bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Neonatal Sepsis in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Assemie Moges Agazhe , Alene Muluneh , Yismaw Lieltwork , Ketema Daniel Bekele , Lamore Yonas , Petrucka Pammla , Alemu Simegn
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection occurring in infants during the first 4 weeks of life and is a major cause of mortality and morbidities of newborns due to their age-related weak and immature immune systems. In Ethiopia, despite many studies being conducted on neonatal sepsis, the reported findings are inconsistent. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of neonatal sepsis to enhance the utility and interpretation of the evidence. Methods. An extensive systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to extract studies on the prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Two independent authors selected and extracted the data from each included article. The heterogeneity of included studies was assessed using the Higgins I2 test, and a random-effects model was performed in Stata/se Version 14. Results. Eighteen studies with a sample size of 10,495 study subjects were included with a reported range of neonatal sepsis from 17% to 78%. The pooled prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 45% (95% CI: 35, 55; I2=99.3%, p<0.01). Early onset neonatal sepsis was found to have a prevalence of 75.4% (95% CI: 68.3, 82.6). Subgroup analysis in the study area (i.e., by region) was calculated revealing the highest neonatal sepsis in Amhara region at 64.4% (95% CI: 44.9, 84.0) and the lowest in Southern Nations, Nationality, and People at 28% (95% CI: 16, 40). Conclusion. In this review, the prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia was found to be high, especially in terms of early onset neonatal sepsis. As a result of the findings, it is important to consider the early and optimal points for interventions to better manage the prevalence and outcomes of neonatal sepsis. Further research is needed to investigate the neonatal sepsis status at different regions and associated factors for neonatal sepsis not yet studied.
Quantitative Analysis for the Spread Range of Malignant Tumor Based on Lie Symmetry
Authors: Zheng Mingliang
Published: April 2020

It provided a powerful new way for predicting the growth trend of malignant tumor and assisting the treatment of cancer patients. Firstly, a one-dimensional mathematical model for the dynamic proliferation of malignant tumors is established on the premise of related simplification and hypothesis. Secondly, according to the Lie symmetry theory, we deduce the multigroup allowed infinitely small generating elements of partial differential equations and obtain the analytic form of the exact invariant solution. Finally, the influence of the model condition parameters (oxygen concentration and inhibitor concentration) on the tumor multiplication time index T is analyzed and discussed. The results showed that when the concentration of the nutrient substance is higher than the critical concentration, the multiplication time of the tumor region approximately decreased firstly and then increased in the linear form about tumor radius under different oxygen concentrations, and at the same radius, the oxygen concentration is lower, and the multiplication time is longer; the multiplication time of the tumor region approximately decreased in the exponential form about tumor radius under different inhibitor concentrations, and at the same radius, the inhibitor concentration is higher, and the multiplication time is bigger, which are consistent with the experimental and clinical observation.
Electrodeposition of Hydroxyapatite-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite on Ti6Al4V
Authors: Nguyen Thom T. , Pham Nam T. , Dinh Thanh T. M. , Vu Thu T. , Nguyen Hai S. , Tran Lam D.
Published: April 2020

This work aims to study the optimal conditions to synthesize hydroxyapatite-multiwalled carbon nanotube (HAp-MWCNT) coatings on Ti6Al4V by electrodeposition technique. The structural behaviors, morphology, and mechanical properties of the coatings were characterized by various advanced methods. The analyzed results showed that the obtained coatings were composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) phases. The presence of MWCNTs in the HAp-MWCNT composite, which improved adhesion between the coatings and the substrate about 2.3 times, increased 20% of hardness and decreased about 40% the solubility of HAp-MWCNTs/Ti6Al4V in comparison with pure HAp coating on Ti6Al4V.
Is Recovery from Cannabis Dependence Possible? Factors that Help or Hinder Recovery in a National Sample of Canadians with a History of Cannabis Dependence
Authors: Fuller-Thomson Esme , Jayanthikumar Janany , Redmond Melissa L. , Agbeyaka Senyo
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To identify among Canadian adults who have ever been dependent upon cannabis, the prevalence of risk and protective factors associated with (1) cannabis remission, (2) the absence of psychiatric disorders or addictions in the past year (APD), and (3) positive mental health (PMH). Method. Data from Statistics Canada’s nationally representative 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health (n=20,777, of whom 336 have a history of cannabis dependence) was used. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted. The World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO-CIDI) measures were used to determine lifetime cannabis dependence, past-year remission from cannabis depression, and the absence of psychiatric disorders in the past year (APD) (i.e., no suicidal ideation, depressive episodes, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, or any substance dependence). PMH is comprised of three factors: APD, happiness or life satisfaction and social and psychological well-being. Results. Among those with a history of cannabis dependence, 72% were in remission from cannabis dependence. Although 53% were free of major psychiatric disorders and any substance dependence and 43% of respondents were in PMH, these percentages were dramatically lower than those without a history of cannabis dependence (92% and 74%, respectively). Positive outcomes were more common among women, older respondents, those with higher levels of social support, and those who had never had major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Conclusion. Although many Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence achieve remission and a large minority are truly resilient and achieve PMH, many are failing to thrive. Targeted outreach is warranted for the most vulnerable individuals with a history of cannabis dependence (e.g., men, younger respondents, those with low social support and a history of mental illness).
Vaccination against Nonmutated Neoantigens Induced in Recurrent and Future Tumors
Authors: Garrido Greta , Schrand Brett , Levay Agata , Rabasa Ailem , Ferrantella Anthony , Da Silva Diane M. , D'Eramo Francesca , Marijt Koen A. , Zhang Zhuoran , Kwon Deukwoo , Kortylewski Marcin , Kast W. Martin , Dudeja Vikas , van Hall Thorbald , Gilboa Eli
Published: April 2020

Vaccination of patients against neoantigens expressed in concurrent tumors, recurrent tumors, or tumors developing in individuals at risk of cancer is posing major challenges in terms of which antigens to target and is limited to patients expressing neoantigens in their tumors. Here, we describe a vaccination strategy against antigens that were induced in tumor cells by downregulation of the peptide transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). Vaccination against TAP downregulation–induced antigens was more effective than vaccination against mutation-derived neoantigens, was devoid of measurable toxicity, and inhibited the growth of concurrent and future tumors in models of recurrence and premalignant disease. Human CD8+ T cells stimulated with TAPlow dendritic cells elicited a polyclonal T-cell response that recognized tumor cells with experimentally reduced TAP expression. Vaccination against TAP downregulation–induced antigens overcomes the main limitations of vaccinating against mostly unique tumor-resident neoantigens and could represent a simpler vaccination strategy that will be applicable to most patients with cancer.
Preoperative Radiotherapy Leads to Significant Differences in the Plasma Protein Profile of Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Holm Matilda , Joenväärä Sakari , Saraswat Mayank , Tohmola Tiialotta , Ristimäki Ari , Renkonen Risto , Haglund Caj
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 10% of the global cancer burden. Rectal cancer accounts for around 30% of CRC cases, and patients with resectable rectal cancer are often given preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) to reduce the rate of local recurrence. The human plasma proteome is an exceptionally complex proteome and ideal to study due to its ability to reflect the presence of diseases such as cancer and the ease of obtaining blood samples. Previous proteomic studies involving rectal cancer patients have mostly focused on the identification of proteins involved in resistance to radiotherapy. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the overall effects of PRT on plasma protein expression in rectal cancer patients, as there is a lack of such studies. Methods: Here, we have used mass spectrometry and subsequent statistical analyses to analyze the plasma samples of 30 rectal cancer patients according to PRT status (positive or negative) and tumor stage (II or III). Results and Conclusions: We discovered 42 proteins whose levels differed significantly between stage II and III rectal cancer patients who did or did not receive PRT. This study shows that PRT, although localized to the pelvis, leads to measurable, tumor stage-specific changes in plasma protein expression. Future studies of plasma proteins should, when relevant, take this into account and be aware of the widespread effects that PRT has on the plasma proteome.
Neuronal Activity and Synaptic Plasticity in a Reimplanted STN-DBS Patient with Parkinson’s Disease: Recordings from Two Surgeries
Authors: Milosevic Luka , De Vloo Philippe , Gramer Robert , Kalia Suneil K. , Fasano Alfonso , Popovic Milos R. , Hutchison William D.
Published: April 2020

The authors report the case of an elderly male in his 60s who, after 5 months of efficacious treatment with chronic deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS), developed a hardware-related erosion necessitating removal of the complete DBS system. One and a half years following the first implantation, a new STN-DBS system was implanted along an immediately adjacent trajectory, and reproduction of clinical efficacy was reported. Additionally, 2 microstimulation protocols were compared between the 2 surgeries, i.e., one to assess the stimulation frequency response of STN neurons and another to assess inhibitory synaptic plasticity in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). The spontaneous neuronal firing rates of STN neurons in each hemisphere were also compared between the 2 surgeries. The results suggest that the frequency-sensitivity of STN neurons may have been reduced (i.e., more resistant to neuronal suppression), while the spontaneous baseline firing rates of STN neurons and the plasticity measured in the SNr remained unchanged (2 factors that may be indicative of neurodegenerative processes).
Multidirectional Pathways between Attachment, Mentalizing, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptomatology in the Context of Childhood Trauma
Authors: Huang Yu Lien , Fonagy Peter , Feigenbaum Janet , Montague P. Read , Nolte Tobias ,   and London Personality and Mood Disorder Research Consortium
Published: April 2020

Introduction:Exposure to traumatic stressful events in childhood is an important risk factor for the development of posttraumatic symptomatology. From a mentalization-based developmental perspective, childhood adversity can affect attachment in children and may result in insecure attachment and impaired mentalizing abilities, which increase the lifetime risk for psychopathology. The present cross-sectional study examined the potential mediating role of attachment insecurity and impaired mentalizing on the relationship between childhood trauma and posttraumatic symptomatology. Method: Adults who had experienced childhood neglect and abuse (n = 295, 184 patients with personality disorder and 111 community controls) completed self-report measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, dissociative experiences, adult attachment insecurity, and mentalizing. Results: Structural equation modelling results revealed that attachment insecurity together with lower mentalizing mediated the link between childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms, and lower mentalizing mediated the link between childhood trauma and dissociative experiences. Conclusion: The findings show that attachment insecurity and lower mentalizing play significant mediating roles in the reporting of posttraumatic symptomatology among survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, with treatment implications for mentalization-based therapy as beneficial for individuals with a history of childhood trauma.
Clinical Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries, Individual Characteristics, and Environmental Factors on Self-Reported Oral Health Measures in Adolescents: A Follow-Up Prevalence Study
Authors: Silva Michele Pagliarini , Vettore Mario Vianna , Rebelo Maria Augusta Bessa , Rebelo Vieira Janete Maria , Herkrath Ana Paula Corrêa de Queiroz , Queiroz Adriana Corrêa de , Herkrath Fernando José , Pereira Juliana Vianna
Published: April 2020

Background/Aims: This study evaluated the relationships of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries, individual characteristics, and environmental factors on self-reported oral health measures in adolescents. Methods: A follow-up prevalence study was conducted involving 406 twelve-year-old adolescents selected from public schools in the eastern area of the city of Manaus, Brazil. Baseline data included clinical consequences of untreated caries (PUFA/pufa index), DMFT, sociodemographic characteristics (sex, parental schooling, and family income), psychosocial factors (sense of coherence [SOC-13 scale], oral health beliefs and self-esteem [Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale]), and social support (SSA questionnaire). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL [CPQ11–14]) and self-rated oral health were assessed at the 6-month follow-up. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the relationships between variables according to the Wilson and Cleary model. Results: The prevalence of PUFA/pufa was 17.8% and mean DMFT was 1.5. The number of teeth with clinical consequences of untreated caries predicted poor self-rated oral health at the 6-month follow-up. Low parental schooling predicted low family income and clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. Psychosocial factors predicted OHRQoL directly and self-rated oral health indirectly. OHRQoL was linked to self-rated oral health. Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries mediated the relationship of parental schooling with OHRQoL and self-rated oral health. OHRQoL mediated the relationship of psychosocial factors and sex with self-rated oral health. Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries was associated with adolescents’ self-rated oral health. Furthermore, the former was an important mediator on the link between low parental education and adolescents’ self-reported oral health measures. Conclusions: Socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, and social support were related to OHRQoL and self-rated oral health via direct and indirect pathways.
The rs11187533 C>T Variant of the FFAR4 Gene Is Associated with Lower Levels of Fasting Glucose and Decreases in Markers of Liver Injury in Children with Obesity
Authors: Codoñer-Alejos Alan , Carrasco-Luna Joaquín , Codoñer-Franch Pilar
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Genetic factors can modulate the development of associated comorbidities in obesity. It has been shown that loss-of-function variants of the free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4) gene negatively affect obesity comorbidities such as insulin resistance and fatty liver disease. Objective: To test the relationships of metabolic factors in children with obesity with variants of the FFAR4 gene. Methods: We performed an association study of 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FFAR4 (rs10882273 T>C, rs12243124 T>C, and rs11187533 C>T) covering the last intron and last exon of FFAR4 in a cohort of 203 children with obesity. Cardiometabolic factors were determined, including parameters related to insulin resistance, liver injury, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as an inflammatory marker. Results: Significant genotype – phenotype interactions occurred between the rs11187533 SNP and glucose levels (p = 0.011). Moreover, we identified 2 marginally significant associations between this SNP and the hepatic enzymes alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.022) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (p = 0.015). The homozygous minor allele genotype (TT) was associated with a decrease in glucose levels. Conclusion: The homozygous minor allele genotype of the rs11187533 SNP might be protective against metabolic consequences accompanying obesity and could allow the identification of metabolically healthy obese individuals at early ages.
Diagnosis of Brugada Syndrome, a Rare Inherited Arrhythmogenic Disorder
Authors: Syed Iqbaluddin Juwairiya , Murthuza Fathima , Iqbal Sumaiya
Published: April 2020

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic disorder with mutation in the SCN5A gene. It is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. BrS can be diagnosed by characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and significant events, such as syncope, palpitations, nocturnal respiratory agonia, and family history of sudden cardiac death below the age of 45 years. Special investigations, such as electrophysiology study, ajmaline provocation test, and genetic testing, play an important role in its diagnosis. This case report describes a patient who presented with chest pain and dizziness along with a positive family history of sudden cardiac deaths below the age of 45 years. He was discovered to have type 2 Brugada pattern on ECG, and by ajmaline provocation test, the type 1 pattern was unmasked, which established a definitive diagnosis of BrS. The patient was then advised for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. This case highlights the need for physicians to be competent in identifying patients with BrS in order to provide the necessary management and prevent fatal outcomes.
Interpreting fpic in undrip
Authors: Newman Dwight
Published: April 2020

This article discusses the divergent interpretations of what the free, prior, and informed consent (fpic) provisions in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (undrip) mean, showing how textual and purposive interpretations end up with different positions. The article engages more broadly with the appropriate approach to interpretation of General Assembly resolutions and argues that undrip is within a particular category that are more treaty-like in character and to which principles of treaty interpretation should be applied. The application of those principles supports both divergent interpretations but calls for them to be combined in light of other interpretive factors, all of which have the potential to continue shifting over time. Within the context of undrip interpretation having received much less direct attention than it should, the article seeks to contribute to ongoing conversations on how to interpret undrip in ways that support a sustainable implementation of fpic.
Rwanda’s Forgotten Years
Authors: Wallis Andrew
Published: April 2020

The narrative on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda has become remarkable in recent years for airbrushing the responsibility of those at its heart from the tragedy. The figure of President Juvenal Habyarimana, whose 21-year rule, along with the unofficial network based around his wife and family, the Akazu, has been largely marginalised. Yet to understand April 1994 requires a far longer-term understanding. Those responsible had grown their power, influence and ambition for decades inside every part of Rwandan society after seizing power in their coup of 1973; they had established personal and highly lucrative bonds with European and North American countries, financial institutions and the Vatican, all of whom variously assisted with financial, political, diplomatic and military support from 1973 into 1994. This chapter seeks to outline how Akazu built its powerbase, influence and ambition in the two decades before 1994 and the failure of its international backers to respond to repeated warning signs of a tragedy foretold.
Underpowered and Mostly Unwanted
Authors: Bou Jean
Published: April 2020

This chapter is a short history of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda (unamir). It is based on an examination of the Australian deployment to Rwanda undertaken as part of the five-volume Official History of Australian Peacekeeping, Humanitarian and Post-Cold War Operations. The chapter briefly charts the establishment, travails, reduction, re-establishment and then demise of this UN mission. In doing so highlights how unamir was perpetually dogged by having mandates that, while they seemed suitable when they were created in New York, were quickly overtaken by events in Rwanda. Moreover, after the genocide, the recreated unamir was forced to attempt to police the very people and institutions it was reliant on for its continued survival if it was to carry out its mandate.
unamir: a Deployed Legal Officer’s Retrospective
Authors: Oswald Bruce ‘Ossie’
Published: April 2020

From August 1994 until February 1995 I served as an Australian Defence Force legal officer with the Australian Medical Support Force which was a component of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda. During this deployment three duties I engaged with still stand out for me 25 years later: investigating the mass grave site at Ntarama, the use of force to defend the mandate and individual self-defence, and detention. This paper, in large part, engages with my reflections of these issues in the context of my military law practice, and academic research and writing. I conclude by making six observations from my experiences in Rwanda.
EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking – Recent Belgian Criminal Cases
Authors: Bouquelle Farah , Lavrysen Luc
Published: April 2020

The article introduces international, European and Belgian legislation on trade in endangered species of wild animals and plants and discusses the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking. Notably, this contribution provides empirical insights in the functioning of the Belgian system for enforcement of wildlife trafficking regulations and provides a first set of empirical data on the effectiveness of criminal charges in this field of EU environmental law. To this extent, the four reviewed Belgian judgments are examples of effective criminal sanctioning of wildlife crime. They also show that wildlife crime is hot and organised, and that Belgium is both a final destination market for live birds and reptiles and a transit point for trafficking of ivory and sea horses to other continents, such as Asia.

To meet the targets of the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, the fight against wildlife trafficking should be stepped up. As regards Belgium, this manuscript highlights that the federal state and the three regions should better coordinate their cites policy and legislation. In view of the increase of cites-cases, the training and capacity of the inspection, customs and police services should be strengthened further. More frequent controls at the airports and ports would increase the chance of being caught. The environmental unit of the federal police should be reinforced. Moreover, a federal cites public prosecutor could be appointed for serious cites cases in which there are links with terrorism, organised crime or when public health is at stake. More research capacity and international cooperation would allow to tackle not only the couriers, but the principals and addressees in the countries of origin and destination. Finally, the assignment of cites cases to specialised sections of the courts would contribute to more efficiency and better continuity in the interpretation and enforcement of cites regulations.
Environmental Reporting by the EU Member States and the Commission – Current Practices, Legislative Action and a Way Forward
Authors: Vanhellemont Anna
Published: April 2020

Literature on environmental reporting by Member States and the Commission is scarce. Furthermore, the way in which environmental reporting is construed in EU legislation and takes place in practice in the Member States, has only recently been subject to a comprehensive review. Following the 2017 Fitness Check of environmental reporting and subsequent action plan, on which a progress report was published in June 2019, it is high time to look at the state of environmental reporting in the EU. This article looks into several provisions and practices of environmental reporting from the perspective of legal certainty, transparency and, more specifically, access to environmental information. Environmental monitoring and reporting are essential to ensure proper implementation of and compliance with EU environmental legislation. However, discrepancies in legislation and issues in reporting practices can be noted. The Commission has taken several initiatives to streamline and improve environmental reporting, the most significant example being the adoption of Regulation 2019/1010 to align the reporting obligations in the field of environmental policy. Nevertheless, it seems there is still room for improvement. The article concludes with a look into the future of environmental reporting requirements, asking the question what more can be done.
A new species of Andinia (Pleurothallidinae, Orchidaceae) with unusual bearded flowers from Ecuador

Authors: PONERT JAN , ANDRADE MARIO PORTILLA , CHUMOVÁ ZUZANA , TRÁVNÍČEK PAVEL
Published: April 2020

Andinia barbata is newly described based on cultivated material originally collected near Shaglli in Ecuador. It belongs to subgenus Aenigma and differs from all others in this group by the lanceolate lip, 2.5 times longer than wide, and unusually long and thick projections from the synsepal which gives a bearded appearance to the flowers. Phylogenetic placement under the genus is supported with reconstruction of a molecular phylogeny using nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid matK regions and the genome size estimation (1C-value = 1.38 pg) is provided.
Begonia fimbritepala (Begoniaceae), a new species endemic to the Atlantic Coastal Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Authors: JACQUES ELIANE DE LIMA
Published: April 2020

Begonia fimbritepala (Begoniaceae) a new endemic species to the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil is described and illustrated. This species resembles B. olsoniae in occupying the same habitat (rocky slopes and outcrops), and in the shape of the leaf blades and size of male flowers. It differs by glabrous leaves on the adaxial surface, villous abaxial veins with simple trichomes (vs. hispid on both surfaces, squamulose on abaxial veins with fimbriate scales) and tepals with ciliate margins (vs entire to slightly crenulate).
García-Mendoza, A.J., Sándoval-Gutiérrez, D. & Redonda-Martínez, R. (2020) Mixtecalia, a new monotypic genus of the subtribe Tussilagininae (Senecioneae, Asteraceae) from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Phytotaxa 438 (2): 119–129.

Authors: GARCÍA-MENDOZA ABISAÍ JOSUÉ , SANDOVAL-GUTIÉRREZ DANIEL , REDONDA-MARTÍNEZ ROSARIO
Published: April 2020

N/A
A new species of Stenampyx Karsch, 1890 from East Africa (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae, Pseudophyllinae, Phyllomimini)—evidence of a former connection of West-Central and East African forests
Authors: HEMP CLAUDIA
Published: April 2020

A new Stenampyx, S. viridiflavum n. sp., is described from Tanzania. Stenampyx was monotypic and known from Central to West African forests. As with the genus Pseudotomias Hemp, the newly described species in Stenampyx shows a close relationship to the Central and East African forest fauna.
Nanostructured Films Employed as Sensing Units in an "Electronic Tongue" System
Authors: da Silva B. A. , Antunes P. A. , Pasquini D. , Curvelo A. A. S. , Aroca R. F. , Riul A. , Constantino C. J. L.
Published: April 2020

Nanostructured films of lignin (macromolecule extracted from sugar cane bagasse), polypyrrole (conducting polymer) and bis butylimido perylene (organic dye) were used in the detection of trace levels of fluorine (from H2SiF6), chlorine (from NaClO), Pb+2,
Cu+2, and Cd+2 in aqueous solutions. Langmuir monolayers on ultrapure water were characterised by surface pressure-mean molecular area (Π-A) isotherms. Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films were transferred onto gold interdigitated electrodes and used as individual sensing
units of an electronic tongue system. Impedance spectroscopy measurements were taken with the sensor immersed into aqueous solutions containing the ions described above in different molar concentrations. Fourier transform infrared absorption (FTIR) was employed to identify possible interactions
between the LB films and the analytes in solution, and no significant changes could be observed in the FTIR spectra of BuPTCD and Ppy. Therefore, the results for lignin point to an interaction involving the electronic cloud of the phenyl groups with the metallic ions.
Nanostructured CaWO4, CaWO4 : Pb2+ and CaWO4 : Tb3+ Particles: Polyol-Mediated Synthesis and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Wang Zhenling , Li Guangzhi , Quan Zewei , Kong Deyan , Liu Xiaoming , Yu Min , Lin Jun
Published: April 2020

Nano-submicrostructured CaWO4, CaWO4 : Pb2+ and CaWO4 : Pb3+ particles were prepared by polyol method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy
(TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), photoluminescence (PL), cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra and PL lifetimes. The results of XRD indicate that the as-prepared samples are well crystallized with the scheelite structure
of CaWO4. The FE-SEM images illustrate that CaWO4 and CaWO4 : Pb2+ and CaWO4 : Tb3+ powders are composed of spherical particles with sizes around 260, 290, and 190 nm respectively, which are the aggregates of smaller nanoparticles
around 10–20 nm. Under the UV light or electron beam excitation, the CaWO4 powders exhibits a blue emission band with a maximum at about 440 nm. When the CaWO4 particles are doped with Pb2+, the intensity of luminescence is enhanced to some extent and
the luminescence band maximum is red shifted to 460 nm. Tb3+-doped CaWO4 particles show the characteristic emission of Tb3+ 5D4–7FJ (J = 6 – 3) transitions due to an energy transfer from
WO42− groups to Pb3+.
Doped ZnO Nanowires Obtained by Thermal Annealing
Authors: Shan C. X. , Liu Z. , Wong C. C. , Hark S. K.
Published: April 2020

Doped ZnO nanowires were prepared in a very simple and inexpensive thermal annealing method using ZnSe nanowires as a precursor. As doped, P doped, and As/P codoped ZnO nanowires were obtained in this method. X-ray diffraction shows that the zincblende ZnSe nanowires were converted
to doped wurtzite ZnO nanowires. The incorporation of the dopants was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The doping concentration could be adjusted by changing the annealing temperature and duration. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the morphology of the ZnSe nanowires
was essentially retained after the annealing and doping process. Photoluminescence spectroscopy also verified the incorporation of the dopants into the nanowires.
Size and Structure of Dry and Moist Reversible Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Wang Danyang , Lin Yanluan
Published: April 2020

The size and structure of tropical cyclones (TCs) are investigated using idealized numerical simulations. Three simulations are conducted: a pure dry TC (DRY), a moist reversible TC (REV) with fallout of hydrometeors in the atmosphere disallowed, and a typical TC (CTL). It was found that the width of the eyewall ascent region and the radius of maximum windrmare much larger in DRY and REV than those in CTL. This is closely related to the deep inflow layer (~4 km) in DRY and REV associated with a different entropy restoration mechanism under the subsidence region. With the wide ascents, the close link betweenrmand the outer radius in DRY and REV can be well predicted by the Emanuel and Rotunno (ER11) model. The magnitude of subsidence, mainly controlled by the vertical gradient of entropy in the mid- and upper troposphere, is nearly one order greater in DRY and REV than that in CTL. This study demonstrates that the falling nature of hydrometeors poses a strong constraint on the size and structure of real world TCs via the entropy distribution in the subsidence region. The wide ascent, self-stratification in the outflow, and decently reproduced wind profile in DRY and REV suggest that DRY and REV behave like a prototype of the ER11 model with CTL being an extreme type.
Dynamics of Anomalous Stratospheric Eddy Heat Flux Events in an Idealized Model
Authors: Dunn-Sigouin Etienne , Shaw Tiffany
Published: April 2020

Extreme stratospheric eddy and sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events both involve anomalous stratospheric eddy heat flux. The cause of the anomaly has been hypothesized to be due to tropospheric or stratospheric dynamics. Here, ensemble spectral nudging experiments in a dry dynamical-core model are used to quantify the role of the troposphere versus the stratosphere. The experiments focus on the wavenumber-1 heat flux since it dominates the anomalous stratospheric eddy heat flux during both events. Nudging the stratospheric zonal-mean flow does not account for the anomalous stratospheric wave-1 heat flux. Nudging either tropospheric wave-1 or higher-order wavenumbers (k ≥ 2) accounts for a large fraction of the anomalous stratospheric wave-1 heat flux. Mechanism denial experiments, whereby tropospheric eddies (wave 1 or k ≥ 2) are nudged and the zonal-mean flow is fixed to climatology, suggest the climatological stratospheric zonal-mean flow is sufficient to account for the anomalous stratospheric wave-1 heat flux and wave–wave interaction plays a role in generating the anomalous tropospheric wave-1 source. Taken together, the experiments suggest the troposphere dominates the anomalous stratospheric eddy heat flux during extreme stratospheric eddy and SSW events while the stratospheric zonal-mean flow plays secondary role.
Machinability of hybrid natural fiber reinforced composites with cellulose micro filler incorporation
Authors: Sumesh KR , Kanthavel K , Kavimani V
Published: April 2020

In the current scenario, the applications of natural fibers are increasing enormously due to their biodegradability, low-density and better mechanical properties. This research explains the machining nature of pineapple (P) and flax (F) fibers by the incorporation of cellulose micro filler (CMF). These epoxy-based composites were manufactured using compression moulding. In the machining process using abrasive water jet machining (AWJM), lower kerf angle of 1.31° and surface roughness of 5.1 µm were observed in 30% PF/2% cellulose micro filler hybrid epoxy combination. Agglomeration at higher filler incorporation causes decrease in machinability of hybrid 30% PF. Pineapple and flax hybrid fibers with 30 and 35 wt % showed better machinability at 2 and 3% cellulose micro filler addition. Scanning electron microscopy analysis after machining process showed reduction in flush off and pullouts of fiber by improved compaction with the epoxy matrix due to filler addition.
Learning Music Composers’ Styles: To Block or to Interleave?
Authors: Wong Sarah Shi Hui , Low Amanda Chern Min , Kang Sean H. K. , Lim Stephen Wee Hun
Published: April 2020

The ability to recognize and distinguish among varying musical styles is essential to developing aural skills and musicianship. Yet, this task can be difficult for music learners, particularly nonexperts. To address this challenge and guide music education practice, this study drew on cognitive psychological principles to investigate the effect of interleaved presentation of music pieces by various classical music composers on learning to identify these composers’ styles. Participants with 4 or fewer years of musical experience were presented with music pieces from six composers in an interleaved manner (alternating between listening to different composers’ works) and music pieces from another six composers in a blocked fashion (listening to works by one composer at a time before moving on to the next). A later test in which participants had to classify novel pieces by the same 12 composers revealed the superiority of interleaved over blocked presentation, although most participants misjudged blocking to be more effective than interleaving. This finding provides evidence for the utility of interleaving in teaching music composers’ styles and extends the literature on the interleaving effect in category induction to the auditory domain. Practical implications and future directions for the use of interleaving in music education are discussed.
Effects of temperature and humidity on high-strength p-aramid fibers used in body armor
Authors: Engelbrecht-Wiggans A , Burni F , Guigues E , Jiang S , Huynh TQ , Tsinas Z , Jacobs D , Forster AL
Published: April 2020

To improve the reliability and design of body armor, it is imperative to understand the failure modes and the degradation rates of the materials used in armor. Despite the best efforts of manufacturers, some vulnerability of armor materials to aging due to hydrolytic or oxidative environments is expected and may result in the degradation of material properties such as tensile strength. In this work, p-aramid yarns from two manufacturers were exposed to environmental conditions of various fixed temperature and humidity combinations. The maximum temperature and humidity condition was 70℃ and 76% relative humidity (RH). Tensile tests were performed on specimens extracted at several different times over the course of at least 1 year to determine the change in ultimate tensile strength and failure strain as a function of time, temperature, and humidity. Molecular spectroscopy was used to investigate any chemical changes as a result of the aging. The p-aramid materials were found to be generally resistant to degradation at most conditions, showing changes of less than 10% only at the highest temperature and humidity conditions.
Prognostic value of postoperative change in liver stiffness in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Youde , Wang Xiumei , Xiao Jing , Sun Jing , Zhang Yinghua
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of change in liver stiffness following surgery, in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Patients with HBV-related HCC were included. Preoperative (baseline) liver stiffness and postoperative dynamic change in liver stiffness was evaluated.

Results

Out of 158 patients in total, postoperative liver stiffness was increased in 98 patients and decreased in 60 patients compared with baseline values. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with elevated liver stiffness had significantly worse overall survival outcomes than those with decreased liver stiffness. Similar trends were observed for diseases-free survival and recurrence outcomes. Multivariate analyses showed that Child–Turcotte–Pugh score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.209) and liver stiffness changes (HR 1.891) were independent factors associated with overall survival. Liver stiffness changes (HR 1.521) and α-fetoprotein level (HR 1.210) were found to be independent factors for disease-free survival in patients with HCC.

Conclusion

Increased postoperative liver stiffness may be an independent risk factor of HCC prognosis. Patients with increased liver stiffness following surgery should undergo additional examinations during follow-up.
Lupeol alleviates coxsackievirus B3-induced viral myocarditis in mice via downregulating toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Xu Ming , Li Xiaoyong , Song Laichun , Tao Chao , Fang Jihui , Tao Liang
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effect of lupeol in a mouse model of viral myocarditis induced by coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3).

Methods

Mice were separated into controls (DMEM, n = 20) and CVB3 infected groups (i.e., untreated CVB3 [ n = 40]; CVB3 + lupeol 50 mg/kg [ n = 40]; CVB3 + lupeol 100 mg/kg [ n = 40]; CVB3 + small interfering RNA (siRNA)- toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) [n = 20]; siRNA + EXP-H mice [n = 20]). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western-blot assay, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay and histopathology were performed to investigate the cardioprotective role of lupeol.

Results

The elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in CVB3-infected mice (i.e., interleukin-1β [IL-1β]; interleukin-6 [IL-6]; tumour necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were significantly reduced by lupeol 50 or 100 mg/kg. Interestingly, the mRNA level and protein level of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were inhibited by lupeol.

Conclusions

Lupeol alleviates CVB3-induced viral myocarditis and myocardial damage in mice. The underlying mechanism may due to downregulation of TLR4.
Causality assessment of skyfruit-induced liver injury using the updated RUCAM: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Xia Caixia , Liu Yanning , Yao Hangping , Zhu Weihong , Ding Jiexia , Jin Jie
Published: April 2020

In many Asian countries, herbs are used to treat disease. However, herbs also have adverse effects. Herb-induced liver injury has become a serious public health problem requiring urgent attention. The seeds of Swietenia macrophylla, a member of the family Polygonaceae, are often called skyfruit. We recently encountered a case of liver injury caused by skyfruit. The patient suffered from hepatocellular injury. We applied the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) and the results indicated a highly probable relationship with skyfruit (total score 10). Moreover, we summarize another six cases of skyfruit-induced liver injury from the literature. The aim of our report is to help clinicians become more aware of the potential hepatotoxic effects of skyfruit and to accurately describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of skyfruit-induced liver injury.
Influence of coupling agent on altering the reinforcing efficiency of natural fibre-incorporated polymers – A review
Authors: Anbupalani Manju Sri , Venkatachalam Chitra Devi , Rathanasamy Rajasekar
Published: April 2020

Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites are increasingly replacing commercial composite materials. The limitations of conventional composites materials are overcome by green composites, which are easily available, more eco-friendly and less toxic. In the current scenario, green composites are emerging in the field of material science that involves improving their physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The poor interfacial adhesion and surface incompatibility between natural fibre and biodegradable polymers lead to reduced physico-mechanical properties. In order to overcome this issue, physical and chemical modification methodologies of the natural fibre and polymer matrix are employed, among which the addition of coupling agents has a critical contribution. This paper compiles several recent research works in the utilization of coupling agents such as silane, maleic anhydride, isocyanate, triazine, etc., with the various combinations of natural fibres and polymers. In addition to this, the extents of influence of coupling agents on the characteristics of the natural fibre reinforced composite materials are also reported. This gives an overview for the future researchers to identify the gap in the field of green composite materials and novel coupling agents for different natural fibre/polymer matrix combination.
Modeling of multimaterial hybrid joints under high-rate loading
Authors: Ledford Noah , May Michael
Published: April 2020

Joint failure plays a key role in determining structural stability and crash or impact response. Characterizing the joints at high loading rates is challenging as oscillations are often overlaid on the measured data, making interpretation of the results more difficult. This paper builds upon the experimental testing three different mixed-material joints using a split-Hopkinson tension bar. The correction proposed in this work is verified using a finite element model of the entire testing system. The modeling efforts also investigate the differences in a specimen only model and a model including the entire testing system. The failure mechanisms of bolted and bonded joints are investigated, where the substrate stress state is found to play a large role in determining the failure mode for bolted joints. This work lays the foundations needed to investigate the mixed-material bolted and bonded joints in detail.
The Mediating Effect of Employee Engagement: How Employee Psychological Empowerment Impacts the Employee Satisfaction? A Study of Maldivian Tourism Sector
Authors: Alagarsamy Subburaj , Mehrolia Sangeeta , Aranha Rekha Hitha
Published: April 2020

This study aims to examine the mediation of employee engagement on the relationship between employee psychological empowerment and employee job satisfaction, which helps to retain more customers with better service. An empirical analysis was done on Maldivian resorts, and 243 employees were randomly selected from different resorts in the Maldives. The proposed model was tested using IBM SPSS AMOS 25. The results indicate that psychological empowerment had a significant effect on job satisfaction of the resort employees through employee engagement. The Maldivian economy is based on the tourism sector, and a significant amount of gross domestic product (GDP) depends on the tourism sector. Resorts and guesthouses are the power hubs for the economic development of the country, and employees are the primary source of service providers to tourists, which helps the resorts to retain their tourists. Hence, this study concludes that employees’ psychological empowerment and employees’ engagement are crucial to improve employee satisfaction.