bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mechanical Properties of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete with Lithium Slag
Authors: Qin Yongjun , Chen Jiejing , Li Zhenxing , Zhang Yabin
Published: December 2019

Using recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) to replace natural pebbles and using lithium slag (LS) from industrial waste to replace cement in order to improve the mechanical properties of concrete and solve environmental problems. In this study, the effects of different substitution rates of RCA (0, 30%, 50%, and 70%) and different LS contents (0, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) on the mechanical properties of concrete were investigated. The main results indicate that when the substitution rate of RCA is 30% and the LS content is 20%, optimal cube compressive strength, axial compressive strength, and elastic modulus can be achieved, with an increase of 9.90%, 48.22%, and 9.94% respectively; when the substitution rate of RCA is 70% and the LS content is 20%, the splitting tensile strength and flexural strength can be improved by 9.90% and 48.22%, respectively. The morphology of RCA concrete specimens with LS was observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, corrections were made to improve the relevant formula according to the differences between the measured intensity index and data converted from current specifications.
Optimization of the Shunting Operation Plan at Electric Multiple Units Depots
Authors: Shi Jintang , Li Haodong
Published: December 2019

The number of standard electric multiple units (EMUs) in China has increased from 1003 in 2013 to 3256 in 2018. For maintaining all EMUs in time, the high-speed rail system with the fast-developing number of EMUs is facing growing pressure. The maintenance and cleaning capacity of an EMU depot can be improved by a better shunting operation planning (SOP). This paper considers an SOP problem at EMU depots, which may have two types of yards, namely, stub-end and through. Every track at an EMU depot has two sections and can accommodate two short standard EMUs of 8 railcars or one long EMU of 16 railcars. As the SOP is currently handled manually by dispatchers, this paper proposes two integer linear programming models for two types of yards for daily planning and dispatching, which aim at minimizing the total delay time of all EMUs during the planning horizon. A Reduced Variable Neighborhood Search (RVNS) algorithm is designed to improve the solution efficiency. The results of the numerical experiment show that the RVNS algorithm can yield an optimal maintenance plan in a few seconds for depots of different layout types and can be applied to a computer-aided planning system. The track utilization rate of the maintenance yard with the stub-end type is higher than that of the through type. The stub-end type may be more suitable for the current schedule, as its total track utilization rate is much lower than the through type.
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Taxifolin after Oral Administration of Fructus Polygoni Orientalis Extract in Normal and Fibrotic Rats by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wei Feili , Guo Li , Xu Yongsong , Chen Dexi , Gong Muxin
Published: December 2019

Fructus polygoni orientalis (FPO) is widely used in clinical practice in China, especially in treatment of liver diseases including viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. However, its pharmacokinetic (PK) alterations in liver fibrotic rats have rarely been reported. To study whether taxifolin, one of the main flavonoids in FPO can be absorbed into blood after oral administration of FPO extract and to compare the differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of taxifolin to normal and liver fibrotic rats induced by porcine serum (PS), a UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for determination of taxifolin in rat plasma using puerarin as the internal standard (IS). All validation parameters met the acceptance criteria according to regulatory guidelines. The results indicated that after treatment of rats with PS alone for 12 weeks, the liver fibrotic model group was built successfully. The taxifolin can be absorbed into the blood after oral administration of the FPO extract. The Cmax of taxifolin was 1940 ± 502.2 ng/mL and 2648 ± 208.5 ng/mL (p<0.05), the AUC0∼t of taxifolin was 4949.7 ± 764.89 h·ng/mL and 6679.9 ± 734.26 h·ng/mL (p<0.05), the AUC0∼∞ of taxifolin was 5049.4 ± 760.7 and 7095.2 ± 962.3 h·ng/mL (p<0.05), and the mean residence time (MRT) of taxifolin was 2.46 ± 0.412 h and 3.17 ± 0.039 h (p<0.05) in the normal and fibrotic model groups, respectively. These results confirmed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of taxifolin are altered in liver fibrosis, manifested as Cmax, AUC0∼t, AUC0∼∞, and the mean residence time (MRT). It suggested that it is essential to consider the characteristics of pharmacokinetics after oral administration of FPO in liver disease patients.
Effect of Different Size ZnO Particle Doping on Dielectric Properties of Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Cheng Yujia , Yu Guang , Duan Zhuohua
Published: December 2019

In this article, low density polyethylene was used as a matrix polymer. The ZnO particles with diameters of 30 nm and 1 μm were used as inorganic filler. The nano-ZnO particles after surface modification would disperse in the matrix uniformly. The nano-, micro-, and micro-/nano-ZnO/LDPE were prepared by melt blending. During the experiment, the microstructures of different composites were characterized and discussed by SEM and DSC. Besides, the micro- and nano-ZnO/LDPE underwent a breakdown test, conductance test, and dielectric spectrum test. The microscopic experimental results showed that the ZnO particles dispersed uniformly in the LDPE matrix. The crystallinity of composites was higher than that of pure LDPE. Among them, the maximum crystallinity was 39.77% when the nano-ZnO particle size was 30 nm. It was 16.1% higher than pure LDPE. The macroscopic experimental results showed that the effect of micro- and nano-ZnO particle doping on breakdown properties of polymers was different. Among them, the breakdown field strength of nano-ZnO/LDPE was the highest at 138.0 kV/mm, which was 8.24% higher than that of pure LDPE. The micro-/nano-ZnO/LDPE took second place, which was still higher than pure LDPE. As the thickness of samples increased, the thermal breakdown was the dominant factor in the breakdown test. The AC breakdown field strength of all composites tended to decrease, and the reduction of micro-ZnO/LDPE was lower than that of nano-ZnO/LDPE. Besides, the dispersion of the breakdown became better. Moreover, the micro- and nano-ZnO particle doping could improve the conductivity characteristic of polymer effectively. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of composites increased with the increase of the particle size.
Seduzidos pelo passado
Authors: Guarato Rafael
Published: December 2019

Neste artigo, abordo o efeito sedutor que o passado provoca em textos dedicados ao trato historiográfico sobre dança no Brasil. Identifico como um dos elementos constitutivos desse fenômeno sedutor o caráter autoritário que as fontes têm exercido nos trabalhos acadêmicos e não acadêmicos sobre história da dança realizados no país. Para tanto, analiso produções bibliográficas publicadas entre as décadas de 1960-1990 que apresentam majoritariamente esse perfil e demonstro os procedimentos pelos quais as informações contidas nas fontes são replicadas acriticamente em livros. O estudo recorre a fontes escritas em jornais impressos e aos procedimentos metodológicos da história cultural.
Entre o céu e a terra
Authors: Silva Renato Rodrigues da
Published: December 2019

As esculturas de Franz Weissmann de 1950 têm uma recepção ambígua: enquanto críticos internacionais recebem-nas como arte concreta, o circuito brasileiro define-as como neoconcretas. O primeiro grupo somente descreve os elementos formais dos trabalhos, mas críticos locais – começando por Ferreira Gullar – enfatizam seus efeitos expressivos, que caracterizam o Neoconcretismo. Neste artigo, analisamos como esses aspectos das esculturas tornaram-se significativos juntos: primeiro, aplicamos aquilo que a crítica literária norte-americana definiu como “close reading”; depois de descrever seus componentes primários, enfocamos os efeitos expressivos. Assim, as análises de Cubo Vazado, Coluna Concreta, Modelo Neoconcreto, Três Pontos, Ponte e Torre desvelam seu projeto construtivista – que fundamentaria o Neoconcretismo –, objetivando transformar um país que não estava capacitado para implementar uma modernidade tecnológica plena.
“Key-hole art”: Samuel Beckett e a peça televisiva
Authors: Gatti Luciano
Published: December 2019

O artigo situa as peças televisivas de Samuel Beckett em relação à questão da autonomia dos meios artísticos. Aponta-se uma forma de trabalho com o meio televisivo semelhante àquela desenvolvida por Beckett em outros meios (teatro, prosa, rádio): a crítica às convenções de cada gênero (drama, romance, filme televisivo) e o desenvolvimento dos meios de produção. Nesse contexto, o artigo destaca as condições de trabalho disponíveis ao artista nos estúdios da Süddeutscher Rundfunk, em Stuttgart, e, por fim, propõe uma análise de duas das peças televisivas: Eh Joe e … só as nuvens….
A função-curador
Authors: Osorio Luiz Camillo
Published: December 2019

O artigo procura analisar o modo como a curadoria foi se transformando ao longo das últimas décadas. De organizador de exposições, o curador assumiu-se como agente propositor de narrativas históricas alternativas. Nesse aspecto, a montagem de exposições passou a incorporar elementos da atividade crítica, sendo que, paradoxalmente, a curadoria atua no interior das instituições museológicas e muito próxima do mercado de arte. Pretendemos compreender esse processo não apenas sob a óptica da captura institucional da crítica, mas também como inexorável a um mundo globalizado, atento a perspectivas históricas heterogêneas.
My Bed e To Meet My Past
Authors: Nunes Ana Luísa
Published: December 2019

O artigo investiga a cama nas instalações My Bed (1998) e To Meet My Past (2002), de Tracey Emin. Para tanto, contextualizou-se a produção da artista, que é seguida pela análise das duas instalações e pela discussão de questões marcantes das obras, como a exposição da intimidade, a apropriação do imaginário doméstico e a transposição da esfera privada da vida para o espaço público das galerias de arte e museus. Foi investigado o peso que a autobiografia desempenha nos trabalhos, de modo a compreender como acontecimentos da vida da artista são incorporados ao seu processo criativo, poético e à reconstrução de suas memórias. A metodologia da pesquisa baseou-se na análise de livros, publicações acadêmicas e entrevistas realizadas com a artista.
As políticas do cânone: quem se marginaliza e porquê? o caso de Vimala Devi
Authors: Passos Joana
Published: December 2019

Este artigo discute a formação de cânones nacionais face a escritores no exílio. Em segundo lugar questiona a preponderância de critérios políticos na receção de escritores que escrevem durante o período de descolonização, submetendo critérios estéticos e intelectuais ao alinhamento com determinadas ideologias.
O arroz como metáfora em o signo da ira, de Orlando da Costa
Authors: Costa Maria de Lourdes Bravo da
Published: December 2019

O artigo discute a relação bhatkar-mundkar e o modo como o cultivo e a produção do arroz são usados por Orlando da Costa no romance O Signo da Ira. O autor descreve, no contexto de Goa, os conflitos sociais como estando centrados na relação entre o mundkar (trabalhador rural) e o bhatkar (proprietário). A fragilidade da situação social de quem cultiva o arroz por conta de outros e estando, ao mesmo tempo, dependente dele para a sua própria subsistência, é o foco central do romance. A obra salienta a importância do arroz no quadro da economia goesa e o modo como a alimentação pode ter um papel importante na organização e regulação social.
Uma vida de um certo lirismo: entrevista com Vimala Devi
Authors: Spina Daniela
Published: December 2019

Na presente entrevista, a escritora goesa Vimala Devi lembra-se da sua vida de escritora e tradutora, «uma vida convertida numa vida de um certo lirismo». Ela conta das vivências partilhadas com o seu marido Manuel de Seabra – ele também escritor e tradutor –, o qual a acompanhou durante todo o seu percurso literário e profissional até a morte, acontecida em 2017. Vimala partilha também as lembranças da sua vida em Goa, da mudança para Portugal e, sucessivamente, para Londres e Barcelona, das suas memórias da ditadura salazarista e, não menos importante, da publicação da maior obra de história da literatura de Goa em língua portuguesa, A Literatura Indo-Portuguesa de 1971.
Paul Melo e Castro. colonial and post-colonial goan literature in portuguese: woven palms, editor. cardiff: university of wales press, 2019.
Authors: Pinto Rochelle Carmen
Published: December 2019

This is a review of the book, Colonial and Post-Colonial Goan Literature in Portuguese edited by Paul Melo e Castro, University Of Wales Press, 2019, ISBN 978-1-78683-390-7, E-ISBN 978-1-78683-391-4
Poesia e exílio de Lúcio Rodrigues: crítica literária e identidade cultural na goan world dos anos 30 do século xx
Authors: Machado Adelaide Muralha Vieira
Published: December 2019

A revista Goan World publicou-se em Bombaim, em inglês, e apresentava como diretor, o Indo-Portuguese Publicity Bureau. A publicação destinava-se às comunidades goesas no mundo. Daí a escolha da língua inglesa, como aquela que melhor alargaria a rede de correspondentes da revista, e o público mais amplo a que pretendia chegar. Revista intelectual, manifestou-se contra a ditadura portuguesa e pela autonomia de Goa, numa Índia libertada, mas foi pelo viés da cultura literária que a revista mais afirmou o seu lado nacionalista, querendo demonstrar a existência de uma produção literária goesa. Lúcio Rodrigues, professor em Bombaim, fundamentando a ideia que ligava identidade e nacionalismo literário, escreveu uma crítica que pretendia alargada a toda a poesia goesa, através de três dos seus representantes em situação de exílio, em Bombaim.
Contos inéditos de Maria Elsa da Rocha (1924-2007) com nota introdutória de Paul Melo e Castro
Authors: Rocha Maria Elsa da
Published: December 2019

Maria Elsa da Rocha (1924-2007) foi uma das mais prolíficas contistas goesas de língua portuguesa do período pós-61. Teve larga produção no jornal A Vida de Margão, onde chegou a editar uma secção cultural, até que o jornal se transformasse em 1967 no diário concanim Divtti. Uma coletânea dos seus contos, intitulada Vivências Partilhadas, foi lançada em 2005. Os dois contos inéditos que aqui apresentamos exemplificam alguns dos paradoxos transversais à sua obra e que espelham bem a sensibilidade ambígua de uma certa elite intelectual de Goa: a sua profunda empatia pelas camadas subalternas do seu torrão natal em contraste com uma atitude conservadora sobre a sua sociedade altamente hierarquizada, uma visão de certa forma pós-colonializante, crítica do regime anterior e muitas vezes eivada de nacionalismo indiano, mas justaposta com um mundo de referências decorrentes do encontro colonial, profundamente arraigado na cultura indo-portuguesa, e um tom algo saudoso vis-à-vis dos tempos que já lá foram.
CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc Score and the Risk of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmic Events and Mortality in MADIT‐CRT
Authors: Nof Eyal , Kutyifa Valentina , McNitt Scott , Goldberger Jeffrey , Huang David , Aktas Mehmet K. , Spencer Rosero , Goldenberg Ilan , Beinart Roy
Published: December 2019

Background

We hypothesized that multiple cardiovascular comorbidities, incorporated in the
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score, may be useful in the assessment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (
VTAs
) and mortality risk in heart failure (
HF
) patients.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the association between the
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score (dichotomized as high at the upper quartile [≥5] and further assessed as a continuous measure) and the risk of
VTA
and death among 1804 patients enrolled in MADIT‐CRT (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial With Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy). A high
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score (n=464; 26%) was inversely associated with the risk of any
VTA
(hazard ratio [
HR
]: 0.64;
P
=0.001), fast
VTA
>200 beats/min (
HR
; 0.51;
P
<0.001), and appropriate implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator shocks (
HR
: 0.60;
P
<0.001). In contrast, a high score was directly correlated with mortality risk (HR: 1.92;
P
<0.001) and the risk of
HF
or death (
HR
: 1.60;
P
<0.001). Consistently, each 1‐U increment in
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c was associated with a significant 13% (
P
=0.003) reduction in
VTA
risk but a corresponding 33% (
P
<0.001) increase in mortality risk. Patients with a high
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score and left bundle‐branch block derived a pronounced 53% (
P
<0.001) reduction in the risk of
HF
or death with cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator versus implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator–only therapy.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a high
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score can be used to identify patients with mild
HF
who have low
VTA
risk and high morbidity or mortality risk and may derive a pronounced clinical benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy without a defibrillator. These data suggest a possible role for the
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score in device selection among candidates for biventricular pacing.
Risks of Stroke and Mortality in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Treated With Rivaroxaban and Warfarin
Authors: Alberts Mark , Chen Yen-Wen , Lin Jennifer H. , Kogan Emily , Twyman Kathryn , Milentijevic Dejan
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Oral anticoagulation therapy is standard of care for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke. This study compared rivaroxaban and warfarin for stroke and all-cause mortality risk reduction in a real-world setting.

Methods—

This retrospective cohort study (2011–2017) included de-identified patients from the Optum Clinformatics Database who started treatment with rivaroxaban or warfarin within 30 days following initial diagnosis of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Before nonvalvular atrial fibrillation diagnosis, patients had 6 months of continuous health plan enrollment and CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score ≥2. Stroke severity was determined by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, imputed based on machine learning algorithms. Stroke and all-cause mortality risks were compared by treatment using Cox proportional hazard regression, with inverse probability of treatment weighting to balance cohorts for baseline risk factors. Stratified analysis by treatment duration was also performed.

Results—

During a mean follow-up of 27 months, 175 (1.33/100 patient-years [PY]) rivaroxaban-treated and 536 (1.66/100 PY) warfarin-treated patients developed stroke. The inverse probability of treatment weighting model showed that rivaroxaban reduced stroke risk by 19% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.81 [95% CI, 0.73–0.91]). Analysis by stroke severity revealed risk reductions by rivaroxaban of 48% for severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 16–42; HR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.33–0.82]) and 19% for minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 1 to <5; HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68–0.96]), but no difference for moderate stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 5 to <16; HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.78–1.10]). A total of 41 (0.31/100 PY) rivaroxaban-treated and 147 (0.44/100 PY) warfarin-treated patients died poststroke, 12 (0.09/100 PY) and 67 (0.20/100 PY) of whom died within 30 days, representing mortality risk reductions by rivaroxaban of 24% (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.61–0.95]) poststroke and 59% (HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.28–0.60]) within 30 days.

Conclusions—

After the initial diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, patients treated with rivaroxaban versus warfarin had significant risk reduction for stroke, especially severe stroke, and all-cause mortality after a stroke. Findings from this observational study may help inform anticoagulant choice for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
TÜRK DEVLETLERİNDE DOĞRUDAN YABANCI YATIRIM VE EKONOMİK BÜYÜME İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: KÜLÜNK İbrahim
Published: December 2019

Bu çalışmada altı Türk Devletinin ekonomik büyüme
dinamikleri incelenmiştir. 2001 - 2017 dönemi Türkiye, Azerbaycan,
Türkmenistan, Özbekistan, Kazakistan ve Kırgızistan’ın, Pedroni, Kao ve Johansen Fisher Eşbütünleşme Testleri
ile ekonomik büyümelerinde doğrudan yabancı yatırımın etkilerine bakılmıştır.
Doğrudan yabancı yatırımların bu ülkelerin büyümeleri üzerinde etkili olduğu ve
DYY ve GSYH değişkenlerinin birlikte hareket ettiği sonucuna varılmıştır. İki
seri arasında yapılan panel nedensellik analizi sonucuna göre; Doğrudan Yabancı
Yatırımdan GSYH’ya doğru tek yönlü bir nedensellik olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır.
Silver Mines and Mobile Miners in the Southwestern Borderlands of the Qing Empire
Authors: Kim Nanny
Published: December 2019

This article explores mining as the motor of temporary and permanent migration into the Far Southwest of Ming and Qing China. It focuses on the workforce of borderland silver mines, specifically on travel routes and the geography of recruitment. Durations and costs of the journeys reflect the existence of efficiently organized networks. The men who set out for the mines did so in the expectation of making money and returning home with handsome gains. This provides insights into the sizeable and profitable non-agrarian sector in the late imperial economy.
Two remarkable new Riccia (Marchantiales, Ricciaceae) records for the bryophyte flora of Cape Verde Islands, an important biogeographical refuge area

Authors: SERGIO CECILIA , MELO IRENEIA
Published: December 2019

Recent progresses of knowledge on Riccia diversity in Cape Verde islands are briefly surveyed. The occurrence of two remarkable Riccia species in this archipelago is examined, and their overall distribution is presented.                Riccia atropurpurea Sim and R. congoana Steph. are noteworthy liverwort species, here reported for the first time for Cape Verde islands, from specimens collected in Fogo island. Main diagnosing characters and those of related taxa, habitat preferences, illustrations, scanning electron micrographs and updated ranges of the species are presented.
New species of Eutarsopolipus (Trombidiformes: Podapolipidae) from the pterostichine genera Castelnaudia and Trichosternus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Australia
Authors: SEEMAN OWEN D.
Published: December 2019

Three new species of Eutarsopolipus Berlese are described from the flightless pterostichine carabid genera Castelnaudia Tschitscherine and Trichosternus Chaudoir found in rainforests in eastern Queensland: Eutarsopolipus piraticus sp. nov. from Trichosternus frater Darlington and T. mutatus Darlington in north-east Queensland; E. uncatus sp. nov. from C. obscuripennis (Macleay) in north-east Queensland; and E. verberatus sp. nov. from Castelnaudia eungella (Darlington) in middle-eastern Queensland and C. wilsoni (Castelnau) in south-east Queensland. These species are unique in Eutarsopolipus by having large hook-like unguinal setae on tarsi II–III. All species differ by only a few minor features, and the geographically isolated populations of E. verberatus could not be distinguished reliably. Surprisingly, the presence/absence of leg I claws and seta v″ on femur I, which have been used to create species groups, is intraspecifically variable. Species delimitation and the tarsal setation of Podapolipidae, particularly Eutarsopolipus, are also discussed.
Tulip contacts: Experimental studies of electrical contacts in dynamic layout with the use of FEM software
Authors: Kolimas Łukasz , Łapczyński Sebastian , Szulborski Michał
Published: December 2019

A proper and successful methodology of electrical contact design is achieved by combining the theoretical and practical studies. This paper presents an instructional approach involving FEM simulations in order to aid in the practical operations on electrical contacts in MV and HV electrical apparatuses effectively. Prior to the completed engineering and scientific work in the field of the electrical apparatuses, constructing the FEM-based model is an effective way to achieve and understand the pros and cons of the experimental solutions. This design method is widely used by the industrial companies and can be implemented as an educational method giving young engineers a new edge. The desired effect of the proposed course was to develop student understanding of electrical contacts engineering by combining the theoretical (simulations) and the practical approach. Ordered creativity was successfully put into practice by checking the parameters derived from the simulations on the real scale layout, which affected and enhanced student confidence in the field and in engineering skills. This instructional approach consisted of two sections (The Theoretical and the Practical) and is essential for understanding and further exploiting the acquired knowledge and certain other measures in engineering work. Moreover, it renders a complete engineering experience employing consequences and their impact on experimental electrical contact research based on multitasking and diversity. The statistical analysis proved that the proposed method had a significant impact and yielded improved results. Moreover, a major improvement in student learning and satisfaction after participating in the proposed course was noted.
Ultraviolet shielding properties of cotton fabric supported by titanium-calcium hydroxyapatite solid solution particles
Authors: Yasukawa Akemi , Sohma Ayano
Published: December 2019

Titanium-calcium hydroxyapatite (TiCaHap) particles were tried to be prepared by a wet method using starting solution with the ratio of Ti/(Ti + Ca) (denoted as [XTi]) from 0 to 1 and pure TiCaHap particles were obtained from the condition with [XTi] from 0 to 0.10. The particles were characterized by field emission scanning electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and spectrophotometry. Ultraviolet-visual (UV-vis) spectroscopy revealed that TiCaHap particles exhibit strong UV absorption under 380 nm. The UV absorption increased with an increase in concentrations of Ti4+. The TiCaHap prepared with [XTi] = 0.05 was supported on cotton fabric. The UV shielding ability of the cotton fabric was enhanced by the addition of the TiCaHap particles. The influences of pre-treatment using a cationizing agent and washing with water or a sodium dodecyl sulfate solution for the cotton fabrics were also discussed.
Social Support and Life Satisfaction of Ethnic Minority Elderly in China
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Guo Wei , Perez Cristina
Published: December 2019

Previous studies indicate that Han and ethnic minority groups in China are not homogeneous. However, little research has examined potential heterogeneity in the association between social support and life satisfaction across Han and ethnic minority elderly. Based on data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this study uses ordered logit models with interaction terms to examine the relationship between social support and the life satisfaction of ethnic minority elderly and of elderly Han Chinese. We find that support from families and friends has a stronger association with the life satisfaction of ethnic minority elderly than their Han peers. For ethnic minority elderly, the patterns of family support varied according to rural or urban residence, with family support being less important to the life satisfaction of ethnic minority elderly living in urban communities than in rural areas. Our findings suggest that social policy should take this heterogeneity between ethnic groups into account.
A novel metaheuristic model-based approach for accurate online broken bar fault diagnosis in induction motor using unscented Kalman filter and ant lion optimizer
Authors: Rayyam Marouane , Zazi Malika
Published: December 2019

This paper introduces a novel metaheuristic model-based scheme for fault monitoring in squirrel cage induction motors (SCIMs). This method relies on the combination of the ant lion optimizer (ALO) and the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) to detect and quantify the number of broken bars. Contrary to the UKF-based fault diagnosis, the improved ALO-UKF algorithm tunes optimally and automatically the noise covariance matrices Q and R, which reduces the estimation errors, and then obtains an effective and accurate fault diagnosis. Firstly, a mathematical model of the fault under study has been developed based on rotor parameter value as signature. Secondly, a sixth order ALO-UKF algorithm has been synthesized for simultaneous estimation of rotor resistance and speed. Several broken bar fault conditions have been simulated. Simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed ALO-UKF scheme in broken bar detection and identification, and exhibit a more superior performance than the simple-UKF and EKF algorithms in term of stability, accuracy and response time.
Event-based switching control for production inventory systems with time-varying delays
Authors: Wu Chen-Yu
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates event-based switching control for production inventory systems with time-varying delays. The different subsystems are established to describe the fact that the different production rates are adjusted to meet the different customer needs, and the conditions of average dwelling time are used to constrain the switchings. The event-triggered scheme, where the event generates when the relative error between the current review-data and the last transmission review-data exceeds a certain threshold, depicts the transmission of raw materials (or finished products) in practice. Then, the sufficient conditions of exponentially stable with a prescribed disturbance attenuation level [Formula: see text] and controller synthesis are formulated as linear matrix inequalitiess for the production inventory switching systems. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Making CEO Narcissism Research Great: A Review and Meta-Analysis of CEO Narcissism
Authors: Cragun Ormonde Rhees , Olsen Kari Joseph , Wright Patrick Michael
Published: December 2019

Chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism is an important area of research due to the strategic implications of how this multifaceted personality trait affects CEO behavior. This article presents a combined meta-analytic and narrative review of CEO narcissism and makes future research recommendations. Our review and meta-analytic findings lead to the creation of a framework for CEO narcissism research focused on narcissistic CEO supply, demand, behavior, and consequences. Additionally, our review identifies five methods of measuring CEO narcissism, each with strengths and weaknesses. We find that while extant findings exhibit common themes, such findings remain mixed and potentially dependent upon methods. We recommend that future research expand beyond the strategic consequences of CEO narcissism to consider additional foci of the research framework and its moderators. Additionally, we suggest that research can benefit from moving beyond the predominant theoretical lenses of upper echelons theory and leadership theory to the lenses of the extended agency model of narcissism, the admiration-versus-rivalry perspective of narcissism, and tournament theory.
Dimensions of Work-Related Age Stereotypes and In-Group Favoritism
Authors: Kleissner Verena , Jahn Georg
Published: December 2019

Age stereotypes in the context of work take effect in management decisions and leadership behavior. We aimed to comprehensively measure main dimensions of work-related age stereotypes, namely, performance, adaptability, reliability, and warmth, and explored how they vary across age groups, thereby testing predictions of social identity theory and associations with social contact. Three hundred and eighty German nurses aged between 19 and 63 years participated in this study. Older nurses were seen as more competent, less physically strong, and less adaptable, whereas younger nurses were seen as less reliable and less warm. In-group bolstering was observed for both age groups, however, much stronger for older professionals. Besides age, contact quality, the number of very close older colleagues, the perception of aging, and the perception of older people in general were associated with age stereotypes about older nurses. We conclude with a discussion of measures to reduce age stereotypes at work.
Market Structure and Competition in the Indian Microfinance Sector
Authors: Navin Nitin , Sinha Pankaj
Published: December 2019

Executive Summary

The Indian microfinance sector has experienced fundamental changes in the structure of ownership and management of microfinance institutions (MFIs). The current study seeks to evaluate the competition level of the Indian microfinance sector during the period 2005–2017 and attempts to find the cause-and-effect relationship between concentration and competition. Furthermore, it analyzes the performance of leading MFIs to explore if there is evidence of exploitation of clients by these institutions. The study is the first of its kind with explicit focus on the market structure of the Indian microfinance market. The study uses unbalanced panel data sets generated from the microfinance information exchange (MIX) data source. The representative sample includes firm specific data of 127 MFIs of different legal statuses and sizes. The dynamic equation model is estimated applying the difference generalized methods of moments (GMM). The results of the empirical investigation find a rise in the concentration with a decrease in competition in the Indian microfinance market during recent years. Intense competition in the past and introduction of new regulations in the wake of sectoral crisis are responsible for this transition. High concentration gives large MFI market powers to exploit the customers. However, the study fails to find any evidence of any such exploitation from the conduct of the leading MFIs. The survey highlights the potential connection between the drop in the competitiveness of the sector and the first appearance of new regulations in light of the sectoral crisis. It is imperative that regulators keep a tight vigil on the operations of leading MFIs and take necessary actions to ensure a healthy competitive environment in the sector. Furthermore, existing rules should be modified to help small MFIs as they play a very crucial role in the fulfilment of the primary objective of the microfinance.
Morphological evaluation of ultralow density microcellular foamed composites developed through CO2-induced solid-state batch foaming technique utilizing water as co-blowing agent
Authors: Dugad Rupesh , Radhakrishna G , Gandhi Abhishek
Published: December 2019

In this work, microcellular acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene foams were developed with utilization of water as a co-blowing agent and CO2 as the primary blowing agent through the solid-state batch foaming process. The effect of saturation parameters with the content of the co-blowing agent has been studied extensively for various foaming attributes. The co-blowing agent enhanced the average cell size and the expansion ratio which are useful for better thermal insulation. The maximum expansion ratio of 29.9 obtained from the effect of saturation temperature and co-blowing agent, 23.6 from the effect of saturation pressure and co-blowing agent, and 22.4 from the effect of saturation time and co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent significantly affects the cell morphology of polymeric foam with saturation parameters.
Relationships among resistin, adiponectin, and leptin and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Li-Kun , Wang Hua , Wu Xue-Liang , Shi Li , Yang Rui-Min , Wang Yi-Cheng
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the relationships among serum resistin, adiponectin, and leptin and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 120 patients with T2DM were divided into non-microangiopathy and microangiopathy groups. Sixty age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were used as a normal control (NC) group. Body height, body mass, waist circumference, and blood pressure were determined, and waist/hip ratio (WHR), body mass index, blood glucose, lipids, resistin, leptin, adiponectin, free fatty acids (FFA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were compared among the three groups.

Results

Serum levels of resistin, leptin, FFA, and hs-CRP were significantly higher and levels of adiponectin were significantly lower in patients in the non-microangiopathy (n = 60) and microangiopathy groups (n = 60) compared with the NC group (n = 60). Serum resistin and leptin levels in patients with T2DM were positively correlated with WHR, hs-CRP, FFA, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides, but negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Serum adiponectin levels in patients with T2DM were negatively correlated with WHR, hs-CRP, FFA, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides, but positively correlated with HDL-C.

Conclusion

Serum resistin, adiponectin, and leptin levels correlate with the occurrence of T2DM and microvascular complications.
Prognostic factors affecting survival and recurrence in patients with early cervical squamous cell cancer following radical hysterectomy
Authors: Li Dan , Xu Xiaoxian , Yan Dingding , Yuan Shuhui , Ni Juan , Lou Hanmei
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and histological features affecting the survival of patients with early cervical squamous cell cancer treated with radical hysterectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical and histological data for patients with stage IB-IIA cervical cancer treated by radical hysterectomy at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from August 2008 to January 2013.

Results

A total of 1435 patients were included in the study. Cox regression analysis identified tumor size >4 cm, lymphovascular space involvement (LVSI), lymph node ratio (LNR), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) >2.65 ng/mL as independent prognostic risk factors. Among 1096 patients without high pathological risk factors, the 5-year local recurrence rates for SCC-Ag ≤2.65 and >2.65 ng/mL were 6.6% and 25.7%, respectively. Among 332 patients with lymph node positivity, the overall survival rates for LNR ≤0.19 and >0.19 were 87.8% and 55.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

LVSI, tumor size >4 cm, LNR >0.19, and SCC-Ag >2.65 ng/mL may predict a poor prognosis in patients with early cervical squamous cell cancer treated with radical hysterectomy. SCC-Ag >2.65 ng/mL may be a useful prognostic factor guiding the use of postoperative radiotherapy in patients without pathologic risk factors.
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and respiratory complaints in Hajj pilgrims wearing a cotton towel or plain cotton ihram
Authors: Ayoub Meo Sultan , Iqbal Muhammad , Al-Masri Abeer , Zia Inam , Afzal Sibtain
Published: December 2019

Objective

Hajj is an important component of Islam. This study aimed to determine the effect of wearing a cotton towel or plain cotton ihram on the onset of respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels in Hajj pilgrims.

Methods

One hundred male nonsmoking subjects (age: 20–60 years) without a previous clinical history of respiratory illnesses were included. Fifty subjects were dressed in a cotton towel ihram and 50 wore a plain cotton ihram (control group). Respiratory symptoms and FeNO levels were recorded on the day before leaving for Hajj, when ihrams were removed, and when the pilgrims had returned home.

Results

Pilgrims who wore cotton towel ihrams showed significantly higher rates of respiratory symptoms, including being generally ill, coughing, a sore throat, and a runny nose, than those who wore plain ihrams. FeNO levels also tended to be higher in pilgrims who wore a cotton towel ihram compared with those with a plain cotton ihram during and after Hajj.

Conclusions

Hajj pilgrims who wear cotton towel ihrams may have a risk of respiratory symptoms, including a cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Therefore, a plain cotton ihram is advisable while performing Hajj to minimize respiratory illness.
Use of the base purse-string suture approach to remove giant uterine fibroids during cesarean section
Authors: Liu Dan , Han Min , Huang Pu , Li Chunfang , Li Xuelan
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the optimal strategy for myomectomy for removing giant uterine fibroids when necessary in women undergoing cesarean section.

Methods

This study was retrospective in design, and assessed outcomes in 26 patients who underwent myomectomy using a “base purse-string suture” during cesarean section. The operative duration, blood loss, uterine involution, and duration of postpartum lochia were analyzed.

Results

This suture was associated with a mean operative duration of 11.17 ± 5.36 minutes and the mean estimated blood loss was 11.15 ± 6.05 mL. The mean postpartum duration of lochia was 34.92 ± 7.55 days and there were no cases of postpartum hemorrhage. Uterine size returned to normal within 6 weeks of delivery, without any apparent defects or abnormalities in the uterine wall as shown by an ultrasonic examination.

Conclusion

This novel implementation of a base purse-string suture during cesarean myomectomy for removal of giant fibroids is a simple, safe, and effective intervention that should be considered for implementation in appropriate patients.
Respiratory function, functional capacity, and physical activity behaviours in children and adolescents with scoliosis
Authors: Amăricăi Elena , Suciu Oana , Onofrei Roxana Ramona , Miclăuș Roxana Steliana , Iacob Radu Emil , Caţan Liliana , Popoiu Călin Marius , Cerbu Simona , Boia Eugen
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To assess pulmonary function and functional capacity in children and adolescents with mild or moderate idiopathic scoliosis who were included in a rehabilitation programme, and to observe some of their physical activity behaviours.

Methods

Forty children (aged 9–17 years) with mild or moderate idiopathic scoliosis (patients) and 40 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Physical activity behaviours (hours of time spent at a desk and at a computer, hours of competitive and non-competitive practice of exercise per week) were recorded. Patients were assessed before beginning rehabilitation and 12 weeks after an exercised-based programme by spirometry and functional capacity testing (6-minute walk test).

Results

All respiratory and functional capacity parameters were significantly increased after physical therapy compared with before beginning physical therapy in patients. However, there were still differences between patients and controls in all assessed parameters after therapy. Children and adolescents who were diagnosed with scoliosis spent a longer time at a computer, and had reduced regular and competitive physical exercise compared with controls.

Conclusions

In children and adolescents with mild/moderate idiopathic scoliosis, pulmonary parameters and functional capacity are improved after 12 weeks of supervised physical therapy.
A management program for preventing occupational blood-borne infectious exposure among operating room nurses: an application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model
Authors: Lin Hua , Wang Xiaoyan , Luo Xiaohui , Qin Zhen
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The study aim was to determine the effect of an occupational blood-borne pathogen exposure (OBE) management program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model on knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding OBE prevention among operating room nurses.

Methods

This was a one-group pre-test post-test experimental study. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used to design and evaluate the effect of an OBE management program on 87 operating room nurses from February to July 2018. The study included pre-intervention assessment; risk factor analysis; interventions targeted to predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors and focusing on areas of low scoring; and a post-intervention assessment. Attitudes, knowledge and behaviour compliance regarding OBE were measured before and after the 6-month program using a self-developed questionnaire. Descriptive epidemiological analysis and t-tests were used for data analysis.

Results

Low-scoring items for OBE knowledge, attitudes and behaviour were identified in the baseline assessment. Six months post-intervention, there were significant improvements in attitudes toward OBE prevention, in knowledge about OBE safety precautions and in behaviour compliance with standard precautions.

Conclusions

The findings indicate the effectiveness of an OBE management program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for improving knowledge, attitudes and behaviour adherence to OBE prevention among operating room nurses.
Publication rates of abstracts presented at the World Congress on Pain held by the International Association for the Study of Pain in 2010
Authors: Akkoc Ibrahim
Published: December 2019

Objective

To examine publication rates of the full texts of abstracts presented at the 2010 World Congress on Pain (WCP) of the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Methods

Poster presentations published in the abstract booklet of the 13th WCP in 2010 were examined. The post-congress status of each abstract was investigated by searching titles, first author, and co-authors, in order, using local search engines. The year of publication, country, index, impact factor (IF) of the publishing journal, and name and title consistencies between the abstract and published text were recorded.

Results

A total 1907 poster presentations were investigated. Of these, 525 (27.5%) were published in scientific journals. The most poster presentations (402, 37%) were from the United States. The most published presentations appeared in scientific journals in 2011. Science Citation Index (SCI), SCI Expanded, and Emerging Sources Citation Index published 491 abstracts as full texts. The mean IF of journals in which articles were published was 3.90 ± 3.64.

Conclusions

As with scientific journals, a communication process should be established with authors during assessment of poster presentations at congresses regarding critical progression and rectification of deficiencies, which will increase the likelihood of presentation abstracts being published.
ARID1A upregulation predicts better survival in patients with urothelial bladder carcinoma
Authors: Cao Qifeng , Wang Chen , Ding Yu , Xu Ding , Qian Subo , Shen Haibo , Qi Jun
Published: December 2019

Objective

AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) is frequently mutated or deficient in various types of tumors. However, the role of ARID1A in bladder cancer remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate ARID1A expression and its biological role and correlation with prognosis in patients with urothelial bladder carcinoma (BUC).

Methods

ARID1A expression levels in BUC and normal tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and patient outcomes. Downregulation of ARID1A was mimicked by transfection with small interfering RNA in T24 bladder cancer cells, and the effects on cell proliferation and migration were evaluated.

Results

ARID1A expression was significantly reduced in BUC tissues and was significantly associated with T stage and AJCC stage. Upregulation of ARID1A predicted a better prognosis in BUC patients. ARID1A expression and lymph node status were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Silencing of ARID1A promoted the proliferation of BUC cells.

Conclusions

ARID1A may represent a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with BUC.