bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Antarctic Oscillation and the genesis activity of the yearly latest tropical cyclone in the western North Pacific
Authors: Choi Jae‐Won , Wang Bin
Published: December 2019

We find a significant negative correlation between the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) and the genesis longitude of the last TC of the year (hereafter the last TC) in the western North Pacific (WNP). We also find that the mean longitude of the last TC genesis has experienced a significant westward shift since 1997–1998. That means both a positive AAO phase and AAO phase of the recent epoch (1998–2015) favour the last TC occurring more frequently in the western part of the WNP. Thus, we compared the differences between the positive and negative AAO phases on interannual time scale and the epochal differences between the 1998–2015 and 1983–1997 periods to find the common factors responsible for the more frequent occurrence of the last TCs in the western WNP. The common differences in the 850 hPa stream flows reveal that an anomalous cyclone occurs in the South Indian Ocean, whereas an anomalous anticyclone appears in the WNP. The anomalous northerlies from the Southern Indian Ocean anomalous cyclone move northward, enhancing the cross‐equatorial flows and associated westerlies. The enhanced anomalous westerlies extend eastward and meet the anomalous easterlies originated from the WNP anomalous anticyclone at the South China Sea (SCS). As a result, the anomalous cyclones are strengthened in the SCS and around the Philippines. Further analysis of the differences in the outgoing longwave radiation, 850 hPa relative vorticity, 200–850 hPa vertical wind shear, sea surface temperature, horizontal divergence, 500 hPa omega and velocity potential and divergent winds between the two phases and the two epochs confirm that favourable environments for generation of the last TC take place in the western WNP during the positive AAO phase and in the 1998–2015 epoch.
In situ ripening stages monitoring of Lamuyo pepper using a new‐generation near‐infrared spectroscopy sensor
Authors: Sánchez María‐Teresa , Pintado Carlos , de la Haba María‐José , Torres Irina , García Manuel , Pérez‐Marín Dolores
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used as a nondestructive sensor to assess the quality of freshly harvested Lamuyo peppers. One hundred and forty‐four Lamuyo peppers, which were in a range of colors (green, chocolate, orange, and red) when harvested, were analyzed. In this study, the evolution of the main quality parameters during the harvest period was analyzed. Additionally, NIRS predictive models using a portable manual spectrophotometer to evaluate quality parameters together with color index were developed. Moreover, two procedures for taking near‐infrared spectra were tested: (1) static, where point spectral readings were taken of around the equator of the fruit; (2) dynamic, where spectra were taken by scanning the entire length of the pepper.

RESULTS

Green peppers and those harvested at the beginning of the campaign presented significantly lower values (P < 0.05) of dry matter, soluble solid contents, and titratable acidity, whereas those with red coloration and those harvested at the end of the campaign showed significantly higher values of these three quality parameters (P < 0.05). The predictive capacity of the NIRS models showed that the static mode proved to be the most suitable for measuring the quality of Lamuyo peppers.

CONCLUSIONS

The viability of NIRS for measuring dry matter content and soluble solid contents in situ, using a new‐generation NIRS sensor, was demonstrated. However, the high water content, the irregular shape of the fruit, and the fact that it is hollow inside all point to the need for using larger samples sets so as to increase the robustness of the models obtained. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Appropriate medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis reduces use of antibiotics and oral corticosteroids
Authors: Speth Marlene M. , Phillips Katie M. , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Antibiotics and oral corticosteroids are used in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) and reflect poor disease control. We sought to characterize utilization of these systemic medications after appropriate medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

One hundred fifty patients undergoing medical management for CRS were studied. Data were collected at enrollment and follow‐up 3 to 12 months later. All patients were asked to report the number of CRS‐related antibiotics and oral corticosteroids used in the last 3 months. CRS symptom burden was measured using the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22). Associations were sought between CRS‐related antibiotics and oral corticosteroids use at follow‐up compared to enrollment.

Results

From enrollment to follow‐up, the mean number of CRS‐related antibiotics courses used decreased by 0.2 courses (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1–0.4, P = .012), and the mean number of CRS‐related oral corticosteroid courses used also decreased by 0.2 courses (95% CI: 0.1–0.3, P = .029). The number of CRS‐related antibiotics used at follow‐up was associated with CRS‐related antibiotic use at enrollment (adjusted rate ratio [RR] = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.17–2.13, P = .003). The number of CRS‐related oral corticosteroids used at follow‐up was associated with reported CRS‐related oral corticosteroid use at enrollment (adjusted RR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.69–6.07, P < .001). SNOT‐22 results at enrollment were also not predictive of future systemic medication use.

Conclusions

Appropriate medical management of CRS is associated with decreased use of oral antibiotics and corticosteroids. Previous utilization of antibiotics and oral corticosteroids for CRS is associated with future use of these medications.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 2019
Magnesium addition in copper‐chromium alloys: The refinement of aging precipitates and improvement on mechanical properties
Authors: Wu S.J. , Wang J.F. , Chen H.M. , Wang H. , Zhang J.B. , Yang B.
Published: December 2019

Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of copper‐chromium and copper‐ chromium‐magnesium alloys by melting and casting process and explore the effect of the magnesium addition on mechanical and electrical properties of the alloys. This article focuses on the variation of the precipitation sequence and the decrease of strengthening phase sizes induced by the addition of trace magnesium element. The results show that magnesium element has little effect on the hardness of copper‐chromium alloy, but it significantly improves the hardness of the aging alloy and maintains high conductivity. The addition of magnesium element inhibits the growth and structural transformation of the precipitated phase. The refinement impact of magnesium addition on precipitated phase and change in alloy precipitation sequence may be the main reasons for the high hardness of copper‐chromium‐ magnesium alloy. In addition, the magnesium addition shows a significant refinement effect on small size precipitation phase, but it does not present the same refinement effect on large size precipitation phase. This attributes to the presence of a semi‐coherent interface between the matrix and the large size of precipitates, which provides the dislocation‐based diffusion channels for high‐rate chromium diffusion and promotes the precipitate growth.
Fatigue properties of self‐piercing riveted multi‐rivet joints in steel and aluminum sheets
Authors: Du G. , Xing Y. , Li X.
Published: December 2019

Self‐piercing riveting (SPR) is an important joining technology for connecting steel and aluminum sheets. In this paper, AA6111 aluminum alloy and DP780 high‐strength steel were adopted to study the influence of fatigue on remaining static strength and energy absorption properties on self‐piercing riveting multi‐rivet joints. The results showed that energy absorption capacity of the specimens decreased significantly after high cycle fatigue. Fatigue reduced the remaining static lap shear strength of riveted specimens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the cross section of fatigue specimens fractured by static tension. The results showed that fretting wear was found at the contact area between rivet and aluminum sheets. Fatigue bands and fatigue cracks appeared in fatigue specimens after high cycle fatigue, while those with low cycle fatigue specimens did not appear. Small cracks weaken the strength of the aluminum sheet, resulting in the static tensile strength of the riveted specimen with high cycle fatigue is lower than that of other fatigue specimens.
Pressure dependence of reference deep‐ocean thermometers
Authors: Joung Wukchul , Gam Keesool , Pearce Jonathan V.
Published: December 2019

In this work, the pressure dependence of the temperature readings of reference deep‐ocean thermometers (i.e. SBE 35, Sea‐Bird Electronics) was investigated in a thermostatically controlled and pressurized environment. To this end, a deep‐ocean environment emulator was constructed to reproduce the extremely stable temperature and high‐pressure nature of the deep ocean; it consisted of a pressure vessel, a pressure controller and a thermostatic water bath. With the aid of this emulator, the pressure effect on three SBE 35 thermometers was investigated at various hydrostatic pressures from atmospheric pressure to 68 MPa, equivalent to the pressure at a depth of 6,800 m. In addition, the effect of external thermal disturbances was corrected by measuring the real‐time temperature variation around the SBE 35 thermometer in order to achieve the highest possible accuracy. From extensive testing of the pressure dependence of the temperature readings of the three SBE 35 thermometers, it was found that two of the three thermometers exhibited clear and repeatable pressure dependences, although the respective tendencies were different from each other. The third thermometer showed no repeatable pressure dependence. All the measured pressure dependences of the three thermometers amounted to changes which were within ±1 mK. The results indicated that the pressure dependence of these reference deep‐ocean thermometers is significant, and the pressure dependence is not the same for all SBE 35 devices but specific to each individual device. It was concluded that the pressure dependence of the individual reference deep‐ocean thermometers needs to be accounted for during calibration.
The Interaction of Sodium and Zinc in the Priming of T Cell Subpopulations Regarding Th17 and Treg Cells
Authors: Dünkelberg Sophie , Maywald Martina , Schmitt Anne Kristina , Schwerdtle Tanja , Meyer Sören , Rink Lothar
Published: December 2019

Scope

Nutrition is a critical determinant of a functional immune system. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which immune cells are influenced by zinc and sodium.

Methods and Results

Mixed lymphocyte cultures and Jurkat cells are generated and incubated with zinc, sodium, or a combination of both for further tests. Zinc induces the number of regulatory T cells (Treg) and decreases T helper 17 cells (Th17), and sodium has the opposite effect. The transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathway is also enhanced by zinc and reduced by sodium as indicated by contrary phosphoSmad 2/3 induction. Antagonistic effects can also be seen on zinc transporter and metallothionein‐1 (MT‐1) mRNA expression: zinc declines Zip10 mRNA expression while sodium induces it, whereas MT‐1 mRNA expression is induced by zinc while it is reduced by sodium.

Conclusion

This data indicate that zinc and sodium display opposite effects regarding Treg and Th17 induction in MLC, respectively, resulting in a contrary effect on the immune system. Additionally, it reveals a direct interaction of zinc and sodium in the priming of T cell subpopulations and shows that Zip10 and MT‐1 play a significant role in those differentiation pathways.
A novel coupled FDM‐DEM modelling method for flexible membrane boundary in laboratory tests
Authors: Zhu Hua‐Xiang , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2019

Difficulties are involved in discrete element method (DEM) modelling of the flexible boundary, that is, the membranes covering the soil sample, which can be commonly found in contemporary laboratory soil tests. In this paper, a novel method is proposed wherein the finite difference method (FDM) and DEM are coupled to simulate the rubber membrane and soil body, respectively. Numerical plane strain and triaxial tests, served by the flexible membrane, are implemented and analysed later. The effect of the membrane modulus on the measurement accuracy is considered, with analytical formulae derived to judge the significance of this effect. Based on an analysis of stress‐strain responses and the grain rotation field, the mechanical performances produced by the flexible and rigid lateral boundaries are compared for the plane strain test. The results show that (1) the effect of the membrane on the test result becomes more significant at larger strain level because the membrane applies additional lateral confining pressure to the soil body; (2) the tested models reproduce typical stress and volumetric paths for specimens with shear bands; (3) for the plane strain test, the rigid lateral boundary derives a much higher peak strength and larger bulk dilatation, but a similar residual strength, compared with the flexible boundary. The latter produces a more uniform (or ‘diffuse') rotation field and more mobilised local kinematics than does the former. All simulations show that the proposed FDM‐DEM coupling method is able to simulate laboratory tests with a flexible boundary membrane.
On the implicit immersed boundary method in coupled discrete element and lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Wang Min , Feng Yuntian , Qu Tongming
Published: December 2019

The coupled discrete element method and lattice Boltzmann method (DEMLBM) has increasingly drawn attention of researchers in geomechanics due to its mesoscopic nature since 2000. Immersed boundary method (IBM) and immersed moving boundary (IMB) are two popular schemes for coupling fluid particle in DEMLBM. This work aims at coupling DEM and LBM using the latest IBM algorithm and investigating its accuracy, computational efficiency, and applicability. Two benchmark tests, interstitial fluid flow in an ideal packing and single particle sedimentation in viscous fluid, are carried out to demonstrate the accuracy of IBM through semi‐empirical Ergun equation, finite element method (FEM), and IMB. Then, simulations of particle migration with relatively large velocity in Poiseuille flow are utilized to address limitations of IBM in DEMLBM modeling. In addition, advantages and deficiencies of IBM are discussed and compared with IMB. It is found that the accuracy of IBM can be only guaranteed when sufficient boundary points are used and it is not suitable for geomechanical problems involving large fluid or particle velocity.
Diabetes and male sexual health: an unmet challenge
Authors: Barnard‐Kelly Katharine , Meeking Darryl , Cummings Michael , Reidy Claire , Scibilia Renza , Aldred Chris , Naranjo Diana
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to explore the self‐reported medical and psychological factors associated with sexual health for men with diabetes.

An online survey was distributed via social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and remained open for four weeks. The survey contained 45 items which included free‐text response questions so that participants could provide further detail to their responses if desired. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS.24, with content and thematic analyses conducted on free‐text responses.

One hundred participants completed the survey, aged 20–73 years (mean age 45.4 years) with a diabetes duration of 1–62 years (mean 23.07 years); 90% had type 1 diabetes. Forty‐nine percent reported diabetes had led to a loss of self‐esteem, 62% said it had a negative effect on relationships with a partner, 41% felt less attractive, and 46% reported it had led to loneliness. Free‐text responses reflected depth of feeling and the considerable negative psychosocial impact of diabetes and associated sexual health issues. Erectile dysfunction was common (66%); however, over one‐third of those participants had not sought help (42%). Oral medication removed spontaneity for half of the participants (n=58) who had taken it (n=29).

Sexual health issues continue to pose challenges for men with diabetes, both medically and psychologically. The psychosocial aspects of diabetes and sexuality, including feeling unattractive both physically and emotionally, were widely reported by participants, demonstrating the damaging and distressing personal consequences. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2019; 36(6): 201–206
Helium plasma jet interactions with water in well plates
Authors: Mohades Soheila , Lietz Amanda M. , Kruszelnicki Juliusz , Kushner Mark J.
Published: December 2019

Plasma activation of liquids or cell cultures is a method for investigating the consequences of plasma produced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) on living systems. The reproducible transfer of RONS, ions, electrons, and photons to the liquid is critical for determining reaction mechanisms and biological outcomes, and depends strongly on system parameters. A common in vitro method of plasma treatment of cells is a plasma jet directed into a well plate filled (or partially filled) with a liquid cell growth media. This method of treatment intrinsically has several environmental and geometrical factors that could lead to variability in the activation of the media. Uncontrolled or unreported geometrical and environmental factors that affect this transfer can, therefore, influence the reproducibility of measurements. In this paper, results from a numerical modeling investigation of a pulsed helium plasma jet interacting with water in a well plate are discussed while varying the height of the well‐plate rim. The height of the rim changes gas flow patterns, the ratio of He‐to‐air, and the water vapor content in the gas layer above the liquid. With a low rim, gas flowing from the jet stagnates on‐axis and flows radially outward with few vortices that recirculate reactants. With high rims, the gas flow is dominated by vortices and recirculation. With a low rim, the ionization wave (IW) from the jet strikes the liquid and proceeds as a surface IW across the water. With higher rims, the densities of helium and water vapor are higher above the liquid, which results in a volumetric propagation of the IW, initially producing higher densities of H2, HO2, OH, and H2O2. The end result is that for otherwise identical conditions, the densities of solvated H2O2aq and select reactive nitrogen species increase with rim height due to the vortices that recirculate reactants.
Coplanar Fused Heterocycle‐Based Energetic Materials
Authors: Wu Jin‐Ting , Xu Jin , Li Wei , Li Hong‐Bo
Published: December 2019

The fused nitrogen‐rich heterocycles, particularly planar structures, possess many advantages over conventional single‐ring energetic compounds. The planar π‐π stacked structures result in enhanced safety. Meanwhile, their conjugated systems give rise to good energetic properties. This review focused on the syntheses, properties, and potential applications of energetic materials based on the coplanar fused nitrogen‐rich heterocycles. Most of these compounds exhibit excellent detonation characteristics along with low mechanical sensitivity which makes them very promising candidates for highly energetic materials for civilian or military applications.
Dosimetric effect of different isocenter for nasopharyngeal carcinoma with volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Sang Yong , Shan Guoping , Shao Kainan , Hu Fujun , Liu Tongxing
Published: December 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the dosimetric effect of different isocenters with volumetric modulated arc therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

A total of 20 NPC patients who had received radiotherapy were re‐planned by the volumetric modulated arc therapy plan. Three volumetric modulated arc therapy plans with different isocenters were generated for each patient: the first plan using the center of PGTVnx as the isocenter (AP‐V), the second plan using the center of PGTVnd as the isocenter (BP‐V), and the third plan using the center of PTV2 as the isocenter (CP‐V). The conformity and homogeneity indexes of the target, dose‐volume histogram of organs at risk, normal tissue, volume of dose, and monitor units were compared for the three plans.

Results

AP‐V provided a significantly lower maximum dose for the optic nerves and optic chiasm; lower mean dose for the eyeballs; lower absolute volume >10 Gy, absolute volume >20 Gy, and absolute volume >30 Gy; and fewer monitor units than BP‐V and CP‐V. BP‐V and CP‐V provided a significantly lower absolute volume >50 Gy than AP‐V. In the conformity indexes of PGTVnd and PTV2, BP‐V and CP‐V were significantly better than in AP‐V. In the homogeneity index of PTV2, BP‐V and CP‐V were significantly better than in AP‐V. In general, there is no significant difference between BP‐V and CP‐V.

Conclusions

All three plans achieved the clinical demands. AP‐V decreased the volumes of absolute volume >10 Gy, absolute volume >20 Gy, and absolute volume >30 Gy, whereas BP‐V and CP‐V decreased the volume of absolute volume >50 Gy. In terms of organs at risk, AP‐V offered better protection of the optic nerves, optic chiasm, and eyeballs for NPC than BP‐V and CP‐V. Most importantly, AP‐V enhanced the utilization of the monitor units. For this reason, we propose that the radiotherapy technician put the location position in the PGTVnx center during simulation of the NPC patients. We further propose that the isocenter be moved to the geometric center of PGTVnx if the NPC patient plan has higher dosimeter requirements for the optic nerves, optic chiasm, or eyeballs.
Investigation of the quenching of methane‐air deflagration in narrow parallel channels
Authors: Chen Daiguo , Ma Honghao , Shen Zhaowu , Yao Yong
Published: December 2019

Experiments were performed in a rectangular tube equipped with flat channels to study the quenching of methane‐air deflagrations using high speed photography. Numerical simulations were carried out using a Laminar Finite‐Rate model to determine the relation between the quenching length, initial velocity, and channel width. The results showed that there is an obvious quadratic function correlation between queching length and the widths of channels, and a linear relation between quenching length and initial velocity. When the widths were no more than 1 mm, the relations can be well confirmed by experiments. It is shown that the relations may be appropriate to determine the quenching length of deflagration flame as well as a guidance for the production or design of industrial flame arresters.
Peptide dendrimers as antifungal agents and carriers for potential antifungal agent—N3‐(4‐methoxyfumaroyl)‐(S)‐2,3‐diaminopropanoic acid—synthesis and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Stolarska Magdalena , Gucwa Katarzyna , Urbańczyk‐Lipkowska Zofia , Andruszkiewicz Ryszard
Published: December 2019

A series of peptide dendrimers and their conjugates with antimicrobial agent FMDP (N3‐(4‐methoxyfumaroyl)‐(S)‐2,3‐diamino‐propanoic acid) were synthesized. The obtained compounds were tested for the antibacterial and antifungal activity. All novel dendrimers displayed much better activity against the tested strains than FMDP itself. Moreover, their conjugates with FMDP also exhibited antimicrobial activity. The most promising molecules were tested against a broad selection of fungal strains. The analysis of their antifungal properties indicates that the examined molecules are efficient growth inhibitors of fluconazole‐resistant hospital‐acquired strains. Moreover, an application of amphiphilic branched peptides such as FMDP carriers suggests that transport mechanism involves more likely the cell membrane perturbation than the mediation of the specific transport proteins. The activity of obtained compounds strongly depends on the specific structure of the molecule.
First principle calculations study of AlN surface terminal structure evolution under different conditions
Authors: Sun Shiyang , Sun Shouye , Ren Yuan , Tan Xin , Xu Pingping
Published: December 2019

The surface structure and properties of aluminum nitride (AlN) play an important role in many applications. Using the first principle calculations method, we analyzed the surface terminal structure of AlN and its evolution under different conditions by determining the surface energy, adsorption energy, and evaporation energy of the Al and N terminals on the AlN(0001) surface. Our results show that the reason why the N terminal is less stable than the Al terminal is not only because of its high surface energy but also because its adsorption performance is extremely sensitive to the adsorption position. The surface N atoms combine to form N2 molecules that escape during the evaporation process at high temperature. After surface N atoms escape, the AlN surface structure reconstitutes to form a
hexagonal closest packing (HCP)–like structure, and the energy barrier for the reconstructing process is 3.2 eV. This shows that the structure and form of the AlN(0001) terminals depend on the environmental conditions.
Micellar Catalysis in Fischer Glycosidation: En Route to Diverse Functional Glycosides
Authors: Nowicki Janusz , Mościpan Małgorzata , Nowakowska‐Bogdan Ewa , Woch Julia
Published: December 2019

We have demonstrated that direct Fischer glycosidation of carbohydrates with selected alcohols, glycols and chloroalcohols to corresponding glucosides in micellar reaction system can be a promising and effective route for the selective synthesis of a number of functional glucosides. The use of specific catalyst combining both surfactant and acid catalyst functions enables formation of the reactive micellar system. The formation of corresponding glucosides with spectacular high selectivity to monoglucosides is one of the most important phenomena of the application of micellar catalysis to functional glucosides synthesis.
Traversing Dense Networks of Elementary Chemical Reactions to Predict Minimum‐Energy Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: Robertson Christopher , Ismail Idil , Habershon Scott
Published: December 2019

Numerous different algorithms have been developed over the last few years which are capable of generating large, dense chemical reaction networks describing the inherent chemical reactivity of a collection of discrete molecules. For all elementary reactions in a given reaction network, reaction rate calculations, followed by direct micro‐kinetic modelling, enables one to predict macroscopic outcomes (e. g. rate laws, product selectivity) based on atomistic input data. However, for chemical reaction networks containing thousands of reactant molecules, such simulations can be extremely time‐consuming; in addition, the complex coupled time‐dependence of molecular concentrations can present challenges when seeking essential mechanistic features. In this Article, we instead present an algorithm which seeks to predict the “most likely” reaction mechanism, or competing mechanisms, connecting any two user‐selected reactant and product species, given a previously‐generated reaction network as input. The approach is successfully tested for reaction networks (containing tens of thousands of possible reactions) describing the carbon monoxide oxidation on platinum nanoparticles.
Removal of antibiotic resistance genes in various water resources recovery facilities
Authors: Kucukunsal Serkan , Icgen Bulent
Published: December 2019

Water resources recovery facilities (WWTPs) are hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pose a significant threat to environments. Therefore, ARG removal efficiencies of WWTPs are of great importance. In this study, conventional activated sludge (CAS), biological nutrient removal (BNR), sequencing batch reactor (SBR), membrane bioreactor (MBR), package MBR, and WWTP with coagulation–flocculation and UV disinfection units were investigated in terms of their removal efficiencies on overall bacterial genes with 16S rDNA and seven ARGs including the genes aadA, blaCTX‐M, cmlA, ermB, sul1, tetA, and qnrS corresponding to commonly used antibiotics aminoglycosides, β‐lactams, amphenicols, macrolides–lincosamides–streptogramins, sulfonamides–trimethoprim, tetracyclines, and quinolones, respectively. Seasonal abundance of overall genes and ARGs in influents and effluents of each WWTPs was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Membrane bioreactor and package MBR systems showed the highest removal efficiency up to 5‐log reductions. Seasonal changes affected ARG removal efficiencies of BNR and CAS significantly (p < 0.05). The lowest log reductions were determined in summer for BNR and in both autumn and winter for CAS. The abundance of the genes increased in sludge treatment of CAS. In all WWTPs tested, ARG removal rates were correlated with the 16S rDNA gene removal (p > 0.05). The results elucidated that the removal mechanism was not ARG‐specific.

Practitioner points

Removal of genes in WWTPs was found to be not ARG‐specific.

MBR and package MBR systems had the highest gene removal efficiencies.

Effluents of the MBR systems still retained up to 104 gene copy number/ml.

Removal of genes in CAS and BNR systems showed seasonal variations.

The copy numbers of the genes increased in the sludge of CAS.
Tool wear by dissolution during machining of alloy 718 and Waspaloy: a comparative study using diffusion couples
Authors: Hoier Philipp , Surreddi Kumar Babu , Klement Uta
Published: December 2019

The wear of metal cutting tools is known to take place by the combined and simultaneous effects of several wear mechanisms. Knowledge of the relative contribution of the individual wear mechanisms is required to understand and predict the tool wear during cutting different workpiece materials and alloys. It has been shown previously that machining two heat resistant superalloys, alloy 718 and Waspaloy, leads to distinctively different tool wears. Even though the subject has been addressed in various studies, there are still open questions regarding the underlying reasons for the differing tool wear rates. In particular, the relative contributions of diffusion/dissolution when machining the two alloys have not been addressed so far. Therefore, a qualitative comparison of the chemical interaction between the tool material and the two superalloys was made by using diffusion couple tests. The aim was to mimic the high temperatures and intimate contact between workpiece and tool material at the tool rake and flank faces during cutting under controlled and static conditions. The obtained results suggest that it is unlikely that differences in flank wear rate when machining the two superalloys are caused by significantly varying magnitudes of tool atoms dissolving into the respective workpiece. Analysis of the tool/superalloy interfaces in the diffusion couples revealed diffusion-affected zones of similar size for both tested superalloys. Increasing test temperature led to enhanced interdiffusion which suggests an increase in tool wear by diffusion/dissolution for higher cutting temperature. For alloy 718, the higher test temperature also led to depletion of carbon together with formation of tungsten within the tool in close vicinity to the interface with the superalloy.
Forschung & Entwicklung an Fachhochschulen in Österreich: Leistung und Erfolgsgeschichte trotz herausfordernder Rahmenbedingungen?
Authors: Sabbatini Giuliana , Kastner Johann
Published: December 2019

In diesem Übersichtsbeitrag wird die Forschungs- und Entwicklungsleistung der österreichischen Fachhochschulen aus Sektor-interner Sicht dargestellt. Neben quantitativen und qualitativen Angaben zur Entwicklung der letzten Jahre werden die dazugehörigen Rahmenbedingungen und deren Auswirkungen auf den Aufbau der Forschungsaktivitäten im Fachhochschulsektor kritisch überprüft. Aktuelle Aussichten sowie mögliche Empfehlungen aus Sicht der Autoren runden das Bild ab.
Entwicklung drahtloser Sensorsysteme durch synergetische Nutzung interdisziplinärer sowie grundlagenorientierter Forschungskonzepte
Authors: Plattner Johanna , Lattacher Sandra Lisa , Krainer Daniela , Oberzaucher Johannes , Batistell Graciele , Sturm Johannes
Published: December 2019

Die Realisierung von intelligenten Sensorsystemen sowie die weiterführende Integration der entwickelten Konzepte in das tägliche Leben erfordern intensiven Forschungs- und Entwicklungsaufwand. Im folgenden Artikel wird anhand eines konkreten Anwendungsfalls dargestellt, wie die dafür notwendigen Aspekte Interdisziplinarität sowie spezifische grundlagenorientiere Forschung im Rahmen der Forschungsstrategie der Fachhochschule Kärnten gezielt gefördert und umgesetzt werden.
Flow Characteristics Around Step-Up Street Canyons with Various Building Aspect Ratios
Authors: Park Soo-Jin , Kim Jae-Jin , Choi Wonsik , Kim Eun-Ryoung , Song Chang-Keun , Pardyjak Eric R.
Published: December 2019

We investigate the flow characteristics around step-up street canyons with various building aspect ratios (ratio of along-canyon building length to street-canyon width, and upwind building height to downwind building height) using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. Simulated results are validated against experimental wind-tunnel results, with the CFD simulations conducted under the same building configurations as those in the wind-tunnel experiments. The CFD model reproduces the measured in-canyon vortex, rooftop recirculation zone above the downwind building, and stagnation point position reasonably well. We analyze the flow characteristics, focusing on the structural change of the in-canyon flows and the interaction between the in- and around-canyon flows with the increase of building-length ratio. The in-canyon flows undergo development and mature stages as the building-length ratio increases. In the development stage (i.e., small building-length ratios), the position of the primary vortex wanders, and the incoming flow closely follows both the upstream and downstream building sidewalls. As a result, increasing momentum transfer from the upper layer contributes to a momentum increase in the in-canyon region, and the vorticity in the in-canyon region also increases. In the mature stage (i.e., large building-length ratios), the primary vortex stabilizes in position, and the incoming flow no longer follows the building sidewalls. This causes momentum loss through the street-canyon lateral boundaries. As the building-length ratio increases, momentum transfer from the upper layer slightly decreases, and the reverse flow, updraft, and streamwise flow in the in-canyon region also slightly decrease, resulting in vorticity reduction.
What are migrants willing to pay for better home country institutions?
Authors: Tran Ngoc Thi Minh , Cameron Michael P. , Poot Jacques
Published: December 2019

We conduct a contingent valuation investigation of the preference of international migrants for better home country institutional quality. Our study uses contingent valuation questions in a survey of 1.6% of Vietnamese adult migrants living in New Zealand (NZ) in 2016 to establish the compensating differentials that make those migrants indifferent between residing in NZ and returning to Viet Nam (VN) in hypothetical scenarios. We find that the estimated willingness to pay for an incremental unit improvement in institutional quality in VN is, on average, about NZD 80 per week (approximately 33% of the average weekly wage in VN in PPP terms for the same period), and positively associated with the respondents’ age and the perceived importance of institutional quality in VN to their repatriation intentions. This study underscores the importance of institutional quality to migration decisions by showing that migrants are willing to trade-off part of their regular income for better home country institutional quality.
A shell model for resin flow and preform deformation in thin-walled composite manufacturing processes
Authors: Wu Da , Larsson Ragnar
Published: December 2019

The paper proposes a novel approach to model the in-plane resin flow in deformable thin-walled fiber preforms for liquid composite molding processes. By ignoring the through-thickness flow in large scale thin-walled components, the 3-D resin flow is simplified to an in-plane flow inside the preform by a specialized divergence theorem. Shell kinematics are used to describe the fiber preform deformation, and the compressible flow is modeled in the context of the free surface flow in porous media. For simplicity and efficiency, the normal stretch, which is driven by the internal fluid and applied external pressure, represents the fiber preform expansion and compression. As compared with full 3-D models, the proposed shell model significantly reduces the problem size, while it still represents the primary physical phenomena during the process. The effects of neglecting the through-thickness flow are illustrated in a numerical example that compares the flow for a set of preforms with different thickness. The model is demonstrated from the numerical example of the mold filling in a doubly curved thin-walled fiber preform. Due to the applied vacuum and the consequent resin flow motion, the relevant deformation of the preform is observed.
Fabrication and performance of an ultrafine silver grid film applied to flexible touch sensor
Authors: Tang Genchu , Tang Bin
Published: December 2019

The fabrication and performance of an ultrafine silver (Ag) grid film applied to flexible touch sensor as the transparent conductive electrode is reported. The ultrafine Ag grid film was fabricated based on the laser direct writing, electroforming, nano-imprint lithography. In the manufacturing process, firstly, the Nickel (Ni) mold used as the master mold was obtained by laser direct writing and electroforming technologies. Secondly, the micro-grooves were transferred from the Ni mold onto the surface of UV glue coated on the polyethylene terephthalate film through nano-imprinting technology. Lastly, the ultrafine Ag grid was generated through nano-imprint lithography with Ag paste filled into the micro-grooves on the UV glue. The result indicated that the ultrafine Ag grid film with size (L) 640 mm × (W) 520 mm had a uniform line width of 1.01 μm and showed excellent optoelectronic and mechanical properties, such as optical transmittance 90.00%, Haze 1.49%, sheet resistance 5.4 Ω/□, the variation ratio of the sheet resistance within 3% after 8000 bending cycles, and the almost negligible morphology change after the adhesion cross-cut test. Furthermore, the functional test was performed on a flexible touch sensor applying the ultrafine Ag grid film.
Business and Human Rights Scholarship in Social Issues in Management: An Analytical Review
Authors: SCHREMPF-STIRLING Judith , VAN BUREN Harry J.
Published: December 2019

Business and human rights (BHR) scholarship addresses whether corporations have human rights responsibilities and if so, what such responsibilities mean for corporate behaviour. BHR scholarship is cross-disciplinary and scattered across numerous academic disciplines such as law, philosophy, management, political science and accounting. While BHR scholarship in law is well established, this review focuses on BHR scholarship in the social issues in management (SIM) field, which – like BHR scholarship – addresses the nature and content of corporate responsibility. Based on a review of 180 articles from SIM speciality journals published between 1990 and 2017, the article suggests that BHR research has emerged as a subfield of study within SIM. BHR scholarship to date has largely focused on the justification for why firms have human rights responsibilities, and on descriptive research studies at the organizational and macro level. The article develops a conceptual framework for future BHR research which can usefully guide scholars – both SIM and non-SIM BHR scholars – in identifying potential research gaps and embedding their research in related focus areas.
Descriptive representation and public support for Supreme Court nominees
Authors: Kaslovsky Jaclyn , Rogowski Jon C. , Stone Andrew R.
Published: December 2019

Though the demographic characteristics of judicial nominees in the United States have gained increased political attention in recent years, relatively little is known about how they affect public opinion toward judicial nominees and courts. We evaluate these relationships in the context of race and gender using a conjoint experiment conducted during a recent vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. We find consistent evidence that Americans are more supportive of coracial nominees, particularly among white Republicans and Black Democrats, but no evidence of a similar effect on the basis of gender. Our results have important implications for theories of descriptive representation and suggest limits to its use as a means for generating political support for judicial nominees.
Trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid reduces milk fat content and lipogenic gene expression in the mammary gland of sows without altering litter performance
Authors: Sandri E. C. , Harvatine K. J. , Oliveira D. E.
Published: December 2019

Trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) decreases milk fat synthesis in lactating sows and involves, at least in part, the down-regulation of lipogenic genes. The objective was to evaluate the effect of CLA on milk composition and lipogenic gene expression. Twenty multiparous sows were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments for 18 d (from day 7 to day 25 of lactation): (1) control (no CLA added) and (2) 1 % of CLA mixed into the ration. CLA treatment decreased milk fat and protein content by 20 % (P= 0·004) and 11 % (P= 0·0001), respectively. However, piglet weight did not differ between treatments (P= 0·60). Dietary CLA increased the concentration of SFA in milk fat by 16 % (P< 0·0001) and decreased MUFA by 17·6 % (P< 0·0001). In the mammary gland, CLA reduced gene expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase-αby 37 % (P= 0·003), fatty acid synthase by 64 % (P= 0·002), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 by 52 % (P= 0·003), lipoprotein lipase by 26 % (P= 0·03), acyl glycerol phosphate acyltransferase 6 by 15 % (P= 0·02) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 by 27 % (P= 0·02), whereas the expression of fatty acid binding protein 3 was not altered by CLA treatment (P= 0·09). Mammary expression of casein-βandα-lactalbumin was reduced by CLA by 68 % (P= 0·0004) and 62 % (P= 0·005), respectively. Additionally, CLA had no effect on the expression of lipogenic genes evaluated in adipose tissue. In summary, CLA reduced milk fat content without negatively affecting litter performance and it affected mammary expression of genes involved in all lipogenic pathways studied.
Negativity Bias: The Impact of Framing of Immigration on Welfare State Support in Germany, Sweden and the UK
Authors: Avdagic Sabina , Savage Lee
Published: December 2019

How does the framing of immigration influence support for the welfare state? Drawing on research from psychology, specifically the notion of negativity bias and the sequencing of negative and positive information, this article argues that negative immigration frames undermine welfare support, while positive frames have little or no effect. Individuals take less notice of positive frames, and the effect of such frames is further undermined by the previous exposure to negative frames, which tend to stick longer in people's minds. The findings, based on survey experiments on over 9,000 individuals in Germany, Sweden and the UK, show that negative framing of immigration has a strong and pervasive effect on support for welfare. The article also finds some evidence that this effect is further amplified for people who hold anti-immigrant and anti-welfare attitudes or feel economically insecure. The effect of positive framing is considerably weaker and does not strengthen welfare support in any of the three countries.
Habitat use in different life and moulting stages of Callinectes sapidus (Decapoda, Portunidae) in South Brazilian estuarine and marine environments
Authors: Ortega Ileana , Ibeiro Christopher Fonseca , Rodrigues Lucas Santos , Rodrigues Marcos Alaniz , Dumont Luiz Felipe Cestari
Published: December 2019

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus is an important ecological and commercial species. It plays a fundamental role in the structure and function of coastal benthic food webs, with global catches of ~74,357 tons. This is the most exploited portunid species in Brazil. However, few studies about the ecology and population dynamics of C. sapidus have been published. This study aimed to analyse the preferred areas for the spatial distribution of juveniles and moulting individuals of C. sapidus in shallow areas of the Patos Lagoon estuary and the adjacent marine reproductive area, and their relation to water and sediment characteristics. Juveniles and moulting individuals preferred the embayment of the upper estuary, where the sediments are finer, with higher contents of organic matter and the presence of submerged vegetation. There was also a temporal variability in the abundance of juvenile size classes, with two marked increments of smaller individuals: (1) in late spring and summer and (2) in winter, indicating two recruitment peaks. Unusual environmental conditions in the summer of the first year, with an increase of fine sediments and organic matter, combined with low salinities in the adjacent marine area, allowed recruitment of individuals there. We suggest better attention to the embayment around the Marinheiros Island (considered here as upper estuary) for management and protection measures due to the overlapping of recruitment preferences of the blue crab, pink shrimp and fish species in this area.
The Cosmopolitan Moment in Colonial Modernity: The Bahá’í faith, spiritual networks, and universalist movements in early twentieth-century China
Authors: WAN ZHAOYUAN , PALMER DAVID A.
Published: December 2019

This article outlines the spread of the Bahá’í religion—known in Chinese asDatong jiao大同教)— as a form of religious cosmopolitanism in Republican China (1912–1949). Originating in Iran, its spread to China can be traced to links with the Ottoman empire, British Palestine, the United States, and Japan. By tracking the individuals, connections, and events through which knowledge of the Bahá’í movement spread in China, our study reveals an overlapping nexus of networks—intellectual reformers, liberal Christians, Esperantists, Confucian modernizers, redemptive society activists, and socialists—that shared cosmopolitan ideals. The Bahá’í connections thus serve as a thread that reveals the influence of a unique ‘cosmopolitan moment’ in Republican China, hitherto largely ignored in the scholarly literature on this period, which has focused primarily on the growth of modern Chinese nationalism. Leading nationalist figures endorsed these movements at a specific juncture of Asian colonial modernity, showing that nationalism and cosmopolitanism were seen as expressions of the same ideal of a world community. We argue that the sociology of cosmopolitanism should attend to non-secular and non-state movements that advocated utopian visions of cosmopolitanism, map the circulations that form the nexus of such groups, and identify the contextual dynamics that produce ‘cosmopolitan moments’ at specific historical junctures and locations.