bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIQUID ASPHALT BINDERS IN CYLINDRICAL TUBE IN TERMS OF THE OSTWALD-DE WAELE MODEL
Authors: Matvienko O. V. , Bazuev V. P. , Cherkasov I. S. , Litvinova A. E.
Published: February 2020

The liquid asphalt binder in a cylindrical tube is described in terms of the Ostwald-de Waele model. The dependence of the liquid flow rate on the pressure drop; dependencies are obtained for radial distribution of the flow rate and viscosity. The medium structuring, which is most noticeable at low values of nonlinearity leads to the almost uniform profile of the core flow rate, which is typical to the plastic flow. The liquid pseudoplastic media with a law nonlinearity is characterized by the presence of a highly viscous core and a narrow region of the near-wall flow with low values of effective viscosity. With increasing in medium consistency, the average viscosity increases. This effect is most pronounced for flow motions at a small pressure drop. For low values of the pressure drop, the non-Newtonian properties of the medium lead to a significant hydraulic resistance due to the presence of the inner structure. With increasing pressure drop, hydraulic resistance decreases due to the medium destruction.
UPAYA PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI MEBEL PADA UMKM KOTA KUPANG BERBASIS TEKNOLOGI TEPAT GUNA
Authors: Nursalim Nursalim , Sampeallo Agusthinus S. , Wahid Abdul , Meok Nixson J.
Published: February 2020

Perkembangan makro baik nasional pada umumnya dan Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) khususnya telah memperlihatkan adanya perubahan ke arah yang makin baik dalam berbagai bidang. Namun demikian, pembangunan daerah ini masih membutuhkan kerja keras dari berbagai kalangan terutama Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah (UMKM) dalam menghadapi persaingan bebas dan lebih khusus menghadapi Masyarakat Ekonomi ASEAN yang sudah mulai berlaku di tahun 2016. Program Pengembangan Produk Unggulan Daerah (PPPUD) ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil produksi dengan mempercepat proses pengerjaan produksi UMKM usaha mebeler berbasis teknologi tepat guna yang lebih modern. Mitra program PPPUD ini adalah UD. Gusti Karya yang merupakan salah satu pelaku UMKM di Kota Kupang. Menurut mitra, kerajinan mebeler saat ini sangat digemari oleh masyarakat kota kupang, sebab selain kuat, mebel dapat dibuat sesuai selera konsumen. Adapun cara peningkatan produksi yang diterapkan pada kegiatan ini adalah melakukan peremajaan peralatan teknologi tepat guna dengan sistem yang lebih modern dibandingkan dengan peralatan yang mereka miliki saat ini. Luaran yang diharapkan dari program ini adalah peningkatan produksi sehingga dapat meningkatkan penghasilan dari mitra. Berdasarkan hasil pendampingan dan monitoring yang dilakukan setelah kegiatan ini diketahui bahwa, dengan adanya penerapan teknologi tepat guna tersebut dapat meningkatkan kinerja produksi mitra sampai 40 persen lebih cepat dari yang sebelumnya.
ANALISA PENGARUH CITRA MEREK, KUALITAS PRODUK DAN PROMOSI TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN (Studi Kasus Pasta Gigi Pepsodent Di Wilayah Jakarta Timur)
Authors: Warasto Hestu Nugroho
Published: February 2020

ABSTRAKDalam penelitian ini menggunakan variabel independen citra merek (x1), kualitas produk (x2) dan promosi (x3). Metode analisis yang digunakan analisa regresi linier berganda. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 60 responden yang diambil secara random dari konsumen pepsodent yang melakukan keputusan pembelian. Data yang diperoleh merupakan data primer yang merupakan hasil dari jawaban responden atas kuesioner yang disebarkan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh secara simultan pada variabel citra merek, kualitas produk dan promosi terhadap keputusan pembelian. Hasil penelitian ini juga menunjukkan variabel citra merek, kualitas produk dan promosi berpengaruh signifikan secara parsial terhadap keputusan pembelian. Pada uji determinasi terdapat pengaruh sebesar 78% dari variabel independen (citra merek, kualitas produk dan promosi) terhadap variabel dependen (keputusan pembelian). Sedangkan, sebanyak 22% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain dan tidak termasuk kedalam analisis regresi ini.Kata kunci:    citra merek, kualitas produk, promosi, keputusan pembelian.
Study of Mechanical Properties of Heat treated AL 7075/Graphite Powder/Baggasse Ash hybrid MMCs
Authors: K A Meghashree , P Puneeth , M G Madhu , Shivananda H K
Published: February 2020

This research work investigated the influence of the graphite powder on the Mechanical behaviour of Aluminium 7075/Graphite Powder(Gr)/Bagasse Ash(BA) hybrid composite. This investigation reveals the effectiveness of incorporation of graphite powder in the composite for gaining enhancing mechanical properties. The Al7075 (Aluminium alloy 7075) reinforced with bagasse ash and graphite powder to form MMCs were investigated. The conventional liquid casting technique was used for the fabrication of the composite material and subject to T6 heat treatment. The composite was produced for different percentages of graphite powder and bagasse ash. The specimens were prepared as per ASTM standard size by turning and facing operations to conduct tensile tests, compression tests and hardness tests. The specimens for tensile and compression strength are tested using universal testing machine and for hardness they are tested using Brinell hardness testing machine. The reinforcement content was chosen as 2,4, 6wt.% of Graphite powder to identify its potential for self lubricating property under dry sliding conditions. Through the results, it is concluded that the MMC obtained has got better tensile strength, compression strength, yield strength and hardness properties when compared to non-heat-treated Al 7075 alone.
تأثير تطبيق نموذجCAMEL في ربحية المصارف (دراسة تطبيقية على عدد من المصارف الخاصة العراقية للمدة 2010 – 2016)
Authors: تاج الدين ميادة صلاح الدين
Published: February 2020

يمارس تقييم المصارف دوراً مهماً في المحافظة على مصالح المتعاملين مع المصرف فضلاً عن توفير الإشراف والرقابة المستمرة من قبل البنك المركزي. وقام البنك المركزي العراقي بإجراء تقييم للمصارف العراقية من خلال تطبيق نموذج (CAMEL) خلال فترة معينة, ولم يستمر هذا التقييم, ويقدم البحث استمرارية لتقييم البنك المركزي وكخطوة لاستمرار عملية التقييم لجميع المصارف من خلال استخدام نموذج (CAMEL) وتبيان اثره في ربحية المصارف المعبر بمعدل العائد على إجمالي الموجودات (ROA) ومعدل العائد على حق الملكية (ROE)، من خلال استخدام نموذج الانحدار لأربع مصارف عراقية مسجلة في سوق العراق للأوراق المالية خلال الفترة من 2010-2016 وأظهرت النتائج أن مؤشرات راس المال والربحية ذات تأثير معنوي في متغيري الربحية اما كفاءة الادارة ذات تأثير سلبي في متغيري الربحية وان المصارف تحتفظ بنسب سيولة عالية ينبغي استثمارها.
الاقتصاد الاردني وسبل النهوض به
Authors: كاظم عقيل مكي
Published: February 2020

عند إطلالتنا على هذا البلد العربي لابد من التقصي ولو بعجاله عن اقتصاده وهو الاهم باعتبار ان الاقتصاد هو شريان الحياة لأي أمة فلا غنى ولا تهاون في نفس الوقت عن هذا الجانب المهم الذي يرتبط مدى تطوره بتطور البلد وهذا الاخير مرتبط بما متوفر لديه من موارد بشريه ومادية وان تفاوتت النسبة بينها فلا ضير في ذلك فالاهم هو وجود الموجه والمخطط بالاتجاه الصحيح نحو الاستغلال الامثل لهذه الموارد (وان قلّتْ) وبالتالي الافادة منها بما يعود بالفائدة على الاقتصاد الوطني الاردني ..

    ففي جانب الموارد الطبيعية امتلكت الاردن الثروات الطبيعية كالفوسفات بالدرجة الاولى والبوتاس والاملاح والغاز الطبيعي والحجر الكلسي والصخر الزيتي ولا ننسى قطاع السياحة والخدمات واتفاقيات التجارة وبعض الصناعات الاستخراجية جنوب المملكة ..
School-Based Mentoring for Middle Schoolers
Authors: Graham Tammy Jeaneen , Jefferson Renee N.
Published: February 2020

School-based mentoring programs are plentiful in number; however, studies measuring the impact of school-based mentoring for students with disabilities are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of mentoring on the academic and social emotional skills of middle school students with documented disabilities, as well as the impact of the mentor-mentee relationship on college-student mentors. The mentoring program paired four college education majors with four middle school males with documented disabilities who were identified by their teacher as needing assistance with academic and socio-emotional skills. A mixed-methods study was used to conduct an in-depth investigation of the impact of the mentor partnership. Data collection methods included (1) mentor and mentee surveys, (2) observations of mentor-mentee activities, (3) interviews with a science teacher and special education teacher, and (4) science grades. Results from the study support the positive impact that mentoring can have on both academic and social-emotional development of middle school students with documented disabilities.
Beneficial Effect of Continuous Normobaric Hypoxia on Ventricular Dilatation in Rats With Post-Infarction Heart Failure
Authors: HRDLIČKA J. , NECKÁŘ J. , PAPOUŠEK F. , VAŠINOVÁ J. , ALÁNOVÁ P. , KOLÁŘ F.
Published: February 2020

Adaptation to continuous normobaric hypoxia (CNH) protects the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury but much less is known about its potential therapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to find out whether post-infarction exposure to CNH can attenuate the progression of heart failure. Ten-week-old male rats underwent myocardial infarction (MI) or sham operation. MI was induced by 60-min coronary artery occlusion. Seven days post-MI, the rats were randomly assigned to two groups: i) sedentary controls kept at room air and ii) rats exposed to CNH (12 % O2, 3 weeks). Echocardiographic examination of the left ventricle (LV) was performed 3 days before surgery and 7, 14 and 28 days post-MI. MI resulted in a gradual increase in LV end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) compared to sham-operated animals. Fractional shortening (FS) decreased from 42.8 % before MI to 15.1 % on day 28 post-MI. CNH significantly attenuated ventricular dilatation without affecting scar area and FS. Our data suggest that prolonged exposure to CNH has certain potential to attenuate the progression of unfavorable changes in ventricular geometry induced by MI in rats.
ANALISIS KESULITAN GURU DALAM MENERAPKAN PEMBELAJARAN DENGAN PENDEKATAN SAINTIFIK DI SD NEGERI 30 PEKANBARU
Authors: Yanti Lisa Rahma
Published: February 2020

Abstrac: The scientific approach is one method that must be used in learning in the 2013 curriculum, but in reality not all teachers can apply a scientific approach to each learning process. This is because teachers still have difficulty applying the scientific approach, and some still do not understand the concept of each step of the scientific approach. Descriptive qualitative research aims to identify, and then collect, the factors for teachers' difficulties in using learning with a scientific approach in Pekanbaru public elementary school 30 with data collection techniques through observation and interviewing and documentation using data analysis techniques Reduce data, then present data and finally make interesting conclusion. Teachers at Pekanbaru Public Primary School 30 still have difficulty implementing various activities in the scientific approach. This is evident from several scientific approach activities that have not been carried out, e.g. For example, the survey activities in Class I, II, III, IV during the first and third observation and Class V at the first observation were not performed. No experimental activities were also carried out in Class II and III of the first and third surveys. Likewise, in the second observation no communication activities were carried out in class I, in class II in each observation and in class III in the first and second observations.
Predictive Path Following and Collision Avoidance of Autonomous Connected Vehicles
Authors: Abdelaal Mohamed , Schön Steffen
Published: February 2020

This paper considers nonlinear model predictive control for simultaneous path-following and collision avoidance of connected autonomous vehicles. For each agent, a nonlinear bicycle model is used to predict a sequence of the states and then optimize them with respect to a sequence of control inputs. The objective function of the optimal control problem is to follow the planned path which is represented by a Bézier curve. In order to achieve collision avoidance among the networked vehicles, a geometric shape must be selected to represent the vehicle geometry. In this paper, an elliptic disk is selected for that as it represents the geometry of the vehicle better than the traditional circular disk. A separation condition between each pair of elliptic disks is formulated as time-varying state constraints for the optimization problem. Driving corridors are assumed to be also Bézier curves, which could be obtained from digital maps, and are reformulated to suit the controller algorithm. The algorithm is validated using MATLAB simulation with the aid of ACADO toolkit.
Post-Fire Resprouting in New Zealand Woody Vegetation: Implications for Restoration
Authors: Teixeira Ana M. C. , Curran Timothy J. , Jameson Paula E. , Meurk Colin D. , Norton David A.
Published: February 2020

Resprouting is an important trait that allows plants to persist after fire and is considered a key functional trait in woody plants. While resprouting is well documented in fire-prone biomes, information is scarce in non-fire-prone ecosystems, such as New Zealand (NZ) forests. Our objective was to investigate patterns of post-fire resprouting in NZ by identifying the ability of species to resprout and quantifying the resprouting rates within the local plant community. Fire occurrence is likely to increase in NZ as a consequence of climate change, and this investigation addresses an important knowledge gap needed for planning restoration actions in fire-susceptible regions. The study was conducted in two phases: (1) A detailed review of the resprouting ability of the NZ woody flora, and (2) a field study where the post-fire responses of plants were quantified. The field study was undertaken in the eastern South Island, where woody plants (>5 cm diameter at 30 cm height) were sampled in 10 plots (10x10 m), five- and 10-months post-fire. The research synthesized the resprouting ability of 73 woody species and is the first to provide extensive quantitative data on resprouting in NZ. Most of the canopy dominant species were non-resprouters, but many smaller trees and shrubs were capable of resprouting, despite their evolution in an environment with low fire frequency. Species composition and abundance were important predictors of resprouting patterns among plots, with similar communities resulting in similar resprouting responses. Resprouting capacity provides species with a competitive advantage in the post-fire recovery. We suggest that it is possible to engineer more fire resilient restoration plantings by planting higher proportions of the resprouters identified in this study. The incorporation of resprouting as a trait in restoration plans is likely to be relevant not just in NZ, but also in other non-fire-prone regions facing increases in fire frequency.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Methods of Testing Withdrawal Resistance of Mortise-and-Tenon Joint for Wood Products
Authors: Hu Wengang , Liu Na , Guan Huiyuan
Published: February 2020

Withdrawal resistance of the mortise-and-tenon (M&T) joint is an important indicator to evaluate the strength of the M&T joint. Generally, the T-shaped specimen is usually used to measure withdrawal resistance using tensile methods, but there has not been testing standard until now. In this study, the methods of measuring withdrawal resistance of the M&T joint were investigated systematically. A new method used to determine the withdrawal resistance of M&T joint was proposed to be named as the compressive method. In addition, withdrawal resistances of M&T joint determined using tensile and compressive methods were compared based on experiments and the finite element method (FEM). The experimental results showed that the effects of the testing method and glue on withdrawal resistance of M&T joint were statistically significant, specifically, the withdrawal resistance measured using tensile method was higher than the one determined by the compressive method. Meanwhile, the results of FEM also confirmed the experimental results in a visible way. The results of FEM indicated that the withdrawal resistance of the M&T joint was influenced by tenon member length; specifically, the withdrawal resistance of the M&T determined by tensile method increased with the increasing of tenon member length. In summary, the results of the study make sense in the measurement of withdrawal resistance of the M&T joint in practice, and in f theory, the study will contribute to instructing the design of furniture structures.
Regular Doses of Nature: The Efficacy of Green Exercise Interventions for Mental Wellbeing
Authors: Rogerson Mike , Wood Carly , Pretty Jules , Schoenmakers Patrick , Bloomfield Dan , Barton Jo
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the efficacy of medium-term Green Exercise (GE; being physically active within a natural environment) interventions for improving wellbeing, by pooling data collected at the start and end of participants’ engagement with a range of GE interventions. Hypotheses were that (i) interventions would show good efficacy for improving wellbeing in the overall sample; (ii) compared to participants reporting ‘average to high’ wellbeing at the start of their project, participants with ‘low’ starting wellbeing would report greater improvements post-intervention; and (iii) improvements would significantly differ between age groups. The pooled dataset was categorized in line with UK norms (n = 318) and analyzed using a standardized meta-analysis approach. Effect size was large: g = 0.812 (95% CI [0.599, 1.025]), and differences in wellbeing changes associated with project duration, age or sex were not statistically significant. Compared to those reporting ‘average-high’ starting wellbeing, participants reporting ‘low’ starting wellbeing exhibited greater improvements (BCa 95% CI [−31.8, −26.5]), with 60.8% moving into the ‘average-high’ wellbeing category. GE can play an important role in facilitating wellbeing and can provide alternative pathways for health and social care practice. Public health commissioners should consider integrating such interventions for patients experiencing low wellbeing or associated comorbidities.
Acute Mental Health Needs Duration during Major Disasters: A Phenomenological Experience of Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Teams (DPATs) in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Sho , Takagi Yoshifumi , Fukuo Yasuhisa , Arai Tetsuaki , Watari Michiko , Tachikawa Hirokazu
Published: February 2020

Background: How long acute mental health needs continue after the disaster are problems which must be addressed in the treatment of victims. The aim of this study is to determine victims’ needs by examining activity data from Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Teams (DPATs) in Japan. Methods: Data from four disasters were extracted from the disaster mental health information support system (DMHISS) database, and the transition of the number of consultations and the activity period were examined. Results: Common to all four disasters, the number of consultations increased rapidly from 0–2 days, reaching a peak within about a week. The partial correlation coefficient between the number of days of activity and the maximum number of victims showed significance. The number of victims and days of activity can be used to obtain a regression curve. Conclusions: This is the first report to reveal that mental health needs are the greatest in the hyper-acute stage, and the need for consultation and the duration of needs depends on the number of victims.
How Do Time Use and Social Relationships Affect the Life Satisfaction Trajectory of Korean Adolescents?
Authors: Kim Hyemee , Moon Heyjin , Yoo Joan P. , Nam Eunji
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the life satisfaction trajectory of Korean adolescents, and factors associated with changes in life satisfaction. Specifically, we focused on how changes in time use and social relationships were associated with changes in life satisfaction. Using three waves of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey, we conducted a series of multilevel growth curve modeling analyses. The results indicate that Korean adolescents’ life satisfaction decreased over a three-year period, and that time spent on leisure and sleeping were both significant predictors of changes in life satisfaction. Life satisfaction decreased at a slower rate for adolescents whose relationships with peers and teachers positively increased over time. Findings highlight the importance of ensuring adequate amount of sleep and providing various opportunities for leisure activities in improving Korean adolescents’ life satisfaction. Furthermore, social relationships, specifically with teachers and peers should be the focus of prevention and intervention for adolescents to maintain and improve their level of life satisfaction.
Pacing and Performance Analysis of the World’s Fastest Female Ultra-Triathlete in 5x and 10x Ironman
Authors: Sousa Caio Victor , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present case study was to analyse the performance data of the world’s best female ultra-triathlete setting a new world record in a Quintuple (5xIronman) and Deca Iron (10xIronman) ultra-triathlon, within and between race days, and between disciplines (cycling and running) and races (Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon). The subject was an elite female triathlete (52 kg, 169 cm) born in 1983. At the time of her world record in Quintuple Iron ultra-triathlon she had an age of 35 years and at the time of the world record in Deca Iron ultra-triathlon 36 years old. The distribution of time spent in each discipline and transitions was 8.48% in swimming, 51.67% cycling, 37.91% running, and 1.94% transitions. There was no difference between the race days of the average speed neither in cycling nor running. The running pace had a within-day variation larger than the cycling pace, and also varied more between race days. In conclusion, the world’s best female ultra-triathlete adopted a steady (even) pacing strategy for both cycling and running, without substantial variations within- or between race days, for both the world record in a Quintuple and a Deca Iron ultra-triathlon.
A Tactile Device Generating Repulsive Forces of Various Human Tissues Fabricated from Magnetic-Responsive Fluid in Porous Polyurethane
Authors: Park Yu-Jin , Yoon Ji-Young , Kang Byung-Hyuk , Kim Gi-Woo , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: February 2020

In this study, a controllable tactile device capable of realizing repulsive forces from soft human tissues was proposed, and its effectiveness was verified through experimental tests. The device was fabricated using both porous polyurethane foam (PPF) and smart magnetorheological fluid (MRF). As a first step, the microstructural behavior of MRF particle chains that depended on the magnetic field was examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test samples were then fabricated after analyzing the magnetic field distribution, which was crucial for the formation of the particle chains under the squeeze mode operation. In the fabrication of the samples, MRF was immersed into the porous polyurethane foam and encapsulated by adhesive tape to avoid leakage. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed tactile device for appropriate stiffness of soft human tissues such as liver, the repulsive force and relaxation stress were measured and discussed as a function of the magnetic field intensity. In addition, the effectiveness and practical applicability of the proposed tactile device have been validated through the psychophysical test.
Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in a Silicone Rubber Conduit in Taxol-Treated Rats
Authors: Liao Chien-Fu , Hsu Shih-Tien , Chen Chung-Chia , Yao Chun-Hsu , Lin Jia-Horng , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Chen Yueh-Sheng
Published: February 2020

Taxol, a type of antimitotic agent, could modulate local inflammatory conditions in peripheral nerves, which may impair their regeneration and recovery when injured. This study provided in vivo trials of silicone rubber chambers to bridge a long 10 mm sciatic nerve defect in taxol-treated rats. It was aimed to determine the effects of electrical stimulation at various frequencies on regeneration of the sciatic nerves in the bridging conduits. Taxol-treated rats were divided into four groups (n = 10/group): sham control (no current delivered from the stimulator); and electrical stimulation (3 times/week for 3 weeks at 2, 20, and 200 Hz with 1 mA current intensity). Neuronal electrophysiology, animal behavior, neuronal connectivity, macrophage infiltration, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression levels, and morphological observations were evaluated. At the end of 4 weeks, animals in the low- (2 Hz) and medium-frequency (20 Hz) groups had dramatic higher rates of successful regeneration (90% and 80%) across the wide gap as compared to the groups of sham and high-frequency (200 Hz) (60% and 50%). In addition, the 2 Hz group had significantly larger amplitudes and evoked muscle action potentials compared to the sham and the 200 Hz group, respectively (P < 0.05). Heat, cold plate licking latencies, motor coordination, and neuronal connectivity were unaffected by the electrical stimulation. Macrophage density, CGRP expression level, and axon number were all significantly increased in the 20 Hz group compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). This study suggested that low- (2 Hz) to medium-frequency (20 Hz) electrical stimulation could ameliorate local inflammatory conditions to augment recovery of regenerating nerves by accelerating their regrowth and improving electrophysiological function in taxol-treated peripheral nerve injury repaired with the silicone rubber conduit.
Mechanism of Continuous Melting and Secondary Contact Melting in Resistance Heating Metal Wire Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Yuan Chengwei , Chen Shujun , Jiang Fan , Xu Bin , Dong Shanwen
Published: February 2020

Resistance heating metal wire materials additive manufacturing technology is of great significance for space environment maintenance and manufacturing. However, the continuous deposition process has a problem in which the metal melt is disconnected from the base metal. In order to study the difference between the second contact melting of the disconnected metal melt and the continuous melting of the metal wire as well as eliminate the problem of the uneven heat dissipation of the base metal deposition on the melting process of the metal wire, the physical test of melting the metal wire clamped by the equal diameter conductive nozzle was carried out from the aspects of temperature distribution, temperature change, melting time, dynamic resistance change, and the microstructure. The current, wire length, and diameter of the metal wire are used as variables. It was found that the dynamic resistance change of the wire can be matched with the melting state. During the solid-state temperature rise, due to the presence of the contact interface, the continuous melting and secondary contact melting of metal wires differ in dynamic resistance and the melting process. The continuous melting of the metal wire was caused by the overall resistance of the wire to generate heat and melt, and the temperature distribution is “bow-shaped”. In the second contact melting, the heat generated by the contact interface resistance was transferred to both ends of the metal wire to melt, and the temperature distribution is “inverted V”. The microstructure of the metal wire continuous melting and secondary contact melting solidification is similar. The continuous melting length of the metal wire is greater than the melting length of the secondary contact.
Refinement of Sustainable Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT) with Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon Films (a-C:H) Revealing Film Instabilities Influenced by a Thickness-Dependent Change of sp2/sp3 Ratio
Authors: Schlebrowski Torben , Acharchi Halima , Hahn Barbara , Wehner Stefan , Fischer Christian B.
Published: February 2020

The increasing use of polymers is related to a growing disposal problem. Switching to biodegradable polymers such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) is a feasible possibility, but after industrial production of commercially available material PBAT is not suitable for every application. Therefore, surface refinements with amorphous hydrogenated carbon films (a-C:H) produced by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) changing the top layer characteristics are used. Here, 50 µm-thick PBAT films are coated with a-C:H layers up to 500 nm in 50 nm steps. The top surface sp2/sp3 bonding ratios are analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) both synchrotron-based. In addition, measurements using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) were performed for detailed chemical composition. Surface topography was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the surface wettability by contact angle measurements. With increasing a-C:H layer thickness not only does the topography change but also the sp2 to sp3 ratio, which in combination indicates internal stress-induced phenomena. The results obtained provide a more detailed understanding of the mostly inorganic a-C:H coatings on the biodegradable organic polymer PBAT via in situ growth and stepwise height-dependent analysis.
Precision Cutting of the Molds of an Optical Functional Texture Film with a Triangular Pyramid Texture
Authors: Li Huang , Xu Zhilong , Pi Jun , Zhou Fei
Published: February 2020

Based on an analysis of the precision and preparation technology of an optical texture film with a triangular pyramid texture, the technical requirements of the original mold were determined, and precision shaping planning technology was adopted to process the original mold. The shape error of the optical texture mold of the triangular pyramid was assessed by defining the area ratio of the retro-reflection. The influence of the tool nose radius and exit burr on the area ratio of the retro-reflection were analyzed. By optimizing the cutting tools, cutting materials and cutting boundaries, a five-axis ultra-precision machining system was used to plan the triangular pyramid structure with a base length of 115 µm and an included angle between two sides of 70.5°. The experimental results indicate that the dimension error of the triangular pyramid element is less than 1 µm, the angle error of the included angle between two sides is less than 0.05°, and the average roughness of the side of the triangular pyramid can reach 9.2 nm, which satisfies the processing quality requirements of the triangular pyramid texture mold.
Effects of Lutein and Astaxanthin Intake on the Improvement of Cognitive Functions among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nouchi Rui , Suiko Takahiko , Kimura Eriko , Takenaka Hiroki , Murakoshi Michiaki , Uchiyama Akira , Aono Megumi , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: February 2020

Background: Fruits and vegetables are generally rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids. Consumption of carotenoids is expected to have benefits on cognitive functions in humans. However, previous randomized controlled trials (RCT) using carotenoids have reported inconsistent results. Therefore, this systematic review (SR) aimed to summarize the effect of carotenoid intake on cognitive functions in humans. Method: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PsychoINFO were searched for research papers on carotenoid intake with the criteria that 1) oral carotenoid intake was evaluated using RCTs, 2) participants were healthy young, middle-aged, or older, and 3) cognitive functions were measured using RCTs. Results: Five studies using lutein and two studies using astaxanthin met the inclusion criteria. Consumption of lutein and its isomer showed consistent results in selective improvement of visual episodic memory in young and middle-aged adults while inhibition was observed in middle-aged and older adults. One of the two included astaxanthin studies reported a significant improvement of verbal episodic memory performance in middle-aged adults. Conclusion: This SR showed that the 10 mg lutein per day for twelve months can lead to improvement of cognitive functions. Due to the small number of studies, it is difficult to conclude whether astaxanthin would have a positive effect on cognitive functions.
Can Self-Determination Explain Dietary Patterns Among Adults at Risk of or with Type 2 Diabetes? A Cross-Sectional Study in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas in Stockholm
Authors: Güil Oumrait Nuria , Daivadanam Meena , Absetz Pilvikki , Guwatudde David , Berggreen-Clausen Aravinda , Mölsted Alvesson Helle , De Man Jeroen , Sidney Annerstedt Kristi
Published: February 2020

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a major health concern in Sweden, where prevalence rates have been increasing in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is posited as an optimal framework to build interventions targeted to improve and maintain long-term healthy habits preventing and delaying the onset of T2D. However, research on SDT, T2D and diet has been widely overlooked in socio-economically disadvantaged populations. This study aims to identify the main dietary patterns of adults at risk of and with T2D from two socio-economically disadvantaged Stockholm areas and to determine the association between those patterns and selected SDT constructs (relatedness, autonomy motivation and competence). Cross-sectional data of 147 participants was collected via questionnaires. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to identify participants’ main dietary patterns. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to assess associations between the SDT and diet behaviours, and path analysis was used to explore mediations. Two dietary patterns (healthy and unhealthy) were identified. Competence construct was most strongly associated with healthy diet. Autonomous motivation and competence mediated the effect of relatedness on diet behaviour. In conclusion, social surroundings can promote adults at high risk of or with T2D to sustain healthy diets by supporting their autonomous motivation and competence.
Alliin, An Allium sativum Nutraceutical, Reduces Metaflammation Markers in DIO Mice
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Marina A. , Zepeda-Morales Adelaida Sara Minia , Carrera-Quintanar Lucrecia , Viveros-Paredes Juan Manuel , Franco-Arroyo Noel Noé , Godínez-Rubí Marisol , Ortuño-Sahagun Daniel , López-Roa Rocío Ivette
Published: February 2020

Obesity generates a chronic low-grade inflammatory state which promotes oxidative stress and triggers comorbidities. Alliin is the main organosulfur compound in garlic and has been shown to induce a decrease in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines; its systemic effect on metabolic parameters and adipose tissue is not yet known, however. After nine weeks of HFD and with obesity established in C57BL/6 mice, we observed that a daily treatment with alliin for 3.5 weeks (15 mg/kg) did not affect body weight, but significantly improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, both evaluated through a blood glucose monitoring system. Once alliin treatment was completed, serum, adipose tissue, and organs of interest related to metabolism were removed for further analysis. We observed that alliin significantly decreased the size of adipocytes from epididymal adipose tissue, evaluated via microscopy. A decrease in gene expression and serum protein levels of the adipocytokines leptin and resistin, as well as decreased serum IL-6 concentration, were detected by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. It did not, however, affect mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. Taken altogether, these results indicate that treatment with alliin reduces metaflammation markers in DIO mice and improves some metabolic parameters without affecting others.
Sensory Acceptance, Appetite Control and Gastrointestinal Tolerance of Yogurts Containing Coffee-Cascara Extract and Inulin
Authors: Iriondo-DeHond Maite , Iriondo-DeHond Amaia , Herrera Teresa , Fernández-Fernández Adriana Maite , Sorzano Carlos Oscar S. , Miguel Eugenio , del Castillo María Dolores
Published: February 2020

The improvement of the nutritional quality of dairy foods has become a key strategy for reducing the risk of developing diet-related non-communicable diseases. In this context, we aimed to optimize the concentration of inulin in combination with 10 mg/mL of coffee-cascara extract in yogurt while considering their effect on appetite control, gastrointestinal wellbeing, and their effect on the sensory and technological properties of the product. For this purpose, we tested four coffee-cascara yogurt treatments in a blind cross-over nutritional trial with 45 healthy adults: a coffee-cascara yogurt without inulin (Y0) and coffee-cascara yogurts containing 3% (Y3), 7% (Y7), and 13% (Y13) of inulin. The ratings on sensory acceptance, satiety, gastrointestinal tolerance, and stool frequency were measured. Surveys were carried out digitally in each participant’s cellphone. Yogurt pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, and instrumental texture were analyzed. Inulin addition increased the yogurt’s firmness and consistency. Y13 achieved significantly higher overall acceptance, texture, and taste scores than Y0 (p < 0.05). Y3 presented similar gastrointestinal tolerance to Y0. However, 7% and 13% of inulin produced significant (p < 0.05) bloating and flatulence when compared to Y0. The appetite ratings were not significantly affected by the acute intake of the different yogurts. Overall, Y3 was identified as the formulation that maximized nutritional wellbeing, reaching a “source of fiber” nutritional claim, without compromising its technological and sensory properties.
Adjusting Haemoglobin Values for Altitude Maximizes Combined Sensitivity and Specificity to Detect Iron Deficiency among Women of Reproductive Age in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Silubonde Takana Mary , Baumgartner Jeannine , Ware Lisa Jayne , Malan Linda , Smuts Cornelius Mattheus , Norris Shane
Published: February 2020

In South Africa, haemoglobin (Hb) is measured to screen for iron deficiency (ID). However, low levels of Hb are only a late stage indicator of ID. Furthermore, Hb values are generally not adjusted for altitude even though recommended by WHO. We determined the Hb threshold with the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for detecting ID among South African women living at 1700 m above sea level. In a cross-sectional study of 492 18–25-year-old women, we measured Hb and iron status biomarkers. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, we determined the Hb threshold with maximum Youden Index for detecting ID. This threshold of <12.35 g/dL resulted in a 37.2% anaemia prevalence (20.9% IDA), and sensitivity and specificity of 55.7% and 73.9%, respectively. The WHO altitude-adjusted threshold of <12.5 g/dL resulted in a 39% anaemia prevalence (21.3% IDA), and sensitivity and specificity of 56.8% and 70.8%, respectively. In contrast, using the unadjusted Hb cut-off of <12 g/dL resulted in a 18.5% anaemia prevalence (12.6% IDA), and sensitivity and specificity of 35.1% and 88.6%, respectively. In this sample of South African women of reproductive age an Hb threshold <12.35 g/dL had the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for detecting ID. The diagnostic performance of this Receiver operating characteristic curve-determined threshold was comparable to the altitude-adjusted threshold proposed by WHO. Thus, clinical and public health practice in South Africa should adopt adjustment of Hb for altitude to avoid underestimation of ID and missing women in need for intervention.
Effect of Almond Supplementation on Non-Esterified Fatty Acid Values and Exercise Performance
Authors: Esquius Laura , Segura Ramon , Oviedo Guillermo R. , Massip-Salcedo Marta , Javierre Casimiro
Published: February 2020

Several studies have investigated the effects of fat intake before exercise on subsequent substrate oxidation and exercise performance. While some studies have reported that unsaturated fatty acid supplementation slightly increases fat oxidation, the changes have not been reflected in the maximum oxygen uptake or in other performance and physiological parameters. We selected almonds as a fatty acid (FA) source for acute supplementation and investigated their effect on non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) values and exercise performance. Five physically active male subjects (age 32.9 ± 12.7 years, height 178.5 ± 3.3 cm, and weight 81.3 ± 9.7 kg) were randomly assigned to take an almond or placebo supplement 2 h before participating in two cycling resistance training sessions separated by an interval of 7–10 days. Their performance was evaluated with a maximal incremental test until exhaustion. Blood samples collected before, during, and after testing were biochemically analysed. The results indicated a NEFA value average increase of 0.09 mg·dL−1 (95% CI: 0.05–0.14; p < 0.001) after active supplement intake and enhanced performance (5389 ± 1795 W vs. placebo 4470 ± 2053 W, p = 0.043) after almond supplementation compared to the placebo. The almond supplementation did not cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Our study suggests that acute almond supplementation 2 h before exercise can improve performance in endurance exercise in trained subjects.
Bioisosteric Replacement as a Tool in Anti-HIV Drug Design
Authors: Dick Alexej , Cocklin Simon
Published: February 2020

Bioisosteric replacement is a powerful tool for modulating the drug-like properties, toxicity, and chemical space of experimental therapeutics. In this review, we focus on selected cases where bioisosteric replacement and scaffold hopping have been used in the development of new anti-HIV-1 therapeutics. Moreover, we cover field-based, computational methodologies for bioisosteric replacement, using studies from our group as an example. It is our hope that this review will serve to highlight the utility and potential of bioisosteric replacement in the continuing search for new and improved anti-HIV drugs.
A Framework Based on Nesting of Convolutional Neural Networks to Classify Secondary Roads in High Resolution Aerial Orthoimages
Authors: Cira Calimanut-Ionut , Alcarria Ramon , Manso-Callejo Miguel-Ángel , Serradilla Francisco
Published: February 2020

Remote sensing imagery combined with deep learning strategies is often regarded as an ideal solution for interpreting scenes and monitoring infrastructures with remarkable performance levels. In addition, the road network plays an important part in transportation, and currently one of the main related challenges is detecting and monitoring the occurring changes in order to update the existent cartography. This task is challenging due to the nature of the object (continuous and often with no clearly defined borders) and the nature of remotely sensed images (noise, obstructions). In this paper, we propose a novel framework based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify secondary roads in high-resolution aerial orthoimages divided in tiles of 256 × 256 pixels. We will evaluate the framework’s performance on unseen test data and compare the results with those obtained by other popular CNNs trained from scratch.
Exploración geológica preliminar del Depósito Mineralógico del Cerro Huakajchi Chico en Bolivia
Authors: Rueda Luis
Published: February 2020

El objetivo del trabajo fue realizar sondeos de perforación a diamantina en relación a sondaje HCD-004. El área de estudio se localiza en la provincia Tomás Frías del departamento de Potosí. La campaña de prospección geoquímica, dio como resultado anomalías en Zn, Pb y Ag que corresponden a una estructura oxidada tipo stockwork emplazada en una ignimbrita (0,141 % de Zn, 0,149 % de Pb y 4,2 ppm de Ag). Se analizó la presencia de Sn por el método AAS Espectrofotometría de Absorción atómica - Fire Assays. Los sondajes HCD-005 y HCD-006 siguieron anomalías geoquímicas y la traza de la estructura que controla la brecha hidrotermal cortada en el pozo de la primera fase, en ambos pozos la recuperación fue superior al 95 % que se considera buena. Se procedió a realizar una estimación del recurso mineralógico el peso específico determinado fue de 2,58 gr/cc obteniéndose un tonelaje total de 1.947.841,82 Tn con valores de 0,34 % de Zn y 0,075 % de Pb.
Cefaléia e Articulação Temporomandibular (ATM)
Authors: Oliveira Sabrina Lacroce Santiago , Carvalho Deusvenir de Souza
Published: February 2020

Este estudo busca pela revisão da literatura esclarecer a relação entre cefaléia e articulação temporomandibular para o adequado diagnóstico e terapêutica a ser aplicada. Diversos estudos têm sido realizados, contribuindo para o entendimento da cefaléia, ajudando assim, a diferenciar claramente as cafaléias primárias das secundárias. A articulação temporomandibular (ATM), pela suas peliculiaridades, é sede freqüente de manifestações que cada vez solicitam mais atenção. A disfunção de qualquer um de seus elementos pode desorganizar todo o sistema estomatognático e desencadear os mais diversos quadros patológicos. De acordo com a literatura, a relação entre cefaléia e disfunção da ATM é freqüente, apesar de poderem também aparecer associadas ao acaso, pois estas desordens são bastante prevalentes. Portanto, uma adequada avaliação para o correto diagnóstico etiopatogênico é de extrema importância para instituir o tratamento adequado, pois a base da terapêutica está, principalmente, na eliminação do fator desencadeante, bem como nos fatores predisponentes. Diversos protocolos de avaliação, diagnóstico e tratamento têm sido utilizados. Muitos são os processos terapêuticos empregados até o momento, o critério para escolha é feito de acordo com a particularidade de cada caso e a intervenção interdisciplinar mostra resultados benéficos para estes pacientes, porém são necessários maiores estudos para o seu esclarecimento.
O Prurido da Colestase
Authors: Azevedo Ramiro Anthero de , Kondo Mario , Oliveira Acary de Souza Bulle de
Published: February 2020

Prurido é um sintoma comum e complexo. Mais do que qualquer outra modalidade sensitiva ele é influenciado pelo estado emocional e por alterações ambientais. Prurido resulta de ativação direta dos nociceptores na pele em resposta à lesão tecidual e está associado à ativação dos receptores opióides no sistema nervoso central. Avanços recentes no entendimento dos mecanismos que levam à sensação de prurido têm permitido medidas terapêuticas mais efetivas, especialmente nos pacientes com colestase.
Cefaleia e Malária
Authors: Teixeira Kathia Margarida Costa , Fukujima Marcia Maiutni
Published: February 2020

A malaria é a doença parasitaria tropical mais importante do mundo e mata mais pessoas do que qualquer outra doença transmissível, a exceção da tuberculose. Suas manifestações clinicas são as mais diversas e a cefaléia estd entre as mais freqüentes, sendo descrita como sintoma inicial, em conjunto com mialgias, febre, tremores, calafrios, dores articulares e vômitos. Com o objetivo de verificar se o desenvolvimento de cefaléia, durante um quadro de malaria, teria correlação com um aumento da morbimortalidade ou apresentaria valor preditivo de evolução severa com comprometimento do sistema nervoso central, realizamos urna revisão não-sistemática da literatura. Os dados encontrados demonstraram que a cefaleia sozinha ou em combinação com outros sintomas não se comporta como bom preditor nem de malaria nem de severidade de sua evolução, assim como não está relacionada com um aumento da morbimortalidade, o que corrobora a definição de cefaleia que acompanha o quadro clinico de malária, classificada como cefaleia não associada a infecção do sistema nervoso central, relacionada à infecção sistêmica por protozoário intracelular do género Plasmodium.