bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute treatment with Mangifera indica L. leaf extract attenuates liver inflammation in rats fed a cafeteria diet
Authors: Toledo Renata Celi Lopes , Brito Larissa Froede , Caetano Mônica Maria Magalhães , Nakajima Vânia Mayumi , da Silva Bárbara Pereira , Soares Filippe Elias de Freitas , Martino Hércia Stampini Duarte , de Queiroz José Humberto
Published: July 2019

This study investigates the acute anti-inflammatory activity of Mangifera indica L. leaf extract and mangiferin in the liver of rats fed a cafeteria diet.
Ligand-free Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction of an aryl chloride using a continuous irradiation type microwave and a palladium nanoparticle catalyst: effect of a co-existing solid
Authors: Yamada Makito , Shio Yasunori , Akiyama Toshiki , Honma Tetsuo , Ohki Yuuta , Takahashi Naoyuki , Murai Kenichi , Arisawa Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2019

A co-existing solid, Al foil, plays a key role in ligand-free Suzuki–Miyaura coupling using SGlPd (sulfur-modified glass-supported Pd) and continuous microwave irradiation.
Biological explorations with nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Gyngard Frank , Steinhauser Matthew L.
Published: July 2019

Investigation of biological processes at the single cell or subcellular level with methods such as NanoSIMS is critical in order to better understand heterogeneous cell populations.
Measurements of lithium isotopic compositions in coal using MC-ICP-MS
Authors: He Mao-Yong , Luo Chong-guang , Lu Hai , Jin Zhang dong , Deng Li
Published: July 2019

Lithium is a very important metal for energy production. Microwave-assisted digestion were used to decompose coal. The δ7Li was determined using MC-ICP-MS.
2019 atomic spectrometry update – a review of advances in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and its special applications
Authors: Vanhoof Christine , Bacon Jeffrey R. , Ellis Andrew T. , Fittschen Ursula E. A. , Vincze Laszlo
Published: July 2019

This 2019 review covers developments in and applications of XRF techniques such as EDXRF, WDXRF, TXRF, XRF microscopy using technologies such as synchrotron sources, X-ray optics, X-ray tubes and detectors in laboratory, mobile and hand-held systems.
Recent advances in HemN-like radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine enzyme-catalyzed reactions
Authors: Jin Wen-Bing , Wu Sheng , Xu Yi-Fan , Yuan Hua , Tang Gong-Li
Published: July 2019

HemN-like radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzymes have been recently disclosed to catalyze diverse chemically challenging reactions from primary to secondary metabolic pathways.
Electrically controlled valley states in bilayer graphene
Authors: Kareekunnan Afsal , Muruganathan Manoharan , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

Long-range Coulomb interaction in pristine bilayer graphene leads to an interlayer charge asymmetry. This results in a non-zero Berry curvature whose polarity and magnitude can be controlled with the application of an out-of-plane electric field.
Electronic structures of ultra-thin tellurium nanoribbons
Authors: Liang Zhaofeng , Wang Yao , Hua Chenqiang , Xiao Chengcheng , Chen Miaogen , Jiang Zheng , Tai Renzhong , Lu Yunhao , Song Fei
Published: July 2019

The monolayer and bilayer tellurium nanoribbons with different edge structures have been systematically investigated by first-principles calculations, revealing diverse electronic properties with potential application for nanodevices.
Ultrafast and broadband optical nonlinearity in aluminum doped zinc oxide colloidal nanocrystals
Authors: Tian Xiangling , Luo Hongyu , Wei Rongfei , Liu Meng , Yang Zhaoliang , Luo Zhichao , Zhu Haiming , Li Jianfeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: July 2019

Al-doped ZnO possesses ultrafast and broadband nonlinear absorption covering NIR and mid-IR. Mode-locked fiber lasers at 1064 nm and 1550 nm and Q-switched fiber lasers at 2000 nm and 3000 nm were obtained by employing the saturable absorber.
Strong-coupled hybrid structure of carbon nanotube and MoS2 monolayer with ultrafast interfacial charge transfer
Authors: Liu Can , Hong Hao , Wang Qinghe , Liu Ping , Zuo Yonggang , Liang Jing , Cheng Yang , Zhou Xu , Wang Jinhuan , Zhao Yun , Xiong Jie , Xiang Bin , Zhang Jin , Liu Kaihui
Published: July 2019

A strong-coupled nanotube-MoS2 hybrid structure is constructed, which shows strong coupling and ultrafast charge transfer across the interface.
A biomimetic approach towards phorone sesterterpenoids
Authors: Shirley Harry J. , Bray Christopher D.
Published: July 2019

We report efforts towards a unified total synthesis of Korean sponge derived sesterterpenoids phorones A and B, using a biomimetic strategy. This work has established a new synthetic approach to the parent ansellane sesterterpenoid skeleton with unanticipated diversion along a biogenetically related pathway.
Catalytic enantioselective Michael addition of 2-substituted benzofuran-3-ones to 2-enoyl pyridines
Authors: Sivamuthuraman Koilpitchai , Kesavan Venkitasamy
Published: July 2019

Enantiodivergent synthesis of 2,2′-disubstituted benzofuran-3-ones was accomplished with very good yield and stereoselectivity using squaramide organocatalysts.
Dinuclear zinc cooperative catalytic three-component reactions for highly enantioselective synthesis of 3,3′-dihydrofuran spirooxindoles
Authors: Miao Yu-Hang , Hua Yuan-Zhao , Wang Min-Can
Published: July 2019

A new dinuclear zinc cooperative catalytic enantioselective three-component reaction via a domino Knoevenagel/Michael/cyclization sequence has been developed.
Palladium-catalyzed intermolecular allenylation reactions of 2,3-disubstituted indoles and allenyl carbonate
Authors: Zhai Yizhan , You Shu-Li , Ma Shengming
Published: July 2019

A palladium-catalyzed C3-allenylation of non-strained 2,3-disubstituted indoles with allenyl carbonate has been developed.
Gold-catalyzed cascade reactions of 4H-furo[3,2-b]indoles with propargyl esters: synthesis of 2-alkenylidene-3-oxoindolines
Authors: Brambilla Elisa , Pirovano Valentina , Giannangeli Matteo , Abbiati Giorgio , Caselli Alessandro , Rossi Elisabetta
Published: July 2019

2-Trienyliden-indolin-3-ones were synthesised in high yields via a gold catalysed cascade reaction between 4H-furo[3,2-b]indoles and propargyl esters.
The effect of healing phenotype-inducing cytokine formulations within soft hydrogels on encapsulated monocytes and incoming immune cells
Authors: Ščigalková Ivana , Bystroňová Julie , Kovářová Lenka , Pravda Martin , Velebný Vladimír , Riabov Vladimir , Klüter Harald , Kzhyshkowska Julia , Vrana Nihal Engin
Published: July 2019

Hydrogels made from the derivatives of gelatin and hyaluronic acid were used as coatings to control the immune responses.
Probing the adsorption/desorption of amphiphilic polymers at the air–water interface during large interfacial deformations
Authors: Trégouët C. , Salez T. , Pantoustier N. , Perrin P. , Reyssat M. , Monteux C.
Published: July 2019

Large interfacial compressions and dilations enable to probe the interfacial anchoring of hydrophobic grafts of hydrophobically modified polymers.
Co-assembly of Janus nanoparticles in block copolymer systems
Authors: Diaz Javier , Pinna Marco , Zvelindovsky Andrei , Pagonabarraga Ignacio
Published: July 2019

Janus nanoparticles are mixed with block copolymer melts to produce highly ordered co-assembled structures of colloids within minority domains.
Tuning the ultrasonic and photoacoustic response of polydopamine-stabilized perfluorocarbon contrast agents
Authors: Xie Yijun , Wang Junxin , Wang James , Hu Ziying , Hariri Ali , Tu Nicholas , Krug Kelsey A. , Burkart Michael D. , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Jokerst Jesse V. , Rinehart Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2019

Perfluorocarbon-loaded, fluorine-functionalized polydopamine nanoparticles show long storage (about 2 months) and stable ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging lifetime (several hours).
Correction: 3D cell printing of islet-laden pancreatic tissue-derived extracellular matrix bioink constructs for enhancing pancreatic functions
Authors: Kim Jaewook , Shim In Kyong , Hwang Dong Gyu , Lee Yu Na , Kim Myungji , Kim Hyeonji , Kim Seok-Won , Lee Song , Kim Song Cheol , Cho Dong-Woo , Jang Jinah
Published: July 2019

Correction for ‘3D cell printing of islet-laden pancreatic tissue-derived extracellular matrix bioink constructs for enhancing pancreatic functions’ by Jaewook Kim et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019, 7, 1773–1781.
Ring fusion attenuates the device performance: star-shaped long helical perylene diimide based non-fullerene acceptors
Authors: Wu Mingliang , Yi Jian-Peng , Hu Juan , Xia Ping , Wang Huan , Chen Fei , Wu Di , Xia Jianlong
Published: July 2019

The past six years have witnessed tremendous progress in the area of perylene diimide (PDI) based non-fullerene organic solar cells (OSCs).
Phonation Demonstrates Goal Dependence Under Unique Vocal Intensity and Aerobic Workload Conditions
Authors: Ziegler Aaron , VanSwearingen Jessie , Jakicic John M. , Verdolini Abbott Katherine
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study investigated whether metabolic respiratory requirements (treadmill workload) affected glottal valving in phonation, based on aerodynamic measures, when a sound pressure level (vocal SPL) is dictated as a target goal. Consistent with a theory of action, we hypothesized that adjustments in glottal valving as measured by laryngeal airway resistance would be dependent upon vocal SPL level, even as workload increased, and loud vocal SPL would interfere more with respiratory homeostasis than spontaneous vocal SPL.

Method

Thirty-two women enrolled who were ages 18–35 years. A repeated-measures design was used with random assignment of workload and vocal SPL conditions. Aerodynamic and acoustic data were collected during phonation, as were gas volume and concentration data. Analyses were performed with generalized estimating equations.

Results

Laryngeal airway resistance at a low workload significantly increased when vocal SPL changed from spontaneous to loud. At a loud vocal SPL, laryngeal airway resistance decreased when workload changed from rest to either low or high. Regarding the respiratory system response, minute ventilation increased at a loud vocal SPL when workload changed from rest to either low or high. End-tidal CO
2
increased under low and high workloads relative to rest at loud and spontaneous vocal SPLs.

Conclusions

Mostly consistent with a theory of action, in which motor control is goal dependent (i.e., vocal SPL targets), speakers can achieve a loud vocal SPL despite increases in workload requirements. In contrast, laryngeal airway resistance stays relatively low when vocal SPL occurs spontaneously, suggesting glottal adjustments are made to improve gas exchange as metabolic respiratory requirements become prioritized. Metabolic respiratory requirements appear to be overcome by the overlay of motor control for voicing when a loud vocal SPL is targeted. The implication of goal-dependent phonation for clinicians is that real-world conditions (i.e., loud vocal SPL) matter in vocal testing and voice therapy.
Comparative evaluation on switched reluctance motor drive with different phase current sensing methods
Authors: Xu Shuai , Chen Hao , Yang Jian , Dong Feng
Published: July 2019

Cost‐effective phase current sensing is critical for the performance improvement of switched reluctance motor drive (SRD). In this study, a new two‐sensor phase current sensing method is proposed and comparatively investigated with conventional m‐sensor and one‐sensor methods. First, the operation principles of the m‐sensor, one‐sensor, and proposed two‐sensor methods are illustrated in detail on a four‐phase SRD. Compared with the one‐sensor method, the topology can be maintained without splitting the lower bus into freewheeling bus and excitation bus under the two‐sensor method. Next, an advanced decoupling strategy is presented to obtain the complete phase current information and shorten the region of switch signals injection. With the simulation model in Matlab/Simulink environment, the steady and transient performance of SRD in the proposed method are not inferior to m‐sensor and one‐sensor methods. Meanwhile, the proposed two‐sensor method is demonstrated to own superior thermal stress distribution by the finite‐element model in ANSYS software. Eventually, the dynamic reliability is proved to be not enhanced as the number of current sensors decreases. Finally, an experimental setup with double‐core TMS320F28377D is built to validate the proposed method and evaluation results.
Robust and efficient approach based on Richardson extrapolation for solving badly initialised/ill‐conditioned power‐flow problems
Authors: Tostado‐Véliz Marcos , Kamel Salah , Jurado Francisco
Published: July 2019

In this study, the authors focus on solving the power‐flow (PF) problems of badly initialised/ill‐conditioned power systems, where the solution of these systems is a challenge for most of state‐of‐the‐art PF techniques. This challenge is increased in case of large and very large‐scale power systems which have a huge number of variables. Consequently, the PF techniques used should have a high degree of efficiency in order to handle the large vectors and matrix computations. In this study, a novel PF approach based on the Richardson extrapolation is proposed to solve these systems. The proposed approach is validated using various badly initialised/ill‐conditioned systems, comparing its performance with several well known PF techniques. The obtained results prove that the proposed approach is robust and efficient enough to properly manage the badly initialised/ill‐conditioned systems even if they consist of a huge number of buses, whereas the other PF techniques face different convergence difficulties.
LEM for DERs and flexible loads
Authors: Wu Xiong , Wang Xiuli , Zhang Wei , Huang Yongxi
Published: July 2019

The increasing of distributed energy resources (DERs) requires efficient energy market mechanisms, but the existing market cannot directly reflect the uncertainty of renewable energy and the flexibility of demand on price. This study proposes a novel local energy market (LEM) framework, in which the DERs are traded between prosumers and consumers. In the LEM, a guarantee level mechanism is proposed to distinguish the difference of the renewable distributed generators’ (DGs’) uncertainty and loads’ flexibility. It divides the LEM into different levels for prosumers and consumers to select based on their own conditions. The proposed mechanism extends the market trading into four dimensions which are price, quantity, reliability and flexibility. To promote the efficiency of the LEM, an iterative clearing approach is proposed. The prosumers and consumers determine their trading parameters based on the proposed two‐stage stochastic optimisation models. The case studies are conducted to verify the efficiency of the proposed LEM. The results shows that the market with guarantee level mechanism not only gives an economic signal for flexible loads to counteract the uncertainty of renewable DGs, but also promotes the integration of DERs and increase the welfare of prosumers and consumers.
Feature fusion method using BoVW framework for enhancing image retrieval
Authors: Vimina E. Ravindran , Jacob K. Poulose
Published: July 2019

The bag‐of‐visual words (BoVW) has been applied to myriad of recognition problems in computer vision such as object recognition, scene classification and image retrieval due to its scalability and high precision. However, their performance is subservient in certain datasets, especially in natural image datasets, mainly due to the lack of consideration of image cues such as colour, texture etc. which are not prime features while computing invariant descriptors, on which BoVW models are generally built on. Hence, this study describes a multi‐cue fusion approach for BoVW framework, exploiting both early and late fusion methods, to improve the retrieval performance, mainly in natural image datasets. For this, a composite edge and colour descriptor is proposed to describe the local regions of the image along with the invariant feature descriptor Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF). Independent vocabularies are built based on these descriptors and images in the dataset are encoded to form two histograms using the respective vocabularies. The histograms are further fused to characterise the image. The retrieval is carried out by matching the histograms. Experimental results show that significant increment in the average precision can be attained by combining the proposed descriptor with invariant descriptors.
Homography‐based traffic sign localisation and pose estimation from image sequence
Authors: Cui Zhichao , Liu Yuehu , Ren Fuji
Published: July 2019

This study proposes a vision‐based method for traffic sign attribute estimation, i.e. 3D position and pose, from image sequences by binocular or monocular cameras. The method starts with acquiring robust feature correspondences based on homography constraints from image pairs. Then the objective function is designed to integrate the feature correspondences to optimise the parameters of the traffic sign plane in the 3D coordinate. Finally, the sign plane is utilised for attribute estimation. In addition, the authors provide an extension for the raw KITTI dataset, which can be utilised for 3D tasks of traffic sign localisation and pose estimation. In the experiments, three popular methods are employed for comparisons based on the publicly available BelgiumTS and KITTI datasets. The results show that the authors’ method based on SIFT and SURF features can locate the traffic signs with a mean error of ∼0.44 and 0.51 m in the BelgiumTS and KITTI datasets, respectively, and estimate the pose with a mean error of ∼14.45° in the KITTI dataset.
Application of the mantle cloak in near vertical incidence skywave/ground wave high frequency communication
Authors: Ghasemi Mizuji Ensiyeh , Abbasi Arand Bijan , Forooraghi Keyvan , Abdolali Ali , Derafshi Iman
Published: July 2019

In this study, the authors propose a new idea to employ mantle cloaking in order to reduce the mutual coupling between electrically small antennas (ESAs) placed on man‐pack radio systems. They determined and numerically optimised the parameters of the mantle cloak on loop and monopole antennas; these antennas are to provide near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) and ground wave high frequency (HF) communication in man‐pack radio systems. The authors’ designed cloak can effectively minimise the mutual coupling between the ESAs – in the man‐pack radios – for only a very small impact on the antenna's radiation characteristics. The authors believe that these improvements pave the way toward effectively applying these compact radio structures in emergency HF communication in areas with limited access to conventional communication links.
Harmonic filter‐based improved islanding detection technique for microgrid
Authors: Dhua Rajashree , Chatterjee Debashis , Goswami Swapan Kumar
Published: July 2019

Islanding detection in microgrid using harmonic filters connected at the distributed generation units (DGs) end has been described. Traditional islanding techniques related to impedance estimation suffer from poor detection accuracy due to false detection during load switching. In the proposed method, tuned filters connected at DG terminals are utilised for islanding detection in the microgrid. These filters can be connected at the DG end to reduce harmonic injection to the source end, besides helping the islanding detection through the proposed technique. The measured grid‐side harmonic impedances at tuned frequency after the filter are used for islanding detection instead of the direct input harmonic impedance calculated in traditional techniques. The proposed method can overcome the difficulties of the existing impedance‐based islanding detection techniques like larger non‐detection zone (NDZ), false detection during load switching etc. The effectiveness of the proposed method is tested in a six bus microgrid system and comparison with other existing islanding detection techniques reveals the fact that the proposed method has much better performance in terms of improved detection accuracy, detection speed, and it also significantly reduces the NDZ.
Detection and avoidance of water loss through municipality taps in India by using smart taps and ICT
Authors: Mohapatra Hitesh , Rath Amiya Kumar
Published: July 2019

Global climate change and the rapid population growth have been seriously impacting water sources. The existing traditional water distribution network (WDN) fails to manage proper water distribution according to the consumption rate. The current situation demands an intelligent water management and treatment model to keep water available in the long run. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a combination of the Internet of Things and information which introduces machine‐to‐machine communication with data for management. An ICT‐based WDN which helps in monitoring excessive water supply and preventing water loss is proposed. The designed architecture is based on a heterogeneous wireless sensor network (WSN) and a smart tap which detects water loss and communicates the report to the utility centre. A fault‐tolerant WSN routing scheme to handle the faulty situation during the transmission process is also proposed. The district of Sambalpur in Odisha, India is the chosen location for this study.
One‐step solvothermal synthesis of Cu–Cu2 O composite with improved photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation
Authors: Gao Hui , Hu Ya Wei , Xue Ying
Published: July 2019

Microspheres‐like Cu–Cu2 O composites were successfully fabricated through a facial one‐step solvothermal method. The phase and morphology of Cu‐Cu2 O composites were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Also, the photodegradation experimental of methyl orange (MO) displayed that the as‐obtain Cu–Cu2 O composites possess excellent photocatalytic activity. After 120 min visible light irradiation, the photodegradation rate of MO on pure Cu2 O and Cu–Cu2 O was up to 11.8 and 90.6%, respectively. Moreover, the photodegradation rate of MO on Cu–Cu2 O was 19.5 times than that on pure Cu2 O. The great photocatalytic activity of Cu–Cu2 O composites might be ascribed to the appropriate amount of Cu, which could promote the transfer of photo‐generated electrons and restrain the recombination of electron–hole.
Analysis of interface trap charges on performance variation in L‐shaped tunnel field‐effect transistor
Authors: Guo Jia‐Min , Li Cong , Yan Zhi‐Rui , Jiang Hao‐Feng , Zhuang Yi‐Qi
Published: July 2019

The L‐shaped tunnel field‐effect transistor (LTFET) improves current drivability significantly by transforming the path of the band‐to‐band tunnelling from point‐tunnelling to line‐tunnelling, but meanwhile, the gate‐source overlapped structure of LTFET brings about a larger active area of interface trap charges (ITCs). In this paper, the impact of ITCs on LTFET's characteristics is investigated in terms of the electric field, dc, analogue/RF, linearity and transient performance. From TCAD simulation results, it is found that for conventional LTFET, different types of ITCs lead to distinct variations in I–V characteristics, subthreshold swing, transconductance, parasitic capacitances, cut‐off frequency, linearity parameters such as , , , and and the fall propagation delay . To improve the device stability, heterogeneous gate dielectric (HGD) structure is introduced into LTFET. From comparison results, it is found that benefiting from the improved gate controllability near the tunnelling junction, HGD‐LTFET not only improves dc, analogue/RF, linearity and transient performance but also effectively suppresses the variation caused by ITCs thus has better stability. Therefore, HGD‐LTFET is a very attractive choice in future low‐power and high‐frequency applications.
Magnetic activity of the solar-like star HD 140538
Authors: Mittag M. , Schmitt J. H. M. M. , Metcalfe T. S. , Hempelmann A. , Schröder K.-P.
Published: July 2019

The periods of rotation and activity cycles are among the most important properties of the magnetic dynamo thought to be operating in late-type, main-sequence stars. In this paper, we present a SMWO-index time series composed from different data sources for the solar-like star HD 140538 and derive a period of 3.88 ± 0.02 yr for its activity cycle. Furthermore, we analyse the high-cadence, seasonal SMWO data taken with the TIGRE telescope and find a rotational period of 20.71 ± 0.32 days. In addition, we estimate the stellar age of HD 140538 as 3.7 Gyrs via a matching evolutionary track. This is slightly older than the ages obtained from gyrochronology based on the above rotation period, as well as the activity-age relation. These results, together with its stellar parameters that are very similar to a younger Sun, make HD 140538 a relevant case study for our understanding of solar activity and its evolution with time.
The impact of road infrastructure failures on traffic conditions and travel behaviour in urban areas – the case of the Lazienkowski Bridge in Warsaw
Authors: Szarata Andrzej , Nosal Hoy Katarzyna
Published: July 2019

This article deals with the problems of failures of transport infrastructure sections and their consequences. The article presents the research problem of assessing the impact of the fire on Lazienkowski Bridge, in Warsaw, on the travel behaviour of city residents as well as traffic conditions in the city. Changes occurring directly after the bridge’s failure during the period up to several months after the event were analysed. In order to assess the consequences of the failure, data obtained from traffic measurements on selected bridge crossings and interview surveys carried out among city residents were used. The results of the surveys proved that the exclusion of the Lazienkowski Bridge from traffic resulted in a significant increase in traffic volumes on other bridges, especially neighbouring ones, and resulted in longer rush hours on the bridge crossings in question. 42% of the city‘s residents felt the negative consequences of the failure in the form of worse conditions of travel and 36% of the residents reported a longer travel time to work/school. The failure also caused changes in travel behaviour as regards the choice of means of transport, travel route or not travelling altogether. The consequences of the failure affected, to the greatest extent, the residents of areas most functionally connected with the bridge.
Assessment of technical condition and repair of steel structure elements on the example of fire damage in a warehouse building
Authors: Ambroziak Andrzej , Piotrkowski Paweł , Heizig Tomasz
Published: July 2019

The paper analyses a case study on the structural assessment of warehouse building partially damaged by fire caused by external source (fire of lorries close to the building). The authors focus on the site investigations and laboratory test results prior to assessing actual condition of the structural elements. Both strengthening concept and repair procedure of a steel column are addressed here. A short literature survey in the paper regards fire damages and its impact on the entire structural systems and its members.
Geotechnical failure of a slope featuring site development with industrial facilities caused by irresponsible leveling in the neighboring area
Authors: Kumor Maciej Kordian , Kumor Łukasz Aleksander
Published: July 2019

The article describes an unusual geotechnical failure of properly built-up top backfill of a slope of the subsoil of an industrial facility. The failure was caused by an irresponsible correction of the slope and its base in the neighboring area. Deterioration of the slope built from expansive clay consisted in clearing trees and deep changes in morphology in part of the slope of the neighbor, situated below it. Therefore, arbitrary actions led to a serious geotechnical failure as a result of loss of stability of slopes, an inversion in water relationships going beyond the local area, and change in the direction of flow of surface waters.
Failure of a warehouse floor by subsoil settlement
Authors: Kwiecień Sławomir
Published: July 2019

This paper discusses the failure of a warehouse floor (with an approximate surface area of 1.550 m2) inside an industrial building with a total developed area of approx. 8.200 m2 along with the testing of the failure and its repair. Over ten-odd years of operation of the industrial building, its floor was found to develop non-uniform settlement with a maximum depth of approximately 150 mm from the original floor level. The completed survey inspections, geotechnical tests and FEM studies demonstrated that the root cause of these non-uniform settlement events was the foundation of the warehouse floor, built on a subsoil which featured high and long-term deformability. Given the investigated conditions, it was decided to modify the foundation of the new warehouse floor slab by reinforcing the subsoil with drilled micropiling. The calculations completed, test loading of a drilled micropile and on-site inspection of the warehouse flooring in use confirmed that the modification was rational.
Floor defects in quarters over railway tunnel caused by design and construction errors
Authors: Majewski Tomasz , Niedostatkiewicz Maciej , Ziółkowski Patryk
Published: July 2019

The main subject of this paper is a floor in the quarters located above the railway tunnel in the large-area Shopping Center. The considered floor did not meet the satisfactory safety conditions, as a result of design and construction errors, which were a direct cause of the failure. In the long term, failure could lead to a construction disaster.
The method of strengthening the church building in terms of the planned mining exploitation
Authors: Drobiec Łukasz , Niemiec Tomasz , Kawulok Marian , Słowik Leszek , Chomacki Leszek
Published: July 2019

This article describes the method of strengthening a church building in Ruda Śląska against predicted effects of mining exploitation. The building had been already exposed to effects of 22 mining incidents which significantly damaged walls and vaults. Therefore, it was decided to strengthen the building before new exploitation works. Strengthening works included longitudinal walls support with the tendon system built over the vault support. Additionally, ribs were strengthened by suspending them to new reinforced concrete ribs placed over the existing ones. And precast concrete cube elements were used in new ribs.
About problems with cast iron columns of the revitalized post-industrial buildings
Authors: Urban Tadeusz , Gołdyn Michał
Published: July 2019

The paper discusses examples of the use of cast iron columns in existing post-industrial buildings. The results of experimental investigations in which a cast iron column originating from an existing structure was subjected to compression, were presented. The load carrying capacity of the element was assessed in the light of historical design procedures, demonstrating their conservativeness resulting from material uncertainties. The examples of failures of cast iron columns, resulting from errors committed during modernization works, were also presented.
Common thermal and shrinkage cracking of ceiling slabs
Authors: Hulimka Jacek , Dawczyński Szymon , Krzywoń Rafał
Published: July 2019

Early age cracks of concrete structures are usually associated with the phenomenon of shrinkage. Most often they appear after a few days of hardening of the concrete. The appearance of shrinkage cracks results from the constraint of the structure, including inhomogeneous volume changes of the concrete. Due to the variety of reasons that can cause early age cracks, it is often difficult to diagnose them properly, and especially to recognise them from the more serious damages caused by load capacity deficits. The paper presents a few cases of shrinkage cracks of ceilings, met by the authors in their professional work. The examples were selected to show different types of design and construction errors that contributed to the occurrence of excessive shrinkage cracking. These include maladjustment of concrete care for the weather conditions, local structural restraints that limit the freedom of deformation of the ceiling, the lack of expansion joints or too large breaks in concrete placing.
Evaluation of the condition of the external layer of walls in the national technological system "S-Sz" (Szczecin System) of large-panel prefabricated construction
Authors: Girus Krzysztof
Published: July 2019

The condition of the texture layer of external walls directly affects the durability of a large panel building. The results presented in the article are the result of an inventory and a number of studies carried out in 2018 on selected residential buildings in a local variant of the Szczecin Large-Panel System. Both in situ tests (layer thickness measurement, reinforcement location, determination of lagging thickness) and laboratory tests (strength test, carbonation range) were carried out. Significant deviations of the examined wall elements from the design assumptions were proved. Moreover, it was found that the carbonated concrete of the external layer does not adequately protect reinforcing steel. With the use of so-called sandwich samples, the compressive strength of the concrete was confirmed. A favourable ratio of specimen dimensions was established for the results of lightweight concrete strength tests.
Chemical corrosion of concrete tank in sewage treatment plant as the cause of failure
Authors: Woyciechowski Piotr , Adamczewski Grzegorz , Łukowski Paweł
Published: July 2019

The organoleptic examination proves a significant degree of structural disintegration of concrete - some loosely embedded aggregate grains easily fall out when touched. The vertical range of the above changes includes a zone up to approx. 60 cm above the wastewater level, i.e. thea zone of fluctuations in the level of wastewater and a spray-gas zone. In the case of the tank 01/1 this means the full usable height of the tank, which may mean in the longer term the propagation of damage to the lower surface of the roof.
Managing accidents and failures of hydraulic structures
Authors: Daniel Ryszard A. , Paulus Timothy M.
Published: July 2019

While the prior objective of hydraulic structures is to remain in service, engineers must also be capable to adequately handle their failures. This paper gives guidance on this issue based on the European (mainly Dutch) and American practice. The discussion begins with terminology agreements on “accident” and “calamity”, followed by the notes on risk analysis and life safety risks in particular. Identifying and reducing such risks is an issue of much broader scope than structural analysis. Once an accident happens, proper investigations, handling the losses and planning the repair become major goals. The paper discusses the choice between repair and replacement of a gate, illustrated by examples from the USA and the Netherlands The discussion has an engineering rather than statistical character. The authors believe that accidents are events of infrequent nature and very diverse consequences, difficult to capture in databases.
Analysis of load bearing structure of selected hall buildings
Authors: Onopiuk Sławomir , Stolarski Adam
Published: July 2019

In this paper the issues associated with correct design of hall buildings has been presented. Large span roof structures require a particularly careful approach to design issues. In this paper examples of two building hall were presented. In the first example, the construction disaster occurred, while in the second of presented buildings due to the changes introduced while construction has been protected against such disaster. The first of the analyzed cause concerns storage hall, whose roof structure has been destroyed due to heavy rainfall. The main cause of this disaster was the malfunction of vacuum roof drainage system compounded by a number of design errors. Mentioned errors were not eliminated, during construction, despite the additional investor supervision, which was independent of parties involved in a construction process. The second case concerns the structure of a sports hall, which was built next to the existing school. Under construction of the hall building, the contractor and the supervision inspector, in conjunction with the designer, introduced a number of modifications of the structure to prevent the disaster. These modifications were a direct result of errors at the design stage, which were eliminated under the construction works. Based on analyzed cases, the scope of diagnostics, which should be performed during the operation of hall buildings with large roof areas, was determined.
Die Steppenraute, Peganum harmala L. – eine alte Unbekannte
Authors: Baroud Bilal , Kermani Peyman , Melzig Matthias F.
Published: July 2019

Die Steppenraute Peganum harmala L. ist eine Pflanze der Trockengebiete Zentralasiens bis in den Mittelmeerraum aus der Familie der Nitrariaceae. Besonders die Samen (Semen Harmalae) werden seit der Antike zu rituellen Zwecken als Halluzinogen und in der traditionellen Heilkunde verwendet. Inhaltsstoffe sind v. a. Indolalkaloide, wie β-Carboline und Chinazolinalkaloide mit ausgeprägten Wirkungen auf das ZNS und das Herz-Kreislauf-System. Trotz einer großen Anzahl von Berichten zu vielfältigen pharmakologischen Effekten besitzt die Droge gegenwärtig keine therapeutische Bedeutung.
Diced Cartilage bei Nasenkorrekturen
Authors: Völklein Claudia , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: July 2019

Eine ebenmäßig und ästhetisch modellierte Oberfläche des Nasenrückens und der
Nasenspitze ist das erwünschte Endergebnis septorhinoplastischer Eingriffe
sowohl für den Operateur als auch für den Patienten. Beim Einsatz von DC im
Rahmen der Septorhinoplastik und in den Variationen des DCF (Diced Cartilage
Framework) werden bevorzugt autologe Materialien mit hoher Biokompatibilität und
damit minimiertem Risiko für Infektionen und Abstoßung verwendet. Histologische
Untersuchungen postulieren für den DC und das DCF ein regeneratives Potenzial
mit Zugaben von PRF (Platelet rich Fibrin) aus dem eigenen Plasma des Patienten.
Die Herstellung des DC und des DCF aus autologem Knorpel ist leicht zu erlernen
und kann von der Operationsassistenz parallel zum Eingriff vorbereitet werden.
Die Zubereitung des PRF ist standardisiert. Form und Größe der
Diced-Cartilage-Grafts sind sehr variabel, ebenso wie der Ort der Applikation an
der Nase. Der geschnittene Knorpel kann frei unter die Haut appliziert werden
oder als DCF mit autologer Faszie, Perichondrium und aPRF (Advanced Platelet
rich Fibrin) Clot umhüllt werden. Der DCF-Graft kann einige Tage nach dem
Einsetzen noch nachmodelliert werden. Es sollte keine Überkorrektur erfolgen,
denn der Graft verbleibt in der Masse konstant und wird nicht resorbiert. DC und
DCF-Grafts sind nicht strukturverbessernd und nur zur Modellierung der Kontur
geeignet, sie können als ergänzende Komponente nach einem strukturverbessernden
Aufbau der inneren Stützstrukturen der Nase eingesetzt werden. Die Anpassung und
Anwendung des DC und des DCF erfolgt somit immer zum Ende der
septorhinoplastischen Operation. Die einfache Anwendung und die Flexibilität
dieser Technik mit dem Ziel eines modellierbaren, sich schnell in die Kontur des
Nasenrückens integrierenden Graft überzeugen sowohl bei FDC (freiem DC) als auch
beim DCF. Sie können zur routinemäßigen Anwendung für die Modellierung der
Kontur bei einer Septorhinoplastik empfohlen werden.
Therapeutische Allianz und Rehabilitationszufriedenheit von Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund in der psychosomatischen Rehabilitation – Analyse routinemäßig erhobener Daten
Authors: Kessemeier Franziska Maria , Bassler Markus , Petermann Franz , Kobelt-Pönicke Axel
Published: July 2019

Ziel der Studie Die therapeutische Allianz ist ein wichtiger Wirkfaktor in der psychotherapeutischen Behandlung. Der Zusammenhang von Rehabilitationszufriedenheit und therapeutischer Allianz ist gut belegt. Arbeiten zum Einfluss des Migrationshintergrundes stehen aus. Untersucht wird, ob der Migrationsstatus Einfluss auf die therapeutische Allianz und die Rehabilitationszufriedenheit von PatientInnen der psychosomatischen Rehabilitation hat.

Methodik Zunächst werden PatientInnen mit und ohne Migrationshintergrund hinsichtlich soziodemografischer Variablen und der Symptomschwere verglichen. Die gefundenen Unterschiede werden in einem Propensity Score Matching berücksichtigt. Die Patientengruppen werden vor und nach dem Matching mittels Varianzanalyse auf Unterschiede hinsichtlich ihrer Reha-Zufriedenheit und therapeutischen Allianz analysiert.

Ergebnisse PatientInnen mit Migrationshintergrund waren häufiger weiblich, hatten ein niedrigeres Bildungsniveau und berichteten eine stärkere Symptomschwere. PatientInnen mit Migrationshintergrund bewerteten sowohl die Rehabilitationszufriedenheit als auch die therapeutische Allianz negativer. Die gefundenen Effekte waren jedoch sehr klein und konnten nach dem Matching nicht repliziert werden.

Schlussfolgerungen Die negativere Bewertung der Rehabilitationszufriedenheit und der therapeutischen Allianz durch PatientInnen mit Migrationshintergrund ist auf ihre problematischere soziodemografische und psychosomatische Ausgangslage zurückzuführen. Werden diese Merkmale konstant gehalten, werden keine Unterschiede zwischen den Patientengruppen gefunden. Der hohe Zusammenhang von therapeutischer Allianz und Rehabilitationszufriedenheit unterstreicht die Bedeutung der therapeutischen Allianz für eine gelingende psychosomatische Rehabilitation.
Is There a Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency Status and PCOS in Infertile Women?
Authors: Arslan Emine , Gorkem Umit , Togrul Cihan
Published: July 2019

Introduction It is still unclear in the literature whether low vitamin D levels play a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially with respect to the regulation of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether there could be a relationship between vitamin D deficiency status and PCOS.

Materials and Methods A total of 146 infertile women were divided into two groups according to their ovarian reserve patterns: (i) normal (NOR), and (ii) high (PCOS). The participants were also categorized into two groups according to vitamin D concentrations: (i) Group A < 10 ng/mL, and (ii) Group B 10 – 20 ng/mL. Samples were obtained and analyzed for estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and AMH.

Results In the NOR group, there were significant differences between Group A and Group B in terms of anthropometric characteristics (p < 0.05, for all). The women in both Group A and Group B had similar AMH concentrations (p > 0.005). Only the NOR group showed a significant though moderate negative correlation between 25(OH)D levels and anthropometric parameters. AMH levels were not correlated with 25(OH)D levels in the NOR or the PCOS group (r = − 0.112, p = 0.008; r = 0.027, p = 0.836). Multivariate regression analysis showed no impact of 25(OH)D on other study parameters. Only AMH measurements were significant enough (p < 0.001) to differentiate between PCOS and NOR patterns.

Conclusion We found no difference in serum 25(OH)D and AMH levels between women with and women without PCOS. No correlation could be demonstrated between 25(OH)D and AMH in the PCOS group or controls.
To Couple or not to Couple? For Acute:Chronic Workload Ratios and Injury Risk, Does it Really Matter?
Authors: Gabbett Tim J. , Hulin Billy , Blanch Peter , Chapman Paul , Bailey David
Published: July 2019

We examined the association between coupled and uncoupled acute:chronic workload ratios (ACWR) and injury risk in a cohort of 28 elite cricket fast bowlers (mean±SD age, 26±5 yr). Workloads were estimated using the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE). Coupled ACWRs were calculated using a 1-week acute workload and 4-week chronic workload (acute workload was included in the chronic workload calculation), whereas uncoupled ACWRs used the most recent 1-week acute workload and the prior 3-week chronic workload (acute workload was not included in the chronic workload calculation). A nearly perfect relationship (R2=0.99) was found between coupled and uncoupled ACWRs. Using a percentile rank method, no significant differences in injury risk were found between the coupled and uncoupled ACWR. Higher ACWRs were associated with increased injury likelihood for both coupled and uncoupled methods, however there were no significant differences in injury risk between coupled and uncoupled ACWRs. Our data demonstrates that both coupled and uncoupled ACWRs produce the same injury likelihoods. Furthermore, our results are consistent with previous studies: higher ACWRs are associated with greater risk, irrespective of whether acute and chronic workloads are coupled or uncoupled.
Perspectives of Facial Plastic Surgeons on Opioid Dependence in Rhinoplasty Patients
Authors: Levin Marc , Roskies Michael G. , Asaria Jamil
Published: July 2019

Understanding the perspectives and opinions of facial plastic surgeons on opioid dependence is critical in a national epidemic of opioid overuse. Findings may encourage surgeon education so that facial plastic surgeons may be able to judiciously prescribe opioids, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare opioid-related spending. The objective of this study is to understand facial plastic surgeons' perspectives on opioid dependence in rhinoplasty patients. A key secondary objective was to quantify facial plastic surgeons' opioid prescribing patterns. This was a prospective survey study. A nine-question survey was sent to all members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in July of 2018, and analysis of the data was completed in August of 2018. The primary study outcome measurement was surgeon perspectives on opioid dependence. This was measured by an online survey. A total of 164 facial plastic surgeons responded to the survey (response rate: 6.6%). The majority were experienced surgeons in practice for more than 10 years (61.96%) who perform less than five rhinoplasties per week (84.15%). Of the facial plastic surgeons, 89.51% prescribe some variation of opioids following rhinoplasty. Most surgeons believe that opioid dependence is not a problem in rhinoplasty patients (86.96%), but that it is a problem among surgical patients in general (61.11%). The majority (52.45%) of surgeons prescribe between 11 and 25 tablets of opioids following rhinoplasty, with 25.17% of surgeons prescribing > 25 tablets of opioids. Facial plastic surgeons do not believe opioid dependence to be a problem among rhinoplasty patients. Resultantly, many facial plastic surgeons can prescribe more than 25 tables of opioids following rhinoplasty. The findings suggest that facial plastic surgeons may require further education and complete more research regarding opioid dependence among the rhinoplasty population. Additionally, the findings are important for health policy in that they encourage the creation of rhinoplasty specific opioid prescription guidelines.
A switched vibrating-hot-wire method for measuring the viscosity and thermal conductivity of liquids
Authors: Li Fengyi , Shi Shaoyi , Ma Weigang , Zhang Xing
Published: July 2019

A method involving a vibrating hot wire is proposed for measuring the viscosity and thermal conductivity of liquids. A platinum wire is bent into a semicircular shape and immersed in the sample liquid in the presence of a static magnetic field. Alternating current is then applied to the wire, causing it to vibrate and generate heat. At low frequency, the frequency response of the vibration is used to calculate the viscosity. At high frequency, the vibration amplitude of the wire is less than the molecular free path, and the thermal conductivity of the sample is obtained from the temperature dependence of the resistance. The proposed method is validated using water, toluene, anhydrous ethanol, and ethanediol as the test samples. The measurement uncertainty is estimated to be 1.5% (k = 1) for thermal conductivity and 0.7% (k = 2) for viscosity.