of forest tourism products. The research collected 140 copies in total of forest landscape image drawings from non-art-major graduate students by randomly sampling during April and May, 2018, and constructed the landscape image conceptual model of forest by utilizing the landscape image sketching technique. The results showed that (1) In regard to linguistic knowledge, the natural landscape elements for instance, herbaceous plants, terrains, creatures, water and sky, and the broad-leaf forest objectively reflected not only the real forest landscape and the local native vegetation, but the variation of forest species with little attention. (2) On the perspective of spatial view, the sideways view indicated that graduate students preferred to watch forests at a moderate distance externally and few looked at forests internally. (3) In the view of self-orientation, the objective landscape indicated that graduate students preferred to demonstrate forest landscapes, they did not realize to interact with the environment. (4) On the aspect of social meaning, the scenic view and forest structure stated that graduate students preferred rural forest landscapes, not significantly for other special interests for forest. In conclusions, (1) the forest is thought to be a feature of people's life world and of rural scenes around homes, not an objective perception of the forest. (2) The forest is regarded as an important habitat for animals and a limited resource for people's life, production and recreation needs, into which people will go only to meet such needs. (3) The natural values of forests, like the ecology and aesthetics, etc. get more attention, while the social values of forests, like the life, production and culture receives rather low attention.
Estimating Wave Direction by Using Terrestrial GNSS Reflectometry
Authors: Reinking Jörg , Roggenbuck Ole , Even-Tzur Gilad
Published: April 2019

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data is part of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) observables. In a marine environment, the oscillation of the SNR data can be used to derive reflector heights. Since the attenuation of the SNR oscillation is related to the roughness of the sea surface, the significant wave height (SWH) of the water surface can be calculated from the analysis of the attenuation. The attenuation depends additionally on the relation between the coherent and the incoherent part of the scattered power. The latter is a function of the correlation length of the surface waves. Because the correlation length changes with respect to the direction of the line of sight relative to the wave direction, the attenuation must show an anisotropic characteristic. In this work, we present a method to derive the wave direction from the anisotropy of the attenuation of the SNR data. The method is investigated based on simulated data as well by the analysis of experimental data from a GNSS station in the North Sea.
Polyphenol-Enriched Plum Extract Enhances Myotubule Formation and Anabolism while Attenuating Colon Cancer-induced Cellular Damage in C2C12 Cells
Authors: Alsolmei Faten A. , Li Haiwen , Pereira Suzette L. , Krishnan Padmavathy , Johns Paul W. , Siddiqui Rafat A.
Published: April 2019

Preventing muscle wasting in certain chronic diseases including cancer is an ongoing challenge. Studies have shown that polyphenols derived from fruits and vegetables show promise in reducing muscle loss in cellular and animal models of muscle wasting. We hypothesized that polyphenols derived from plum (Prunus domestica) could have anabolic and anti-catabolic benefits on skeletal muscle. The effects of a polyphenol-enriched plum extract (PE60) were evaluated in vitro on C2C12 and Colon-26 cancer cells. Treatment of myocytes with plum extract increased the cell size by ~3-fold (p<0.05) and stimulated myoblast differentiation by ~2-fold (p<0.05). Plum extract induced total protein synthesis by ~50% (p<0.05), reduced serum deprivation- induced total protein degradation by ~30% (P<0.05), and increased expression of IGF-1 by ~2-fold (p<0.05). Plum extract also reduced TNFα-induced NFkB activation by 80% (p<0.05) in A549/NFkB-luc cells. In addition, plum extract inhibited growth of Colon-26 cancer cells, and attenuated cytotoxicity in C2C12 myoblasts induced by soluble factors released from Colon-26 cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that plum extract may have pluripotent health benefits on muscle based on its demonstrated ability to promote myogenesis, stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and inhibit protein degradation. It also appears to protect muscle cell from tumor-induced cytotoxicity.
Interpretation of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Signals in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Sanni Adeola A. , McCully Kevin K.
Published: April 2019

NIRS uses the relative absorption of light at 850nm and 760nm, to determine skeletal muscle oxygen saturation. Previous studies have used the ratio of both signals to report muscle oxygen saturation. Purpose: To evaluate the different approaches used to represent muscle oxygen saturation, and to evaluate the pulsations of the O2heme and Heme signal. Method: Twelve participants, ages 20-29years were tested on the forearm flexor muscles using continuous wave NIRS at rest. Measurements were taken during 2-3mins rest, during physiological calibration (5-minuts Ischemia) and during reperfusion.  Results: There was a significant difference in pulse size between O2heme and Heme signal at the three locations (p < 0.05). Resting oxygen saturation was 58.8+9.2%, 69.6+3.9%, and 89.2+6.9% when calibrated using O2heme, TSI, and Heme, respectively.  Conclusion: The difference in magnitude of O2heme and Heme pulse with each heartbeat might suggest different anatomical locations of these signals, which propose calibrating with just one of the signals instead of the ratio of both. Calculations of physiological calibration must account for increased blood volume in the tissue, because of the changes in blood volume which appear to be primarily from the O2heme signal. Resting oxygen levels calibrated with Heme agrees with theoretical oxygen saturation.
A Modern Approaches for Modeling Time-Varying Database Models
Authors: ALROMEMA NASHWAN , ALOTAIBI FAHAD
Published: April 2019

Time-varying data models store data related to time instances and offer different types of timestamping. These modeling approaches are considered as one of the most important parts of many database applications like metrological, banking, biomedical, accounting, scheduling, reservation systems, sensor based systems, real-time monitoring applications and applications involving maintenance of huge records. This research work introduces the state-of-the-art modeling approaches of Time-varying data. Furthermore we will show how to represent a running example using different approaches and give a comparison study of storage, and the ease of use of each model.
Cryptococcal meningitis in young adults: clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes
Authors: Hsu Che-Wei , Lien Chia-Yi , Lee Jun-Jun , Chang Wen-Neng , Tsai Wan-Chen
Published: April 2019

Background: The clinical characteristics of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in young adults (≤ 40 years old) have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to delineate the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and therapeutic outcomes of young adults with CM, and compare them with older adults (> 40 years old) with CM.
Methods: Ninety-nine adult patients with CM (64 men, 35 women) were enrolled from 2002-2016, of whom 26 were ≤ 40 years old (young adult group) and 73 were > 40 years old (non-young adult group). The clinical characteristics, laboratory data and therapeutic outcomes of these two groups were compared. The prognostic factors of the young adult CM patients were analyzed, and the clinical characteristics and laboratory data between the young adult CM patients with and without acquired immune-compromised syndrome (AIDS) were compared. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the outcomes of the survivors at the time of discharge and at 1 year of follow-up.
Results: The young adult CM patients had a significantly higher incidence of headache as the clinical presentation. There were no significant clinical differences between the young adult CM patients with and without AIDS. There were no significant prognostic factors in the young adult CM patients, but the young adult survivors had better outcomes (mRS score 0-2) than the non-young adult group.
Conclusion: The young adult CM patients had a higher incidence of headache as the clinical presentation, and the young adult CM survivors had better clinical outcomes.
Clinic Results of Intraductal Meibomian Gland Probing Combined Intense Pulsed Light in Treating Patients With Refractory Obstructive Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Huang Xiaodan , Qin Qiyu , Wang Linping , Zheng Jiao , Lin Lin , Jin Xiuming
Published: April 2019

Background: To optimize therapeutic regimen for refractory obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (o-MGD) patients by combining intraductal meibomian gland probing (MGP) and intense pulsed light (IPL) to enhance their effect and reduce their limitations.
Methods: This randomized, assessor blind study include 45 patients (90 eyes) with refractory o-MGD. They were divided into 3 groups by allocation concealment: IPL (group I, received an IPL treatment course: 3 times at 3-week intervals), MGP (group II, received MGP one time) and MGP combined IPL (group III, MGP at first then an IPL treatment course). Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness score (SPEED), tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibum grade and lid margin finding results were assessed at baseline, 3 weeks after final treatment in group I and III, 3 and 12 weeks after MGP in group II. Six months after final treatment, the SPEED and willingness to receive any treatment again were also collected in all groups. Paired Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U with Bonferroni correction and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for data analysis.
Results: In 3 groups, all above indexes improved significantly after treatment (all P＜0.01). MGP-IPL was better than IPL and MPG in posttreatment SPEED, TBUT, meibum grade, lid telangiectasia (all P＜0.05/3). Besides, the MGP-IPL was better than IPL in lid tenderness and better than MGP in orifices abnormality (all P＜0.05/3 ). Six months later, the SPEED in MGP-IPL was also significantly lower than other groups (all P＜0.05/3). And no patients in MGP-IPL group revealed the need to be treated again, while 35.7% or 20% of patients with IPL or MGP need retreatment.
Conclusions: Compared with single IPL or MGP, the combination of MGP and IPL demonstrated the most efficient results in relieving all signs and symptoms and can help patients attain the most lasting symptom relief.
Trial registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov, ChiCTR1900021273 (retrospectively registered 09 February 2019).
Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China: [grant numbers: 81870624; 81700802]; Major Science and Technology Projects of Zhejiang Province [grant numbers: 2017C03046].
Pragmatic language impairment general and specific associations to mental health symptom dimensions in a child psychiatric sample
Authors: Brenne Edel , Rimehaug Tormod
Published: April 2019

Background: The results of several international studies indicate a high prevalence of language and communication impairments among children who are referred to child psychiatric services. However, these impairments are likely to remain undetected unless language and communication impairments are evaluated during the psychiatric assessment.

Aims: The aim of the present study is to investigate the specific association between general and specific mental health problems, as expressed by the problem scales of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teachers Report Form (TRF), and pragmatic skills and pragmatic language impairments (PLI) as defined the Pragmatic Composite of the Child Communication Checklist (CCC-PC).

Methods: Children aged from 8 to 13 years (n = 73) were recruited in sequence following referral to a child and adolescent psychiatry (CAMHS) outpatient clinic within 12 months. Children with possible or established autism or intellectual disability were excluded. Standardized instruments measuring language, communication and mental health symptoms were distributed to parents and teachers, an intelligence test administered for clinical purposes, and demographic information was included.

Results: The parent reports showed PLI among 38% of the children and revealed strong associations with the CBCL scales for emotional problems, thought problems and, especially, social and withdrawal symptoms, which mean more associations to internalized and non-externalized problems. PC-scores were at similar levels and PLI was reported by teachers at similar rates (compared to parent reports) with moderate agreement. Teacher PC-scores showed associations to only one TRF-scale, social problems. The CCC-PC subscale with the strongest associations to mental health symptoms was «Use of Context» («Social Relationships» do not contribute to the CCC-PC scores).

Conclusion: There was a general increase in PC-scores and increased prevalence of PLI in this clinical sample. PC-scores correlated with symptom scores for internalizing and non-externalizing problems scales. The strongest common factors appear to be related to the social aspects of mental health. Pragmatic skills should be considered as a protective factor for mental health rather than investigating pragmatic impairment as a risk or vulnerability factor.
Determinants of fiscal policy behavior in Nigeria
Authors: Ologbenla Patrick
Published: April 2019

The study investigated the factors that determine fiscal behavior in Nigeria. The vulnerability of fiscal policy framework in Nigeria to different shocks and the attendant effects on the behavior of fiscal policy are parts of the reasons that prompted this research work. Annual data between 1980 and 2015 on core fiscal variables such as government revenue, government expenditure, fiscal balance, public debt, as well as other variables such as oil price, exchange rate, and inflation rate commodity price among others, are used. The Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag ARDL estimating technique is used to analyze both the long-run and short-run effects of these variables on fiscal behavior in Nigeria. Findings from the study show that fiscal policy in Nigeria is highly vulnerable to shocks from these variables mostly in the short run. Notwithstanding, variables like government revenue, government expenditure, regime of administration, oil price and commodity price volatilities all have sustained effects till the long-run periods. It was discovered that oil price movements is not the only external factor that has pronounced effects on fiscal behavior, but commodity prices volatility generally constitutes an important influential factor in determination of fiscal policy behavior in Nigeria.
Flow around the wall, accompanied by injection of a hot vapor-gas mixture
Authors: Nurislamov O.R.
Published: April 2019

The paper deals with the problem of wall boundary flow with the formation of a thin vapor-gas layer near its surface. The possibility of reducing the resistance to liquid motion by means of the injection of a hot vapor-gas mixture from its surface is investigated.
Dynamic blocking phenomenon of W/O emulsions in section of reservoir
Authors: Akhmetov A.T. , Rakhimov A.A. , Sametov S.P.
Published: April 2019

On the basis of earlier experiments it is known that the flow of W/O emulsion in the slit-like model and in capillaries of different diameters leads to the fact that the mass transfer of the emulsion ceases with time at with a constant pressure drop. This phenomenon was called as a dynamic blocking effect. In the paper the radial-expanding flow of W/O dispersion in the fracture model and filtration flow in the core were studied at constant pressure drop for the presence of the blocking.
A similarity problem of a porous material drying
Authors: Igoshin D.Ye.
Published: April 2019

The plano-one-dimensional problem of heat and mass transfer is considered when a porous semi-infinite material layer dries. At the boundary, which is permeable for the gas-vapor mixture, the temperature and composition of the gas are kept constant. Self-similar solutions are set describing the propagation of the temperature field and the moisture content field arising when heat is supplied. The intensity of dry flows is studied, depending on the initial state of the wet-porous medium, as well as the temperature and concentration composition of the vapor-gas mixture at the boundary of the porous medium.
Stability of dynamic processes occurring during landing of descent systems
Authors: Komarov S.S. , Miscactin N.I.
Published: April 2019

The dynamics of the landing of descent aeropneumoelastic systems containing a parachute, pneumatic foundation and object is considered. The motion of the pneumoelastic systems on the landing site is studied. The criteria for the stability of motion of various schemes of aeropneumoelastic systems at the final landing phases are derived.
Investigation of Nusselt numbers in the convection of thermally viscous liquids
Authors: Moiseyev K.V. , Ilyasov A.M.
Published: April 2019

In the paper, free convection of thermally viscous liquids in a square cell is numerically investigated. Quadratic and exponential viscosity versus temperature is considered. The influence of these dependences on the Nusselt number is studied. It is established that the dependence of the Nusselt number on the Rayleigh numbers is characterized by the average viscosity, monotonicity, and convexity of the viscosity function of temperature.
The submodels of flow of gas with the linear field of speeds determined by matrixes of a rank 1
Authors: Tarasova Yu.V.
Published: April 2019

The equations of gas dynamics with the arbitrariest equation of state which solutions were searched in the form of the linear field of speeds are considered. Submodels of flow of gas with the linear field of speeds are as a result received and new types of equations of state are found.
Investigation of a wave impulse passing from a gas into a saturated porous medium
Authors: Khusainov I.G. , Dmitriev V.L.
Published: April 2019

The reflection of the wave pulse from the gas-porous medium boundary is studied. The cases of ”open“ and ”closed“ boundaries of a porous medium are considered. The dependence of the reflection coefficient of the incident pulse on the pore sizes and the interphase heat exchange is taken into account.
Transport phenomena in quasi-two-dimensional graphite
Authors: Yakhanova N.E. , Chuvyrov A.N.
Published: April 2019

High-quality carbon films with the structure of a quasi-two-dimensional nanogram with a size of flat nanoclusters of about 5.0-6.0 nm were obtained using crystalline polyacetylene, which in itself is a conducting polymer, but with extremely low chemical activity.
Treatment of Organophosphate Poisoning with Experimental Oximes: A Review
Authors: Lorke Dietrich E. , Petroianu Georg A.
Published: April 2019

Standard therapy of Organophosphorus Compound (OPC) poisoning with oxime-type acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators is unsatisfactory. New bispyridinium oximes have therefore been synthesized. This review summarizes in vitro characteristics of established (pralidoxime, obidoxime, trimedoxime, HI-6) and experimental (K-)oximes, and compares their protective efficacy in vivo, when administered shortly after exposure to Diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) and three OPC pesticides (ethyl-paraoxon, methylparaoxon, azinphos-methyl) in the same experimental setting.

In addition to reactivating cholinesterase, oximes also inhibit this enzyme; strongest AChE inhibition (IC50 rat blood: 1-9 µM) is observed in vitro for the oximes with a xylene linker (K-107, K-108, K-113). AChE inhibition is weakest for K-27, K-48 and HI-6 (IC50 >500 µM). Intrinsic AChE inhibition of oximes in vitro (IC50, rat) is strongly correlated with their LD50 (rat): oximes with a high IC50 (K-27, K-48, pralidoxime, obidoxime) also show a high LD50, making them relatively non-toxic, whereas oximes K-107, K-108 and K-113 (low IC50 and LD50) are far more toxic.

When given in vivo after OP exposure, best protection is conferred by K-27, reducing the relative risk of death to 16-58% of controls, which is significantly superior to pralidoxime in DFP-, ethyl-paraoxon- and methylparaoxon- exposure, and to obidoxime in ethyl-paraoxon- and methyl-paraoxon-exposure. Marked reduction in mortality is also achieved by K-48, K-53, K-74 and K-75, whereas K-107, K-108 and K-113 have no or only a very weak mortality-reducing effect. K-27 is the most promising K-oxime due to its strong reactivation potency, weak cholinesterase inhibition and high LD50, allowing administration in large, very efficacious dosages.
Nanoheterostructures of ZnO Nanorods Decorated with ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles by a Simple Solution Process
Authors: Naskar Atanu , Khan Hasmat , Jana Sunirmal
Published: April 2019

Background:

Nanoheterostructures of ZnFe2O4–ZnO is a potential functional material synthesized
by various complicated synthesis processes. However, most of the processes are not at all
cost effective because these generally require high-temperature treatment as well as long reaction time
and complicated experimental procedure. Thus, a simple, low cost and highly efficient synthesis process
is still highly required.

Objective:

The aim of the present study is to synthesize ZnFe2O4–ZnO nanoheterostructures by a simple
solution process vis-à-vis to characterize the structural and optical properties of the sample.

Methods:

Nanoheterostructures of ZnFe2O4 decorated on ZnO nanorods (ZFZO) have been synthesized
by two-step low-temperature solution process in the presence of hydrazine hydrate.

Results:

X-ray diffraction study showed the presence of hexagonal ZnO and cubic ZnFe2O4 spinel.
Transmission electron microscopic analysis confirmed the formation of nanoheterostructures of
ZnFe2O4 decorated on ZnO nanorods. The optical property of the sample was characterized by UVVisible
spectroscopy. Moreover, the oxidation states of the elements were examined by X-ray photoelectron
spectral studies. A probable formation mechanism of the nanoheterostructures was drawn.

Conclusion:

This simple solution based synthesis process is found to be an easy and cost- effective
synthesis strategy as realized from the characterizations of structural and functional properties of the
synthesized samples of ZnFe2O4–ZnO nanoheterostructures.
A Review on the Development of Dampers Utilizing Smart Magnetorheological Fluids
Authors: Oh Jong-Seok , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: April 2019

It is generally known that MR fluid is a kind of designed materials whose rheological
properties are controllable with the application of an external magnetic field. Based on these features,
MR dampers have gained much attention of researchers owing to their salient properties such as controllable
damping force and relatively fast response time. This article offers a recent review on the
MR damper technology, particularly focusing on the application to various fields. Conceivable limitations,
challenges, and comparative advantages of MR damper are critically analyzed. In order to
promote the practical use of MR damper in application from the automobile to the military sector,
this review summarizes different MR dampers and their significant contribution.
Family Separation and the Impact of Digital Technology on the Mental Health of Refugee Families in the United States: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Shah Sayyed Fawad Ali , Hess Julia Meredith , Goodkind Jessica R
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Conflicts around the world have resulted in a record high number of refugees. Family separation is a critical factor that impacts refugee mental health. Thus, it is important to explore refugees’ ability to maintain contact with family members across the globe and the ways in which they attempt to do so. It is increasingly common for refugees to use information and communication technologies (ICTs), which include mobile phones, the internet, and social media sites, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber, for these purposes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore refugees’ perceptions of the impact of communication through ICTs on their mental health, the exercise of agency by refugees within the context of ICT use, especially their communication with their families, and logistical issues that affect their access to ICTs in the United States.

METHODS

We used a constructivist grounded theory approach to analyze in-depth interviews of 290 adult refugee participants from different countries, who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a community-based mental health intervention.

RESULTS

Analyses showed that communication through ICTs had differing impacts on the mental health of refugee participants. ICTs, as channels of communication between separated families, were a major source of emotional and mental well-being for a large number of refugee participants. However, for some participants, the communication process with separated family members through digital technology was mentally and emotionally difficult. The participants also discussed ways in which they hide adversities from their families through selective use of different ICTs. Several participants noted logistical and financial barriers to communicating with their families through ICTs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are important in elucidating aspects of refugee agency and environmental constraints that need to be further explicated in theories related to ICT use as well as in providing insight for researchers and practitioners involved in efforts related to migration and mental health.