bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micromechanical Prediction Model of Viscoelastic Properties for Asphalt Mastic Based on Morphologically Representative Pattern Approach
Authors: Wang Zhichen , Guo Naisheng , Yang Xu , Wang Shuang
Published: June 2020

This paper is devoted to the introduction of physicochemical, filler size, and distribution effect in micromechanical predictions of the overall viscoelastic properties of asphalt mastic. In order to account for the three effects, the morphologically representative pattern (MRP) approach was employed. The MRP model was improved due to the arduous practical use of equivalent modulus formula solution. Then, a homogeneous morphologically representative model (H‐MRP) with the explicit solution was established based on the homogenization theory. Asphalt mastic is regarded as a composite material consisting of filler particles coated structural asphalt and free asphalt considering the physicochemical effect. An additional interphase surrounding particles was introduced in the H‐MRP model. Thus, a modified H‐MRP model was established. Using the proposed model, a viscoelastic equation was derived to predict the complex modulus and subsequently the dynamic modulus of asphalt mastic based on the elastic‐viscoelastic correspondence principle. The dynamic shear rheological tests were conducted to verify the prediction model. The results show that the predicted modulus presents an acceptable precision for asphalt mastic mixed with 10% and 20% fillers volume fraction, as compared to the measured ones. The predicted modulus agrees reasonably well with the measured ones at high frequencies for asphalt mastic mixed with 30% and 40% fillers volume fraction. However, it exhibits underestimated modulus at low frequencies. The reasons for the discrepancy between predicted and measured dynamic shear modulus and the factors affecting the dynamic shear modulus were also explored in the paper.
Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Is a Novel Strategy for Anti-Psoriasis Therapy
Authors: Chen Chao , Tan Lirong , Zhu Wu , Lei Li , Kuang Yehong , Liu Panpan , Li Jie , Chen Xiang , Peng Cong
Published: June 2020

Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated, chronic inflammatory genetic-related disease that affects patients’ quality of life. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of progenitor and immature myeloid cells which are expanded in psoriatic skin lesions and peripheral blood. However, the role of MDSCs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains unclear. Here, we confirmed that the accumulation of human MDSCs is remarkably increased in skin lesions of psoriasis patients by flow cytometry. Depleting MDSCs by Gemcitabine significantly suppresses IMQ-induced psoriatic inflammation and epidermal thickening as well as Th17 and Treg cell accumulation. Moreover, through the RNA-Seq technique, we validated some differentially expressed genes on CD4+ T-cells of IMQ-induced-MDSC-depleted mice such as IL-21 and Timd2, which are involved in Th17-cell differentiation or T-cell activation. Interestingly, neutralizing IL-21R by antibody reduces IMQ-induced epidermal thickening through downregulating the infiltration of MDSCs and Th17 cells. Our data suggest that targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells is a novel strategy for antipsoriasis therapy. IL-21 may be a potential therapeutic target in psoriasis.
VoNR-IPD: A Novel Timing-Based Network Steganography for Industrial Internet
Authors: Wang Mingqian , Cao Shuai , Wang Yunliang
Published: June 2020

As the predominant trade secret of manufacturing enterprises, industrial data may be monitored and stolen by competitive adversaries during the transmission via open wireless link. Such information leakage will cause severe economic losses. Hence, a VoNR-IPD covert timing steganography based on 5G network is proposed in this paper, in which VoNR traffic is employed as the steganographic carrier of covert communication in Industrial Internet. Interference of network jitter noise is fully considered and the high-order statistical properties of jittered VoNR interpacket delays (IPDs) are imitated during the modulation of confidential industrial data. Thus, the generated covert VoNR IPDs can possess consistent statistical properties with the normal case in order to improve undetectability. Besides, the synchronization mechanism of steganographic embedding mode is designed to control the embedding density of industrial data flexibly. The experimental results show that our scheme can resist statistical-based detections and the network noise effectively, which outperforms the existing methods in terms of undetectability and robustness.
Identification of Differentially Expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in Children with Acquired Aplastic Anemia by RNA Sequencing
Authors: Lu Shuanglong , Song Xiaoxiao , Chen Jing , Qiao Xiaohong
Published: June 2020

Background. The effects of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their related messenger RNAs (mRNAs) remain unknown in children with acquired aplastic anemia (AA). The aim of this study is to screen key lncRNAs and mRNAs and investigate their potential roles in the pathology of acquired AA in children. Methods. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) between blood samples of acquired AA children and healthy controls. cis‐regulation, trans‐regulation, competing endogenous (Ce) regulation networks of DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs were constructed. A literature search was performed to identify immune‐ or hematopoietic‐related DElncRNA‐DEmRNA pairs, and qPCR was conducted to validate the expression of the immune‐ or hematopoietic‐related DElncRNA and DEmRNA. Results. 60 DElncRNAs and 364 DEmRNAs were identified. 13 DElncRNAs were predicted to have 15 cis‐regulated target DEmRNAs, 16 DElncRNAs might have 28 trans‐regulated DEmRNAs, and 2 DElncRNAs might have 9 Ce‐regulated DEmRNAs. After literature screen and qPCR validation, 6 immune‐ or hematopoietic‐related DElncRNA‐DEmRNA pairs in the networks above were identified as key RNAs in the pathology of acquired AA. Conclusion. This study revealed key lncRNAs in children with acquired AA and proposed their potential functions by predicting their target mRNAs, which lay the foundation for future study of potential effects of lncRNAs in children with acquired AA.
Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Authors: Ralli Massimo , Botticelli Andrea , Visconti Irene Claudia , Angeletti Diletta , Fiore Marco , Marchetti Paolo , Lambiase Alessandro , de Vincentiis Marco , Greco Antonio
Published: June 2020

Melanoma is one of the most immunologic malignancies based on its higher prevalence in immune-compromised patients, the evidence of brisk lymphocytic infiltrates in both primary tumors and metastases, the documented recognition of melanoma antigens by tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes and, most important, evidence that melanoma responds to immunotherapy. The use of immunotherapy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma is a relatively late discovery for this malignancy. Recent studies have shown a significantly higher success rate with combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted molecular therapy. Immunotherapy is associated to a panel of dysimmune toxicities called immune-related adverse events that can affect one or more organs and may limit its use. Future directions in the treatment of metastatic melanoma include immunotherapy with anti-PD1 antibodies or targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors.
Ezetimibe and Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes: Current Evidence and Perspectives
Authors: Pradhan Akshyaya , Bhandari Monika , Sethi Rishi
Published: June 2020

Low-density lipoprotein lowering with statins has convincingly and consistently proven to reduce cardiovascular events in both primary and secondary prevention. However, despite high-dose statin therapy, residual cardiovascular risk remains and many patients also do not tolerate statins. Ezetimibe was initially projected as a frontline alternative to statin. It is an intestinal cholesterol absorption inhibitor with modest LDL lowering effects. But, major studies failed to demonstrate any beneficial effect of CV outcomes, and the drug was relegated to oblivion. IMPROVE-IT, a contemporary, large, and well-designed trial, unequivocally demonstrated reduction in CV outcomes with ezetimibe when added to statin therapy. The benefits are seen in both sexes, elderly, CKD, diabetes mellitus, and in patients with prior CABG. It also reduces biomarkers and induces plaque regression like statins. The drug has now established itself as an add-on therapy to statin when monotherapy fails to achieve LDL goals and when it is not tolerated. The combination therapy has excellent safety and efficacy record. It has now been endorsed by major guidelines too in management of dyslipidemia. Yes, ezetimibe can indeed improve cardiovascular outcomes!
SOSYOEKONOMİK FAKTÖRLERİN EĞİTİM PERFORMANSI ÜZERİNE ETKİSİ: PISA 2015 TÜRKİYE ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: DOLU Asli
Published: June 2020

Sosyoekonomik
durum; öğrenci, okul veya okul sisteminin birçok farklı yönünü özetleyen geniş
bir kavramdır. Sosyoekonomik altyapı ve öğrenci başarısı arasındaki ilişki,
eğitim politikasına ilişkin araştırmaların sıklıkla ele aldığı konulardan
biridir. Bu alanda yapılan çok sayıda çalışma, ailenin sosyoekonomik statüsü ve
öğrencinin öğrenme çıktıları arasında kuvvetli bir ilişki olduğunu
göstermektedir. Ayrıca, akademik performansı düşük olan öğrencilerin daha düşük
sosyoekonomik altyapıdan gelme ihtimallerinin daha yüksek olduğu
bulgulanmaktadır.

Uluslararası
Öğrenci Başarılarını Değerlendirme Projesi (PISA)'da bir öğrencinin
sosyoekonomik statüsü PISA ekonomik, sosyal ve kültürel durum endeksi (ESCS)
ile tahmin edilmektedir. Bu endeks, ailenin eğitimi, mesleği, zenginlik olarak
görülen bir dizi ev eşyası ve evdeki kitap sayısı ve diğer eğitim kaynakları
gibi öğrencilerin aile geçmişleri hakkında bilgi veren çeşitli değişkenlerden
türetilmiştir. Bu endeks ile PISA sonuçları arasındaki ilişki incelendiğinde,
Türkiye bu ilişkinin 2006 PISA’dan itibaren yıllar içerisinde azaldığı
ülkelerden biridir. 2015 PISA sonuçlarında ise sosyoekonomik kültürel endeks ve
öğrenci başarısı arasındaki ilişki en küçük ve pozitif olarak elde edilmiştir. Sosyoekonomik
statü değişkeninin Türkiye’nin başarısı üzerindeki etkisinin azalmasına rağmen
Türkiye’nin başarı performansında ciddi düşüş yaşaması başarıyı etkileyen
faktörleri detaylı bir şekilde incelemeyi zorunlu kılmaktadır.

Bu
çalışmada OECD tarafından uygulanan PISA araştırmasının 2015 yılı verileri
kullanılarak Türkiye’de eğitimdeki başarı farklılıklarına neden olan faktörler
incelenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, OECD tarafından ölçülen sosyal ve kültürel durum
endeksinin öğrencilerin başarı performansı üzerindeki etkisinin küçük olduğu
elde edilmiştir.  Bu durumun nedenini
anlamak için 2015 PISA verileri çok düzeyli bir model olan hiyararşik lineer
model kullanılarak incelenmiştir. Analiz sonucunda, sosyoekonomik statü
faktörünün başarı üzerinde eğitim sistemindeki eşitsizlikten kaynaklandığı ve
sosyoekonomik statü değişkeninin öğrencilerin yaşadıkları bölgeler ve gittikleri
okul türleri ile gösterildiği sonucu elde edilmiştir.
Türkiye'de Endüstriyel Yoğunlaşmanın Yerel Büyüme Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: İĞDELİ Arif , BAKIRTAŞ İbrahim , SEVER Erşan
Published: June 2020

Bu
araştırmanın amacı 2008-2016 döneminde Türkiye genelinde ve altı alt bölgesinde
endüstriyel yoğunlaşma kaynaklı dışsallıkların yerel büyüme üzerindeki etkisini
incelemektir. Bu araştırmanın analizinde endüstriyel yoğunlaşma kaynaklı
dışsallıklar olarak uzmanlaşma, sektörel çeşitlilik, yerel rekabet ve kent
dışsallıkları kullanılmıştır. Bu dışsallıklar ile yerel büyüme arasındaki
ilişki panel veri yöntemi ile analiz edilmiştir. Analiz bulgularına göre orta
düzey sosyo-ekonomik gelişmişlik düzeyindeki bölgelerde uzmanlaşma yerel
büyümeyi pozitif etkilemektedir. Ayrıca analiz bulgularında sosyo-ekonomik
gelişmişlik düzeyi en yüksek olan birinci bölgede sektörel çeşitliğin yerel
büyüme üzerinde negatif yönlü etkisi tespit edilmiştir. Bununla birlikte analiz
bulgularına göre yerel rekabet gelişmişlik düzeyi yüksek ve düşük olan
bölgelerde yerel büyümeyi pozitif yönlü etkilemektedir. Son olarak analiz
bulgularında birinci bölge hariç diğer örneklemlerde kent dışsallıklarının
yerel büyüme üzerinde pozitif yönlü etkisi tespit edilmiştir
How Women’s Presence in Tehran’s Public Spaces Compares to Shariʿa Prescriptions, Old Tehran and Contemporary Tehran
Authors: Salarvandian Fatemeh , Hosseini Seyed Ali , Ashkevari Muhammad Jafar , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad , Pourahmad Ahmand
Published: June 2020

In Islamic cities, the shariʿa determines to what extent women are allowed to attend public spaces. This article addresses women’s public attendance in Tehran, in both the classical and modern periods, and compares this with the prescriptions of the shariʿa. Our exploration of the Qurʾan, hadiths, the practices of religious scholars, and the descriptions of women’s status in travelogues suggests two distinct views, the first of which prohibits any kind of public appearance and considers home to be the best place for women. The second view holds that women can enter public spaces, but with some preconditions. Amidst the complexity of religion, society, culture, and politics, two shariʿa tenets have not changed significantly over time: veiling and sex segregation. Some female spheres outside the home have vanished as others have emerged. As a result of these shifts, the one notable change has been that women appear more frequently in public.
Eyes on Emotion: Dynamic Gaze Allocation During Emotion Perception From Speech-Like Stimuli
Authors: de Boer Minke J. , Başkent Deniz , Cornelissen Frans W.
Published: June 2020

The majority of emotional expressions used in daily communication are multimodal and dynamic in nature. Consequently, one would expect that human observers utilize specific perceptual strategies to process emotions and to handle the multimodal and dynamic nature of emotions. However, our present knowledge on these strategies is scarce, primarily because most studies on emotion perception have not fully covered this variation, and instead used static and/or unimodal stimuli with few emotion categories. To resolve this knowledge gap, the present study examined how dynamic emotional auditory and visual information is integrated into a unified percept. Since there is a broad spectrum of possible forms of integration, both eye movements and accuracy of emotion identification were evaluated while observers performed an emotion identification task in one of three conditions: audio-only, visual-only video, or audiovisual video. In terms of adaptations of perceptual strategies, eye movement results showed a shift in fixations toward the eyes and away from the nose and mouth when audio is added. Notably, in terms of task performance, audio-only performance was mostly significantly worse than video-only and audiovisual performances, but performance in the latter two conditions was often not different. These results suggest that individuals flexibly and momentarily adapt their perceptual strategies to changes in the available information for emotion recognition, and these changes can be comprehensively quantified with eye tracking.
Computer-assisted timber identification based on features extracted from microscopic wood sections
Authors: Lens Frederic , Liang Chao , Guo Yuanhao , Tang Xiaoqin , Jahanbanifard Mehrdad , da Silva Flavio Soares Correa , Ceccantini Gregorio , Verbeek Fons J.
Published: June 2020

Wood anatomy is one of the most important methods for timber identification. However, training wood anatomy experts is time-consuming, while at the same time the number of senior wood anatomists with broad taxonomic expertise is declining. Therefore, we want to explore how a more automated, computer-assisted approach can support accurate wood identification based on microscopic wood anatomy. For our exploratory research, we used an available image dataset that has been applied in several computer vision studies, consisting of 112 — mainly neotropical — tree species representing 20 images of transverse sections for each species. Our study aims to review existing computer vision methods and compare the success of species identification based on (1) several image classifiers based on manually adjusted texture features, and (2) a state-of-the-art approach for image classification based on deep learning, more specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). In support of previous studies, a considerable increase of the correct identification is accomplished using deep learning, leading to an accuracy rate up to 95.6%. This remarkably high success rate highlights the fundamental potential of wood anatomy in species identification and motivates us to expand the existing database to an extensive, worldwide reference database with transverse and tangential microscopic images from the most traded timber species and their look-a-likes. This global reference database could serve as a valuable future tool for stakeholders involved in combatting illegal logging and would boost the societal value of wood anatomy along with its collections and experts.
The dimensional structure of transparency: A construct validation of transparency as disclosure, clarity, and accuracy in organizations
Authors: Schnackenberg Andrew K , Tomlinson Edward , Coen Corinne
Published: June 2020

In this article, we advance research on transparency by developing and validating a measure based on recent theoretical insights about its dimensionality. We find that transparency—defined as the perceived quality of information—is a three-dimensional construct consisting of perceived information disclosure, clarity, and accuracy. Evidence shows items associated with these dimensions can be aggregated into a single transparency construct. We also find that transparency (as an aggregate construct) is distinct from neighboring constructs such as informational justice and capable of predicting perceptions of the source’s trustworthiness (ability, benevolence, and integrity). Finally, we find evidence of measurement invariance between two commonly used referents of analysis, yielding confidence in the application of the proposed measure across research settings. We discuss implications of the new measure for research on transparency, the extension of the new measure to related research traditions, and the practical application of the new measure for managers interested in constructing and appraising transparent messages.
Personnel reduction and growth, innovation, and employee optimism about the long-term benefits of organizational change
Authors: Taylor Jeannette
Published: June 2020

What do employees think when their organization’s change programme has led to a growth or reduction in the number of employees in their work unit or workgroup? While we take for granted that employees generally do not respond well to organizational initiatives that reduce the number of personnel, we are less certain about their response to organizational efforts that raise the number of personnel. Using the Australian Public Service Employee Census, containing over 24,600 responses, this research finds that employees’ exposure to a major organizational change that raises or reduces the number of personnel in their workgroup is related to two employee outcomes: (1) implementation of innovation-related change in their workgroup; and (2) optimism about the long-term benefits of the change on their workgroup’s performance. Innovation-related change also moderates the relationship between personnel-related change and optimism about the long-term benefits of change.

Points for practitioners

Employees who experience a reduction in the number of personnel in their workgroup may pursue innovation. When employees experience personnel growth in their workgroup, those who implement innovation report higher levels of optimism about organizational change than those who do not implement innovation. Finally, how well leaders manage the change process during personnel-related change can shape the employee implementation of innovation and optimism about organizational change.
Synergistic effects of fibre arrangements on the microstructure and properties of organic composite materials
Authors: Makni Fatma , Cristol Anne-Lise , Kchaou Mohamed , Desplanques Yannick , Elleuch Riadh
Published: June 2020

The arrangement of the constituents of organic-composite friction materials is a key factor of their microstructure and thermal and mechanical properties which can influence braking performance. Among these constituents, fibres can present complex morphologies and different arrangements depending on their type and the process of manufacturing. Besides, synergistic effects acting between these constituents and the resulting properties are still not well investigated. This work relates to rock- wool used for brake friction materials, and for which the process can lead to various arrangements. The focus is on synergies between these fibre arrangements and the other material constituents, in ways that reveals the link between the resulting microstructural characteristics and properties of organic composite materials. To achieve these objectives, two simplified formulations are elaborated with two distinct arrangements of rock wool fibres. The friction materials are investigated in terms of microstructure, thermo-physical and mechanical properties. It is found that fibre arrangements affect carbonaceous particle distribution, porosity, and fibre-matrix adhesion. On one side, homogeneous distribution and regular size of fibre bundles results in a better connectedness of conductive particles and thus enhances thermal conductivity. On the other side, a regular fibre bundles repartition lead to a more homogeneous distribution of strain localizations and a softer mechanical response.
Flexural fatigue and fracture toughness behavior of nanoclay reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Tareq Md Sarower Hossain , Zainuddin Shaik , Hosur Mahesh V , Jony Bodiuzzaman , Ahsan Mohammad Al , Jeelani Shaik
Published: June 2020

3-point flexural fatigue and Mode I interlaminar fracture tests were done to study the fatigue life and fracture toughness of nanoclay added carbon fiber epoxy composites. Fatigue life data was analyzed using Weibull distribution function, validated with Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit, and predicted by combined Weibull and Sigmoidal models, respectively. The nanophased samples showed more than 300% improvement in mean and predicted fatigue life. At 0.7 stress level, the nanophased samples passed the ‘run-out’ fatigue criteria (106 cycles), whereas, the neat samples failed much earlier. The interlaminar fracture toughness of nanophased samples was also enhanced significantly by 71% over neat samples. Optical and scanning electron microscopic images of the nanophased fractured samples revealed certain features that improved the respective fatigue and fracture properties of the composites.
Enhancing flexural capacity of RC columns through near surface mounted SMA and CFRP bars
Authors: Xing Guohua , Ozbulut Osman E , Al-Dhabyani Mohammed Ali , Chang Zhaoqun , Daghash Sherif M
Published: June 2020

This study explores the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) columns strengthened with near surface mounted (NSM) shape memory alloy (SMA) bars or carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars. Seven RC column specimens were designed and fabricated to study the influence of different variables on the flexural response of the strengthened columns. These parameters include type of NSM reinforcement (SMA bars or CFRP bars), ratio of NSM reinforcement, and effect of CFRP jacketing. The columns were tested under cyclic lateral loading with constant axial force. The flexural behavior of each specimen was examined in terms of peak load, failure load, drift ratios, displacement ductility, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation, and seismic damage index. The experimental results indicate that strengthening of RC columns with NSM SMA or CFRP bars improves the flexural behavior of the columns through increasing the lateral load capacity, reducing the stiffness degradation and increasing the cumulative energy absorption up to failure. Further enhancement in the lateral response of RC columns was obtained by combining NSM bars and CFRP jacketing as the later provides an additional confinement to the critical sections of the test specimens.
On nano polypyrrole and carbon nano tube reinforced PVDF for 3D printing applications: Rheological, thermal, electrical, mechanical, morphological characterization
Authors: Kumar Ranvijay , Pandey Avinash Kumar , Singh Rupinder , Kumar Vinay
Published: June 2020

The nano polypyrrole (PPy) and carbon nano tubes (CNT) are known for their excellent charge carrying capacities, thermal stability, conductivity and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for their inherent piezoelectricity and biocompatibility. The mechanical blending of these materials to form a feedstock filament can be an excellent input for the 3D printing of customized sensors for biomedical applications. But hitherto little has been reported on rheological, thermal, electrical, mechanical and morphological properties of PPy/CNT reinforced PVDF especially for 3D printing of customized sensors. In this study, the twin screw compounding has been used to prepare feedstock filaments of PVDF, PVDF-2.5%CNT, PVDF-2.5%PPy and PVDF-2.5% (CNT + PPy) to explore feasibility of sensor 3D printing for biomedical applications. Further, the feedstock filaments were subjected to thermal, mechanical, morphological investigations. The results of study show that addition of PPy and CNT in PVDF matrix has improved the specific heat capacity, elongation and charge capacity significantly.
Age and gender related differences in infection, thromboembolism, revision and death in knee arthroplasty in a Scottish population
Authors: Brown Michael JC , Koh Niak Puei , Bell Stuart W , Jones Bryn , Blyth Mark
Published: June 2020

Background and aims

The aim of this large population based study was to investigate the effect of patient age and gender on the complication rates of knee arthroplasty surgery using data from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project joint registry.

Methods and results

55,636 knee arthroplasty procedures were included in the study and divided into four age categories (<55, 55–64, 65–75 and >75 years) for comparison of the 90-day deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE) and one-year infection rates and the mortality and revision rates up to ten-year follow up. The mean rate of DVT/PE was 1.4% with significantly higher rates in elderly patients (p = 0.0006). The mean one-year infection rate was 1.6% with a significantly increased rate of 1.9% in males (p = 0.0001). Mortality rates increased with age, the 10-year mortality in patients >75 years of age was 44.8%. Revision rates were increased in males and younger patients.

Conclusion

Elderly patients showed higher rates of thromboembolic complications. There was no difference in infection rates between different age groups. The infection rate was higher in males. Younger patients need to be counselled about the increased risk of revision at 10 years.
Effect of hydrolysis time on the morphological, physical, chemical, and thermal behavior of sugar palm nanocrystalline cellulose (Arenga pinnata (Wurmb.) Merr)
Authors: Ilyas RA , Sapuan SM , Atikah MSN , Asyraf MRM , Rafiqah S Ayu , Aisyah HA , Nurazzi N Mohd , Norrrahim MNF
Published: June 2020

Sugar palm nanocrystalline celluloses (SPNCCs) were isolated from sugar palm fiber (SPF). In this study, acid hydrolysis (60 wt. %) at different reaction times (30, 45, and 60 min) was carried out to investigate the optimum yield of NCC. The physical properties, degree of polymerization, chemical composition, structural analysis, crystallinity, surface area and charge, zeta potential, thermal analysis, and morphological characterization were also conducted to determine the outcome (efficiency) of the process. The results showed that a needle-like shape was observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. TEM analysis showed optimum aspect ratios of 13.46, 14.44, and 13.13 for isolated SPNCC-I, SPNCC-II, and SPNCC-III, respectively. From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the degradation temperature of NCC decreased slightly from 335.15℃ to 278.50℃ as the reaction time increased. A shorter hydrolysis time tended to produce SPNCC with higher thermal stability, as proven in thermal analysis by TGA. The optimal isolation time was found to be around 45 min at 1200 rpm during hydrolysis at 45℃ with 60% sulfuric acid. Therefore, the extracted SPNCC from SPF has huge potential to be utilized in the bionanocomposite field for the production of biopackaging, biomedical products, etc.
Improvement of washing properties of liquid laundry detergents by modification with N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate sulfobetaine
Authors: Kalak Tomasz , Gąsior Krzysztof , Wieczorek Daria , Cierpiszewski Ryszard
Published: June 2020

Detergency of commercial liquid detergents before and after modification with SB3C16 (5%, m/m) sulfobetaine (N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate) was examined using colorimetric analysis based on a CIELab system. The EMPA 101 standard cotton fabric soiled with carbon black and olive oil was used in washing tests under the following experimental conditions: the concentration of liquid laundry detergents 1.25–50 g/L, 30 min washing cycle, water hardness 5.35 mval/L, 40℃, 200 rpm. Results of physicochemical analysis of color, form, odor, pH, viscosity, density and content of anionic surfactants in detergents, as well as construction parameters of tested cotton fabrics, showed compliance with the requirements of standards and manufacturers’ declarations. The studies revealed that increasing the concentration of laundry detergent solutions caused a gradual increase in foaming power and detergency. Modification with SB3C16 positively improved washing ability and the maximum values were achieved at 23.7% (m-L1, 50 g/L) and 37% (m-L2, 40–45 g/L), respectively. Detergency efficiency was improved by 6.86% (m-L1) and 10.72% (m-L2) on average. EMPA 101 fabrics before and after washing were subjected to microscopic observations, which showed no serious damage to the fibers, but only slight loosening of individual fibers. In summary, the results clearly indicate that SB3C16 sulfobetaine favorably improves washing performance and can be successfully used in liquid laundry detergents due to its good surface properties.
Size formulations for cotton yarn weaving at lower relative humidity
Authors: Wu Hailiang , Shen Yanqin , Yao Yijun , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2020

In this paper, size formulations for cotton yarns suitable for weaving fabrics in an environment of lower relative humidity (RHs) are investigated, which is desirable for both human comfort and the reduction of energy costs during fabric production. Moisture regain, tensile strength and abrasion resistance of cotton yarns sized with different size formulations were studied at 28℃ and various RHs. While the tensile strength of sized yarns with different size formulations was hardly affected by RH, both their abrasion resistance and weavability vary significantly with RH. Better abrasion resistance and weavability of cotton yarns sized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and modified starch were achieved at 60% RH, and they were obtained at 70% RH for cotton yarns sized with PVA, modified starch and polyacrylic acid size. It was thus concluded that the selection of suitable size formulations could enable corresponding sized yarns to be weaved at lower RH. The suitable size formulation was composed of 60% oxidized starch, 30% PVA1799 and 10% polyacrylic acid size. It was noticed that better abrasion resistance of yarns sized with solely modified starches were obtained at 65% RH.
Knitting needle fault detection system for hosiery machine based on laser detection and machine vision
Authors: Zhang Zhouqiang , Bai Sihao , Xu Guang-shen , Liu Xuejing , Jia Jiangtao , Feng Zhi , Wang Feilei
Published: June 2020

The knitting needle cylinder is one of the core parts of a hosiery machine. The operation of its needles can directly affect the production quality and efficiency of the hosiery machine. To reduce the production loss of a hosiery machine caused by knitting needle faults, a knitting needle fault detection system for hosiery machines based on a synergistic combination of laser detection and machine vision is proposed in this paper. When the system was operating normally, a photoelectric detector collected the laser signal reflected by the knitting needle and the system monitored the operation of the knitting needle using the ratio of adjacent peak-to-peak distances of the signals. When a fault signal was detected, the hosiery machine was stopped by the system immediately, and a charge-coupled device camera was used to take an image of the faulty knitting needle. After image preprocessing, the faulty knitting needle could be identified quickly and accurately using an image region size classifier based on a decision tree. The experimental results showed that a single image classification by the classifier could be performed in as little as 0.002 s.
Characterizing the total within-sample variation in cotton fiber length using the High Volume Instrument fibrogram
Authors: Sayeed Md Abu , Schumann Mithcell , Wanjura John , Kelly Brendan R , Smith Wayne , Hequet Eric F
Published: June 2020

Within-sample variation in cotton fiber length is important when explaining variation in yarn quality. However, typical High Volume Instrument (HVI) length parameters, the Upper Half Mean Length (UHML) and Uniformity Index (UI), do not characterize the total within-sample variation in fiber length. HVI fiber length measurements are based on the fibrogram principle where the HVI generates a curve called a fibrogram and reports the UHML and UI. Our results, based on 19,628 commercial bales, reveal that the typical HVI length measurements do not characterize unique types of length variation. Fibrograms from a subset of 538 commercial samples suggest that the fibrograms capture additional within-sample variation in fiber length that is not being currently reported. Two additional sets of samples were then used to evaluate the importance of this additional length variation. Partial Least Square Regression models and leave-one-out cross-validation reveal that the HVI fibrogram explains yarn quality better than current HVI length parameters and is comparable with the Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) length distribution by number. The validation results show that the models built with the HVI fibrogram are better than models with the current HVI length parameters and at least as good as the AFIS length distribution by number when predicting yarn quality. Fiber length variation captured by the whole fibrogram could provide a new tool to breeders for selecting breeding lines and spinners for purchasing cotton bales.
Fabric defect detection based on a deep convolutional neural network using a two-stage strategy
Authors: Jun Xiang , Wang Jingan , Zhou Jian , Meng Shuo , Pan Ruru , Gao Weidong
Published: June 2020

With the rise of labor costs and the advancement of automation in the textile industry, fabric defect detection has become a hot research field in recent years. We proposed a learning-based framework for automatic detection of fabric defects. Firstly, we use a fixed-size square slider to crop the original image to a certain step and regularity. Then an improved histogram equalization is used to enhance each cropped image. Furthermore, the Inception-V1 model is employed to predict the existence of defects in the local area. Finally, we apply the LeNet-5 model, which plays the role of a voting model, to recognize the type of the defect in the fabric. In brief, the proposed framework mainly consists of two steps, namely local defect prediction and global defect recognition. Experiments on the dataset have demonstrated the superior performance in fabric defect detection.
Evaluation of the cooling potential for a single effect absorption cooling system in the PR2 well of Cerritos Colorados geothermal field, Mexico
Authors: Velázquez Juliana Isabel Saucedo , Franco Wilfrido Rivera Gómez , Gómez-Arias Efraín , Urueta Geydy Gutiérrez
Published: June 2020

Conventional cooling systems consume a high percentage of the world’s total electricity generation. Because absorption cooling systems can be mainly operated with thermal energy, they can be used to reduce such percentage. In the present paper, an analysis is carried out to determine the cooling potential that can be obtained from a geothermal well in a location of Mexico by using a single-stage absorption cooling system. The analysis has been carried out taking into account the desired cooling temperature, the ambient temperature, and the temperatures at different depths of the wells for a typical day of every season of the year. The results showed that, for a fixed generation temperature, a maximum cooling potential as big as 71,594 GW, 70,649 GW, 71,164 GW, 70,859 GW could be obtained in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn, respectively. Using the temperatures obtained from the well, for a fixed depth, the results show that higher values are obtained in spring and summer. From the analysis, it is clear that absorption systems operating with geothermal energy could be an excellent alternative to reduce the electricity consumed by conventional systems.
Two-hour infusion of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide induces delayed headache and extracranial vasodilation in healthy volunteers
Authors: Pellesi Lanfranco , Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi , Chaudhry Basit Ali , Lopez Cristina Lopez , Snellman Josefin , Hannibal Jens , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Ashina Messoud
Published: June 2020

Background

In recent years, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides (PACAPs) have gained special interest in headache science. VIP and PACAPs (two isoforms, PACAP27 and PACAP38) are related in structure and function, as are their receptors, but they show differences in vasodilating- and headache-inducing properties. Intravenous infusion of PACAP27 or PACAP38, but not VIP, induces a long-lasting dilation of cranial arteries and delayed headache. The relationship between the long-lasting cranial vasodilation and headache development is not fully clarified.

Methods

In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 12 healthy volunteers, diameter changes of cranial arteries, occurrence of headache and the parasympathetic system were examined before, during and after a 2-hour continuous intravenous infusion of VIP and placebo. Primary endpoints were the differences in area under the curve for the superficial temporal artery diameter and headache intensity scores, as well as in headache incidence, between VIP and placebo.

Results

The superficial temporal artery diameter was significantly larger on the VIP day compared to placebo ( p < 0.001) and the dilation lasted for more than 2 h. The incidence of headache was higher ( p = 0.003) on the VIP day compared to the placebo day. The difference in headache intensity scores was more evident in the post-infusion period (120–200 min, p = 0.034) and in the post-hospital phase (4–12 h, p = 0.025). Cranial parasympathetic activity, measured through the production of tears, was higher during VIP compared to placebo ( p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Continuous intravenous infusion of VIP over 2 h induced a long-lasting cranial vasodilation, activation of the cranial parasympathetic system, and delayed mild headaches in healthy volunteers. Trial Registration: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03989817).
Tensile progressive damage and compressive postbuckling analysis of open-hole laminate composites
Authors: Kang Huairong , He Pengfei , Zhang Cunman , Dai Ying , Shan Zhongde , Zang Yong , Lv Hong
Published: June 2020

Laminate composites contain holes as a means of connection in industrial applications. A better understanding of the mechanical properties of open-hole components is necessary. Herein, progressive damage postbuckling analysis models are proposed for investigation of tensile damage and compressive buckling behaviors of open-hole laminate composites. The progressive damage model is based on failure criteria provided by the continuum damage mechanics model; virtual crack closure technology was employed to calculate the energy release rate for crack delamination in compressive postbuckling analysis. The models were utilized to analyze variations in the tensile and compressive mechanical properties, failure process, and buckling evolution of open-hole laminate composites using finite element analysis. The tensile failure patterns and failure processes of plies with different open-hole laminate composite angles were obtained and analyzed. Buckling characteristics, as well as the progression of buckling onset, buckling propagation, crack delamination, unstable delamination, and global buckling, were investigated. The influence of delamination crack length and crack distribution on the buckling properties of open-hole laminate composites are discussed in detail. Additionally, unstable and stable buckling characteristics were examined. The numerical results were in good agreement with theoretical and experimental results; damage initiated at the edge of a hole propagated to two sides with the onset of matrix damage, followed by fiber damage. The fiber damage of a 0°-ply led ultimately to laminate failure. The laminate with a symmetrical crack distribution showed stable buckling, whereas a short, nonsymmetrical distribution of cracks usually led to unstable buckling and delamination.
Effect of fiber modified by alkali/polyvinyl alcohol coating treatment on properties of sisal fiber plastic composites
Authors: Hu Can , Zhou Yueyun , Zhang Ting , Jiang Taijun , Zeng Guangsheng
Published: June 2020

Demand for natural fibers reinforced composites is growing as an alternative to synthetic fiber reinforced plastic composites. However, poor compatibility between natural fiber and matrix has limited its development. Therefore, it is necessary to improve their interfacial adhesion to improve the comprehensive properties of composites. In this work, sisal fibers were subjected to an alkali/polyvinyl alcohol coating treatment by an ultrasonic impregnation method, and the sisal/high-density polyethylene composite was prepared by a twin-screw extruder. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the modification effect of sisal fiber. The surface morphology of sisal fiber and the interfacial morphology of sisal/high-density polyethylene composites were observed. The mechanical properties and water absorption of sisal/ high-density polyethylene composites were also studied. The results show that alkali/polyvinyl alcohol coating compound treatment can effectively improve the interfacial adhesion between sisal fiber and high-density polyethylene, improve the mechanical properties of composite, and reduce water absorption. Alkali/polyvinyl alcohol coating compound treatment is a very environment-friendly, cost-effective fiber modification method when compared with traditional modification methods. It is helpful for the development and application of natural fibers reinforced composites.
Effect of nano-fluid types on the improvement of heat transfer in a micro-channel with regular hexagonal pattern
Authors: Emami S , Dibaei Bonab MH , Mohammadiun M , Mohammadiun H , Sadi M
Published: June 2020

Micro channels are widely used in different industries. The investgations on heat transfer improvments of these instruments are of significant inportance. At hte present study, the influence of different nano-fluids and geometrical charectrestics on the thermal performance of a heat sink which is especially for for micro-channels are investigated. In the present study, the authors investigated the Nusselt number and pressure drop in differential geometries and Reynolds numbers (Re). Then the micro-channel was investigated with different heat flux (q).In the first step, the micro-channel was examined and the final numerical results showed that the hexagonal cross-section can improve heat transfer about 9%. At the second step and after selecting appropriate parameters, the effect of three nano-particles (Al2O3 - CuO- TiO2) were studied. The results presented that aluminum oxide (Al2O3) has the best heat transfer rate among the mentioned nano-fluids. With the presence of nano-particles (Al2O3, φ = 4%) an increment of 40% in heat transfer rate, for the hexagonal cross section was achieved compare to rectangular cross section with water as working fluid.
Evaluation of Nusselt number and pressure drop in hexagonal and rectangular micro-channels in the presence of nano-fluids
Authors: Emami S , Bonab MH Dibaei , Mohammadiun M , Mohammadiun H , Sadi M
Published: June 2020

Few papers investigated the effect of different nano-fluids and geometrical parameters of the micro channels on the performance of heat sinks. In this study, Nusselt number and pressure drop are investigated in differential geometry and Reynolds numbers. Then the effect of the micro-channel is studied for different heat flux. The results show that hexagonal micro-channels represents a better performance than the rectangular and the heat transfer of without using nano-particles in the hexagonal cross-section is about 9% higher than the rectangular cross-section and with the presence of nanoparticles (Al2O3 - CUO- TiO2, φ  =  4%), heat transfer is about 30 to 40% higher than the base liquid.
Wind energy resource assessment of Kütahya, Turkey using WAsP and layout optimization
Authors: Koşar Onur , Özgür Mustafa Arif
Published: June 2020

Kütahya is considered as a candidate region for a wind farm investment due to Turkey's 2023 energy targets and its proximity to other wind farm investments. In this study, two years of wind data collected from a hill near the Evliya Çelebi Campus of Kütahya Dumlupınar University was used to evaluate the wind farm potential of Kütahya. First, the wind speed, wind direction, wind shear, turbulence intensity and wind speed ramp characteristics were determined. Second, the WAsP software was used to create a wind atlas for the region. Three sites with strong wind potential were evaluated. A techno-economic analysis was conducted using five types of wind turbines selected from the WAsP database. Third, optimization of a wind farm layout was conducted by considering different hub height options for 14 commercial wind turbines using MATLAB software. It was shown theoretically that a wind farm with a power capacity of 25 MW can operate with a capacity factor of 35%. However, due to the relatively high topographical ruggedness index on the wind farm site, the calculated value for the capacity factor could not be reached in a real-life application.
Professor Ian Aird: Master of surgical education
Authors: Ivatury Rao R
Published: June 2020

Ian Aird (1905–1962) was a Scottish surgeon renowned for his textbook: “A companion in surgical studies”, a uniquely single-author work of thousands of pages. It was an essential study for young surgeons aspiring to pass the FRCS (Edin) examination. He was appointed Chair of Surgery of the Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital in London. Under his direction, his faculty developed a pump oxygenator, used it successfully for the first time in a patient and introduced cardiac surgery in Russia. They also pioneered kidney transplantation in Britain. Aird himself discovered the relationship of blood groups to cancer and peptic ulceration. He became famous for the surgical separation of conjoined twins from Nigeria, fame that created conflicts with medical authority on the issue of cooperating with the press. He became frustrated when the medical council refused to support and sponsor funding for research. Sadly, even his indomitable energy and brilliance could not see him through his depression. He committed suicide at the age of 57.