bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Optimization of a Miniaturized Western Blot-Based Screening Platform to Identify Regulators of Post-Translational Modifications
Authors: Villafañez Florencia , Gottifredi Vanesa , Soria Gastón
Published: June 2019

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are fundamental traits of protein functionality and their study has been addressed using several approaches over the past years. However, screening methods developed to detect regulators of PTMs imply many challenges and are usually based on expensive techniques. Herein, we described the development and optimization of a western blot-based platform for identification of regulators of a specific PTM—mono-ubiquitylation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). This cell-based method does not require specific equipment, apart from the basic western blot (WB) devices and minor accessories, which are accessible for most research labs. The modifications introduced to the classical WB protocol allow the performance of PTM analysis from a single well of a 96-well plate with minimal sample manipulation and low intra- and inter-plate variability, making this method ideal to screen arrayed compound libraries in a 96-well format. As such, our experimental pipeline provides the proof of concept to design small screenings of PTM regulators by improving the quantitative accuracy and throughput capacity of classical western blots.
Gaps in HCV Knowledge and Risk Behaviors among Young Suburban People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Jost John J. , Tempalski Barbara , Vera Tatiana , Akiyama Matthew J. , Mangalonzo Aprille P. , Litwin Alain H.
Published: June 2019

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) among young suburban people who inject drugs (PWID) is a growing epidemic in the United States, yet little is known about the factors contributing to increased exposure. The goal of this study was to explore and assess HCV knowledge and attitudes about treatment and identify risk behaviors among a cohort of young suburban PWID. Methods: We conducted interviews with New Jersey (NJ) service providers and staff from the state’s five syringe service programs to inform a semistructured survey addressing HCV knowledge, treatment, and risk factors among young suburban PWID. We then used this survey to conduct qualitative interviews with 14 young suburban PWID (median age 26 years) in NJ between April and May 2015. Data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach and coded to identify thematic relationships among respondents. Results: Most participants had substantial gaps in several aspects of HCV knowledge. These included: HCV transmission, HCV symptoms, and the availability of new direct-acting antiviral therapy. Participants also downplayed the risk of past and current risk behaviors, such as sharing drug paraphernalia and reusing needles, which also reflected incomplete knowledge regarding these practices. Conclusion: Young suburban PWID are not receiving or retaining accurate and current HCV information. Innovative outreach and prevention messages specifically tailored to young suburban PWID may help to disseminate HCV prevention and treatment information to this population.
Are Air Pollution, Economic and Non-Economic Factors Associated with Per Capita Health Expenditures? Evidence from Emerging Economies
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Ma Zhiqiang , Wasif Zafar Muhammad , Haseeb Abdul , Ashraf Rana Umair
Published: June 2019

Environmental pollution, rapid economic growth, and other social factors have adverse effects on public health, which have consequently increased the burden of health expenditures during the last two decades. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the environment index, as well as economic and non-economic factors such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, foreign direct investment, population aging, and secondary education impacts on per capita government and private health expenditures in 13 emerging economies for the time period of 1994–2017. We employ robust econometric techniques in this endeavor of panel data analysis to account for the issues of heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. This study applies the Lagrange Multiplier (LM) bootstrap approach to investigate the presence of panel cointegration and empirical results underscore the existence of cointegration among variables. For the execution of long-run analysis, we incorporate the two latest estimators, i.e., continuously updated-fully modified (CUP-FM) and continuously updated- bias corrected (CUP-BC). Findings of long-run elasticities have documented that the air-pollution indicators, i.e., CO2 emissions and the environment index, have a positive and significant influence on government health expenditures, while in contrast, both factors negatively influence private health expenditures in emerging economies. We find that economic factors such as GDP growth consistently show a positive impact on both government and private health expenditures, whereas, foreign direct investment exhibits a significant negative and positive impact on government and private health expenditures respectively. Findings of non-economic factors can be used to argue that population aging increases health expenditures while secondary education lowers private health spending in emerging markets. Furthermore, empirical analysis of heterogeneous causality indicates that CO2 emissions, the environment index, GDP growth, foreign direct investment, and secondary education have a unidirectional causal relationship with government and private health expenditures. Population aging has a strong relationship of bidirectional causality with government health expenditures and unidirectional causal relationship with private health expenditures. Findings of this paper put forward key suggestions for policy makers which can be used as valuable instruments for better understanding and aiming to maximize public healthcare and environmental quality gains which are highly connected with sustainable GDP growth and developments in emerging economies.
Development of a Complex Intervention for the Maintenance of Postpartum Smoking Abstinence: Process for Defining Evidence-Based Intervention
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Brown Tracey J. , Bauld Linda , Hardeman Wendy , Holland Richard , Naughton Felix , Orton Sophie , Ussher Michael
Published: June 2019

Relapse to tobacco smoking for pregnant women who quit is a major public health problem. Evidence-based approaches to intervention are urgently required. This study aimed to develop an intervention to be integrated into existing healthcare. A mixed methods approach included a theory-driven systematic review identifying promising behaviour change techniques for targeting smoking relapse prevention, and qualitative focus groups and interviews with women (ex-smokers who had remained quit and those who had relapsed), their partners and healthcare professionals (N = 74). A final stage recruited ten women to refine and initially test a prototype intervention. Our qualitative analysis suggests a lack, but need for, relapse prevention support. This should be initiated by a trusted ‘credible source’. For many women this would be a midwife or a health visitor. Support needs to be tailored to individual needs, including positive praise/reward, novel digital and electronic support and partner or social support. Advice and support to use e cigarettes or nicotine replacement therapy for relapse prevention was important for some women, but others remained cautious. The resulting prototype complex intervention includes face-to-face support reiterated throughout the postpartum period, tailored digital and self-help support and novel elements such as gifts and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
A Newborn Screening Education Best Practices Framework: Development and Adoption
Authors: Evans Adrianna , LeBlanc Keri , Bonhomme Natasha , Shone Scott M. , Gaviglio Amy , Freedenberg Debra , Penn Jeremy , Johnson Carol , Vogel Beth , Dolan Siobhan M. , Goldenberg Aaron J.
Published: June 2019

Newborn screening is a process-based public health service. Newborn screening staff and families alike are essential to maintaining the timeliness of the screening process. Newborn screening education must be accurate and accessible. Past newborn screening conferences have highlighted gaps in best practice and evidence-based guidance on newborn screening education. Sharing successful strategies across programs mitigates the scarcity of resources by cutting costs and reducing the burden of work. These factors illustrate the need for an education framework to guide newborn screening education efforts. The Newborn Screening Education Best Practices Framework responds to these issues by outlining guidance for newborn screening education approaches. Experts in the fields of newborn screening, genetics, and bioethics as well as previous research on best practice guidelines have contributed to the development of this framework. The framework outlines a process for users to evaluate newborn screening education approaches as best practices. This framework reviews best practices using a two-step approach, looking at guiding questions, implementation of the newborn screening issue, and evaluation. The framework helps the user define the characteristics of the newborn screening issue, intended audience, and practical steps to implementation, and then decide whether or not it can be used as a best practice.
Evaluation of Sequence-Learning Models for Large-Commercial-Building Load Forecasting
Authors: Nichiforov Cristina , Stamatescu Grigore , Stamatescu Iulia , Făgărăşan Ioana
Published: June 2019

Buildings play a critical role in the stability and resilience of modern smart grids, leading to a refocusing of large-scale energy-management strategies from the supply side to the consumer side. When buildings integrate local renewable-energy generation in the form of renewable-energy resources, they become prosumers, and this adds more complexity to the operation of interconnected complex energy systems. A class of methods of modelling the energy-consumption patterns of the building have recently emerged as black-box input–output approaches with the ability to capture underlying consumption trends. These make use and require large quantities of quality data produced by nondeterministic processes underlying energy consumption. We present an application of a class of neural networks, namely, deep-learning techniques for time-series sequence modelling, with the goal of accurate and reliable building energy-load forecasting. Recurrent Neural Network implementation uses Long Short-Term Memory layers in increasing density of nodes to quantify prediction accuracy. The case study is illustrated on four university buildings from temperate climates over one year of operation using a reference benchmarking dataset that allows replicable results. The obtained results are discussed in terms of accuracy metrics and computational and network architecture aspects, and are considered suitable for further use in future in situ energy management at the building and neighborhood levels.
Multi-PQTable for Approximate Nearest-Neighbor Search
Authors: Yuan Xinpan , Liu Qunfeng , Long Jun , Hu Lei , Wang Songlin
Published: June 2019

Image retrieval or content-based image retrieval (CBIR) can be transformed into the calculation of the distance between image feature vectors. The closer the vectors are, the higher the image similarity will be. In the image retrieval system for large-scale dataset, the approximate nearest-neighbor (ANN) search can quickly obtain the top k images closest to the query image, which is the Top-k problem in the field of information retrieval. With the traditional ANN algorithms, such as KD-Tree, R-Tree, and M-Tree, when the dimension of the image feature vector increases, the computing time will increase exponentially due to the curse of dimensionality. In order to reduce the calculation time and improve the efficiency of image retrieval, we propose an ANN search algorithm based on the Product Quantization Table (PQTable). After quantizing and compressing the image feature vectors by the product quantization algorithm, we can construct the image index structure of the PQTable, which speeds up image retrieval. We also propose a multi-PQTable query strategy for ANN search. Besides, we generate several nearest-neighbor vectors for each sub-compressed vector of the query vector to reduce the failure rate and improve the recall in image retrieval. Through theoretical analysis and experimental verification, it is proved that the multi-PQTable query strategy and the generation of several nearest-neighbor vectors are greatly correct and efficient.
Call Details Record Analysis: A Spatiotemporal Exploration toward Mobile Traffic Classification and Optimization
Authors: Sultan Kashif , Ali Hazrat , Ahmad Adeel , Zhang Zhongshan
Published: June 2019

The information contained within Call Details records (CDRs) of mobile networks can be used to study the operational efficacy of cellular networks and behavioural pattern of mobile subscribers. In this study, we extract actionable insights from the CDR data and show that there exists a strong spatiotemporal predictability in real network traffic patterns. This knowledge can be leveraged by the mobile operators for effective network planning such as resource management and optimization. Motivated by this, we perform the spatiotemporal analysis of CDR data publicly available from Telecom Italia. Thus, on the basis of spatiotemporal insights, we propose a framework for mobile traffic classification. Experimental results show that the proposed model based on machine learning technique is able to accurately model and classify the network traffic patterns. Furthermore, we demonstrate the application of such insights for resource optimisation.
Discovery of Aphid Lethal Paralysis Virus in Vespa velutina and Apis cerana in China
Authors: Yang Dahe , Zhao Hongxia , Shi Junming , Xu Xiang , Wu Yanyan , Guo Rui , Chen Dafu , Wang Xinling , Deng Shuai , Yang Sa , Diao Qingyun , Hou Chunsheng
Published: June 2019

Honey bees are essential to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. However, despite no single factor being blamed for losses of honey bee colonies in Europe and the USA, viruses have been considered as a major driver. Moreover, a virus vector can enhance the titer and virulence of virus such as Varroa destructor can change the virulence of the deformed wing virus. Here, we report molecular evidence for aphid lethal paralysis virus (ALPV) infecting Vespa velutina, which is an important predator of honey bees, especially of Apis cerana. Viral replication and phylogenetic analysis indicated that ALPV can not only replicate in V. velutina and A. cerana, but ALPV from A. cerana (ALPV-Ac) was also significantly associated with that of V. velutina (ALPV-Vv), though distinct from those of Apis mellifera (ALPV-Am). The host state posterior probability displayed that V. velutina is the main viral reservoir between V. velutina and A. cerana. Our results show ALPV had expanded host diversity resulting in potential impacts on the health of pollinators, even on the pollination ecosystem. We suggest further studies should investigate potential risks and impacts on pollinator populations of hornets. These results should have an impact conservation efforts focused on sustaining native pollinator abundance and diversity, and therefore, the crucial ecosystem services that they provide.
Plasma microRNA Profiling Reveals Novel Biomarkers of Epicardial Adipose Tissue: A Multidetector Computed Tomography Study
Authors: de Gonzalo-Calvo David , Vilades David , Martínez-Camblor Pablo , Vea Àngela , Ferrero-Gregori Andreu , Nasarre Laura , Bornachea Olga , Sanchez Vega Jesus , Leta Rubén , Puig Núria , Benítez Sonia , Sanchez-Quesada Jose Luis , Carreras Francesc , Llorente-Cortés Vicenta
Published: June 2019

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) constitutes a novel parameter for cardiometabolic risk assessment and a target for therapy. Here, we evaluated for the first time the plasma microRNA (miRNA) profile as a source of biomarkers for epicardial fat volume (EFV). miRNAs were profiled in plasma samples from 180 patients whose EFV was quantified using multidetector computed tomography. In the screening study, 54 deregulated miRNAs were identified in patients with high EFV levels (highest tertile) compared with matched patients with low EFV levels (lowest tertile). After filtering, 12 miRNAs were selected for subsequent validation. In the validation study, miR-15b-3p, miR-22-3p, miR-148a-3p miR-148b-3p and miR-590-5p were directly associated with EFV, even after adjustment for confounding factors (p value < 0.05 for all models). The addition of miRNA combinations to a model based on clinical variables improved the discrimination (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) from 0.721 to 0.787). miRNAs correctly reclassified a significant proportion of patients with an integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index of 0.101 and a net reclassification improvement (NRI) index of 0.650. Decision tree models used miRNA combinations to improve their classification accuracy. These results were reproduced using two proposed clinical cutoffs for epicardial fat burden. Internal validation corroborated the robustness of the models. In conclusion, plasma miRNAs constitute novel biomarkers of epicardial fat burden.
pH-Sensitive Hydrogel from Polyethylene Oxide and Acrylic acid by Gamma Radiation
Authors: Monir Tania Sabnam Binta , Afroz Sadia , Khan Ruhul A. , Miah Muhammed Yusuf , Takafuji Makoto , Alam Md. Ashraful
Published: June 2019

Hydrogel as a good water absorbent has attracted great research interest. A series of hydrogel based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) and acrylic acid (AAc) was prepared by applying gamma radiation with variation in the concentration of acrylic acid. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the PEO/ AAc hydrogel. The properties of the prepared hydrogels such as gel content, swelling behavior, tensile strength, and pH sensitivity were evaluated. The formation of the hydrogels was confirmed from FTIR spectra. SEM images showed the inner porous structure of the hydrogels. The dose of gamma radiation was optimized to get a hydrogel with good swelling property and mechanical strength. The swelling ratio and gel content of the hydrogels were increased with increasing acrylic acid content. The pH of the solutions affected the swelling which indicated the pH-responsive property of the prepared hydrogels. Swelling of the prepared hydrogels in sodium chloride salt solutions decreased with increasing the ionic strength.
Cardiac Rehabilitation in Primary Care. Impact of an Intervention on Perceived Self-Efficacy
Authors: Madueño-Caro Antonio J. , Mellado-Fernández Manuel L. , Pardos-Lafarga Manuel , Muñoz-Ayllón Marta , Saez-Garcia Laura , Gómez-Salgado Juan
Published: June 2019

Cardiac rehabilitation is cost-effective and should be considered a part of the care system provided to patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction or another heart disease. The main variable to study was the scoring, prior to and after the intervention in the General Scale of Self-Efficacy by Baessler & Schwarzer. A clinical community trial that was open controlled and randomised was used. All adult subjects of both sexes who had completed a cardiac rehabilitation program for 12 months at the reference hospital were selected and offered to participate. The psychometric variables registered were the Salamanca screening questionnaire, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Eighty-nine subjects accepted to participate in the study (93.89% response rate), with an average age of 63.01 years (SD 8.75). Once the study was concluded, the main outcome was a difference in means of 6.09 points in the General Scale of Self-Efficacy (p < 0.0053, 96% confidence interval—4.1950–10.29), showing that the group exposed to the intervention reached a higher score in the above-mentioned scale. However, there were no significant differences (t-student 0.1211; p = 0.943) after the estimation and contrast of population means for score differences between the groups regarding the Hamilton scale. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding the means obtained in the variable score difference in the Beck Depression Inventory (t-student −0.1281; p = 0.8987). The results showed an increase in those scores related to general self-efficacy among the population that completed the intervention program, as compared to the control group.
Cross-Shore Suspended Sediment Transport in Relation to Topographic Changes in the Intertidal Zone of a Macro-Tidal Beach (Mariakerke, Belgium)
Authors: Brand Evelien , De Sloover Lars , De Wulf Alain , Montreuil Anne-Lise , Vos Sander , Chen Margaret
Published: June 2019

Sediment transport is a key element in intertidal beach morphodynamics, but measurements of sediment transport are often unreliable. The aim of this study is to quantify and investigate cross-shore sediment transport and the resulting topographic changes for a tide-dominated, sandy beach. Two fortnight-long field experiments were carried out during which hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics were measured with optical and acoustic sensors, while the beach topography was surveyed with a permanent terrestrial laser scanner. Suspended sediment was generally well-mixed and currents were largest at approximately 1.5 m above the bed, which resulted in a peak in sediment transport at 1/3 of the high tide level. The mean transport direction was onshore during calm conditions (wave height <0.6 m) thanks to tidal currents and offshore during energetic conditions due to undertow. Oscillatory transport was always onshore because of wave asymmetry but it was subordinate to mean transport. The intertidal zone showed an alternation of erosion and accretion with formation of morphological features during energetic (no storm) conditionsand smoothening of the morphology during calm conditions. A good qualitative and quantitative agreement was found between the daily cross-shore suspended load and beach volume changes, especially during calm conditions.
Identification and Analysis of Vulnerability in Traffic-Intensive Areas of Water Transportation Systems
Authors: Chen Yong-jun , Liu Qing , Wan Cheng-peng , Li Qin , Yuan Peng-wei
Published: June 2019

Water transportation accidents have occurred frequently in recent years. In order to improve the emergency response capability of water transportation systems under traffic-intensive conditions, this paper identifies and analyzes the vulnerability in traffic-intensive areas of water transportation systems. Firstly, the vulnerability identification model was constructed based on the analysis of characteristics and the vulnerability-influencing factors of water transportation systems. The newly proposed model is composed of three parts including the DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method, ISM (interpretative structural modeling) model, and AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process)–entropy weight method. Finally, a case study of the Yangtze River was conducted to test the logicality and feasibility of the proposed model. The research results reveal that traffic flow density, ship traffic, tides, fog, and bad weather are the key factors affecting the vulnerability of water transportation in traffic-intensive areas of the Yangtze River estuary. However, the influence of navigation aid configuration, berth, anchorage, and obstruction on the system vulnerability is relatively lower. The findings of this study can provide helpful references for maritime administration authorities on the management of water transportation safety.
Finite Element Analysis and Parametric Study of Spudcan Footing Geometries Penetrating Clay Near Existing Footprints
Authors: Yu Long , Zhang Heyue , Li Jing , Wang Xian
Published: June 2019

Most existing research on the stability of spudcans during reinstallation nearing footprints is based on centrifuge tests and theoretical analyses. In this study, the reinstallation of the flat base footing, fusimform spudcan footing and skirted footing near existing footprints are simulated using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) method. The effects of footprints’ geometry, reinstallation eccentricity (0.25D–2.0D) and the roughness between spudcan and soil on the profiles of the vertical force, horizontal force and bending moment are discussed. The results show that the friction condition of the soil–footing interface has a significant effect on H profile but much less effect on M profile. The eccentricity ratio is a key factor to evaluate the H and M. The results show that the geometry shape of the footing also has certain effects on the V, H, and M profiles. The flat base footing gives the lowest peak value in H but largest in M, and the performances of the fusiform spudcan footing and the skirted footing are similar. From the view of the resultant forces, the skirted footing shows a certain potential in resisting the damage during reinstallation near existing footprints by comparing with commonly used fusiform spudcan footings. The bending moments on the leg–hull connection section of different leg length at certain offset distances are discussed.
War-Induced Displacement: Hard Choices in Land Governance
Authors: van der Haar Gemma , van Leeuwen Mathijs
Published: June 2019

Civil war and violence often force large numbers of people to leave their lands. Multiple waves of displacement and (partial) return generate complex overlapping claims that are not easily solved. As people return to their regions of origin—sometimes after decades—they tend to find their land occupied by other settlers, some of whom hold legal entitlements. In the places of arrival, displaced people affect other people’s access as they seek to turn their temporary entitlements into more definite claims. The overlapping claims related to displacement pose serious dilemmas to land governance, which existing land laws and land governance institutions are not well-equipped to deal with. This paper outlines the main challenges for land governance as a first step to move the debate forward. The paper summarises the key challenges around three tensions: first, between short term conflict resolution and structural solutions; second, between state and customary/community-based governance; and finally, between principles (such as the right to return or restitution) and acknowledgement of the new situation.
Interplay of Phonological, Morphological, and Lexical Variation: Adjectives in Japanese Dialects
Authors: Fukushima Chitsuko
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the interplay of phonological, morphological, and lexical variation focusing on adjectives in Japanese dialects. Previous studies of adjectives in the Niigata dialects of the Japanese language analyzed the ongoing changes in dialectal variation amongst the young generation of Japanese. In this paper, the data derived from the geolinguistic survey and dialect dictionaries are used to verify the estimated changes in phonological, morphological, and lexical variation. The variation of adjectives is examined by classifying forms with regard to the distinction between standard/dialectal forms. The phonological types of adjectives played a role in the interpretation of the phonological variation and change. Most changes of phonological types are phonologically explained but include change by analogy. The lexical variation is intertwined with phonological variation and morphological variation. The morphological distributions which vary according to the conjugation form are one example of lexical diffusion.
Investigation on Water Vapor Adsorption of Silica-Phosphonium Ionic Liquids Hybrid Material
Authors: Li Cancan , Zhu Jiamei , Zhou Min , Zhang Shuangquan , He Xiaodong
Published: June 2019

Adsorption and diffusion of water vapor in phosphonium ionic liquid modified silica gel were studied, aiming to reduce the loading of water vapor in porous materials. The modified silica gel was prepared through a grafting method and characterized by FTIR, thermal gravity analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. N2 sorption isotherms at −196 °C and CO2 sorption isotherms at 0 °C were also measured to analyzee the porosity. Water vapor adsorption equilibriums at 25 °C up to 30 mbar were tested. The results indicate that the ionic liquids (ILs) phase acts as a protecting film which decreases water vapor adsorption. The improvement of water-resistant performance is also attributed to the decrease of micro-porosity and silanol groups on the silica surface. Diffusion behavior of water vapor on modified silica was determined on the basis of the adsorption equilibrium. The effective diffusivity of water vapor in modified silica is almost the same as in bare silica and decreases with the increasing of water vapor loading.
Effect of the Nano-Ca(OH)2 Addition on the Portland Clinker Cooking Efficiency
Authors: Zucchini Azzurra , Comodi Paola , Di Michele Alessandro , Vivani Riccardo , Mancini Lucia , Lanzafame Gabriele , Casagrande Serena , Gentili Silvia , Vetere Francesco , Bartolucci Luca , Polidori Gianluca , Santinelli Fabio , Neri Alessandro
Published: June 2019

A new technology was tested to improve the cooking efficiency of the raw mixture for Portland clinker production by the use of nano-Ca(OH)2. A decrease in the free lime concentration after the firing of approximately 35% and 55% in the nano-added clinkers burned at 1350 °C and 1450 °C, respectively, with respect to the standard Portland clinkers was observed. Moreover, in the nano-added clinkers, a slight decrease in alite (C3S), of approximately 2–4 wt%, and increase in belite (C2S), of approximately 5–6 wt%, were observed. Despite these variations, the C2S and C3S abundance lies within the ranges for standard Portland clinkers. The results showed that the nano-addition leads to an increase of the raw mixtures’ cooking efficiency. The relatively low energy required for the clinker firing could be used to increase the plant productivity and decrease the CO2 emissions during clinker burning. The decrease of the work index of the clinkers produced by the use of the nano-Ca(OH)2 also contributes to the energy saving during clinker grinding. Differences were also found in the pore size distribution among nano-added clinkers and the standard Portland clinker. The smallest porosities with the modal volume lying in the class of 3 × 10−6 mm3 were found to increase by the use of nano-Ca(OH)2. However, the pore volumes higher than 2.0 × 10−5 mm3 decreased in the nano-added clinkers.
Experimental Study on Foci Development in Mortar Using Seawater and Sand
Authors: WANG Yajun , ZHANG Chuhan , WANG Jinting , XU Yanjie , JIN Feng , WANG Youbo , YAN Qian , LIU Tao , GAN Xiaoqing , XIONG Zhan
Published: June 2019

Mortar using seawater and sand was the material studied here. The mortar specimens, in particular, were cured in natural seawater. The foci development in the mortar was the principal interest in this study. The on-line damage detection experiment art, including dynamically global MSHCT (Multi-Slices Helical Computer Tomography) scan and the local detection of EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometer), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and XRD (X-ray Diffraction) was designed to research the foci development in the mortar specimen. The mortar specimens with 70-day age were produced and investigated by the on-line damage detection experiments. The experiment results indicated that the mortar using seawater and sand offered appreciable strength at the early age, at least, although some saline minerals were generated during the preparation. The residual strength of the mortar was above 13 MPa, which helped to prevent the sharp damage of engineering bodies. The micro-interfacial behavior and the parental foci development controlled the damage evolution in the mortar using seawater and sand, the performance of which was still the adjustable one by composition optimization.
Effect of Thermal Treatments on Sn-Alloyed Al-Mg-Si Alloys
Authors: Schmid Florian , Uggowitzer Peter J. , Schäublin Robin , Werinos Marion , Ebner Thomas , Pogatscher Stefan
Published: June 2019

Sn-alloying, by deploying comparatively high vacancy binding energy, mitigates the undesired natural aging behavior of 6xxx-alloys. Targeted selection of pre-aging parameters can have a positive influence on natural aging and paint-bake performance. In this study, we aimed to combine the two approaches of Sn-alloying and pre-aging. Our results indicate that alloys modified with 100 at.-ppm Sn require altered heat treatment. In terms of solution aging and quenching, we show that the cooling rate needed depends on the types of alloy. The rate must be adapted, according to the number of intermetallic particles, to guarantee a sufficiently high level of Sn atoms in solid solution. The rather high number of intermetallic phases in alloy EN-AW-6061 means that it requires fast quenching, while the comparatively low number of precipitate-forming elements in alloy EN-AW-6016 makes it less sensitive to quenching variations. We also show that Sn reduces pre-aging kinetics. The optimal pre-aging temperature and time were consequently found to increase when Sn is added. We also studied the effect of adding a further thermal spike to the usual long-term pre-aging, at different positions within the processing route. The results we present are discussed based on a simulation of vacancy evolution in the alloy when subjected to these treatments.
How to Quench Ferromagnetic Ordering in a CN-Bridged Ni(II)-Nb(IV) Molecular Magnet? A Combined High-Pressure Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffraction and Magnetic Study
Authors: Handzlik Gabriela , Sieklucka Barbara , Tomkowiak Hanna , Katrusiak Andrzej , Pinkowicz Dawid
Published: June 2019

High-pressure (HP) structural and magnetic properties of a magnetic coordination polymer {[NiII(pyrazole)4]2[NbIV(CN)8]·4H2O}n (Ni2Nb) are presented, discussed and compared with its two previously reported analogs {[MnII(pyrazole)4]2[NbIV(CN)8]·4H2O}n (Mn2Nb) and {[FeII(pyrazole)4]2[NbIV(CN)8]·4H2O}n (Fe2Nb). Ni2Nb shows a significant decrease of the long-range ferromagnetic ordering under high pressure when compared to Mn2Nb, where the pressure enhances the Tc (magnetic ordering temperature), or to Fe2Nb exhibiting a pressure-induced spin crossover. The different HP magnetic responses of the three compounds were rationalized and correlated with the structural models as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Granulation of Hypernetwork Models under the q-Rung Picture Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Luqman Anam , Akram Muhammad , Koam Ali N. A.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we define q-rung picture fuzzy hypergraphs and illustrate the formation of granular structures using q-rung picture fuzzy hypergraphs and level hypergraphs. Further, we define the q-rung picture fuzzy equivalence relation and q-rung picture fuzzy hierarchical quotient space structures. In particular, a q-rung picture fuzzy hypergraph and hypergraph combine a set of granules, and a hierarchical structure is formed corresponding to the series of hypergraphs. The mappings between the q-rung picture fuzzy hypergraphs depict the relationships among granules occurring at different levels. The consequences reveal that the representation of the partition of the universal set is more efficient through q-rung picture fuzzy hypergraphs and the q-rung picture fuzzy equivalence relation. We also present an arithmetic example and comparison analysis to signify the superiority and validity of our proposed model.
A Numerical Method for Filtering the Noise in the Heat Conduction Problem
Authors: Sun Yao , Wei Xiaoliang , Zhuang Zibo , Luan Tian
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we give an effective numerical method for the heat conduction problem connected with the Laplace equation. Through the use of a single-layer potential approach to the solution, we get the boundary integral equation about the density function. In order to deal with the weakly singular kernel of the integral equation, we give the projection method to deal with this part, i.e., using the Lagrange trigonometric polynomials basis to give an approximation of the density function. Although the problems under investigation are well-posed, herein the Tikhonov regularization method is not used to regularize the aforementioned direct problem with noisy data, but to filter out the noise in the corresponding perturbed data. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using a few examples, including a boundary condition with a jump discontinuity and a boundary condition with a corner. Whilst a comparative study with the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) is also given.
Modeling, Simulation, and Temperature Control of a Thermal Zone with Sliding Modes Strategy
Authors: Florez Frank , Fernández de Córdoba Pedro , Higón José Luis , Olivar Gerard , Taborda John
Published: June 2019

To reduce the energy consumption in buildings is necessary to analyze individual rooms and thermal zones, studying mathematical models and applying new control techniques. In this paper, the design, simulation and experimental evaluation of a sliding mode controller for regulating internal temperature in a thermal zone is presented. We propose an experiment with small physical dimensions, consisting of a closed wooden box with heat internal sources to stimulate temperature gradients through operating and shut down cycles.
An Analytical Technique to Solve the System of Nonlinear Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Shah Rasool , Khan Hassan , Kumam Poom , Arif Muhammad
Published: June 2019

The Kortweg–de Vries equations play an important role to model different physical phenomena in nature. In this research article, we have investigated the analytical solution to system of nonlinear fractional Kortweg–de Vries, partial differential equations. The Caputo operator is used to define fractional derivatives. Some illustrative examples are considered to check the validity and accuracy of the proposed method. The obtained results have shown the best agreement with the exact solution for the problems. The solution graphs are in full support to confirm the authenticity of the present method.
Numerical Solution of the Boundary Value Problems Arising in Magnetic Fields and Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Khalid Aasma , Naeem Muhammad Nawaz , Ullah Zafar , Ghaffar Abdul , Baleanu Dumitru , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Al-Qurashi Maysaa M.
Published: June 2019

This paper is devoted to the study of the Cubic B-splines to find the numerical solution of linear and non-linear 8th order BVPs that arises in the study of astrophysics, magnetic fields, astronomy, beam theory, cylindrical shells, hydrodynamics and hydro-magnetic stability, engineering, applied physics, fluid dynamics, and applied mathematics. The recommended method transforms the boundary problem to a system of linear equations. The algorithm we are going to develop in this paper is not only simply the approximation solution of the 8th order BVPs using Cubic-B spline but it also describes the estimated derivatives of 1st order to 8th order of the analytic solution. The strategy is effectively applied to numerical examples and the outcomes are compared with the existing results. The method proposed in this paper provides better approximations to the exact solution.
Self-Efficacy and Emotional Intelligence as Predictors of Perceived Stress in Nursing Professionals
Authors: Molero Jurado María del Mar , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Oropesa Ruiz Nieves Fátima , Simón Márquez María del Mar , Gázquez Linares José Jesús
Published: June 2019

Background: Nursing professionals face a variety of stressful situations daily, where the patients’ own stresses and the demands of their family members are the most important sources of such stress. Methods: The main objectives pursued were to describe the relationships of self-efficacy and emotional intelligence with perceived stress in a sample of nursing professionals. We also developed predictive models for each of the components of perceived stress based on the dimensions of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy, for the total sample, as well as samples differentiated by sex. This study sample consisted of 1777 nurses and was conducted using multiple scales: the perceived stress questionnaire, general self-efficacy scale, and the brief emotional intelligence survey for senior citizens. Results: The variables stress management, mood, adaptability, intrapersonal skills, and self-efficacy explained 22.7% of the variance in the harassment–social component, while these same variables explained 28.9% of the variance in the irritability–tension–fatigue dimension. The variables mood, stress management, self-efficacy, intrapersonal, and interpersonal explained 38.6% of the variance in the energy–joy component, of which the last variable offers the most explanatory capacity. Finally, the variables stress management, mood, interpersonal, self-efficacy and intrapersonal skills explained 27.2% of the variance in the fear–anxiety dimension. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that one way to reduce stress in professionals would be to help them improve their emotional intelligence in programs (tailored to consider particularities of either sex) within the framework of nursing, enabling them to develop and acquire more effective stress coping strategies, which would alleviate distress and increase the wellbeing of health professionals.
Complex Precipitates of TiN-MCx in GCr15 Bearing Steel
Authors: Tian Qianren , Wang Guocheng , Yuan Xinghu , Wang Qi , Sridhar Seetharaman
Published: June 2019

Nitride and carbide are the second phases which play an important role in the performance of bearing steel, and their precipitation behavior is complicated. In this study, TiN-MCxprecipitations in GCr15 bearing steels were obtained by non-aqueous electrolysis, and their precipitation mechanisms were studied. TiN is the effective heterogeneous nucleation site for Fe7C3 and Fe3C; therefore, MCxcan precipitate on the surface of TiN easily. The chemistry component of MCx consists of M3C and M7C3 (M = Fe, Cr, Mn) and Cr3C2. TiN-MCx with high TiN volume fraction, TiN forms in early stage of solidification, and MCx precipitates on TiN surface after TiN engulfed by the solidification advancing front. TiN-MCx with low TiN volume fraction, TiN and MCx form in late stage of solidification, TiN can not grow sufficiently and is covered by numerous precipitated MCxparticles.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Titanium/Alumina Brazed Joints for Medical Implants
Authors: Bian Hong , Song Xiaoguo , Hu Shengpeng , Lei Yuzhen , Jiao Yide , Duan Shutong , Feng Jicai , Long Weimin
Published: June 2019

Medical titanium and alumina (Al2O3) bioceramic are widely utilized as biomaterials. A reliable brazed joint of titanium and alumina was successfully obtained using biocompatible Au foil for implantable devices in the present study. The interfacial microstructure and reaction products of titanium/Au/Al2O3 joints brazed under different conditions were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In this study, the typical interfacial microstructure of the titanium/Au/Al2O3 joint was titanium/Ti3Au layer/TiAu layer/TiAu2 layer/TiAu4 layer/Au + granular TiAu4 layer/TiOx phase/Al2O3 ceramic. With increasing brazing temperature or holding time, the thicknesses of Ti3Au + TiAu + TiAu2 layers adjacent to the titanium substrate increased gradually. Shear tests indicated that the joint brazed at 1115 °C for 3 min exhibited the highest shear strength of 39.2 MPa. Typical fracture analysis displayed that the crack started at the Al2O3 ceramic and propagated along the interface of TiAu2 and TiAu4 reaction layers.
Resistance Switching Statistics and Mechanisms of Pt Dispersed Silicon Oxide-Based Memristors
Authors: Lian Xiaojuan , Shen Xinyi , Lu Liqun , He Nan , Wan Xiang , Samanta Subhranu , Tong Yi
Published: June 2019

Silicon oxide-based memristors have been extensively studied due to their compatibility with the dominant silicon complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication technology. However, the variability of resistance switching (RS) parameters is one of the major challenges for commercialization applications. Owing to the filamentary nature of most RS devices, the variability of RS parameters can be reduced by doping in the RS region, where conductive filaments (CFs) can grow along the locations of impurities. In this work, we have successfully obtained RS characteristics in Pt dispersed silicon oxide-based memristors. The RS variabilities and mechanisms have been analyzed by screening the statistical data into different resistance ranges, and the distributions are shown to be compatible with a Weibull distribution. Additionally, a quantum points contact (QPC) model has been validated to account for the conductive mechanism and further sheds light on the evolution of the CFs during RS processes.
Magnetic Micromachine Using Nickel Nanoparticles for Propelling and Releasing in Indirect Assembly of Cell-Laden Micromodules
Authors: Li Jianing , Wang Huaping , Cui Juan , Shi Qing , Zheng Zhiqiang , Sun Tao , Huang Qiang , Fukuda Toshio
Published: June 2019

Magnetic micromachines as wireless end-effectors have been widely applied for drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Yet, the magnetic assembly of arbitrarily shaped cellular microstructures with high efficiency and flexibility still remains a big challenge. Here, a novel clamp-shape micromachine using magnetic nanoparticles was developed for the indirect untethered bioassembly. With a multi-layer template, the nickel nanoparticles were mixed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for mold replication of the micromachine with a high-resolution and permeability. To actuate the micromachine with a high flexibility and large scalable operation range, a multi-pole electromagnetic system was set up to generate a three-dimensional magnetic field in a large workspace. Through designing a series of flexible translations and rotations with a velocity of 15mm/s and 3 Hz, the micromachine realized the propel-and-throw strategy to overcome the inevitable adhesion during bioassembly. The hydrogel microstructures loaded with different types of cells or the bioactive materials were effectively assembled into microtissues with reconfigurable shape and composition. The results indicate that indirect magnetic manipulation can perform an efficient and versatile bioassembly of cellular micromodules, which is promising for drug trials and modular tissue engineering.