bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and Performance of Offshore Platforms Subjected to Repeated Earthquakes
Authors: Konstandakopoulou Foteini , Konstantinidou Maria , Pnevmatikos Nikos , Hatzigeorgiou George D.
Published: April 2020

In this work, a systematic study is conducted on the behavior of three-dimensional offshore oil/natural gas platforms under the action of seismic sequences. Such repeated earthquakes result in a noteworthy accumulation of damage in a platform since, in many cases, any rehabilitation process between any two or more successive ground motions cannot be essentially materialized because of lack of time. Conversely, in the past, the seismic response of offshore platforms has been exclusively investigated for the case of single earthquakes. In this study, two three-dimensional platforms are examined, where the first one is assumed to be completely constrained at its base (fixed boundary conditions), while the second one is founded in deformable soil with the aid of long piles. These structures are subjected to real seismic sequences which have been recorded by the same station in a short period of time. Additionally, the platforms under consideration are also subjected to artificial seismic sequences. In this study, we found that sequential earthquakes have a significant effect on the response of these special structures, and this finding should be taken into account in their design.
TomoPress—In Situ Synchrotron-Based Microtomography under Axial Load
Authors: Rack Alexander , Stroebel Johannes , Rack Tatjana , Dabin Yves , Knabe Christine , Stiller Michael , Coan Paola , Bleuet Pierre
Published: April 2020

Computed tomography (CT) with hard X-rays is a mature technique that is in regular use to depict the interior of opaque specimens with spatial resolutions up to the micrometre range (microtomography or µCT). Short acquisition times and sophisticated contrast modes are accessible when synchrotron light sources are combined with microtomography—SR-µCT. Both features render SR-µCT as excellent probe to study delicate samples in situ, for example under mechanical load by deploying corresponding sample environments. The so-called TomoPress is such a device available within the public user programme of tomography beamline ID19 of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). It allows one to study samples under high axial load (up to 500 N) with high spatial resolution up to the micrometer range. Different gauges are installed to allow online monitoring of the applied force. Constant humidity, temperature and wetting are routinely available as well. The article shall outline basic design principles of the press as well as parameters for its utilisation in a descriptive manner. Selected examples underline the potential of the device for such diverse fields as biomedical research, life sciences and materials research.
Personalized Treatment Suggestions: The Validity and Applicability of the Risk-Prevention-Index Social in Low Back Pain Exercise Treatments
Authors: Wippert Pia-Maria , Puschmann Anne-Katrin , Drießlein David , Banzer Winfried , Beck Heidrun , Schiltenwolf Marcus , Schneider Christian , Mayer Frank
Published: April 2020

Background: The back pain screening tool Risk-Prevention-Index Social (RPI-S) identifies the individual psychosocial risk for low back pain chronification and supports the allocation of patients at risk in additional multidisciplinary treatments. The study objectives were to evaluate (1) the prognostic validity of the RPI-S for a 6-month time frame and (2) the clinical benefit of the RPI-S. Methods: In a multicenter single-blind 3-armed randomized controlled trial, n = 660 persons (age 18–65 years) were randomly assigned to a twelve-week uni- or multidisciplinary exercise intervention or control group. Psychosocial risk was assessed by the RPI-S domain social environment (RPI-SSE) and the outcome pain by the Chronic Pain Grade Questionnaire (baseline M1, 12-weeks M4, 24-weeks M5). Prognostic validity was quantified by the root mean squared error (RMSE) within the control group. The clinical benefit of RPI-SSE was calculated by repeated measures ANOVA in intervention groups. Results: A subsample of n = 274 participants (mean = 38.0 years, SD 13.1) was analyzed, of which 30% were classified at risk in their psychosocial profile. The half-year prognostic validity was good (RMSE for disability of 9.04 at M4 and of 9.73 at M5; RMSE for pain intensity of 12.45 at M4 and of 14.49 at M5). People at risk showed significantly stronger reduction in pain disability and intensity at M4/M5, if participating in a multidisciplinary exercise treatment. Subjects at no risk showed a smaller reduction in pain disability in both interventions and no group differences for pain intensity. Regarding disability due to pain, around 41% of the sample would gain an unfitted treatment without the back pain screening. Conclusion: The RPI-SSE prognostic validity demonstrated good applicability and a clinical benefit confirmed by a clear advantage of an individualized treatment possibility.
Association between the 2018 WCRF/AICR and the Low-Risk Lifestyle Scores with Colorectal Cancer Risk in the Predimed Study
Authors: Barrubés Laura , Babio Nancy , Hernández-Alonso Pablo , Toledo Estefania , Ramírez Sabio Judith B. , Estruch Ramón , Ros Emilio , Fitó Montserrat , Alonso-Gómez Angel M , Fiol Miquel , Lapetra Jose , Serra-Majem Lluís , Pintó Xavier , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Corella Dolores , Castañer Olga , Macías-González Manuel , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: April 2020

Limited longitudinal studies have been conducted to evaluate colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence based on the updated 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) recommendations or other global lifestyle indices, and none in aged populations at high cardiovascular risk. We aimed to assess the association between CRC incidence and adherence to two emerging lifestyles indices (2018 WCRF/AICR score and another low-risk lifestyle (LRL) score comprising smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet, and body mass index) in the Spanish PREvencion con DIeta MEDiterranea (PREDIMED) cohort. We studied 7216 elderly men and women at high cardiovascular risk. The 2018 WCRF/AICR and LRL scores were calculated. Multivariable Cox proportional regression models were fitted to estimate the HRs (hazard ratios) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident CRC events. During a median interquartile range (IQR) follow-up of 6.0 (4.4–7.3) years, 97 CRC events were considered. A significant linear association was observed between each 1-point increment in the WCRF/AICR score (score range from 0 to 7) and CRC risk (HR (95% CI) = 0.79 (0.63–0.99)). Similarly, each 1-point increment in the LRL score (score range from 0 to 5) was associated with a 22% reduction in CRC risk (0.78 (0.64–0.96)). Adhering to emergent lifestyle scores might substantially reduce CRC incidence in elderly individuals. Further longitudinal studies, which take different lifestyle indexes into account, are warranted in the future.
Oil-Based Fungal Pigment from Scytalidium cuboideum as a Textile Dye
Authors: Palomino Agurto Mardonio E. , Vega Gutierrez Sarath M. , Van Court R. C. , Chen Hsiou-Lien , Robinson Seri C.
Published: April 2020

Identification of effective natural dyes with the potential for low environmental impact has been a recent focus of the textile industry. Pigments derived from spalting fungi have previously shown promise as textile dyes; however, their use has required numerous organic solvents with human health implications. This research explored the possibility of using linseed oil as a carrier for the pigment from Scytalidium cuboideum as a textile dye. Colored linseed oil effectively dyed a range of fabrics, with natural fibers showing better coloration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a pigment film over the fabric surface. While mechanical testing showed no strength loss in treated fabric, colorfastness tests showed significant changes in color in response to laundering and bleach exposure with variable effects across fabric varieties. SEM investigation confirmed differences in pigmented oil layer loss and showed variation in pigment crystal formation between fabric varieties. Heating of the pigmented oil layer was found to result in a bright, shiny fabric surface, which may have potential for naturally weatherproof garments.
Quantification of Erosion in Selected Catchment Areas of the Ruzizi River (DRC) Using the (R)USLE Model
Authors: Eisenberg Joachim , Muvundja Fabrice A.
Published: April 2020

Inappropriate land management leads to soil loss with destruction of the land’s resource and sediment input into the receiving river. Part of the sediment budget of a catchment is the estimation of soil loss. In the Ruzizi catchment in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), only limited research has been conducted on soil loss mainly dealing with local observations on geomorphological forms or river load measurements; a regional quantification of soil loss is missing so far. Such quantifications can be calculated using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). It is composed of four factors: precipitation (R), soil (K), topography (LS), and vegetation cover (C). The factors can be calculated in different ways according to the characteristics of the study area. In this paper, different approaches for calculating the single factors are reviewed and validated with field work in two sub-catchments of Ruzizi River supplying the water for the reservoirs of Ruzizi I and II hydroelectric dams. It became obvious that the (R)USLE model provides the best results with revised R and LS factors. C factor calculations required to conduct a supervised classification using the Maximum Likelihood Procedure. Different C factor values were assigned to the land cover classes. The calculations resulted in a soil loss rate for the predominantly occurring Ferralsols and Leptosols of around 576 kt/yr in both catchments, when 2016 landcover and precipitation are used. This represents an area-normalized value of 40.4 t/ha/yr for Ruzizi I and 50.5 t/ha/yr for Ruzizi II due to different landcover in the two sub-catchments. The mean value for the whole study area is 47.8 t/ha/yr or even 27.1 t/ha/yr when considering land management techniques like terracing on the slopes (P factor). This work has shown that the (R)USLE model can serve as an easy to handle tool for soil loss quantification when comprehensive field work results are sparse. The model can be implemented in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with free data; hence, a validation is crucial. It becomes apparent that the use of high resolution Sentinel 2a MSI data as the basis for C factor calculations is an appropriate method for considering heterogeneous Land Use Land Cover (LULC) patterns. To transfer the approach to other regions, the calculation of factor R needs to be modified.
Calcium Phosphate Ceramics Can Prevent Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Paulo Siri , Laranjo Mafalda , Paula Anabela , Abrantes Ana Margarida , Martins João , Marto Carlos Miguel , Coelho Ana , Casalta-Lopes João , Carvalho Lina , Carrilho Eunice , Serra Arménio , Botelho Maria Filomena , Marques Ferreira Manuel
Published: April 2020

Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), a post-surgical non-healing wound condition, is one of the most common side effects in patients treated with nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. Its physiopathology has been related with suppression of bone turnover, of soft tissue healing and infection. Biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP) are used as a drug delivery vehicle and as a bone substitute in surgical wounds. Due to their capacity to adsorb zoledronate, it was hypothesized these compounds might have a protective effect on the soft tissues in BRONJ wounds. To address this hypothesis, a reproducible in vivo model of BRONJ in Wistar rats was used. This model directly relates chronic bisphosphonate administration with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction. BCP granules were placed in the alveolus immediately after tooth extraction in the test group. The animals were evaluated through nuclear medicine, radiology, macroscopic observation, and histologic analysis. Encouragingly, calcium phosphate ceramics were able to limit zoledronate toxicity in vivo and to favor healing, which was evidenced by medical imaging (nuclear medicine and radiology), macroscopically, and through histology. The studied therapeutic option presented itself as a potential solution to prevent the development of maxillary osteonecrosis.
Electrical Strength of Natural Esters Doped by Iron Nanopowder in a Hydrophobic Carbon Shell
Authors: Nagi Łukasz , Płużek Aleksandra
Published: April 2020

The paper presents the results of measurements of electrical strength of Midel 1204 natural ester doped with iron nanopowder in a hydrophobic carbon shell. The research was conducted for different concentrations of the dopant. The samples were prepared in the High Voltage Technique Laboratory. After mixing, they were tightly closed, and the first measurements were taken after 5 weeks of dissolution of the dopant in liquid. The tests were repeated after another 2 weeks and 3 weeks of dissolution of nanoparticles. An increase in both mean and maximum breakdown voltage was shown for the tested liquid mixtures. The concentration for which the value of electrical strength begins to decrease was indicated. It was also shown that a longer time of dissolution of nanoparticles causes an increase in the electric strength value for the tested samples.
Improving Radiation Resistance of GaInP/GaInAs/Ge Triple-Junction Solar Cells Using GaInP Back-Surface Field in the Middle Subcell
Authors: Gao Hui , Yang Ruixia , Zhang Yonghui
Published: April 2020

This paper studies the radiation resistance for GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple-junction space solar cells with a GaInP back-surface field (BSF) in the GaInAs middle subcell compared with those with an AlGaAs BSF. The results show that the initial electrical performance is almost the same for both of them. However, the radiation resistance of the GaInP BSF cell was improved. After irradiation by 1 MeV electron beam with a cumulative dose of 1015 e/cm2, the Jsc declined by 4.73% and 6.61% for the GaInP BSF cell and the AlGaAs BSF cell, respectively; the efficiency degradation was 13.64% and 14.61% for the GaInP BSF cell and the AlGaAs BSF cell, respectively, leading to a reduced degradation level of 6%. The mechanism for GaInP BSF to improve the radiation resistance of GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells is also discussed in this work. Similar results were obtained when irradiation cumulative doses varied from 1 × 1014 e/cm2 to 1 × 1016 e/cm2.
Developing and Comparing 2,6-Anthracene Derivatives: Optical, Electrochemical, Thermal, and Their Use in Organic Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Vorona Mikhail Y. , Yutronkie Nathan J. , Melville Owen A. , Daszczynski Andrew J. , Ovens Jeffrey S. , Brusso Jaclyn L. , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: April 2020

Anthracene-based semiconductors have attracted great interest due to their molecular planarity, ambient and thermal stability, tunable frontier molecular orbitals and strong intermolecular interactions that can lead to good device field-effect transistor performance. In this study, we report the synthesis of six anthracene derivatives which were di-substituted at the 2,6-positions, their optical, electrochemical and thermal properties, and their single crystal structures. It was found that 2,6-functionalization with various fluorinated phenyl derivatives led to negligible changes in the optical behaviour while influencing the electrochemical properties. Furthermore, the choice of fluorinated phenyl moiety had noticeable effects on melting point and thermal stability (ΔTm < 55 °C and ΔTd < 65 °C). Bottom-gate top-contact (BGTC) organic thin transistors (OTFTs) were fabricated and characterized using the 2,6-anthracene derivatives as the semiconducting layer. The addition of fluorine groups on the phenyl groups led to a transition from p-type behaviour to n-type behaviour in BGBC OTFTs.
Acoustic Properties of Resonant Spruce Wood Modified Using Oil-Heat Treatment (OHT)
Authors: Mania Przemysław , Gąsiorek Mateusz
Published: April 2020

Wedge-shaped boards of spruce wood (Picea abies Karst.) are used to make violin fronts, also known as soundboards. Oil-heat treatment (OHT) can influence the acoustic properties of resonant wood, such as spruce. In this study, the effect of OHT on spruce wood was evaluated, using palm oil as a heating medium, at four different temperatures: 140, 160, 180 and 200 °C. Physical, mechanical and acoustic properties of spruce wood were evaluated before and after OHT and included the following: density, modulus of elasticity in the static bending test, and wood sound velocity. The acoustic parameters after OHT improved; however, the samples bent after modification had a higher modulus of elasticity, with a simultaneous deterioration of the acoustic parameters. The dynamic modulus of elasticity increased by 11%, and the musical constant by 5%. The static modulus increased by more than 3.5%, but the acoustic parameters calculated on the basis of these results indicated a deterioration of the acoustic properties of completely oven-dried wood. The increase in moisture content to air-dried condition contributed to a slight increase in the mean musical constant at the highest modification temperature.
Effect of Reconstruction Algorithm on the Identification of 3D Printing Polymers Based on Hyperspectral CT Technology Combined with Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Fang Zheng , Wang Renbin , Wang Mengyi , Zhong Shuo , Ding Liquan , Chen Siyuan
Published: April 2020

Hyperspectral X-ray CT (HXCT) technology provides not only structural imaging but also the information of material components therein. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of various reconstruction algorithms on reconstructed X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of components shown in the CT image by means of HXCT. In this paper, taking 3D printing polymer as an example, seven kinds of commonly used polymers such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), carbon fiber reinforced polyamide (PA-CF), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), ultraviolet photosensitive resin (UV9400), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were selected as samples for hyperspectral CT reconstruction experiments. Seven kinds of 3D printing polymer and two interfering samples were divided into a training set and test sets. First, structural images of specimens were reconstructed by Filtered Back-Projection (FBP), Algebra Reconstruction Technique (ART) and Maximum-Likelihood Expectation-Maximization (ML-EM). Secondly, reconstructed XAS were extracted from the pixels of region of interest (ROI) compartmentalized in the images. Thirdly, the results of principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the first four principal components contain the main features of reconstructed XAS, so we adopted Artificial Neural Network (ANN) trained by the reconstructed XAS expressed by the first four principal components in the training set to identify that the XAS of corresponding polymers exist in both of test sets from the training set. The result of ANN displays that FBP has the best performance of classification, whose ten-fold cross-validation accuracy reached 99%. It suggests that hyperspectral CT reconstruction is a promising way of getting image features and material features at the same time, which can be used in medical imaging and nondestructive testing.
Accelerated Life Testing of a Palladium-Doped Tin Oxide Electrode for Zn Electrowinning
Authors: Park Jung Eun , Kim Ho , Lee Eun Sil
Published: April 2020

Electrowinning is a technique that can be used to obtain high-purity elements through electrolysis. The degradation of accelerated life testing for Pd-based electrodes is discussed in this study. The lifetime of the electrodes was examined by multiplying the acceleration rate with the current to measure the voltage of the electrodes. The acceleration rate was set to 10, 20, and 30 times. Four components were deposited on the TiO2 plate. The ratio of Ir to Sn was fixed at 1:1, while Ta was deposited at 10 wt.%. Pd was deposited at 2, 4, 8 and 10 wt.% to create Pd-Ir/Sn-Ta. The initial voltage decreased as the Pd deposition amount increased irrespective of the acceleration rate. The lower the acceleration rate, the lower the voltage. An increase in the Pd content caused the initial voltage to be low. The multiple of the acceleration rate slightly increased for all cases of life testing for one year. When the test was conducted by increasing the current density by 20 times, the increase in voltage was proportional to the Pd deposition amount. However, for the 30 times acceleration rate, the lifetime of the electrodes was shortened as the Pd content increased. It can be inferred that the content of Pd and the ratio of Ir to Sn can influence the lifetime of the electrodes. According to these results, if the multiple of the acceleration rate is too extreme, the lifetime of the electrodes cannot be evaluated because they are damaged in an extreme situation.
Utilization of Fluidized Bed Combustion Fly Ash in the Design of Reuse Clay Soil in the Form of Self-Compacting Grouts
Authors: Drochytka Rostislav , Michalčíková Magdaléna
Published: April 2020

This paper addresses the influence of fluidized bed combustion fly ash (FBCA) and further liquefying additives on the formation of structure and on the resulting properties of self-compacting grouts based on clay soil. In order to give the best account of the influence of individual input materials, tests were conducted on samples without the use of fluidized bed combustion fly ash. Clay soil (Cl) and cement were used as input materials, and fluidized bed combustion fly ash (10% and 30%) and a liquefying additive (sodium carbonate 0.1%) were used as an admixture. It has been experimentally determined that the use of 10% FBCA with clay soil is most suitable for achieving the optimal spillage parameter of self-compacting grout (class SF2 (660–750 mm) and class SF3 (760–850 mm)). It was also found that fluidized bed combustion fly ash and the liquefying additive have a significant influence on the formation of the structure of the self-compacting grout and, due to their presence, the compressive strength of the samples increased up to 0.5 MPa after seven days of hardening. The reaction between 0.1% of sodium carbonate and clay soil increased the electrokinetic potential, which reduced the viscosity of the self-compacting grout. Within the research work, the verification of the developed self-compacting grout in situ was also carried out.
Homogeneous Distribution of Polymerizable Coumarin Dyes for Active Few Mode POF
Authors: Jakobs Florian , Harms Kristoffer , Kielhorn Jana , Zaremba Daniel , Ang Pen Yiao , Kowalsky Wolfgang , Johannes Hans-Hermann
Published: April 2020

For most kinds of active polymer optical fibers, a homogeneous distribution of dye molecules over the entire fiber length and cross section is required. In this study, chemical bonding of dyes to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by copolymerization is achieved within the polymerization process instead of dissolving the dyes in the monomers. In combination with an improved fabrication mechanism, this leads to homogeneous dye distribution within the preforms. A method for proving the integration of the dyes into the polymer chains has been developed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Prestructured core-cladding preforms with dye-doped poly(cylohexyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)-core have been prepared with the Teflon string technique and were heat-drawn to few mode fibers.
Concrete-Based and Mixed Waste Aggregates in Rendering Mortars
Authors: Roque Samuel , Maia Pederneiras Cinthia , Brazão Farinha Catarina , de Brito Jorge , Veiga Rosário
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a study of incorporation of two types of construction and demolition waste (CDW) in rendering mortars, as aggregates at 0%, 20%, 50% and 100% (by volume). Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and mixed recycled aggregate (MRA) were used. The former is mainly composed of cementitious waste and the latter consists of a mixture of non-segregated wastes. The performance of the cement mortars with recycled aggregates was evaluated through an extensive experimental programme. The analysis comprised workability, mechanical strength, water absorption, shrinkage, open porosity and the evaluation of durability by permeability to water under pressure after an artificial accelerated ageing test. The results are considered positive, although as the incorporation of recycled aggregates (both MRA and RCA) increased the mechanical strength, the modulus of elasticity and bulk density decreased, which leads to the production of lighter mortars that are less susceptible to cracking. The modified mortar with 20% of MRA presented the best performance, in terms of mechanical behaviour.
New Insights to Characterize Paint Varnishes and to Study Water in Paintings by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)
Authors: Di Tullio Valeria , Proietti Noemi
Published: April 2020

Paintings are complex multi-layered systems made of organic and inorganic materials. Several factors can affect the degradation of paintings, such as environmental conditions, past restoration works and, finally, the type of painting technique and the art materials used over the centuries. The chemical–physical characterization of paintings is a constant challenge that requires research into and the development of novel analytical methodologies and processes. In recent years, solvents and water-related issues in paintings are attracting more attention, and several studies have been focused on analyzing the interaction between water molecules and the constitutive materials. In this study, recent applications applying different NMR methodologies were shown, highlighting the weakness and the strength of the techniques in analyzing paintings. In particular, the study of water and its diffusive interactions within wall and oil paintings was performed to prove how the portable NMR can be used directly in museums for planning restoration work and to monitor the degradation processes. Furthermore, some preliminary results on the analysis of varnishes and binders, such us linseed oil, shellac, sandarac and colophony resins, were obtained by 1H HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy, highlighting the weakness and strengths of this technique in the field of conservation science.
The Existence of a Convex Polyhedron with Respect to the Constrained Vertex Norms
Authors: Chaidee Supanut , Sugihara Kokichi
Published: April 2020

Given a set of constrained vertex norms, we proved the existence of a convex configuration with respect to the set of distinct constrained vertex norms in the two-dimensional case when the constrained vertex norms are distinct or repeated for, at most, four points. However, we proved that there always exists a convex configuration in the three-dimensional case. In the application, we can imply the existence of the non-empty spherical Laguerre Voronoi diagram.
An AHPSort II Based Analysis of the Inequality Reduction within European Union
Authors: Labella Álvaro , Rodríguez-Cohard Juan Carlos , Sánchez-Martínez José Domingo , Martínez Luis
Published: April 2020

Nowadays, sustainability is an omnipresent concept in our society, which encompasses several challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate change and so on. The United Nations adopted the Agenda 2030, a plan of action formed of universal Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) and targets, which countries have to face in order to shift the world toward a sustainable future. One of the most relevant SDGs since the onset of the financial crisis in 2007 has been the so-called reduced inequalities, which consists of dealing with the inequality of opportunities and wealth between and within countries. However, reducing inequalities depends on many heterogeneous aspects, making it difficult to make a proper analysis that evaluates the European Union (EU) countries performance of this goal. In this study, we introduce a novel approach to evaluate the inequalities in EU countries based on a sorting a multi-criteria decision-making method called AHPSort II. This approach allows to obtain a classification of the EU countries according to their achievements in reducing inequalities to subsequently carry out a deep performance analysis with the aim of drawing conclusions as to the evolution of inequality in them along the years. The results are consistent with the main international organizations’ reports and academic literature, as shown in the Discussion Section.
Using FQFD and FGRA to Enhance the Advertising Effectiveness of Cross-Regional E-Commerce Platforms
Authors: Chou Tsung-Yu
Published: April 2020

The thriving development of cross-regional e-commerce has gradually increased online marketing activities and consumers’ intention to shop online. The objective of this paper to find solutions for improving the advertising effectiveness has therefore become very important. In this article, an integrating method of fuzzy quality function deployment (FQFD) and fuzzy grey relational analysis (FGRA) was proposed to identify solutions for improving the advertising effectiveness. Based on this method, the house of quality (HoQ) to facilitate investigation of the 17 advertising effectiveness needs and 10 feasible technical improvements were presented. Through the questionnaire survey of platform users, the importance and satisfaction of the attributes of advertising needs were obtained. After that, a fuzzy relationship matrix was constructed to link technical improvements and advertising effectiveness needs in a fuzzy decision environment. Finally, the priority of technical improvements regarding improving advertising effectiveness were obtained. The results show that the proposed method can help decision makers of cross-regional e-commerce to improve advertising effectiveness effectively, so that they can effectively use resources to design advertisements that meet user needs.
The Effectiveness of Low-dose Dexmedetomidine Infusion in Sedative Flexible Bronchoscopy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Wu Sheng Hua , Lu David Vi , Hsu Chun Dan , Lu I Cheng
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives: Flexible bronchoscopy has been widely used for diagnosis and intervention, while various drugs are used for sedation during bronchoscopy. We examined two regular standardized sedation options (with or without dexmedetomidine) regularly used in our regional hospital. The aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine on conscious sedation under bronchoscopy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted from April 2017 to March 2018. All patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy with moderate sedation were enrolled. Patients having received dexmedetomidine-propofol-fentanyl were defined as group D, and those having received midazolam-propofol-fentanyl were defined as group M. The primary outcome was a safety profile during the procedure, including the incidence of procedural interference by patient cough or movement, transient hypoxemia, and hypotension. The secondary outcome was measured by the recovery profile (awake and ambulation time). Results: Thirty-five patients in group D and thirty-three in group M were collected in this retrospective study. All patients underwent the procedure successfully. Group D showed higher safety with fewer procedural interference incidences by cough or body movement than Group M (3.3% versus 36.3%, p < 0.001) and minor respiratory adverse effects. Patients in group D showed faster recovery in a shorter ambulation time than group M (24.9 ± 9.7 versus 31.5 ± 11.9, p = 0.02). In group D, bronchoscopist satisfaction to sedation was higher than group M (p = 0.01). More transient bradycardia episodes were noted in patients receiving dexmedetomidine (p < 0.05), but all recovered without atropine intervention. Overall post-procedural adverse events and satisfaction were comparable in the two groups. Conclusions: The co-administration of dexmedetomidine met the safety and recovery demands of flexible bronchoscopy. Compared to the conventional midazolam-propofol-fentanyl regimen, the application of dexmedetomidine improved sedative effectiveness with less procedural interruptions, shorter time to ambulation and higher bronchoscopist satisfaction.
Systemic Oxidative Stress Markers in Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy: Possible Connections with Systemic Ammoniemia
Authors: Sfarti Cătălin , Ciobica Alin , Balmus Ioana-Miruna , Ilie Ovidiu-Dumitru , Trifan Anca , Petrea Oana , Cojocariu Camelia , Gîrleanu Irina , Sîngeap Ana Maria , Stanciu Carol
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives: Oxidative stress shows evidence of dysregulation in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE), although there are still controversies regarding the connections between oxidative stress and ammonia in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress implication in overt HE pathogenesis of cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective case-control study, which included 40 patients divided into two groups: group A consisted of 20 cirrhotic patients with HE and increased systemic ammoniemia, and group B consisted of 20 cirrhotic patients with HE and normal systemic ammoniemia. The control group consisted of 21 healthy subjects matched by age and sex. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (lipid peroxidation marker), and ammoniemia were evaluated. Results: We found a significant decrease in SOD and GPx activity and also a significant increase of MDA levels in cirrhotic patients with HE as compared to the healthy age-matched control group (1.35 ± 0.08 vs. 0.90 ± 0.08 U/mL, p = 0.002; 0.093 ± 0.06 vs. 0.006 ± 0.008 U/mL, p = 0.001; and 35.94 ± 1.37 vs. 68.90 ± 5.68 nmols/mL, p = 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, we found significant correlations between the main oxidative stress markers and the levels of systemic ammonia (r = 0.452, p = 0.005). Patients from group A had a significant increase of MDA as compared with those from group B (76.93 ± 5.48 vs. 50.06 ± 5.60 nmols/mL, p = 0.019). Also, there was a compensatory increase in the activity of both antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) in patients with increased systemic ammoniemia (group A), as compared to HE patients from group B. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in antioxidants enzymes activities (SOD and GPx), as well as a significant increase in MDA concentrations, adding new data regarding the influence of oxidative stress in HE pathogenesis in cirrhotic patients.
Influence of Processing Parameters on the Conduct of Electrical Resistance Sintering of Iron Powders
Authors: Ternero Fátima , Astacio Raquel , Caballero Eduardo S. , Cuevas Francisco G. , Montes Juan M.
Published: April 2020

The influence of the applied pressure and electrical parameters on the macrostructure of specimens consolidated by the medium-frequency electrical resistance sintering technique (MF-ERS) is analysed in this work. This technique is based on the application of pressure to a mass of conductive powder that, simultaneously, is being crossed by a high intensity and low voltage electric current. The simultaneous action of the pressure and the heat released by the Joule effect causes the densification and consolidation of the powder mass in a very short time. The effect of the current intensity and heating time on the global porosity, the porosity distribution, and the microhardness of sintered compacts is studied for two applied pressures (100 and 150 MPa). For the different experiments of electrical consolidation, a commercially available pure iron powder was chosen. For comparison purposes, the properties of the compacts consolidated by MF-ERS are compared with the results obtained by the conventional powder metallurgy route (cold pressing and furnace sintering). Results show that, as expected, higher current intensities and dwelling times, as well as higher pressures and the consolidation of compacts with lower aspects ratios, produce denser materials.
Effect of Lubrication on Friction in Bending under Tension Test-Experimental and Numerical Approach
Authors: Trzepiecinski Tomasz , Lemu Hirpa G.
Published: April 2020

This paper is aimed to determine the value of coefficient of friction (COF) at the rounded edge of the die in the sheet metal forming operations using the bending under tension (BUT) test. The experimental part of the investigations is devoted to the study of the frictional resistances of low alloy steel sheet under different strains of the specimen, surface roughnesses of the tool and for different lubrication conditions. Three oils are destined for different conditions of duties in the stamping process. Numerical modeling of the material flow in the BUT test has been conducted in the MSC.Marc program. One of the objectives of the numerical computations is to know the type of the contact pressure acting on the cylindrical surface countersample in the BUT test by assuming the anisotropic properties of the metallic sheet. It has been found that the COF in the rounded edge of the die does not vary with increasing sheet elongation. Taking into account that normal pressure increases with increasing specimen elongation and workpiece material is subjected to strain hardening phenomenon, the COF value is very stable during the friction test. The effectiveness of the lubrication depends on the balance between two mechanisms accompanied by friction process: roughening of workpiece asperities and adhesion of the contacting surfaces. In the case of high surface roughness of tool due to a dominant share of ploughing, all of the lubricants used were not able to decrease the COF in a sufficient extent. The used lubricants were able to reduce the value of friction coefficient approximately by 3–52% in relation to the surface roughness of rolls.
Electrospun Fibers and Sorbents as a Possible Basis for Effective Composite Wound Dressings
Authors: Álvarez-Suárez Alan Saúl , Dastager Syed G. , Bogdanchikova Nina , Grande Daniel , Pestryakov Alexey , García-Ramos Juan Carlos , Pérez-González Graciela Lizeth , Juárez-Moreno Karla , Toledano-Magaña Yanis , Smolentseva Elena , Paz-González Juan Antonio , Popova Tatiana , Rachkovskaya Lyubov , Nimaev Vadim , Kotlyarova Anastasia , Korolev Maksim , Letyagin Andrey , Villarreal-Gómez Luis Jesús
Published: April 2020

Skin burns and ulcers are considered hard-to-heal wounds due to their high infection risk. For this reason, designing new options for wound dressings is a growing need. The objective of this work is to investigate the properties of poly (ε-caprolactone)/poly (vinyl-pyrrolidone) (PCL/PVP) microfibers produced via electrospinning along with sorbents loaded with Argovit™ silver nanoparticles (Ag-Si/Al2O3) as constituent components for composite wound dressings. The physicochemical properties of the fibers and sorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The mechanical properties of the fibers were also evaluated. The results of this work showed that the tested fibrous scaffolds have melting temperatures suitable for wound dressings design (58–60 °C). In addition, they demonstrated to be stable even after seven days in physiological solution, showing no macroscopic damage due to PVP release at the microscopic scale. Pelletized sorbents with the higher particle size demonstrated to have the best water uptake capabilities. Both, fibers and sorbents showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomona aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and the fungus Candida albicans. The best physicochemical properties were obtained with a scaffold produced with a PCL/PVP ratio of 85:15, this polymeric scaffold demonstrated the most antimicrobial activity without affecting the cell viability of human fibroblast. Pelletized Ag/Si-Al2O3-3 sorbent possessed the best water uptake capability and the higher antimicrobial activity, over time between all the sorbents tested. The combination of PCL/PVP 85:15 microfibers with the chosen Ag/Si-Al2O3-3 sorbent will be used in the following work for creation of wound dressings possessing exudate retention, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity.
Butyrate Conversion by Sulfate-Reducing and Methanogenic Communities from Anoxic Sediments of Aarhus Bay, Denmark
Authors: Ozuolmez Derya , Moore Elisha K. , Hopmans Ellen C. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Stams Alfons J. M. , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: April 2020

The conventional perception that the zone of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis are separated in high- and low-sulfate-containing marine sediments has recently been changed by studies demonstrating their co-occurrence in sediments. The presence of methanogens was linked to the presence of substrates that are not used by sulfate reducers. In the current study, we hypothesized that both groups can co-exist, consuming common substrates (H2 and/or acetate) in sediments. We enriched butyrate-degrading communities in sediment slurries originating from the sulfate, sulfate–methane transition, and methane zone of Aarhus Bay, Denmark. Sulfate was added at different concentrations (0, 3, 20 mM), and the slurries were incubated at 10 °C and 25 °C. During butyrate conversion, sulfate reduction and methanogenesis occurred simultaneously. The syntrophic butyrate degrader Syntrophomonas was enriched both in sulfate-amended and in sulfate-free slurries, indicating the occurrence of syntrophic conversions at both conditions. Archaeal community analysis revealed a dominance of Methanomicrobiaceae. The acetoclastic Methanosaetaceae reached high relative abundance in the absence of sulfate, while presence of acetoclastic Methanosarcinaceae was independent of the sulfate concentration, temperature, and the initial zone of the sediment. This study shows that there is no vertical separation of sulfate reducers, syntrophs, and methanogens in the sediment and that they all participate in the conversion of butyrate.
Incidental Prophylactic Appendectomy Is Associated with a Profound Microbial Dysbiosis in the Long-Term
Authors: Sánchez-Alcoholado Lidia , Fernández-García José Carlos , Gutiérrez-Repiso Carolina , Bernal-López M Rosa , Ocaña-Wilhelmi Luis , García-Fuentes Eduardo , Moreno-Indias Isabel , Tinahones Francisco J.
Published: April 2020

Incidental prophylactic surgeries are performed in certain situations. Incidental prophylactic appendectomies were common practice within opened bariatric surgeries. The gut microbiota has emerged as an important actor within the homeostasis of the host. A new hypothesis has been formulated about the appendix function in relation to gut microbiota. Our objective was to study the gut microbiota profiles of patients that had suffered from an incidental prophylactic appendectomy during their bariatric surgeries, while comparing them to patients whose appendixes had remained intact. A case-control observational prospective study of 40 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, with or without an incidental prophylactic appendectomy, during 2004–2008 with an evaluation of their gut microbiota populations at the end of 2016 was conducted by sequencing the 16 S rRNA gene by Next Generation Sequencing of patients’ stools and appendix tissues. Patients with their appendix removed showed lower levels of richness and diversity of their gut microbiota populations. Odoribacter, Bilophila, Butyricimonas, and Faecalibacterium levels were increased in the Intact group, while Lachnobacterium suffered an expansion in the group without the appendix. Moreover, a linear regression model introduced the concept that Butyricimonas and Odoribacter may be implicated in insulin regulation. Thus, gut microbiota should be considered in the decisions of practical surgery, regarding the appendix as a mediator of homeostasis in the host. Butyricimonas and Odoribacter require further investigation as key bacteria implicated in insulin regulation.
Comprehensive Characterization of the Structure and Gel Property of Organo-Montmorillonite: Effect of Layer Charge Density of Montmorillonite and Carbon Chain Length of Alkyl Ammonium
Authors: Qiu Jun , Liu Dongliang , Wang Yueting , Chen Guowei , Jiang Shan , Li Guoqing , Wang Yaqi , Wang Wenxin , Wu Peng , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Guifang , Lyu Xianjun
Published: April 2020

In this work, the effect of layer charge density of Na-montmorillonite (Na-MT) and carbon chain length of alkyl ammonium on the structure and gel property of organo-montmorillonite (organo-MT) was studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, contact angle test, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and gel apparent viscosity determination experiment. The results of XRD show that Na-MT with lower layer charge density is easier to swell after intercalation of alkyl ammonium, and the basal spacing of organo-MT increases with the increase of carbon chain length. The results of FTIR show that the absorption bands at 2924 cm−1 and 2853 cm−1 shift towards low frequency region with the increase of carbon chain length, and the absorption bands at 515 cm−1 and 463 cm−1 move towards high frequency region when the layer charge density increases. The mass loss of organo-MT evidently increases with the increase of layer charge density of Na-MT or carbon chain length of alkyl ammonium. The contact angle test results are well in line with the TG data and reveal that alkyl ammonium with longer carbon chain can significantly improve the hydrophobicity of organo-MT. MD simulation indicates that, when the layer charge density is low, the distribution of alkyl ammonium gradually changes from parallel double layers to partially inclined distribution with the increase of carbon chain length, but when the layer charge density is high, the distribution of alkyl ammonium gradually changes from three layers into four layers. The test results of the apparent viscosity of the gel formed by organo-MT in xylene show that the apparent viscosity of organo-MT gel is negatively correlated with the layer charge density of Na-MT and positively correlated with the carbon chain length of alkyl ammonium.