bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradisiaca/Solanum Tuberosum Biowaste Composited with Graphene Oxide for Flexible Supercapacitor
Authors: Kandasamy Senthil Kumar , Arumugam Chandrasekaran , Sajitha A S , Rao Saggurthi Prabhakara , Selvaraj Sangavi , Vetrivel Ragavi , Selvarajan Roobak , Alosaimi Abeer Mohamed , Khan Anish , Hussein Mahmoud Ali , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: April 2021

This work focuses on the development of a novel type of chemically activated carbon networks composited with the graphene oxide. Here, the carbon networks were derived from green biomass wastes such as orange peels, banana peels and potato starch. All the obtained carbon materials were being activated using different activating agents based on the higher specific capacitance such as phosphoric acid activated orange peel derived carbon, sulphuric acid activated banana peel derived carbon and hydrochloric acid activated potato starch. Further they were individually composited with graphene oxide for enhanced performance. Different chemical activation is employed for the sake of obtaining higher specific capacitance, energy and power density. Phosphoric acid activation on orange peel derived carbon network was selected due to the improvement in the micropores and further increased the surface area with the controlling capability of structures of activated carbon. To improve the conductivity of the samples, graphene oxide was added. The electrochemical performance of orange peel, banana peel and potato starch derived nano porous activated carbon materials composited with graphene oxide for supercapacitor applications is evaluated using aqueous H2SO4 electrolytes at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1. The samples that are prepared are structurally characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and electrochemically characterized using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge and discharge measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. From the electrochemical measurements, suitability of material as electrode for supercapacitors can be understood. The superior electrochemical performance is attributed in orange peel derived nano porous carbon/ graphene oxide due to porous structure.
Optimization of Turning Parameters of Cryogenic Soaked AZ91 Magnesium Alloy using TOPSIS coupled Taguchi Technique
Authors: K Gunasekaran , G Pradeep Kumar , R Thanigaivelan , R Arunachalam , V Shanmugam
Published: April 2021

Magnesium alloys is a lightweight material establishing scope in various fields such as aerospace and automobile. Moreover, magnesium alloys are also considered as a hydrogen storage materials. In order to understand the machining behaviour of magnesium alloy a detail research is planned. In this research the turning experiments are conducted on AZ91 magnesium alloy using the L9 orthogonal array (OA) experimental design. Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) coupled with Taguchi and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) methods are used to analysis the experiments. The influence of cryogenic soaking duration, feed, speed and depth of cut on cutting temperature, surface roughness and cutting force were studied. Based on the TOPSIS analysis the optimal combination for the better response is cryogenic soaking time of 30 min, speed of 500 rpm, feed of 40 mm/min and depth of cut of 0.3mm. As per F value the depth of cut shows the 0.4822 and next best factors are cutting speed and feed rate. The chip analysis reveals that the cryogenic soaking duration level of 60 min is found to reduce the self-ignited chips.
Transformation оf the Relationship between Public Production and Consumption’ Means: The Imperatives of the New Reality
Authors: Ermolenko Alexandr , Naumov Stanislav
Published: April 2021

The authors justify the necessity of a transformation of the value conversation method of the interrelationship between public production and consumption on the basis of filling it with associated forms of relationships. At the same time, they proceed from the idea of the new reality as a new qualitative state of the existing form of society, which came after passing the threshold of accumulated critical issues generated by deep technological shifts and following social transformations. The long-time ‘society vis a vis nature’ interaction based on the value conversation method of the interrelationship between social production and consumption has come to a deadlock. The way out of it lies in the development of collaborative relationships based on the coordination of interests and positive cooperation of the main participants of social reproduction. In the new reality it is imperative to limit the manipulation of consumers carried out by giant corporations over the course of decades with an actual acquiescence of the state, which has resulted in a rapid growth of imposed erroneous goods as part of consumed products leading to huge losses of public time and resources. Further development is hindered by an excessive polarization of capital, which causes the alienation of a significant part of society from participation in further transformations, pushing it to the destructive periphery of socio-economic life. The imperatives of the new reality determine a number of conceptual aspects of two interrelated processes: dialectical denial of the value measured method of the relationship between public production and consumption, and preparation of prerequisites for the formation of an associated method of this relationship. Under conditions of high uncertainty, the sustainability of long product development chains can be ensured by further development of collaboration resulting in greater cooperation between economic subjects. The new reality calls for forms of associated interaction between participants in product chains that reduces the level of decision-making uncertainty. The article justifies the necessity of setting a special group of goals for forming a course of socio-economic policy corresponding to the new reality; these goals are aimed at overcoming manipulation in seller-consumer relationships
Toxicity response of Chlorella microalgae to glyphosate herbicide exposure based on biomass, pigment contents and photosynthetic efficiency
Authors: Kaeoboon Somruthai , Suksungworn Rungcharn , Sanevas Nuttha
Published: April 2021

The extensive use of glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) herbicide in agriculture is accompanied by the risk of environmental contamination of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the effects of glyphosate at different concentrations (50–500 µg ml-1) on three Chlorella species including Chlorella ellipsoidea, Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlorella vulgaris especially in relation to the biomass, pigment contents and photosynthetic efficiency were assessed. After treatment for 24 hr, the acute toxicity results showed that C. vulgaris (IC50 = 449.34 ± 6.20 µg ml-1) was more tolerant to glyphosate than C. ellipsoidea (IC50 = 288.23 ± 23.53 µg ml-1) and C. sorokiniana (IC50 = 174.28 ± 0.50 µg ml-1). After a 72-hr chronic toxicity treatment with glyphosate, glyphosate concentrations decreased to 400–500 µg ml-1 in C. ellipsoidea, 200–300 µg ml-1 in C. sorokiniana and 200–500 µg ml-1 in C. vulgaris respectively. During 24-hr acute toxicity exposure to glyphosate, the pigment contents and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) decreased as the concentration of glyphosate increased. Overall, the biomass, pigment contents and photosynthetic efficiency presented a high positive correlation. It is worthwhile to mention that our study provides detailed information on the toxicity and sensitivity of these Chlorella species to glyphosate.
Impact of Lysinibacillus macroides, a potential plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on growth, yield and nutritional value of tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum L. f1 hybrid Sachriya)
Authors: Jyolsna K S , Bharathi N , Riyaz Ali L , Paari K A
Published: April 2021

Plant growth promoting bacteria enhance the growth in plants by solubilizing insoluble minerals, producing phytohormones and by secreting enzymes that resist pathogen attack. The present study was aimed at identifying the potential of Lysinibacillus macroides isolated from pea plant possessing rich microbial rhizobiome diversity in promoting the growth of tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L). Potential of L. macroides in the promotion of S. lycopersicum L. growth by increased shoot length, terminal leaf length and breadth was assessed. Anatomical sectioning of stem and root revealed no varied cellular pattern indicating that the supplemented bioculture is not toxic to S. lycopersicum. Plantlets treated with L. macroides along with organic compost showed an increased total phenol content (17.58±0.4 mg/g) compared to control samples (12.44±0.41 mg/g). Carbohydrate content was noticed to be around 1.3 folds higher in the L. macroides plus compost mixture supplemented slots compared to control sample. Significant increase in shoot length was evident in the L. macroides plus compost supplied slots (23.4±2.7 cm). Plant growth promoting properties might be due to the nitrogen fixing activity of the bacteria which enrich the soil composition along with the nutrients supplied by the organic compost. Rich microbial rhizobiome diversity in pea plant and the usage of L. macroides from a non-conventional source improves the diversity of the available PGPR for agricultural practices. Further research is needed to detect the mechanism of growth promotion and to explore the plant microbe interaction pathway.
Vaccin contre le SRAS-CoV-2 : défis et considérations
Authors: Chaube Ruchi
Published: April 2021

Il est essentiel de tenir compte des défis auxquels nous avons déjà été confrontés et auxquels nous avons répondu dans le cadre de la mise au point d’un vaccin contre le coronavirus du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère 2 (SRAS-CoV-2). Compte tenu de la gravité de la crise sanitaire que le SRAS-CoV-2 a causée à l’échelle mondiale, et compte tenu du fait que nous en savons très peu sur le virus, nous devrions nous concentrer sur des approches qui peuvent améliorer les résultats en matière de développement dans un laps de temps relativement court. Ce commentaire traite de l’utilisation des vaccins à base d’acide nucléique (acide désoxyribonucléique et acide ribonucléique) contre les infections virales et les contextes de pandémie. Les avantages potentiels des vaccins à base d’acide nucléique par rapport aux vaccins conventionnels sont présentés, puis nous discuterons des vaccins à base d’acide nucléique en développement contre les infections virales ainsi que des défis relatifs à ces vaccins au début des essais cliniques.
Application of system analysis and preventive maintenance on cigarette packer line
Authors: Karoui Mohamed fathi , Lakhoua Mohamed Najeh
Published: April 2021

The use of system analysis and preventive maintenance in today’s industry becomes a necessity as it increases equipment availability. These methods reduce the frequency of failures. The objective of this article is to present a case study for improving the reliability and availability of a production group in an industrial enterprise. Next, we present an improvement in maintenance. Finally, we present and discuss the application of preventive maintenance. Through an industrial manufacturing model, we will combine three tools; SADT modelling, the FMECA analysis and the Pareto diagram to arrive at an optimal maintenance approach that will be a decision support tool in order to minimize the repair costs and the downtime of the system.
Simulation-based optimization of the polca ordering system
Authors: De Sousa Santos Natália Cibele , Gomes Daniel Ribeiro , Da Silva Júnior Jarbas Ancelmo , Bachega Stella Jacyszyn , Tavares Dalton Matsuo
Published: April 2021

Given an increase in consumer demand for product quality, companies need to continually improve their means of production. The use of computational resources assists companies to choose an ordering system that best suits their reality. In this sense, the present study aims to analyze and compare the performance of the Paired-cell Overlapping Loops of Cards with Authorization (POLCA) system, according to pre-established parameters in a real automobile company case, which has a flow-shop production environment. In order to do this, the research has a hypothetical-deductive scientific explanation. Also, the quantitative approach, and the experimental research procedure were employed due to the use of simulation and optimization. The computer simulation was performed using ProModel®. The initial model was optimized, and the results of the two elaborated scenarios were compared. It was verified that the optimized scenario showed improvement in the average total output of the system. The simulation of the optimized model presented an increase in production of approximately 95.29% when compared to the initial scenario. Nevertheless, trade-offs were verified. It is noticeable in the scenario analyzed that to increase the production of axles, the use of intermediate stocks must be increased. Finally, the present research contributes to the academic community since it proposed the study of an ordering system that has a limited number of studies, mainly in Brazil. It also contributes to the business community by encouraging the use of simulation in companies so that a better performance analysis of ordering systems can be performed prior to actual deployment.
Payroll taxes increase reserves in Ukraine
Authors: Ivanchuk Nataliia Volodymyrivna , Mamontova Nataliia Anatoliivna
Published: April 2021

The authors analyzed the reformation of the payroll taxation mechanism in Ukraine, identified wage differences of the employees at the large, medium-sized and small business entities, figured out the reserves to increase tax revenues and cover the deficit of the Pension Fund of Ukraine by decreasing shadow wages and improving payroll taxation in Ukraine. Significant attention is paid to the salaries of the top managers of large business entities as a possible field of applying progressive taxation of personal income. Based on the analysis of the EU countries experience, the authors suggest imposing the second progressive personal income tax rate of 32% for the monthly income that exceeds 15 minimum wages. As well, the abolishment of the maximum unified social contribution base is recommended. In the paper, the authors prove the importance of reducing the level of the shadow economy in Ukraine by forming a public trust to the government policy and using accumulated tax funds appropriately. It has been proved that by reducing the shadowing of the Ukrainian economy to the EU level, the deficit of the Pension Fund of Ukraine can be covered only partially. This fact determines the necessity for Ukraine to ensure economic growth and increase wages.
The role of moderation of organizational support on social capital effects on performance of lecturers
Authors: Jufrizen Jufrizen , Sari Maya , Muslih Muslih , Purnama Nadia Ika
Published: April 2021

This study aims to determine how the Model of Improvement of Lecturer Performance Based on Social Capital and Organizational Support at Private Islamic Universities in Medan City. This research is basic research. The study population was all permanent lecturers of Islamic Private Universities in Medan i.e. University of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Islamic University of North Sumatra, University of Muslim Nusantara Al Washliyah, Al-Washliyah University and Al-Azhar University. However, this study only limited to Islamic universities owned by Islamic Foundation or Islamic Organization i.e. University of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara and University of Muslim Nusantara which amounted to 425 permanent lecturers who have functional positions as expert assistants, senior lectures and associate professors. The sampling technique in this study is the proportional random sampling with 129 samples used. The data analysis method used in this study is moderating regression analysis (MRA). The results showed that social capital had a positive and significant effect on lecturer performance and organizational support was a moderating relationship between social capital and lecturer performance.
Explaining the success of a multinational company's innovation in the base of the pyramid: m-pesa in Kenya
Authors: Nery Diogo Palheta
Published: April 2021

In the beginning of the twenty-first century, C. K. Prahalad launched a new business proposition named as “Base of the Pyramid” (BOP). In such type of business, Multinational Companies (MNCs) look for new opportunities of profits helping to meet the poor’s unmet needs in developing countries. However, MNCs significant involvement in BOP business has been losing momentum due to the challenges MNCs have been faced in developing BOP businesses. This study intended to recall Prahalad’s original BOP proposal explaining the success of a BOP innovation developed by an MNC in Kenya: M-PESA, a mobile money service. About 70% of Kenya’s adult population has M-PESA accounts and M-PESA’s monthly transactions account for 30% of Kenyan GDP. How did a multinational company develop the successful BOP innovation M-PESA in Kenya? Our study intends to explain how the British multinational Vodafone employed successful Base of the Pyramid principles of innovation in Kenyan M-PESA. Indeed, there is a gap of studies about the Prahalad’s principles of innovation for developing BOP products. Therefore, this research analyzed Prahalad’s BOP proposal, including his twelve principles of innovation to develop BOP products, by comparing such proposal with Karnani’s framework for fighting poverty. Karnani is regarded as the main critic against the Prahalad’s BOP proposal. Most of Prahalad’s BOP principles of innovation were identified in M-PESA in Kenya (eleven out of the twelve principles). However, Karnani’s framework explained better the factors that influenced successful BOP innovation in Kenyan M-PESA than Prahalad’s proposal. Furthermore, this study pointed out two key points that explained the success of M-PESA innovation in Kenya that they were not included neither in Prahalad’s nor in Karnani’s proposals: social intrapreneurship made by MNCs employees, and supportive role of government in developing BOP businesses. Therefore, such topics deserve more attention from the BOP literature in order to advance this field.
Evolution of research related to fruit and vegetable waste in agrifood supply chains: analysing past publications seeking to identify a path to future research
Authors: Guarnieri Patricia , Aguiar Raiane Costa Coimbra , Thome Karim Marini
Published: April 2021

Population growth, coupled with a growing demand for food, and its consequent waste and economic, social, environmental, and nutritional impacts, has drawn attention to global discussions related to such issues. In this context, the objective of this research was to provide an overview of studies addressing food waste, in particular, fruits and vegetables. To achieve this purpose, a systematic literature review was carried out, covering papers published in international journals from 2007 to 2017, available in the Science Direct database. The results point out the best practices to avoid food waste, as mentioned in the literature considered.  In addition, this study gathered information regarding the main characteristics of publications, such as the evolution of the number of publications per year; main methods and techniques used in research, and which journals excel at covering the theme. This paper may be useful to researchers and practitioners interested in this topic since it systematizes the knowledge related to food waste in fruit and vegetable supply chains.
Business process management (bpm) application through strategy, indicators and operations model (meio): a health service company case
Authors: Zani Carolina Melecardi , Borges Mirele Marques , Severo Ana Júlia Brum , Garcia Eduardo Rocha , Müller Cláudio José
Published: April 2021

Business Process Management (BPM) is an approach to analyze and improve main activities of a company continuously. It seeks consistent results aligned with the strategic objectives. There are several approaches to the application of BPM, which focus on specific aspects of the company, not meeting all their needs. The Strategy, Indicators and Operations Model (MEIO), developed by Müller (2003), compiles the fundamental points of each isolated approach, creating a single model. The objective of this work is to provide a step-by-step application of the BPM aspects of MEIO in a practical case: a reference company that provides health services. Also, it provides a framework for organizing and connecting the various components of a product or service to its value chain. Through MEIO, a general analyze of the Company under study was made and the process “payment of invoices from providers” was detailed. Improvements were suggested based on a deeper investigation of the activities involved. The results include: (i) creation of rules engine to validate the procedures to be launched according to coverage, shortage, and contract; (ii) receiving procedure and cost audits separately and; (iii) digitalization and automatization of repetitive and manual activities.
Book Histories in the Digital Age: Challenges, Promises, Achievements
Authors: Rippl Gabriele , Lenker Ursula
Published: April 2021

This special issue ofAngliaaddresses the wide-ranging transformations digitization has created in the field of book history. Several decades after the birth of Digital Humanities, the contributors to this special issue take stock of the challenges, promises and achievements of digital editing and cataloguing of medieval manuscripts. In addition, the articles discuss and assess the potential of computational methods, of big data and algorithms, of text mining techniques, stylometrics, multi-dimensional scaling and clustering, together with navigational tools such as scatterplots and dendrograms. The objects of investigation are both medieval manuscripts and newly digitizedœuvresof modern writers such as Samuel Beckett, intermedial formats such as Alan Moore’s graphic novels and the online publication of a short story by Kristen Roupenian.
Habemus Corpora: Reapproaching Philological Problems in the Age of ‘Big’ Data
Authors: Faulkner Mark
Published: April 2021

This paper demonstrates the potential of new methodologies for using existing corpora of medieval English to better contextualise linguistic variants, a major task of philology and a key underpinning of our ability to answer major literary-historical questions, such as when, where and to what purpose medieval texts and manuscripts were produced. The primary focus of the article is the assistance these methods can offer in dating the composition of texts, which it illustrates with a case study of the “Old” English Life of St Neot, uniquely preserved in the mid-twelfth-century South-Eastern homiliary, London, British Library, Cotton Vespasian D.xiv, fols. 4–169. While the Life has recently been dated around 1100, examining its orthography, lexis, syntax and style alongside that of all other English-language texts surviving from before 1150 using new techniques for searching theDictionary of Old English Corpussuggests it is very unlikely to be this late. The article closes with some reflections on what book-historical research should prioritise as it further evolves into the digital age.
The Reader at Large: A Computational Approach to London, British Library, Cotton Caligula A.ii (Part One)
Authors: Edlich-Muth Miriam , Edlich-Muth Christian
Published: April 2021

This article draws on computational methods including multi-dimensional scaling and clustering to analyse the contents of the Middle English multi-text manuscript London, British Library, Cotton Caligula A.ii (Part One). It makes the argument that digital linguistic analysis can complement analogue scholarship on collections of this kind by providing new perspectives on the networks of intertextuality and thematic and linguistic resonance these groups of texts engender. In particular, it argues for the use of scatterplots and dendrograms as navigational tools in digital editions that create non-hierarchical frameworks within which readers can navigate the contents of multi-text manuscripts in flexible and self-directed ways.
Digitized Beckett: Samuel Beckett’s Self-Translation Praxes Mediated through Digital Technology
Authors: Doran Michelle , Nugent-Folan Georgina
Published: April 2021

The Beckett Digital Manuscript Project (BDMP) brings together digital facsimiles of the manuscripts of Samuel Beckett’s works – documents currently held in over thirteen libraries and archives in Europe and North America – with the aim of furthering genetic criticism. Incorporating three of the eight modules available for researchers engaging with the BDMP website as of August 2020, together with one forthcoming monograph study whose corresponding digital module has yet to be made live on the site, this article will, in effect, make use of three novels and one novella, all in both their French and English iterations, in order to present concrete examples of the ways in which the exposition of idiosyncratic features of Beckett’s œuvre is being facilitated by this nascent digital archive.
Computing Literary Surplus Value: Alan Moore and the Density of the Comic Book as Graphic Novel
Authors: Dunst Alexander , Hartel Rita
Published: April 2021

The term graphic novel has increasingly functioned as a catalyst for understanding comic books as an emergent literary genre. This article focuses on one specific element within this historical process: the claim, made by artists such as Alan Moore, that graphic novels are characterized by greater formal complexity, or density, than serial comics. These claims are evaluated by combining computational text and image recognition of a corpus of 131 graphic narratives with sociological metadata on production and circulation. The results show that Moore’s own book-length comics, in particularWatchmenandV for Vendetta, rank among the densest graphic narratives in the sample in both their visual and textual content. Graphic memoirs, in contrast, only show an increase in textual complexity. With Pierre Bourdieu, the article understands complexity as a social and aesthetic strategy that aims at increasing the cultural capital of comics creators. At the same time, the article contextualizes computational results against the background of a changing marketplace for comics, in particular the decline of serial comics, the shift towards digital printing, and increased access to book distribution. This analysis shows that graphic narratives pursue both literary and popular aesthetic strategies, challenging Bourdieu’s account of a clear opposition between profit and prestige in cultural production.
Malta X Anniversary and COVID-19
Authors: Zajdela Emma , Lerman Zafra
Published: April 2021

In December 2021, the Malta X Conference “Frontiers of Science: Innovation, Research and Education in the Middle East—A Bridge to Peace” will mark the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Malta Conferences. The first Malta Conference was held on the island of Malta in 2003 amidst the height of the Second Intifada. Since then, the Malta Conferences Foundation (MCF) has been a pioneer in using science diplomacy as a bridge to peace and sustainable development in the Middle East [1]. MCF uses science diplomacy to advance the following four UN Sustainable Development Goals: 1. Ensure inclusive and quality education for all (Goal 4) 2. Ensure access of Water and Sanitation for all (Goal 6) 3. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern Energy for all (Goal 7), and 4. Promote Peace and Justice, as well as inclusive societies (Goal 16). In 2016, MCF received the UN NOVUS Summit award for Goal 16: Peace and Justice [2]. The Summit was held in the UN General Assembly.
Applications of waxy corn flour based on physicochemical and processing properties: comparison with waxy rice flour and waxy corn starch
Authors: Guo Yuqiu , Sun Linlin , Chen Lirong , Wang Xingya , Wang Canguo , Gong Kuijie
Published: April 2021

The proximate composition, molecular weight distribution and main processing properties of waxy corn flour (WCF) were investigated. Furthermore, waxy corn starch (WCS) and waxy rice flour (WRF) were also determined to discuss the applications of WCF. WCS contained more low-molecular-weight fraction (<5 × 105 g/mol) and had higher polydispesity than waxy rice starch (WRS). The water hydration capacity of WCF was the lowest, whereas it had the highest swelling power at 70 and 80 °C. WCF had the highest pasting temperature of 74.85 °C, whereas that of WRF was 68.40 °C and WCS was 73.25 °C. WRF exhibited the lowest melting enthalpy change with a value of 2.54 ± 0.11 (J/g). The retrogradation resistance of WCF was better than that of WRF and WCS. The degree of retrogradation (DR) of WCF was 9.58 ± 0.59% at 14 d, corresponding to WCS of 25.08 ± 0.44% and WRF of 15.68 ± 0.71%. WRF had the lowest glass transition temperature of −27.4 versus −26.2 °C for WCF and −26.0 °C for WCS. It was found that WCF could be used to directly prepare quick-frozen viscous foods. It could also be used as a stabilizer to improve the quality of staple foods.
Effect of yoga and naturopathy on disease activity and symptom burdens in a patient with active ulcerative colitis: a case report
Authors: Deepa Y. , Mooventhan A. , Lilly N. , Manavalan N.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease that affects the large bowel. The objective of this study is to find the effect of yoga and naturopathy (YN) in a patient with active moderate pancolitis.

Case presentation

An 18-year old unmarried female diagnosed with UC in 2017. Patient’s symptoms began with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea with/without blood stains more than seven times a day, daily. The symptoms reduced after taking regular conventional medication for a period of one-year. However, in February-2019, the patient visited our hospital with the same complaints and received 21-days of YN treatments. Results showed a better reduction in the abdominal pain, disease activity, stress and depression and a better improvement in hemoglobin levels, quality of sleep, and quality of life with no adverse effects.

Conclusions

YN could be considered as an alternative therapy in the management of UC. However, further studies are required to warrant this effect.
Effectiveness of wet cupping therapy on relieving pain in patients with chronic migraine: an observational study
Authors: Abdulah Deldar Morad , Mohammedsadiq Hawar Abdulrazaq , Mohammed Ary Habeeb
Published: April 2021

Background

Chronic migraine is a disabling condition that negatively affects many aspects of migraineurs’ lives. Patients who use pharmacological agents experience various side effects. Some studies have reported clinical improvement following wet cupping therapy in migraine patients. This study examined the effectiveness of wet cupping therapy on headache severity and its complications in patients with migraine.

Methods

In this study, a total of 29 patients previously diagnosed with migraine were treated with wet cupping therapy and followed up for headache severity. The severity of pain was measured before therapy, 1 h after therapy, and one month after therapy. The wet cupping therapy was performed by an experienced nurse who was not part of the research team.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 36.17 (Sta. Deviation: 10.74 years; range: 22–68 years), and on average, patients had experienced migraine for 11.14 years. The severity of headache pain was decreased significantly from 6.66 (very intense pain) before cupping therapy to 2.48 (discomforting pain) 1 h after cupping therapy and 0.72 (very mild pain) one month after cupping therapy (p<0.001). The observed complications were skin pigmentation (6.9%), skin scarring (24.1%), and itching in the cupping region (31.0%).

Conclusions

The present study suggests a significant improvement in the severity of headache in migraine patients 1 h and one month after wet cupping therapy.
Dietary glycine improves urine storage symptoms in urology outpatients
Authors: Sugaya Kimio , Oh-Oka Hitoshi , Yamada Tetsuo , Miyata Masanobu , Ashitomi Katsuhiro , Kadekawa Katsumi , Nishijima Saori
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Spinal glycinergic mechanisms inhibit the micturition reflex, and administration of glycine inhibits bladder activity in rats. Therefore, we examined whether dietary glycine would improve storage symptoms in urological outpatients.

Methods

We enrolled 20 participants (16 men and four women) with an overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) ≥ 3. All participants took 3 g of glucose (placebo) twice a day for the first four weeks, then 3 g of glycine twice a day for the next four weeks. We evaluated blood pressure, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), nocturia quality of life (N-QOL) score, OABSS, frequency of urination, sleep latency, time to first nighttime void, bladder pain, global self-assessment (GSA) evaluated urinary symptom improvement, and adverse events.

Results

Glucose administered as a placebo improved urinary frequency, urine force on the IPSS, and five of the 13 items on the N-QOL. However, compared to the results before and after glucose administration, glycine treatment decreased the number of nocturnal voids, urgency, and total score for urine storage items on the IPSS. It also reduced blood pressure and improved IPSS-QOL. For the OABSS, improvements with glycine were noted in the number of nocturnal urinations, urinary urgency, urge incontinence, and total score. For the N-QOL, eight of 13 items, and the total score, improved. The actual number of nighttime urinations, sleep latency, latency to first nighttime urination, bladder pain, and GSA also improved. There were no adverse events.

Conclusions

Glycine might improve urine storage symptoms, cardiovascular function, pain, and sleep.
Creation of an intensifier in progress: a study of the Japanese adverbhutuuni
Authors: McGloin Naomi H. , Watanabe Moeko
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the emergent new usage of the Japanese adverbhutuuni. For most speakers of Japanese, this adverb means ‘ordinarily, usually, normally’, but among young adult speakers of Japanese, it has come to be used as an intensifier. Based on blog and conversation data as well as two surveys, the paper identifies wide ranging new senses ofhutuuni, such as ‘very’, ‘fairly/pretty’, ‘contrary to or more than what I expected’, ‘not flattery’, and ‘honestly, speaking a true mind’. Focusing on its intensifier function, Imoto, Ryō. 2011. ‘Futsūni kawaī’-kō [A study of ‘Futsūni cute].Shōgaku Ronshū79(4). 59–75 proposes a scale analysis. Noticing thathutuunitypically occurs in a context where the expected level is set low, he argues that the function ofhutuuniis to upgrade the level to thehutuu‘standard’ level. He states that the intensifier usage is not the result of the semantic change ofhutuu. The present study, on the other hand, suggests that the intensifier usage ofhutuuniinvolves both syntactic and semantic change. Syntactically,hutuuniwhich is a verb modifier has come to modify adjectives, which has contributed to its new intensifier function. Semantically, we propose two possible paths to a degree word/intensifier forhutuuni, in line with the framework of the ‘subjectification’ and ‘intersubjectification’ of meaning proposed in Traugott, Elizabeth Closs. 2003. From subjectification to intersubjectification. In Raymond Hickey (ed.),Motives for language change, 124–139. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hydrothermal Investigation of the Performance of Microchannel Heat Sink with Ribs Employed on Side Walls
Authors: Ahmad Faraz , Cheema Taqi Ahmad , Khan Amjid , Mohib-Ur-Rehman Muhammad , Yildizhan Hasan
Published: April 2021

In the present study, conjugate heat transfer and fluid flow performance of microchannel heat sink has been investigated using dimensionless parameters. Novel ribs of four different types are introduced on the side walls of channel, which include trapezoidal ribs, rectangular ribs, hydrofoil ribs, and elliptical ribs. The performance evaluation has been conducted by comparing friction factor (f), Nusselt number (

N
u

Nu

), fluid bulk temperature (

T

f

{T_{f}}

), wall shear stress (τ), field synergy number (

F
c

Fc

), irreversible heat loss (

Q

d

{Q_{d}}

), and Bejan number (

B
e

Be

) in a Reynolds number, ranging from

Re
=
100

\mathit{Re}=100

to

Re
=
1000

\mathit{Re}=1000

. The results revealed that the addition of these novel ribs are helpful in improving the overall thermal and hydraulic performance of microchannel heat sink. From the results of Bejan number, it has been revealed that more than 96 % of losses are because of heat transfer. However, at low Reynolds number, the frictional losses can be neglected, because of very low fluid velocity. Moreover, it has been revealed that synergetic relation between velocity and temperature gradient becomes weaker at higher Reynolds number. Furthermore, it is clear from this study that elliptical ribs performed better in thermal aspects, whereas hydrofoil ribs performed better at hydrodynamic aspects.
Scrambler therapy for incident pain in bone metastases
Authors: Berninger Lauren E. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: April 2021

Incident pain, described as pain induced by bone metastasis and produced by movement, can be devastating. The high doses of opioids needed to control such pain may sedate the patient and cause additional complications. Treatment of incident pain with pharmaceuticals has rarely been studied; only eight patients have been reported in the literature who did not receive additional opioids. We present the case of a 69 year old man with shoulder destruction due to bone metastases who was able to use his arm for normal activities without pain after three sessions of scrambler therapy, a noninvasive form of electrical neuromodulation that requires further study.
Strafeinstellungen und Strafpraxis in Zeiten von Revisionen des Sanktionenrechts: Analysen zur Schweiz
Authors: Staubli Silvia , Fink Daniel
Published: April 2021

Kriminologinnen und Kriminologen sowie Soziologinnen und Soziologen haben in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten sowohl in der Schweiz wie in Europa umfangreiche Umfragen zu Strafeinstellungen der Bevölkerung und der urteilenden Behörden durchgeführt, ohne dass deren Ergebnisse bisher gesamthaft dargestellt und die Kohärenz der Ergebnisse überprüft worden wäre. Ebenfalls fehlt ein Vergleich dieser Ergebnisse zu den Strafeinstellungen mit Daten der Urteilsstatistik zu den ausgesprochenen Sanktionen, der es erlaubt, der Frage nach einer Übereinstimmung oder Diskrepanz von Vorstellungen und Praxis nachzugehen und diese in einem sozialen Rahmen zu interpretieren. Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht diese Problematik mittels zahlreicher Daten aus Umfragen und offiziellen Justizstatistiken zur Schweiz. Da die in diesem Bericht dargestellten Ergebnisse in die Zeiten zweier Revisionen des Sanktionenrechts (2007 und 2018) fallen, nimmt die Thematik der Bedeutung dieser Revisionen einen zentralen Platz ein.
Stress corrosion and mechanical properties of zinc coating on 304 stainless steel
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zheng Sihan , Wang Yue , Li QiLiang , Tao Jie , Hong Heang
Published: April 2021

The effect of stress corrosion on the mechanical properties of the coating in the zinc coating/304 stainless steel substrate system was investigated by three-point bending, slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) and nano-indentation tests. Studies have shown that fracture toughness was improved when the coating was thick but weakened when the coating was thin. At varied coating thicknesses (80 μm, 160 μm, 240 μm, 320 μm, 400 μm), the decline rates of the fracture toughness were 77.48 %, 71.82 %, 66.67 %, 55.48 % and 51.52 %, respectively, and those for the critical strain of crack initiation were 94.97 %, 91.88 %, 88.42 %, 76.19 % and 74.33 %, respectively. In addition, simulations were made to analyze the crack propagation of zinc coating in coating/substrate system under tensile loading by ABAQUS, which proved the accuracy of the experiment.
Crystal structure of diethyl-2,2′-naphthalene-2,3-diylbis(oxy)diacetate, C18H20O6
Authors: Li Peipei , Huang Yu , Fan Yanru , Wang Hao
Published: April 2021

C18H20O6, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 27.191(3) Å, b = 8.7442(3) Å, c = 20.861(2) Å, β = 136.337(18)°, V = 3424.5(9) Å3, Z = 8, R

gt
(F) = 0.0553, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1625, T = 294.7(4) K.
The ghost nets phenomena from the chemical perspective
Authors: Dąbrowska Agnieszka , Łopata Iwona , Osial Magdalena
Published: April 2021

The XXIst century might be called the Plastic Era. With the continually growing consumption and production, low recycling level, one observes the continuous transformation of the Blue Planet into the Ocean of Plastics. Among various problems related to the presence of synthetic materials in the environment, the ghost nets draw particular attention. They are present in the global ocean due to lost or abandoned fishing gear. Their impact on the environment is represented by the tones of animals caught. Moreover, they are an abundant source of secondary marine microplastic and release a considerable amount of toxic chemical compounds. To resolve this issue, an interdisciplinary approach is needed. Chemical research enables a better understanding of polymer behaviour and their weathering, whereas spectroscopy helps in qualitative analyses and proposes solutions. This paper aims to present the interdisciplinary study of this phenomenon and its broad context, including social awareness but underlines the crucial role of chemical research. One focuses on the basic studies of chemical and physical properties as this knowledge provides the first and essential step to tackle the problem.
Mit Mehrdeutigkeit und Ungewissheit leben können
Authors: Sautermeister Jochen
Published: April 2021

Ungewissheiten, Mehrdeutigkeiten und Ambivalenzen zählen zu den Charakteristika der gesellschaftlichen Realität wie auch unserer menschlichen Existenz. Soziologische und sozialpsychologische Studien zeigen, dass Ambiguitätstoleranz für die Gestaltung des Selbst- und Weltverhältnisses, für soziale Interaktionen und die Bildung von Identität grundsätzlich relevant ist. Dabei ist diese Fähigkeit bei Individuen in unterschiedlichem Maße ausgeprägt. Die Fähigkeit, mit Ambiguitäten umzugehen, wird besonders dann beansprucht, wenn schwerwiegende Verluste oder gravierende Veränderungen der Lebensumstände bewährte Erlebens-, Bewertungs- und Handlungsmuster irritieren und eine Neuorientierung erforderlich machen.

Ambiguitätstoleranz wird in diesem Beitrag als eine Fähigkeit verstanden werden, die dabei helfen kann, mit widrigen Umständen und Krisen umzugehen. Sie wird als eine Resilienz-förderliche psychosoziale Fähigkeit konturiert, die dabei hilft, Ungewissheiten und Ambivalenzen aushalten und gestalten zu können. Ambiguitätstoleranz ist für Resilienz in existenzieller, sozialer und ethischer Hinsicht relevant. Dabei ist sie funktional auf biografisch bedeutsame Sinnimplikationen angewiesen ist, um wirksam zu sein. Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, wie Ambiguitätstoleranz konzeptionell zu Resilienz beitragen kann und inwiefern diese Fähigkeit dabei im weiten Sinne spirituell dimensioniert ist.
Preconsonantal s-retraction in the Alps: Germanic, Romance, Slavic
Authors: Alber Birgit , Kokkelmans Joachim , Rabanus Stefan
Published: April 2021

Middle and Upper German dialects exhibit a phonological process of s-retraction neutralizing alveolar [s] to palatoalveolar [ʃ] in preconsonantal contexts. Based on a corpus of dialect data from own fieldwork, dialect atlases and dictionaries, we examine this process in Germanic, Romance and Slavic varieties of the Eastern Alps. It is attested in most Germanic varieties and in Ladin and Rumantsch, but not in other Romance varieties or in the Slovenian dialects of the region. We propose that the emergence of s-retraction may be supported by language contact, but crucially relies on specific diachronic changes affecting the sibilant inventories of the varieties displaying it.
Language synchronization north and south of the Brenner Pass: modeling the continuum
Authors: Bidese Ermenegildo , Tomaselli Alessandra
Published: April 2021

The term Sprachbund refers to the convergence of typologically different languages in the same region and represents an interesting challenge to the notion of parameter conceived as a fixed value of a core syntactic option, i.e. ±null subjects. This contrast could be resolved by the methodological differentiation between surface forms and structural differences. Analyzing the status of clitic subjects and the effects of the so called “that-trace filter” in both Northern Italian and Bavarian dialects we will observe that continua primarily refer to surface forms – i.e. linear word orders – whereas the core option of a given (macro)parameter captures basic typological differences. In this perspective, we revisit the traditionalWellentheorieas a prototypical approach to analyze contact phenomena.
Archäologie des Wettbewerbs
Authors: Szöllösi-Janze Margit
Published: April 2021

Die Durchsetzung des Wettbewerbsprinzips zwischen und innerhalb der deutschen Universitäten eignet sich als analytische Sonde, um dem radikalen Wandel des Hochschulsystems nachzuspüren. Angesichts der Probleme bei der Steuerung von Wissenschaft bei knappen Budgets und einem neuen, neoliberalen Wirtschafts-, Politik- und Denkstil bot sich seit den späten 1970er Jahren Konkurrenz als gesellschaftlich breit akzeptierter, Politik und Verwaltung entlastender Handlungsmodus an. Die Einführung kompetitiver Instrumente wie etwa des New Public Management installierte in den Universitäten ein marktförmiges, hierarchisches Governance-Regime. Die Entfesselung von Wettbewerb entpuppt sich als subtiler Steuerungsmechanismus, der dessen Stellschrauben verschleiert und die Universitäten für eine verstärkte Binnen- wie Außensteuerung öffnet.
Li9Yb2[PS4]5 and Li6Yb3[PS4]5: two lithium-containing ytterbium(III) thiophosphates(V) revisited
Authors: Lange Pia L. , Schleid Thomas
Published: April 2021

The lithium ytterbium ortho-thiophosphates Li9Yb2[PS4]5 and Li6Yb3[PS4]5 were prepared through the reaction of stoichiometric amounts of ytterbium metal, elemental sulfur, red phosphorus and lithium hemisulfide at elevated temperatures in sealed silica tubes. The compounds occur as dark red single crystals which crystallize monoclinically in space group C2/c with the lattice parameters a = 1487.98(9), b = 978.63(6), c = 2046.75(12) pm and β = 96.142(3)° for Li9Yb2[PS4]5 (Z = 4) and a = 2814.83(16), b = 997.34(6), c = 3338.52(19) pm and β = 113.685(3)° for Li6Yb3[PS4]5 (Z = 12). Li9Yb2[PS4]5 can be assigned to the structure type of Li9Nd2[PS4]5, whereas the structure of Li6Yb3[PS4]5 the structure is similar to that of the prototypic Li6Gd3[PS4]5. Both structures feature discrete [PS4]3– tetrahedra (d(P–S) = 202–207 pm) and strands of [YbS8]13− polyhedra (d(Yb–S) = 271–319 pm) propagating along [010]. When attributed to the general formula (Li3[PS4])
x
(Yb[PS4])
y
, ideas of the dimensionality of both structures can be derived. Whilst the lithium-richer Li9Yb2[PS4]5 (x/y = 1.5) develops planes with the composition

 
∞
2

{

[

Y
b

[

P

S
4

]

3

]

6
−

}

${}_{\infty }^{2}\left\{{\left[\mathrm{Y}\mathrm{b}{\left[\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{S}}_{4}\right]}_{3}\right]}^{6-}\right\}$

, Li6Yb3[PS4]5 (x/y = 0.667) exhibits a rather complex three-dimensional network of ytterbium-centered polyhedra connected via [PS4]3– tetrahedra with lithium cations in the framework structure

 
∞
3

{

[

Y

b
3

[

P

S
4

]

5

]

6
−

}

${}_{\infty }^{3}\left\{{\left[\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{b}}_{\mathrm{3}}{\left[\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{S}}_{4}\right]}_{5}\right]}^{6-}\right\}$

. These Li+ cations are hard to locate in both compounds, but reside in four- to sixfold sulfur coordination (d(Li–S) = 235–304 pm). Some Li+ positions are underoccupied and some Li+ cations share sites with Yb3+ cations in Li6Yb3[PS4]5, and even in Li9Yb2[PS4]5 their high displacement values suggest Li+ cation mobility. According to the empirical formulae, three Li+ cations have to be replaced with one Yb3+ cation to reach the lithium-poorer compound and structure (Li6Yb3[PS4]5) starting from the lithium-richer one (Li9Yb2[PS4]5).