bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Protective Performance of a Mg-Rich Primer Containing Aluminum Tri-Polyphosphate on AZ91D Magnesium Alloy in Simulated Acid Rain
Authors: Lu Xiangyu , Sun Sichen , Fan Qiqi , Pei Xiangjun , Dun Yuchao , Feng Xingguo , Zou Chen , Lu Wang
Published: October 2019

Mg-rich primer (MRP) containing aluminum tri-polyphosphate functions via a galvanic mechanism to protect AZ91D alloy from corrosion in the 3 wt % NaCl solution. However, its protective performance can be strongly affected by the testing environment. Therefore, it is important to investigate the performance of the primer on magnesium alloys in an acid rain environment. In the present study, the protective performance of MRP with or without aluminum tri-polyphosphate was investigated via open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in the simulated acid rain. Compared to the primer without aluminum tri-polyphosphate, the MRP containing aluminum tri-polyphosphate pigments exhibited better protective performance in the simulated acid rain condition. In the initial stage, the acidic condition prompted the aluminum tri-polyphosphate pigments to release phosphates and H+ to form magnesium phosphates on Mg particles, retarding their consumption rate. The Mg-rich primer with aluminum tri-polyphosphate can provide cathodic protection to AZ91D alloy for about 49 days in the simulated acid rain solution. Simultaneously, the corrosion products of Mg particles, magnesium oxides and phosphates, precipitated on the Mg particles and improved the stability of the primer. In addition, a protective film, consisting of magnesium oxides and phosphates, formed on the AZ91D substrate. Consequently, all these factors contributed to the long cathodic protection and improved corrosion resistance of MRP containing aluminum tri-polyphosphate in the simulated acid rain.
Fabrication of Mesoporous NaZrP Cation-Exchanger for U(VI) Ions Separation from Uranyl Leach Liquors
Authors: Alhindawy Islam G. , Elshehy Emad A. , El-Khouly Mohamed E. , Abdel-Monem Yasser K. , Atrees Mohamed S.
Published: October 2019

As the demand for uranium production-based energy worldwide has been increasing in the last decades to maintain nuclear growth for electricity production, there are great efforts towards developing an easy and inexpensive method for uranium extraction and separation from its ores. For this purpose, mesoporous inorganic cation exchangers provide an efficient separation technology that can help streamline production and lower overall cost. This study describes the development of nano-structured mesoporous sodium zirconium phosphate (NaZrP-CEX) for separation and extraction of uranyl ions from real samples. The fabricated NaZrP-CEX was well characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), N2 adsorption/desorption, Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential). The kinetics/thermodynamic behaviors of uranyl ion adsorption into NaZrP-CEX from an aqueous solution were minutely studied. The kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-second order model gave a better description for the uptake process. The negative value of ΔG indicate high feasibility and spontaneity of adsorption. Finally, mesoporous NaZrP-CEX can be regenerated using both of HNO3 (0.05 M) or HCl (1 M) up to seven cycles of operation.
Machine-Learning Prediction of Underwater Shock Loading on Structures
Authors: Zhang Mou , Drikakis Dimitris , Li Lei , Yan Xiu
Published: October 2019

Due to the complex physics of underwater explosion problems, it is difficult to derive analytical solutions with accurate results. In this study, a machine-learning method to train a back-propagation neural network for parameter prediction is presented for the first time in literature. The specific problem is the response of a structure submerged in water subjected to shock loads produced by an underwater explosion, with the detonation point being far away from the structure so that the loading wave can be regarded as a planar shock wave. Two rigid parallel plates connected by a linear spring and a linear dashpot that simulate structural stiffness and damping respectively, represent the structure. Taking the Laplace transform of the governing equations, solving the resulting equations, and then taking the inverse Laplace transform, the simplified problem is analyzed theoretically. The coupled ordinary differential equations governing the motion of the system are also solved numerically by the fourth order Runge–Kutta method and then verified by a finite element method using Ansys/LSDYNA. The parametric training with the back-propagation neural network algorithm was conducted to delineate the effects of structural stiffness and damping on the attenuation of shock waves, the cavitation time, and the time of maximum momentum transfer. The prediction results agree well with the validation and test sample results.
The Behavior of NH3+ Torsional Vibration in Amino Acids: A Raman Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Cavaignac André , Lima Ricardo , Freire Paulo
Published: October 2019

In this work we present the continuation of studies carried out on the changes of geometric parameters of the hydrogen bonds in amino acid crystals subjected to temperature or pressure variations. Changes in geometric parameters of the hydrogen bonds are correlated with the temperature behavior of the Raman wavenumber of NH3+ torsional band. Now four monocrystals, L-valine, L-isoleucine, taurine, and L-arginine hydrochloride monohydrate, are studied. Temperature evolution of the Raman wavenumber of NH3+ torsional band, with positive slope (dν/dT = 0.023 cm−1/K) of L-isoleucine, can be related to the stability of the crystal structure and the hydrogen bonds strengths on heating due to different temperature lattice parameters variation.
Turbulence Intensity Scaling: A Fugue
Authors: Basse Nils T.
Published: October 2019

We study streamwise turbulence intensity definitions using smooth- and rough-wall pipe flow measurements made in the Princeton Superpipe. Scaling of turbulence intensity with the bulk (and friction) Reynolds number is provided for the definitions. The turbulence intensity scales with the friction factor for both smooth- and rough-wall pipe flow. Turbulence intensity definitions providing the best description of the measurements are identified. A procedure to calculate the turbulence intensity based on the bulk Reynolds number (and the sand-grain roughness for rough-wall pipe flow) is outlined.
Comparison of Oxidative Status of Human Milk, Human Milk Fortifiers and Preterm Infant Formulas
Authors: Pozzo Luisa , Cirrincione Simona , Russo Rossella , Karamać Magdalena , Amarowicz Ryszard , Coscia Alessandra , Antoniazzi Sara , Cavallarin Laura , Giribaldi Marzia
Published: October 2019

Preterm and low birth weight infants require specific nutrition to overcome the accumulated growth deficit, and to prevent morbidities related to postnatal growth failure. In order to guarantee an adequate nutrient-intake, mother’s own milk, when available, or donor human milk, are usually fortified with additional nutrients, in particular proteins. Fortification with processed ingredients may result in additional intake in oxidative compounds, deriving from extensive heat treatments, that are applied during processing. The aim of the present work was to compare the in vitro antioxidant activity and oxidative compound content conveyed by different preterm infant foods and fortifiers, namely raw and pasteurized human milk, two different preterm infant formulas, three bovine milk-based fortifiers and two experimental donkey milk-based fortifiers. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the different products. The use of human milk minimizes the intake of dietary oxidative compound in comparison to infant formulas, irrespective of pasteurization or fortification, especially as far as malondialdehyde content is concerned. The addition of fortifiers to human milk increases its antioxidant capacity, and the choice of the protein source (hydrolysed vs. whole proteins) differently impacted the resulting total antioxidant capacity of the diet.
Liking Product Landscape: Going Deeper into Understanding Consumers’ Hedonic Evaluations
Authors: Sánchez Claudia N. , Domínguez-Soberanes Julieta , Escalona-Buendía Héctor B. , Graff Mario , Gutiérrez Sebastián , Sánchez Gabriela
Published: October 2019

The use of graphical mapping for understanding the comparison of products based on consumers’ perceptions is beneficial and easy to interpret. Internal preference mapping (IPM) and landscape segmentation analysis (LSA) have successfully been used for this propose. However, including all the consumers’ evaluations in one map, with products’ overall liking and attributes’ perceptions, is complicated; because data is in a high dimensional space some information can be lost. To provide as much information as possible, we propose the liking product landscape (LPL) methodology where several maps are used for representing the consumers’ distribution and evaluations. LPL shows the consumers’ distribution, like LSA, and also it superimposes the consumers’ evaluations. However, instead of superimposing the average overall liking in one map, this methodology uses different maps for each consumer’s evaluation. Two experiments were performed where LPL was used for understanding the consumers’ perceptions and compared with classic methodologies, IPM and cluster analysis, in order to validate the results. LPL can be successfully used for identifying consumers’ segments, consumers’ preferences, recognizing perception of product attributes by consumers’ segments and identifying the attributes that need to be optimized.
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Genetic Variants Associated with Risk for Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease in Taiwanese Population
Authors: Huang Yu-Chuen , Chen Shih-Yin , Liu Shih-Ping , Lin Jane-Ming , Lin Hui-Ju , Lei Yu-Jie , Chung Yun-Chih , Chen Yu-Chi , Wang Yeh-Han , Liao Wen-Ling , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: October 2019

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated CETP gene variants to assess the risk of T2D and specific complications of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic retinopathy. Towards this, a total of 3023 Taiwanese individuals (1383 without T2D, 1640 with T2D) were enrolled in this study. T2D mice (+Leprdb/+Leprdb, db/db) were used to determine CETP expression in tissues. The A-alleles of rs3764261, rs4783961, and rs1800775 variants were found to be independently associated with 2.86, 1.71, and 0.91 mg/dL increase in HDL-C per allele, respectively. In addition, the A-allele of rs4783961 was significantly associated with a reduced T2D risk (odds ratio (OR), 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71–0.96)), and the A-allele of rs1800775 was significantly related to a lowered DKD risk (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64–0.96). CETP expression was significantly decreased in the T2D mice kidney compared to that in the control mice (T2D mice, 0.16 ± 0.01 vs. control mice, 0.21 ± 0.02; p = 0.02). These collective findings indicate that CETP variants in the promoter region may affect HDL-C levels. Taiwanese individuals possessing an allele associated with higher HDL-C levels had a lower risk of T2D and DKD.
Differentiating Psychosomatic, Somatopsychic, Multisystem Illnesses and Medical Uncertainty
Authors: Bransfield Robert C. , Friedman Kenneth J.
Published: October 2019

There is often difficulty differentiating between psychosomatic, somatopsychic, multisystem illness, and different degrees of medical uncertainty. Uncommon, complex, and multisystem diseases are commonly misdiagnosed. Two case histories are described, and relevant terms differentiating psychosomatic, somatopsychic, and multisystem illnesses are identified, reviewed, and discussed. Adequate differentiation requires an understanding of the mind/body connection, which includes knowledge of general medicine, psychiatry, and the systems linking the body and the brain. A psychiatric diagnosis cannot be given solely based upon the absence of physical, laboratory, or pathological findings. Medically unexplained symptoms, somatoform disorder, and compensation neurosis are outdated and/or inaccurate terms. The terms subjective, nonspecific, and vague can be used inaccurately. Conversion disorders, functional disorders, psychogenic illness, factitious disorder imposed upon another (Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy), somatic symptom disorder, psychogenic seizures, psychogenic pain, psychogenic fatigue, and delusional parasitosis can be over-diagnosed. Bodily distress disorder and bodily distress syndrome are scientifically unsupported and inaccurate. Many “all in your head” conditions may be related to the microbiome and the immune system. Better education concerning the interface between medicine and psychiatry and the associated diagnostic nomenclature as well as utilizing clinical judgment and thorough assessment, exercising humility, and maintaining our roots in traditional medicine will help to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient trust.
Anti-Biofouling Performance of an Immobilized Indigenous Quorum Quenching Bacterium Bacillus cereus HG10 and Its Influence on the Microbial Community in a Bioreactor
Authors: Xu Fangfang , Zhao Chang , Lee Chuang Hak , Wang Wenzhao , Xu Qiyong
Published: October 2019

Quorum quenching-membrane bioreactors (QQ-MBRs) have been studied widely in recent decades. However, limited information is known about the influence of QQ on the microbial community. In this study, the indigenous QQ bacterium Bacillus cereus HG10 was immobilized and used to control biofouling in a bioreactor. QQ beads caused extracellular polymeric substance reduction and significantly hindered biofilm formation on a submerged membrane. Community profiling of 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed that QQ beads dramatically altered the bacterial community structure in activated sludge but not in biofilm. Bacterial structure in the presence of QQ beads showed a clear divergence from that of the control groups at phylum, class, order, family, and genus taxonomic ranks. A significant enrichment of several bacterial genera, including Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Delftia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, and depletion of over 12 bacterial genera were observed. These findings would contribute to a better understanding of why and how immobilized QQ bacteria impair membrane biofouling in QQ-MBRs.
Icariin Treatment Enhanced the Skeletal Response to Exercise in Estrogen-Deficient Rats
Authors: Zhao Renqing , Bu Wenqian , Chen Yingfeng
Published: October 2019

Estrogen deficiency frequently leads to a fall in estrogen receptor-α (ERα) numbers and then reduces the skeletal response to mechanical strain. It, however, is still unclear whether phytoestrogen administration will enhance the effects of exercise on the estrogen-deficient bone loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of Icariin treatment on the response of osteogenic formation to exercise in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Thirty-two 3-month old female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated into four groups: (1) Sham-operated (SO); (2) OVX; (3) OVX plus exercise (EX); and (4) OVX plus exercise and Icariin (EI). After 8-week interventions, the rats were killed and samples were collected for bone morphometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot analyses. EI interventions showed a greater improvement for the OVX-induced bone loss and the elevated serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared with EX only. Both EX and EI interventions bettered the OVX-related reduction of BV/TV and trabecular number and thickness, and decreased the enlargement of trabecular bone separation (Tb. Sp); the improvement for BV/TV and Tb. Sp was greater in EI group. Furthermore, EX and EI treatment significantly increased the number of ALP+ cells and mineralized nodule areas compared with OVX group; the change was higher in EI group. Additionally, in comparison to OVX rats, the protein and mRNA expression of β-catenin, phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt) or Akt, ERα, and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in osteoblasts were elevated in EX and EI intervention rats, with greater change observed in EI group. The upregulated β-catenin and Akt mRNA levels in EX and EI groups was depressed by ICI182780 treatment, and the difference in β-catenin and Akt mRNA levels between EX and EI groups was no longer significant. Conclusively, the combination of Icariin and exercise significantly prevent OVX-induced bone loss and increase osteoblast differentiation and the ability of mineralization compared with exercise alone; the changes might be regulated partly by ERα/Akt/β-catenin pathway.
Signage Interventions for Stair Climbing at Work: More than 700,000 Reasons for Caution
Authors: Puig-Ribera Anna , Señé-Mir Anna M. , Taylor-Covill Guy A. H. , De Lara Núria , Carroll Douglas , Daley Amanda , Holder Roger , Thomas Erica , Milà Raimon , Eves Frank F.
Published: October 2019

Increased stair climbing reduces cardiovascular disease risk. While signage interventions for workplace stair climbing offer a low-cost tool to improve population health, inconsistent effects of intervention occur. Pedestrian movement within the built environment has major effects on stair use, independent of any health initiative. This paper used pooled data from UK and Spanish workplaces to test the effects of signage interventions when pedestrian movement was controlled for in analyses. Automated counters measured stair and elevator usage at the ground floor throughout the working day. Signage interventions employed previously successful campaigns. In the UK, minute-by-minute stair/elevator choices measured effects of momentary pedestrian traffic at the choice-point (n = 426,605). In Spain, aggregated pedestrian traffic every 30 min measured effects for ‘busyness’ of the building (n = 293,300). Intervention effects on stair descent (3 of 4 analyses) were more frequent than effects on stair climbing, the behavior with proven health benefits (1 of 4 analyses). Any intervention effects were of small magnitude relative to the influence of pedestrian movement. Failure to control for pedestrian movement compromises any estimate for signage effectiveness. These pooled data provide limited evidence that signage interventions for stair climbing at work will enhance population health.
Ultrafast Processes Occurring in Radiolysis of Highly Concentrated Solutions of Nucleosides/Tides
Authors: MA Jun , Denisov Sergey A. , Adhikary Amitava , Mostafavi Mehran
Published: October 2019

Among the radicals (hydroxyl radical (•OH), hydrogen atom (H•), and solvated electron (esol−)) that are generated via water radiolysis, •OH has been shown to be the main transient species responsible for radiation damage to DNA via the indirect effect. Reactions of these radicals with DNA-model systems (bases, nucleosides, nucleotides, polynucleotides of defined sequences, single stranded (ss) and double stranded (ds) highly polymeric DNA, nucleohistones) were extensively investigated. The timescale of the reactions of these radicals with DNA-models range from nanoseconds (ns) to microseconds (µs) at ambient temperature and are controlled by diffusion or activation. However, those studies carried out in dilute solutions that model radiation damage to DNA via indirect action do not turn out to be valid in dense biological medium, where solute and water molecules are in close contact (e.g., in cellular environment). In that case, the initial species formed from water radiolysis are two radicals that are ultrashort-lived and charged: the water cation radical (H2O•+) and prethermalized electron. These species are captured by target biomolecules (e.g., DNA, proteins, etc.) in competition with their inherent pathways of proton transfer and relaxation occurring in less than 1 picosecond. In addition, the direct-type effects of radiation, i.e., ionization of macromolecule plus excitations proximate to ionizations, become important. The holes (i.e., unpaired spin or cation radical sites) created by ionization undergo fast spin transfer across DNA subunits. The exploration of the above-mentioned ultrafast processes is crucial to elucidate our understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in causing DNA damage via direct-type effects of radiation. Only recently, investigations of these ultrafast processes have been attempted by studying concentrated solutions of nucleosides/tides under ambient conditions. Recent advancements of laser-driven picosecond electron accelerators have provided an opportunity to address some long-term puzzling questions in the context of direct-type and indirect effects of DNA damage. In this review, we have presented key findings that are important to elucidate mechanisms of complex processes including excess electron-mediated bond breakage and hole transfer, occurring at the single nucleoside/tide level.
Dec1 Deficiency Suppresses Cardiac Perivascular Fibrosis Induced by Transverse Aortic Constriction
Authors: Le Hue Thi , Sato Fuyuki , Kohsaka Akira , Bhawal Ujjal K. , Nakao Tomomi , Muragaki Yasuteru , Nakata Masanori
Published: October 2019

Cardiac fibrosis is a major cause of cardiac dysfunction in hypertrophic hearts. Differentiated embryonic chondrocyte gene 1 (Dec1), a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, has circadian expression in the heart; however, its role in cardiac diseases remains unknown. Therefore, using Dec1 knock-out (Dec1KO) and wild-type (WT) mice, we evaluated cardiac function and morphology at one and four weeks after transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham surgery. We found that Dec1KO mice retained cardiac function until four weeks after TAC. Dec1KO mice also revealed more severely hypertrophic hearts than WT mice at four weeks after TAC, whereas no significant change was observed at one week. An increase in Dec1 expression was found in myocardial and stromal cells of TAC-treated WT mice. In addition, Dec1 circadian expression was disrupted in the heart of TAC-treated WT mice. Cardiac perivascular fibrosis was suppressed in TAC-treated Dec1KO mice, with positive immunostaining of S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4), alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), phosphorylation of Smad family member 3 (pSmad3), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and cyclin-interacting protein 1 (p21). Furthermore, Dec1 expression was increased in myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial infarction of autopsy cases. Taken together, our results indicate that Dec1 deficiency suppresses cardiac fibrosis, preserving cardiac function in hypertrophic hearts. We suggest that Dec1 could be a new therapeutic target in cardiac fibrosis.
Seasonal Variation in the Biological Effects of PM2.5 from Greater Cairo
Authors: Marchetti Sara , Hassan Salwa K. , Shetaya Waleed H. , El-Mekawy Asmaa , Mohamed Elham F. , Mohammed Atef M. F. , El-Abssawy Ahmed A. , Bengalli Rossella , Colombo Anita , Gualtieri Maurizio , Mantecca Paride
Published: October 2019

Greater Cairo (Egypt) is a megalopolis where the studies of the air pollution events are of extremely high relevance, for the geographical-climatological aspects, the anthropogenic emissions and the health impact. While preliminary studies on the particulate matter (PM) chemical composition in Greater Cairo have been performed, no data are yet available on the PM’s toxicity. In this work, the in vitro toxicity of the fine PM (PM2.5) sampled in an urban area of Greater Cairo during 2017–2018 was studied. The PM2.5 samples collected during spring, summer, autumn and winter were preliminary characterized to determine the concentrations of ionic species, elements and organic PM (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, PAHs). After particle extraction from filters, the cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects were evaluated in human lung A549 cells. The results showed that particles collected during the colder seasons mainly induced the xenobiotic metabolizing system and the consequent antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokine release responses. Biological events positively correlated to PAHs and metals representative of a combustion-derived pollution. PM2.5 from the warmer seasons displayed a direct effect on cell cycle progression, suggesting possible genotoxic effects. In conclusion, a correlation between the biological effects and PM2.5 physico-chemical properties in the area of study might be useful for planning future strategies aiming to improve air quality and lower health hazards.
Comparative Study of Extracellular Proteolytic, Cellulolytic, and Hemicellulolytic Enzyme Activities and Biotransformation of Palm Kernel Cake Biomass by Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Malaysian Foods
Authors: Lee Fu Haw , Wan Suet Ying , Foo Hooi Ling , Loh Teck Chwen , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Abdul Rahim Raha , Idrus Zulkifli
Published: October 2019

Biotransformation via solid state fermentation (SSF) mediated by microorganisms is a promising approach to produce useful products from agricultural biomass. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that are commonly found in fermented foods have been shown to exhibit extracellular proteolytic, β-glucosidase, β-mannosidase, and β-mannanase activities. Therefore, extracellular proteolytic, cellulolytic, and hemicellulolytic enzyme activities of seven Lactobacillus plantarum strains (a prominent species of LAB) isolated from Malaysian foods were compared in this study. The biotransformation of palm kernel cake (PKC) biomass mediated by selected L. plantarum strains was subsequently conducted. The results obtained in this study exhibited the studied L. plantarum strains produced versatile multi extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities that were active from acidic to alkaline pH conditions. The highest total score of extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities were recorded by L. plantarum RI11, L. plantarum RG11, and L. plantarum RG14. Therefore, they were selected for the subsequent biotransformation of PKC biomass via SSF. The hydrolytic enzyme activities of treated PKC extract were compared for each sampling interval. The scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed the formation of extracellular matrices around L. plantarum strains attached to the surface of PKC biomass during SSF, inferring that the investigated L. plantarum strains have the capability to grow on PKC biomass and perform synergistic secretions of various extracellular proteolytic, cellulolytic, and hemicellulolytic enzymes that were essential for the effective biodegradation of PKC. The substantial growth of selected L. plamtraum strains on PKC during SSF revealed the promising application of selected L. plantarum strains as a biotransformation agent for cellulosic biomass.
Barriers Faced by Women in Software Development Projects
Authors: Dias Canedo Edna , Acco Tives Heloise , Bogo Marioti Madianita , Fagundes Fabiano , Siqueira de Cerqueira José Antonio
Published: October 2019

Computer science is a predominantly male field of study. Women face barriers while trying to insert themselves in the study of computer science. Those barriers extend to when women are exposed to the professional area of computer science. Despite decades of social fights for gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and in computer science in general, few women participate in computer science, and some of the reasons include gender bias and lack of support for women when choosing a computer science career. Open source software development has been increasingly used by companies seeking the competitive advantages gained by team diversity. This diversification of the characteristics of team members includes, for example, the age of the participants, the level of experience, education and knowledge in the area, and their gender. In open source software projects women are underrepresented and a series of biases are involved in their participation. This paper conducts a systematic literature review with the objective of finding factors that could assist in increasing women’s interest in contributing to open source communities and software development projects. The main contributions of this paper are: (i) identification of factors that cause women’s lack of interest (engagement), (ii) possible solutions to increase the engagement of this public, (iii) to outline the profile of professional women who are participating in open source software projects and software development projects. The main findings of this research reveal that women are underrepresented in software development projects and in open source software projects. They represent less than 10% of the total developers and the main causes of this underrepresentation may be associated with their workplace conditions, which reflect male gender bias.
Arsenates of Divalent Metals Comprising Arsenic Acid—An Update
Authors: Weil Matthias
Published: October 2019

Divalent metal oxidoarsenates(V) with compositions M(H2AsO4)2(H3AsO4)2 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni), M(HAsO4)(H3AsO4)(H2O)0.5 (M = Mn, Cd) and Zn(HAsO4)(H3AsO4) were obtained from solutions containing an excess of arsenic acid. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed isotypism of the M(H2AsO4)2(H3AsO4)2 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni) structures with the known Cu and Zn members of this series whereas M(HAsO4)(H3AsO4)(H2O)0.5 (M = Mn, Cd) and Zn(HAsO4)(H3AsO4) crystallize in novel structure types. The two isotypic M(HAsO4)(H3AsO4)(H2O)0.5 (M = Mn, Cd) structures are closely related with that of Zn(HAsO4)(H3AsO4). Both comprise undulating centrosymmetric [ ∝ 1 MO4/2O2/1] chains that share corners with HAsO42− tetrahedra and H3AsO4 tetrahedra to build up layers extending along (001). Intermediate water molecules (occupancy 0.5) link adjacent layers in the water-containing compound whereas the linkage in the Zn-compound is mediated by weak hydrogen bonding interactions between the layers. Results of a quantitative comparison between all known structures of the M(H2XO4)2(H3XO4)2 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; X = P, As) series as well as between the two M(HAsO4)(H3AsO4)(H2O)0.5 (M = Mn, Cd) structures are presented.
Dune Volume Changes at Decadal Timescales and Its Relation with Potential Aeolian Transport
Authors: Strypsteen Glenn , Houthuys Rik , Rauwoens Pieter
Published: October 2019

Long-term changes in dune volume at the Belgian coast are analyzed based on measured data by airborne surveys available from 1979. For most of the 65 km long coastal stretch, dune volume increases linearly in time at a constant rate. Dune growth varies between 0–12.3 m3/m/year with an average dune growth of 6.2 m3/m/year, featuring large variations in longshore directions. Based on a wind data set from 2000–2017, it is found that potential aeolian sediment transport has its main drift from the west to southwest direction (onshore to oblique onshore). Based on a modified Bagnold model, onshore potential aeolian sediment transport ranges to a maximum of 9 m3/m/year, while longshore potential aeolian sediment transport could reach up to 20 m3/m/year. We found an important correlation between observed and predicted dune development at decadal timescales when zones with dune management activities are excluded. Most of the predicted data are within a factor of two of the measured values. The variability in potential transport is well related to the variability in dune volume changes at the considered spatial–temporal scale, suggesting that natural dune growth is primarily caused by aeolian sediment transport from the beach. It also suggests that annual differences in forcing and transport limiting conditions (wind and moisture) only have a modest effect on the overall variability of dune volume trends.
Effect of Viscosity and Speed on Oil Cavitation Development in a Single Piston-Ring Lubricant Assembly
Authors: Nouri Jamshid , Vasilakos Ioannis , Yan Youyou , Reyes-Aldasoro Constantino-Carlos
Published: October 2019

A high-speed camera has been used to produce unique time-resolved images of high quality to describe the dynamics of the lubricant flow and cavitation characteristics in a sliding optical liner over a fixed single piston-ring lubricant assembly for three lubricants with different viscosities to establish their impact on cavitation formation and development. The images were obtained at two cranking speeds (or liner sliding velocity) of 300 rpm (0–0.36 m/s) and 600 rpm (0–0.72 m/s), at a lubricant temperature of 70 °C and a supply lubricant rate of 0.05 L/min. A special MATLAB programme has been developed to analyse the cavitation characteristics quantitatively. The dynamic process of cavities initiation was demonstrated by time-resolved images from fern cavity formation to fissure cavities and then their development to the sheet and strings cavities at a liner sliding velocity of around 0.17 m/s. The results for both up- and down-stroke motions showed that the cavities reach their fully developed state downstream of the contact point when the liner velocity reaches its highest velocity and that they start to collapse around TDC and BDC when the liner comes to rest. Within the measured range, viscosity had a great influence on length of cavities so that a decrease in viscosity (from Lubricant A to C) caused a reduction in length of cavities of up to 35% for Lubricant C. On the other hand, an increase in speed, from 300 rpm to 600 rpm, have increased the number of string cavities and also increased the length of cavities due to thicker oil film thickness with the higher speed. Overall, the agreement between the processed data by MATLAB and visualisation measurements were good, but further thresholds refinement is required to improve the accuracy.
Preparation and Characterization of Magnetic Fe3O4/CdWO4 and Fe3O4/CdWO4/PrVO4 Nanoparticles and Investigation of Their Photocatalytic and Anticancer Properties on PANC1 Cells
Authors: Marsooli Mohammad Amin , Fasihi-Ramandi Mahdi , Adib Kourosh , Pourmasoud Saeid , Ahmadi Farhad , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Sobhani Nasab Ali , Rahimi Nasrabadi Mahdi , Plonska-Brzezinska Marta E.
Published: October 2019

Fe3O4/CdWO4 and Fe3O4/CdWO4/PrVO4 magnetic nanoparticles were prepared at different molar ratios of PrVO4 to previous layers (Fe3O4/CdWO4) via the co-precipitation method assisted by a sonochemical procedure, in order to investigate the photocatalytic performance of these systems and their cytotoxicity properties. The physico-chemical properties of these magnetic nanoparticles were determined via several experimental methods: X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy, using a vibrating sample magnetometer and a scanning electron microscope. The average sizes of these nanoparticles were found to be in the range of 60–100 nm. The photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared nanostructures was measured by methylene blue degradation under visible light (assisted by H2O2). The magnetic nanosystem with a 1:2:1 ratio of three oxide components showed the best performance by the degradation of ca. 70% after 120 min of exposure to visible light irradiation. Afterwards, this sample was used for the photodegradation of methyl orange, methyl violet, fenitrothion, and rhodamine-B pollutants. Finally, the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction was examined by releasing •OH under UV light in a system including terephthalic acid, as well as O2−, OH, and hole scavengers. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of each synthesized sample was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay against the human cell line PANC1 (cancer), and its IC50 was approximately 125 mg/L.
Study on Rheological Behavior and Surface Properties of Epoxy Resin Chemical Grouting Material Considering Time Variation
Authors: Su Zhenhua , Wang Zaiqin , Zhang Da , Wei Tao
Published: October 2019

Epoxy resins are widely used for repairing cracks in stone, mortar and masonry. A main factor that influences the grouting quality is the permeability of grout. However, the permeability will deteriorate over time because of the reaction of chemical grouting materials, which will greatly affect the results of grouting. To the best of our knowledge, there are few reports that focus on the time-varying properties of viscosity and affinity of epoxy resins grouting material. In this paper, we investigate the changing rules of viscosity and affinity with time by studying the viscosity, surface tension and contact angle of the epoxy grouting material. We establish the mathematical model for the time-dependent properties of CW epoxy resin on viscosity and affinity with experimental verification. Moreover, we make a detailed discussion on the modeling of viscosity variation considering both time and temperature. The results show important guiding significance and application value for judging the grout irrigability in the construction process.
“In Vitro” Study About Variables that Influence in Arch Friction with Conventional and Self-Ligating Brackets
Authors: Moyano Javier , Mases Laia , Izeta Telmo , Flores Teresa , Fernández-Bozal Javier , Gil Javier , Puigdollers Andreu
Published: October 2019

Many advantages have been described surrounding self-ligating (SL) brackets compared to metallic conventional ligating (CL) brackets, such as: Less total treatment time, alignment efficiency, patient comfort, plaque retention, and low friction. The objective of this in vitro simulation was to know the variables that affect arch displacement in CL and SL brackets—active (ASL) and passive (PSL)—and analyze if static friction values are affected by bracket design, arch wire section, kind of ligature, and use of a friction reducer agent (FRA) in a wet state. Larger values of static friction were found in CL with metallic ligature (ML) (8.01 ± 1.08 N/mm) and elastic ligature (EL) (6.96 ± 0.48 N/mm). Lower values were found in PSL brackets combined with FRA (0.58 ± 0.21 N/mm). The study was carried out using different stereographical models of a maxillary upper right quadrant with canine, first and second premolar, and first molar bonded brackets. A section of 25 mm of 0.019 × 0.025” stainless steel arch with a rectangular section (SS) and hybrid section (HY) was inserted into the different bracket models. Static friction values were collected using a universal test machine in wet conditions and testing the effect of a friction reducer agent (FRA). To assure the reliability of the study, different wire combinations were repeated after two weeks by the same operator and a linear analysis of regression was done. Each bracket model analysis—with the different wires, use of the FRA, and comparison among brackets in similar conditions—was done using an ANOVA test with a confidence interval of 95% and comparative Post-Hoc tests (LSD). In this in vitro simulation we found higher static friction values in CL compared to ASL and PSL. In PSL, lower values were achieved. CL brackets using ML showed the highest static friction values with a great variability. In this setting, the use of HY wires did not reduce static friction values in ASL and PSL, while in CL brackets with EL friction the values were reduced significantly. An FRA combined with ASL reduced significantly static friction values but not with PSL. In the case of CL, the FRA effect was higher with SS and better than with HY wires. ML values were similar to ASL static friction. The direct extrapolation of the results might be inaccurate, since all these findings should be tested clinically to be validated.
Strength Development and Strain Localization Behavior of Cemented Paste Backfills Using Portland Cement and Fly Ash
Authors: Zhao Yue , Taheri Abbas , Soltani Amin , Karakus Murat , Deng An
Published: October 2019

This study examines the combined performance of Portland cement (PC), the binder, and fly ash (FA), the additive, towards improving the mechanical performance of the South Australian copper-gold underground mine cemented paste backfill (CPB) system. A series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were carried out on various mix designs to evaluate the effects of binder and/or additive contents, as well as curing time, on the CPB’s strength, stiffness and toughness. Moreover, the failure patterns of the tested samples were investigated by means of the three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Making use of several virtual extensometers, the state of axial and lateral strain localization was also investigated in the pre- and post-peak regimes. The greater the PC content and/or the longer the curing period, the higher the developed strength, stiffness and toughness. The use of FA alongside PC led to further strength and stiffness improvements by way of inducing secondary pozzolanic reactions. Common strength criteria for CPBs were considered to assess the applicability of the tested mix designs; with regards to stope stability, 4% PC + 3% FA was found to satisfy the minimum 700 kPa threshold, and thus was deemed as the optimum choice. As opposed to external measurement devices, the DIC technique was found to provide strain measurements free from bedding errors. The developed field of axial and lateral strains indicated that strain localization initiates in the pre-peak regime at around 80% of the UCS. The greater the PC (or PC + FA) content, and more importantly the longer the curing period, the closer the axial stress level required to initiate localization to the UCS, thus emulating the failure mechanism of quasi-brittle materials such as rock and concrete. Finally, with an increase in curing time, the difference between strain values at the localized and non-localized zones became less significant in the pre-peak regime and more pronounced in the post-peak regime.
One Small RNA of Fusarium graminearum Targets and Silences CEBiP Gene in Common Wheat
Authors: Jian Jiao , Liang Xu
Published: October 2019

The pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum), causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) or scab, is one of the most important cereal killers worldwide, exerting great economic and agronomic losses on global grain production. To repress pathogen invasion, plants have evolved a sophisticated innate immunity system for pathogen recognition and defense activation. Simultaneously, pathogens continue to evolve more effective means of invasion to conquer plant resistance systems. In the process of co-evolution of plants and pathogens, several small RNAs (sRNAs) have been proved in regulating plant immune response and plant-microbial interaction. In this study, we report that a F. graminearum sRNA (Fg-sRNA1) can suppress wheat defense response by targeting and silencing a resistance-related gene, which codes a Chitin Elicitor Binding Protein (TaCEBiP). Transcriptional level evidence indicates that Fg-sRNA1 can target TaCEBiP mRNA and trigger silencing of TaCEBiP in vivo, and in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) plants, Western blotting experiments and YFP Fluorescence observation proofs show that Fg-sRNA1 can suppress the accumulation of protein coding by TaCEBiP gene in vitro. F. graminearum PH-1 strain displays a weakening ability to invasion when Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) vector induces effective silencing Fg-sRNA1 in PH-1 infected wheat plants. Taken together, our results suggest that a small RNA from F. graminearum can target and silence the wheat TaCEBiP gene to enhance invasion of F. graminearum.
Peroxynitrite Generation and Increased Heterotrophic Capacity Are Linked to the Disruption of the Coral–Dinoflagellate Symbiosis in a Scleractinian and Hydrocoral Species
Authors: Marangoni Laura , Mies Miguel , Güth Arthur , Banha Thomás , Inague Alex , Fonseca Juliana , Dalmolin Camila , Faria Samuel , Ferrier-Pagès Christine , Bianchini Adalto
Published: October 2019

Ocean warming is one of the greatest global threats to coral reef ecosystems; it leads to the disruption of the coral–dinoflagellate symbiosis (bleaching) and to nutrient starvation, because corals mostly rely on autotrophy (i.e., the supply of photosynthates from the dinoflagellate symbionts) for their energy requirements. Although coral bleaching has been well studied, the early warning signs of bleaching, as well as the capacity of corals to shift from autotrophy to heterotrophy, are still under investigation. In this study, we evaluated the bleaching occurrence of the scleractinian coral Mussismillia harttii and the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis during a natural thermal stress event, under the 2015–2016 El Niño influence in three reef sites of the South Atlantic. We focused on the link between peroxynitrite (ONOO−) generation and coral bleaching, as ONOO− has been very poorly investigated in corals and never during a natural bleaching event. We also investigated the natural trophic plasticity of the two corals through the use of new lipid biomarkers. The results obtained first demonstrate that ONOO− is linked to the onset and intensity of bleaching in both scleractinian corals and hydrocorals. Indeed, ONOO− concentrations were correlated with bleaching intensity, with the highest levels preceding the highest bleaching intensity. The time lag between bleaching and ONOO− peak was, however, species-specific. In addition, we observed that elevated temperatures forced heterotrophy in scleractinian corals, as Mu. harttii presented high heterotrophic activity 15 to 30 days prior bleaching occurrence. On the contrary, a lower heterotrophic activity was monitored for the hydrocoral Mi. alicornis, which also experienced higher bleaching levels compared to Mu. hartii. Overall, we showed that the levels of ONOO− in coral tissue, combined to the heterotrophic capacity, are two good proxies explaining the intensity of coral bleaching.
Strain-Induced Graphitization Mechanism of Coal-Based Graphite from Lutang, Hunan Province, China
Authors: Wang Lu , Cao Daiyong , Peng Yangwen , Ding Zhengyun , Li Yang
Published: October 2019

Anthracite and coal-based graphite (CBG) samples were collected at varying distances from a granite intrusion. Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to characterize the structural evolution of CBG at different scales. The results indicated differences in the graphitization rates of coal macerals and crystallization degree of different graphite-like particles. Differentiated graphitization of coal was caused by deformation, which led to the discontinuous distribution of CBG. This indicates that samples located at the same distance from the intrusion were graphitized to different degrees or that CBG with a similar graphitization degree occurred at varying distances from the intrusion. A possible mechanism for graphitization is strain-induced graphitization, where the local stress concentration leads to preferred orientations of the basic structure units (BSUs), as well as the motion and rearrangement of structural defects, resulting in the formation of a locally ordered structure. The graphitization degree is enhanced as the local graphite structure spreads.