bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Especialidades legislativas para el sector agroalimentario en tiempos de COVID-19 en España
Authors: Muñiz Espada Esther , López Torres Jose Manuel
Published: October 2020

La situación epidemiológica que ha generado la crisis sanitaria como consecuencia del COVID-19 en España ha supuesto la adopción de determinadas medidas en casi todos los ámbitos de la economía. Incluso se ha utilizado para modificar aspectos que no estaban justificados por la urgencia o alarma de la situación sanitaria. El carácter esencial reconocido para la actividad agroalimentaria (agricultura, ganadería, acuicultura, pesca e industria alimentaria) ha permitido mantener la actividad durante todo el estado de alarma. Esta situación excepcional ha exigido medidas urgentes extraordinarias para contrarrestar el impacto económico y social del COVID-19. En el propio sector agrario, el Real Decreto-ley 13/2020 de 7 de abril de 2020 pretendía establecer como medida la compatibilidad de las prestaciones por desempleo u otras prestaciones sociales o laborales con el desempeño de tareas agrarias, atrayendo personas en situación de paro o cese de actividad, así como aquellos trabajadores cuyos contratos hayan sido suspendidos temporalmente o aquellos migrantes cuyo permiso de trabajo iba a finalizar en el período comprendido entre la declaración del estado de alarma y el 30 de junio de 2020 para atender las necesidades de la mano de obra existente. Asimismo, se han adoptado medidas para facilitar la inclusión de los trabajadores en el Sistema Especial de Trabajadores Agrarios Autónomos (SETA), con un menor coste para los sujetos recibidos, mediante Real Decreto-ley 15/2020, de 21 de abril de 2020, de medidas urgentes complementarias para apoyar la economía y el empleo. Para ello, se eliminan todas las condiciones que hasta ahora estaban relacionadas con la renta. Por último, el Real Decreto-ley 19/2020, de 26 de mayo de 2020, por el que se adoptan medidas complementarias en materia agraria, agraria, científica, económica, laboral, de Seguridad Social y tributaria para paliar los efectos del COVID-19, se ha prorrogado por tres meses el contenido del Real Decreto-ley 13/2020, con el objetivo de garantizar la mano de obra suficiente para cubrir las necesidades agrícolas de verano.
Wybrane aspekty realizacji współczesnych ról rodzicielskich ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem zniewolonego macierzyństwa
Authors: Matysiak-Błaszczyk Agata , Ściupider-Młodkowska Mirosława
Published: October 2020

Matysiak-Błaszczyk Agata, Ściupider-Młodkowska Mirosława, Wybrane aspekty realizacji współczesnych ról rodzicielskich ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem zniewolonego macierzyństwa [Selected Aspects of the Implementation of Contemporary Parental Roles, with Special Emphasis on Enslaved Motherhood]. Studia Edukacyjne nr 56, 2020, Poznań 2020, pp. 185-198. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 1233-6688. DOI: 10.14746/se.2020.56.10This text is intended to reveal selected consequences of parenthood in conditions of permanent social change. The authors of the article have analyzed some of the advantages and disadvantages among the parents, who are the norm and the majority of family relationships, as well as in the minority group, who realize their role of being a mother in a space of total isolation. The first part will reveal a parenthood full of tensions in the face of cultural expectations of the multiplicity of choices. The second part of the text is made up of disadvantages of imprisoned parenthood, exposed to particular pressures and destruction of ties, in the destructive arrangements of mothers serving time with their children.
Eudajmonizm w dobie pokolenia Z. Rozważania aksjologiczne
Authors: Grzesiak Emilia
Published: October 2020

Grzesiak Emilia, Eudajmonizm w dobie pokolenia Z. Rozważania aksjologiczne [Eudaimonism in the Era of Generation Z. Axiological Considerations]. Studia Edukacyjne nr 56, 2020, Poznań 2020, pp. 267-296. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 1233-6688. DOI: 10.14746/se.2020.56.15This article deals with the category of happiness and its importance and role for the young people in the 21st century. Happiness in this dimension, however, is not understood as a state of satisfaction (in the individual dimension), but as a goal to which we aspire in our life. The text presents an axiological presentation of the issue, and the considerations cited in the article were referred to one of the ethical positions, which is the idea of eudaimonism.
Potencjał edukacyjny szkoły a strategie adaptacji uczniów
Authors: Murawska Iwona , Przyborowska Beata
Published: October 2020

Murawska Iwona, Przyborowska Beata, Potencjał edukacyjny szkoły a strategie adaptacji uczniów [Educational Potential in Schools and Students’ Adaptation Strategies]. Studia Edukacyjne nr 56, 2020, Poznań 2020, pp. 27-38. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 1233-6688. DOI: 10.14746/se.2020.56.2In the article below, We explore the level of strategies of modern youth, in the context of various ways of adapting to school and being a student in schools of diverse educational potential. For research purposes, We have used an original, five-stage scale to measure student strategies. We developed the scaled based on the Theory of Social Adaptation by R. K. Merton. Adaptation can be implemented through attitudes of conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism and rebellion. The analysis presented is part of a larger project on youth adaptation strategies. The results obtained show the differences in the occurrence of strategies in different types of schools.
Neuropedagogika wśród dyscyplin naukowych – próba doprecyzowania nazewnictwa
Authors: Chojak Małgorzata
Published: October 2020

Chojak Małgorzata, Neuropedagogika wśród dyscyplin naukowych – próba doprecyzowania nazewnictwa [Neuropedagogy Among Scientific Disciplines – an Attempt to Clarify Terminology]. Studia Edukacyjne nr 56, 2020, Poznań 2020, pp. 369-384. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 1233-6688. DOI: 10.14746/se.2020.56.20In the last two decades, more and more publications pedagogical and psychological referring to researchin the field of neurobiology. They appear in them new concepts and names of new disciplines such as neuropedagogy, neurodidactics or educational neuroscience and neuropsychology education. The US, the UK and Canada have attempted to standardize terminology and to clarify the scope of research across disciplines. This publication is not only an attempt to present the theoretical concept of the origin and interrelationships of newly established disciplines based on international scientific sources. The author has decided to embed analyses on the specifics of Polish terms to propose names for an interesting and new field known as Mind, Brain and Education (MBE).
Evaluation of the first immunosuppressive drug assay available on a fully automated LC-MS/MS-based clinical analyzer suggests a new era in laboratory medicine
Authors: Hörber Sebastian , Peter Andreas , Lehmann Rainer , Hoene Miriam
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Due to its high specificity, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is considered the gold standard in diagnostic areas such as therapeutic monitoring of immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs). However, many laboratories still rely on immunoassays for ISD quantification in a tradeoff between analytical performance and the advantages of fully automated analyzers – shorter turnaround times, greater ease of use, and 24/7 availability.

Methods

The LC-MS/MS-based Thermo Scientific™ Cascadion™ SM Immunosuppressant Panel was evaluated for >6 months in the routine laboratory of a university hospital. We assessed the analytical performance of the panel and compared it to conventional LC-MS/MS as well as to immunoassays (cyclosporine A, sirolimus, tacrolimus (Siemens) and everolimus (Thermo Fisher)). In addition, both ISD panel and Cascadion analyzer were scrutinized with regards to, e.g., turnaround time, usability, and robustness.

Results

All ISDs showed high linearity and precision (CV≤6%) and a good correlation with conventional LC-MS/MS. The mean deviation to the immunoassays was 17–19% and negative for all ISDs except everolimus with a positive 19% bias. No weak points were revealed when challenging assay and system with, e.g., high haematocrit, sedimented whole blood or priority samples. The Cascadion integrated well into our 24/7 routine and could easily be operated simultaneously with several other analyzers by technical staff without LC-MS experience.

Conclusions

The ISD panel showed excellent analytical performance and demonstrated that a fully automated LC-MS-based analysis starting from primary samples is feasible, suggesting that LC-MS could become an integral part of 24/7 diagnostics in the near future.
Clinical performance of calcitonin and procalcitonin Elecsys® immunoassays in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Fontana Martina , Keller Franco , Verburg Frederik A. , Ceriani Luca
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is caused by a malignant transformation in the parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid, where calcitonin (CT) is released. Nowadays, CT is the main tumor marker used in the diagnosis and follow-up of MTC patients. Nonetheless, procalcitonin (PCT) has recently been proposed as a useful complementary/alternative biomarker in MTC. Our aims were to investigate the diagnostic performance of CT and PCT and their combination in the differential diagnosis between active and inactive MTC and between MTC and non-MTC thyroid diseases, respectively.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 16 patients with active (i.e. primary tumour before surgery or post-surgical recurrent disease) and 23 with inactive (i.e. complete remission) MTC, 125 patients with non-MTC benign thyroid disease and 62 patients with non-MTC thyroid cancers, respectively. Elecsys® CT and PCT measurements were simultaneously performed on the Cobas e601 platform (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreutz, Switzerland).

Results

Both CT and PCT median values in active MTC (94 pmol/L and 1.17 ng/mL, respectively) were significantly higher compared with inactive MTC (0.28 and 0.06) and either benign (0.37 and 0.06) or malignant (0.28 and 0.06) non-MTC. Undetectable PCT was found in five non-MTC patients with false positive CT results.

Conclusions

Elecsys® PCT assay is a highly sensitive and specific alternative MTC marker. At the very least it appears useful in patients with positive CT results as negative PCT values securely exclude active MTC. The availability of both markers on the same automated platform facilitates reflex or reflective strategies to refine the laboratory diagnosis.
Mobil4Park: development of a sensor-stimulator network for the therapy of freezing of gait in Parkinson patients
Authors: Dvorani Ardit , Wiesener Constantin , Valtin Markus , Voigt Hanno , Kühn Andrea , Wenger Nikolaus , Schauer Thomas
Published: October 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world which mainly affects the human’s motor systems. An estimated number of 7–10 million people worldwide suffer from PD. In Germany, the number of people affected by PD lies at about 300,000 and the number rises every year by approximately 13,000. One of the cardinal symptoms of PD is the freezing of gait (FoG), which arises/appears in the late stages of the PD. FoG is defined as an episodic process with increased restriction of movement or complete blockage despite the intention of moving and, as it can lead to falls and injuries and reduces the quality of life, is considered as one of the most disabling symptoms of PD. In this contribution, we introduce a wearable wireless system designed for gait monitoring and non-invasive electrical stimulation (cueing) in case of a FoG episode.
Extravagant “fake” morphemes in Dutch. Morphological productivity, semantic profiles and categorical flexibility
Authors: Van Goethem Kristel , Norde Muriel
Published: October 2020

Dutch features several morphemes with “privative” semantics that occur as left-hand members in compounds (e.g.,imitatieleer‘imitation leather’,kunstgras‘artificial grass’,nepjuwelen‘fake jewels’). Some of these “fake” morphemes display great categorical flexibility and innovative adjectival uses.Nep, for instance, is synchronically attested as an inflected adjective (e.g.,neppe cupcake‘fake cupcake’). In this paper, we combine an extensive corpus study of eight Dutch “fake” morphemes with statistical methods in distributional semantics and collexeme analysis in order to compare their semantic and morphological properties and to find out which factors are the driving forces behind their exceptional “extravagant” morphological behavior. Our analyses show that debonding and adjectival reanalysis are triggered by an interplay of two factors, i.e., type frequency and semantic coherence, which allow us to range the eight morphemes on a cline from more schematic to more substantive “fake” constructions.
Pyrolysis of corn cob: physico-chemical characterization, thermal decomposition behavior and kinetic analysis
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Sawarkar Ashish N.
Published: October 2020

Bioenergy out of lignocellulosic biomass, especially from agricultural crop residues, is making massive inroads in our quest for sustainable environment. In the present study, detailed physico-chemical characterization, thermal degradation characteristics, and kinetics of pyrolysis of corn cob are reported. Thermogravimetric experiments were performed at different heating rates, such as, 10, 20, and 30 °C/min in an inert atmosphere. Thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curves inferred the thermal behavior characteristics of corn cob. Significant content of cellulose and hemicellulose put together (76.23%) suggested tremendous potential of corn cob to give enhanced yield of bio-oil through pyrolysis. Maximum mass loss of 61.92% for corn cob was observed in the temperature range of 180–360 °C. The kinetic parameters for pyrolysis of corn cob were determined by employing model-free isoconversional methods like, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, and Starink. Activation energy from FWO (62.44 kJ/mol) and Starink (61.74 kJ/mol) method for pyrolysis of corn cob was found to be in close proximity. The results revealed prospective bioenergy potential of corn cob as a feedstock for pyrolysis process.
Radiata pine fretboard material of string instruments treated with furfuryl alcohol followed by tung oil
Authors: Liu Meihong , Lyu Shaoyi , Peng Limin , Lyu Jianxiong , Huang Zhenhua
Published: October 2020

The dimensional instability and inferior mechanical strength of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) limit its use in musical instruments. To improve its properties, a two-step treatment by furfuryl alcohol (FA) and tung oil (TO) were used involving impregnation of FA precursor solution into the wood matrix, forming a highly cross-linked resin, followed by a modification with TO. Examination using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that FA resin was attached in cell walls and lumens, and the solidified TO in cell lumens and occluded pits. The incorporation of FA resin reduced the wood swelling coefficient by over 70% and the hydrophobic solidified TO decreased wood water uptake by over 80% enhancing wood dimensional stability. Although FA resin improved the modulus of elasticity and hardness of the wood, the modulus of rupture and impact bending strength were reduced. However, the additional TO impregnation step improved the modulus of rupture, impact bending strength, and wear resistance of the furfurylated wood. The performance of FA and TO treated radiata pine wood was better than that treated with FA or TO alone, and could meet the performance requirements of wood used for fretboard of string instruments.
Quality assessment of teak (Tectona grandis) wood from trees grown in a multi-stratified agroforestry system established in an Amazon rainforest area
Authors: Mascarenhas Adriano Reis Prazeres , Sccoti Marta Silvana Volpato , Melo Rafael Rodolfo de , Corrêa Fernando Luiz de Oliveira , Souza Emanuel Fernando Maia de , Pimenta Alexandre Santos
Published: October 2020

The establishment of agroforestry systems (AFS) is a consistent strategy to integrate sustainable supply of wood, food and environmental services in a single land plot. Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) is an interesting option for the tree component in AFS, though there is a lack of information on its potential. This study aimed to characterize the quality of teak wood produced in an AFS regarding its technological characteristics and best end uses. Wood was sampled from a multi-stratified AFS located in the midwestern region of Rondônia state, Brazil, more specifically in a formerly deforested area of Amazon rainforest. The AFS is composed of double-ranked perennial crops and the forest component has growing space of 5.0 × 2.5 m. Physical-mechanical properties of teak wood were assessed and the results indicated its medium to high dimensional stability along with mechanical performance very close to that determined for wood from either homogeneous plantations or natural forests. Specific strength was significantly higher than some tropical wood species with higher densities. Teak wood from the AFS reached the minimum requirements for structural applications, with suitable properties to be used in the manufacture of decks, partitions and, residential flooring.
MXene/wood-based composite materials with electromagnetic shielding properties
Authors: Wang Zhenxing , Han Xiaoshuai , Wang Sijie , Han Xuewen , Pu Junwen
Published: October 2020

With the growing popularity in digital systems and electronic communication equipment, there is an urgent need to develop lightweight, green, and efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials to handle the increasingly serious problem of radiation pollution. Herein, Ti3C2Tx (MXene)/natural wood (NW) composites were prepared using a vacuum-pulse impregnation method and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, and EMI shielding performance. As demonstrated, Ti3C2Tx nanosheets were successfully inserted into wood matrices, and hydrogen bonding between Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and cellulose nanofibers induced the fabrication of Ti3C2Tx/NW composites. Ti3C2Tx/NW composites exhibited excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) values of 28.2 dB at the X-band frequency.
In-situ penetration of ionic liquids during surface densification of Scots pine
Authors: Neyses Benedikt , Peeters Kelly , Buck Dietrich , Rautkari Lauri , Sandberg Dick
Published: October 2020

The moisture-induced recovery of compressed wood is one of the major problems of wood densification technology. Achieving a cost-efficient surface densification process without the need for additional resins to eliminate the set-recovery may lead to an increase in value of low-density wood species. A previous study has shown that a pre-treatment with ionic liquids (ILs) can nearly eliminate the set-recovery. It was however observed that during the pre-treatment process the IL did not penetrate sufficiently deep into the wood to explain the achieved reduction in set-recovery. Based on these findings, the hypothesis was posed that further penetration of the IL into the wood occurs during the densification stage as a consequence of the applied heat and pressure. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and gas-chromatography mass-selective-detection (GC-MSD) showed that the depth of penetration of the IL was greater after the densification process than before. Digital image correlation (DIC) showed that in regions with a high IL concentration, there was almost no set-recovery, and it gradually increased with a decrease in the IL concentration, as observed with TGA and GC-MSD analysis.
Morphological dependent effect of cell-free formed supramolecular fibronectin on cellular activities
Authors: Le Phong , Mai-Thi Hoang-Nghi , Stoldt Volker R. , Tran Ngoc Quyen , Huynh Khon
Published: October 2020

Fibrillar fibronectin (FFN), an active form of fibronectin (FN), plays important roles in various cellular processes. Our goal is to investigate effect of FFN morphology on cellular behaviors. Plasma FN at two concentrations was cross-linked into FFN by dialysis against 2 M urea followed by morphological analysis under Scanning Electron Microscopy. To evaluate effect of FFN morphology, fibroblasts were cultured on FN or different FFNs. Fibroblast behaviors including adhesion, spreading, and migration were evaluated. Our data showed that FN fibrillogenesis was dependent on FN concentration. At high concentrations (0.75 mg/mL), large FFN approximately 2.167 + 0.875 µm in diameter were formed with attached nodular structures and rough surface. In contrast, smooth surface FFN fibrils with diameter of 1.886 + 0.412 µm were formed from FN at 0.25 mg/mL. Cellular assays revealed morphological dependent biological effects of different FFNs. Fibroblast separately adhered to native FN and remained spherical while on FFN, cells attached with higher quantity and showed spreading morphology. A synergistic ligand interaction of integrin α5β1 and αvβ3 was observed in cell adhering on FFN. Cell migration results showed that large FFN decreased migration rate while small FFN did not. Taken together, our data draws new attention towards controlling biological function of FN by its fibrillar structure.
On effects of shape, aspect ratio and position of obstacle on the mixing enhancement in micromixer with hexagonal-shaped chambers
Authors: Gidde Ranjitsinha R.
Published: October 2020

The micromixer geometry presented consists of T-type micromixer with premixing chamber, hexagonal shaped chambers and obstacles. In order to observe influences of obstacle shape, aspect ratio and position, simulations are carried out for two types of obstacle shapes viz. rectangular and triangular for the Reynold number in the range from 0.1 to 75. Flow and mixing dynamics are studied to investigate the effect of geometric modifications for identifying the mixing mechanisms. The effect of obstacle shape, aspect ratio and position is investigated using the performance characteristics viz. mixing index and pressure drop quantitatively. Both the micromixers demonstrate different mixing mechanisms, including transverse flow, vortices and chaotic advection due to split and recombination action. The mixing performance is diffusion dominated below Re < 5 and it is advection dominated beyond Re > 5. At Re ≥ 20, the mixing index observed is 0.80 in all the micromixer design configurations.
Easy removal of nitrate and phosphate anions from water by low cost chitosan and activated charcoal
Authors: Reddy Katlakanti Mohan , Singh Samarth Pratap
Published: October 2020

Presence of nitrate and phosphate ions is difficult to remove from the lakes, as they are highly soluble in water. A way of chemical method adopted to remove these ions from the drinking water using the simple method use of naturally abundant chitosan with charcoal. Adsorption of nitrate and phosphate anions from aqueous solution (water/waste water) on both the chitosan and activated charcoal was investigated. In batch mode adsorption study leads to developing efficient low-cost removal method is important to protect the aquatic environment from the high concentration of nitrate and phosphate anions intake as well as adverse effects on human health. The modified chitosan microspheres had a laudable performance for nitrate and phosphate adsorption Use of this material as an adsorbent is a cheaper and biocompatible method. A systematic study of the adsorption of nitrate and phosphate anions on chitosan and activated charcoal was performed by varying the pH, the initial concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage. The results demonstrate that the adsorption process was followed adsorption kinetics of both first and second order kinetics when we use of the chitosan and activated charcoal and chitosan is promising for treating water that is contaminated with nitrate and phosphate anions.
Numerical investigation of hydrodynamics and heat transfer for Bingham-pseudoplastic fluids in an industrial coiled stirred tank
Authors: Wang Jianqing , Song Jinxing , Yu Bencheng , Jiang Shuxian , Wang Jiajun , Feng Lian-Fang
Published: October 2020

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to investigate the influence of complex rheological properties for Bingham-pseudoplastic fluids on hydrodynamics and heat transfer performance in an industrial polymerization coiled agitated reactor. The fluid rheology was described by the Herschel–Bulkley rheological model. The power consumption obtained by CFD simulation was in good agreement with the plant data. The relationship between the Metzner–Otto constant and power-law index for dual axial flow impellers was investigated. The hydrodynamics strongly depends on the rheological parameters and rotational speed. The flow domain is composed of two parts: the cavern around the impellers, and the stagnant zone adjacent to helical coils and tank wall which resulting in poor mixing and heat transfer performance. With the increase of rotational speed, the stagnant zone could be effectively eliminated, while the heat transfer performance could be significantly improved.
Effect of fermentation by various bacterial strains on quality of dried duck meat slice
Authors: Lu Yinyin , He Jun , Cao Jinxuan , Dang Yali , Sun Yangying , Pan Daodong
Published: October 2020

The effects of fermentation on the sensory qualities, lipid oxidation, harmful substances, and microbial growth of dried duck meat slice (DDMS) were investigated. The results showed that the optimal fermentation was controlled at 22.18 °C for 49.15 h with the mixed inoculation (7.09 log CFU/g) of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Pediococcus pentosaceus (2:1). Under the optimal fermentation conditions, the fermented DDMS presented higher scores of color (9.0 ± 0.16), aroma (8.8 ± 0.35), and total (8.9 ± 0.24) with lower hardness (5316 ± 98.80 g), compared to control (8.6 ± 0.21, 8.3 ± 0.26, 8.4 ± 0.08, and 7016 ± 114.17 g, respectively). Meanwhile, the histamine content decreased, and the nitrite content was reduced by nearly 60% in fermented DDMS. The lipid oxidation and microbial growth (Escherichia coli, mold, and yeast) in DDMS were also inhibited by fermentation. It provides useful data for improving the quality and safety of meat products.
Research on prediction model of thermal and moisture comfort of underwear based on principal component analysis and Genetic Algorithm–Back Propagation neural network
Authors: Cheng Pengpeng , Chen Daoling , Wang Jianping
Published: October 2020

In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of thermal and moisture comfort prediction of underwear, a new prediction model is designed by using principal component analysis method to reduce the dimension of related variables and eliminate the multi-collinearity relationship between variables, and then inputting the converted variables into genetic algorithm (GA) and BP neural network. In order to avoid the problems of slow convergence speed and easy falling into local minimum of Back Propagation (BP) neural network, this paper adopted GA to optimize the weights and thresholds of BP neural network, and utilized MATLAB software to program, and established the prediction models of BP neural network and GA–BP neural network. To verify the superiority of the model, the predicted result of GA–BP, PCA–BP and BP are compared with GA–BP neural network. The results show that PCA could improve the accuracy and adaptability of GA–BP neural network for thermal and moisture comfort prediction. PCA–GA–BP model is obviously superior to GA–BP, PCA–BP, BP, SVM and K-means prediction models, which could accurately predict thermal and moisture comfort of underwear. The model has better accuracy prediction and simpler structure.
Modeling of Separation in a Binary Mixture with Negative Soret Effect in a Cylindrical Thermogravitational Column
Authors: Kozlova Sofia V. , Ryzhkov Ilya I. , Bou-Ali M. Mounir
Published: October 2020

A numerical simulation of convective instability of a binary fluid with negative Soret effect in a cylindrical thermogravitational column is performed. The general problem statement, including equations of motion and heat/mass transfer with boundary conditions, are written in cylindrical coordinates. This is implemented in order to take into account the impact of the column geometry on the separation process and stability of the convective flow. The calculations for two cylindrical columns are performed in Ansys Fluent 14.5. The used parameters and values of applied temperature differences between the walls correspond to the reported experimental data. The considered binary fluid is an ethanol–water mixture at a concentration ratio of 0.2204/0.7796. At such a composition the mixture exhibits a negative Soret effect (the lighter component, ethanol, is enriched in the cold region). The results of simulation show that the convective flow in the column with a smaller gap between the walls is unstable for all applied temperature differences, while it remains stable in the column with a larger gap.
Design of multiplexing circuit using electro-optic effect based optical waveguides
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Srivastava Vivek Kumar , Pratap Aditya , Pal Amrindra , Sharma Sandeep
Published: October 2020

The multiplexer is a combinational circuit that transfers multiple data inputs over a single output line. The input data are selected and transferred to the output line based on the selection line. In this work, 2 × 1 and 4 × 1 multiplexer is proposed. The proposed multiplexer has been worked out using the electro-optic principle. It is implemented using lithium niobate-based Mach–Zehnder interferometer (LN-MZI). LN-MZI is used as an optical switching device. The performance parameters extinction ratio, contrast ratio and insertion loss have been computed and found 31.31, 28.02 and 0.043 dB respectively.
Clinical evaluation of labor: an evidence- and experience-based approach
Authors: Cohen Wayne R. , Friedman Emanuel A.
Published: October 2020

During labor mother and fetus are evaluated at intervals to assess their well-being and determine how the labor is progressing. These assessments require skillful physical diagnosis and the ability to translate the acquired information into meaningful prognostic decision-making. We describe a coordinated approach to the assessment of labor. Graphing of serial measurements of cervical dilatation and fetal station creates “labor curves,” which provide diagnostic and prognostic information. Based on these curves we recognize nine discrete labor abnormalities. Many may be related to insufficient or disordered contractile mechanisms. Several factors are strongly associated with development of labor disorders, including cephalopelvic disproportion, excess analgesia, fetal malpositions, intrauterine infection, and maternal obesity. Clinical cephalopelvimetry involves assessing pelvic traits and predicting their effects on labor. These observations must be integrated with information derived from the labor curves. Exogenous oxytocin is widely used. It has a high therapeutic index, but is easily misused. Oxytocin treatment should be restricted to situations in which its potential benefits clearly outweigh its risks. This requires there be a documented labor dysfunction or a legitimate medical reason to shorten the labor. Normal labor and delivery pose little risk to a healthy fetus; but dysfunctional labors, especially if stimulated excessively by oxytocin or terminated by complex operative vaginal delivery, have the potential for considerable harm. Conscientiously implemented, the approach to the evaluation of labor outlined in this review will result in a reasonable cesarean rate and minimize risks that may accrue from the labor and delivery process.
Pre-operative tranexemic acid vs. etamsylate in reducing blood loss during elective cesarean section: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Torky Haitham , El-Desouky El-Sayed , Abo-Elmagd Ibrahim , Mohamed Attia , Abdalhamid Ahmad , El-shahat Ashraf , Ahmed Sileem Sileem , Tawfick Mahmoud M. , Abo-Louz Ashraf , Hussein Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether etamsylate may be an alternative to tranexamic acid in reduction of blood loss during elective cesarean section.

Methods

Prospective double-blinded multi-center randomized controlled trial involving 180 qualified women equally divided into three groups each containing 60 women received either tranexamic acid, etamsylate or placebo 20 min before elective cesarean section and blood loss was estimated.

Results

Mean blood loss, cases needing blood transfusion and cases needing further interventions were significantly lower in tranexamic acid and etamsylate group than placebo group, while mean postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrite were significantly higher in both tranexamic acid and etamsylate as compared to placebo.

Conclusions

Etamsylate is an effective second-line therapy (after tranexamic acid) in reducing blood loss during elective cesarean section with low risk of side effects, therefore, it can be an effective alternative to tranexamic acid in cases with contraindications or anticipated to be at high-risk of developing side effects from tranexamic acid.
Linguae francae als Instrument symbolischer Macht in den Internationalen Brigaden
Authors: Orlova Iryna
Published: October 2020

The multilingual nature of the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War raises the question of means of communication in different war contexts. This article focuses on the use of a lingua franca as a strategy of understanding between volunteers from more than 53 nations, as well between these and their military and political leaders. Drawing on the Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of linguistic capital, the language choice is understood as a representation of social power relations. So that, the analysis of language choice and language usage in a Civil War conflict brings new insights about the organization and functioning of the International Brigades, the centers of power and their change in the course of the war.
Propagation stability in optical fibers: role of path memory and angular momentum
Authors: Ma Zelin , Ramachandran Siddharth
Published: October 2020

With growing interest in the spatial dimension of light, multimode fibers, which support eigenmodes with unique spatial and polarization attributes, have experienced resurgent attention. Exploiting this spatial diversity often requires robust modes during propagation, which, in realistic fibers, experience perturbations such as bends and path redirections. By isolating the effects of different perturbations an optical fiber experiences, we study the fundamental characteristics that distinguish the propagation stability of different spatial modes. Fiber perturbations can be cast in terms of the angular momentum they impart on light. Hence, the angular momentum content of eigenmodes (including their polarization states) plays a crucial role in how different modes are affected by fiber perturbations. We show that, accounting for common fiber-deployment conditions, including the more subtle effect of light’s path memory arising from geometric Pancharatnam–Berry phases, circularly polarized orbital angular momentum modes are the most stable eigenbasis for light propagation in suitably designed fibers. Aided by this stability, we show a controllable, wavelength-agnostic means of tailoring light’s phase due to its geometric phase arising from path memory effects. We expect that these findings will help inform the optimal modal basis to use in the variety of applications that envisage using higher-order modes of optical fibers.
Temporal assessment of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria: prospects for circular economy adoption
Authors: Ezeudu Obiora B. , Agunwamba Jonah C. , Ugochukwu Uzochukwu C. , Ezeudu Tochukwu S.
Published: October 2020

This work reviewed the past and current status of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Nigeria towards offering a direction for the future. The past status shows that poor policy regimes, inadequate financing mechanisms, absence of waste data, and abysmal institutional arrangement negatively impacted the MSW management outcomes in the country. At present, few improvements recorded like an increase in the number of landfills, and public-private partnerships have been largely undermined by the continuous upsurge in the urban population and lack of corresponding growth in critical capacities in terms of economic resources, technological advancement, and state-of-the-art urban infrastructures. The current waste generated in cities in Nigeria is calculated as 66,828 tonnes per day (TPD) at the total urban population of 106 million, while the projected value for 2040 will be 125,473 TPD at the urban population of 199 million. The current work further discusses prospects and implications for circular economy adoption in solid waste valorization in Nigeria.
Zur rechtlichen Qualifikation der Beziehung von Stiftungsvorstand und Stiftung
Authors: Markworth David
Published: October 2020

Privatrechtliche Stiftungen dienen in Deutschland zumeist gemeinnützigen Zwecken. Mittlerweile kommt der Stiftung daneben aber eine herausragende Stellung im Rahmen der Familienvermögensplanung zu. Umso wichtiger erscheint die Begleitung dieser dynamischen Organisationsform auch vonseiten des Gesellschaftsrechts. Daran anknüpfend unternimmt es der vorliegende Beitrag, die Rechtsnatur des Verhältnisses von Vorstand und Stiftung zu untersuchen. Im Mittelpunkt steht dabei die Frage nach der Prägung des Stiftungsgesellschaftsrechts durch das Auftragsrecht. Das Stiftungsrecht verweist in §§ 86 Satz 1 BGB über § 27 Abs. 3 Satz 1 BGB mittelbar auf die auftragsrechtlichen §§ 664 bis 670 BGB. Verbreitet wird den Wertungen des Auftrags sogar ein über den unmittelbaren Verweisumfang noch hinausgehender Bedeutungsgehalt für die Stiftung zugesprochen. Dem wird hier entgegengetreten und stattdessen für eine autonom-organschaftliche Bestimmung der Beziehung von Vorstand und Stiftung plädiert. Zudem wird der Vorschlag unterbreitet, die anstehende Stiftungsrechtsreform zum Anlass dazu zu nehmen, auf Verweise in das Auftragsrecht gänzlich zu verzichten, da sie die eigentlichen Rechtsbeziehungen innerhalb der Stiftung verschleiern.
Die satzungsmäßige Abführung der Aufsichtsratsvergütung von Gewerkschaftsmitgliedern
Authors: Sagan Adam
Published: October 2020

Seit langer Zeit verpflichten die Mitgliedsgewerkschaften des Deutschen Gewerkschaftsbundes (DGB) ihre Mitglieder, die als Vertreter der Arbeitnehmer ein Aufsichtsratsmandat wahrnehmen, einen erheblichen Teil der hieraus resultierenden Vergütung insbesondere an die Hans-Böckler-Stiftung abzuführen. Die Abführungspflicht ist in der jüngeren Vergangenheit mehrfach Gegenstand gerichtlicher Auseinandersetzungen gewesen. Ihre rechtliche Zulässigkeit ist lebhaft umstritten. Sowohl die zivil- als auch die arbeitsgerichtliche Rechtsprechung hegt keine durchgreifenden Bedenken gegen die Abführungspflicht. Im Schrifttum mehren sich hingegen kritische Stimmen. Das OLG Frankfurt a. M. hatte nun schon zum zweiten Mal darüber zu entscheiden, ob ein Gewerkschaftsmitglied zur Abführung seiner Aufsichtsratsvergütung auch dann verpflichtet ist, wenn es ohne gewerkschaftliche Unterstützung für das Amt im Aufsichtsrat kandidiert hat.
Effect of Recycled Asphalt Pavement Binder on Rheology of Crumb Rubber–Modified Binder—An Experimental, Analytical, and Analogical Study
Authors: Singh Dharamveer , Showkat Burhan , Girimath Shashibhushan
Published: October 2020

The popularity of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is on the rise because of the benefits of sustainability. In an unavoidable scenario wherein crumb rubber–modified binder (CRMB) is adopted as a base binder in RAP mixes, the binder from RAP will blend with CRMB, thereby influencing its rheology and performance at high, intermediate, and low temperature. Hence, in this study, binder extracted from two RAP sources (RAP X and RAP Y) was blended with CRMB at varying proportions of 15, 25, and 40 % by weight. Isochronal temperature sweeps, isothermal frequency sweeps, and bending beam rheometer tests were conducted on the prepared blends. Thereafter, analytical and analogical studies were performed using master curve construction, 2S2P1D, and Huet modelling. The results indicated that RAP from different sources affects the high-, intermediate-, and low-temperature performance of CRMB. Different RAPs were observed to have contrasting effects on high-temperature performance grading. Intermediate-temperature performance based on cross-over temperature (TCROSS-OVER) indicated a compromise because of the inclusion of RAPs. An evaluation of the differences among critical temperatures at low temperature (ΔTc) indicated the degradation of low-temperature performance. Such changes in high-, intermediate-, and low-temperature performances were validated by complex modulus (G*), stiffness (S(t)), and stress relaxation (E(t)) master curves. Finally, the 2S2P1D and Huet model were observed to depict reasonably good fits for the prepared blends. This study concludes that RAPs from different sources have contrasting impact on CRMB and may adversely impact the intermediate- and low-temperature performance.
STIMULANT MEDICATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH ENHANCING, RATHER THAN UNDERMINING, PERCEPTIONS OF THE TRUE ACADEMIC SELF
Authors: Pillow David R. , Crabtree Meghan A. , Hale Willie J. , Kordab Sally , Hoza Betsy
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Stimulant medication is effective in treating Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder, and by removing barriers to success, may enhance perceptions of authenticity (i.e., feeling like one's true, core, autonomous self) among those receiving medication. In contrast, it is also possible that stimulant medications undermine perceptions of authenticity.

Methods: To examine these two possibilities, 64 undergraduate students with a history of ADHD and medication usage wrote a narrative about a time when they felt either: least authentic while taking medication, most authentic while taking medication, least authentic while unmedicated, or most authentic while unmedicated. Participants then completed retrospective assessments concerning that experience.

Results: Supporting the medication enhancement possibility, participants reported greater need satisfaction and more positive mood states when recalling states in which they were most like their true selves on medication than when off—especially when reporting on their academic selves. No differences were found on a state measure of prescriptive authenticity.

Discussion: Results are discussed with respect to linkages to the literature on attributions and stimulant medications. Limitations and future research design possibilities are discussed as more research is needed regarding managing stimulant medication and authentic identities.
The Noise Abatement Campaign in Industrializing Japan, 1923–37
Authors: Hosokawa Shuhei
Published: October 2020

Drawing on Karin Bijsterveld’s triple definition of noise as ownership, political responsibility, and causal responsibility, this article traces how modern Japan problematized noise, and how noise represented both the aspirational discourse of Western civilization and the experiential nuisance accompanying rapid changes in living conditions in 1920s Japan. Primarily based on newspaper archives, the analysis will approach the problematic of noise as it was manifested in different ways in the public and private realms. In the public realm, the mid-1920s marked a turning point due to the reconstruction work after the Great Kantô Earthquake (1923) and the spread of the use of radios, phonographs, and loudspeakers. Within a few years, public opinion against noise had been formed by a coalition of journalists, police, the judiciary, engineers, academics, and municipal officials. This section will also address the legal regulation of noise and its failure; because public opinion was “owned” by middle-class (sub)urbanites, factory noises in downtown areas were hardly included in noise abatement discourse. Around 1930, the sounds of radios became a social problem, but the police and the courts hesitated to intervene in a “private” conflict, partly because they valued radio as a tool for encouraging nationalist mobilization and transmitting announcements from above. In sum, this article investigates the diverse contexts in which noise was perceived and interpreted as such, as noise became an integral part of modern life in early 20th-century Japan.
LIPE-related lipodystrophic syndrome: clinical features and disease modeling using adipose stem cells
Authors: Sollier Camille , Capel Emilie , Aguilhon Caroline , Smirnov Vasily , Auclair Martine , Douillard Claire , Ladsous Miriam , Defoort-Dhellemmes Sabine , Gorwood Jennifer , Braud Laura , Motterlini Roberto , Vatier Camille , Lascols Olivier , Renard Eric , Vigouroux Corinne , Jéru Isabelle
Published: October 2020

Objective

The term Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis (MSL) describes a heterogeneous group of rare monogenic disorders and multifactorial conditions, characterized by upper-body adipose masses. Biallelic variants in LIPE encoding hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), a key lipolytic enzyme, were implicated in three families worldwide. We aimed to further delineate LIPE-related clinical features and pathophysiological determinants.

Methods

A gene panel was used to identify pathogenic variants. The disease features were reviewed at the French lipodystrophy reference center. The immunohistological, ultrastructural, and protein expression characteristics of lipomatous tissue were determined in surgical samples from one patient. The functional impact of variants was investigated by developing a model of adipose stem cells (ASCs) isolated from lipomatous tissue.

Results

We identified new biallelic LIPE null variants in three unrelated patients referred for MSL and/or partial lipodystrophy. The hallmarks of the disease, appearing in adulthood, included lower-limb lipoatrophy, upper-body and abdominal pseudo-lipomatous masses, diabetes and/or insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, liver steatosis, high blood pressure, and neuromuscular manifestations. Ophthalmological investigations revealed numerous auto-fluorescent drusen-like retinal deposits in all patients. Lipomatous tissue and patient ASCs showed loss of HSL and decreased expression of adipogenic and mature adipocyte markers. LIPE-mutated ASCs displayed impaired adipocyte differentiation, decreased insulin response, defective lipolysis, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conslusions

Biallelic LIPE null variants result in a multisystemic disease requiring multidisciplinary care. Loss of HSL expression impairs adipocyte differentiation, consistent with the lipodystrophy/MSL phenotype and associated metabolic complications. Detailed ophthalmological examination could reveal retinal damage, further pointing to the nervous tissue as an important disease target.