bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generalized perspective of Fourier and Fick’s laws: Magnetized effects of Cattaneo-Christov models on transient nanofluid flow between two parallel plates with Brownian motion and thermophoresis
Authors: Shankar Usha , Naduvinamani Neminath B. , Basha Hussain
Published: May 2020

Present research article reports the magnetized impacts of Cattaneo-Christov double diffusion models on heat and mass transfer behaviour of viscous incompressible, time-dependent, two-dimensional Casson nanofluid flow through the channel with Joule heating and viscous dissipation effects numerically. The classical transport models such as Fourier and Fick’s laws of heat and mass diffusions are generalized in terms of Cattaneo-Christov double diffusion models by accounting the thermal and concentration relaxation times. The present physical problem is examined in the presence of Lorentz forces to investigate the effects of magnetic field on double diffusion process along with Joule heating. The non-Newtonian Casson nanofluid flow between two parallel plates gives the system of time-dependent, highly nonlinear, coupled partial differential equations and is solved by utilizing RK-SM and bvp4c schemes. Present results show that, the temperature and concentration distributions are fewer in case of Cattaneo-Christov heat and mass flux models when compared to the Fourier’s and Fick’s laws of heat and mass diffusions. The concentration field is a diminishing function of thermophoresis parameter and it is an increasing function of Brownian motion parameter. Finally, an excellent comparison between the present solutions and previously published results show the accuracy of the results and methods used to achieve the objective of the present work.
Qualitative analysis for two fractional difference equations
Authors: Almatrafi Mohammed B. , Alzubaidi Marwa M.
Published: May 2020

Some difference equations are generally studied by investigating their long behaviours rather than their exact solutions. The proposed equations cannot be solved analytically. Hence, this article discusses the main qualitative behaviours of two rational difference equations. Some appropriate hypotheses are examined and given to show the local and global attractivity. Special cases from the considered equations are solved analytically. The periodicity is also proved in this work. We also illustrate the achieved results in some 2D figures.
Effect of Christmas Island rock phosphate and rice straw compost application on soil phosphorus availability and maize (Zea maysL.) growth in a tropical acid soil of Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Ch’ng Huck Ywih , Sanusi Syajariah , Bin Othman Suhaimi
Published: May 2020

Phosphorus (P) fixation is very common in Malaysian acid soils due to the fixation of soluble inorganic P by Al and Fe under acidic soil pH conditions. Farmers tend to perform lots of liming and apply excess amount of P fertilizers in order to saturate the Al and Fe in the soil so that the plants are able to absorb the remaining P. Excessive liming and application of P fertilizers are not only not economical but also not environmentally friendly. Compost with a large surface area and pool of negative charges could be used to reduce P fixation in acidic soil. Hence, this study was carried out to assess the effect of amending Christmas Island rock phosphate (CIRP) with rice straw (RS) compost in improving soil P availability, nutrient uptake, and dry matter production of maize cultivated on a Malaysian tropical acid soil. A pot experiment was carried out in this study with the use of maize (FI hybrid sweet corn 801) as a test crop. The chemical properties of soils applied with RS compost were significantly improved (P≤ 0.05) compared to treatments without RS compost. As the soil pH increased, there was significant reduction in exchangeable acidity, Al and Fe in soil due to exchangeable Al and Fe were fixed with negatively charged functional groups of RS compost’s surfaces, thus increased the P availability and exchangeable cations in the soil applied with RS compost. There was also significantly higher N, P, and K uptake in leaf, stem, and root of maize in the treatments applied with RS compost. Application of CIRP with RS compost was found to increase the soil P availability, maize nutrient uptake, and dry matter production at the end of the pot experiment. An application rate of 15–20 t ha−1of RS compost together with 130 kg ha−1urea, 200 kg ha−1CIRP, and 67 kg ha−1muriate of potash is recommended to improve the soil NPK contents and growth ofZea maysin acidic soil.
Saving Content in Digital Surroundings: A Safe Solution?
Authors: Maget Dominicé Antoinette , Haux Dario Henri , Graf Fabienne Sarah
Published: May 2020

Cultural institutions save most of their digital-born and digitalized content within the digital sphere. In doing so, they rely on cloud computing and servers, barely taking into consideration that this infrastructure may fail one day. Furthermore, the institutions seem to factor out that these attempts may be related to profound changes in the digital objects.

Our paper aims to explore this situation by focusing on sustainability within the digital realm. In the deliberate process of saving born-digital content, should we run the risk of inadvertently losing the content’s individual character itself? Should we embrace the possibility that dynamic content might be transformed into purely static data – ceasing to be relevant for users?

How can we find a solution, set between archiving and the continuous promotion of digital culture? Might it be, that born-digital cultural heritage is not made for storage? Has the eager preservation of cultural heritage become a historical oddity that will not last the test of time, due to its nature?
Use of diisocyanate to enhance the flame-retardant, mechanical and crystalline properties of poly (butylene succinate-co-butylene 3-hydroxyphenylphosphinyl-propionate) (PBSH)
Authors: Jin Tian-Xiang , Wu Miao-miao , Ou-yang Jin-bo , Zhang Qin
Published: May 2020

Poly (butylene succinate-co-butylene-3-hydroxyphenylphosphinyl-propionate) (PBSH) was synthesized through polycondensation. Then, 4,4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) was introduced into PBSH matrix by reactive blending. The chemical structure and properties of the blending products were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vertical burning tests. The results proved that MDI can improve the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of PBSH. In addition, it was found that the crosslinking structure can reduce the hydrolysis rate of PBSH and effectively eliminate the melt-dripping of PBSH during combustion.
Effects of chain polarity of hindered phenol on the damping properties of polymer-based hybrid materials: insights into the molecular mechanism
Authors: Hu Qiaoman , Wang Junhui , Xu Kangming , Zhou Hongdi , Huang Yue , Chen Jinlei
Published: May 2020

For hindered phenol (HP)/polymer-based hybrid damping materials, the damping properties are greatly affected by the structure variation of HPs. However, the unclear relationship between them limits the exploitation of such promising materials. Therefore, three HPs with different chain polarity were synthesized to explore the relationship in this paper. The structures of the HPs were firstly confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). For further prepared HP/polyurethane hybrids, FT-IR and XRD were also adopted to confirm the hydrogen bonding interactions and micromorphologies. And, Molecular dynamics simulation was further used to characterize the effects of polarity variation on the hydrogen bonding interactions and chain packing of the hybrids in a quantitative manner. Then, combined with dynamic mechanical analysis, the relationship between the chain polarity variation of the hindered phenols and the damping properties was established.
Fabrication and evaluation of polylactic acid/pectin composite scaffold via freeze extraction for tissue engineering
Authors: Hamzah Mohd Syahir Anwar , Razak Saiful Izwan Abd , Kadir Mohammed Rafiq Abdul , Bohari Siti Pauliena Mohd , Nayan Nadirul Hasraf Mat , Thangaraj Anand Joseph Sahaya
Published: May 2020

This work reports the fabrication and characterizations of porous scaffold made up of polylactic acid (PLA) with the inclusion of pectin (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 wt%) for potential tissue engineering material. The composite scaffold was prepared using a facile method of freeze extraction. Based on the physical evaluations, the scaffold was suggested to be optimum at 5 wt% of pectin loading. Water contact angle of the scaffold was significantly reduced to 46.5o with the inclusion of 5 wt% of pectin. Morphological and topographic of the PLA scaffold revealed that the pectin induced more porous structure and its surface became rougher which was suitable for cell attachment and proliferation. In vitro studies of the PLA/pectin composite scaffold using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromidelt (MTT) assay revealed good biocompatibility whereas Live-Dead kit assay resulted in 91% cell viability after 7 days of incubation.
Structure-properties relationship for energy storage redox polymers: a review
Authors: Chundawat Narendra Singh , Pande Nishigandh , Sargazi Ghasem , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher , Chauhan Narendra Pal Singh
Published: May 2020

Redox-active polymers among the energy storage materials (ESMs) are very attractive due to their exceptional advantages such as high stability and processability as well as their simple manufacturing. Their applications are found to useful in electric vehicle, ultraright computers, intelligent electric gadgets, mobile sensor systems, and portable intelligent clothing. They are found to be more efficient and advantageous in terms of superior processing capacity, quick loading unloading, stronger security, lengthy life cycle, versatility, adjustment to various scales, excellent fabrication process capabilities, light weight, flexible, most significantly cost efficiency, and non-toxicity in order to satisfy the requirement for the usage of these potential applications. The redox-active polymers are produced through organic synthesis, which allows the design and free modification of chemical constructions, which allow for the structure of organic compounds. The redox-active polymers can be finely tuned for the desired ESMs applications with their chemical structures and electrochemical properties. The redox-active polymers synthesis also offers the benefits of high-scale, relatively low reaction, and a low demand for energy. In this review we discussed the relationship between structural properties of different polymers for solar energy and their energy storage applications.
Effect of interfacial modification on the thermo-mechanical properties of flax reinforced polylactide stereocomplex composites
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Li Yuzeng , Yang Gesheng , Yu Minmin , Shao Huili
Published: May 2020

The flax and equivalent proportion of poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(d-lactic acid) (PLLA/PDLA) were melt compounded and injection molded to prepare flax reinforced polylactide stereocomplex (sc-PLA) bio-composite, and two different coupling agents, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP), were used to modify the interface of composite, then the influence of different interfacial modification on the structure and properties of composite was investigated. The results showed HMDI modification decreased the total crystallinity of composite but promoted the formation of stereocomplex crystallites (sc), whereas MAPP modification could improve both the total crystallinity and sc crystallinity. HMDI modification significantly improved the interfacial compatibility of composite, and thereby effectively improved the tensile strength and initial storage modulus of composite. By contrast, the interfacial compatibility of flax/sc-PLA composite was weakened by MAPP modification. Although the tensile properties of flax/sc-PLA/MAPP composite decreased, the impact strength of composite was increased by 12.1% than the unmodified composite. Therefore, the tailored flax/sc-PLA composite with varying properties could be prepared by different interfacial modification.
Study on the interface morphology in the induction welding joint of PEEK plate at low power
Authors: Ma Wanping , Zhan Xiaohong , Yang Hongyan , Bu Hengchang , Li Yun , Wang Feiyun
Published: May 2020

Induction welding is an important joining technique with potentially significant application in the connection of the Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK). The present research employs the metal mesh as induction components into the induction welding of PEEK plate to PEEK plate at low power successfully. Besides, the examinations and analyses of macro/micro-structures, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and mechanical tensile properties of the joints are conducted. Meanwhile, the characteristics and formation mechanisms of the lap-welded interface structures are interpreted in detail. The results indicate that the interface morphology of the welded joint is of high quality at low power, which most of the interface area is tightly connected due to the element diffusion. Besides, the connection mechanism of the joint is bonding connection and mechanical engagement, which plays a major role in a great performance joint. Furthermore, the tensile fracture of the joint occurs in the heat-affected zone, which contributes to a high joint tensile strength.
Extraction and bioprocessing with supercritical fluids
Authors: Coelho José , Trucillo Paolo , Nobre Beatriz , Palavra António Figueiredo , Campardelli Roberta , Reverchon Ernesto
Published: May 2020

Supercritical fluid (SCF) technologies have emerged as a real alternative to various natural product extraction processes and pharmaceutical production to obtain micronized particles, coprecipitates, nanocomposite polymer structures and liposomes, in addition to other increasingly larger applications described in literature. In the present work, a brief literature review of the application of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is presented. This is evidenced by several publications and patents, contributions from several countries and the increase of industries around the world dedicated to this technique. Next, we aim to focus the analysis of SFE on a review of the literature applied to microalgae as a substitute primitive feedstock due to its high growth rate, valuable biologically active lipophilic substances, and photosynthetic efficiency without competition with food sources or needs of arable lands. We finally discussing an SCF bioprocess with a very new perspective for liposome production focalized on its potential at industrial scale.
Halogened hydrocarbons – current trends
Authors: Staszak Katarzyna
Published: May 2020

Current trends in industrial synthesis of selected halogened hydrocarbons (HHCs) were presented in detail. Special emphasis was put on the most popular compounds, such as chloromethanes (CH3Cl, CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CCl4), chloroethene (vinyl chloride H2C = CHCl), chlorobenzene, 1-4-dichlorbenzene and epichlorohydrin. The possibility methods of modification technologies based on literature information were also reported. Presented simple schema, with production conditions, should be helpful in understanding the issues discussed.
Domains and domain walls in multiferroics
Authors: Evans Donald M. , Garcia Vincent , Meier Dennis , Bibes Manuel
Published: May 2020

Multiferroics are materials combining several ferroic orders, such as ferroelectricity, ferro- (or antiferro-) magnetism, ferroelasticity and ferrotoroidicity. They are of interest both from a fundamental perspective, as they have multiple (coupled) non-linear functional responses providing a veritable myriad of correlated phenomena, and because of the opportunity to apply these functionalities for new device applications. One application is, for instance, in non-volatile memory, which has led to special attention being devoted to ferroelectric and magnetic multiferroics. The vision is to combine the low writing power of ferroelectric information with the easy, non-volatile reading of magnetic information to give a “best of both worlds” computer memory. For this to be realised, the two ferroic orders need to be intimately linked via the magnetoelectric effect. The magnetoelectric coupling – the way polarization and magnetization interact – is manifested by the formation and interactions of domains and domain walls, and so to understand how to engineer future devices one must first understand the interactions of domains and domain walls. In this article, we provide a short introduction to the domain formation in ferroelectrics and ferromagnets, as well as different microscopy techniques that enable the visualization of such domains. We then review the recent research on multiferroic domains and domain walls, including their manipulation and intriguing properties, such as enhanced conductivity and anomalous magnetic order. Finally, we discuss future perspectives concerning the field of multiferroic domain walls and emergent topological structures such as ferroelectric vortices and skyrmions.
Bioinformatics analysis of FOLR1 expression, functional enrichment, related signaling pathways and relationship with prognosis in ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Xiao , Qu Pengpeng
Published: May 2020

Objective To investigate folate-receptor 1 (FOLR1) expression in ovarian cancer and its association with patient prognosis.

Methods TCGA and Oncomine databases were used to collect data about FOLR1 mRNA expression in multiple carcinomas. FOLR1 mRNA expression levels in ovarian cancer samples and corresponding adjacent normal ovary tissue were compared. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database of FOLR1 and relevant genes. The overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) rates of ovarian cancer patients in high- and low- FOLR1 expression groups were compared by log-rank test. Sixty-six ovarian epithelial carcinoma samples were included in the study, and tumor specimens of the 66 cases were tested for FOLR1 protein expression by an immunohistochemistry assay.

Results
FOLR1 mRNA was significantly elevated in ovarian cancer compared to other carcinomas. FOLR1 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in the corresponding normal tissues (P<0.05) of ovarian cancer patients. The PPI network indicated that the local clustering coefficient was 0.898, indicating that the PPI network was enriched significantly (P<0.05). The median PFS values were 22.39 and 19.00 months for lowand high-FOLR1 expression groups, respectively, with significant statistical difference between the two (HR=1.26, 95%CI:1.09-1.45, P<0.05). FOLR1 protein expression was correlated with tumor differentiation (P<0.05) in ovarian cancer patients. However, its levels were not correlated with patient age, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis or FIGO stage (P>0.05).

Conclusion
FOLR1 is upregulated in epithelial ovarian cancer, and its expression is correlated with patients’ progression free survival, making it a valuable biomarker for prognosis.
Postoperative analgesia effects of sulfentanyl plus dexmedetomidine in patients received VATS
Authors: Jiang Haoyu , Zheng Ying , Liu Chang , Bao Ying
Published: May 2020

Background To evaluate sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on postoperative analgesia in patients who received video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and its effects on serum norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and prostaglandin (PGE2).

Material and Methods Ninety-nine non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who received VATS were included in the study. All the patients received intravenous inhalation compound anesthesia. Of the 99 cases, 49 subjects (control group) received sulfentanyl for patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PICA) and other 50 cases (experiment group) received sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for PICA after operation of VATS. The analgesic effects of the two groups were evaluated according to Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and the Bruggrmann Comfort Scale (BCS). The serum pain mediator of NE, DA, 5-HT, and PGE2 were examined and compared between the two groups in the first 24 h post-surgery.

Results The VAS scores for the experiment group were significant lower than that of control group on the time points of 8, 16, and 24 h post-surgery (pall<0.05), and the BCS scores of the experiment group in the time points of 8, 16, and 24 h were significantly higher than that of controls (p<0.05). However, the VAS and BCS scores were not statistical differently in the time point of 1, 2, and 4 h post-surgery (pall>0.05). The mean sulfentanyl dosage was 63.01 ± 5.14 μg and 67.12 ± 6.91 μg for the experiment and control groups respectively with significant statistical difference (p<0.05). The mean analgesic pump pressing times were 4.30 ± 1.31 and 5.31 ± 1.46 for experiment and control groups respectively with significant statistical difference (p<0.05). The serum NE, DA, 5-HT, and PGE2 levels were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to that of control group in the time point of 12 h post-surgery (pall<0.05). The side effects of nausea, vomiting, delirium, rash, and hypotension atrial fibrillation were not statistically different between the two groups (pall>0.05).

Conclusion Patient controlled intravenous analgesia of sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride was effective in reducing the VAS score and serum pain mediators in NSCLC patients who received VAST.
Perovskites (La,Ba)(Fe,Ti)O3: AO7 photocatalysis under visible light
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Sofia , Jorge Maria Estrela Melo , Ciríaco Lurdes , Pacheco Maria José , Lopes Ana
Published: May 2020

Perovskites BaTiO3, La0.1Ba0.9TiO3 and BaFeO3 were prepared by different methods and utilized as photo-catalytic material for the degradation of the AO7 dye, with visible light. The toxicity of the treated solutions and the toxicity of perovskite powders that remained in suspension after centrifuged was assessed.

Different catalytic properties were found by changing synthesis methods, annealing conditions, temperature of assay, initial concentration of pollutant and amount of perovskite in suspension. BaTiO3 was prepared by ceramic or complex polymerization methods. This perovskite presents cubic structure, and the preparation method do not seem to have any influence on the unit cell parameter. On the other hand, annealing temperature has a marked influence on the time needed to attain good crystallinity. In the case of BaFeO3 prepared by the ceramic method, for low annealing temperature there is the formation of tetragonal phase, which changes to hexagonal with the increase in annealing temperature, being a Ba2Fe2O5 monoclinic phase involved in this phase transition.

Regarding AO7 photocatalytic degradation, the best results, with almost complete colour removal, were obtained with BaFeO3 (97%), prepared by ceramic method, and with BaTiO3 (78%), prepared by polymer complex method. Toxicity assays towards Daphnia magna were performed with AO7 25 ppm aqueous solution samples, collected in the centrifuged suspensions of the photocatalytic assays, performed with different perovskites, and samples collected in centrifuged suspensions of perovskite powders. In general, there is no increase in toxicity when compared to the toxicity of an AO7 25 ppm aqueous solution. Only in the photodegradation assay with BaFeO3 a clear increase in toxicity was observed, indicating that toxic by-products are being formed.
Grain Orientation Induced Softening in Electrodeposited Gradient Nanostructured Nickel during Cold Rolling Deformation
Authors: Ni Haitao , Wang Lixia , Wang Zhaodong , Zhu Jiang
Published: May 2020

Quantitative microstructural evolution and the corresponding microhardness of electrodeposited nanostructured nickel sheet during cold rolling deformation are investigated by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Vicker’s microhardness testing. Particularly, to investigate the effect of stress states on deformation behavior, two series of gradient nanostructured nickel with symmetric structures and the homogeneous counterparts with three levels of grain size are compared based on macro-statistical data. In such hierarchical sandwich-like gradient samples, the layers with larger grain size, as the soft phase, indeed sustain more deformation. Deformation-induced grain rotation changes are observed in the center layers with a relatively larger grain size, accompanied by an obvious decrease in microhardness. According to the quantitative microstructural parameters including the grain size, dislocation density and stacking fault probability before and after deformation, evaluation based on Hall-Petch and Bailey-Hirsch relationships indicates the transition from strain hardening to softening can be attributed to grain orientation change.
Exposure to persistent organic pollutants during tooth formation: molecular mechanisms and clinical findings
Authors: Bianchi Serena , Bernardi Sara , Belli Manuel , Varvara Giuseppe , Macchiarelli Guido
Published: May 2020

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) constitute a relevant part of environmental pollution. POPs are chemical compounds that persist for a long time in the environment, bio-accumulate in the human body and determine significant adverse consequences to human health. The characteristics of these substances are lipo-affinity, semi-volatility and resistance to the degradation processes. Results deriving from several different studies attest that exposure to the main classes of POPs results in multiple toxic effects on humans and experimental animal models. Among the various alterations caused by exposition to and bio-accumulation of POPs, there are abnormalities in tooth formation and related hard dental tissue structure, especially enamel. This review aimed to describe the close association between the exposure of these compounds during the development of the tooth germ and the occurrence of tooth structural anomalies. Indeed, structural defects of the enamel have as possible consequences higher susceptibility of the tooth to caries disease and higher fragility of the crown to the occlusal trauma.
Continuous exposure to ambient air pollution and chronic diseases: prevalence, burden, and economic costs
Authors: Karimi Seyed M. , Maziyaki Ali , Ahmadian Moghadam Samaneh , Jafarkhani Mahtab , Zarei Hamid , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar , Pouran Hamid
Published: May 2020

Studies that assess the connection between the prevalence of chronic diseases and continuous exposure to air pollution are scarce in developing countries, mainly due to data limitations. Largely overcoming data limitations, this study aimed to investigate the association between the likelihood of reporting a set of chronic diseases (diabetes, cancer, stroke and myocardial infarction, asthma, and hypertension) and continuous exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and coarse particulate matter (PM10). Using the estimated associations, the disease burden and economic costs of continuous exposure to air pollutants were also approximated. A 2011 Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool survey from Tehran, Iran, was used in the main analyses. A sample of 67,049 individuals who had not changed their place of residence for at least 2 years before the survey and reported all relevant socioeconomic information was selected. The individuals were assigned with the average monthly air pollutant levels of the nearest of 16 air quality monitors during the 2 years leading to the survey. Both single- and multi-pollutant analyses were conducted. The country’s annual household surveys from 2002 to 2011 were used to calculate the associated economic losses. The single-pollutant analysis showed that a one-unit increase in monthly CO (ppm), NO2 (ppb), O3 (ppb), and PM10 (μg/m3) during the 2 years was associated with 751 [confidence interval (CI): 512–990], 18 (CI: 12–24), 46 (CI: −27–120), and 24 (CI: 13–35) more reported chronic diseases in 100,000, respectively. The disease-specific analyses showed that a unit change in average monthly CO was associated with 329, 321, 232, and 129 more reported cases of diabetes, hypertension, stroke and myocardial infarction, and asthma in 100,000, respectively. The measured associations were greater in samples with older individuals. Also, a unit change in average monthly O3 was associated with 21 (in 100,000) more reported cases of asthma. The multi-pollutant analyses confirmed the results from single-pollutant analyses. The supplementary analyses showed that a one-unit decrease in monthly CO level could have been associated with about 208 (CI: 147–275) years of life gained or 15.195 (CI: 10.296–20.094) thousand US dollars (USD) in life-time labor market income gained per 100,000 30-plus-year-old Tehranis.
Examining the Impact of Contextual Factors in Brand Relationship Initiation and Maintenance: Evidence from Bottom of Pyramid Markets
Authors: Banerjee Shubhomoy , Shaikh Ateeque
Published: May 2020

This study examines the impact of contextual factors on brand trust, brand loyalty and cross-buying from the perspective of the bottom of pyramid rural consumers in India. Two important contextual factors – distribution intensity and outshopping orientation – were used as the contextual factors. Effects of distribution intensity in the initiation and maintenance of consumer–brand relationships are first examined. Further, it explores the moderating role of in versus outshopping orientation in the formation and maintenance of long-term relationships between consumers and brands in bottom of pyramid markets. Data collected from 478 consumers in three villages in Gujarat, India, were analysed using structural equation modelling technique to test the hypothesized relationships using IBM AMOS 23 software. Distribution Intensity was found to positively influence brand trust. Brand trust was found to mediate the relationships between distribution intensity and brand loyalty and distribution intensity and cross buying. The importance of distribution intensity in relationship initiation was more pronounced for consumers who shopped from local retailers than those who did not. The study underlines the importance of distribution intensity of brands a relationship-based marketing strategy, especially in those products, where the switching costs are low. This study establishes the role of contextual factors in the formation and maintenance of consumer–brand relationships in the bottom of pyramid markets.
Nonparametric estimation of trend for stochastic differential equations driven by sub-fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Rao B. L. S. Prakasa
Published: May 2020

We discuss nonparametric estimation of a trend coefficient in models governed by a stochastic differential equation driven by a sub-fractional Brownian motion with small noise.
A Comparative Study of Structural Changes in Conventional and Unconventional Machining and Mechanical Properties Evaluation of Polypropylene Based Self Reinforced Composites
Authors: Deepa A , Kuppan P , Krishnan Padmanabhan
Published: May 2020

The present study addresses the mechanical behavior of polypropylene self-reinforced composites (SRC’s) considering polymeric structural changes after cutting. Self-reinforced polypropylene composite is fabricated using the HOT compaction method by maintaining the processing temperature at 164∘C. Conventional and unconventional cutting methods were used to cut the samples of standard dimensions. FTIR images revealed the formation of C=C, C-F, Halogen bonds after AWJ cutting initiated a decrease in the surface roughness value to 4.5μm (R
a
). SEM analysis is performed to analyse structural integrity and damage of SRC’s. Structural changes formation after AWJ cutting leads to improve the ultimate tensile strength of the laminate by 20% compared to conventional cut samples. A similar trend is noticed for flexural properties and Shore –D hardness values for the SRC composite laminate correlated to polymeric changes with Conventional cutting due to the formation of C-N bond is observed after Laser cutting.
Thenãointerpolation in Classical and early Modern European Portuguese and the mapping between syntactic and phonological structures: An empirical study
Authors: Nkollo Mikołaj , Fiéis Alexandra
Published: May 2020

The central topic of the paper is clitic-verb non-adjacency (interpolation) in Classical and early Modern European Portuguese (EP). Throughout that period, the negative markernãowas the only expression likely to disrupt the continuity of clitic-verb sequences. The aims of the study are twofold. First, previous assumptions on the syntax of this pattern are matched against data retrieved from the texts stored in theBiblioteca Nacional Digital. The present analysis demonstrates, first, that clitic-verb adjacency and non-adjacency had divergent distributions depending on whether they occurred in obligatory proclisis contexts or in X-V-cl/X-cl-V variation ones. Whereas interpolation was the default choice in the former, clitic-verb adjacency was prevailing in the latter in the period under discussion. The second aim is to account for the overrepresentation, underpinned by corpus data, of 3rd person accusative pronouns in clauses with interpolation. In previous works, the origin of clitic-verb non-adjacency was couched either in semantic terms (the contribution ofnãoto the meaning of the VP) or in terms of clitic movement and increasing constraints on the status of Neg (Neg and clitic are both assumed to be affixes). In the present paper, interpolation is shown to have had an interface nature, with phonological factors playing a central role. The discontinuity of clitic-Verb sequences is thought to have helped speakers to get rid of the affixal attachment of theo,a,os,asseries to the preceding non-verbal sound material (nasal diphthongs innão,quem,ninguém, etc, coercing preverbal pronouns into taking a nasal onsetquem no,não no, etc.). As a consequence, in present day standard EP, clitic-specific allomorphy has become earmarked for enclisis.
Opioid tapering after surgery: a qualitative study of patients’ experiences
Authors: Uhrbrand Peter , Phillipsen Anne , Dreyer Pia , Nikolajsen Lone
Published: May 2020

Background and aims

Patients usually receive a prescription for morphine or another opioid at discharge after surgery. Several studies have shown that many patients do not step down but develop persistent opioid use following surgery. The purpose of this study was to gain insight of patients’ experiences with opioid tapering after surgery and to propose recommendations for clinicians to assist patients in opioid tapering.

Methods

Using a qualitative study design, 15 adult patients who took opioids before surgery and still had a daily consumption of opioids 6 months following spine surgery were interviewed.

Results

Analyses of the transcripts identified three major themes and eight subthemes. The major themes were as follows: (1) The patients’ experienced that their whole life revolved around pain and opioids and felt stigmatized and suspected of being drug addicts by their social circle and health care professionals (2) Barriers for opioid tapering were increased pain, opioid dependency and fear of withdrawal symptoms (3) Motivational factors for opioid tapering were fear of dependency, the prospect of a better health, patient involvement in opioid tapering and a trusting relationship between patient and clinician.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight that opioid tapering is challenging and may be influenced by many different factors. Some patients find opioid tapering particularly difficult and therefore need additional assistance in order to taper off successfully.

Implications

For opioid tapering to succeed, it is highly important to establish a trustful relationship with the patients, to take each patient’s personal circumstances into account and to address fears of increased pain and withdrawal symptoms. Clinicians should also focus on patient involvement in opioid tapering and consider to offer a follow-up after discharge to patients at risk for prolonged opioid use.
The Archive Iris Meder in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Feiersinger Elise
Published: May 2020

Iris Meder (1965–2018) was a Vienna-based art historian. A large portion of her work and library is dedicated to the Danube region. On 15 November 2019, the Österreichische Gesellschaft für Architektur (Austrian Society for Architecture, ÖGFA) inaugurated the Archive Iris Meder. The author examines how Iris Meder, who grew up on the western border of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, became an expert in her field. Historical chronicles and the experience of the present are in accord: seldom can a private library’s books be preserved as a coherent and recognizable collection. The author gives a glimpse into the inner workings of an impressively versatile, highly knowledgeable independent scholar, and the journey undertaken by the ÖGFA to make her archive available to the public.
Experimental determination of the efficiency of the solar collector integrated into the light transparent building facade
Authors: Zhelykh Vasyl , Kapalo Peter , Shapoval Stepan , Venhryn Iryna , Kozak Khrystyna
Published: May 2020

One of the most promising energy sources is solar energy, which is confirmed by the growth in the development of renewable energy for European countries. The main goal of research is to design and implement the latest energy systems for passive buildings using renewable energy. In this paper is documented the optimal operation stages of the solar heat supply system were investigated with recommendations for further development of the design and construction of passive buildings in Ukraine South.
Degradation model of turnout wear according to frog material
Authors: Urda Ján , Mandula Ján
Published: May 2020

This paper describes the evaluation of the measured data from the turnout wear in relation to material from which the frogs are made. The evaluation consists in comparing the measured results with the data provided by the manager of these turnouts.
How potential endocrine disruptor deltamethrin effects antioxidant enzyme levels and total antioxidant status on model organisms
Authors: Işıldar Gamze Yücel , Günal A. Çağlan , Şahin Duygu , Memmi Burcu Kocak , Dinçel Aylin Sepici
Published: May 2020

Objective

Deltamethrin, synthetic pyrethroid, is a suspected endocrine disruptor contaminating ecosystems as toxic pollutant via agricultural activities and vector controls. The objective of the study is to determine the possible effects on human by evaluating antioxidant enzyme levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) of invertebrate model organism crayfish exposure to sublethal deltamethrin.

Materials and methods

Crayfish were exposed to 0.05 μg/L deltamethrin for 48 h and 7 days. Hemolymph samples were taken for TAS and total haemocyte counts (THCs). Gill, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues were examined for superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities.

Results

THCs were decreased (p < 0.05) and hemolymph TAS levels were increased according to control groups. Gill SOD, CAT and GPx enzyme activities were significantly rised. Hepatopancreas SOD activities unchanged. Hepatopancreas CAT activities were increased significantly after 48 h (p < 0.05), but returned back to controls after 7 days. Hepatopancreas GPx and muscle SOD activities were rised (p < 0.05), while muscle CAT and GPx values did not affect from deltametrin.

Conclusion

Deterioration of ecosystems are directly affect the humans. The toxic effects of deltamethrin for different stages of organisms on the food web will provide basic data to understand and estimate the effects on the human beings.
Lipidomics and cognitive dysfunction – A Narrative review
Authors: Chakraborty Arpita , Praharaj Samir Kumar , Prabhu R. V. Krishnananda , Prabhu M. Mukhyaprana
Published: May 2020

Background

More than half portion of the brain is formed by lipids. They play critical roles in maintaining the brain's structural and functional components. Any dysregulation in these brain lipids can lead to cognitive dysfunction which are associated with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, vascular dementia etc. Studies have linked lipids with cognitive impairment. But not much has been studied about the complex brain lipids which might play a pivotal role in cognitive impairment. This review aims to highlight the lipidomic profiles in patients with cognitive dysfunction.

Results

Forty-five articles were reviewed. These studies show alterations in complex lipids such as sphingolipids, phospholipids, glycolipids and sterols in brain in various neurological disorders such as vascular dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. However, the classes of fatty acids in these lipids involved are different across studies.

Conclusions

There is a need for targeted lipidomics analysis, specifically including sphingolipids in patients with neurodegenerative disorders so as to improve diagnostics as well as management of these disorders.
How to Justify Principles of Justice
Authors: Guoqing Zhang
Published: May 2020

John Rawls assumes that in the original position, under the veil of ignorance, after bargaining amongst each other, free, equal, moral and rational persons would make a rational decision to accept the principles of justice as fairness and thus the principles are established. Critics, however, question the authenticity and validity of this justification strategy. When rational individuals take the principles of justice as an original agreement, it is not a real contract. Rawls’s conception of justice as fairness is just a personal notion, some individuals may accept it, but it is impossible to be accepted by all human beings in a real world. Therefore there is a justification/acceptance paradox of those principles which are the core of his political philosophy. So how should we justify those principles? Its answers may be provided not in the light of a philosophical justification but of a scientific one.
Rethinking Progress Today
Authors: Xingfu Wang , Siming Li
Published: May 2020

Historical progress is a core belief of the Enlightenment and modernity, also a spiritual catalyst of human emancipation in the past centuries. However, due to the naive understanding of scholars and its misuse by political power, the idea of progress has fallen from a realistic political belief in the pursuit of liberty and democracy to a metaphysical faith and a one-sided ideology. Instead of abandoning the concept itself, this paper will provide a new version for progress. In this version, supported theoretically with ideas from a Marxian critique of the paradox of progress in capitalist society and a Habermasian reconstruction of social evolution and progress, progress shall not be understood as an intrinsic trend of history itself, but a “historical-practical project” of humanity. The intent of rewriting progress is to transcend the dilemma between progressivism and catastrophism while at the same time preserving its positive meaning.
Heideggerian Existence after Being and Time: In the Nameless ─ and a Brief Comparison of Namelessness and the Underlying Philosophy of Language between Heideggerian and Buddhist Perspectives
Authors: Po-shan Leung
Published: May 2020

In this article, the importance of the namelessness of language will be firstly explained through an analysis of authenticity in Heideggerian philosophy, and will be further clarified by way of the phenomenon of “profound boredom” from his Freiburg lecture. As the exploration of namelessness in Heideggerian philosophy plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between East and West, a brief comparison concerning the idea of namelessness and its underlying philosophy of language between the Heideggerian and the madhyamaka Buddhist tradition will also be discussed.
Forschungsthema Sakralarchitektur – zur Einleitung
Authors: Bräunlein Peter J. , Weiß Sabrina
Published: May 2020

Der einleitende Beitrag der Schwerpunktausgabe behandelt die Konjunkturen des Themas Religion und Architektur innerhalb der religionswissenschaftlichen Forschung der vergangenen Jahrzehnte. Ausgangspunkt ist die Beobachtung, dass Architektur in der religionswissenschaftlichen Fachgeschichte zwar immer wieder Gegenstand theoretischer Ansätze und methodischer Überlegungen war, aber bisher keine umfassende religionswissenschaftliche Methodologie zu diesem Gegenstand entwickelt worden ist und Architektur als solche nach wie vor als religionswissenschaftliche Quelle ein Desiderat darstellt. Vielmehr fungierte religiöse Architektur in den jüngsten Debatten zu raum- oder migrationsbezogenen Themen als Blaupause. Religiöser Architektur wird zwar oftmals Bedeutung zugesprochen, z. B. als Kontaktzone oder in ihrer raumbildenden und strukturierenden Funktion,wiesie jedoch Bedeutung erzeugt, stellt nach wie vor eine zentrale Frage dar, die noch nicht hinreichend und religionswissenschaftlich vergleichend untersucht worden ist. An der Schnittstelle zwischen Material Turn und Spatial Turn gerät religiöse Architektur nun wieder zunehmend in den Fokus aktueller religionswissenschaftlicher, soziologischer, kunsthistorischer und architekturtheoretischer Forschungsvorhaben. Die Einleitung führt exemplarisch in ausgewählte Disziplinen ein, die zur Beschäftigung mit religiöser Architektur Anregungen bieten, und versteht sich als Anstoß, die religionswissenschaftliche Debatte zu diesem Gegenstand voran zu treiben. Die Schwerpunktausgabe führt entsprechend religionshistorische wie systematische Beiträge zusammen, die sich auf unterschiedliche Weise diesem breiten Gegenstand nähern.
Das Potenzial eines Lieferkettengesetzes einen Beitrag zur Optimierung bestehender sozial-ökologischer Konditionen zu leisten
Authors: Siakala Sara , Müller Martin
Published: May 2020

This paper analyses the question whether, and if so, under what conditions, a supply chain law could have a positive impact on the existing social and ecological conditions. Since supply chains represent one of the most important levers for business to create positive impact in the world, a supply chain law generally has great potential to make a positive contribution. Compared to voluntary commitments it can be assumed that a law would increase the willingness of companies to implement sustainable supply chain measures. Furthermore, it can be assumed that a regulation or at least a directive at the EU level would mitigate the risk of a competitive disadvantage of companies that are investing in sustainable supply chain measures compared to those companies that are not taking comparable steps. The real potential of a supply chain law, however, depends on the specific regulation, influenced essentially by the concrete provisions, the responsibility scope, the implementation flexibility and the penalty mechanisms.
Predicting Imperfect Echo Dynamics in Many-Body Quantum Systems
Authors: Dabelow Lennart , Reimann Peter
Published: May 2020

Echo protocols provide a means to investigate the arrow of time in macroscopic processes. Starting from a nonequilibrium state, the many-body quantum system under study is evolved for a certain period of time τ. Thereafter, an (effective) time reversal is performed that would – if implemented perfectly – take the system back to the initial state after another time period τ. Typical examples are nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and polarisation echo experiments. The presence of small, uncontrolled inaccuracies during the backward propagation results in deviations of the “echo signal” from the original evolution and can be exploited to quantify the instability of nonequilibrium states and the irreversibility of the dynamics. We derive an analytic prediction for the typical dependence of this echo signal for macroscopic observables on the magnitude of the inaccuracies and on the duration τ of the process, and verify it in numerical examples.