bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled differential evolution based detection of neovascularization on optic disc using support vector machine
Authors: Biswal Birendra , P. Geetha Pavani , Biswal Pradyut K.
Published: August 2020

The severe stage of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels which is called Neovascularization (NV). The abnormally grown blood vessels on the disc are breakable in nature thus the patient is at high risk of sudden blindness. Therefore, the significance of early and accurate detection of Neovascularization on Disc (NVD) should not be neglected. This paper presents an automatic detection of the optic disc using a Controlled Differential Evolution (CDE) algorithm. Further, the Region of Interest (ROI) is created automatically by extending the extreme boundaries of the optic disc by 100 pixels to ensure the presence of NV around the optic disc also. From the ROI so created, blood vessels are segmented using multi-scale Gabor filtering and subsequently, both the morphological and textural features are extracted. Simultaneously, statistical features are directly extracted from the earlier created ROI. Finally, the fundus image is classified by a Support Vector Machine (SVM) using the extracted features from all three feature sets. From each individual image, 16 features are extracted and the feature dimension is reduced to 13 using a sequential backward feature (SBF) selection algorithm. The optimal features are obtained from a total of 205 fundus images, which consists of 99 NVD positive and 106 NVD negative images. This paper attains an average accuracy of 98.75%, the specificity of 100%, the sensitivity of 97.8%, and area under the curve (AUC) as 100% when tested over image selected randomly.
Development of trace analysis for alkyl methanesulfonates in the delgocitinib drug substance using GC-FID and liquid–liquid extraction with ionic liquid
Authors: Nomura Shinkichi , Ito Yoshiharu , Takegami Shigehiko , Kitade Tatsuya
Published: August 2020

Alkyl methanesulfonates are genotoxic impurities that should be limited to an intake of not more than 1.5 µg/day, as regulated by the International Council for Harmonization guideline M7. We herein report a trace analysis of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), and isopropyl methanesulfonate (IPMS) in the delgocitinib drug substance using liquid–liquid extraction, with an ionic liquid as the sample-solving medium, and direct injection gas chromatography detected with a flame-ionization detector. The proposed method takes advantage of the fine solubility of ionic liquids toward the drug substance, the good extraction efficiency of alkyl methanesulfonates in liquid–liquid extraction using the Chem Elut cartridge with low-polar organic solvents, and the ability of alkyl methanesulfonates to concentrate in minimum amounts of organic solvent, resulting in excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Specifically, for the preparation of the sample solution, a mixture of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, water, and acetonitrile was used as the sample-solving media, extracted with diethyl ether, and the eluent was concentrated to 1 mL. The method showed good linearity, accuracy, and precision from 1 to 5 ppm, and the limits of detection of MMS, EMS, and IPMS were 0.1, 0.05, and 0.05 ppm, respectively.
Quasi-Optimal and Pressure Robust Discretizations of the Stokes Equations by Moment- and Divergence-Preserving Operators
Authors: Kreuzer Christian , Verfürth Rüdiger , Zanotti Pietro
Published: August 2020

We approximate the solution of the Stokes equations by a new
quasi-optimal and pressure robust
discontinuous Galerkin discretization of arbitrary order.
This means quasi-optimality of the velocity error independent of the
pressure. Moreover, the discretization is well-defined for any load
which is admissible for the continuous problem and it also provides
classical quasi-optimal estimates for the sum of velocity and pressure
errors. The key design principle is a careful discretization of the
load involving a linear operator, which maps discontinuous
Galerkin test functions onto conforming ones thereby preserving the
discrete divergence and certain moment conditions on faces and elements.
Whose media are hostile? The spillover effect of interpersonal discussions on media bias perceptions
Authors: Castro Laia , Hopmann David Nicolas , Nir Lilach
Published: August 2020

Since Eveland and Shah (2003) published their seminal study on the impact of social networks on media bias perceptions in the US, little has been researched about the interpersonal antecedents of hostile media perceptions. In this study we address this gap by investigating the role of safe, or like-minded, political discussions on individuals’ likelihood to perceive media as hostile. We use survey data from more than 5,000 individuals in Germany. Our findings reveal that like-minded discussions increase one’s likelihood to perceive media as hostile; yet, only among those more politically engaged and ideologically on the left. The significance and theoretical implications of the results are discussed in the concluding section.
Robust optimal centralized PI controller for a fluid catalytic cracking unit
Authors: Yadav Gourav , Kiran Gundla Uday , Rao Chinta Sankar
Published: August 2020

Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) is a complex process that arises due to feed composition, non-linearities, and dynamic mass and heat interactions in its components. FCC is difficult to model and monitor in industries, and one of the key reasons is that they are multivariable processes. Such processes are highly interacting and that makes the process of controlling even more difficult. The interaction between loops can be quantified easily by dRGA. An easy and effective way of controlling multivariable processes is to implement a centralized control system, considering the interactions between measured and manipulated variables. In this study, a centralized control system is designed for the riser section of the FCC unit. The dRGA method is modified to enhance the closed-loop response by formulating an optimization problem and obtaining an optimal controller settings. A rigorous simulation studies show an 826% reduction in ISE values, a 309% reduction in IAE values, and a 262% reduction in ITAE value of

T

r
i
s

${T}_{ris}$

from the dRGA method to the modified dRGA method. Further, IAE values for

Y

l
p
g

${Y}_{lpg}$

are reduced by 29% from dRGA to modified dRGA method and 34% from synthesis to modified dRGA method.
The index conjecture for symmetric spaces
Authors: Berndt Jürgen , Olmos Carlos
Published: August 2020

In 1980, Oniščik [A. L. Oniščik,
Totally geodesic submanifolds of symmetric spaces,
Geometric methods in problems of algebra and analysis. Vol. 2,
Yaroslav. Gos. Univ., Yaroslavl’ 1980, 64–85, 161] introduced the index of a Riemannian symmetric space as the minimal codimension of a (proper) totally geodesic submanifold. He calculated the index for symmetric spaces of rank

≤
2

{\leq 2}

, but for higher rank it was unclear how to tackle the problem. In [J. Berndt, S. Console and C. E. Olmos,
Submanifolds and holonomy, 2nd ed.,
Monogr. Res. Notes Math.,
CRC Press, Boca Raton 2016],
[J. Berndt and C. Olmos,
Maximal totally geodesic submanifolds and index of symmetric spaces,
J. Differential Geom. 104 2016, 2, 187–217],
[J. Berndt and C. Olmos,
The index of compact simple Lie groups,
Bull. Lond. Math. Soc. 49 2017, 5, 903–907],
[J. Berndt and C. Olmos,
On the index of symmetric spaces,
J. reine angew. Math. 737 2018, 33–48],
[J. Berndt, C. Olmos and J. S. Rodríguez,
The index of exceptional symmetric spaces,
Rev. Mat. Iberoam., to appear] we developed several approaches to this problem, which allowed us to calculate the index for many symmetric spaces. Our systematic approach led to a conjecture, formulated first in [J. Berndt and C. Olmos,
Maximal totally geodesic submanifolds and index of symmetric spaces, J. Differential Geom. 104 2016, 2, 187–217], for how to calculate the index. The purpose of this paper is to verify the conjecture.
Large deviations of generalized renewal process
Authors: Bakay Gavriil A. , Shklyaev Aleksandr V.
Published: August 2020

Let (ξ(i), η(i)) ∈ ℝd+1, 1 ≤ i < ∞, be independent identically distributed random vectors, η(i) be nonnegative random variables, the vector (ξ(1), η(1)) satisfy the Cramer condition. On the base of renewal process, NT = max{k : η(1) + … + η(k) ≤ T} we define the generalized renewal process ZT = $\begin{array}{}
\sum_{i=1}^{N_T}
\end{array}$ξ(i). Put IΔT(x) = {y ∈ ℝd : xj ≤ yj < xj + ΔT, j = 1, …, d}. We find asymptotic formulas for the probabilities P(ZT ∈ IΔT(x)) as ΔT → 0 and P(ZT = x) in non-lattice and arithmetic cases, respectively, in a wide range of x values, including normal, moderate, and large deviations. The analogous results were obtained for a process with delay in which the distribution of (ξ(1), η(1)) differs from the distribution on the other steps. Using these results, we prove local limit theorems for processes with regeneration and for additive functionals of finite Markov chains, including normal, moderate, and large deviations.
Identifying children at high risk for infection-related decompensation using a predictive emergency department-based electronic assessment tool
Authors: Sepanski Robert J. , Zaritsky Arno L. , Godambe Sandip A.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Electronic alert systems to identify potential sepsis in children presenting to the emergency department (ED) often either alert too frequently or fail to detect earlier stages of decompensation where timely treatment might prevent serious outcomes.

Methods

We created a predictive tool that continuously monitors our hospital’s electronic health record during ED visits. The tool incorporates new standards for normal/abnormal vital signs based on data from ∼1.2 million children at 169 hospitals. Eighty-two gold standard (GS) sepsis cases arising within 48 h were identified through retrospective chart review of cases sampled from 35,586 ED visits during 2012 and 2014–2015. An additional 1,027 cases with high severity of illness (SOI) based on 3 M’s All Patient Refined – Diagnosis-Related Groups (APR-DRG) were identified from these and 26,026 additional visits during 2017. An iterative process assigned weights to main factors and interactions significantly associated with GS cases, creating an overall “score” that maximized the sensitivity for GS cases and positive predictive value for high SOI outcomes.

Results

Tool implementation began August 2017; subsequent improvements resulted in 77% sensitivity for identifying GS sepsis within 48 h, 22.5% positive predictive value for major/extreme SOI outcomes, and 2% overall firing rate of ED patients. The incidence of high-severity outcomes increased rapidly with tool score. Admitted alert positive patients were hospitalized nearly twice as long as alert negative patients.

Conclusions

Our ED-based electronic tool combines high sensitivity in predicting GS sepsis, high predictive value for physiologic decompensation, and a low firing rate. The tool can help optimize critical treatments for these high-risk children.
Plugging mechanisms of polymer gel used for hydraulic fracture water shutoff
Authors: Zhang Song , Wei Falin , Liu Pingde , Shao Liming , Li Weitao
Published: August 2020

The performance of polymer gel to plug a hydraulic fracture is greatly affected by its distribution patterns and gelling effect. In this study, the migration of a gel plugging agent in a fracture and its plugging after gelling were investigated by physical simulation experiments. In addition, the distribution patterns of the gel plugging agent and its plugging mechanism after gelling were investigated in detail. The results of this study revealed that the migration flowing behavior of the gel solution in a fracture can be divided into three streams: fracture flow, leak off flow, and matrix flow. Such behavior distributed the gel in three different patterns after gelling: gel clusters in the fracture, gel layer on the fracture surface, and dispersed gel lumps in the matrix pores-throats. Because of the leak off flow and the difference in components, the gel solution has apparent disproportional leak off–diffusion of components during its migration in a fracture, with less polymer molecules and loss of more cross-linking agent ions. The leak off of the cross-linking agent significantly deteriorates the gelling strength of the polymer gel, affecting its performance to plug a hydraulic fracture. The results also show that when the normalized concentration of the cross-linking agent ions in a fracture is less than 0.6, gel fails to plug the fracture effectively after gelling. When gelling was carried out by in situ cross-linking, polymer gel provided more satisfactory plugging performance than the gelling via ground pre-cross-linking.
Synthesis of flexible poly(l-lactide)-b-polyethylene glycol-b-poly(l-lactide) bioplastics by ring-opening polymerization in the presence of chain extender
Authors: Baimark Yodthong , Rungseesantivanon Wuttipong , Prakymoramas Natcha
Published: August 2020

Poly(l-lactide)-b-polyethylene glycol-b-poly(l-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) is found to be more flexible than PLLA due to the flexibility of PEG middle blocks. Melt flow and mechanical properties of PLLA-PEG-PLLA were improved through post melt blending with a chain extender (CE). In this work, in situ chain-extended PLLA-PEG-PLLAs were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization in the presence of Joncryl® CE. The influence of CE content (1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 phr) on the gel content, melt flow index (MFI), thermal properties, and mechanical properties of the obtained in situ chain-extended PLLA-PEG-PLLAs was investigated. The gel content of in situ chain-extended PLLA-PEG-PLLA increased while the MFI and degree of crystallinity significantly decreased with increasing CE content. The in situ chain-extended PLLA-PEG-PLLA with 1.0 phr CE showed the best tensile properties. The extensibility of in situ chain-extended PLLA-PEG-PLLA films decreased when the CE contents were higher than 1.0 phr. These in situ chain-extended PLLA-PEG-PLLA films can be used as highly flexible bioplastics.
When the image of a derivation on a uniformly complete 𝑓-algebra is contained in the radical
Authors: Toumi Mohamed Ali
Published: August 2020

In 1977, Colville, Davis, and Keimel [Positive derivations on f-rings, J. Aust. Math. Soc. Ser. A 23 1977, 3, 371–375] proved that a positive derivation on an Archimedean f-algebra A has its range in the set of nilpotent elements of A.
The main objective of this paper is to obtain a generalization of the above Colville, Davis and Keimel result to general derivations.
Moreover, we give a new version of the Singer–Wermer conjecture for the class of second-order derivations acting on uniformly complete almost f-algebras.
Higher integrability near the initial boundary for nonhomogeneous parabolic systems of 𝑝-Laplacian type
Authors: Byun Sun-Sig , Kim Wontae , Lim Minkyu
Published: August 2020

We establish a sharp higher integrability near the initial boundary for a weak solution to the following p-Laplacian type system:

{

u
t

-

div
⁡
𝒜

⁢

(
x
,
t
,

∇
⁡
u

)

=
div

|
F
|

p
-
2

F
+
f

in

⁢

Ω
T

,

u

=

u
0

on

⁢
Ω

×

{
0
}

,

\left\{\begin{aligned} \displaystyle{}u_{t}-\operatorname{div}\mathcal{A}(x,t,%
\nabla u)&\displaystyle=\operatorname{div}\lvert F\rvert^{p-2}F+f&&%
\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{in}\ \Omega_{T},\\
\displaystyle u&\displaystyle=u_{0}&&\displaystyle\phantom{}\text{on}\ \Omega%
\times\{0\},\end{aligned}\right.

by proving that, for given

δ
∈

(
0
,
1
)

{\delta\in(0,1)}

, there exists

ε
>
0

{\varepsilon>0}

depending on δ and the structural data such that

|

∇
⁡

u
0

|

p
+
ε

∈

L
loc
1

⁢

(
Ω
)

 
and
 

|
F
|

p
+
ε

,

|
f
|

(

δ
⁢
p
⁢

(

n
+
2

)

n

)

′

+
ε

∈

L
1

⁢

(
0
,
T
;

L
loc
1

⁢

(
Ω
)

)

⟹

|

∇
⁡
u

|

p
+
ε

∈

L
1

⁢

(
0
,
T
;

L
loc
1

⁢

(
Ω
)

)

.

\lvert\nabla u_{0}\rvert^{p+\varepsilon}\in L^{1}_{\operatorname{loc}}(\Omega)%
\quad\text{and}\quad\lvert F\rvert^{p+\varepsilon},\lvert f\rvert^{(\frac{%
\delta p(n+2)}{n})^{\prime}+\varepsilon}\in L^{1}(0,T;L^{1}_{\operatorname{loc%
}}(\Omega))\implies\lvert\nabla u\rvert^{p+\varepsilon}\in L^{1}(0,T;L^{1}_{%
\operatorname{loc}}(\Omega)).

Our regularity results complement established higher regularity theories near the initial boundary for such a nonhomogeneous problem with

f
≢
0

{f\not\equiv 0}

and we provide an optimal regularity theory in the literature.
High contrast ratio for full-designs optical logic gates based on photonic crystal ring resonator
Authors: Bouaouina Mohamed Salah , Lebbal Mohamed Redha , Bouchemat Touraya , Bouchemat Mohamed
Published: August 2020

The all-optical logic gates have become an important key enabling in optical integrated circuits and find applications in optical networks. In this paper, we introduce new complete series of optical logic gates using photonic crystals. These designs formed by compilation with interference based defect and resonance phenomenon. The proposed work based on two dimensional square lattices by putting gallium arsenide (GaAs) rods immersed on air background. The maximum contrast ratio and the maximum working bit rates is obtained for the NOT/XOR and OR logic gates equal to 50.81 dB and 12.5 Tb/s, respectively. The simulation and optimization of structure is approved out using Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) method and Plane Wave’s Method (PWEM).
The Chinese Advantage in Emergency Law
Authors: Mattei Ugo , Guanghua Liu , Ariano Emanuele
Published: August 2020

This Article has a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it offers comparative materials for an informed discussion of COVID-determined emergency law in China and Italy by assessing its normative implications and political genealogy. On the other hand, it explores the essential contiguity between the ‘state of exception’ triggered by the pandemic and the possible geopolitical shifts in global legal hegemony in the actual phase of surveillance capitalism which is witnessing a decline of law as a form of social organization and its replacement by the predictive models elaborated by technology. In this respect, the traditional Western iconography has long described the Chinese legal tradition as a “law without law”, a despotic regime with intrusive population surveillance whose distance from the Western paradigm is deemed almost unbridgeable. And yet the legal response to coronavirus both in Europe and in the U.S. somewhat replicates the allegedly distant Chinese model in terms of restrictions and surveillance mechanisms which are being deployed to counter the crisis in the face of a formal commitment to the rule of law. This Article concludes that the emerging pre-eminence of the “rule of technology” over the “rule of law” in a critical event of historic proportions like a pandemic should and will set the future agenda of comparative studies in a double direction. On the one hand it calls for a truly critical reconsideration of role of law in society which in turn impels to rethink the hold of the liberal constitutional model and the obsolescence of traditional legal taxonomies. On the other hand, it might point to the emergence of an unexpected Chinese legal leadership, determined by the progressive undoing of the Western legal and political narratives whose backbone has been relentlessly eroded by decades of neoliberalism and populism.
Inheritance of static bending properties and classification of load-deflection curves in Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Ishiguri Futoshi , Aiso Haruna , Takashima Yuya , Hiraoka Yuichiro , Iki Taiichi , Ohshima Jyunichi , Iizuka Kazuya , Yokota Shinso
Published: August 2020

To clarify inheritance of static bending properties in relation to elastic and plastic regions, air-dry density, microfibril angle of the S2 layer in latewood tracheid (MFA), and static bending properties (modulus of elasticity [MOE], modulus of rupture [MOR] and bending work) were examined for juvenile wood of 18 full-sib families in 20-year-old Cryptomeria japonica. Heritability of all traits ranged from 0.12 (bending work) to 0.51 (air-dry density). Based on the results from principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, the families were classified into four groups with different types of load-deflection curves, suggesting that both elastic properties and deflection in plastic region differed among families. Furthermore, families included in a group were produced from specific parents, suggesting that deflection in plastic region as well as elastic property is inheritable. It can be concluded that mating parents may affect elasticity and plasticity of offspring.
Facile fractionation of bamboo hydrolysate and characterization of isolated lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complexes
Authors: Wang Xiaodi , Zhang Yongchao , Wang Luyao , Wang Xiaoju , Hou Qingxi , Willför Stefan , Fu Yingjuan , Qin Menghua , Xu Chunlin
Published: August 2020

An efficient separation technology for hydrolysates towards a full valorization of bamboo is still a tough challenge, especially regarding the lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs). The present study aimed to develop a facile approach using organic solvent extraction for efficiently fractionating the main components of bamboo hydrolysates. The high-purity lignin with only a trace of carbohydrates was first obtained by precipitation of the bamboo hydrolysate. The water-soluble lignin (WSL) fraction was extracted in organic solvent through a three-stage organic solvent extraction process, and the hemicellulosic sugars with increased purity were also collected. Furthermore, a thorough characterization including various NMR techniques (31P, 13C, and 2D-HSQC), GPC, and GC-MS was conducted to the obtained lignin-rich-fractions. It was found that the WSL fraction contained abundant functional groups and tremendous amount of LCC structures. As compared to native LCC of bamboo, the WSL fraction exhibited more typical LCC linkages, i.e. phenyl glycoside linkage, which is the main type of chemical linkage between lignin and carbohydrate in both LCC samples. The results demonstrate that organic phase extraction is a highly efficient protocol for the fractionation of hydrolysate and the isolation of LCC-rich streams possessing great potential applications.
Chemical improvement of surfaces. Part 6: enhanced flame retardancy of Scots pine sapwood by covalent modification with phosphorus and boron functionalized benzoates
Authors: Ehrhardt Christopher , Tapken Marco , Namyslo Jan C. , Kaufmann Dieter E.
Published: August 2020

The broad applicability of the wood modification protocol recently published by Kaufmann et al. allows to improve the fire resistance of renewable materials, too. In this study organophosphorus and organoboron compounds have been synthesized, characterized and subsequently applied for enhanced flame retardancy of wood. Wood hydroxyl groups of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood veneer chips were covalently modified upon esterification with benzotriazolyl-activated P- and B-substituted benz-amides. The efficacy of this synthetic strategy was demonstrated by the weight percent gain (WPG) of up to 32% and the corresponding quantities of covalently bonded organicmaterial (QCO) of up to 1.1 mmol/g, respectively. The successful covalent attachment of the functional precursors was proven by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The effect of the flame retardants on the properties of the modified sapwood samples was shown by a significant decrease of the temperature of mass loss from about 346–248 °C in the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Evaluating internal condition of hardwood logs based on AR-minimum entropy deconvolution combined with wavelet based spectral kurtosis approach
Authors: Xu Feng , Liu Yunfei , Wang Xiping , Brashaw Brian K. , Yeary Lon A. , Ross Robert J.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this research was to explore the potential of acoustic impact test to evaluate the condition of hardwood logs in regard to internal decay, void, crack and defect ratio using an acoustic signal separation and enhancement algorithm. Longitudinal acoustic signals were obtained from 15 logs of four hardwood species through acoustic impact testing. The defect components were separated from the acoustic response signals and enhanced based on the autoregressive minimum entropy deconvolution (AR-MED) method, and from which the kurtosis was derived and used as the global feature parameter for evaluating the internal condition of logs. Compared with the acoustic velocity obtained directly from the original signal, the kurtosis was deemed to be a more powerful predictor of log defect ratio with higher coefficient of determination (R
2 = 0.89) and was not affected by log species. To identify the type of defects, a complex Morlet wavelet-based spectral kurtosis (SK) method was proposed. The research results indicated that the SK can not only determine the type and primary and secondary major defects, but also be able to identify those that were not detectable by global acoustic parameters.
The role of mitochondrial ATP synthase in cancer
Authors: Galber Chiara , Acosta Manuel Jesus , Minervini Giovanni , Giorgio Valentina
Published: August 2020

The mitochondrial ATP synthase is a multi-subunit enzyme complex located in the inner mitochondrial membrane which is essential for oxidative phosphorylation under physiological conditions. In this review, we analyse the enzyme functions involved in cancer progression by dissecting specific conditions in which ATP synthase contributes to cancer development or metastasis. Moreover, we propose the role of ATP synthase in the formation of the permeability transition pore (PTP) as an additional mechanism which controls tumour cell death. We further describe transcriptional and translational modifications of the enzyme subunits and of the inhibitor protein IF1 that may promote adaptations leading to cancer metabolism. Finally, we outline ATP synthase gene mutations and epigenetic modifications associated with cancer development or drug resistance, with the aim of highlighting this enzyme complex as a potential novel target for future anti-cancer therapy.
Determination of chromium valence state in the CaO–SiO2–FeO–MgO–CrOx system by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Deman , Diao Jiang , Qiu Yiyu , Wang Guang , Li Gang , Xie Bing
Published: August 2020

The chromium valence states in the CaO–SiO2–FeO–MgO–CrOx system were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that the XPS peaks of Cr 2p3/2 and Cr 2p1/2 locate at the binding energy of ∼577 and ∼586 eV, respectively. There are three kinds of chromium ions such as bivalent Cr(ii), trivalent Cr(iii), and hexavalent Cr(vi) in the CaO–SiO2–FeO–MgO–CrOx slag. Cr(iii) is the dominant valence state, and more than 77.99% Cr is trivalent Cr(iii). The fraction of Cr(ii)/Cr is in the range of 11.24–17.22%. The fraction of Cr(vi)/Cr is below 4.80%. The fraction of Cr(ii)/Cr decreases with increasing slag basicity, Cr2O3 content, temperature, or oxygen pressure log(PO2), while the fraction of Cr(iii)/Cr increases with increasing basicity, Cr2O3 content, temperature, or oxygen pressure. The trend of change is opposite. Low log(PO2), high Cr2O3 content, and high temperature are beneficial to reduce the toxic hexavalent Cr(vi). The slag basicity has little influence on the fraction of Cr(vi)/Cr.
Corrosion behaviors of 316 stainless steel and Inconel 625 alloy in chloride molten salts for solar energy storage
Authors: Wang Mingjing , Zeng Song , Zhang Huihui , Zhu Ming , Lei Chengxin , Li Boshuai
Published: August 2020

Corrosion behaviors of 316 stainless steel (316 ss) and Inconel 625 alloy in molten NaCl–KCl–ZnCl2 at 700°C and 900°C were investigated by immersion tests and electrochemical methods, including potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to analyze the phases and microstructures of the corrosion products. Inconel 625 alloy and 316 ss exhibited high corrosion rates in molten chlorides, and the corrosion rates of these two alloys accelerated when the temperature increased from 700°C to 900°C. The results of the electrochemical tests showed that both alloys exhibited active corrosion in chloride molten salt, and the current density of 316 ss in chloride molten salt at 700°C was 2.756 mA/cm−2, which is about three times the value for Inconel 625 alloy; and the values of the charge transfer resistance (Rt) for Inconel 625 were larger than those for 316 ss. The corrosion of these two alloys is owing to the preferred oxidation of Cr in chloride molten salt, and the corrosion layer was mainly ZnCr2O4 which was loose and porous and showed poor adherence to metal.
The implications of the loss of self-respect for the recovery model in mental healthcare
Authors: Thornton Tim
Published: August 2020

According to the recovery model, mental healthcare should be aimed towards a conception of recovery articulated by a patient or service user in accord with his or her own specific values. The model thus presupposes and emphasises the agency of the patient and opposes paternalism. Recent philosophical work on the relations between respect, self-respect, self-esteem, shame, and agency suggests, however, two ways in which mental illness itself can undermine self-respect, promote shame and undermine agency, suggesting a tension within the recovery model. I argue, however, that this is a tension rather than a fatal flaw by distinguishing between paternalist and non-paternalist clinical responses to this failure of agency.
Consensual Qualitative Research on Free Associations for Criticism and Self-Criticism
Authors: Halamová Júlia , Langová Petra , Baránková Martina , Strnádelová Bronislava , Koróniová Jana
Published: August 2020

Criticism and self-criticism have far reaching impacts on wellbeing and emotional balance. In order to create better interventions for criticism and self-criticism, more in-depth knowledge about these two constructs is required. The goal of our study was to examine three associations for criticism and self-criticism. The data were collected from a sample of 151 psychology students: 114 women and 37 men (Mean age 22.2; SD 4.4). We were interested in the associations participants would produce in relation to criticism and self-criticism, whether participants conceptualized these two concepts in the same categories and whether the categories were equally important for each concept. The data were analyzed using Consensual Qualitative research (CQR). The team consisted of four core members and one auditor. Separately all four members analyzed the data multiple times and then discussed it until all the researchers including the auditor reached a consensus. We identified four domains common to both criticism and self-criticism. These were – Emotional Aspects, Cognitive Aspects, Behavioral Aspects, and Preconditions. For both stimulus words, the most saturated domain was Behavioral Aspects. These findings suggest that both concepts – criticism and self-criticism – are multidimensional constructs consisting of Behavioral Aspects, Cognitive aspects, Emotional Aspects, and Preconditions. Further research on this topic would be beneficial.
More than a medical condition: Qualitative analysis of media representations of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Šestáková Anna , Plichtová Jana
Published: August 2020

The aim of our research is to explore how Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are represented in the Slovak media. Data consisted of text documents from the Newton media database. Search criteria included TV, radio, print and web sources that mentioned the words “Alzheimer” and “dementia” between 2015 and 2018. A thematic discourse analysis was applied in order to identify the themes and their mutual semantic relations. The analysis was focused primarily on the headlines (n = 227). The results show that the biomedical perspective currently dominates at the expense of a socio-psychological one. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are represented as tragic cases and victims of a cruel disease. Responsibility for care and prevention is individualized. Our findings suggest that a new perspective is needed. Such an approach should recognize the dignity and humanity of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia despite their cognitive deficits and respect their socio-psychological needs.
Supervisor humor and employee job performance: A moderated mediation model of work enjoyment and suspicion of the supervisor
Authors: Gkorezis Panagiotis
Published: August 2020

Supervisor humor has been shown to be related to various employee outcomes. In this vein, prior research has demonstrated the positive role of supervisor humor in increasing employee job performance. However, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms that explain this relationship. Addressing this gap, the present study develops and tests a moderated mediation model by highlighting work enjoyment as a mediator and suspicion about the supervisor as a moderator. Results from a sample of 190 employees working in a large retail organization showed that work enjoyment mediates the relationship between supervisor humor and subordinates’ job performance and, further, that this indirect effect is dependent upon suspicion of the supervisor.
Invektivität und Geschichtswissenschaft. Konstellationen der Herabsetzung in historischer Perspektive – ein Forschungskonzept
Authors: Schwerhoff Gerd
Published: August 2020

Angesichts populistischer Feindsetzungen und digitaler Hassreden ist gegenwärtig die Wahrnehmung weit verbreitet, in einem Zeitalter der Schmähung und Herabwürdigung zu leben. Der Beitrag nimmt die historischen Dimensionen des Themas in den Blick und plädiert für das neue Konzept der „Invektivität“ als Instrument umfassender Analyse. Nachdem er existierende Anknüpfungspunkte in den Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften durchmustert hat, skizziert er Grundzüge dieses Konzeptes. Invektivität soll – jenseits einzelner Gattungsbezeichnungen – jene Aspekte von Kommunikation bezeichnen (ob mündlich oder schriftlich, ob gestisch oder bildlich), die dazu geeignet sind, Personen oder Gruppen herabzusetzen, zu verletzen oder auszugrenzen. Dabei wird der Schlüssel für die Bedeutungen invektiver Kommunikation nicht in der Motivation einzelner Sprecher gesucht; vielmehr konstituieren sie sich, modellhaft gesprochen, im Kraftfeld einer triadischen Konstellation von Akteuren und werden entscheidend vom jeweiligen Kontext sowie von der Anschlusskommunikation bestimmt. Diese Beobachtung und weitere im Beitrag aufgeführte Charakteristika von Invektivität führen zu dem Schluss, dass Invektivität in Geschichte und Gegenwart enorme gesellschaftliche Funktionen entfaltet. Das betrifft nicht nur ihr offenkundig destruktives Potential, sondern auch ihre produktive, gruppen- und gesellschaftsbildende Kraft. Im letzten Teil des Beitrages wird das Konzept exemplarisch an einem Arbeitsfeld der Geschichtswissenschaft erprobt, nämlich im Hinblick auf die Person Martin Luthers und das Problem der Öffentlichkeit im Reformationszeitalter.
Gerechter Lohn oder „Bourgeois-Sinecure“? Die Debatte um die Gewinnbeteiligung des Aufsichtsrats um 1900
Authors: Selgert Felix
Published: August 2020

Im Deutschen Kaiserreich existierten um die Jahrhundertwende hohe Lohnungleichheiten. Eine kleine Gruppe von Spitzenverdienern, ein Prozent der Lohnempfänger, beanspruchte im ersten Jahrzehnt des 20. Jahrhunderts fast ein Fünftel der gesamten Lohnsumme für sich. Zu dieser Gruppe gehörten auch viele Aufsichtsräte von Aktiengesellschaften. Diese Lohnungleichheiten blieben den Zeitgenossen nicht verborgen und erreichten um die Jahrhundertwende den Reichstag. Dort entspann sich im Kontext der Steuerdebatten der 1900er Jahre eine Debatte um soziale Gerechtigkeit. Politiker des Zentrums und der konservativen Reichsparteien kritisierten Aufsichtsratsentschädigungen, weil diese ohne Arbeitsleistung zustande kämen. Insbesondere in den Augen der Zentrumspolitiker gefährdete dies den Zusammenhalt der Gesellschaft. Liberale Politiker verteidigten die Spitzeneinkommen dagegen, indem sie auf das Haftungsrisiko und die hohe Arbeitsbelastung der Aufsichtsräte hinwiesen. Die vor allem von der Zentrumspartei propagierte Norm der sozialen Gerechtigkeit fand Eingang in wirtschaftspolitische Maßnahmen, die auf die Beschränkung der Aufsichtsratsvergütungen abzielten. In der Praxis scheinen diese Maßnahmen jedoch keine Wirkung entfaltet zu haben. Die empirische Untersuchung der Vergütungen von Aufsichtsräten anhand eines großen Unternehmensdatensatzes zeigt, dass viele Aktiengesellschaften die beabsichtigte Vergütungsbeschränkung durch die Einführung neuer Vergütungsformen umgingen. Wertvorstellungen in Bezug auf Lohnungleichheiten beeinflussten somit durchaus politischen Gestaltungswillen, hatten aber kaum Einfluss auf die Praxis der Lohngestaltung von Spitzenmanagern.
Mixed Reality based Collaboration for Design Processes
Authors: Hube Natalie , Müller Mathias , Lapczyna Esther , Wojdziak Jan
Published: August 2020

Due to constantly and rapidly growing digitization, requirements for international cooperation are changing. Tools for collaborative work such as video telephony are already an integral part of today’s communication across companies. However, these tools are not sufficient to represent the full physical presence of an employee or a product as well as its components in another location, since the representation of information in a two-dimensional way and the resulting limited communication loses concrete objectivity. Thus, we present a novel object-centered approach that compromises of Augmented and Virtual Reality technology as well as design suggestions for remote collaboration. Furthermore, we identify current key areas for future research and specify a design space for the use of Augmented and Virtual Reality remote collaboration in the manufacturing process in the automotive industry.
Communicating Robotic Help Requests
Authors: Westhoven Martin , van der Grinten Tim
Published: August 2020

In this paper we report results from a web- and video-based study on the perception of a request for help from a robot head. Colored lights, eye-expressions and politeness of the used language were varied. We measured effects on expression identification, hedonic user experience, perceived politeness, and help intention. Additionally, sociodemographic data, a ‘face blindness’ questionnaire, and negative attitudes towards robots were collected to control for possible influences on the dependent variables. A total of n = 139 participants were included in the analysis. In this paper, the focus is placed on interaction effects and on the influence of covariates. Significant effects were found for the interaction of LED lighting and eye-expressions and for language and eye-expressions on help intention. The expression identification is significantly influenced by the interaction of LED lighting and eye-expressions. Several significant effects of the covariates were found, both direct and from interaction with independent variables. Especially the negative attitudes towards robots significantly influence help intention and perceived politeness. The results provide information on the effect of different design choices for help requesting robots.
Alexithymia, fibromyalgia, and psychological distress among adolescents: literature review
Authors: Alslman Eman Tariq , Hamaideh Shaher H. , Bani Hani Manar Ali , Atiyeh Huda Mohammad
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this article is to review the literature regarding the relationships between alexithymia, fibromyalgia (FM), and psychological distress among adolescents. Google Scholar and databases were searched using alexithymia, fibromyalgia, psychological distress, and adolescent keywords. Studies that examine the relationship between alexithymia and fibromyalgia and the contribution of psychological distress on this relationship among adolescents are lacking. However, based on previous studies on adult samples and theoretical background, there are possible relationship between alexithymia and fibromyalgia as well as possible mediating effect of psychological distress on this relationship in adolescents. Further studies are recommended to examine the relationships between alexithymia, fibromyalgia, and psychological distress among adolescents.
Estimating the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve using partially ordered sets
Authors: Zamanzade Ehsan , Wang Xinlei
Published: August 2020

Ranked set sampling (RSS), known as a cost-effective sampling technique, requires that the ranker gives a complete ranking of the units in each set. Frey (2012) proposed a modification of RSS based on partially ordered sets, referred to as RSS-t in this paper, to allow the ranker to declare ties as much as he/she wishes. We consider the problem of estimating the area under a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve using RSS-t samples. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) is commonly used as a measure for the effectiveness of diagnostic markers. We develop six nonparametric estimators of the AUC with/without utilizing tie information based on different approaches. We then compare the estimators using a Monte Carlo simulation and an empirical study with real data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The results show that utilizing tie information increases the efficiency of estimating the AUC. Suggestions about when to choose which estimator are also made available to practitioners.
Catalytic combustion of propane on Pd-modified Al–La–Ce catalyst – from reaction kinetics and mechanism to monolithic reactor tests and scale-up
Authors: Velinova Ralitsa , Todorova Silviya , Ivanov Georgi , Kovacheva Daniela , Kolev Hristo , Naydenov Anton
Published: August 2020

A propane combustion catalyst was prepared by supporting of Pd on optimized multiphase composition, containing Al2O3, La2O3 and CeO2 aiming for possible application in catalytic converters for abatement of propane in waste gases. The catalyst characterization has been made by N2- physisorption, XRD, SEM/EDX, TEM and XPS. The obtained values for reaction order towards propane and oxygen are 0.57 and 0.14, respectively. The negative reaction order towards the water vapour (−0.26) shows an inhibition effect of the water molecules. According to the kinetics model calculations, the reaction pathway over Pd-modified La–Ce catalyst proceeds most probably through Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism with adsorption of propane and oxygen on different types of sites, dissociative adsorption of oxygen, whereupon water molecules compete with propane molecules for one and the same type of adsorption sites. For practical evaluation of the synthesized material, a sample of Pd/Al2O3–La2O3–CeO2, supported on rolled Al-containing stainless steel (Aluchrom VDM®) to form a single monolithic channel was prepared and tested. Two-dimensional heterogeneous models were used to simulate the propane combustion from laboratory reactor to full-scale adiabatic monolithic converter for ensuring an effective abatement of propane emissions.
Effect of organic loading rate on anaerobic digestion of raw cheese whey: experimental evaluation and mathematical modeling
Authors: Moguel-Castañeda Jazael G. , González-Salomón Michelle , Hernández-García Hector , Morales-Zarate Epifanio , Puebla Hector , Hernandez-Martinez Eliseo
Published: August 2020

Whey is a high strength waste product of cheese manufacture. Anaerobic digestion of cheese allows pollution potential reduction and simultaneously energy production. Organic loading rate (OLR) is an important operating variable for anaerobic digestion (AD) process related to system stability, waste treatment capacity and biogas production. The actual OLR depends on the types of wastes (i.e., content of chemical oxygen demand [COD]) fed into a digester. In this paper, the effect of OLR on the AD process of the raw cheese whey in a semi-continuous up-flow system is studied experimentally and with numerical simulations using a simple dynamical model calibrated with experimental data. The digester operation was performed for 90 days, doubling the OLR every 30 days, from OLR of 2.5–10 gCOD L−1 d−1. Experimental results show that the increase in OLR favors the production of biogas. However, the proportion of methane may decrease. The highest methane yield and the most considerable substrate degradation were obtained at OLR of 5 gCOD L−1 d−1 and 10 gCOD L−1 d−1, respectively. The proposed mathematical model is used to describe the dynamic behavior of key variables as COD, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and methane production. A good fit between the variables estimated by the mathematical model and experimental data was obtained, reaching determination coefficients (R2) greater than 0.8. Therefore, this model might be beneficial in predicting the maximum methane production rate and the maximum OLR that could be used without risking the AD process stability.
A study on correlations between antimicrobial effects and diffusion coefficient, zeta potential and droplet size of essential oils
Authors: Mutlu-Ingok Aysegul , Firtin Burcu , Karbancioglu-Guler Funda , Altay Filiz
Published: August 2020

It was hypothesized that inhibition zone of an essential oil (EO) in a Petri dish might be relevant to its diffusion coefficient (DC) into agar medium, which may be calculated from the Fick’s diffusion. Antibacterial activities of cumin, dill weed, fennel, ginger and oregano EOs were evaluated against Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. DCs, zeta potential and droplet sizes of EOs were measured. The inhibition zones of EOs had in accordance with DCs whereas they had a reverse relation with droplet size. The measured DCs were in the range of 0.82–1.50 × 10−12 m2 s−1. The effective DC of EOs calculated from the total flux exhibited good correlations with measured DCs. Outcomes of this study may provide a pre-assessment for the antimicrobial activity of any EOs from its DC. Furthermore, it may help to understand the studies on how EOs pass through a bacterium cell and show antimicrobial effects.
Nursing students’ perceptions of and experiences coping with stress in clinical practice
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Chernomas Wanda M. , Scanlan Judith M.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Clinical practice is a major component of nursing education wherein significant learning takes place. Nursing students experience stress in clinical practice which can have a negative impact on their learning. Guided by Lazarus and Folkman’s theory of stress and coping, this study explored nursing students’ perceptions of and experiences with coping with stress in clinical practice.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten undergraduate nursing students. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

The themes of: Learning about self, Knowing self, Value of social support, and Relationships with clinical instructors reflect participants’ descriptions of coping with stress. Students cognitive and behavioral strategies, including reflection, help them understand their stress and decide how to reduce its effects.

Conclusions

Supportive and respectful relationships are essential for a student to learn and cope effectively with stressful situations. Implications for improving the clinical instructor’s role to enhance students’ coping with stress in clinical practice are discussed.