bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid- to Long-Term Magnetic Resonance Imaging Results of Two Prolapse Surgeries for Apical Defect: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Santos Junior Luiz Carlos , Brito Luiz Gustavo Oliveira , Castro Edilson Benedito de , Dertkigil Sergio , Juliato Cassia Raquel Teatin
Published: January 2021

Objective Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered another tool for use during the pre- and postoperative periods of the management of pelvic-organ prolapse (POP). However, there is little consensus regarding its practical use for POP and the association between MRI lines of reference and physical examination. We aimed to evaluate the mid- to long-term results of two surgical techniques for apical prolapse.

Methods In total, 40 women with apical POP randomized from 2014 to 2016 underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC group; n = 20) or bilateral vaginal sacrospinous fixation with an anterior mesh (VSF-AM group; n = 20). A physical examination using the POP Quantification System (POP-Q) for staging (objective cure) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS: subjective cure), were applied and analyzed before and one year after surgery respectively. All MRI variables (pubococcigeous line [PCL], bladder base [BB], anorectal junction [ARJ], and the estimated levator ani subtended volume [eLASV]) were investigated one year after surgery. Significance was established at p < 0.05.

Results After a mean 27-month follow-up, according to the MRI criteria, 60% of the women were cured in the VSF-AM group versus 45% in ASC group (p = 0.52). The POP-Q and objective cure rates by MRI were correlated in the anterior vaginal wall (p = 0.007), but no correlation was found with the subjective cure. The eLASV was larger among the patients with surgical failure, and a cutoff of ≥ 33.5 mm3 was associated with postoperative failure (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [ROC]: 0.813; p = 0.002).

Conclusion Both surgeries for prolapse were similar regarding the objective variables (POP-Q measurements and MRI cure rates). Larger eLASV areas were associated with surgical failure.
Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Provision on Fibroblast Growth Factor-2, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression, Osteoclast and Osteoblast Numbers during Experimental Tooth Movement in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Narmada Ida Bagus , Putri Paristyawati Dwi , Lucynda Lucky , Triwardhani Ari , Ardani I Gusti Aju Wahju , Nugraha Alexander Patera
Published: January 2021

Objectives To investigate the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) provision on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) expression, osteoclast and osteoblast numbers during experimental orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Materials and Methods Forty-eight healthy male Wistar rats (R. norvegicus), 16 to 20 weeks old with 200 to 250 g body weight (bw) were divided into several groups as follows: K1: OTM for 3 days; K2: OTM for 7 days; K3: OTM for 14 days; KP1: OTM and CAPE for 3 days; KP2: OTM and CAPE for 7 days; and KP3: OTM and CAPE for 14 days. A nickel titanium closed coil spring 8.0 mm long with 10 g/mm2 was installed between the upper left first molar and upper central incisor to move molar mesially. CAPE provision with a dose of 20 mg/kg bw of animal studies was done per orally. Immunohistochemistry was done to examine MMP-9 expression and osteoclast number in compression side as well as FGF-2 expression and osteoblast number in tensile side of the OTM.

Statistical Analysis One-way analysis of variance test and Tukey’s honest significant difference test were performed to determine the difference between the groups (p < 0.05).

Results MMP-9 expression and osteoclast numbers in the compression side were significantly different between the groups. Similarly, FGF-2 expression and osteoclast numbers in the tensile side were significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions CAPE provision during OTM increases the number of osteoblasts and the FGF-2 expression significantly in the tensile side. Osteoclast numbers and MMP-9 expression significantly decrease in the compression side.
History of Maternal Mortality in the City of Ribeirão Preto, in its Regional Health Department, and in the State of São Paulo after the Establishment of the Maternal Committees from 1998 to 2017
Authors: Berezowski Aderson Tadeu , Rodrigues Júnior Antonio Luiz
Published: January 2021

Objective To describe the evolution of maternal mortality right after the establishment of maternal death committees in the region of the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods The present study describes the spatial and temporal distribution of maternal mortality frequencies and rates, using data from the state of São Paulo, the municipality of Ribeirão Preto, and its Regional Health Department (DRS-XIII) from 1998 to 2017. The present ecological study considered the maternal mortality and live birth frequencies made available by the Computer Science Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System (Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, DATASUS, in the Portuguese acronym)/Ministry of Health, which were grouped by year and political-administrative division (the state of São Paulo, the DRS-XIII, and the city of Ribeirão Preto). The maternal mortality rate (MMR) was calculated and presented through descriptive measures, graphs, and cartograms.

Results The overall MMR observed for the city of Ribeirão Preto was of 39.1; for the DRS-XIII, it was of of 40.4; and for the state of São Paulo, it was of 43.8 for every 100 thousand live birhts. During this period, the MMR for the city of Ribeirão Preto ranged from 0% to 80% of the total maternal mortalities, and from 40.7% to 47.2% of live births in the DRS-XIII. The city of Ribeirao Preto had an MMR of 76.5 in 1998and 1999, which decreased progressively to 12.1 until the years of 2012 and 2013, and increased to 54.3 for every 100 thousand live births over the past 4 years. The state of São Paulo State had an MMR of 54.0 in 1998–1999, which varied throughout the study period, with values of 48.0 in 2008–2009, and 54.1 for every 100 thousand live births in 2016–2017. Several times before 2015, the city of Ribeirão Preto and the DRS-XIII reached the Millennium Goals. Recently, however, the MMR increased, which can be explained by the improvement in the surveillance of maternal mortality.

Conclusion The present study describes a sharp decline in maternal death in the region of Ribeirão Preto by the end of 2012–2013, and a subsequent and distressing increase in recent years that needs to be fully faced.
Curcumin's Effect on Inflammatory Response following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Adult Patients with Stable Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Silalahi Todung , Alwi Idrus , Suyatna Frans , Sartika Katarina D.
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular diseases play major roles in the health problems worldwide especially in Indonesia. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure with relatively low complications. However, high inflammatory response post-PCI has showed adverse events even after administration of standard medication. Previous studies showed that curcumin was able to reduce inflammatory response in adult patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). This article determines the efficacy of oral administration of curcumin in reducing inflammatory response post-PCI with stable CHD. A double-blind randomized controlled trial on 50 adult patients comparing curcumin and placebo was performed in Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital and Jakarta Heart Center within April and June 2015. Either curcumin (45 mg/day) or placebo was given 7 days prior to PCI until 2 days after PCI. Inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and soluble CD40 ligand [sCD40L]) were measured in three phases (7 days prior PCI, 24 hours post-PCI, and 48 hours post-PCI). There were no significant differences in the reduction of hsCRP and sCD40L between curcumin and placebo groups in three phases of measurement. Curcumin significantly reduce the serum hsCRP (p = 0.006) and sCD40L (p = 0.002) 7 days before PCI to 48 hours post-PCI. The decrement of hsCRP (−14.2% vs. –7.4%) and sCD40L (−24.3% vs. –13.2%) from 24 to 48 hours post-PCI was higher in the curcumin group than placebo group. The administration of curcumin 45 mg dose daily for 7 days prior PCI until 48 hours post-PCI is useful in reducing inflammatory response post-PCI with stable CHD.
Eucalyptus Oil-Induced Seizures in Children: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dudipala Sai Chandar , Mandapuram Prashanthi , Ch Laxman Kumar
Published: January 2021

Objective Eucalyptus oil (EO)-induced seizures (EOIS) in children is a less recognized entity and a rare cause of acute symptomatic seizures. The purpose of this review outlines the clinical features and outcomes of EOIS with observed cases.

Patients and Methods We identified three pediatric patients with EOIS who were treated at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karim Nagar, India.

Results Seizures were developed in three children within 15 to 25 minutes after the ingestion of EO. All the children have taken EO first time and all have the first episode of seizures. One child had status epilepticus. Neuroimaging and electroencephalogram were normal. Two children were treated with antiepileptic drugs for 2 weeks. All the children were recovered within 2 days and none of them had a recurrence of seizures.

Conclusion EOIS is an underrecognized and rare entity. The knowledge or awareness of EOIS among health care professionals can prevent unnecessary investigations and long-term antiepileptic drug therapy.
Does Big Mean Evil? Giant, but Benign Uterine Leiomyoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Brito Luiz Gustavo Oliveira , Ueno Natalia Lysei , Machado Maira Rossmann
Published: January 2021

Uterine leiomyoma is the most prevalent benign type of gynecological tumor. It affects more than 80% of women worldwide and, within this group, more than 50% may be asymptomatic. However, large fibroid volumes may be associated with symptoms of extrinsic compression, and most of the cases do not present atypical cells. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman who underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy of a 13.5-kg uterine leiomyoma with no malignancies at histopathology and review the literature about giant uterine leiomyomas and their clinical repercussion. We concluded that large volumes do not always pose a threat regarding malignancy; however, future molecular studies are needed to investigate giant uterine fibroids.
Efficacy of Endometrial Cancer Follow-up Protocols: Time to Change?
Authors: Lubrano Amina , Benito Virginia , Pinar Beatriz , Molano Fernando , Leon Laureano
Published: January 2021

Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze relapse rates and patterns in patients with endometrial cancer with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of current follow-up procedures in terms of patient survival, as well as the convenience of modifying the surveillance strategy.

Methods Retrospective descriptive study including all patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer relapse at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Complejo Hospitalario Insular-Materno Infantil de Canarias, between 2005 and 2014.

Results Recurrence was observed in 81 patients (10.04% of the sample); 66.7% of them suffered relapse within 2 years and 80.2% within 3 years after the termination of the primary treatment; 41.9% showed distant metastases while the rest corresponded to local-regional (40.7%) or ganglionar (17.4%) relapse; 42% of these were symptomatic; 14 patients showed more than 1 site of relapse. Relapse was detected mainly through symptoms and physical examination findings (54.3%), followed by elevated serum marker levels (29.6%), computed tomography (CT) images (9.9%) and abnormal vaginal cytology findings (6.2%). No differences in global survival were found between patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic relapse.

Conclusion Taking into account that the recurrence rate of endometrial cancer is low, that relapse occurs mainly within the first 3 years post-treatment and that symptom evaluation and physical examination are the most effective follow-up methods, we postulate that a modification of the current model of hospital follow-up should be considered.
Intercultural Childbirth: Impact on the Maternal Health of the Ecuadorian Kichwa and Mestizo People of the Otavalo Region
Authors: Matute Susana Eulalia Dueñas , Martinez Edson Zangiacomi , Donadi Eduardo Antônio
Published: January 2021

Objective Considering the increased frequency of maternal deaths reported from 2001 to 2005 for Indigenous and mestizo women from the Ecuadorian rural area of Otavalo, where the Kichwa people has lived for centuries, the objective of the present article is to describe how the efforts of the local health community and hospital workers together with a propitious political environment facilitated the implementation of intercultural childbirth, which is a strategy that respects the Andean childbirth worldview.

Methods We evaluated a 3-year follow-up (2014–16) of the maternal mortality and the childbirth features (4,213 deliveries).

Results Although the Western-style (lying down position) childbirth was adopted by 80.6% of the pregnant women, 19.4% of both mestizo and Indigenous women adopted the intercultural delivery (squatting and kneeling positions). Both intercultural (42.2%) and Western-style (57.8%) childbirths were similarly adopted by Kichwa women, whereas Western-style childbirth predominated among mestizo women (94.0%). After the implementation of the intercultural strategy in 2008, a dramatic decrease of maternal deaths has been observed until now in both rural and urban Otavalo regions.

Conclusion This scenario reveals that the intermingling of cultures and respect for childbirth traditions have decreased maternal mortality in this World Health Organization-awarded program.
Congenital Anterior Urethrocutaneous Fistula with a Persistent Urethral Groove
Authors: Mosa Hazem , Garriboli Massimo
Published: January 2021

Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula (CAUF) is a rare penile anomaly with only 63 cases reported in the literature. The anomaly can present in isolation or in association with chordee or hypospadias. We report the case of an 8-month-old boy with CAUF that resembles the embryological urethral groove. On examination, a wide urethral groove was noted to cover the midshaft of the penis with a well formed urethra extending proximally and distally and with a normal glandular anatomy, a wide glandular meatus, and a complete foreskin. The urethral groove was tubularized and covered in layers. Surgery was complicated with early superficial skin dehiscence not affecting the urethral repair.

Refashioning of the skin was then performed. A satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome was observed at 7 years' follow-up. Defining the anatomy of CAUF and distal urethra is key in management of these children.
Learned Helplessness, Psychological Wellbeing, and Proenvironment Care Behavior among Victims of Frequent Floods in Kerala
Authors: Joy J Lijo Kochakadan , Ramachandran Manu , George Sanju
Published: January 2021

Background In 2018 and 2019, there were floods in the coastal regions of Kerala. Many individuals and families were victims on both these occasions; these floods had devastating impact on individual psychological wellbeing, their financial stability, and on overall family wellbeing. Furthermore, many people in vulnerable geographical areas still live in uncertainty and fear. In this context, our study examined whether continuous victimization of natural calamities, like floods in Kerala, leads to the development of learned helplessness and decreased psychological wellbeing among those affected. We also studied whether proenvironment care behavior increased among flood-affected individuals.

Materials and Methods We studied 374 heads of families in Kerala, selected through the Quota sampling method. They belonged to the following three groups: (1) flood-affected only once (OFA,n= 124), (2) flood-affected twice (TFA,n= 124), and (3) never flood-affected (NFA,n= 124) households. The key variables of learned helplessness, psychological wellbeing, and proenvironment care behavior were measured using learned helplessness scale, psychological wellbeing scale, and the environmental behavior scale, respectively.

Statistical Analysis The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to analyze the data for independent groups.

Results Learned helplessness was found to be high among the TFA group. Psychological wellbeing and proenvironment care behavior were high among the OFA group as compared with the TFA group. The NFA group had higher learned helplessness in comparison to the OFA group, and psychological wellbeing and proenvironment care behavior were low when compared with the TFA group.

Conclusion We conclude that surviving a moderate amount of risk is perhaps necessary for better psychological wellbeing and that too many or too few risks in life are detrimental to good psychological health. Immediate psychological support among victims of natural calamities and periodic examination of well-being and psychological interventions among people who are vulnerable for frequent victimization of natural calamities have to part of disaster management related to natural calamities.
COVID-19: Uncertainties from Conception to Birth
Authors: Carvalho Bruno Ramalho de , Adami Karina de Sá , Gonçalves-Ferri Walusa Assad , Samama Marise , Ferriani Rui Alberto , Marcolin Alessandra Cristina
Published: January 2021

Scientific information on the impact of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) on the health of pregnant women, fetuses and newborns is considered of limited confidence, lacking good-quality evidence, and drawing biased conclusions. As a matter of fact, the initial impressions that the evolution of COVID-19 was no different between pregnant and non-pregnant women, and that SARS-CoV-2 was not vertically transmitted, are confronted by the documentation of worsening of the disease during pregnancy, poor obstetric outcomes, and the possibility of vertical transmission. The present article aims to compile the data available on the association of COVID-19 and reproductive events, from conception to birth.
Robotic Arm-Assisted Lateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: How Are Components Aligned?
Authors: Zambianchi Francesco , Franceschi Giorgio , Banchelli Federico , Marcovigi Andrea , Ensini Andrea , Catani Fabio
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this multicenter, retrospective, observational study was to investigate the association between intraoperative component positioning and soft tissue balancing, as reported by robotic technology for a cohort of patients who received robotic arm-assisted lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) as well as short-term clinical follow-up of these patients. Between 2013 and 2016, 78 patients (79 knees) underwent robotic arm-assisted lateral UKAs at two centers. Pre- and postoperatively, patients were administered the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Clinical results were dichotomized based upon KOOS and FJS-12 scores into either excellent or fair outcome, considering excellent KOOS and FJS-12 to be greater than or equal to 90. Intraoperative, postimplantation robotic data relative to computed tomography-based components placement were collected and classified. Following exclusions and loss to follow-up, a total of 74 subjects (75 knees) who received robotic arm-assisted lateral UKAs were taken into account with an average follow-up of 36.3 months (range: 25.0–54.2 months) postoperative. Of these, 66 patients (67 knees) were included in the clinical outcome analysis. All postoperative clinical scores showed significant improvement compared with the preoperative evaluation. No association was reported between three-dimensional component positioning and soft tissue balancing throughout knee range of motion with overall KOOS, KOOS subscales, and FJS-12 scores. Lateral UKA three-dimensional placement does not seem to affect short-term clinical performance. However, precise boundaries for lateral UKA positioning and balancing should be taken into account. Robotic assistance allows surgeons to acquire real-time information regarding implant alignment and soft tissue balancing.
Visual Impairment and Functional Classification in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Schiller K. , Rauchenzauner M. , Honold M. , Baldissera I. , Biedermann R. , Tschiderer B. , Albrecht U. , Arnold C. , Rostasy K.
Published: January 2021

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor impairment in childhood and often accompanied by a broad spectrum of comorbidities. Data are sparse concerning visual impairment (VI) and functional classification among CP children.

Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of VI among children with CP and to investigate a possible association between VI and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF).

Methods In this hospital-based study, records of 200 children with CP aged 2 to 17 years were reviewed.

Results Overall, VI was found in 59.5% of children with CP. Prevalence of VI was higher when compared with non-CP children. A correlation between GMFCS as well as BFMF and severity of VI was found. Children with severe CP were at greater risk for severe VI, especially cerebral VI compared with children with mild CP.

Conclusion VI is a significant problem in children with CP and is correlated with motor function. Children with CP should undergo detailed ophthalmologic and orthoptic assessment to enable early intervention.
Formation of atomic fluorine anions in 12CaO·7Al2O3
Authors: Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Chroneos Alexander
Published: January 2021

The storage of atomic fluorine anions (F−) is an important issue in the development of emission materials that have numerous technological applications including catalysis. Using density functional theory simulations, we examine the formation of F− ions from gaseous F2 in the nanoporous complex oxide 12CaO·7Al2O3 (C12A7). Both stoichiometric and electride forms of C12A7 strongly encapsulate fluorine atoms, and the formation of F− ions is confirmed from the charge analysis. There is a significant enhancement in the encapsulation in the electride form of C12A7 due to the presence of electrons in its nanocages. Successive encapsulation of multiple F atoms is also energetically favorable in both forms of C12A7. The formation of molecular fluorine (F2) in the nanocages of both forms is unfavorable due to the strong electronegativity of fluorine.
Narrowing bandgap and enhanced mechanical and optoelectronic properties of perovskite halides: Effects of metal doping
Authors: Hossain Khandaker Monower , Hasan Md. Zahid , Ali Md. Lokman
Published: January 2021

Perovskite halides are the most promising current candidates for the construction of solar cells and other photovoltaic devices. This is the first theoretical approach to explore the effects of Mn-doping on the optoelectronic performance of the lead-free halide CsGeBr3 and the lead-bearing halide CsPbBr3. We have performed the first-principles calculations to investigate the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of pure and Mn-doped CsGeBr3 and CsPbBr3 perovskite halides in detail. The lattice constants of Mn-doped halides were slightly reduced compared to their pure phases, which is common in materials after doping. The structural stability of both undoped and doped halides was confirmed by their formation enthalpy. Analysis of the mechanical properties revealed the mechanical stability of both undoped and Mn-doped CsGeBr3 and CsPbBr3. The lower values of the bulk modulus suggested potential optoelectronic applications for the halides being studied. Remarkably, the partial substitution of Ge with Mn narrows the bandgap of both Pb-free and Pb halides, enhancing the electron transfer from the valence band to the conduction band, which increased the absorption and conductivity, essential for superior optoelectronic device applications. The combined analysis of mechanical, electronic, and optical properties indicated that the Mn-doped halides, CsGeBr3 and CsPbBr3, are more suitable for the solar cells and optoelectronic applications than undoped CsGeBr3 and CsPbBr3.
The impact of management, husbandry and stockperson decisions on the welfare of laying hens in Australia
Authors: Edwards Lauren E. , Hemsworth Paul H.
Published: January 2021

The present review examines the impact of management and husbandry decisions on the welfare of laying hens in Australia. The literature on many of these aspects is lacking for the Australian egg industry, and, indeed, for the egg industry in general. Management decisions that can affect hen welfare relate to the initial farm design, husbandry routines, and staff selection and training. As modern laying houses represent a considerable financial investment, the decisions made during the design phase are likely to affect both the hens and stockpeople for substantial periods. Hens in cage systems may benefit from fewer tiers and greater space allowances. In non-cage systems, the brown genotypes used in the Australian egg industry may benefit from lower structures that accommodate their heavier and less agile bodies. Keel fractures can be reduced by improving the skeletal health and spatial cognition of laying hens during the rearing period, in addition to minimising the distances they need to jump when navigating aviary structures. The addition of a wintergarden to fixed free-range systems appears to be beneficial. Housing hens in mobile units on free-range farms may challenge their welfare, particularly in relation to heat stress. There is also room for improvement in biosecurity practices and health monitoring of hens, as these appear to be lacking at some farms. The current strains of hen used in free-range systems may not be best suited to these conditions, on the basis of their body condition and flock uniformity. Feed quality may also need to be monitored for quality assurance and optimal hen nutrition. Hen welfare during depopulation can be improved through staff training and by reducing staff fatigue. Euthanising spent hens on farm offers welfare benefits over transporting spent hens to an abattoir. Both hen welfare and working conditions for stock people should be considered when designing laying houses to provide suitable conditions for both hens and stockpeople. This will help improve the job satisfaction of stockpeople, which may translate into better care for the hens and may aid in retaining quality staff. Stockpeople must be recognised as vital contributors to hen welfare in the egg industry, and it is important for the egg industry to continue to attract, train and retain skilled stockpeople to ensure that they enjoy their job and are motivated to apply best-practice care for their flocks. Promoting the animal-care aspect of stockmanship in combination with a supportive managerial environment with optimal working conditions may increase the attractiveness of the egg industry as a place to work.
Perception of American English consonants /v/ and /w/ by Hindi speakers of English
Authors: Grover Vikas , Shafer Valerie L. , Campanelli Luca , Whalen D. H. , Levy Erika S.
Published: January 2021

This study examined perception of the American English (AE) /v/-/w/ consonant contrast by Hindi speakers of
English as a second language (L2). A second aim was to determine whether residence in the US modulated perception of this
difficult contrast for proficient bilingual Hindi-English listeners. Two groups of Hindi-English bilinguals (the first resided in
the US for more than five years, the second lived in India) and a group of AE-speaking listeners participated in the study.
Listeners’ identification and discrimination of nonsense words (e.g., “vagag” vs. “wagag”) were examined. Hindi listeners
performed significantly less accurately than AE controls. Accuracy by Hindi listeners was near chance for identification and
higher-than-chance for discrimination. Exposure to AE in the US did not improve performance. These results are consistent with
previous studies of late L2 learners and extend findings to a population that was proficient in an L2 before arriving in the L2
environment.
Sign-genres, authentication, and emplacement
Authors: Androutsopoulos Jannis , Chowchong Akra
Published: January 2021

This paper asks how language and other semiotic resources are deployed in the semiotic landscape of Thai restaurants in the city of Hamburg, Germany. Based on detailed multimodal analysis of signage in twelve restaurants, this study draws on both established and underexplored topics in Linguistic Landscape scholarship, including the analysis of sign-genres, the distinction between communicative and symbolic functions of signs, the role of language choice in authenticating place, and the emplacement of signs in the semiotic landscape. A scheme for the classification of restaurant signs by discourse function and emplacement is proposed. The findings suggest that the analytical distinctions between inside and outside space as well as primary and secondary signs are useful for the study of restaurants and other commercial semiotic spaces.
Value-added processing.
Authors: Sharangi Amit Baran
Published: January 2021

Value addition refers to the transformation of a raw commodity or commodities into a processed product through the use of raw materials, labour, time and technology, all blended in a way that ensures increased economic return. Even if the amount of processing in a product is much less, e.g. for canned fruit, it may be regarded as a processed product. However, the processing of food is not as simple as gathering materials, labour and technology together over a stipulated time. Purity, authenticity, health claims and sustainability are also required to add real value to a food. For this, consumers will need to remain willing to spend a bit more on the final product (Euromonitor, 2010).
Two-dimensional photonic crystal heterostructure for light steering and TM-polarization maintaining applications
Authors: Butt M A , Kazanskiy N L
Published: January 2021

An attractive and realizable scheme of a compact two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal (PhC) heterostructure is proposed for flexible light steering formed by integrating two PhC structures having diverse optical properties. The first PhC allows both TE- and TM-polarized light to propagate through it with minimum transmission loss (TL), whereas the second PhC structure is designed in such a way that TE-polarized light faces a photonic bandgap while self-collimated TM-polarized light travels without any diffraction. The study is conducted via a 2D finite element method. By the distinctive arrangement of both PhC structures, it is possible to obtain a TM-polarization maintaining device that offers a high polarization extinction ratio of ∼49 dB as well as a compact 180° bend for TE-polarized light with low TL. The proposed study is useful in designing PhC waveguides with sharp bends, which can be employed for multiple applications in photonic integrated circuits.
Displacement of energy deposition during formation of nanosecond laser plasmas by self-defocusing
Authors: New-Tolley Matthew R , Shneider Mikhail N , Miles Richard B
Published: January 2021

The long-term hydrodynamics of laser generated plasma regions are dictated by the spatial distribution of the deposited laser energy. Using an integrated chemical-optical solver to track energy deposition from single and dual nanosecond laser pulses, we show that self-defocusing results in a biased growth of the plasma region towards the focusing lens. This displacement of energy deposition scales with the Rayleigh range and can be reduced by maximizing the beam divergence.
Consensus problems on networks with free protocol*
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Mo Lipo
Published: January 2021

In the real world, rule makers can only restrict, not completely control the behavior of the governed, while the governed can only choose their behavior patterns under these restrictions. In this paper, we design a new control protocol called free protocol to describe this situation. First, we calculate consensus probabilities based on the information of the interaction networks. Then, sufficient conditions are obtained for all agents converging to a same value with probability one. Finally, numerical simulation results are given to verify the above results.
Quantum nature of proton transferring across one-dimensional potential fields*
Authors: Bi Cheng , Chen Quan , Li Wei , Yang Yong
Published: January 2021

Proton transfer plays a key role in the applications of advanced energy materials as well as in the functionalities of biological systems. In this work, based on the transfer matrix method, we study the quantum effects of proton transfer in a series of one-dimensional (1D) model potentials and numerically calculate the quantum probability of transferring across single and double barriers (wells). In the case of single barriers, when the incident energies of protons are above the barrier height, the quantum oscillations in the transmission coefficients depend on the geometric shape of the barriers. It is found that atomic resonant tunneling (ART) not only presents in the rectangular single well and rectangular double barriers as expected, but also exists in the other types of potential wells and double barriers. For hetero-structured double barriers, there is no resonant tunneling in the classical forbidden zone, i.e., in the case when the incident energy (E
i) is lower than the barrier height (E
b). Furthermore, we have provided generalized analysis on the characteristics of transmission coefficients of hetero-structured rectangular double barriers.
Systematic study of two-proton radioactivity within a Gamow-like model *
Authors: Liu Hong-Ming , Pan Xiao , Zou You-Tian , Chen Jiu-Long , Cheng Jun-Hao , He Biao , Li Xiao-Hua
Published: January 2021

In this study, based on the Gamow-like model, we systematically analyze two-proton (

) radioactivity half-lives of nuclei near or beyond the proton drip line. It is found that the calculated results can reproduce experimental data well. Furthermore, using this model, we predict the half-lives of possible

radioactivity candidates whose

radioactivity is energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified in the latest table of evaluated nuclear properties, i.e., NUBASE2016. The predicted results are in good agreement with those from other theoretical models and empirical formulas, namely the effective liquid drop model (ELDM), generalized liquid drop model (GLDM), Sreeja formula, and Liu formula.
Drell-Yan nuclear modification due to nuclear effects of nPDFs and initial-state parton energy loss *
Authors: Song Li-Hua , Wang Peng-Qi , Zhang Yin-Jie
Published: January 2021

By globally analyzing nuclear Drell-Yan data including all incident energies, the nuclear effects of nuclear parton distribution functions (nPDFs) and initial-state parton energy loss are investigated. Based on the Landau-Pomeranchuk-Migdal (LPM) regime, the calculations are carried out by means of analytic parametrizations of quenching weights derived from the Baier-Dokshitzer-Mueller-Peign

-Schiff (BDMPS) formalism and using the new EPPS16 nPDFs. It is found that the results are in good agreement with the data and the role of the energy loss effect in the suppression of Drell-Yan ratios is prominent, especially for low-mass Drell-Yan measurements. The nuclear effects of nPDFs become more obvious with increasing nuclear mass number A, the same as the energy loss effect. By a global fit, the transport coefficient extracted is

GeV2/fm. In addition, to avoid diminishing the QCD NLO correction to the data form of Drell-Yan ratios, separate calculations of the Compton differential cross section ratios

at 120 GeV are performed, which provides a feasible way to better distinguish the gluon energy loss in Compton scattering. It is found that the role of the initial-state gluon energy loss in the suppression of Compton scattering ratios is not very important and disappears with the increase of

.
The Development of Androids Application to Determine the Size of Indonesian Women Clothes Based on Indonesian National Standard (SNI)
Authors: Aini N , Irianti A H S , Kusumawardani H , Purwaningsih N E
Published: January 2021

During this time, process to determine the standard size of Indonesian women body is considered less practical. People need to take a look at the list of women clothes size based on Indonesian National Standard (SNI). With this clothing gauge application, it is one of the right solutions, practical and in accordance with the current digital era. This research includes development research that uses the ADDIE model, in this article which is discussed only up to the implementation or trial stage. The trial of developing an Android-based application to determine the size of Indonesian women’s clothing based on the Indonesian National Standards (SNI) will be carried out on 52 students in the Fashion Program of Universitas Negeri Malang. Before the trial or implementation phase, the analysis, design, and development stages are first carried out. The trial results showed 88.38% of applications included in the criteria very feasible. Based on the results of field test results, students think that this application has a presentation that is easily accessible on smartphone, easy to use and understand, practical, has an attractive appearance, is not boring, and makes the spirit to learn.
Evolution of the riverine nutrient export to the Tropical Atlantic over the last 15 years: is there a link with Sargassum proliferation?
Authors: Jouanno Julien , Moquet Jean-Sébastien , Berline Léo , Radenac Marie-Hélène , Santini William , Changeux Thomas , Thibaut Thierry , Podlejski Witold , Ménard Frédéric , Martinez Jean-Michel , Aumont Olivier , Sheinbaum Julio , Filizola Naziano , Moukandi N’Kaya Guy Dieudonne
Published: January 2021

The Tropical Atlantic is facing a massive proliferation of Sargassum since 2011, with severe environmental and socioeconomic impacts. As a contribution to this proliferation, an increase in nutrient inputs from the tropical rivers, in response to climate and land use changes or increasing urbanization, has been often suggested and widely reported in the scientific and public literature. Here we discuss whether changes in river nutrient inputs could contribute to Sargassum proliferation in the recent years or drive its seasonal cycle. Using long-term in situ and satellite measurements of discharge, dissolved and particulate nutrients of the three world largest rivers (Amazon, Orinoco, Congo), we do not find clear evidences that nutrient fluxes may have massively increased over the last 15 years. Moreover, focusing on year 2017, we estimate that along the year only 10% of the Sargassum biomass occurred in regions under river plume influence. While deforestation and pollution are a reality of great concern, our results corroborate recent findings that hydrological changes are not the first order drivers of Sargassum proliferation. Besides, satellite observations suggest that the major Atlantic river plumes suffered a decrease of phytoplankton biomass in the last two decades. Reconciling these observations requires a better understanding of the nutrient sources that sustain Sargassum and phytoplankton growth in the region.
The impact of non-breaking surface waves in upper-ocean temperature simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Wang Shizhu , Gong Xun , Qiao Fangli , Gowan Evan J , Streffing Jan , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: January 2021

Widespread mismatches between proxy-based and modelling studies of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) has limited better understanding about interglacial-glacial climate change. In this study, we incorporate non-breaking surface waves (NBW) induced mixing into an ocean model to assess the potential role of waves in changing a simulation of LGM upper oceans. Our results show a substantial 40 m subsurface warming introduced by surface waves in LGM summer, with larger magnitudes relative to the present-day ocean. At the ocean surface, according to the comparison between the proxy data and our simulations, the incorporation of the surface wave process into models can potentially decrease the model-data discrepancy for the LGM ocean. Therefore, our findings suggest that the inclusion of NBW is helpful in simulating glacial oceans.
Effect of multiple forging and annealing on microstructure and mechanical properties of a high-manganese steel
Authors: Dolzhenko P D , Valiev R Z , Belyakov A N , Bobruk E V , Tikhonova M S
Published: January 2021

The effect of multiple forging and annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a high-manganese steel is considered. An austenitic high-manganese steel, Fe-0.03C-28Mn-1.5Al (all in wt.%), with an average grain size of about 37 μm was used as the initial material in this study. Multiple forging at room temperature was carried out up to a total true strain of 2. Multiple forging was accompanied by deformation twinning and resulted in significant strengthening. The steel samples subjected to multiple forging demonstrate an increase in the strength properties with an increase in the total strain, while elongation decreases. After multiple forging to a total strain of 2, the samples were annealed at temperatures from 673 to 1073 K for 30 minutes. An increase in the annealing temperature leads to a decrease in the strength and a significant increase in plasticity. Annealing at temperatures of T ≥ 873 K leads to the formation of a recrystallized microstructure.
Prediction of the strength of high entropy alloys of the Al-Cr-Nb-Ti-V-Zr system by the solid-solution hardening model
Authors: Klimenko D N , Stepanov N D , Zherebtsov S V
Published: January 2021

An approach based on the phase prediction of both the phase composition and the solid solution hardening was investigated. This approach showed good agreement between the calculated and experimental values of the yield strength at 20 and 600 °C.
Investigation of the impulse impact effect in the process of additive manufacturing of metal products by plasma cladding
Authors: Neulybin S D , Shchitsyn Yu D , Permyakov G L , Belinin D S , Varushkin S V
Published: January 2021

Additive technologies (AT) or layered synthesis technologies are one of the most dynamically developing areas of “digital” production. A common problem of additive technologies is ensuring the proper microstructure of the synthesized material and the eliminating defects. The use of filler wire as a working material eliminates the problems associated with the low productivity of existing methods, the high cost of the equipment used, the limited types of materials used, due to the use of powder systems. Products made of stainless chromium-nickel steels are widely used in various industries. The main problem of additive technologies is to ensure the properties of the laminates are not lower than those obtained by traditional methods. Characteristic defects of laminated materials obtained by surfacing are increased porosity, non-metallic inclusions, a decrease in ductility, and for high-alloy steels, a loss of special properties. This predetermined the development of research in the field of additional technological measures to improve the final properties of the product. This paper presents the results of a study of the effect of ultrasonic vibrations on the structure and properties of the deposited steel 12Cr18Ni10Ti. For welding was used the wire 12Cr18Ni10Ti, process was carried out by plasma arc in a protective argon gas. It was found that ultrasonic treatment has an effect on the final grain size, structure formation and hardness, as well as on the geometry of the deposited layer. Studies show that the use of ultrasonic vibrations in the process of surfacing can be applied in the design of equipment for the implementation of processes of additive production.
Influence of nitriding parameters in radio-frequency inductive discharge plasma on the structural-phase state and properties of H12MF steel
Authors: Novikov V Y , Goncharov I Y , Yapryntsev M N , Gazizova M Y
Published: January 2021

The influence of technological parameters of plasma nitriding on the structural-phase state and mechanical properties of H12MF steel has been investigated in this work. The possibility of improving the corrosion resistance of the reported material was demonstrated by changing the content of nitride phases (Fe3N, Fe4N, CrN) in the surface layer, depending on the nitriding mode.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of solid solutions of a diluted magnetic semiconductor (Zn1-xFex)3As2
Authors: Zakhvalinskii V S , Nikulicheva T B , Pilyuk E A , Trubaev A A , Usatyy I M
Published: January 2021

The magnetic properties of the new semimagnetic semiconductor (Zn1-xFex)3As2 with x < 0.04 have been investigated over a wide temperature range. Single crystals of ZFA were grown using the modified Bridgeman technique. The results of X-ray analyses and the magnetometry data show that the border of solid solutions in this system lay near x = 0.015. Further increasing of x leads to the growing of the second phase, which was identified as Fe2As. A notable feature of our magnetometry results is the spin-glass-type freezing of magnetic moments in the temperature range of 10 - 50 K. The value of the freezing temperature decreases when the magnetic field increases and in 2 kOe magnetic field the effect is no longer observable. It is likely that the observed freezing phenomena are due to the cluster nature of magnetic properties of ZFA. The thermoremanent magnetization measurements give evidence for two types of clusters in the magnetic system of ZFA.
Influence of titanium and chrome on the structure and heat resistance of layered composites from a multicomponent Nb-alloy and intermetallic compounds of aluminium
Authors: Prokhorov D V , Korzhov V P
Published: January 2021

Investigations of the structure and measurements of the strength characteristics of layered composites of niobium alloys prepared by diffusion welding under pressure have been carried out. It was found that titanium has a strong effect on the formation of microstructure and strength of composites. Higher values of short-term strength and fracture toughness are demonstrated by layered composites with a lower titanium content.
Investigation of the formation and distribution of elements in the production of Al-Ti-V-Zr-Nb alloys by the aluminothermic method
Authors: Russkih A S , Krasikov S A , Zhilina E M , Zhidovinova S V
Published: January 2021

The results of testing the method for synthesis of a high-entropy AlNbTiVZr alloy using metallothermic reduction of group IV and V metals from their oxides are presented. At the first stage, a joint aluminothermic recovery of metals in a resistance furnace was performed. Then, to achieve uniformity and remove harmful impurities, the metal was melted in a vacuum furnace with an inert atmosphere. The alloy obtained after the second remelting was subjected to x-ray diffraction and electron microprobe (EMA) analysis. The results of the analysis revealed the presence of a solid solution of Zr (Nb, V) with TiAl inclusions, which confirms the prospects of using metallothermic synthesis to produce a high-entropy alloy with a single-phase structure.