bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A taxonomic revision of Liparis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Malaxideae) in Thailand

Authors: TETSANA NAIYANA , SRIDITH KITICHATE , WATTHANA SANTI , PEDERSEN HENRIK Æ.
Published: October 2019

Following a historical outline, the methods and results of a taxonomic revision of Liparis in Thailand are presented. Applying the traditional methods and techniques of morphology-based botanical revision work, the revision mainly relied on examination of dried and liquid-preserved specimens from 13 herbaria. However, the herbarium studies were supplemented with observations of live plants made during 24 field trips to five of the seven floristic regions of Thailand. The taxonomic value of selected morphological characters is assessed, and ecological aspects are surveyed together with occurrence patterns in Thailand and the overall geographic affinities of the Liparis species represented in the Thai flora. Thirty-seven species are accepted, whereas reports of L. distans and L. kwangtungensis from Thailand are treated as dubious. One new species, L. buddhawongii, is described as new, based on material from Doi Ang Khang in Chiang Mai province. Full taxonomic accounts are provided for the genus and species, including a dichotomous key to the species. Whereas the synonymies are intended to be complete, all morphological descriptions have been prepared exclusively from Thai material. The accepted names L. balansae and L. resupinata are lectotypified, whereas a neotype is designated for L. ferruginea; L. downii and L. melanoglossa are proposed as new taxonomic (heterotypic) synonyms. All accepted species are illustrated by line drawings, and references are provided to additional good illustrations in the literature.
The genus Paradoneis (Annelida: Paraonidae) from the Sea of Marmara, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: ERDOĞAN-DERELI DENIZ , ÇINAR MELIH ERTAN
Published: October 2019

The present study deals with the diversity of the genus Paradoneis (Annelida: Paraonidae) from the Sea of Marmara. Examination of materials collected from various soft and hard substrata from depths between 10 and 1200 m in the region revealed the presence of four species, among which one was already known from the region (P. ilvana), one was a new record for the Sea of Marmara (P. armata) and other two (P. heterochaeta n. sp. and P. longifurcata n. sp.) were new to science. Paradoneis heterochaeta n. sp. is characterized mainly by having a proportionately large size, by its pigmentation on the body, by bearing minute notopodial postchaetal lobes and by possessing two types of lyrate chaetae. Paradoneis longifurcata n. sp. is mainly characterized by having weakly jointed notopodial postchaetal lobes and lyrate chaetae with the long branch being up to 4.5 times longer than the short branch. All species found in the area are described and discussed.
Neuropterida (Insecta: Megaloptera, Raphidioptera, Neuroptera) of Pakistan: a catalogue and faunistic review
Authors: HASSAN MUHAMMAD ASGHAR , OSWALD JOHN D. , ZIA AHMED , LIU XINGYUE
Published: October 2019

The first comprehensive catalogue of the extant Neuropterida of Pakistan is presented, and the known distributions of all of these species from Pakistan are summarized. The fauna, as presently known, comprises 113 species in 63 genera and 11 families, but this certainly attributes to a significant under-representation of the true fauna. Eighteen species are presently known only from Pakistan and are possibly endemic. The biogeography and several related aspects of the fauna are discussed.
Description of the second juvenile stage of the blue-fingered burrowing crayfish Parastacus caeruleodactylus (Decapoda: Astacidea: Parastacidae)
Authors: RIBEIRO FELIPE BEZERRA , GOMES KELLY MARTINEZ , HUBER AUGUSTO FREDERICO , ARAUJO PAULA BEATRIZ
Published: October 2019

This study describes and illustrates the morphology of the second juvenile stage of the blue-fingered burrowing crayfish Parastacus caeruleodactylus. One female carrying 20 juveniles was collected in January 2019 from a swamp forest in the municipality of Dom Pedro de Alcântara, state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Juveniles were dissected and the appendages were mounted in slides. The general morphology and the pattern of attachment of the second juvenile stage of P. caeruleodactylus correspond to that reported for other parastacids. The main differences among the co-generic species are related to the number of articles in the flagella of the antennae, the number of spines in the antennal scale, the number of setae in the articles of the appendages, the number of teeth in the mandible molar and incisor processes, the absence of segmentation in the exopod flagellum of the maxillipeds and the number of teeth in the crista dentata of the ischium of maxilliped 3.
Effect of Crack Length on Strength Recovery of Silicon-Carbide-Whisker-Reinforced Silicon Nitride Upon Healing Treatment
Authors: Hu Jun Feng , Deng Xi , Yang Yong , Chen Zhou
Published: October 2019

A silicon carbide whisker (SiCw) reinforced silicon nitride (Si3N4) composite ceramic was selected to study the crack-healing performance. Pre-cracks of various length were introduced on the tensile side of specimens by Vickers hardness tester. The crack-healing
performance as a function of heating temperature and crack dimension, as well as the crack-healing mechanism were investigated. The optimal heat treatment temperature for crack-healing of Si3N4/SiCw is 1200–1300 °C. The treatment allows complete healing
of a crack of 200 μm after heat treated at 1300 °C, and achievement of a substantial strength recovery for pre-cracked specimens even with much longer cracks (1200 μm). Crack closure and strength recovery of the pre-cracked specimen were considered to be triggered by
the creation of SiO2, liquid aluminosilicate glass and silicon yttrium oxide by the oxidation reaction as filling mechanism during heat treatment.
Study of Sonochemical Effect on Dibenzothiophene in Deionized Water, Natural Water and Sea Water
Authors: Mousally Sameera M. M. , Al-Zaydi Khadijah M. , Petrier Christian , Arab Sana T. , Refat Moamen S.
Published: October 2019

This paper deals with studying the sonochemical effect for water treatment purposes from the dibenzothiophene (DBT) as polycyclic aromatic sulfur hydrocarbons, one of the most impurities found in waste water coming from petroleum industry. A comparison for the results obtained from
previous studies at 20 kHz and with our results at 352 kHz has been done. The influence of organic compounds in the water matrix, as a mixture with dibenzothiophene was also evaluated. The results indicated that some competition occurs in the case of the mixture Bisphenol A/dibenzothiophene.
The results presented in this work depict the study of the interesting potential of ultrasound to treat different types of water contaminated with polycyclic aromatic sulfur hydrocarbons such as dibenzothiophene and comparison for the degradation profile with benzothiophene which explained
previously by us.
Significant Enhancement of the Adhesion Properties of Chemically Functionalized Polypropylene
Authors: Lee Byoungsang , Heo Jun Hyuk , Lee Jin Woong , Cho Hui Hun , Lee Jung Heon
Published: October 2019

Organosilicon compounds have been actively used with nano- and micro-fillers to improve the adhesion and mechanical properties. However, studies on the adhesion properties of polymeric materials, such as polypropylene (PP), functionalized with organosilicon compounds are limited. Here,
we investigated the adhesion of organosilanized PP substrates, functionalized using (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) as coupling agents, with epoxy adhesives. The curing of epoxy-functionalized PP (PP-EPOXY) with triethylenetetramine (TETA)
hardener led to the chemical crosslinking of TETA with PP-EPOXY, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vacuum Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Similarly, the curing of amine-functionalized PP (PP-NH2) with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) epoxy resin
led to the chemical crosslinking of the resin with PP-NH2. Finally, we measured the adhesion properties of the functionalized PP substrates using an adhesive composed of DGEBA and TETA based on ASTM D3163 and observed that the shear strength of PP-EPOXY and PP-NH2 increased
significantly up to 580% and 506% as compared with that of bare PP. These results strongly suggest that the functionalization of PP significantly contributes to the improvement of adhesion with an adhesive.
Fabrication of Pdop/Ag/Pdop Film on NiTi Alloys for Enhancing Their Corrosion Resistant and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Yin Yongkui , Li Ying , Cai Wei , Sui Jiehe
Published: October 2019

NiTi alloys have been intensively applied in biomedical fields because of their unique intrinsic properties. However, the high content of nickel of NiTi alloys is the major concern on their applications of biomedical fields. In addition, the postoperative infections still may be occurred
due to the intrinsic unsatisfied antibacterial activity of NiTi. To overcome the above barriers, a silver-polydopamine (Ag/Pdop) composite film was covered on NiTi surface. The modified NiTi exhibited much better antibacterial and corrosion resistance properties than that of the polished NiTi
but higher cell toxicity to human bone mesenchymal (hBMSCs). In order to improve the cytocompatibility, a second polydopamine (Pdop) film was coated on Ag/Pdop, forming a novel sandwich like Pdop/Ag/Pdop composite film. Despite the Pdop/Ag/Pdop exhibited a weaker antibacterial performance
than that of Ag/Pdop, its cytocompatibility enhanced obviously. In addition, the Pdop/Ag/Pdop modified NiTi showed a better corrosion resistance than that of the Ag/Pdop. The above excellent properties made the Pdop/Ag/Pdop modified NiTi more suitable for biomedical fields.
Production of Functional Yogurt Drink, Apple and Orange Juice Using Nano-Encapsulated L. brevis Within Sodium Alginate-Based Biopolymers
Authors: Mohaisen Mohammed Jawad M. , Yildirim Rusen Metin , Yilmaz Mustafa Tahsin , Durak Muhammed Zeki
Published: October 2019

The study objective was to improve functional properties of yogurt drink, apple and orange which were produced by addition of free and encapsulated probiotics. For this purpose, probiotic L. brevis E25 bacterial cells were encapsulated in sodium alginate by electrospinning method.
In this study, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), XRD, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques were used to characterize the L. brevis encapsulated with nanofiber. The free and nano-encapsulated probiotic bacteria were inoculated
into ayran, apple and orange juice, where bacterial viability, pH, brix and color were assessed each 3 days for the ayran and each week for the apple and orange juice for six-week period. The encapsulated probiotic organisms showed an important survival ratio in the three products comparing
to the free probiotic bacteria, where the pH and the brix showed no decreasing leading to conclude that the nanoencapsulation of probiotic L. brevis cell using the electrospinning method lead to functional yet more stable food and have the potential of increased benefits.
The Performance of Composite Nanoparticles Based on Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA/PFOB in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Qin Huihao , Zhang Wei , Luo Yi , Wei Yubo , Sun Shenglu , Chen Jingya
Published: October 2019

Polylactic acid glycolic acid (PLGA), a polymer material, is used as a shell and perfluorooctane (PFOB) as the core. Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles are distributed in the shell to prepare a magnetic phase change multifunctional nano emulsion contrast agent
(Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA/PFOB). The ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and CT imaging effects of the contrast agent on normal rat liver parenchyma are investigated. Methods: Single emulsification method is used to prepare Fe3O4@SiO2-loaded
polymer Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA/PFOB nanoparticles encapsulated with PLGA. In addition, polymer Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA nanoparticles loaded with Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles, PLGA@PFOB nanoparticles coated with
PLGA and blank PLGA nanoparticles are prepared as experimental control group. Its surface morphology, internal structure, particle size, potential and other general characteristics are tested. RAW264.7 mouse mononuclear macrophages are cultured in vitro. Prussian blue staining is used
to observe macrophage phagocytosis after Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA/PFOB contrast agent is added to incubate for 3 hours. MTT method is used to detect the effect of contrast agent on cell activity. The macrophage suspension engulfed with Fe3O4-PFOB
is examined by ultrasound, magnetic resonance and CT. The results showed that Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA/PFOB is brown emulsion after being dissolved in double distilled water. Under the light microscope and scanning electron microscope, Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA/PFOB
is spherical, with regular shape, uniform size, good dispersity and smooth surface. Macrophages are dependent on the phagocytosis of the contrast medium without affecting the activity of macrophages. Moreover, in vitro imaging experiments, compared with the control group, macrophages
phagocytized by Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA/PFOB have obvious enhancement effects in ultrasound, magnetic resonance and CT imaging. In conclusion, Fe3O4@SiO2/PLGA/PFOB has good stability in vivo, can be engulfed by liver macrophages,
and can enhance ultrasound, magnetic resonance and CT imaging of liver parenchyma. It is a safe and effective multifunctional ultrasound contrast agent.
Effects of Different Treatments on Surface Activity of Rice Straw Particleboard
Authors: Xiong Xian-Qing , Yuan Ying-Ying , Niu Yi-Ting , Zhang Liang-Ting , Wu Zhi-Hui
Published: October 2019

The surface activity of rice straw particleboard (RSP), which has a significant effect on the finishing and bonding performance, is reduced by wax coating and free radicals on the straw fiber. The RSP surface was treated by corona treatment and alkali treatment to reveal the effects
of different treatments on the surface activity of RSP. The infiltration height method was applied to evaluate the variation of surface activity. The alkalized samples of RSP with different densities were prepared by using sodium hydroxide solution with pH value of 8∼14. The samples of
different densities were then subjected to corona treatment under high purity oxygen conditions with treatment power of 50 W, 100 W, 300 W, and 500 W and with a time of 4 min or 7 min. The surface activity of the treated specimens was evaluated by measuring the absorption properties of three
kinds of liquids by infiltration-height method: distilled water, glycerin, and alcohol. The results revealed the following. (1) After alkalization treatment, the surface absorption performance of RSP for these three liquids was improved, and it increased with the increase of pH value of the
treatment solution. The suitable pH value of the alkalized solution for RSP is 7∼11, which can improve the surface absorption performance. (2) After corona treatment, the surface absorption performance of RSP increased with the increase of corona treatment power. RSP had the highest surface
absorption performance for alcohol. With the density of RSP increased, the surface absorbability slightly decreased. Therefore, it is not suitable to utilize corona treatment in improving absorption for the higher density RSP. At the same time, with the variation of corona treatment time,
the absorption of RSP surface changed irregularly because of the polarity of different test liquids. (3) The reasonable parameters of alkalization treatment and corona treatment are beneficial in improving the gluability of RSP. These results have guiding significance for RSP surface decoration
process.
Synthesis and Characterization of SmBa2Cu3Oy Powder Prepared by Solid-State Reaction
Authors: Boonsong Paitoon , Wannasut Pimpilai , Sriprachuabwong Chakrit , Tuantranont Adisorn , Watcharapasorn Anucha
Published: October 2019

In this work, the SmBa2Cu3Oy (Sm-123) powder was successfully prepared by solid-state reaction method under a normal air atmosphere using a stoichiometric ratio (i.e., Sm:Ba:Cu = 1:2:3) of high-purity Sm2O3, BaCO3
and CuO starting powders. Thermal properties of the as-calcined powder were studied by DSC/TGA technique and the results showed a formation of Sm-123 phase at 900 °C. The as-calcined powder was prepared by heating the starting precursors at 900 °C for 6–30 h. Phase identification
was determined using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The quantitative phase analysis was analyzed by fitting the XRD pattern using the GSAS-II program. The result of XRD showed that the SmBa2 Cu3Oy (Sm-123) was identified as the main crystalline phase.
The morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with chemical composition identification from EDS mode. The surface of Sm-123 powder exhibited large agglomerates with a size range of ∼4.44–6.75 m. The Raman spectra showed a vibrational Raman-active phonon mode lying
at around ∼502–508 cm–1. The peaks originated from the apical oxygen O(4) (i.e., O(4)-Ag mode) along the c-axis could be correlated with the oxygen deficiency in the CuO2 planes of orthorhombic SmBa2Cu3Oy.
The calculated oxygen content from these peaks tended to decrease with increasing calcination time. All of these frequencies confirmed the presence of phonon and bonding typical for the 123-type structure.
Low-Temperature Processed TiO2 Nanoparticle Layer with Inorganic Binder for Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Cho Seulki , Jang Jihun , Jo Mansik , Song Sang-Woo , Jang Suyeol , Lee Sooyong , Moon Byung-Moo , Moon Kyoung-Sook , Koo Sang-Mo
Published: October 2019

In this study, we report on the low-temperature (<120 °C) fabrication of a mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) layer for use in perovskite solar cells. The TiO2 layer used was produced from a solution of TiO2 nanoparticles, purified water and titanium
isopropoxide (TTIP) acting as a precursor of an inorganic binder network. We compared the properties of TiO2 layers resulting from different molar ratios (ranging from 0.1:1∼0.5:1) of titanium isopropoxide to TiO2 nanoparticles. Finally, perovskite solar cells were
fabricated based on our optimized TiO2 molar ratio (TTIP:TiO2 = 0.1:1) and found to exhibit a short-circuit current density of ∼16.01 mA cm–2 and photoelectric conversion efficiency of ∼5.57%, respectively.
Graphene Additives Effect on Mechanical and Structural Characterization Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Boron Based Cement Mortar
Authors: Çağlar Hakan , Çağlar Arzu , Can Ömer
Published: October 2019

In this study, it was aimed to develop properties of cement paste having standard properties and produce a graphene doped Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and boron-based cement paste in this context. This type of special cement is mixed with PVA as polymer additive material so it can have a
higher strength and sufficient elasticity per unit weight. Also, boric acid which can absorb neutrons having poisonous effect in nuclear reactions is added into the cement in order to minimize environmental disaster caused by a nuclear accident. Compressive and bending strengths were measured
based on TSE tests of graphene doped PVA and boron-based cement paste. Then, samples were measured by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller Method (BET) and subjected to X-ray Diffraction (XRD). In XRD measurements, crystalline structure was observed in all materials. According to compressive strength tests,
as the graphene amount increases compressive strength also increases, however in bending strength tests as the graphene amount increases bending strength decreases. Although the values of bending strength of samples produced decreased with increase of graphene content, these values were found
to be above the standard values. In addition to boron, graphene admixture has a significant effect on material with its positive strength properties.
Evaluating the Ability of Remote Sensing Observations to Identify Significantly Severe and Potentially Tornadic Storms
Authors: Sandmæl Thea N. , Homeyer Cameron R. , Bedka Kristopher M. , Apke Jason M. , Mecikalski John R. , Khlopenkov Konstantin
Published: October 2019

Remote sensing observations, especially those from ground-based radars, have been used extensively to discriminate between severe and nonsevere storms. Recent upgrades to operational remote sensing networks in the United States have provided unprecedented spatial and temporal sampling to study such storms. These networks help forecasters subjectively identify storms capable of producing severe weather at the ground; however, uncertainties remain in how to objectively identify severe thunderstorms using the same data. Here, three large-area datasets (geostationary satellite, ground-based radar, and ground-based lightning detection) are used over 28 recent events in an attempt to objectively discriminate between severe and nonsevere storms, with an additional focus on severe storms that produce tornadoes. Among these datasets, radar observations, specifically those at mid- and upper levels (altitudes at and above 4 km), are shown to provide the greatest objective discrimination. Physical and kinematic storm characteristics from all analyzed datasets imply that significantly severe [≥2-in. (5.08 cm) hail and/or ≥65-kt (33.4 m s−1) straight-line winds] and tornadic storms have stronger upward motion and rotation than nonsevere and less severe storms. In addition, these metrics are greatest in tornadic storms during the time in which tornadoes occur.
The Impact of Preceding Spring Antarctic Oscillation on the Variations of Lake Ice Phenology over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Yong , Chen Huopo , Li Huixin , Wang Huijun
Published: October 2019

The lake ice phenology response to climate change has been receiving growing concern in recent years. However, most studies have put emphasis on the spatial and temporal variability of lake ice phenology, and relatively few studies have been devoted to investigating the physical mechanisms of changes in lake ice phenology from the perspective of climatic dynamics. This study investigates the possible impact of the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) on the variations in lake ice phenology over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The results show that there is an intimate relationship between the AAO and the variations in break-up/ice duration during the period 2003–15. Further analysis indicates that the preceding boreal spring AAO-induced atmospheric circulation anomalies are favorable for generating tropical South Atlantic Ocean SST anomalies through air–sea interaction. Then the tropical SST anomalies strengthen the anomalous local-scale meridional–vertical circulation that projects into the Azores high and further induce the extratropical portion of the North Atlantic SST tripole. The anomalous warm core in the North Atlantic serves as the source of wave activity flux and stimulates a stationary wave train along the Eurasian continent to change the downstream atmospheric circulation. As a response, an abnormal cyclone and enhanced updraft are triggered over the TP, which are favorable for the formation of snowfall and then lower the surface air temperature according to the snow-albedo feedback mechanism, and thus result in the prolonged lake ice duration events. This study provides a new insight to link the AAO influence and climate over the TP and is helpful to understand the changes in lake ice phenology in response to climate change in recent years.
Interdecadal Variations of the East Asian Winter Monsoon in CMIP5 Preindustrial Simulations
Authors: Miao Jiapeng , Wang Tao , Wang Huijun
Published: October 2019

In this study, focusing on the interdecadal time scale, we investigate the internal variability of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) using output from 19 coupled models’ long-term preindustrial control (piControl) simulations within phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Program (CMIP5). In total, we identify 53 cases of significant interdecadal weakening of the EAWM from these 19 piControl simulations. In most weakening cases, both the Siberian high and the East Asian trough are significantly weakened. The East Asian jet stream in the upper troposphere shifts poleward. Southerly wind anomalies are evident over East Asia in the lower troposphere. At the same time, both the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the North Pacific Oscillation are in their positive phases. Associated anomalous anticyclonic circulation can be found over the North Pacific. Additionally, the North Pacific shows negative Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO)-like sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. In contrast, we also analyzed 49 cases of significant strengthening of the EAWM, and the atmospheric and oceanic anomalies show opposite signals with the weakening cases. This suggests that internal variabilities of the climate system can also cause interdecadal variations of the EAWM. In addition, the phase shifting of the AO is likely the main reason for the EAWM’s interdecadal variations in the unforced long-term simulations. Further numerical experiments using the Community Atmosphere Model, version 4 (CAM4), deny the causal relationship between the interdecadal variations of EAWM and PDO-like SST anomalies. This study also implies that the internal variabilities of the climate system could contribute to the observed interdecadal weakening of the EAWM around the mid-1980s.
Evaluating Low-Cost Optical Spectrometers for the Detection of Simulated Substandard and Falsified Medicines
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Keller Matthew D. , Baughman Ted , Wilson Benjamin K.
Published: October 2019

Distribution of substandard and falsified (SF) medicines is on the rise, and its impact on public health, particularly in low-resource countries, is becoming increasingly significant. Portable, nondestructive screening devices can support regulatory authorities in their defense against the spread of SF medicines. Vibrational spectroscopy is an ideal candidate due to its sampling ease and speed. In this work, five portable, among which four are considered low-cost, spectroscopic devices based on near-infrared (NIR), Raman, and mid-infrared (MIR) were evaluated to quantify active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulation accuracy within simulated authentic, falsified, and substandard medicines. Binary sample mixtures containing a typical API in antimalarial, antiretroviral, or anti-tuberculosis medicines were assessed. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, the API quantification performance of the digital light processing (DLP) NIR spectrometer and a handheld Raman device consistently matched or exceeded that of the other NIR spectrometers and a scientific grade MIR spectrometer. In the formulation accuracy tests, data from all devices, other than the silicon photodiode array NIR spectrometer, were able to create regression models with less than 6% error. From this exploratory study, we conclude that certain portable NIR devices hold significant promise as cost-effective screening tools for falsified and potentially substandard medicines, and they warrant further investigation and development.
Clarifying Glass Luminescence at Near-Infrared Excitation
Authors: Fikiet Marisia A. , Tuschel David , Ermolenkov Vladimir V. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: October 2019

Glass is a unique material that is often encountered in chemical and biological studies as a convenient sample holder (vial or microscope slide in particular). If the sample is probed with light in fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic experiments, the contribution from glass is often present and can obscure the spectra from the analyte of interest. It is important to understand the nature of glass photoemission properties to control this potential interference. The Raman spectrum of glass is dominated by peaks around 500 and 1000 cm–1at the excitation with UV and visible light. A strong broad emission band centered at 880 nm appears when glass is irradiated with near-infrared light, a popular 785 nm laser light in particular. We proved experimentally in this study that this broad band is due to glass photoluminescence and not Raman scattering. In addition, three narrow components were found to contribute to this band, which have different excitation profiles indicating that they originate from three different species or the same species experiencing three different types of local environments. It has been hypothesized that these peaks could be due to the presence of rare earth impurities in the glass. Further study is necessary to identify these luminescent centers.
Defocused Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy in Media of Different Optical Properties for Biomedical Applications Using a Commercial Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy Device
Authors: Vardaki Martha Z. , Devine Dana V. , Serrano Katherine , Simantiris Nikolaos , Blades Michael W. , Piret James M. , Turner Robin F. B.
Published: October 2019

In this study, we show how defocused spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) can be employed to recover chemical information from media of biomedical significance within sealed plastic transfusion and culture bags using a commercial SORS instrument. We demonstrate a simple approach to recover subsurface spectral information through a transparent barrier by optimizing the spatial offset of the defocused beam. The efficiency of the measurements is assessed in terms of the SORS ratio and signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) through a simple manual approach and an ordinary least squares model. By comparing the results for three different biological samples (red blood cell concentrate, pooled red cell supernatant and a suspension of Jurkat cells), we show that there is an optimum value of the offset parameter which yields the maximum S/N depending on the barrier material and optical properties of the ensemble contents. The approach was developed in the context of biomedical applications but is generally applicable to any three-layer system consisting of turbid content between transparent thin plastic barriers (i.e., front and back bag surfaces), particularly where the analyte of interest is dilute or not a strong scatterer.
Quantitative Measurement of Fluorescent Layers with Respect to Spatial Thickness Variations and Substrate Properties
Authors: Holz Philipp , Pönisch Christoph , Brandenburg Albrecht
Published: October 2019

Imaging fluorescence spectroscopy proves to be a fast and sensitive method for measuring the thickness of thin coatings in the manufacturing industry. This encouraged us to systematically study, theoretically and experimentally, parameters that influence the fluorescence of thin layers. We analyzed the fluorescence signal as a function of the scattering and reflectance properties of the sample substrate. In addition, we investigated effects of the layer properties on fluorescence emission. A ray-tracing software is used to describe the influence of these parameters on the fluorescence emission of thin layers. Experiments using a custom-made system for imaging fluorescence analysis verify the simulations. This work shows a factor five variation of fluorescence intensity as a function of the reflectance of the sample substrate. Simulations show variations by a factor of up to eight for samples with different surface roughness. Results on tilted samples indicate a significant increase of the detected fluorescence signal, for fluorescent droplets on reflective substrates, if illuminated and coaxially observed at angles greater than 25°. These findings are of utmost relevance for all applications which utilize the fluorescence emission to quantify thin layers. These applications range from in-line lubricant monitoring in press plants to monitoring of functional coatings in medical technology and the detection of filmic contaminations.
Parents’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to children’s beverage consumption in youth soccer: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Bolter Nicole D , Gao Yong , Conger Scott A , Spear Caile E , Radin Anna K , Flint Hilary
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To explore parents’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs, e.g. soft drinks, juice drinks, sports drinks) and other beverages provided by parents at youth sports events.

Design:

Qualitative analysis of focus group discussions.

Setting:

Ada County, Idaho, USA.

Method:

A total of 3 focus groups were conducted with 24 parents of 6- to 11-year-old children participating in one community recreational soccer league. Parents were asked how they selected beverages for their children at soccer practices and games, and shared ideas for improving healthy beverage consumption in this setting. Two coders performed an inductive content analysis of the focus group transcripts, and an external reviewer established the trustworthiness of the data.

Results:

Parents expressed uncertainty about which beverages other than water were best for children’s health and performance. Beverage choices were affected by factors such as cost, convenience, the weather, the level of competition and children’s ages. Parents also noted the influence of coaches, other parents, their children’s preferences, their beverage habits at home and the media. Parents desired evidence-based guidance on optimal beverages for youth athletes and recommended specific interventions to reduce consumption of SSBs in the context of youth sport events.

Conclusion:

Results indicate the need for developmentally appropriate expert recommendations for healthy beverage consumption in recreational youth sport, and reinforce findings from existing research which suggest that parents desire support to ensure healthy beverages are offered at youth sports events.
Becoming upbeat: Learning the affecto-rhythmic order of organizational practices
Authors: Katila Saija , Kuismin Ari , Valtonen Anu
Published: October 2019

How is it that some organizational practices flow like clockwork and may even energize us but others seem to be stuck in the mud and diminish our capacity to act? In order to understand this, we develop a concept of affecto-rhythmic order that captures how rhythms and affects interrelate in the flow of organizational practices. Adopting a sociomaterial practice perspective, our ethnographic study of a Nordic startup accelerator demonstrates how participants learn and embody a contextual affecto-rhythmic upbeat order and how this enhances their individual and collective capacity to engage with the fast-paced development of business ideas and sales pitching skills relevant in the accelerator setting. As a contribution, the study theorizes and empirically illustrates the entangled nature of rhythms and affects in organizational practices, provides novel insights into inter-corporeal learning and the regulative nature of practices, and shows how affective ethnography can help scholars examine affect and write about it in organizational research.
Forecasting Single Disease Cost of Cataract Based on Multivariable Regression Analysis and Backpropagation Neural Network
Authors: Qing Fang , Liu Chuang
Published: October 2019

In medical services, charge according to the disease is an important way to promote the reform of pricing mechanism, control the unreasonable growth of medical expenses, as well as reduce the burden on patients. Single disease cost forecasting that both identify potential influencing or driving factors and enable better proactive estimation of costs can guide the management and control of medical costs. This study aimed to identify the factors that affect the medical costs of single disease cataract and compare 2 regression models for anticipating acceptable medical cost forecasts. For this purpose, 483 patients with cataract surgery completed in West China Hospital from May 1, 2015, to October 1, 2015, were selected from hospital information system. For cost forecasting, multivariable regression analysis (MRA) and backpropagation neural network (BPNN) were used. Analysis of data was performed with SPSS21.0 and MATLAB2014a software. Total medical costs of patients with cataract (n = 483) ranged from 2015.00 to 13 359.00 CNY, and the mean ± standard deviation is 6292.29 ± 2639.43 CNY. Factors influencing costs of cataract in the MRA include, in importance order, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (| r|: 0.805, P < .01), doctor level (| r|: 0.644, P < .01), payment source (| r|: 0.554, P < .01), admission status (| r|: 0.326, P < .01), additional diagnosis (| r|: 0.260, P < .01), type of surgery (| r|: 0.127, P < .05), and type of anesthesia (| r|: 0.126, P < .05). In terms of forecasting performance, BPNN (average error: 2.81%) outperforms, yet is less interpretable than MRA (average error: 5.79%). Both MRA and BPNN are technically and economically feasible in generating medical costs of cataract. And some insights on using results of the forecasting model in controlling and reducing disease costs are obtained.
A prediction method for voltage and lifetime of lead–acid battery by using machine learning
Authors: Wang Zhi-Hao , Hendrick  , Horng Gwo-Jiun , Wu Hsin-Te , Jong Gwo-Jia
Published: October 2019

Lead–acid battery is the common energy source to support the electric vehicles. During the use of the battery, we need to know when the battery needs to be replaced with the new one. In this research, we proposed a prediction method for voltage and lifetime of lead–acid battery. The prediction models were formed by three kinds mode of four-points consecutive voltage and time index.The first mode was formed by four fixed voltages value during four weeks, namely M1. The second mode was formed by four previous voltage values from prediction time, namely M2. Third mode was formed by the combinations of four previous data with the last predicted data, namely M3. The training data were recorded from 10 lead–acid batteries. We separated between training data and testing data. Data collection for training were recorded in 155 weeks. The examined data for the model was captured in 105 weeks. Three of batteries were selected for prediction. Machine learning methods were used to create the batteries model of voltage and lifetime prediction. Convolutional Neural Network was selected to train and predict the battery model. To compare our model performance, we also performed Multilayer Perceptron with the same data procedure. Based on experiment, M1 model did not achieve the correct prediction besides the linear case. M2 model successfully predicted the battery voltage and lifetime. The M2 curve was almost the same with real-time measurement, but the curve was not fitting smoothly. M3 model achieved the high prediction with smooth curve. According to our research on lead–acid battery voltage prediction, we give the following conclusions and suggestions to be considered. The accuracy of prediction is affected by the number of input parameters is used in prediction. The input parameters need to have time consecutive.
Conservative Treatment Possibilities of Ménière Disease, Involving Vertigo Diaries
Authors: Molnár András , Maihoub Stephanie , Tamás László , Szirmai Ágnes
Published: October 2019

Ménière disease is a disorder of the inner ear, characterized by rotational vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vegetative symptoms. The aim of the present research is to examine the effectiveness of betahistine and piracetam in the reduction of vertigo attacks in Ménière disease. To verify our hypothesis, 105 (31 male and 74 females, mean age [standard deviation], 57.4 [11.05]) adult patients with definite Ménière disease were enrolled in this investigation. Beside the analysis of the hospital records, the subjective complaints of the patients and the completed vertigo diaries were taken into consideration too. The statistical analysis was completed using the IBM SPSS version 24 software. Retrospective analysis, including a 12 years period was conducted. Based on our results, betahistine was successful in the reduction of attacks. Statistically significant decrease was achieved in frequency of dizziness ( P = .000331) and vertigo ( P < .00001) and in the duration of them ( P = .000098), although in the mean power of them was not ( P = .0887). The mean dose in the symptomatic treatment was determined as 87.5 ± 27.2 mg per day; however, there was no connection detected between the dose of the agent and the effectiveness of the symptomatic control. By using dual therapy (betahistine and piracetam), vertigo episodes appeared significantly less often ( P = .027, Odds ratio: 4.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-20.2). Finally, it can be concluded that betahistine is effective in Ménière disease, but the daily dose of it should be set up for every patient individually. The advantage of the dual therapy was also confirmed.
The Role and Value of Ongoing and Peer Support in Diabetes Care and Education
Authors: Warshaw Hope , Hodgson Lisa , Heyman Mark , Oser Tamara K. , Walker Heather R. , Deroze Phyllisa , Rinker Joanne , Litchman Michelle L.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Increasing attention is being given to the challenges and emotional toll of managing diabetes. This Perspectives in Practice details the specialty’s guiding documents for initial and ongoing support. It also defines various types of social support, including peer support, for optimal diabetes care. Focusing on peer support, this paper provides a review of the body of evidence demonstrating the value of peer support to improve clinical and behavioral outcomes. To achieve positive outcomes, it is optimal for people with diabetes to have access to ongoing support from their health care provider, including diabetes care and education specialists. They should also be made aware of, and given referral to options and opportunities for peer support. This Perspectives in Practice concludes with a call to action for diabetes care and education specialists to deliver to integrate and promote the value of peer support in the care they provide.

Conclusion

Managing diabetes during the stages and ages of life is chronically challenging and complex. Various types of support offered by health care providers, including diabetes care and education specialists and others in the person’s social support milieu, can positively affect emotional well-being. Health care providers should routinely assess their client’s social supports and refer the person with diabetes and/or their caregivers to evidence-based types of peer support mutually determined to be of most value. Diabetes care and education specialists should increase their awareness of opportunities to integrate the value of and referral to peer support in their counseling and to gain greater insight into the diabetes-lived experience.
Ultrasonic Diagnosis of Breast Nodules Using Modified Faster R-CNN
Authors: Zhang Zihao , Zhang Xuesheng , Lin Xiaona , Dong Licong , Zhang Sure , Zhang Xueling , Sun Desheng , Yuan Kehong
Published: October 2019

Breast cancer has become the biggest threat to female health. Ultrasonic diagnosis of breast cancer based on artificial intelligence is basically a classification of benign and malignant tumors, which does not meet clinical demand. Besides, the current target detection method performs poorly in detecting small lesions, while it is clinically required to detect nodules below 2 mm. The objective of this study is to (a) propose a diagnostic method based on Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) and (b) increase its detectability of small lesions. We modified the framework of Faster R-CNN (Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network) by introducing multi-scale feature extraction and multi-resolution candidate bound extraction into the network. Then, it was trained using 852 images of BI-RADS C2, 739 images of C3, and 1662 images of malignancy (BI-RADS 4a/4b/4c/5/6). We compared our model with unmodified Faster R-CNN and YOLO v3 (You Only Look Once v3). The mean average precision (mAP) is significantly increased to 0.913, while its average detection speed is slightly declined to 4.11 FPS (frames per second). Meanwhile, its detectivity of small lesions is effectively improved. Moreover, we also tentatively applied our model on video sequences and got satisfactory results. We modified Faster R-CNN and trained it partly based on BI-RADS. Its detectability of lesions, as well as small nodules, was significantly improved. In view of wide coverage of dataset and satisfactory test results, our method can basically meet clinical needs.
Promoting persistence: Peer group influences on students’ re-engagement following academic problems and setbacks
Authors: Vollet Justin W. , Kindermann Thomas A.
Published: October 2019

This study examined the role that peer groups play in shaping students’ academic re-engagement across their first year in middle school and whether influences are stronger from peers with whom students remained affiliated over time. Data were collected on an entire cohort of 366 sixth graders (48% female) in a small town. Students reported on their behavioral re-engagement—or persistence following academic problems or failure, on the extent to which they experienced academic setbacks, and on their teachers’ involvement. Teachers rated students’ academic engagement. Peer groups were identified in fall and spring using socio-cognitive mapping, distinguishing fluid peers (i.e., group members in fall only) and stable peers (i.e., members in both fall and spring). Peer group profiles of re-engagement were calculated for fluid peers, stable peers, and both combined. Results showed that the overall peer group profiles of re-engagement in fall did not predict changes in students’ re-engagement over the school year when unstable members were included. However, when modeled separately, stable peer group profiles of re-engagement were a positive predictor of changes in students’ own re-engagement, whereas profiles of fluid peers’ re-engagement were not. The findings suggest that peer group members with whom students maintain consistent group affiliations across the year play a central role in supporting students’ re-engagement when overcoming academic difficulties.
Child Body Fat and Body Mass Index: Which Determinants are Most Important?
Authors: Frenn Marilyn , Kaugars Astrida , Garcia Juanita , Garnier-Villarreal Mauricio
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine child and parent determinants of children’s body fat percentage (BF%) along with their body mass index percentile (BMIp). Children’s BF% and BMIp auger lifelong health risks when elevated, and one in five children are affected. Participants ( N = 135) included 62% female children; 50.7% Caucasian, 31.7% Hispanic, and 8.5% African American. Children were aged 9–15 years (2% underweight, 47.9% normal weight, 19.7% overweight, and 24.6% obese). Parent BMI average was 30.67 (1.4% underweight, 20.4% normal weight, 23.9% overweight, 40% obese, and 7% extreme obesity); 77.5% of the participating parents were mothers. Following multiple imputations, path analyses were conducted of child and parent determinants of children’s BF% and BMIp. Children’s BF% and BMIp were related to parents’ concern about overweight and children’s perception of that concern. For children of overweight or obese parents, who are at highest risk for obesity, assessing the parents’ concern is the highest priority.