bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar Flare Prediction with the Hybrid Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zheng Yanfang , Li Xuebao , Wang Xinshuo
Published: November 2019

We propose a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model (Model 2) and modify a popular CNN model (Model 1) to predict multiclass solar flare occurrence within 24 hr. We collect samples of solar active regions provided by the Space-weather Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager Active Region Patches data from 2010 May to 2018 September. These samples are categorized into four classes (No-flare, C, M, and X), containing 10 separate data sets. Then after training, validating, and testing our models, we compare the results with previous studies in forecast verification metrics with an emphasis on the true skill statistic (TSS). The main results are summarized as follows. (1) This is the first time that the CNN models are used to make multiclass predictions of solar flare. (2) Model 2 has better values of all statistical scores than Model 1 in every class. (3) Model 2 achieves relatively high average scores of TSS = 0.768 for No-flare class, 0.538 for C class, 0.534 for M class, and 0.552 for X class, which are the best results from the existing literatures. (4) Model 2 also can be used to make binary class flare predictions for ≥M-class major flares, and the performance yields a TSS with 0.749 ± 0.079. (5) Model 2 obtains fairly good scores in other metrics for both multiclass flare predictions and ≥M-class major flare predictions. We surmise that some crucial features extracted automatically by our models may have not been excavated before and could provide important clues for studying the mechanism of flare.
A review of the genus Sinocentrus Yuan (Hemiptera, Membracidae, Centrotinae) with description of a new species from China
Authors: Li Feng-E , Yang Lin , Long Jian-Kun , Chang Zhi-Min , Chen Xiang-Sheng
Published: November 2019

A new species of the treehopper genus Sinocentrus Yuan, S. brevicornis Li & Chen, sp. nov. from China, is described and illustrated. A checklist and key to species of the Sinocentrus are provided.
Ten new species of the spider genus Sinoderces Li & Li, 2017 from China, Laos and Thailand (Araneae, Psilodercidae)
Authors: Bai Zilong , Li Fengyuan , Li Shuqiang
Published: November 2019

Ten new species of the spider family Psilodercidae Machado, 1951 are described from tropical East Asia, including five species found in China: Sinoderces luohanensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. xueae Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. taichi Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. wenshanensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. aiensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀); three are from Laos: S. khanensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. phathaoensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. kieoensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂); and the rest are from Thailand: S. saraburiensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂), S. dewaroopensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀). Types of all new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China.
Atrial Fibrillation/flutter Hospitalizations among US Medicaid Recipients with and without Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chen Sarah K. , Barbhaiya Medha , Solomon Daniel H. , Guan Hongshu , Yoshida Kazuki , Feldman Candace H. , Everett Brendan M. , Costenbader Karen H.
Published: November 2019

Objective.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with high prevalence of several risk factors for atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF). However, the incidence and risk of AF in SLE have not been well quantified.

Methods.

We used the United States Medicaid Analytic eXtract from 2007 to 2010 to identify beneficiaries aged 18–65 years, with prevalent SLE, each matched by age and sex to 4 non-SLE general Medicaid recipients. We estimated the incidence rates (IR) per 1000 person-years (PY) for AF hospitalizations and used multivariable Cox regression to estimate the HR for AF hospitalization.

Results.

We identified 46,876 US Medicaid recipients with SLE, and 187,504 age- and sex-matched non-SLE controls (93% female; mean age 41.5 ± 12.2 yrs). Known AF risk factors such as hypertension (HTN), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and kidney disease were more prevalent in patients with SLE. During a mean followup of 1.9 ± 1.1 years for SLE, and 1.8 ± 1.1 years for controls, the IR per 1000 PY for AF was 1.4 (95% CI 1.1–1.6) among patients with SLE and 0.7 (95% CI 0.6–0.8) among non-SLE controls. In age- and sex-matched and race-adjusted Cox models, the HR for AF was 1.79 (95% CI 1.43–2.24); after adjustment for baseline HTN and CVD, the adjusted HR was reduced to 1.17 (95% CI 0.92–1.48).

Conclusion.

SLE was associated with a doubled rate of hospitalization for AF compared to age- and sex-matched general Medicaid patients. In a race-adjusted model, the risk was 80% higher. However, the AF risk factors HTN and CVD were more prevalent among patients with SLE and accounted for the excess risk.
Imaging Techniques: Options for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Treatment of Enthesitis in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Bakewell Catherine , Aydin Sibel Zehra , Ranganath Veena K. , Eder Lihi , Kaeley Gurjit S.
Published: November 2019

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects up to 30% of patients with psoriasis and may include musculoskeletal manifestations such as enthesitis. Enthesitis is associated with joint damage, and early detection and treatment are essential to management of the disease. Traditionally assessed by clinical examination and conventional radiography, entheseal inflammation can now be more accurately assessed earlier in the disease using techniques such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and molecular imaging. However, there is little consensus on the optimum definition for diagnosing enthesitis in PsA or on the ideal scoring system for measuring response to treatment. This review aims to summarize the benefits and limitations of different imaging modalities in the assessment of enthesitis. It also proposes that adoption of standardized definitions and validation of scoring systems and imaging techniques in clinical trials will allow the efficacy of new treatment options to be assessed more accurately.
Residual Disease Activity and Associated Factors in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Lubrano Ennio , Scriffignano Silvia , Perrotta Fabio Massimo
Published: November 2019

Objective

Remission or low disease activity should be the treatment target of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, residual disease activity (RDA) in some domains could persist. The aim of this study was to assess RDA and its associated factors in a group of patients with PsA.

Methods

Patients with PsA were enrolled if they satisfied ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria with > 6 months’ followup and achieved a status of low disease activity (LDA), minimal disease activity (MDA), or remission [Disease Activity Index for PsA (DAPSA) remission or very low disease activity (VLDA)]. RDA was assessed by the percentage of patients who had, although in LDA or remission, tender and/or swollen joints > 1, Leeds Enthesitis Index > 1, Health Assessment Questionnaire > 0.5, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) > 1, patient’s global assessment > 20, physician visual analog scale (VAS) > 20, and VAS pain > 15. Associated factors of RDA were also assessed.

Results

Of 113 enrolled patients, 78 (69%) were in MDA. Moreover, DAPSA remission was observed in 46 (40.7%) while VLDA only in 32 (28.3%) of patients with PsA. VLDA seems to be the most stringent criterion, with a minimal RDA only in the VAS physician in 1 patient (3.1%) and none in the different domains, while patients in MDA had RDA in tender joints (14.1%), VAS pain (29.4%) and PASI > 1 or body surface area (BSA) > 3% (17.9%). Of note, although patients in DAPSA remission show a very low rate of RDA in almost all domains, 12 (26%) of them show a PASI > 1 or BSA > 3%. Finally, LDA shows RDA in higher percentages, mainly in patient-reported outcomes, tender joints, and skin domain.

Conclusion

RDA can be recognized in patients with PsA. VLDA seems to be the most stringent composite index to identify patients in the absence of RDA.
Facebook Instant Articles en los periódicos españoles: el tráfico social y móvil ante la crisis de los diarios digitales
Authors: Navío-Navarro Mariché
Published: November 2019

Les changements dans la consommation de l’information par les usagers espagnols, suite à l’implantation des réseaux sociaux et des dispositifs mobiles, a placé les périodiques numériques face à un important défi. En 2015, Facebook a créé Instant Articles, une plateforme qui permettait aux journaux de publier la totalité de leur contenu sur Facebook. Nombreux sont les médias espagnols qui, entre 2016 et 2017, ont intégré les articles instantanés dans leur stratégie de diffusion. Cette étude repose sur l’analyse des pages publiées sur Facebook par les dix journaux numériques les plus lus. Pour chacun d’entre eux, les posts ont été classés et ceux générés à partir d’Instant Articles font l’objet d’une analyse détaillée. L’objectif est de déterminer le degré de pénétration de cet outil, les usages qui en sont fait et le rapport de ces titres à Facebook. Cette étude fait apparaître d’importante différences parmi les principaux médias : alors que certains d’entre eux ont privilégié les articles instantanés, d’autres ont abandonné cette pratique, à l’instar de la plupart des périodiques dans le monde.
A Study on Electromagnetic Harvester with Sputter Coated Cantilever Beam Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Kulkarni Harshavardhan , Saravana Bavan D. , Rajagopal M.S.
Published: November 2019

The work is focussed on measuring model parameters of a piezoelectric bending energy harvester cantilever beam with sputter coated technique using finite element analysis. The beam was studied for a wide range of frequencies of about 100-1200Hz. The finite element simulation results confirm that the vibrations in the above mentioned frequency range can be effectively utilised to generate energy. Design of electrometrical vibration energy harvester was carried out with literature survey and the effect was analysed for the given length of beam to the voltage produced by the harvester. The Electromagnetic analysis induced voltage is validated with the help of commercial finite element software ANSYS. The simulation results revealed that the effect of sputter coating on the beam will increase the power generation.
Experimental Studies of Biogas in a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine by Dual Fuel Mode of Operation
Authors: Jagadish C. , Veershetty Gumtapure
Published: November 2019

The aim of this work is to examine the performance, combustion as well as emission characteristics of diesel engine performed for various mixtures of methane-enriched biogas (95% CH4). Experiments were performed on a single cylinder, four-stroke constant speed, direct injection, water-cooled diesel engine. The engine is operated by means of dual fuel mode using diesel and different mixtures of methane-enriched biogas (BG) like BG10, BG20, BG30, and BG40 mixed with the air (i.e. BG40-40% of CH4 by volume respectively) for different loads and at injection timing of 27.5° before top dead centre (bTDC). The performance, combustion and emission characteristics of the engine operated by dual fuel mode were experimentally analyzed, and compared with respect to diesel mode. The experimental result reveals that better performance and lower emissions were observed for BG40 compared to other mixtures. The brake thermal efficiency of BG40 is lower by 2.43% compared to diesel at full load. The cylinder peak pressure for dual fuel mode is higher by 6.55% when compared with diesel mode. NOx emission reduced by 2.6 % and CO emission increased by 3.3% compared to diesel at full load respectively. Keywords: Biogas, Energy, Combustion, Emission, Injection timing, dual fuel mode
Experimental Investigations on Vibration Properties of Aluminium Matrix Composites Reinforced with Iron Oxide Particles
Authors: Shivakumar S.P. , Sharan A.S. , Sadashivappa K.
Published: November 2019

Aluminium matrix composites offer improved damping properties than other metals and its alloy. Generally pure metals and its alloys may have fairly good mechanical properties but falls short in damping properties. Aluminium matrix composites are becoming important in aerospace automobile and marine applications due to its god damping properties. The present investigation is concerned with the damping capacity of iron oxide (Fe2O3) reinforced aluminium matrix composite. The composites were fabricated with 2%, 4% and 6%, by weight of iron oxide with varied particle of size 40 μm and 500 nm in equal proportions using stir casting process. From the results obtained the 500 nm size with 4 wt% of iron oxide showed improved dynamic properties. The iron oxides reinforced with aluminum matrix are found to be new substitutes for the existing materials with low damping properties.
Performance Analysis of Pongamia Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel for CI Engine
Authors: Anand A. , Nithyananda B.S. , Naveen Prakash G.V.
Published: November 2019

India is a fastest growing major economy in 2018, with a growth rate of 7.4 per cent GDP. Energy use in developing countries like India has risen more than fourfold over the past three decades and is expected to continue increasing rapidly in the future. Energy is essential for a economical growth of any county. Biofuels derived from renewable resources will become a alternative supplement for the conventional energy sources in meeting the increasing requirements for transportation fuels. In the present paper, effort are made to evaluate the pongamia biodiesel of 20% Blend (PB20) with neat diesel as an alternative fuel for CI engine. The pongamia oil is converted into pongamia methyl esters (Biodiesel) using two step process Esterification and Transesterification. The fuel properties of raw pongamia methyl ester and blend (PB20) are evaluated as per ASTM/BIS standards to check their feasibility as an alternative fuel. The prepared blend is used to run the computerized CRDI diesel engine at different load conditions. From the experimental investigation made, PB20 has a potential to be as an alternative fuel for diesel engine. The performance of PB20 with respect to Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTHE), Mechanical Efficiency, Brake Mean Effective Pressure (BMEP) and Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) is comparatively low when compared to neat diesel. The P-Ɵ and P-V diagram shows that the combustion of PB20 is as similar to that of neat diesel.
Analysis of Magneto Rheological Fluid Journal Bearing
Authors: Rao B. Narasimha , Sekhar A. Seshadri
Published: November 2019

Magneto Rheological (MR) fluids are a class of smart materials where the shear stress is not directly proportional to rate of shear. The viscosity of fluid changes as magnetic field changes and hence this phenomenon is very useful in bearing-rotor system for attenuating the vibrations. In the present study the application of MR fluid as lubricant instead of Newtonian fluid in the journal bearing is explored through steady state, dynamic characteristics and stability. MR fluid film has been modeled as per Bingham rheological model. FEM with three node triangular elements has been used to solve the Reynolds equation both for the Newtonian fluid film and MR fluid film. The results show the load carrying capacity in the case of MR fluid journal bearing is higher than that of using the Newtonian fluid. The load carrying capacity increases with the increasing magnetic field for all eccentricity ratios. The results also show better stability of the bearing using MR fluid at higher eccentricity ratios. The unbalance response of the rotor mounted on the journal bearing using MR fluid is also estimated to be lower than that of with the Newtonian fluid.
A System Dynamics Approach to Mitigate Waterlog due to Urban Flood in Jorhat Town, Assam
Authors: Bordoloi Priyanshee , Nath Thuleswar
Published: November 2019

Waterlog due to urban flood is a great threat to the urban population now-a-days. An unplanned city with illegitimate constructions and without proper drainage planning has led to this problem. Problems associated with urban floods range from relatively localized incidents to major incidents, resulting in cities being inundated from a few hours to several days. Therefore, the impact can also be widespread, including temporary relocation of people, damage to civic amenities, deterioration of water quality and risk of epidemics. The study undertakes the waterlog problem of Jorhat town, Assam, India. The paper presents a System Dynamics approach based on the cause and effect analysis and feedback loop structures. Ten factors Rainfall, Water Log, Population, Urbanisation, Cost (health and economy), Waste Material Production, Drainage Construction and Maintenance, Encroachment, Ground Percolation and Drain Capacity are considered for the causal loop diagram. The model runs in Vensim PLE software and the simulated results suggest to construct the poorly developed drains of the town and to minimise drain blockage to mitigate water log for now and coming future.
Processing and Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Coconut Coir and Rice Husk Reinforced Natural Hybrid Composites
Authors: Yogish C.K. , Pradeep S. , Kuldeep B. , Ravikumar K.P. , Raghavendra Rao R.
Published: November 2019

Over the last decades composite materials, plastics and ceramics have been the dominant emerging materials. The volume and number of applications of composite materials have grown steadily, penetrating and conquering new markets relentlessly. So everybody is concentrating on new materials which will be strong enough, less weight, recyclable with reduced cost. Hence all the researchers are concentrated on the composite materials which have all the above properties. The present work is concentrated on coconut coir fiber and Rice husk reinforced polyester hybrid composites. The composites specimen was fabricated with various weight percentages of natural fibers namely coconut coir (20%, 15%, 10%, and 5%) and Rice husk (15%, 10%, and 5%) combined with CamElect 3321 resin using hand lay-up method. So to obtain new composite materials different proportions of coconut coir and Rice husk is added and the mechanical properties such as Tensile strength, Flexural Strength and Impact test were carried out for the samples cut from the fabricated composites specimen to the dimensions as per ASTM standard. With the increasing percentage of the reinforcements the performance of the material is improving. The tensile strength increases with the increase in coir reinforcement percentage and flexural strength increases with the increasing in percentage of the rice husk and the impact strength of the material gets boost with equal proportional percentage of coconut coir and rice husk reinforcement.
Studies on Drilling AISI 316L Using Formulated Pongam Oil as Straight Cutting Fluid
Authors: Natesha C.P. , Amarendra Hassan Jayaraj , Shashidhara Y. M.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, experiments are conducted on drilling AISI 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel material using minimum quantity lubrication technique under formulated environmental friendly Pongam oil as cutting fluid. Cutting torque, Thrust force and Surface roughness and Chip formation are studied for the evaluation. The experimental results show that, the Cutting torque is dropped by 36 % under modified Pongam oil as cutting oil, compared to mineral oil base cutting fluid. About 34 % drop in Thrust force and Surface roughness values are noticed under formulated Pongam oil. Further, spiral and continuous form chips are seen under vegetable oil mode of lubrication compared discontinues spiral form under mineral oil based cutting fluid.
Studies on Effect of Corrosion for the Selection of Material of Self-Compensated Capacitive Type Liquid Level Sensor
Authors: Babu C.S. Suresh , Manohar Premila
Published: November 2019

This work deals with the design of fringe capacitance based non-contact type liquid level sensor employing self-compensation feature. The existing capacitive type sensors require additional compensation to overcome the problem of various stray capacitances, specifically due to atmospheric corrosion. This paper emphasizes on the selection of suitable material to accomplish the self-compensation feature in corrosive environment. Rate of attack of corrosion is studied on Copper (Cu) and Aluminium (Al) samples under drizzling environment. Visual Analysis of SEM images of samples exposed for different durations reveal that Al protects itself from the corrosion. Further, performance evaluation of two sensor units with Cu and Al electrodes under the same drizzling environment beside the respective samples indicate that sensor with Al electrodes facilitates the feature of self-compensation in corrosive environment. Further, the sensor is interfaced with Siemens PLC-S200 for liquid threshold level monitoring.
Study of Performance, Combustion and Emission Characteristics of DI Diesel Engine Fuelled with Neem Biodiesel with Carbon Nano Tube as Additive
Authors: Ramesha D.K. , Vidyasagar H.N. , Trilok G. , Lakshmi Prasad A , Vinay Kumar Reddy V.
Published: November 2019

To tackle one of the major environmental issues concerning modern day mankind, that is air pollution and to reduce dependency on other countries for conventional fuel, finding an alternative fuel is of high priority. Biodiesel is one such alternative. Adding nanoparticles like Carbon nanotubes (CNT) leads to reduction in emissions and enhancement in performance. In this context, in the present paper an experimental investigation was carried out on a computerized single cylinder water cooled diesel engine coupled with an eddy current dynamometer to determine the impact of blending CNT with biodiesel (Neem Oil Methyl Ester or NOME) and a comparative study of various blends using diesel as the baseline was done. The concentration of CNT used were 25 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm CNT blended with B20 biodiesel. The blends were prepared using homogeniser. Readings were recorded for different loads for all the blends and comparative graphs were drawn for performance, combustion and emission characteristics. There was an improvement in the performance characteristics with 8.1% increase in BTE, lowered emissions with 0.0785% decrease in CO and 8.15% decrease in UBHC emissions along with improved combustion relative to diesel when CNT (50 ppm) was added to B20 biodiesel.
Effect of Process Parameters on Cutting Forces and Surface Roughness in Machining of DSS 2205 Using Taguchi’s Approach
Authors: Suresh R. , Shivaramu L. , Siddesh Kumar N.G. , Dath T.N. Srikantha
Published: November 2019

In the present study an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of process parameters on surface roughness and cutting forces generation in machining of Duplex Stainless Steel (DSS 2205) grade material with TiN coated carbide tool. Taguchi technique is used for optimizing the process parameters. L27 orthogonal array was used to conduct the experimental trials. Cutting forces recorded using piezo-electric based mill tool dynamometer and surface roughness measured using surface roughness measuring instrument. The obtained results indicated that the cutting force increases with increase in feed rate and depth of cut whereas cutting forces decreases with increase in cutting speed. Surface roughness decreases with increase in cutting speed and low feed rate. Scanning Electroscope Microscopic (SEM) images indicates the feed marks, undeformed material and patches on the machined surface. The formation of material side flow and burrs on the feed marks ridges observed at higher cutting speed, low feed rate and depth of cut. It is mainly due to the material behavior like elastic-plastic deformation of the surface layer. The material side flow causes the considerable deterioration of surface quality of the DSS 2205 steel.
Microstructure and Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Nickel Based Hardfacing Stainless Steel Deposited by Gas Metal Arc Welding
Authors: Suresha Bheemappa , Channabasavanna S.G. , Shanmugam N. Siva
Published: November 2019

Wear is one of the foremost issues faced in manufacturing industries that reduces the lifestyles of machine elements and will increase the running costs. Therefore, hardfacing is extensively employed by industry professionals to minimise the wear of moving components. In this research work, a nickel based alloy recognized as Hastelloy C-276 was strengthened on stainless steel (316L) substrate via the usage of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) technique. The coating thickness used to be assorted was from 1 to 3 mm on the substrate. The optical microstructure of the interface revealed the defect-free fusion between hardface and substrate metals. Microhardness (Hv) and three-body abrasive put on test have proven that the hardfaced alloy metal posses higher hardness and effective wear resistance. The worn surface morphologies have been found using SEM in order to perceive the involved wear mechanisms.
Study the Effect of Different Roller Shape on the Spread of Material in Rolling Operation Using Manufacturing Simulation
Authors: Hemanth T.S. , Arunkumar Y. , Srinath M.S.
Published: November 2019

Simulation plays a vital role in present-day product development. Simulation of manufacturing process in product design and development helps to save valuable resources in terms of materials, energy and also in the optimisation of process parameters. Metal rolling accounts to majority of the materials used in the bulk-forming. It is difficult to predict metal flow in the lateral direction in the conventional metal rolling. Manufacturing the rollers of different shapes and conducting experiments physically consumes valuable resources. These valuable resource are saved using the simulation of rolling operations using FEM-based metal forming simulation software. Simulation experiments are carried out to determine the effect of different shapes of rollers on the spread of material. In this work, spread of the material is analysed when the material is passed through different shaped rollers. Three types of rollers have been designed to study the effect of adding grooves on the spread of materials. It is seen that smaller groove size decreases the spread whereas larger size groove on the rollers increases the spread.
Study of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Carbon-Jute Reinforced Polyester Hybrid Composites
Authors: Rakshith R. , Bhat Puneeth Parameshwar , Sandeep B.
Published: November 2019

The effect of the fiber orientation of thermosetting polyester resin with carbon and jute fiber-a natural polymer hybrid composite has been investigated by experiments. The tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, specific gravity and three body wear tests. The natural polymer hybrid composite is developed by the traditional method of fabricating the composite i.e. by hand lay-up technique. The proportion by weight of fibers and resin are kept constant, while varying the fiber orientation. The laminates are kept for curing at room temperature condition. Specimens are developed according to ASTM standards. Experimental results showed that hybridization of the composite with natural and synthetic fibers shows enhanced mechanical properties. The content of natural reinforcements is 60% in the developed hybrid composite. The effect of untreated jute placed at different fiber orientation has significant effect on the flexural, impact, hardness and specific gravity properties than tensile properties. The wear property has shown good resistance if the presence of carbon fiber. An overall comparison between the properties of the developed natural polymer hybrid composite revealed that the presence of carbon fiber woven mat on both the sides of the composite has played the critical role by balancing the properties and reducing the overall cost
Investigations on Mechanical Performance of Multi-Layered Microwave Processed HDPE/Sisal Composites for Automobile Applications
Authors: Verma Nishant , Zafar Sunny
Published: November 2019

The present investigation is based on fabrication of sisal reinforced high density poly ethylene (HDPE) composites using a novel manufacturing route of microwave processing. Microwave processing was carried out in a multimode applicator at 2.45 GHz with single and multi-layered sisal fibre reinforcement. The comparison between single and multilayered sisal fibre reinforced composites were assessed in terms of tensile, flexural and impact strength. It was found that the multi-layered sisal fibre microwave processed composite has superior properties than single layered reinforced composite. The fractography of tensile fractured surfaces was assessed using electron microscopy. The microwave processed HDPE/sisal composites can be used as a dashboard material of an automobile.
Stress Management Intervention to Prevent Post–Intensive Care Syndrome–Family in Patients’ Spouses
Authors: Cairns Paula L. , Buck Harleah G. , Kip Kevin E. , Rodriguez Carmen S. , Liang Zhan , Munro Cindy L.
Published: November 2019

Background

Post–intensive care syndrome–family (PICS-F) refers to acute and chronic psychological effects of critical care on family members of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Evidence suggests that increased distress during the ICU stay increases risk of PICS-F. Sensation Awareness Focused Training (SĀF-T) is a new, promising stress management intervention, but the feasibility of such training during the ICU stay for family caregivers who are acting as the surrogate decision-maker for patients who are undergoing mechanical ventilation is unknown.

Objectives

To assess feasibility and acceptability of SĀF-T to inform a future larger randomized controlled trial.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial of SĀF-T (n = 5) versus a control (n = 5) group was conducted at a level 1 trauma center. Participants assigned to SĀF-T completed 1 session daily for 3 days. Measures included enrollment rate, data completion rate, acceptability of SĀF-T, and symptoms of PICS-F. Scales used included Perceived Stress, Hospital Anxiety and Depression, Impact of Event, and National Institutes of Health Toolbox Emotion Battery.

Results

Mean age was 58 (SD, 12) years; 70% of participants were female. Predetermined feasibility criteria were met in enrollment rate (67%), outcome measures completion rate (> 90%), and SĀF-T acceptability (100% of doses completed during the ICU stay) without adverse events. Stress scores after SĀF-T were significantly lower than scores before SĀF-T (z = −3.5, P = .01).

Conclusions

SĀF-T intervention during the ICU stay is feasible, acceptable, and may improve family caregivers’ post-ICU outcomes. Larger clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of SĀF-T in preventing PICS-F seem warranted.
CCR2-Mediated Uptake of Constitutively Produced CCL2: A Mechanism for Regulating Chemokine Levels in the Blood
Authors: Zhao Bin N. , Campbell James J. , Salanga Catherina L. , Ertl Linda S. , Wang Yu , Yau Simon , Dang Ton , Zeng Yibin , McMahon Jeffrey P. , Krasinski Antoni , Zhang Penglie , Kufareva Irina , Handel Tracy M. , Charo Israel F. , Singh Rajinder , Schall Thomas J.
Published: November 2019

C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is a key driver of monocyte/macrophage trafficking to sites of inflammation and has long been considered a target for intervention in autoimmune disease. However, systemic administration of CCR2 antagonists is associated with marked increases in CCL2, a CCR2 ligand, in the blood. This heretofore unexplained phenomenon complicates interpretation of in vivo responses to CCR2 antagonism. We report that CCL2 elevation after pharmacological CCR2 blockade is due to interruption in a balance between CCL2 secretion by a variety of cells and its uptake by constitutive internalization and recycling of CCR2. We observed this phenomenon in response to structurally diverse CCR2 antagonists in wild-type mice, and also found substantially higher CCL2 plasma levels in mice lacking the CCR2 gene. Our findings suggest that CCL2 is cleared from blood in a CCR2-dependent but G protein (Gαi, Gαs or Gαq/11)–independent manner. This constitutive internalization is rapid: on a given monocyte, the entire cell surface CCR2 population is turned over in <30 minutes. We also found that constitutive receptor internalization/recycling and ligand uptake are not universal across monocyte-expressed chemokine receptors. For example, CXCR4 does not internalize constitutively. In summary, we describe a mechanism that explains the numerous preclinical and clinical reports of increased CCL2 plasma levels following in vivo administration of CCR2 antagonists. These findings suggest that constitutive CCL2 secretion by monocytes and other cell types is counteracted by constant uptake and internalization by CCR2-expressing cells. The effectiveness of CCR2 antagonists in disease settings may be dependent upon this critical equilibrium.
Corrigendum: Spirituality and impact evaluation design: The case of an addiction recovery faith-based organisation in Argentina
Authors: Deneulin Severine , Mitchell Ann
Published: November 2019

No abstract available.
The role of Parliament in promoting active citizenship in relation to the Grade 11 Life Orientation in the South African curriculum
Authors: Arendse Agnetha , Smith Juliana
Published: November 2019

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa plays a pivotal role in promoting active citizenship to ensure the deepening of democracy. This article, as based on the study by Arendse, explored the extent to which Parliament as a key participatory institution promotes active citizenship in relation to the Grade 11 Life Orientation (LO) curriculum in South Africa. A qualitative, interpretive approach was employed. However, data were gathered through the crystallisation approach using different methods of gathering data such as document study, questionnaires and focus group interviews, which involved 461 Grade 12 LO learners who had completed the Grade 11 LO curriculum during 2012 and seven LO educators. The findings suggest that there is: (1) lack of exposure, knowledge and understanding about Parliament; (2) lack of public education programmes and initiatives about Parliament; and (3) limited information about Parliament in the LO curriculum.
Spiritual Well-Being and Life Satisfaction in Pregnant Women
Authors: Niaghiha Masoumeh , Baglooei Mohammad Moradi , Mafi Maryam , Taherpour Maryam
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Life satisfaction is considered one of the basic concepts related to health, which is influenced by various factors including spiritual well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and life satisfaction in relation to the mediating role of social support in pregnant women referred to Qazvin health-care centers, Iran.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. Participants were 160 pregnant women referred to Qazvin health-care centers to receive prenatal care. Two-step sampling was performed considering the health-care centers as clusters. Questionnaires of demographic characteristics, Diener Life Satisfaction scale, Vaux Social Protection scale, and Dehshiri Spiritual Well-being scale were used to gather data. Data were analyzed using the Pearson's correlation coefficient test and mediation analysis via the SPSS software.

Results:

Life satisfaction was significantly correlated with spiritual well-being (r= 0.38) and social support (r = 0.39). In addition, there was a positive and significant relationship between spiritual well-being (r = 0.43) and social support (P < 0.01). Given the significant relationship between life satisfaction, social support, and spiritual well-being, and taking into account the mediating role of social support, spiritual well-being (b = 0.035) had an indirect effect on life satisfaction (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Social support can positively and meaningfully improve the relationship between spiritual well-being and life satisfaction in pregnant women. Therefore, interventions for the promotion of spiritual well-being and life satisfaction in pregnant women should take into account the role of social support.
Eating Disorder Risk, Sleep Status, and Anthropometric Indices Among Teenage Female students
Authors: Rasouli Ahmadreza , Javadi Maryam , Mohiti Sara , Shahsavari Saeed , Kamali Koorosh , Shiri-Shahsavar Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Eating disorder (ED) is characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in significantly impaired physical health and psychosocial functioning. It has been revealed that ED patients had significantly lower sleep efficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of ED risk and its possible relationship with body mass index (BMI) and sleep status among primary high school girls in Zanjan, Iran.

Methods:

Teenage girl students (12–15 years old, n = 370) participated in a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design and completed the Eating Attitude Test-26 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaires. Cluster random sampling method was applied. Disordered eating attitudes, recent sleep quality, and anthropometric measures were extracted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24.0.

Results:

A statistically significant relationship was found between sleep quality score and ED risk in this study (P < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between waist circumference, weight, and BMI with the risk of ED (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of ED risk was found among school students in this study. Further studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between ED risks and sleep quality as well as BMI.
Isolation and Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing of Escherichia coli from Fish Meat Retailing Shops of Mekelle City, Ethiopia
Authors: Awot Teklu , Tehetna Alemayhu , Shishay Assefa , Belayneh Getachew , Yohannes Hagos , Tsegay Tkue , Netsanet Berhe
Published: November 2019

The present study was conducted for the period of six months, September, 2016 to February, 2017 so as to isolate and identify Escherichia (E.coli) from fresh fish samples collected from four different retailing shops in Mekelle city and determine the antibiotic resistance pattern of isolated bacteria. Isolation and identification of E.coli and antibiotic sensitivity test were performed following the standard microbiological techniques. The antibiotic resistance patterns of the E.coli isolates were tested against 6 different antibiotics, namely Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Gentamicin and Streptomycin. Accordingly, out of the total 96 fish samples collected and analyzed, 9(9.4%) were positive for E.coli following the primary and secondary biochemical test results. Out of the four fish meat retailing shops, the highest and statistically significant prevalence (P=0.001) of E.coli was recorded in shop III as 5(20.8%) followed by shop II as 4(16.7%).Furthermore, results of the antimicrobial sensitivity test have shown that all of the isolates were completely significantly (P=0.001) resistant to two antibiotics (Ampicillin and Amoxicillin) and 100% significantly susceptible (P=0.001) to three of the antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Gentamicin). Whereas, out of the 9 isolates, 2 isolates (22.2%) were intermediate and 7 isolates (77.8%) were susceptible to Streptomycin. Hence, it can be concluded that fishes from Mekelle shops do contain antimicrobial resistant pathogenic E.coli where the proportion of these isolates significantly (P<0.001) varies from shop to shop. In spite of the lesser practice of their utilization, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Gentamicin were found to be the best antimicrobials to treat E.coli associated infections in the study area. However, it is suggested that post-harvest hygienic management practices are to be practiced along the fish production-marketing chain.Antibiotic sensitivity test, Escherichia coli, Fish, Mekelle, Retailing shops.
Developing and Analyzing Newton – C’otes Quadrature Formulae for Approximating Definite Integrals- AC++ Approach
Authors: Tuemay Teka , Dessalegn Assefa
Published: November 2019

In this paper, different Newton – C’otes quadrature formulae for the approximation of definite integrals and their error analysis are derived. The order of convergences of the methods is also derived and of these Newton – C’otes quadrature formulae, the Simpson’s 1/3 rule have been shown to have high order of convergence. Since the functionality of these numerical integration methods is practical only if we can use computer programs and applications to produce approximate solutions with acceptable errors within short period, C++ programs for the selected methods are written. These programs are used on the comparison of the Newton – C’otes quadrature formulae and the result obtained based on the inputs and outputs of the programs for different integrands. The results of these programs show that the convergence of the methods highly depends on the number of iterations. The results of different numerical examples show that for high accuracy of the trapezoidal rule computational effort is higher and round off errors with large number of iterations limit the accuracy. The results show that the Simpson’s 1/3 rule produces much more accurate solution than other methods even within small number of iterations. This shows that the error for Simpson’s rule 1/3 converges to zero faster than the error for the trapezoidal rule as the step size decreases. It is finally observed that Simpson’s 1/3 rule is much faster than the Trapezoidal and the Simpson’s 3/8 rules according to the results of the C++ programs.
GEOGRAFIA ECONÔMICA E O ESTUDO DA INDÚSTRIA E DA INOVAÇÃO NA ATUALIDADE
Authors: Dos Reis Pereira Carvalho Diana , Luiz Araújo Sobrinho Fernando
Published: November 2019

Este artigo objetiva discutir o estudo da indústria na geografia econômica contemporânea. Baseia-se em levantamento, seleção e revisão de contribuições estrangeiras reconhecidas no Brasil. Após 1970, com a intensificação da globalização e a Terceira Revolução Industrial surgem perspectivas e temas que nutrem novos debates teórico-metodológicos na geografia: introdução de técnicas de produção flexível; inovação tecnológica; e novos espaços econômicos, áreas espacialmente delimitadas ou aglomerações produtivas. Discute além de abordagens gerais, desdobramentos da inovação e da tecnologia no espaço geográfico (André Fischer); os sistemas territoriais inovadores/tecnopólos – classificação, definição e elementos de inovação localizada em um estudo regional (Georges Benko); e tipos de Distritos industriais – DIs como sticky places (Ann Markusen). Portanto, os estudos da indústria consideraram os meios inovadores e os DIs em economias regionais, no período que novos paradigmas reformulam e definem temas, conceitos e metodologias para explicar a realidade geográfica.
A DEMANDA REGIONAL E A OFERTA DO ENSINO SUPERIOR EM UMA CIDADE MÉDIA NO ESTADO DE MATO GROSSO DO SUL: DOURADOS
Authors: Moreno Bruno Bomfim , Calixto Maria José Martinelli Silva
Published: November 2019

Este texto visa analisar a oferta do ensino superior em Dourados-MS e sua relação/articulação com sua rede urbana. Com tal propósito, foram utilizados os dados do Sistema e-MEC, dos bancos de dados dos sistemas acadêmicos das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) de Dourados e das Avaliações Institucionais (auto-avaliações). Além disso, a quantidade de veículos de transporte coletivo estudantil interurbano estacionada nos pátios das instituições foi considerada como dado da pesquisa. A análise desses elementos contribuiu para comprovar que a oferta do ensino superior em Dourados não se assegura estritamente por demandas locais, mas se configura a partir da articulação da demanda local com a regional.

Palavras-Chave: ensino superior; rede urbana; demandas regionais; centralidade; fluxos regionais.
A URBANIZAÇÃO DO MATO GROSSO DO SUL E O PAPEL DAS CIDADES NA REDE URBANA REGIONAL
Authors: Moreira Junior Orlando , Silva Walter Guedes da
Published: November 2019

O objetivo deste ensaio é analisar o processo de urbanização no estado de Mato Groso do Sul e identificar os papéis assumidos pelas cidades na rede urbano-regional. Para tanto, utiliza-se como apoio o quadro geral da rede urbana elaborado pelo Regic e as diversas formas de regionalizações existentes no estado. Com base nestes e no estudo populacional, é possível identificar um cenário urbano rarefeito, sem a consolidação de cidades de porte médio que exercem papel intermediário na rede urbana. Deste modo, algumas cidades pequenas ampliam seus espaços de influência e estabelecem relações com cidades hierarquicamente superiores, figurando-se como micropolos geográficos de ligação.
VULNERABILIDADE TERRITORIAL E IMPLICAÇÕES SÓCIO-ESPACIAIS DA EXPANSÃO DO COMPLEXO SOJA NO MATO GROSSO DO SUL
Authors: Faccin Ana Carolina Torelli Marquezini
Published: November 2019

No presente artigo abordamos a situação de grande especialização produtiva no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul que compreende, em seu território, regiões profundamente ligadas à sojicultura. Com foco nessa atividade agrícola moderna, ressaltamos aspectos que consideramos fatores de vulnerabilidade territorial. A produção agrícola sul-mato-grossense é pouco diversificada e quase que totalmente voltada à exportação; assim, compreendemos que tal situação gera implicações no âmbito econômico, social e ambiental do estado. Pontuamos alguns aspectos relevantes e entendemos que um planejamento ordenado pela esfera pública poderia integrar diversos usos, trazendo também benefícios para a população sul-mato-grossense, cuja totalidade compreende diversas etnias indígenas, violentamente oprimidas e dizimadas, com sua cultura tendo cada vez menos espaço em uma economia baseada quase que totalmente no agronegócio.
O CAMINHO DAS PEDRAS – UMA PROPOSTA DE ROTEIRO METODOLÓGICO PARA ATIVIDADES PRÁTICAS EM GEOCONSERVAÇÃO
Authors: Meira Suedio Alves , Nascimento Marcos Antonio Leite do , Sá Artur Agostinho de Abreu e , Silva Edson Vicente da
Published: November 2019

A geoconservação é compreendida pelo conjunto de ações que têm por objetivo a manutenção do geopatrimônio. Apesar de sua relevância na efetivação de medidas sistêmicas de conservação da natureza, ainda não é comum o emprego, em larga escala, de atividades referentes a esse campo. Tal fato decorre da gênese recente dos conceitos basilares para o desenvolvimento das pesquisas, pela difícil compreensão das etapas metodológicas que integram o seu escopo e o descaso do poder público ante a questão ambiental. Diante deste fato, o presente artigo, tendo como base uma discussão teórica, trata dos principais conceitos referentes à temática e propõe um roteiro para o desenvolvimento de estudos práticos em geoconservação, tendo como foco principal as etapas de inventário e avaliação qualitativa e quantitativa do geopatrimônio.
LEITURAS POSSÍVEIS DE REGIÕES METROPOLITANAS : O IBEU, ÍNDICE DE BEM-ESTAR URBANO
Authors: Delcol Rafaela
Published: November 2019

O presente estudo tem por objetivo contribuir para as discussões a respeito do processo crescente de construção de índices de caráter socioeconômicos que têm as regiões metropolitanas como escopo de análise, buscando estimular o debate sobre esses espaços institucionalizados. Para tanto, o texto será elaborado em duas etapas: a primeira, abordando historicamente a evolução do processo de elaboração dos índices/indicadores sociais, bem como dos índices sobre as regiões metropolitanas. Em seguida, mostrando alguns indicativos de uma dissociação entre o que os índices têm mostrado sobre as regiões metropolitanas com a realidade desses espaços, ou seja, não mostram as contradições do processo de produção do espaço. Trata-se, portanto, de um trabalho teórico, no qual o procedimento adotado é a revisão bibliográfica e documental.