bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the freeze–thaw cycles of shallow soil and connections with environmental factors over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Ning , Cuo Lan , Zhang Yongxin
Published: May 2021

Changes in the freeze–thaw cycles of shallow soil have important consequences for surface and subsurface hydrology, land–atmosphere energy and moisture interaction, carbon exchange, and ecosystem diversity and productivity. This work examines the shallow soil freeze–thaw cycle on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) using in–situ soil temperature observations in 0–20 cm soil layer during July 1982 – June 2017. The domain and layer averaged beginning frozen day is November 18 and delays by 2.2 days per decade; the ending frozen day is March 9 and advances by 3.2 days per decade; the number of frozen days is 109 and shortens by 5.2 days per decade. Altitude and latitude combined could explain the spatial patterns of annual mean freeze–thaw status well. Stations located near 0–ºC contour line experienced dramatic changes in freeze–thaw cycles as seen from subtropical mountain coniferous forest in the southern TP. Soil completely freezes from surface to 20–cm depth in 15 days while completely thaws in 10 days on average. Near–surface soil displays more pronounced changes than deeper soil. Surface air temperature strongly influences the shallow soil freeze – thaw status but snow exerts limited effects. Different thresholds in freeze–thaw status definition lead to differences in the shallow soil freeze–thaw status and multiple–consecutive–day approach appears to be more robust and reliable. Gridded soil temperature products could resolve the spatial pattern of the observed shallow soil freeze–thaw status to some extent but further improvement is needed.
A comparison of a novel formulation of rigid polyurethane foams synthesis by hydrocarbon blowing agents
Authors: Bakiri Zahir
Published: May 2021

A simple formulation of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) is presented for obtaining a material, with good thermal insulation and long-term stability, based on the different hydrocarbon blowing agents (HBAs). The obtained formulation is prepared from isocyanate and polyol for construction application or appliances. A method and a particular experimental approach have realized to replace hazardous blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)) with other less harmful agents to improve the thermal resistance of this polymer. The obtained results are very encouraging in certain foams prepared from HBA and provide excellent performance.
Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to Evaluate the Implementation of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) and Provision of Texture Modified Diets (TMDs) in age-care Facilities: Barriers and Enablers to Implementation
Authors: Wu Xiaojing Sharon , Miles Anna , Braakhuis Andrea
Published: May 2021

BackgroundTexture modified diets (TMDs) are a common intervention for older adults with swallowing difficulties as they improve swallowing safety. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) provides a framework for terminology, definitions and testing of TMDs. This observational mixed methods study used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to evaluate the effectiveness of IDDSI adoption in aged-care facilities (ACFs) and identify barriers and enablers to facilitate future implementation.MethodsFive New Zealand ACFs who had adopted IDDSI >12 months previously were recruited. Evaluation tools were developed based on CFIR constructs, integrating data from i) mealtime observations; ii) manager interviews and iii) staff (nursing, carers and kitchen) self-administrated surveys. ResultsAll facility and kitchen managers were IDDSI-aware and had access to online resources. Three sites had changed to commercially compliant products post-IDDSI adoption, which had cost implications. Awareness of IDDSI amongst staff ranged from 5-79% and <50% of staff surveyed felt sufficiently trained. Awareness was greater in large sites and where IDDSI was mandated by head office. Managers had not mandated auditing and they felt this had led to reduced perceived importance. Managers felt staff required more training and staff wanted more training, believing it would improve food safety and quality of care. Lack of a dedicated project lead and no speech pathologist onsite were perceived barriers. Collaboration between healthcare assistants, kitchen staff and allied health assisted implementation. ConclusionACF staff were aware of IDDSI but staff knowledge was low. Using the CFIR, site-specific and generic barriers and enablers were identified to improve future implementation effectiveness. Managers and staff want access to regular training. Multidisciplinary collaboration and improving communication are essential. ACFs should consider TMD auditing regularly. Successful implementation of IDDSI allows improvement of quality of care and patient safety but requires a systematic, site-specific implementation plan.
Association Between BMI and Risk of OSA in COPD Patients: a Multicenter Cross-sectional Study in China
Authors: Xiong Mengqing , Zhao Zhiling , Nie Qingrong , Shi Zhihong , Wu Bin , Yang Haizhen , Yue Fang , Song Yan , He Xin , Wang Mengmei , Hu Ke
Published: May 2021

Background: BMI increase risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while low BMI and overweight/obesity has paradoxical effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes. We aimed to examine the association between BMI and OSA risk in COPD patients. Methods: A number of 1637 COPD subjects included in the final analysis. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between BMI or BMI category and OSA risk. Using restricted cubic splines to flexibly model a nonlinear relationship. Results: In this COPD cohort, BMI or BMI category was significantly associated with risk of OSA. Using BMI 18.5–23.9 kg/m2 (normal weight) as a reference group, the overweight group (BMI: 24–27.9 kg/m2) (OR 1.348, 95%CI 1.057-1.718) and the obese group (BMI≥28 kg/m2) (OR 2.596, 95%CI 1.825-3.692) had higher risk of OSA in the crude model; after the sex- and age- adjusted, the association remained significant, while in the fully adjusted model, the obese group still had 2.623 times higher risk and the overweight group had a trend of higher risk but the underweight group (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) also showed a trend of higher OSA risk than the normal weight group (p value 0.071).In restricted cubic spline model, BMI exhibited a J-shaped association with OSA, and the risk of OSA reached a nadir at BMIs in the range of 20-24 kg/m2, with a positive association above or below.Conclusions: BMI had a J-shaped association with OSA in this COPD patient cohort; lower or higher BMIs were associated with an increased risk of OSA.Trial registration: This study registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Clinical Trials ID: NCT 03182309).
Metabolic Alteration of Gut Microbiota Is Associated With Host Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by Pyrethroid in Xenopus Laevis
Authors: Li Meng , Liu Tingting , Zhu Jiaping , Wang Mengcen , wang qiangwei
Published: May 2021

Background: There is increasing awareness of the significance of the gut microbiome to host health, and a clear relationship has been established between the perturbed gut microbiome and multiple diseases. Cis-bifenthrin, a widely used agricultural pyrethroid insecticide, has been implicated as a cause of hepatotoxicity due to the oxidative stress produced during its metabolism by the liver. Studies have demonstrated the role of gut microbiota in gut-liver axis, it is possible that the perturbation of gut microbiota may also contribute to the toxicity of cis-bifenthrin on the liver.Results: 16S rRNA gene sequencing suggested that cis-bifenthrin exposure significantly perturbed the gut microbiota composition, and metabolomics analysis showed signature metabolic shifts arising from exposure. Moreover, we also found altered functional regulation of lipids in the liver after cis-bifenthrin exposure, and the accumulation of lipid droplets in hepatocytes was observed.Conclusions: Our results suggested cis-bifenthrin exposure disturbed the gut microbiota community and metabolite profile in frogs. Specifically, changes in bile acid metabolites altered bile acid hepatoenteral circulation, which affected lipid metabolism in the liver and ultimately caused the development of fatty liver disease. Our findings reveal novel insights into gut microbiota-host axis in frogs, and the perturbed microbial function provides novel mechanism contributing to cis-bifenthrin-induced toxicity.
The Relationship Between Social Support Perceived by Infertile Couples and Their Mental Status
Authors: AVŞAR Binnaz , EMUL Tuba GUNER
Published: May 2021

Background: Infertility is a difficult process that affects couples psychologically. Providing adequate social support is important in terms of reducing the psychological problems experienced by infertile couples by facilitating compliance with the treatment. Aim/ Objective: This study evaluated the relationship between the mental status of couples receiving infertility treatment and their perceived social support. Methods: The study was descriptive study consisted of 148 infertile couples who received infertility treatment at the InVitro Fertilisation Center between January and April 2018 in a university hospital in Antalya. 148 infertile couples who received infertility treatment at the data of the research were gathered through a questionnaire for determining socio-demographic and infertility related characteristics of the couples receiving infertility treatment, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Brief Symptom Inventory. Results: In the study, the average age of infertile women was 31.4±5.6 and that of men was 34.5±5.2. The mean Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support score of the women was determined to be 62.6±14.2, whereas that of the men 59.2± 14.2. The mean score received by the women from depression subscale of Brief Symptom Inventory was determined to be 10.2±8.9, and the mean score received by the men 6.7±6.6. A strong negative relationship between the total Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Supportscore and the Brief Symptom Inventory subscale mean scores (p<0.01). Conclusions: As a result of the research, as the social support levels perceived by couples receiving infertility treatment increased, their symptoms of anxiety, depression, negative self-perception, somatization, and hostility was determined to decrease.
Adverse Events following Intramedullary Nailing in Metastatic Pathological versus Non-Pathological Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Anusitviwat Chirathit , Iamthanaporn Khanin , Tuntarattanapong Pakjai , Tangtrakulwanich Boonsin , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan
Published: May 2021

Background: Antegrade intramedullary nailing is indicated for treating metastatic pathological femoral shaft fractures. Although good functional outcomes could be obtained from internal fixation, postoperative adverse events have been reported in patients with pathological fractures and non-pathological fractures. Not only adverse events but also their consequences including, readmission and reoperation, need to be considered. Few studies have assessed the risk of postoperative adverse events, reoperation, and readmission without comparison. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the risk of in-hospital adverse events and consequences after discharge between patients with metastatic pathological and non-pathological femoral fractures undergoing intramedullary nailing.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study by extracting records from the Hospital Information System database. We accessed patients with pathological metastatic pathological and non-pathological femoral shaft fractures undergoing intramedullary nailing by the International Classification of Diseases code; from June 2006 to 2020. We then tracked the in-hospital medical and surgical adverse events postoperatively, along with the consequences after discharge. The in-hospital adverse events risk between the two groups of patients were analyzed and compared by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: Included patients consisted of 48 in pathological groups and 185 in non-pathological groups. Significantly higher rates of surgical and medical adverse events in patients with pathological fractures compared to patients with non-pathological fractures were observed. After adjusting for potential confounding factors in multivariate regression analysis, patients with pathological fractures had higher odds of both adverse surgical (adjusted OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.15 - 5.13) and medical adverse events (adjusted OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.13 - 7.03).Conclusions: Patients with metastatic pathological femoral shaft fractures undergoing intramedullary nailing were more likely to experience postoperative adverse events than patients with non-pathological fractures.
Next Generation Sequencing, Isolation and Characterization of 14 Microsatellite Loci of Canthon Cyanellus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Arce-Valdés Luis R. , Sánchez-Guillén Rosa Ana , Nolasco-Soto Janet , Favila Mario E.
Published: May 2021

BackgroundWe used Illumina paired-end-sequencing to isolate and characterize microsatellites of Canthon cyanellus, a Neotropical roller dung beetle encompassing several lineages within its distribution range.Methods and ResultsWe examined C. cyanellus specimens collected at eight different localities in Mexico (two or three specimens per locality). We initially made amplification tests with 16 loci, but two of these showed amplification problems; thus, we evaluated 14 loci. The 14 microsatellites were polymorphic, with 2–16 alleles each. The expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.11 to 0.76 and from 0.20 to 0.78, respectively. ConclusionsThese microsatellites will help to assess structure at the population and lineage levels, identify zones of potential hybridization between lineages, and draw a more precise geographic delimitation of Canthon cyanellus lineages.
Using Deep Learning to Detect Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease by Chest Radiography
Authors: Chen Rui , Wu Xinyi , Chung Taylor , Sun Longwei , Schoenhagen Paul , Du Zhicheng , Ye Weitao , Tan Zekun , Li Tingyu , Wu Hongyu , Qiao Weidong , Zhong Xiaomei , Wang Shushui , Chen Xi , Yu Zhuliang , Liu Hui
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To detect congenital heart disease (CHD) patients is a challenging task in low-income areas with limited resources. Chest radiography is usually available in these areas, but the diagnostic accuracy needs to be improved. The aim of the study was to establish a deep learning-based diagnostic tool for paediatric CHD patients using chest radiography. Methods: Totally 11,105 chest radiographs from 11,105 paediatric patients in two centres were labeled, and a convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained for diagnosing CHD in the dataset from Hospital 1. To demonstrate the generalizability and the clinical usefulness of CNN, the accuracy in test set from two centres were both reported. We also trained another CNN to evaluate pulmonary blood flow (PBF) on chest radiographs of the patients. Moreover, the predictive results of both CNN were compared to the decisions of three experienced radiologists (range 10–35 years) without any patient information. Results: The accuracy of CNN for detecting CHD was 81.4% (95% confidence interval, [78.3%–84.2%]) in Hospital 2, while the accuracy was 85.6% (95% confidence interval, [84.0%–87.1%]) in Hospital 1. The overall accuracy of CNN for evaluating PBF was 78.9% (95% confidence interval, [74.3%–83.0%]). Compared to three experienced radiologists, CNN showed statistically non-inferiority at a 5% margin for the accuracy (P < 0.025) in detecting CHD and evaluating PBF.Conclusions: The deep learning-based diagnostic tool we developed could effectively detect CHD and evaluate for PBF on chest radiography. It can potentially aid the radiologists and cardiologists in the future.
Anticolon Cancer Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Fresh Leaf Extract Nyctanthes Arbor-tristis
Authors: Mathammal R. , Shreema K. , Mekala R. , Kalaiselvi V. , Vijayakumar Sekar
Published: May 2021

The present study reports the green synthesis of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles using the aqueous leaf extract Nyctanthes arbor-tristisis by co-precipitation method. The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles are characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectral Analysis (FTIR), UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). The Zinc Oxide nanoparticle are crystalline in nature and have hexagonal structure with the particle size of about 25 nm and is determined by XRD analysis. The capping agent and the functional groups of the Zinc Oxide nanoparticles are determined by FTIR spectral analysis. The band gap energy is about 3.18 eV for the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles which is calculated by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The surface morphological structure of ZnO nanoparticles is spherical in shape. The EDX spectroscopy is used to determine elemental composition of ZnO nanoparticles. The anticancer activity of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles have high toxicity against HT-29 cell line which is determined by MTT assay. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles have decreased cell viability from 99% to 23% with increasing concentration from 10 to100 μg/mL.
Origin of Mmp-8 and Lactoferrin Levels From Gingival Crevicular Fluid, Salivary Glands and Whole Saliva
Authors: Ramenzoni Liza L. , Hofer Deborah , Solderer Alex , Wiedemeier Daniel , Attin Thomas , Schmidlin Patrick R.
Published: May 2021

Background: Pathologically elevated levels of MMP-8 and Lactoferrin in oral fluids have been associated with the presence of gingivitis/periodontitis. This study aimed to assess the origin of MMP-8 and Lactoferrin in periodontitis patients and to identify the degree to which conventional clinical parameters correlate with their presence. Methods: A total of ten periodontitis and ten healthy patients were included in this study. Whole saliva (stimulated and unstimulated), parotid/sublingual glandular fluid and gingival crevicular fluid from pockets and sulci were tested for MMP-8 and Lactoferrin and protein concentrations were quantified using an ELISA assay. Clinical parameters were checked for potential associations with MMP-8 and Lactoferrin levels. Results: Periodontal patients presented higher concentrations of MMP-8 and Lactoferrin in pockets than other sources (P=0.03). Lactoferrin measurement was higher in the parotid compared to sublingual glandular fluid in periodontitis patients (P=0.03). Increased probing pocket depth was positively correlated with high MMP-8 and Lactoferrin levels. Conclusions: Periodontal pockets appear to be the major source of aMMP-8 and Lactoferrin, which also may also enter the oral cavity through the salivary glands. Since clinically healthy sites in periodontitis patients also had elevated biomarker levels, GCF biomarker testing may be more predictive of future tissue breakdown than conventional clinical parameters.
Statistical Analysis of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Trials
Authors: Shuman William H , Neifert Sean N , Martini Michael L , Chapman Emily K , Schupper Alexander J , Oermann Eric K , Mocco J , Boogaarts Jeroen , Cusimano Michael D , Manoel Airton Leonardo de Oliveira , Etminan Nima , Fukuda Hitoshi , Hanggi Daniel , Jaja Blessing N.R. , Kirkpatrick Peter , Roux Peter Le , Lo Benjamin , Mayer Stephen , Molyneux Andrew , Quinn Audrey , Rinkel Gabriel J.E. , Schweizer Tom A , Suarez Jose I , Todd Michael , Torner James C , Bergh Walter M van den , Vergouwen Mervyn D.I. , Yamagata Sen , Wong George , Macdonald Robert Loch
Published: May 2021

Background: Many randomized controlled trials (RCT) have assessed new treatments in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), yet most show no treatment efficacy. One explanation is the statistical analysis of the primary endpoint was not as efficient as possible. We reanalyzed SAH RCTs with various statistical tests to determine whether the statistical method affects RCT primary outcome.Methods: Individual patient data for the primary outcome (Glasgow outcome scale [GOS]) of two SAH RCTs were analyzed using 15 statistical methods. For tests requiring outcome dichotomization, multiple cut-points in the 5-level GOS were assessed. Next, a synthetic dataset generated using random sampling with replacement from ten SAH RCTs was assessed using the same statistical tests. A Friedman test (two-way non-parametric analysis of variance) determined which tests produced the highest average absolute Z-values. The number of times each test reported significance of p<0.05 across the different datasets was calculated.Results: Bootstrapping with replacement produced the best-ranking results, followed by three χ2-tests: one differentiating excellent (GOS=5) from good (GOS=4), poor (GOS=2-3), or dead (GOS=1) outcomes; one differentiating favorable (GOS=4-5) from poor or dead outcomes; and one differentiating favorable (GOS=4-5) from unfavorable outcomes. Each of these reported statistical significance for both RCTs, as did the following ranked tests, respectively: Wilcoxon median test, Student’s t-test, ordinal logistic regression, median test, and a chi-square dichotomizing excellent (GOS≥4) and inferior outcomes. Statistical significance for one or neither RCT was reported by two Cochrane-Armitage tests and two logistic regressions with alternate versions of bucketing, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and chi-square test differentiating surviving from dead patients. The synthetic dataset returned similar results, with the same nine most and six least efficient tests.Conclusions: Bootstrapping produced the most efficient results but is time-and resource-intensive. Chi-square tests grouping outcomes into dichotomous or multiple buckets are also efficient, and their ease of use and popularity make them appropriate candidates for statistical analysis in future SAH RCTs.
Analysis of Micro Cracks and Die Erosion in Die Casting
Authors: BHASKAR M , nalluswamy Tamil selvam
Published: May 2021

Die soldering is challenging issue on die life and casting quality in High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) Industry. Itincreases die down time which causes increasing production cost per piece. Die soldering can be tackled by surfaceheat treatment operations like gas nitriding and other PVD coatings. Used and scraped die is selected from the diecasting industry for investigation of die soldering issue. Chemical distribution of elements and surface condition ofaffected die soldering zone is investigated. The study reveals that, there are abundant micro cracks, micro holes andmicro cavities at soldering portion. The radius of micro holes is about 0.25 μm and the radius of macro holes isabout 8μm. The die inserts are made up of H13 die steel and LM24 Aluminum alloy is used for casting operation. Atthe die soldering cross section region, distribution of aluminum and die soldering mechanism and its causes studied.The die soldering mechanism is classified as chemical, physical, mechanical and mixed soldering. The solderingphenomena have been researched based on die temperature and its chemistry, metal temperature and its chemistry,injection pressure and its velocity, and die surface roughness. The spread and formation of die soldering on used andscraped die is also discussed in this article.
The establishment of a multi-source dataset of images on common oral lesions
Authors: Rajendran Senthilmani , Lim Jian Han , Yogalingam Kohgulakuhan , Kallarakkal Thomas George , Zain Rosnah Binti , Jayasinghe Ruwan Duminda , Rimal Jyotsna , Kerr Alexander Ross , Amtha Rahmi , Patil Karthikeya , Welikala Roshan Alex , Lim Ying Zhi , Remagnino Paolo , Gibson John , Tilakaratne Wanninayake Mudiyanselage , Liew Chee Sun , Yang Yi-Hsin , Barman Sarah Ann , Chan Chee Seng , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To establish an oral lesion image database that could accelerate the development of artificial intelligence systems for lesion recognition and referral decision.
Materials and Methods

We describe the establishment of a multi-sourced image dataset through the development of a platform for the collection and annotation of images. Further, we developed a used-friendly tool (MeMoSA® ANNOTATE) for systematic annotation to collect a rich dataset associated with the images. We evaluated the sensitivities comparing referral decisions through the annotation process with the clinical diagnosis of the lesions to identify lesions that are challenging to identify through images alone.
Results

The image repository hosts 2474 images of oral lesions consisting of oral cancer, oral potentially malignant disorders, benign lesions, normal anatomical variants and normal mucosa that were collected through our platform, MeMoSA® UPLOAD. Over 800 images were annotated by seven oral medicine specialists on MeMoSA®ANNOTATE, to mark the lesion and to collect clinical labels. The sensitivity in referral decision for all lesions that required a referral for cancer management/surveillance was moderate to high depending on the type of lesion (64.3–100%).
Conclusion

This is the first description of a database with well-annotated oral lesions. This database has already been used for the development of AI algorithm for classifying oral lesions. Further expansion of this database could accelerate the improvement in AI algorithms that can facilitate the early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer.
The national burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to the dietary lead exposure in adults in China, 2017
Authors: Yan Yizhong , Li Yiling , Li Yanan , Song Wenjing , Huang Jiao , Wang Yibaina , Wei Sheng
Published: May 2021

Background

Lead is widely used around the world, even though unleaded gasoline has been forced by law for many years. A low level of lead exposure is considered to be associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the contribution of lead exposure, especially lead exposure from the diet for the burden of CVD, has not been quantified in China.
Methods

We adopted a “top-down” approach, combining the pooled blood lead levels (BLLs) published in 2001–2020 about Chinese adults and relative risk (RR) of lead-induced CVD to estimate the burden of disease (BoD) of lead-induced CVD by using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The mean observed individual (OIM) model was used to estimate lead exposure from each source (diet, air, water, and soil) and calculate their contribution rates.
Results

The mean BLLs of Chinese adults was 5.23 µg/dL (standard deviation [SD] = 2.21 µg/dL), which resulted in 3.239 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 3.034–3.406) million DALYs for CVD. The dietary lead exposure was the major contributor to the BoD of lead-induced CVD, accounting for 67.93%. It resulted in 2.200 (95% UI 2.061–2.313) million DALYs for CVD, including 0.711 (95% UI 0.685–0.737) million DALYs for ischemic heart disease, 1.177 (95% UI 1.113–1.241) million DALYs for stroke, 0.228 (95% UI 0.153–0.253) million DALYs for hypertensive heart disease, and 0.021 (95% UI 0.019–0.024) million DALYs for rheumatic heart disease.
Conclusions

Dietary lead exposure causes high BoD of CVD in Chinese adults. More efforts to clarify the sources of lead contamination and reduce lead exposure in the population are warranted.
FTIR and dielectric relaxation analysis for PVC-Pb3O4 polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Taha T.A. , Mahmoud M.H. , Hayat Asif , Irfan Ahmad
Published: May 2021

This work studies the FTIR as well as dielectric characteristics of the PVC-Pb3O4 nanocomposite films. FTIR analysis shows the small shift in 650, 845 and 1732 cm− 1 band positions as a confirmation of interaction between Pb3O4 nanoparticles with PVC polymer matrix. The real permittivity (ε1) decreases with increasing frequency for all samples with the appearance of a relaxation peak at high temperatures. The dielectric loss data (ε2) of the PVC-Pb3O4 nanocomposite revealed a shift of the dielectric absorption peak towards high frequency with increasing the temperature. The activation energy values for both α and β relaxations almost decreased with increasing the Pb3O4 concentration. The energy density of samples containing Pb3O4 has a lower energy density than the pure PVC polymer film. The exponent s often increased with increasing the temperature, and this behavior is consistent with overlapping large-polaron tunneling model. The DC activation energy decreased when the percentage of Pb3O4 increased to 3.0 wt% and then increased at 4.0 wt%. Additionally, a convergence between these values and the activation energies of α and β relaxations observed, which is indicates that the same type of charge carriers participate in the processes.
Nanosized Monometallic Selenides Heterostructures Implanted into Metal Organic Frameworks-Derived Carbon for Efficient Lithium Storage
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Wang Dong , Mu Hongliang , Zhang Chunjie , Wu Liqing , Feng Liu , Sun Xiuyu , Zhang Guangshuai , Wu Jie , Wen Guangwu
Published: May 2021

Two-phase heterostructure with rich phase boundaries holds great potential in engineering advanced electrode materials. However, current heterostructures are largely generated by introducing exotic cations or anions, complicating synthetic procedures and disturbing real insights into the intrinsic effect of heterostructure. Herein, nanosized monometallic selenides heterostructures are developed by precisely controlled selenylation of metal organic frameworks, which are implanted into in-situ formed carbon (NiSe/NiSe2@C, CoSe/CoSe2@C). The disordered atoms arrangement at two-phase boundary leads to the redistribution of interfacial charge and generation of lattice distortions, promoting easy adsorption and swift transfer of Li+, and providing extra active sites. As a proof of concept, the NiSe/NiSe2@C exhibits far surpassing lithium storage properties to single-phase counterparts (NiSe@C and NiSe2@C), including higher reversible capacity of 1015.5 mAh g− 1, better rate capability (500.8 mAh g− 1 at 4 A g− 1), and superior cyclic performance. As expected, the NiSe/NiSe2@C manifests lower charge transfer resistance, higher Li+ diffusion coefficient, and accelerated capacitive kinetics. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction combined with differential capacity versus voltage plots reveal multi-step redox mechanism of NiSe/NiSe2@C and the reason of conspicuous capacity enhancement. This work demonstrates the enormous potential of monometallic monoanionic heterostructure in energy-related field.
Attentional Control in The Rostromedial Prefrontal Cortex in a Robot- Assisted Task: an Fnirs Study
Authors: Le Duc Trung , Watanabe Kazuki , Ogawa Hiroki , Matsushita Kojiro , Imada Naoki , Taki Shingo , Iwamoto Yuji , Imura Takeshi , Araki Hayato , Araki Osamu , Ono Taketoshi , Nishijo Hisao , Fujita Naoto , Urakawa Susumu
Published: May 2021

During robot-assisted tasks, central nervous system may attend to external information-processing mode, termed as external attending. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. The rostromedial prefrontal cortex (rmPFC) may be the core of an attentional control system that biases the allocation of attentional resources toward external information-processing when external attending is required for ongoing task performance. Here, we employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate hemodynamic responses in rmPFC subregions and additional frontal-parietal cortices during robot-assisted motor execution. Elbow flexion-extension movements, which require attention to kinematic consistency in range-of-motion, were employed as a motor task. Eighteen participants performed the task in three loading conditions requiring different degrees of external attending in ascending order: non-loading (NON), resistive loading (RES), and robotic assistive loading condition (ROB). Hemodynamic responses in the ventral and dorsal rmPFC were higher during ROB than during NON. Responses in the ventral rmPFC were significantly higher during ROB than during RES. Further, hemodynamic responses in the dorsal rmPFC during ROB were positively correlated with kinematic variability. These data suggest that robot-assisted motor execution involves rmPFC processes to bias the allocation of attentional resources toward external information-processing.
Ethnic identity formation among post-high-school religious mechina gap-year programs in Israel
Authors: Gross Zehavit , Halevy Gai
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to test changes in ethnic identity from two points of view: Marcia's identity status model and ethnic identity literature. Based on 135 participants who completed the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) questionnaires at two times intervals, stability was found at the mean level, while stability, progression and regression were found at the individual level. Transitions from moratorium into achievement were found more than into diffusion. Status changes derived mainly following changes in the commitment component. In line with Erikson's theory, the results highlight the effect of the sociocultural context on the identity formation process, and the need to examine changes in identity formation processes over time, both at the mean level and the individual level. These findings could be relevant to other countries, which are going through similar processes of demographic changes in which the minority challenges the hegemony of the majority.
The Pattern of Abdominal Trauma in Ramadi city: An Experience of 74 Cases
Authors: AL-Ubaide Amer Fakhree , Al-Ani Raid M. , Saeed Hamad Khalaf
Published: May 2021

Background: The abdomen is the third part of the body subjected to trauma. Abdominal trauma (AT) is divided into penetrating and blunt injuries, which differ in their distribution according to geographical areas. Early management can reduce its high morbidity and mortality.Objectives: To evaluate the socio-clinical, operative findings, complications, and fatality rate of subjects with AT. Patients and methods: Patients with isolated AT admitted to the emergency unit in the Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Ramadi City, Iraq, and subjected to exploratory laparotomy were enrolled in the study. The study covered a period of 9 months (June 2019 to February 2020). Demographic, clinical, operative findings and the outcomes were registered and analyzed for all patients. Results: At our hospital, 1119 patients were presented to the causality with trauma during the study period, 74 (6.6%) of them with AT. The majority of the patients were in the age group <30 years (70.3%) and the males formed 90.5% of the cases. Around 90% of the subjects were with penetrating AT, with gunshot (79.7%) was the commonest cause. Around 80% of the patients were presented within 1-12 hours following the trauma. There were 3 or more injured organs (58.1%) found during the operations. The fatality rate showed a statistically significant effect with the age of the patients, time of presentation, mean blood pressure, and hospitalization period (P-value <0.05).Conclusion: AT showed a prevalence of 6.6%. Penetrating AT outnumbers the blunt injury. The mortality rate was 20.3%. In the youngest age group, a long time elapsed following trauma, lower mean blood pressure, and a long hospitalization period harmed the death rate.
Risks Assessment Expending AHP-GA Method: A Novel Approach for Hazard Factors of Barapukuria Coal Mine in Bangladesh.Risks Assessment Expending AHP-GA Method: A Novel Approach for Hazard Factors of Barapukuria Coal Mine in Bangladesh.
Authors: Ahmed Kawsar , Islam Md. Zahidul , Hossain Md. Nuralam , Deng Hongwei
Published: May 2021

Mining industry's working milieu is influenced by various hazardous factors. Perhaps in Bangladesh, future working environments will be insecure for the lack of congenial methodology to reduce risk factors of Barapukuria Coal Mine (BCM). Many inconsistencies were found in multi-criteria judgment and resolution problems in mine. The study objective is to amplify with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-Genetic Algorithm (GA) method for solving accidental factors identifying problems in the BCM field. Our promised tactics is for risk appraisement at BCM. We are wary of the methodology for risk factors to identify and secure a thriving way for working with better ambience in mining by including year wise accidental data from 2002 to 2012. Our evaluation framework was described with a widespread three layer that analyzed step by step by Microsoft excel and MATLAB software. The weight value and accuracy of the assigned matrix was calculated for the mentioned AHP-GA method. To enhance efficiency, this paper pretends to resolve a multi-decisional puzzle with intimate connection of AHP-GA from the advantage of MCDM, and minimizes the gap of combining GA with AHP for practical application. AHP-GA technique will perform in a fruitful way both on qualitative and quantitative multi-assessment complex solutions in coal mines. In this study, we have elaborated the application of AHP-GA procedure which surrounds the value to enlarge the better decision local option on mining areas for BCM. Finally, we come into view the BCM safety level is inclined to "General" by our proposed novel setting.
Investigation of parametric and artificial neural network modeling approaches for total tree height prediction in cedar plantations
Authors: Karatepe Yasin , Diamantopoulou Maria J. , Özçelik Ramazan , Sürücü Zerrin
Published: May 2021

Background: Height-diameter relationships are of critical importance in tree and stand volume estimation. Stand description, site quality determination and proper forest management decisions originate from reliable stem height predictions. Methods: In the context of this work, the prediction ability of the developed height-diameter models was investigated for cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) plantations in Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Towards this direction, parametric modeling methods such as fixed-effects, generalized models, and mixed-effects were evaluated. Furthermore, in an effort to come up with the construction of more reliable stem-height prediction models, artificial neural networks were employed using two different modeling algorithms: the Levenberg-Marquardt and the resilient back-propagation. Results: Taking into account the prediction behavior of each respective modelling strategy while using a new validation data set, the mixed-effects model with calibration using 3 trees for each plot seems to be a reliable alternative to the rest standard modelling approaches given the evaluation statistics regarding the predictions of tree heights. Conclusion: Finally, as for providing the most reliable results as compared to the remaining, the resilient propagation algorithm showed its capability of providing more accurate predictions of the tree stem height and thus it can be a reliable alternative to pre-existing modelling methodologies.
Impact of the COVID-19 among University Students in Bangladesh: An Analysis
Authors: Mohiuddin Anira , Miah Md. Abdul Kader , Akter Mahmuda
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has influenced all levels of the instruction framework, especially in University education. Since March 26, 2020, public holidays was pronounced by the Government of Bangladesh in all educational institutions which hamper the students’ everyday schedules and affect their both physical and mental wellbeing. This study aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 among the university students in Bangladesh by identifying their socio-demographic condition, changes in livelihood, and distinctly measuring the social, economic, educational, technological, and psychological impact. Quantitative research design is followed in this study where participants were selected using convenience sampling (135 respondents) through an online survey (Google Forms). The time period of data collection was from August to October 2020. From this study, university students have experienced both social stigmatization and economic crisis due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the maximum has experienced anxiety, loneliness, emotional breakdown, sleeping disorder, keep checking the news in the little time interval, difficulty to connect with daily normal life, tensed about re-infected by COVID-19. Besides, due to the inadequate availability of internet in remote and rural areas, the speed and cost of internet, the availability of electronic devices to access the internet, and the lack of interaction between students and teachers. Indeed, it is high time that the government and associated educational institutions should make a proper plan about how to overcome the challenges of ongoing university students’ condition to improve the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as early as possible.
COMPOSIÇÃO QUÍMICA E ATIVIDADES FOTOPROTETORA E ANTIRADICALAR IN VITRO DOS GALHOS DE Platonia insignis (CLUSIACEAE)
Authors: Silva Andréia , Moreira Rodrigo , Sousa Renato , Filho Evaldo , Veras Marcia , Chaves Mariana , Freitas Sâmya
Published: May 2021

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND PHOTOPROTECTIVE AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITIES OF THE BRANCHES OF Platonia insignis (CLUSIACEAE). The chemical study of the branches of Platonia insignis enabled the isolation of the biflavonoid morelloflavone and the identification, by mass spectrometry, of over 9 polyphenols, including eight biflavonoids, one benzophenone, and one xanthone. The in vitro biological tests of solar photoprotection and antiradical activities against the crude extract and Hex and AcOEt fractions showed relevant results, which confirm the high pharmaceutical potential of the species
Örme Kumaş Gözenekliliği ile Hava Geçirgenliği Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Authors: TELLİ Abdurrahman
Published: May 2021

Bu çalışmada farklı yapı ve özellikte on iki adet 1x1 rib örme kumaş kullanılmıştır. Örme kumaşların hava geçirgenlikleri ölçülmüş ve mikroskop altında görüntüleri alınmıştır. Görsellerin MATLAB paket programında görüntü işleme teknikleriyle görüntü doku parametreleri analiz edilmiştir. Kumaş gözenekliliği ile ilgili sekiz farklı görüntü doku parametresi ve hava geçirgenliği arasındaki ilişki korelasyon analizi ile istatistiki olarak incelenmiştir. Aynı hammaddeden üretilmiş kumaşlarda kumaş gözenekliliği parametreleri ile hava geçirgenliği arasında güçlü bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Ancak farklı hammaddeler kullanıldığında bu güçlü ilişkinin azaldığı gözlenmiştir. Örme kumaşların hava geçirgenliği üzerinde iplik ve kumaş gözenekliliğine ek olarak lif özellikleri ve karışım oranının da etkileri tespit edilmiştir.
Çetmi (Konya) Civarının Tektono-Stratigrafisi
Authors: SEVİMLİ Ulaş İnan , AŞIK Özkan , ÜNLÜGENÇ Ulvi Can
Published: May 2021

İnceleme alanı, Orta Torosların jeolojik özelliklerini içermekle birlikte, Aladağ Birliği, Bolkar Dağı Birliği ve Bozkır Birliği adlarıyla bilinen ve yapısal, stratigrafi ve metamorfizma özellikleri bakımından birbirinden ayrı ortam koşullarını yansıtan kayaç birimi toplulukları aralarında tektonik dokanaklı olarak birbirleri üzerinde yer almaktadır. Bolkar Dağı ve Aladağ birlikleri, Geç Devoniyen-Geç Kretase yaş aralığında çökelmiş olan şelf tipi karbonat ile kırıntılı kaya birimlerini içermektedir. İçerisinde Senoniyen yaşlı olistolit ve olistostromal bloklar bulunmakla birlikte, tamamı inceleme alanında gözlemlenmeyen Geyik dağı birliğine ait olan Lütesiyen yaşlı denizel kırıntılıların üzerinde çok düşük açılı naplar halinde üzerlemektedir. Bu iki tektonik birlik, birbirleriyle benzerlik göstermekle birlikte hem stratigrafik hem
yapısal hem de metamorfizma özellikleri açısından farklıdırlar. Yamaç, havza ve az oranda platform çökelleri ile temsil edilen Bozkır Birliği, Triyas-Kretase aralığında bazik deniz altı volkanitleri, tüf, vb. kayaların değişik boyutlarda blok ve dilimleri kapsayan büyük bir melanj şeklindedir. Geç Paleosen- Erken Eosen yaş aralığında, Aladağ ve Geyik Dağı birliklerinin arasında ofiyolit, spilitik volkanit arakatkılı pelajik kireçtaşlarını kapsayan “Ofiyolitli Melanj” ile temsil edilen dar ve kısa ömürlü bir
okyanus havzasının yer aldığı düşünülmektedir. Karışık, Geyik dağı birliği ile Aladağ ve Bolkar dağı birlikleri arasında, değişik kalınlıklarda naplar halinde bulunmaktadır. Birliklerin birbirleri ile stratigrafik, yapısal ve metamorfizma özelikleri dikkate alındığında; (a) Erken Triyas-Senoniyen aralığında, güneyden kuzeye doğru Geyik dağı, Aladağ, Bolkar dağı ve Bozkır birliği şeklinde bir dizilimle, platformdan okyanusa uzanan bir havzayı oluşturdukları; (b) Kuzey Tetis Okyanusu olarak adlandırılabilecek olan bu havzanın Geç Senoniyen’de kapanmasına bağlı olarak, Bozkır birliğinin kendi içinde dilimlenip, Bolkar dağı ve Aladağ birliklerini üzerlediği; (c) İlerdiyen sonunda Bolkar dağı ve Aladağ birliklerin kapanan havzanın ofiyolitleriyle birlikte, üzerinde Bozkır Birliğinin dilimlerini de bulundurarak göreceli otokton olan Geyik dağı birliği üzerine tektonik olarak taşındığı düşünülmektedir.
Willingness to pay for improved safe drinking water in a coastal urban area in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahsan Md. Nasif , Hadiujjaman Sheikh , Islam Md. Sariful , Nasrin Nishad , Akter Mukta , Parvin Gulsan Ara , Hossain Md. Sarwar
Published: May 2021

Discontentment with a piped supply system of drinking water has become a significant concern in Bangladesh's urban areas in recent years, necessitating the improvement of different aspects of the system in question. Therefore, by conducting a discrete choice experiment on 115 households out of a systematically selected 161 households, this study aims to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for an improved safe drinking water supply by considering the trade-offs made by urban dwellers for the proposed improvements to an existing water supply system in the Khulna City Corporation (KCC) area of Bangladesh. The primary results show that the total WTP of households is estimated at BDT 243.6 (≈US$ 2.87) per month, implying that respondents are ready to pay for improvements to the water supply attributes of water quality, regularity of supply, water pressure in taps, and filtering. A revenue stream for an improved water supply system is also being developed, suggesting that investment in improving the system would be a ‘no-regret’ decision and economically sustainable.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of phosphate removal from seawater by multi-stage coagulation
Authors: Jin Wei , Hao Dongliang , Assiyeh Alizadeh Tabatabai S. , Kennedy Maria , Schippers Jan C.
Published: May 2021

Phosphate removal from seawater is important for biofouling control on RO membranes because phosphorus is one of the nutrients for microbial growth. This paper is based on the hypothesis that multi-stage coagulation results in better phosphate removal. Therefore, comparison of phosphate removal with one-step and three-step dose coagulation from the aspects of both the theoretical calculation and experimental results is investigated in this paper. The result of theoretical calculation based on the Freundlich equation shows that the final phosphate concentration from a three-step dose, i.e. 0.43 μgP/L, is ten times lower than that from a one-step dose, i.e. 4.47 μgP/L. The experimental result shows that for the three-step dose, final phosphate concentration is 1.0 μgP/L, which is lower than for the one-step dose (i.e. 4.0 μgP/L), but not as low as the theoretical calculated value (0.43 μgP/L). This discrepancy between theoretical calculation and experimental result may be the impact of equilibrium phosphate concentration, different initial Fe:P molar ratio and NOM competition between one-step dose and three-step dose coagulation. Although this discrepancy exists, the experimental results still showed that multi-stage coagulation presented better phosphate removal in seawater to concentration levels that are lower than with conventional coagulation. In other words, the problem of the high coagulant dosage in the pretreatment process while removing phosphate from seawater may be solved by application of multi-stage coagulation instead of conventional coagulation.