bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De la Poésie-Scientifique & autres écrits
Authors: Ghil René
Published: May 2019

René Ghil fut autour de 1890 le plus soudainement célèbre, le plus admiré, le plus contesté, le plus violemment haï, puis le plus injustement oublié des auteurs de la génération symboliste : précisément parce qu'il s'avéra l'adversaire le plus irréductible du Symbolisme.

Il rompit très tôt avec Mallarmé sur la question de l'Idéalisme, auquel il opposait une vaste métaphysique de la Matière en évolution vers un « Mieux », inspirée des cosmogonies orientales autant que de la science occidentale contemporaine (Darwin). Sa théorie de l'« Instrumentation verbale », basée sur un sensualisme linguistique inspiré des théories sur le langage de Rousseau et des recherches récentes en acoustique et en phonétique expérimentales (Helmholtz), eut un impact considérable : des futuristes russes et italiens à Breton ou Aragon, voire aux lettristes dissidents Jean-Louis Brau et François Dufrêne, pionniers de la Poésie sonore.

Si les versions successives de son précoce et effervescent Traité du Verbe, devenu En Méthode à l'Œuvre, ont fait l'objet d'innombrables commentaires, certes point toujours amènes, ses traités plus tardifs, consacrés à la « Poésie scientifique », ont fait beaucoup moins de bruit et sont restés largement ignorés ; ils représentent pourtant les états les plus aboutis, et les plus personnels, d'une pensée aussi intransigeante que singulière, parvenue à une ferme maturité. Pour toutes ces raisons, ils méritent aujourd'hui d'être lus, et, en dehors des clichés tenaces, de contribuer aux débats actuels sur la poésie, dans ses rapports avec la connaissance et la chose publique…
The Effect of Incomplete Solution Treatment on the Tensile Behavior and Mechanical Anisotropy of 2195 Aluminum Lithium Alloy
Authors: Walker Wesley , Marloth Rudolf , Hein Ye Thura , Es-Said Omar S.
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to characterize the effects of incomplete solution treatment time on the tensile behavior of 2195 Al-Li alloy. Two sets of plates of 2195 Al-Li alloy received solution heat treatment. One set received the prescribed treatment, held in the furnace for 30 minutes after the material had reached 507°C. The other set was in the furnace for only 30 minutes and did not reach 507°C until after about 15 to 20 minutes. Both set of plates were water quenched. Samples from the plates were then stretched 2.5-3% or 6%, rolled 6%, and rolled 24%, at 0°, 45°, and 90° relative to the rolling direction of the as-received material. The samples were aged at 143°C for 36 hours and air-cooled. Tensile specimens were milled out at 0°, 45°, and 90° relative to the original rolling direction. Tensile testing was performed on all samples. The incomplete heat treatment (incomplete solution treatment) resulted in a significant reduction in strength. This was probably due to the formation of fewer T1 precipitates after aging, thereby reducing the amount which could nucleate during cold work. The fully heat treated samples had higher percent yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation.
Ion Transport in Glass-Forming Calcium Potassium Nitrate: From Complex Behaviours to Unexpected Simplicities
Authors: Funke Klaus , Banhatti Radha D. , Ingram Malcolm D.
Published: May 2019

Re-examination of published conductivity spectra for 2Ca (NO3)2∙3KNO3 (CKN) in its molten and glassy states, in terms of the MIGRATION concept, has brought to light new links between elementary processes occurring within one picosecond and their successful outcomes, i.e. those which determine the DC conductivities. The starting point of this analysis is the transition at 378 K, which arises from a change from a decoupled to a coupled transport mechanism. Remarkably, while there is a change in the shape of the conductivity dispersion and a jump in its onset frequency, there is no change in the temperature dependence of DC conductivity. What emerges from the analysis is a surprising continuity in high-frequency behaviour, with the activation energy and volume for elementary displacements, Eed and Ved, remaining constant from 300 K in the glass up to 500 K in the melt. The ratio, Eed/Ved, turns out to be equal to our previously defined DC activation moduli for CKN, given by EDC(T)/VDC(T) and Tg/(dTg/dp) for charge transport in the melt and structural relaxation at Tg, respectively. It seems that, at very short times, molten CKN behaves just like an elastic solid. The importance of elastic forces for ionic transport in CKN is corroborated by the finding that the published value of the high-frequency shear modulus of glassy CKN, G¥, matches those of Eed/Ved and hence of both activation moduli. The detected continuity in the picosecond behaviour of CKN across the glass transition could provide a new link between fragile liquids and glassy materials in general.
Influence of Different Joints on Moisture Transport in Building Walls - A Brief Review
Authors: Guimarães A.S. , Delgado J.M.P.Q. , de Freitas V.P. , Azevedo A.C.
Published: May 2019

The phenomena of transport in porous media arises in many diverse fields of science and engineering, ranging from agricultural, biomedical, building, ceramic, chemical, and petroleum engineering to food and soil science. Several authors provide an extensive description of the problems involving porous media. For building engineering, obtaining a good understanding of moisture transport in building envelopes is becoming one of the most important tasks. In the last few decades, many studies investigating moisture transport in building envelopes have been published, which have helped to improve overall building envelope design. This work presents a brief review of these studies.
Investigation of Interdiffusion in High Entropy Alloys: Application of the Random Alloy Model
Authors: Afikuzzaman Mohammad , Belova Irina V. , Murch Graeme E.
Published: May 2019

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are composed of five or more principal elements with equal (or nearly equal) compositions. In this paper, interdiffusion phenomenon in the HEAs is investigated. Two composition dependent (as well as composition independent) interdiffusion matrices have been used for detailed studying of the diffusion behaviour in CoCrFeMnNi HEAs. These matrices are calculated according to the Darken and Manning formalisms and are used in combination with the explicit finite difference method (EFDM) to obtain interdiffusion profiles. First, the interdiffusion profiles are calculated for the case of the terminal binary diffusion couple. A significant difference in the composition profiles is found between predictions according to the Darken and Manning formalisms. Next, the interdiffusion problem in the 5-component alloy is addressed numerically by considering the interdiffusion coefficients as constant, independent of composition, in CoCrFeMnNi alloys for several diffusion couples (mainly quasi-binary and quasi-ternary). The simulated composition profiles are found to be in a very good agreement with the available experimental results [1, 2]. It should be pointed out that the independence on composition of the interdiffusion matrix should be used for diffusion couples under two conditions: relatively small changes in composition, and the non-zero/non-dilute terminal compositions. The composition dependent interdiffusion matrix should be used in the diffusion couple if the composition differences are large and/or zero/dilute terminal compositions. In this paper, the Darken and Manning formalisms are used for modelling the composition dependent interdiffusion matrices. The purpose of this modelling is to systematically investigate interdiffusion in CoCrFeMnNi alloys in diffusion couples with substantial changes in composition. The main application of the present research is in the prediction of possible interdiffusion profiles in the framework of the random alloy model.
Enhancing the Hydrophobicity of a Copper Pipe by Electrophoretic Deposition of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Hares Essam , El-Shazly Ahmed Hassan , El Kady Marwa F. , Hammad A.S.
Published: May 2019

Thin film coatings of graphene oxide (GO) onto copper pipe was investigating using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. Graphite oxide was produced from graphite powder by chemical oxidation using modified Hummers' method. An aqueous colloidal suspension of graphene oxide was prepared by exfoliation of the graphite oxide via ultrasonic treatment. GO coatings were deposited on copper pipes through EPD from GO aqueous suspension. The EPD parameters such as voltage, time and particle concentration were optimized to obtain uniform GO coatings. The optimal EPD conditions for well-formed deposits were observed when the operating voltage was equal to 30 V and 90 s deposition time. The thin film coated copper pipe was characterized using various techniques such as SEM, XRD and contact angle. XRD confirmed that GO was reduced during the EPD process itself due to the removal of oxygen containing functional groups. SEM images elucidated the formation of GO thin layer onto copper pipe with thickness 5 μm. The contact angle improved from 70° for bare copper to 102.4° for GO coating.
Chemical Treatment and Dispersant Characteristics of CNTs Particle and its Applications on Nanofluid
Authors: Kim Se Dong , Bae Joo Hyeon , Kim Jun Hyo , Huh Sunchul , Noh Jung Pil , Jeong Hyo Min
Published: May 2019

The present study aimed to evaluate simple, efficient approach to improve dispersion and electrical conductivity of nanofluid. In this study, chemical treatment and dispersion technique used to develop the dispersion and electrical conductivity of MWCNTs in aqueous. The surface of MWCNTs was modified by chemical oxidation with potassium persulfate/sodium hydroxide (K2S2O8/NaOH) to achieve more hydrophilic MWCNTs. NC (nanoCellulose) used as the dispersion for nanofluid. As a result, dispersion characteristics examined by UV-Visible spectrophotometer revealed that best dispersion of MWCNTs obtained for chemically modified MWCNTs with K2S2O8/NaOH. From the electrical conductivity measurement, chemically treated MWCNTs with dispersant showed highest conductivity 210μS/cm. With the overall results, chemical treatment and dispersion method can play significant role in improving the dispersion and electrical conductivity of MWCNTs nanofluids.
Experimental Study on Pore-Defect by Selective Laser Melting of 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Liu Xin Yu , Pan Lu , Wang Wen Hao , Li Si Yao
Published: May 2019

With different process parameters (laser power, scanning speed and scanning distance),the low-time defects of forming part were studied by microscope,including air bubble, pore, micro-crack and macro-crack. The formation mechanism of pore-defect was analyzed. The micro-structure and composition of the pore-defect were studied by means of SEM and EDS. The results showed that the porosity mainly included circular air porosity, irregular process porosity and oxide inclusion.Linear energy density (E=P/v) was introduced as synthetic parameter.According to analysis and test verification, the optimum technological parameters of 316L stainless steel were laser power 190-210KW, laser speed 800-1000mm/s and scanning interval 0.9-0.11mm,and the linear energy density was about 200J/m. There were no cracks, no bubbles, a small amount of porosity, and the product density reached 99.7%.
Selective Laser Melting of Ti42Nb Composite Powder and the Effect of Laser Re-Melting
Authors: Huang Sheng , Sing Swee Leong , Yeong Wai Yee
Published: May 2019

Ti-Nb based alloys have the potential to be used as structural implant materials due to their excellent bio-compatibility and ability to reduce stress shielding. The idea to additively manufacture Ti-Nb based alloys using selective laser melting (SLM) technology can further improve the resultant implant quality. However, the lack of economically sound and readily available pre-alloyed powder has pushed for the usage of composite powder as a means to hasten research pace in fabricating new alloy systems via SLM. The usage of Ti-Nb composite powder can lead to several problems, particularly the issue of macro-segregation. Hence, this paper presents the potential of laser re-melting scanning strategy to address macro-segregation without sacrificing (or even improving) density of parts fabricated by SLM.
Highly-Organized One-Dimensional Copper-Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes for Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Acid Orange 52
Authors: Lopez Edgar Clyde R. , Cleofe Vince Aron F. , Cañal Rio Ysabel A. , Boado Kristoffer Francis P. , Perez Jem Valerie D.
Published: May 2019

Highly-organized one-dimensional arrays of copper-doped titanium dioxide nanotubes (Cu-TiNTs) were synthesized in a one-pot approach by double anodization of titanium sheets. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed that Cu-TiNTs have an average inner diameter of 52.13 nm, a wall thickness of 14.28 nm, and a tube length of 0.6401 μm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic O-Ti-O bond of TiO2. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed copper-doping with an average dopant loading of 0.0248%. Even at this low dopant loading, Cu-TiNTs were shown to be photo-active in degrading Acid Orange 52 (AO 52) under UV light illumination. The kinetic profiles of AO 52 photoelectrochemical degradation were best described by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.991) with kinetic constants 9.42 x 10-3 min-1 for Cu-TiNTs as compared to 6.04 x 10-3 min-1 for pristine TiNTs. Overall, doping pristine TiNTs with Cu was shown to enhance its photoelectrocatalytic properties in degrading textile dyes such as AO 52.
Effect of Surface Treatment on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Nickel-Titanium Orthodontic Archwires by Fine Particle Shot Peening Method
Authors: Mongkolchart Wittawat , Santiwong Peerapong , Chintavalakorn Rochaya , Khantachawana Anak
Published: May 2019

Surface treatment on metal can alter physical and mechanical properties. Understanding the physical and mechanical properties of the archwires is essential for the management of orthodontic treatment. Methods: This study used digital micrometer, universal testing machine, and surface hardness tester for measuring dimension, unloading force, and surface hardness of two different type of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) archwires: commercially available Ni-Ti (NT-N) and surface treated Ni-Ti by fine particle shot peening (FPSP) method (NT-F). Statistical analysis was undertaken using a paired T-test (α=0.05). Results: No significant difference was found on both vertical and horizontal dimensions of NT-N and NT-F (p= 1.00 and 0.796 respectively). For bending and surface hardness test, significance difference was found (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). Conclusions: The NT-F archwire provided lower unloading force and surface hardness but there was no change in size when compared with NT-N.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of High-Purity Monodispersed Cupric Oxide (CuO) Nanopowder
Authors: Foo Yuan Teng , Foo Li Ting , Shahcheragh Ladan , Horri Bahman Amini , Salamatinia Babak
Published: May 2019

In this study, high quality monodispersed nanocrystalline cupric oxide (CuO) nanopowder was prepared through novel sol-gel green synthesis method, assisted by sodium alginate (Na-ALG) as the green ionic exchange material. The morphology and structural properties of CuO nanopowders synthesized with and without the incorporation of extrusion dripping, at different Na-ALG solution concentrations and calcination temperatures, were studied using thermalgravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy. Optimum synthesis conditions were identified, resulting in high-purity, monodispersed nanocrystalline CuO powder in the range of 9.92 – 12.4 nm, which could have a promising future in various applications.
Effect of Cement-Asphalt Emulsion Mortar Based on a Laboratory Investigation
Authors: Nanthavisit Patcharapan , Jitsangiam Peerapong , Pichayapan Preda
Published: May 2019

As known, cement has been used as a stabilizing agent for the road pavement stabilization technique. However, it could cause an adverse effect of premature cracking on road, resulting from the inherent brittle manner of cement-stabilized materials. This research aims to investigate on a cement-asphalt emulsion mixture as a new stabilizing agent which would provide more flexibility of the road-stabilized material. Cement-asphalt emulsion mortar (CAE) (the mixture of Portland cement type I, asphalt emulsion type CSS-1, and standard sand) was used as the study material. The compressive strength and flexural strength of CAE mortar with varying cement and asphalt emulsion ratios at 7 days and 28 days testing with controlled relative humidity curing were performed. The test results showed that the flexural strength and the compressive strength decrease with an increase of asphalt emulsion (at fixed ratio CAE mortar). The strength at 7 days of curing is around 70% of that for 28 days of curing. The ratio 4:1 (cement: asphalt emulsion) exhibited the highest compressive strength and the flexural strength at 28 days. This result of this research is likely promising to obtain a new stabilizing agent which can create the flexibility property of a road-stabilized material.
Delayed Casting of UHPFRC Elements
Authors: Čítek David , Kolisko Jiří , Řeháček Stanislav , Krystov Martin
Published: May 2019

Because of high durability and excellent material properties, innovative (thin-walled, shell) structures should be designed. Ultra - High Performance Fiber Reinforced concrete might be used for a specific application with very complex design and very complex shape. Usually, in design UHPFRC structure a reinforcement bars are replaced by a scattered reinforcement. Load bearing capacity in bending of the final shell or thin-walled structure might be influenced by many other factors, including fiber distribution, type and orientation, casting position (for example for up-side down casting) of the shell part of the structure and others. Very significant factor should be a cold joint in term of possible time delay between two batches (simulation of breakdown of the mixer, waiting time to air leakage). At the actual paper focus on an experimental program on cold joint between two batches of fresh UHPFRC poured into the thin wall and deck panels with longitudinal rib. These cold joints are caused by time delay between previous and next batch. Time between two batches differs in range of 10 – 90 minutes.
Material Selection of Natural Fibers for Composite Automotive Component Using Analytic Hierarchy Process/Analytic Network Process in Concurrent Engineering Approach
Authors: Mohammad Taha Mastura , Sapuan S.M. , Noryani M
Published: May 2019

Material selection of natural fiber for composite based products is an essential process in product design development especially in application of automotive components. Several factors need to be considered concurrently and dependency among the factors should be evaluated during the judgement. Therefore, a proposed approach is presented in this study by using Analytic Hierarchy Process/Analytic Network Process (AHP/ANP) to prioritize the criteria for material selection of natural fiber composites automotive components. AHP computes the priority values from pairwise comparison basis and ANP derives the global priority values based on the inner dependency of the criteria. As in a case study, flax fibers obtained the highest value (19%) and rank as number one fibers in the selection where tensile strength is the most significant criteria. Thus, application of AHP/ANP would derive a more reliable and accurate judgement in material selection and their flexibility allows integration with other decision making tools.
Study on Stacking Sequence of Plies in Green Sandwiches for Low Velocity Impact Application
Authors: Mahesh Vishwas , Sharnappa Joladarshi , Kulkarni S.M.
Published: May 2019

The present paper deals with optimizing the stacking sequence configuration of flexible green composite for cladding application under low velocity impact regime. Initially six configurations of green composite comprising of jute fiber and natural rubber matrix are considered and their energy absorption behaviour and resistance to impact are studied using finite element analysis. The configurations considered are optimized for energy absorption and maximum contact force under low velocity impact condition. From the results it can be concluded that the variation in energy absorbed and sp. energy absorbed among the configurations are negligible and hence the configurations are prioritized based on contact force. JRJRJ configuration provides maximum contact force followed by JRJ, JRRJ, RJRJR, RJRJ and RJR. The configurations with rank 1, 2 and 3 should be taken into consideration for further analysis. Also the damage study shows that the stacking sequence with jute on impact side is better compared to rubber on impact side as tearing type of damage can be observed in sequences with rubber on impact side and no damage is visible with jute on impact side.
Evaluation of 3D Embedded Element Technique in the Finite Element Analysis for the Composite
Authors: Gao Jian Hong , Yang Xiao Xiang
Published: May 2019

RVE combined with finite element analysis (FEA) is a very popular method to predict the mechanical property of the composite reinforced by short fibers. In the conventional method, generally the “tie” approach is used. By this method, the FE model with high fiber aspect ratio can not be achieved and the non-convergence of the numerical calculation may appear because of the complex mesh. The embedded element techinique is considered to be a replaceable method . Using this method, the mechanical behavior of composite with high fiber aspect ratio would be simulated. Therefore, in this study, the 3D solid element was employed for the FE model with multi cylinder particles. The comparisions of the Mise stress and the displacement between the embedded and conventional method indicate that compared with the stress transfer, the simulated result of composite stiffness is more accurate. In addition, the effects of model size, fiber orientated angle, fiber volume fraction and fiber aspect ratio were investigated. The numerical results were compared with the Mori-Tanaka model and the good agreements verify the applicability of the embedded element technique we studied in this paper.
Determination of Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of CFRP Composites Using Numerical Simulations
Authors: Sedlacek Frantisek , Kalina Tomas , Raz Karel
Published: May 2019

This paper deals with a numerical simulation of the interlaminar fracture toughness of woven carbon fibre reinforced polymer. Composite materials are increasingly used for their unique properties in many branches of engineering. They are also used for flexible components such as springs, couplings, etc. The strength of these parts must be determined not only in terms of their intralaminar properties but also in terms of their interlaminar properties. This paper provides a methodology for determining the main parameters for Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness using numerical simulation. End Notch Flexure (ENF) specimens were created for fitting fracture toughness parameters of the laminate according to ASTM standards. Three point bending ENF tests were carried out on a Zwick/Roell Z050 machine. The numerical simulation was created in Siemens Simcenter 12.0 using NX Nastran nonlinear solver. The results from the numerical simulation correspond to those from the experimental test with an accuracy of 4%.
Morphological characterization of Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Varieties
Authors: Kosev V. I. , Vasileva V. M.
Published: May 2019

Purpose: The maintenance of grass pea varieties and a comparative assessment of their biological characteristics, which will serve as a basis for future breeding work is required. The purpose of the study is to assess the biological potential of grass pea varieties in productivity and productivity components.Research Method: Both, above ground and root biomass of plants was analyzed at the beginning of flowering stage and at the technical maturity of seeds. The coefficient of earliness was determined. The statistical methods viz hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to group the genotypes by similarity. Relationships between the characteristics tested and their variability were established by correlation analysis.Findings: According to the coefficient of earliness the varieties studied were grouped as follows: LA5108- early variety; LAT4362 and BGE027129 - middle-early varieties, and LAT5038 and GE015741 - late varieties. Variety BGE027129 showed a high level of biological abilities on most of the characteristics. BGE025277 is distinguished with high productivity of seed weight (4.26 g/plant). BGE015741 was characterized by high both, number of nodules (25.27 nodules per plant) and weight of nodules (0.59 g per plant), the best specific nodulating ability (0.62) as well the highest seed weight productivity (5.52g/plant). The nodule weight was positive correlated with the plant weight (r = 0.517). High coefficient of inheritance in a broad sense was found for the root weight (99.24%) and root length (92.65%) at the technical maturity stage, for the seed weight (77.94%) and number of branches per plant (72.32%), root weight (59.67%) and root length (48.09%) in the flowering stage.Original Value: Grass pea varieties of breeding interest in regard to the both nodulating ability andseed productivity were shown.
Effect of Different Cooking Methods on the Antioxidant properties of Bitter gourd (Mormodica charantia) Cultivated in Jaffna District
Authors: Thanuja S. , Sivakanthan S. , Vasantharuba S.
Published: May 2019

Purpose: Bitter gourd (Mormodica charantia) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop in Jaffna. It is well-known to possess medicinal properties, mainly because of its antioxidant properties. Changes in the antioxidant properties of vegetables during different cooking methods have an influence on dietary nutrition. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the effect of three cooking methods on the antioxidant properties of bitter gourd. Research Method: Fresh bitter gourds were cut into small pieces and subjected to three different cooking methods (boiling, microwave cooking and stir-frying). The conditions of the cooking methods were; boiling at 100ºC for 14 min, microwave cooking at 560W for 4 min and stir-frying at 230ºC for 15 min. Ethanol (70 %, v/v) was used to extract the antioxidants from fresh and cooked samples and antioxidant properties were determined as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Results were analyzed using oneway analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System (SAS 9.1). Findings: TPC, TFC, antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value) of fresh bitter gourd were 27.47±1.52 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry matter, 19.36±2.01 mg catechin equivalent/g dry matter, 103.55±3.60 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry matter and 0.210±0.008 mg/mL respectively. Compared to the antioxidant properties of fresh bitter gourd, boiling has significantly (p<0.05) increased TPC (by 48.63%) and TFC (by 42.77%) while, antioxidant capacity was reduced (by 17.84%). However, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity of bitter gourd were reduced by 38.70%, 40.13% and 23.55%, respectively, after microwave cooking and 77.94%, 75.88% and 67.77%, respectively, after stir-frying. Thus, it can be concluded that boiling found to be the better method than other two methods to retain antioxidant properties of the bitter gourd. Originality/ Value: This study could be useful to create the awareness among the people on different cooking methods to retain as much of the antioxidant as possible in order to get benefited by the consumption of bitter gourd.
Morphological Characterization and Molecular Identification of Stem-end Rot Associated Fungal Species Isolated from ‘Karutha Colomban’ Mango Fruits in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ekanayake G. , Abeywickrama K. , Daranagama A. , Kannangara S.
Published: May 2019

Purpose: Stem-End Rot (SER) is one of the most frequently found mango postharvest diseases in many countries including Sri Lanka. Availability of a significantly detailed study on morphological and molecular characterization of the SER associated fungal species is comparatively low. The present study has been carried out considering the above fact. Research Method: SER disease associated fungi were isolated and identification was carried out using morphological characteristics. Identification was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of newly generated ITS sequencing data using Maximum Likelihood (ML) with RAxML software (Ver.8.2.10). Findings: From the morphological studies it was observed that the fungal isolates SER1, SER2, SER3 and SER6 produced conidia on Potato Dextrose Agar. Both morphological and molecular results revealed that the isolates of SER1, SER4, SER5, and SER6 which were isolated from diseased Karutha Colomban mango fruits with SER (in Sri Lanka) belong to Lasiodiplodia sp., Nodulisporium sp., Xylaria feejeensis and Pestalotiopsis sp. respectively. Both SER2 and SER3 were confirmed as Phomopsis sp. During the present study two new fungal species (Xylaria spp. and Nodulisporium spp.) were also identified for the first time from SER of Karutha Colomban mango fruits. Research Limitations: The pathogenicity of these isolates will be tested in near future, since the study was mainly focused on the isolation and identification of the SER associated fungal species. Originality/ Value: Results of the present study will be very valuable for stakeholders in Agricultural sector, before designing control strategies at post-harvest level in order to minimize the loss and extend the storage life of mango.
Measuring the Efficiency, Equity, and Success of Philadelphia’s Residential Property Tax Abatement
Authors: Pickering Matthew
Published: May 2019

Philadelphia’s 10-year property tax abatement program is a tax expenditure meant to stimulate economic development through residential construction and renovation. In an era when many cities appear to be experiencing renewed growth after the urban decline of the late 20th century, it may be time to reevaluate these sorts of economic development policies. This article explores three possible ways to evaluate Philadelphia’s tax abatement as a case study for other cities with similar programs and asks whether it is the appropriate time to either restrict or end the program. The article assesses the abatement for its efficiency and equity, but most importantly, for whether and how well it achieved its goals. Based on this evaluation, Philadelphia’s policy does not hold up well against the efficiency and equity criteria and its goals are either too broad to measure, or impossible to evaluate without a similar city to compare against. As a part of the analysis, the author considers the key questions of how much of the city’s real estate comeback is directly due to the abatement and how to best reshape the policy to target Philadelphia’s goals in 2018. The article also presents examples of abatement policies from other cities as models of how to shape such programs to fit a local context. The author finds that Philadelphia and cities with similar policies should look to other cities’ targeted abatement programs and evaluate local priorities for growth when considering restrictions or terminations of their programs.
Gold Mining and Mercury Pollution in Colombia: Policy Recommendations to Reduce the Tradeoff between Economic Growth and Sustainability
Authors: Grueso Hernando
Published: May 2019

Colombia is the top mercury polluter per capita in the world and the main cause of this pollution is artisanal gold mining. Even though the current government has restricted the use of mercury in mining, the problem goes beyond regulations: eighty-seven percent of the country’s gold production comes from small-scale, informal (unlicensed) mining. Furthermore, market restrictions on mercury for mining activities have created a window of opportunity for organized crime. Illegal armed groups control the illicit trafficking of mercury into the country and its commercialization among small-scale miners.This article discusses different policies aimed at mitigating the externalities of gold mining in Colombia and considers the tradeoff between the economic benefits and external costs to human health. The main conclusion is that heavy regulations on mining activities have not been helpful in reducing mercury pollution, and that alternative policies based on lessons from behavioral economics can be more useful tools for reducing the environmental hazards associated with gold mining.
Genital hygiene behaviors and practices: A cross-sectional descriptive study among antenatal care attendees
Authors: Nkamedjie Pete Patrick Martial , Mabvouna Biguioh Rodrigue , Bita Izacar André Gael , Béchir Adogaye Sali Ben , Nguemo Cecile
Published: May 2019

The female genital tracts harbor a wide variety of microorganisms’ knowns as microflora mostly constituted by lactobacilli, involved in the healthy state of the vagina without causing infection. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are frequent in pregnant women due to physiological and anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy. These infections can result to disabilities or serious health problems both for the mother and the new-born. Vaginal douching has been reported among risky practices associate with UTIs. However, this remains debatable and contradictory when other studies report the benefit effects of vaginal cleaning in infection prevention. The aim of this study was to assess pregnant women behaviors and practices regarding genital hygiene. This was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted on exhaustive sample of pregnant women coming for antenatal visits in Lafé Sub-divisional Hospital (SDH) and Baleng Catholic Health Center (BCHC) between 16 and 30 September 2013. Data were collected using a paper based standardized questionnaire directly self-administered after obtain a free consent. Overall, 80 pregnant women were enrolled. The majority of them had attended at least primary education (97.5%; n=78/80) and many were lived in couple (81.25%; n=65/80). Almost one on three participants identified antenatal consultation (ANC) as a key element to be taken into account by pregnant women. 70.1% (n=56/80) of women declared wearing undergarments in cotton. Regarding the daily vaginal douching behaviors, the majority (76.3%; n=61/80) of participants used the recommended gynecological measure, while the remaining use self-prescribed measures. Both genital parts (vulva area and vagina) were cleaned and use of water was mostly cited (63.8%; n=51/80). Almost one participant on four (n=29/80) use antiseptic solutions for genital cleaning. Antiseptic solutions were associated with water in 34.5% of cases (n=10/29), and in 65.5% (n=19/29) of cases it was used only for the vagina. Our findings suggest that knowledge and genital hygiene cleaning practices are acceptable among our study population. Risky practices such as use of antiseptic solutions and synthetic underwear’s were reported. Skills of health care providers on good hygiene practices for pregnant should be improved and community-based communication strategies need to be implemented to reach all women of child bearing age.
Sample Selection and Reasons for Non-Participation in the Predictors and Outcomes of Incident Fractures (Profrac) Study
Authors: Stuart Amanda L. , Pasco Julie A. , Brennan-Olsen Sharon L. , Berk Michael , Betson Amelia G. , Bennett Katherine E. , Timney Elizabeth N. , Williams Lana J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Fragility fractures, associated with osteoporosis, are an escalating public health problem. We aim to describe sample selection, recruitment methods and reasons for non-participation in The PRedictors and Outcomes of incident FRACtures (PROFRAC) study.

Design and Methods

Barwon Statistical Division residents aged 20+ years, with a radiologically-confirmed fracture between June 1st 2012 and May 31st 2013, were eligible. Individuals identified as fracture cases were invited by mail to complete a questionnaire. Reasons for non-participation were documented. Logistic regression techniques were used to determine odds ratios for participation and non-participation reasons.

Results

A total of 1,458 of 2,155 (67.7%) adults with fracture (48.7% men) participated. Individuals were excluded due to inability to give informed consent, death, no knowledge of fracture, or inability to be contacted. The odds of participation decreased with age (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.99-0.99, P=0.011) and increased among specific fracture groups [clavicle/scapula (OR 2.50, 1.30-4.68, P=0.006), forearm/humerus (OR 2.00, 1.22-3.27, P=0.006), wrist (OR 2.08, 1.31-3.32, P=0.002), hip (OR 2.12, 1.20-3.75, P=0.009), ankle (OR 1.85, 1.20-2.87, P=0.001), compared to face/skull fractures]. The odds of reporting disinterest, time constraints or personal reasons as the reason for non-participation decreased with age, whereas the odds of reporting frailty, language-related issues or illness as the reason for non-participation increased with of age [disinterest (OR 0.98, 0.97-0.98, P<0.001), time constraints (OR 0.97, 0.96-0.98, P<0.001), personal reasons (OR 0.98, 0.97-0.99, P=0.007), frailty (OR 1.12, 1.09-1.15, P<0.001), language-related issues (OR 1.02, 1.01-1.04, P<0.001), illness (OR 1.03, 1.02-1.05, P<0.001)].

Conclusions

Understanding drivers of research participation can inform study design to achieve optimal participation in health research.
In vitro cytotoxicity of cardamom oil, lemon oil, and jasmine oil on human skin, gastric, and brain cancer cell line
Authors: Manjunath Chetan , Mahurkar Nitin
Published: May 2019

Objective:

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of selected essential oils on human skin, gastric, and brain cancer cell lines using microculture tetrazolium test.

Materials and Methods:

Phytochemical analysis, as well as acute oral toxicity tests, was carried out in female albino mice with cardamom oil, lemon oil, and jasmine oil according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines 425. Anticancer activities of the above test drugs were performed using human cancer cell lines. The studies were carried out at Skanda Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru.

Results:

Phytochemical analysis has shown the presence of carbohydrates and flavonoids in cardamom oil. While lemon oil has shown the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins, jasmine oil has shown the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides. Toxicity studies showed that cardamom oil, lemon oil, and jasmine oil were all found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Results have shown that lemon oil exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity toward three human cancer cell lines, namely skin cancer (A431), gastric cancer (MKN-45), and brain cancer (U-87 MG) cell lines, with higher IC50 values of 62.82 μg/ml, 220.9 μg/ml, and 440.1 μg/ml compared to standard. Jasmine oil exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity toward skin cancer and brain cancer cell lines, whereas cardamom oil has shown stronger cytotoxicity only toward skin cancer cell line but did not show any level of inhibition of growth of brain and gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Our study reveals that lemon oil, jasmine oil, and cardamom oil possess potent antitumor activity compared to standard. At different concentrations, lemon oil has shown statistically significant (***P < 0.0001) anticancer activity toward all the three human cancer cell lines. While jasmine oil has shown statistically significant (***P < 0.0001) anticancer activity toward skin and brain cancer cell line, cardamom oil has also shown statistically significant (***P < 0.0001) anticancer activity but only toward skin cancer cell line.
Erlotinib in Patients with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in Middle Eastern Population
Authors: Jazieh Abdul Rahman , Fayea Turki M , Mahrous Mervat , Darwish Tarek , Fawzi Essam , Alolayan Ashwaq A , Sheblaq Nagham , Alkaiyat Mohammed , Ali Yosra
Published: May 2019

Background: Although erlotinib is widely used in the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), no prior studies were conducted in Middle Eastern population. Our study aims at evaluating erlotinib prospectively in this population. Patients and Methods: This open-label, prospective, single-arm, multicenter Phase IV clinical trial of erlotinib as single agent evaluated safety and efficacy of Erlotinib in Middle Eastern patients with advanced NSCLC. Results: A total of 56 patients were enrolled in five sites in Saudi Arabia. Majority of patients were males (60%) with median age of 57 years (34–80), Stage IV (98%), and adenocarcinoma (84%). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance Status III (41.1%). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations were present in 24 patients out of 36 patients tested (67%). The most common reported adverse events (AEs) were rash 36 (64%), diarrhea 29 (52%), fatigue 10 (18%), and anorexia 5 (9%). Grade 4 or 5 AEs were not observed. Complete response was achieved in 2 (3.6%) and overall disease control was 60.8%. Median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in patients with EGFR mutation than wild type (20 vs. 3 months, P = 0.002). Progression-free survival was 10 months and significantly longer in patients with EGFR mutation than wild type (16 vs. 6 months, P = 0.037). Patients with unknown EGFR status had PSF and OS better than wild-type patients and worse than patients with EGFR mutation. Cox regression analysis showed that older age (P = 0.029, HR 1.064), EGFR wild type (P = 0.014, hazard ratio [HR]: 8.497), and receiving radiation (P = 0.033, HR 6.433) significantly increase risk of death for patients receiving erlotinib. Conclusion: Erlotinib has efficacy and safety profile in Middle Eastern population similar to the reported literature. The empiric use of erlotinib in patients with unknown EGFR status in our patient population is warranted due to high prevalence of the mutation. However, it should not be used in confirmed wild-type disease.
Topological Properties of a Class of Higher-dimensional Self-affine Tiles
Authors: Deng Guotai , Liu Chuntai , Ngai Sze-Man
Published: May 2019

We construct a family of self-affine tiles in $\mathbb{R}^{d}$ ($d\geqslant 2$) with noncollinear digit sets, which naturally generalizes a class studied originally by Q.-R. Deng and K.-S. Lau in $\mathbb{R}^{2}$, and its extension to $\mathbb{R}^{3}$ by the authors. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the tiles to be connected and for their interiors to be contractible.
A Resident-Led Initiative to Increase Documentation of Surrogate Decision Makers for Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Dueker Jeffrey M. , Luty Jacob , Perry D. Alexander , Izumi Seiko , Fromme Erik K. , DiVeronica Matthew
Published: May 2019

Background

Identification of surrogate decision makers (SDMs) is an important part of advance care planning for hospitalized patients. Despite its importance, the best methods for engaging residents to sustainably improve SDM documentation have not been identified.

Objective

We implemented a hospital-wide quality improvement initiative to increase identification and documentation of SDMs in the electronic health record (EHR) for hospitalized patients, utilizing a Housestaff Quality and Safety Council (HQSC).

Methods

EHR documentation of SDMs for all adult patients admitted to a tertiary academic hospital, excluding psychiatry, were tracked and grouped by specialty in a weekly run chart during the intervention period (July 2015 through April 2016). This also continued postintervention. Interventions included educational outreach for residents, monthly plan-do-study-act cycles based on performance feedback, and a financial incentive of a one-time payment of 0.75% of a resident's salary put into the retirement account of each resident, contingent on meeting an SDM documentation target. Comparisons were made using statistical process control and chi-square tests.

Results

At baseline, SDMs were documented for 11.1% of hospitalized adults. The intervention period included 9146 eligible admissions. Hospital-wide SDM documentation increased significantly and peaked near the financial incentive deadline at 48% (196 of 407 admissions, P < 001). Postintervention, hospital-wide SDM documentation declined to 30% (134 of 446 admissions, P < .001), but remained stable.

Conclusions

This resident-led intervention sustainably increased documentation of SDMs, despite a decline from peak rates after the financial incentive period and notable differences in performance patterns by specialty admitting service.
The vertical distribution of biomass burning pollution over tropical South America from aircraft in situ measurements during SAMBBA
Authors: Darbyshire Eoghan , Morgan William T. , Allan James D. , Liu Dantong , Flynn Michael J. , Dorsey James R. , O'Shea Sebastian J. , Lowe Douglas , Szpek Kate , Marenco Franco , Johnson Ben T. , Bauguitte Stephane , Haywood Jim M. , Brito Joel F. , Artaxo Paulo , Longo Karla M. , Coe Hugh
Published: May 2019

Abstract. We examine processes driving the vertical distribution of biomass burning
pollution following an integrated analysis of over 200 pollutant and
meteorological profiles measured in situ during the South AMerican Biomass
Burning Analysis (SAMBBA) field experiment. This study will aid future work
examining the impact of biomass burning on weather, climate and air quality. During the dry season there were significant contrasts in the composition
and vertical distribution of haze between western and eastern regions of
tropical South America. Owing to an active or residual convective mixing
layer, the aerosol abundance was similar from the surface to ∼1.5 km in the west and ∼3 km in the east. Black carbon mass
loadings were double as much in the east (1.7 µg m−3) than the west (0.85 µg m−3), but aerosol scattering coefficients at 550 nm were
similar (∼120 Mm−1), as too were CO near-surface
concentrations (310–340 ppb). We attribute these contrasts to the more
flaming combustion of Cerrado fires in the east and more smouldering
combustion of deforestation and pasture fires in the west. Horizontal wind
shear was important in inhibiting mixed layer growth and plume rise, in
addition to advecting pollutants from the Cerrado regions into the remote
tropical forest of central Amazonia. Thin layers above the mixing layer
indicate the roles of both plume injection and shallow moist convection in
delivering pollution to the lower free troposphere. However, detrainment of
large smoke plumes into the upper free troposphere was very infrequently
observed. Our results reiterate that thermodynamics control the pollutant
vertical distribution and thus point to the need for correct model
representation so that the spatial distribution and vertical structure of biomass
burning smoke is captured. We observed an increase of aerosol abundance relative to CO with altitude
both in the background haze and plume enhancement ratios. It is unlikely
associated with thermodynamic partitioning, aerosol deposition or local
non-fire sources. We speculate it may be linked to long-range transport from
West Africa or fire combustion efficiency coupled to plume injection height.
Further enquiry is required to explain the phenomenon and explore impacts on
regional climate and air quality.