bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Detailed Reconstruction of the Roman Landscape and the Submerged Archaeological Structure at “Castel dell’Ovo islet” (Naples, Southern Italy)
Authors: Pappone Gerardo , Aucelli Pietro P.C. , Mattei Gaia , Peluso Francesco , Stefanile Michele , Carola Armando
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present the results of a multidisciplinary study aimed to reconstruct the Roman coastal landscape between Pizzofalcone hill and Megaris islet—the area of the ancient Parthenope, the first settlement along the Naples coast. This coastal sector was surveyed by a team of specialized divers (archaeologists and geomorphologists) and by using an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) equipped with acoustic and optical sensors. The indirect surveys provided a high-resolution dataset of morpho-acoustic and optical measurements, useful to obtain the geological, geomorphological and archaeological interpretations necessary to formulate hypotheses on the functionality of the complex submerged archaeological structure detected in the study area. In particular, the integration between the surveyed data, the high-resolution seafloor mapping and the previous knowledge deriving from the 1980s underwater research carried out by Centro Studi Subacquei, led us to interpret the submerged remains as a vivarium related to a 1st century BC Roman villa. Finally, by measuring the submersion of several channels and a well-preserved crepido, a relative sea level during the period of use at −2.2 m ± 0.2 m mean sea level (MSL) was deduced, in agreement with the previous geoarchaeological studies realized in the near coastal sectors.
Women’s Ageing as Disease
Authors: Zadrozny Sara
Published: April 2019

In the medical humanities, there has been a growing interest in diagnosing disease in fictional characters, particularly with the idea that characters in Charles Dickens’s novels may be suffering from diseases recognised today. However, an area that deserves greater attention is the representation of women’s ageing as disease in Victorian literature and medical narratives. Even as Victorian doctors were trying to cure age-related illnesses, they continued to employ classical notions of unhealthy female ageing. For all his interest in medical matters, the novelist Charles Dickens wrote about old women in a similar vein. Using close reading to analyse Victorian gerontology alongside Charles Dickens’s novels Dombey and Son (1848) and Great Expectations (1861), this article examines narratives of female ageing as disease. It concludes by pointing to the ways that Victorian gerontology impacts on how we view women’s ageing as ‘diseased’ today.
Occupational and Environmental Risk Factors Influencing the Inducement of Erythema among Nigerian Laboratory University Workers with Multiple Chemical Exposures
Authors: Reuben Usaku , F. Ismail Ahmad , Ahmad Abdul L. , Maina Humphrey M. , Daud Aziah
Published: April 2019

The chemicals from laboratories pose a significant risk forinducing erythema, an abnormal redness of the skin, as a result of poor occupational and environmental factors that promote hypersensitivity to a chemical agent. The aim of this present study was to determine the occupational and environmental risk factors influencing the inducement of erythema in laboratory workers due to exposure to chemicals. This was a cross-sectional study on a population-based sample of Nigerian university laboratory workers. Data were collected using the erythema index meter and an indoor air control meter. The study included 287 laboratory workers. The laboratory workers who properly used personal protective equipment (PPE) were 60% less likely to have induced erythema (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.40; 95% confidence interval CI: 0.22–0.77; probability value p = 0.011). The chemical mixture exceeding the permissible exposure limit (PEL) was found to have a small effect in inducing the erythema (AOR = 4.22; 95%CI: 2.88–12.11; p = 0.004). Most of the sampled laboratories where the respondents worked had unsuitable temperatures (AOR = 8.21; 95% CI: 4.03–15.01; p = 0.001). Erythema was more frequently found in the respondents who spent 4–5h in the laboratory (AOR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.77–9.23; p = 0.001). However, high levels of ventilation reduce the likelihood of erythema in a laboratory by 82% (0.18). Multiple logistic regressions revealed that PPE, PEL, exposure time, temperature, and ventilation were the probable predictive factors associated with the inducement of erythema. Providing better educational knowledge and improving the attitude towards hazards and safety in a laboratory would lead to reduced rates of new cases.
Cognitive and Sensory Dimensions of Older People’s Preferences of Outdoor Spaces for Walking: A Survey Study in Ireland
Authors: Cassarino Marica , Bantry-White Eleanor , Setti Annalisa
Published: April 2019

Background: Physical exercise, particularly walking, benefits healthy ageing. Understanding the environmental circumstances in which exercise occurs is crucial to the promotion of physical activity in older age. Most studies have focused on the structural dimensions of environments that may foster walking; however, individual differences in how older people perceive and interact with outdoor spaces need further attention. This study explored the cognitive and sensory dimensions of preferences of outdoor spaces for walking. Methods: We invited 112 healthy community-dwelling people aged ≥60 years to complete a survey to test associations between walking preferences and cognitive/sensory vulnerability. A subsample also completed focus groups/walk along interviews to explore qualitatively the cognitive/sensory reasons for outdoor walking preferences. Results: While most participants indicated a preference for outdoor spaces that offer variety and greenery, we observed a complex association between individual cognitive/sensory needs (stimulation seeking vs. avoidance), preferences for social interactions, and the place of residence urbanity level. Furthermore, walking preferences varied based on the purpose of the walk (recreation vs. transportation). Conclusions: Our findings support an ecological approach to understanding determinants of physical activity in older age, which consider the interaction between individual cognitive processing and the environment.
Diversity in the Factors Associated with ADL-Related Disability among Older People in Six Middle-Income Countries: A Cross-Country Comparison
Authors: Lestari Septi Kurnia , Ng Nawi , Kowal Paul , Santosa Ailiana
Published: April 2019

The low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing rapid population ageing, yet knowledge about disability among older populations in these countries is scarce. This study aims to identify the prevalence and factors associated with disability among people aged 50 years and over in six LMICs. Cross-sectional data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health Wave 1 (2007–2010) in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and South Africa was used. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were undertaken to examine the association between sociodemographic factors, health behaviours, chronic conditions, and activities of daily living (ADL) disability. The prevalence of disability among older adults ranged from 16.2% in China to 55.7% in India. Older age, multimorbidity, and depression were the most common factors related to disability in all six countries. Gender was significant in China (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01–1.29), Ghana (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01–1.48) and India (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.37–1.99). Having no access to social capital was significantly associated with ADL disability in China (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.54–4.31) and South Africa (OR = 4.11, 95% CI: 1.79–9.43). Prevalence data is valuable in these six ageing countries, with important evidence on mitigating factors for each. Identifying determinants associated with ADL disability among older people in LMICs can inform how to best implement health prevention programmes considering different country-specific factors.
Effect of Patient Participation on Nurse and Patient Outcomes in Inpatient Healthcare
Authors: Ding Bin , Liu Wei , Tsai Sang-Bing , Gu Dongxiao , Bian Fang , Shao Xuefeng
Published: April 2019

Using service-dominant logic as a theoretical lens, this study investigated the co-production of healthcare service and service value co-creation between nurses and patients. The main objective of this study was to: (1) examine the effect of patient participation on patient satisfaction and nurses’ attitudes and behaviors; (2) examine boundary conditions of the effect of patient participation on patients and nurses. We proposed that patient participation positively impacted patient satisfaction and nurse job satisfaction, work engagement, and helping behaviors. We further proposed that first inpatient stay and length of stay moderated the effect of patient participation on patient satisfaction, and nurses’ sociodemographic characteristics moderated the effect of patient participation on nurse job satisfaction, work engagement, and helping behaviors. Using survey data from 282 nurses and 522 inpatients from a public hospital in China, we found that the effect of patient participation on patient satisfaction was contingent upon first inpatient stay and length of stay. We also found that patient participation improved nurse job satisfaction, work engagement, and helping behaviors. Furthermore, nurses’ sociodemographic characteristics, namely age and organizational tenure, moderated the effect of patient participation on nurse job satisfaction, but not on work engagement and helping behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings were discussed.
Developing a Sustainable Long-Term Ageing Health Care System Using the DANP-mV Model: Empirical Case of Taiwan
Authors: Lin Pei-Jian , Shiue Yih-Chearng , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung , Huang Shan-Lin
Published: April 2019

Most of the baby boomers born after the Second World War (WWII) have passed the age of 65, meaning they have gradually lost their social functions and positions, and are facing the need for care. In Taiwan, the lack of a long-term care mechanism is having a certain degree of impact on society as a whole, and thus, it is important to have a mechanism to take care of the elderly. In order to make this system sustainable, sufficient funds and continuous improvement are important factors. In the past, in order to avoid the illegal transfer of benefits, the social welfare mechanism avoided the use of for-profit organizations. However, as the economic environment declines, the role of for-profit organizations should be considered. This study defines the long-term ageing health care system using five major dimensions and 20 criteria. The DANP-mV model was used to analyze Taiwan’s current system and identify problems, and then to develop a continuous improvement strategy from the perspective of the source of the problem in order to improve long-term ageing health care.
Urban Sprawl and Health Outcome Associations in Sicily
Authors: Restivo Vincenzo , Cernigliaro Achille , Casuccio Alessandra
Published: April 2019

Urban sprawl has several negative impacts on the environment, the economy, and human health. The main objective of this work was to formulate and validate a sprawl/compactness index for Sicilian municipalities and evaluate its association with health outcomes. An ecological study was conducted with 110 municipalities in Sicily, Italy. Principal component analysis was adopted to create the sprawl/compactness Sicilian index, and linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the sprawl index and health outcomes. More variance of the new sprawl index was explained by the working factor, followed by density, surface extension, and land use mix. When validating the index, we found that public transportation had an inverse relation with sprawl increase (p < 0.001), and private transportation was directly related to the increase in sprawl (p < 0.001). After controlling for the Sicilian socio-economic deprivation index and overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality was the only outcome directly associated with the increase in the sprawl index (odds ratio = 0.0068, p < 0.001). Urban sprawl has to be monitored in Sicily over time to understand the evolution of the urbanization phenomenon and its relationship with health outcomes such as cardiovascular mortality. The use of the sprawl index should help policymakers define the necessary strategic aspects and actions to improve human health and quality of life in cities through a multi-sectorial approach.
Adaptation and Health: Are Countries with More Climate-Sensitive Health Sectors More Likely to Receive Adaptation Aid?
Authors: Weiler Florian
Published: April 2019

Climate change poses a severe challenge for many developing countries, and the need to adapt has been widely recognized. Public health is one of the sectors where adaptation is necessary, as a warming climate likely affects general health conditions, the spread of various diseases, etc. Some countries are more affected by such climatic challenges, as their climate sensitivity—both to health-related issues and to climate change in general—is higher. This study examines whether more climate-sensitive countries are more likely to receive support from donors through the relatively new channel of adaptation aid, with a particular focus on the health sector. To investigate this relationship, this study proposes and operationalizes a new indicator to capture climate sensitivity of countries’ health sectors. The results, however, indicate that climate sensitivity does not matter for adaptation aid allocation. Instead, adaptation aid to a large degree follows development aid. In light of the promises repeatedly made by donors in the climate negotiations that adaptation aid should go to the most vulnerable, developing countries should push for a different allocation mechanism of adaptation aid in future negotiation rounds.
A Brief Spanish Version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). A Dispositional Mindfulness Measure
Authors: Guerra Joan , García-Gómez María , Turanzas Jorge , Cordón Jose R. , Suárez-Jurado Cristina , Mestre José Miguel
Published: April 2019

Dispositional Mindfulness (DM) is the awareness of the thoughts and feelings in the present moment. DM in children and adolescents has been related to mechanisms of change in mindfulness-based interventions, which have shown significant mediation relationships with mental health outcomes (for instance, lower social anxiety, depression symptoms, or perceived stress). However, the assessment of DM among children and adolescents is being unsatisfactory due cultural biases and/or reliability issues. In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) in a sample of 687 children and adolescents between 8 and 16 years old. Although the CAMM has been validated in English, Portuguese, Italian, and Catalonian versions, until now no data has been reported in a Spanish context. Results showed that the best CAMM factor structure was constituted by five items from the original version (1, 4, 7, 8, and 9). These items defined dispositional mindfulness. The rest of the items (2, 3, 5, 6, and 10) were eliminated from the Spanish final version. The analyses revealed good reliability and internal consistency for the Spanish version of the CAMM. As we expected, the confirmatory factor analysis showed the unidimensional structure of the CAMM.
Membrane Deformation and Its Effects on Flow and Mass Transfer in the Electromembrane Processes
Authors: Battaglia Giuseppe , Gurreri Luigi , Airò Farulla Girolama , Cipollina Andrea , Pirrotta Antonina , Micale Giorgio , Ciofalo Michele
Published: April 2019

In the membrane processes, a trans-membrane pressure (TMP) may arise due to design features or operating conditions. In most applications, stacks for electrodialysis (ED) or reverse electrodialysis (RED) operate at low TMP (<0.1 bar); however, large stacks with non-parallel flow patterns and/or asymmetric configurations can exhibit higher TMP values, causing membrane deformations and changes in fluid dynamics and transport phenomena. In this work, integrated mechanical and fluid dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the TMP effects on deformation, flow and mass transfer for a profiled membrane-fluid channel system with geometrical and mechanical features and fluid velocities representative of ED/RED conditions. First, a conservatively high value of TMP was assumed, and mechanical simulations were conducted to identify the geometry with the largest pitch to height ratio still able to bear this load without exhibiting a contact between opposite membranes. The selected geometry was then investigated under expansion and compression conditions in a TMP range encompassing most practical applications. Finally, friction and mass transfer coefficients in the deformed channel were predicted by computational fluid dynamics. Significant effects of membrane deformation were observed: friction and mass transfer coefficients increased in the compressed channel, while they decreased (though to a lesser extent) in the expanded channel.
DNA Methylation Contributes to the Differential Expression Levels of Mecp2 in Male Mice Neurons and Astrocytes
Authors: Liyanage Vichithra R.B. , Olson Carl O. , Zachariah Robby M. , Davie James R. , Rastegar Mojgan
Published: April 2019

Methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MeCP2) isoforms (E1 and E2) are important epigenetic regulators in brain cells. Accordingly, MeCP2 loss- or gain-of-function mutation causes neurodevelopmental disorders, including Rett syndrome (RTT), MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Within different types of brain cells, highest MeCP2 levels are detected in neurons and the lowest in astrocytes. However, our current knowledge of Mecp2/MeCP2 regulatory mechanisms remains largely elusive. It appears that there is a sex-dependent effect in X-linked MeCP2-associated disorders, as RTT primarily affects females, whereas MDS is found almost exclusively in males. This suggests that Mecp2 expression levels in brain cells might be sex-dependent. Here, we investigated the sex- and cell type-specific expression of Mecp2 isoforms in male and female primary neurons and astrocytes isolated from the murine forebrain. Previously, we reported that DNA methylation of six Mecp2 regulatory elements correlated with Mecp2 levels in the brain. We now show that in male brain cells, DNA methylation is significantly correlated with the transcript expression of these two isoforms. We show that both Mecp2 isoforms are highly expressed in male neurons compared to male astrocytes, with Mecp2e1 expressed at higher levels than Mecp2e2. Our data indicate that higher DNA methylation at the Mecp2 regulatory element(s) is associated with lower levels of Mecp2 isoforms in male astrocytes compared to male neurons.
Therapeutic Effect of Dipsacus asperoides C. Y. Cheng et T. M. Ai in Ovalbumin-Induced Murine Model of Asthma
Authors: Shin Na-Rae , Lee A Yeong , Park Gunhyuk , Ko Je-Won , Kim Jong-Choon , Shin In-Sik , Kim Joong-Sun
Published: April 2019

Dipsacus asperoides C. Y. Cheng et T. M. Ai (DA) has been used in China as a traditional medicine to treat lumbar and knee pain, liver dysfunction, and fractures. We explored the suppressive effect of DA on allergic asthma using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model. In the asthma model, female Balb/c mice were sensitized to OVA on day 0 and 14 to boost immune responses and then exposed to OVA solution by using an ultrasonic nebulizer on days 21 to 23. DA (20 and 40 mg/kg) was administered to mice by oral gavage on days 18 to 23. Methacholine responsiveness was determined on day 24 using a plethysmography. On day 25, we collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum, and lung tissue from animals under anesthesia. DA treatment effectively inhibited methacholine responsiveness, inflammatory cell infiltration, proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13, and immunoglobulin (Ig) E in OVA-induced asthma model. Reductions in airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion, accompanied by decreases in the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), were also observed. Our results indicated that DA attenuated the asthmatic response, and that this attenuation was closely linked to NF-κB suppression. Thus, this study suggests that DA is a potential therapeutic for allergic asthma.
Oxidative Stress-Tolerant Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Decrease Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Damage in Organotypic Brain Slice Cultures from Adult Mice
Authors: Xiao Li , Saiki Chikako , Okamura Hisashi
Published: April 2019

Oxidative stress causes severe tissue injury of the central nervous system in ischemic brain damage (IBD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress in organotypic brain slice cultures (OBSCs), and investigated the protective effects of oxidative stress-tolerant (OST) stem cells harvested from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) which were co-cultivated with OBSCs. Using presto blue assay and immunostaining, we demonstrated that both normal SHED and OST-SHED could prevent H2O2-induced cell death, and increase the numbers of mature neuron and neuronal progenitors in the hippocampus of OBSCs. During co-cultivation, OST-SHED, but not normal SHED, exhibited neuronal cell morphology and expressed neuronal markers. Results from ELISA showed that both normal SHED and OST-SHED significantly decreased oxidative DNA damage in H2O2-treated OBSCs. SHED could also produce neurotrophic factor BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) and promoted the production of IL-6 in OBSCs. Although OST-SHED had lower cell viability, the neuronal protection of OST-SHED was significantly superior to that of normal SHED. Our findings suggest that SHED, especially OST-SHED, could prevent oxidative stress induced brain damage. OST-SHED can be explored as a new therapeutic tool for IBD, TBI and neurodegenerative disorders.
An In Vitro Study on Mitochondrial Compensatory Response Induced by Gliadin Peptides in Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Orlando Antonella , Chimienti Guglielmina , Pesce Vito , Fracasso Flavio , Lezza Angela Maria Serena , Russo Francesco
Published: April 2019

Dietary gliadin may show a broad spectrum of toxicity. The interplay between mitochondria and gliadin-induced oxidative stress has not been thoroughly examined in the intestinal epithelium. In this kinetic study, Caco-2 cells were exposed for 24 h to pepsin-trypsin-digested gliadin, alone or in combination with the antioxidant 2,6-di-tbutyl-p-cresol (BHT), and the effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and mtDNA were studied. Cells ability to recover from stress was determined after 24 h and 48 h of incubation in the culture medium. Gliadin-induced oxidative stress evoked a compensatory response. The stressor triggered a rapid and significant increase of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) and Peroxiredoxin III (PrxIII) proteins, and mtDNA amount. As for the effects of gliadin on mtDNA integrity, strand breaks, abasic sites, and modified bases were analyzed in three mtDNA regions. D-loop appeared a more fragile target than Ori-L and ND1/ND2. The temporal trend of the damage at D-loop paralleled that of the amount of mtDNA. Overall, a trend toward control values was shown 48 h after gliadin exposure. Finally, BHT was able to counteract the effects of gliadin. Results from this study highlighted the effects of gliadin-induced oxidative stress on mitochondria, providing valuable evidence that might improve the knowledge of the pathophysiology of gluten-related disorders.
Deep Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Network Evolution, Response to Abiotic Stress, and Regulation of Fiber Development in Cotton
Authors: Xu Yanchao , Magwanga Richard Odongo , Cai Xiaoyan , Zhou Zhongli , Wang Xingxing , Wang Yuhong , Zhang Zhenmei , Jin Dingsha , Guo Xinlei , Wei Yangyang , Li Zhenqing , Wang Kunbo , Liu Fang
Published: April 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important molecules in the plant, which are involved in many biological processes, including fiber development and adaptation to abiotic stress in cotton. We carried out transcription analysis to determine the evolution of the ROS genes and analyzed their expression levels in various tissues of cotton plant under abiotic stress conditions. There were 515, 260, and 261 genes of ROS network that were identified in Gossypium hirsutum (AD1 genome), G. arboreum (A genome), and G. raimondii (D genome), respectively. The ROS network genes were found to be distributed in all the cotton chromosomes, but with a tendency of aggregating on either the lower or upper arms of the chromosomes. Moreover, all the cotton ROS network genes were grouped into 17 families as per the phylogenetic tress analysis. A total of 243 gene pairs were orthologous in G. arboreum and G. raimondii. There were 240 gene pairs that were orthologous in G. arboreum, G. raimondii, and G. hirsutum. The synonymous substitution value (Ks) peaks of orthologous gene pairs between the At subgenome and the A progenitor genome (G. arboreum), D subgenome and D progenitor genome (G. raimondii) were 0.004 and 0.015, respectively. The Ks peaks of ROS network orthologous gene pairs between the two progenitor genomes (A and D genomes) and two subgenomes (At and Dt subgenome) were 0.045. The majority of Ka/Ks value of orthologous gene pairs between the A, D genomes and two subgenomes of TM-1 were lower than 1.0. RNA seq. analysis and RT-qPCR validation, showed that, CSD1,2,3,5,6; FSD1,2; MSD1,2; APX3,11; FRO5.6; and RBOH6 played a major role in fiber development while CSD1, APX1, APX2, MDAR1, GPX4-6-7, FER2, RBOH6, RBOH11, and FRO5 were integral for enhancing salt stress in cotton. ROS network-mediated signal pathway enhances the mechanism of fiber development and regulation of abiotic stress in Gossypium. This study will enhance the understanding of ROS network and form the basic foundation in exploring the mechanism of ROS network-involving the fiber development and regulation of abiotic stress in cotton.
Can Anastatus bifasciatus Be Used for Augmentative Biological Control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Fruit Orchards?
Authors: Stahl Judith M. , Babendreier Dirk , Marazzi Cristina , Caruso Stefano , Costi Elena , Maistrello Lara , Haye Tim
Published: April 2019

The generalist egg parasitoid Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is the most prevalent egg parasitoid of the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Europe. To assess its efficacy against the pest H. halys and to validate the potential risks for non-target species in a realistic field setting, inundative releases were conducted over three consecutive years in four fruit orchards in Switzerland and Italy. In total, more than 4300 A. bifasciatus females were released, which was equivalent to 11,000 to 26,000 females per hectare, depending on distances between trees in each orchard. Parasitism of freeze-killed sentinel H. halys eggs achieved with the current release strategy was on average 6% (range: 2%–16%) and considered not high enough to effectively suppress the pest. However, the overall impact of A. bifasciatus on the mortality of H. halys eggs was likely underestimated. If pre-imaginal parasitoid mortality (3.3%) and host feeding (6%) are added to the observed parasitism (6%), the actual induced mortality of H. halys eggs may reach more than 15%. Parasitism of lepidopteran non-target species reached an average of 8% and thus, some degree of non-target parasitism after mass releases may be expected. To quantify the impact of the parasitoids in the orchards more precisely, naturally laid egg masses should be used in future trials to include host-finding cues of the host and host plants, and larger scale releases with potentially higher densities of parasitoids should be considered.
Smoothed Maximum Score Estimation of Discrete Duration Models
Authors: Reza Sadat , Rilstone Paul
Published: April 2019

This paper extends Horowitz’s smoothed maximum score estimator to discrete-time duration models. The estimator’s consistency and asymptotic distribution are derived. Monte Carlo simulations using various data generating processes with varying error distributions and shapes of the hazard rate are conducted to examine the finite sample properties of the estimator. The bias-corrected estimator performs reasonably well for the models considered with moderately-sized samples.
8,18-Dithia-1,4,11,14-tetraazapentacyclo[11.7.0.03,11.05,9.015,19]icosa-3,5(9),6,13,15(19),16-hexaene-10,20-dione
Authors: Ogurtsov Vladimir A. , Rakitin Oleg A.
Published: April 2019

4H-3λ2-Thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one derivatives are of interest as biologically active compounds. In this communication, 2-(chloromethyl)-4H-3λ2-thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one (1) was investigated in the reaction with ammonia, potassium phthalimide, and other basic agents. The dimerization product—8,18-dithia-1,4,11,14-tetrazapentacyclo[11.7.0.03,11.05,9.015,19]icosa-3,5(9),6,13,15(19),16-hexaene-10,20-dione was formed in the reaction with potassium phthalimide in DMF, by heating at 110 °C for 5 h. The structure of the newly synthesized compound was established by means of elemental analysis, high resolution mass-spectrometry, 1H, 13C NMR, and IR spectroscopy, and mass-spectrometry.
Microstructure-Based Relative Humidity in Cementitious System Due to Self-Desiccation
Authors: Zhang Yong , Ouyang Xiaowei , Yang Zhengxian
Published: April 2019

The internal relative humidity (RH) plays a crucial role in most of the concrete properties. Self-desiccation caused by continuous cement hydration is a major factor affecting the RH of concrete. This paper investigates the relationship between RH and microstructure for cementitious systems in the case of self-desiccation. A series of paste specimens prepared with different binder and water-binder-ratio (w/b) were cured under sealed conditions from 1 day to 1.5 years. The RH and microstructure of the paste specimens were measured. The microstructure characteristics under study include porosity, pore size, evaporable and non-evaporable water content. The results reveal that the RH of cementitious system drops to a great extent in the first 105 days’ hydration and decreases slowly afterwards. The blended materials such as fly ash, slag or limestone powder have different influences on the RH. A mathematical model between RH and the average pore diameter is proposed for cementitious systems under self-desiccation, regardless of age, w/b or cement type.
A Novel Phototransistor Device with Dual Active Layers Composited of CsPbBr3 and ZnO Quantum Dots
Authors: Zhang Xu , Li Qing , Yan Shikai , Lei Wei , Chen Jing , Qasim Khan
Published: April 2019

Taking advantage of a large light absorption coefficient, long charge carrier diffusion length and low-cost solution processing, all-inorganic halides perovskite CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) are combined with a ZnO QD film to construct a high-performance photodetector. In this work, a novel photodetector device based on transistor structure with dual active layers composed of CsPbBr3 and ZnO film is proposed. In this structure, CsPbBr3 film functions as the light-absorbing layer and ZnO film acts as the conducting layer. Owing to the high electron mobility and hole-blocking nature of the ZnO QDs film, the photo-induced electron-hole pairs can be separated efficiently. As a result, the device exhibits high performance with response of 43.5 A/W, high detection up to 5.02 × 1011 Jones and on/off ratio of 5.6 × 104 under 365 nm light illumination. Compared with the ZnO-only phototransistor (the photodetector with the structure of transistor) the performance of the CsPbBr3 phototransistor showed significant improvement, which is superior to the majority of photodetectors prepared by perovskite. This work demonstrates that the ZnO QDs film can be applied in the photodetector device as a functional conducting layer, and we believe that the hybrid CsPbBr3/ZnO phototransistor would promote the development of low-cost and high-performance photodetectors.
PVB/PEG-Based Feedstocks for Injection Molding of Alumina Microreactor Components
Authors: Medesi Anna Julia , Nötzel Dorit , Hanemann Thomas
Published: April 2019

The ceramic injection molding (CIM) process is a cost-effective powder-based near net shape manufacturing process for large-scale production of complex-shaped ceramic functional components. This paper presents the rheological analysis of environmentally friendly CIM feedstock formulations based on the binder components polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and polyethylene gycol (PEG). The prepared PVB/PEG-based alumina molding compounds were investigated with respect to their PVB:PEG ratios as well as to their powder filling degrees in the range between 50 and 64 vol.%. Corresponding viscosities and shear stresses were determined for increasing shear rates to show the effects of increased PEG content and solid loadings on them. Two single reactor components were injection molded and subsequently joined in their green state for fabrication of an alumina microreactor. The intended purpose of the alumina microreactors is their potential application as wear-resistant and hydrothermal stable multifunctional devices (µ-mixer, µ-reactor, µ-analyzer) for continuous hydrothermal synthesis (CHTS) of metal oxide nanoparticles in supercritical water (sc-H2O) as the reaction medium.
Domain Diversity and Polarization Switching in Amino Acid β-Glycine
Authors: Vasileva Daria , Vasilev Semen , Kholkin Andrei L. , Shur Vladimir Ya.
Published: April 2019

Piezoelectric materials based on lead zirconate titanate are widely used in sensors and actuators. However, their application is limited because of high processing temperature, brittleness, lack of conformal deposition and, more importantly, intrinsic incompatibility with biological environments. Recent studies on bioorganic piezoelectrics have demonstrated their potential in these applications, essentially due to using the same building blocks as those used by nature. In this work, we used piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) to study the domain structures and polarization reversal in the smallest amino acid glycine, which recently attracted a lot of attention due to its strong shear piezoelectric activity. In this uniaxial ferroelectric, a diverse domain structure that includes both 180° and charged domain walls was observed, as well as domain wall kinks related to peculiar growth and crystallographic structure of this material. Local polarization switching was studied by applying a bias voltage to the PFM tip, and the possibility to control the resulting domain structure was demonstrated. This study has shown that the as-grown domain structure and changes in the electric field in glycine are qualitatively similar to those found in the uniaxial inorganic ferroelectrics.
Effect of Jute Fiber Modification on Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber Composite
Authors: Wang Hua , Memon Hafeezullah , A. M. Hassan Elwathig , Miah Md. Sohag , Ali Md. Arshad
Published: April 2019

Recently, the demand for reinforced plastics from natural, sustainable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly fibers has been rising worldwide. However, the main shortcoming of natural fibers reinforced plastics is the poor compatibility between reinforcing fibers and the matrix. Hence, it is necessary to form a strong attachment of the fibers to the matrix to obtain the optimum performance. In this work, chemical treatments (acid pretreatment, alkali pretreatment, and scouring) were employed on jute fibers to modify them. The mechanical properties, surface morphology, and Fourier transform infrared spectra of treated and untreated jute fibers were analyzed to understand the influence of chemical modifications on the fiber. Then, jute fiber/epoxy composites with a unidirectional jute fiber organization were prepared. Basic properties of the composites such as the void fraction, tensile strength, initial modulus, and elongation at break were studied. The better interfacial adhesion of treated fibers was shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of fractured coupons. Hence, the chemical treatment of jute fiber has a significant impact on the formation of voids in the composites as well as the mechanical properties of jute fiber composites.
Solution Synthesis of Co-Ni-W-Based ODS Alloy Powder
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liu Ye , Chen Xiaowei , Chen Yan , Wang Shengxi , Qin Mingli , Qu Xuanhui
Published: April 2019

Low-temperature combustion synthesis was utilized to prepare Co-Ni-W-based oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloy powder. The influence of the U/Co and C/Co ratios on the morphology and specific surface area of the combusted powder was investigated. Particle size, phase constituents, and element distribution of the resulting Co-Ni-W-based ODS alloy powder were characterized. The results indicate that insufficient urea induced no autocombustion reaction, while excess urea and glucose inhibited the combustion reaction. The optimized contents of urea and glucose were around U/Co = 1.2 and C/Co = 1.5, and the specific surface area of the powder reached 43.5 m2/g. The lamellar Co-Ni-W-based ODS alloy powder with particle sizes of 1–21 μm was the soft agglomeration of a high population of nanosized (65 nm) particles. These nanoparticles grew from 65 to 260 nm in the reduction temperature range of 700–900 °C. Homogeneous distribution of Co, Ni, W, and Y in the Co-Ni-W-based ODS alloy powder was achieved.
In-Situ Damage Evaluation of Pure Ice under High Rate Compressive Loading
Authors: Isakov Matti , Lange Janin , Kilchert Sebastian , May Michael
Published: April 2019

The initiation and propagation of damage in pure ice specimens under high rate compressive loading at the strain rate range of 100 s−1 to 600 s−1 was studied by means of Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar measurements with incorporated high-speed videography. The results indicate that local cracks in specimens can form and propagate before the macroscopic stress maximum is reached. The estimated crack velocity was in the range of 500 m/s to 1300 m/s, i.e., lower than, but in similar order of magnitude as the elastic wave speed within ice. This gives reason to suspect that already at this strain rate the specimen is not deforming under perfect force equilibrium when the first cracks initiate and propagate. In addition, in contrast to quasi-static experiments, in the high rate experiments the specimens showed notable residual load carrying capacity after the maximum stress. This was related to dynamic effects in fractured ice particles, which allowed the specimen to carry compressive load even in a highly damaged state.
Study of Mid-Infrared Emission and Structural Properties of Heavy Metal Oxide Glass and Optical Fibre Co-Doped with Ho3+/Yb3+ Ions
Authors: Ragin Tomasz , Baranowska Agata , Kochanowicz Marcin , Zmojda Jacek , Miluski Piotr , Dorosz Dominik
Published: April 2019

Bismuth-germanate glasses with low hydroxide content co-doped with Ho3+/Yb3+ ions have been investigated in terms of structural and spectroscopic properties. To reduce OH- ions content and improve transmittance value at the wavelength of 3.1 µm, the glass synthesis has been carried out in low vacuum conditions (45–65 mBar). The composition of the host glass based on heavy metal oxides affects the maximum phonon energy (hωmax = 724 cm−1), which low value has a positive impact on the mid-infrared emission parameters. Emission band at the wavelength of 2.87 µm was observed in glass co-doped with mol% 0.25 Ho2O3/0.75 Yb2O3 under 980 nm high power laser diode wavelength excitation. Lifetime measurements of the Yb3+:2F5/2 quantum level indicate efficient Yb3+ → Ho3+ energy transfer (η = 61%). The developed active bismuth-germanate glass was used as the core of optical fibre operating in the mid-infrared region.
Calculation of the Mixture Flow in a Low-Pressure Carburizing Process
Authors: Wołowiec-Korecka Emilia , Korecki Maciej , Sut Michał , Brewka Agnieszka , Kula Piotr
Published: April 2019

The right selection of carburizing gas flow rates in the low-pressure carburization process is a key factor in terms of its efficiency. However, a correct calculation of the amount of carburizing gas required for uniform carburization of parts, taking into account the process temperature and batch size, is still problematic. For this reason, modern carburizing processes are carried out using an excessive belaying flow of carburizing gases. In this work steel parts (16MnCr5) were carburized in a variable-flow carburizing process (960 °C) individually matched to each segment of saturation. The effect of the variable-flow on the microstructure, surface hardness, and case hardness depth was evaluated and compared to that of a control group. It was proven that the amount of the mixture used in the variable-flow carburizing process can be significantly reduced to 54% of that consumed during the regular constant-flow carburizing without affecting the properties of the hardened layer of the steel parts.
Modeling of the Melting of Aluminum Particles during the RH Refining Process
Authors: Liu Chang , Duan Haojian , Zhang Lifeng
Published: April 2019

The aluminum content in oriented silicon steel obviously influences its magnetic properties. In the current work, the movement and melting process of added aluminum particles during Ruhrstahl-Heraeus (RH) treatment were simulated using a mathematical approach, considering the effect of the multiphase fluid flow on the evolution of aluminum particles and the dissolved aluminum distribution. The current model was validated by the [Al] content in the molten steel measured by an industry experiment. Most of the added aluminum particles were melted within 5 s after they connected with the molten steel under the superheat of 28 K. The statistics of the melting time and trajectory length showed a normal distribution. Furthermore, both the melting time and the trajectory length of aluminum particles decreased as the superheat increased. Since the maximum mixing time may go up when the superheat is excessive, the suggested superheat should range from 20 K to 30 K during the RH refining process. Besides, an appropriate sampling position with a short mixing time was proposed.
A Continuous Flow-through Microfluidic Device for Electrical Lysis of Cells
Authors: Lo Ying-Jie , Lei U
Published: April 2019

In contrast to the delicate 3D electrodes in the literature, a simple flow-through device is proposed here for continuous and massive lysis of cells using electricity. The device is essentially a rectangular microchannel with a planar electrode array built on its bottom wall, actuated by alternating current (AC) voltages between neighboring electrodes, and can be incorporated easily into other biomedical systems. Human whole blood diluted 10 times with phosphate-buffered saline (about 6 × 108 cells per mL) was pumped through the device, and the cells were completely lysed within 7 s after the application of a 20 V peak-to-peak voltage at 1 MHz, up to 400 μL/hr. Electric field and Maxwell stress were calculated for assessing electrical lysis. Only the lower half-channel was exposed to an electric field exceeding the irreversible threshold value of cell electroporation (Eth2), suggesting that a cross flow, proposed here primarily as the electro-thermally induced flow, was responsible for bringing the cells in the upper half-channel downward to the lower half-channel. The Maxwell shear stress associated with Eth2 was one order of magnitude less than the threshold mechanical stresses for lysis, implying that an applied moderate mechanical stress could aid electrical lysis.
MEMS Gyroscope Temperature Compensation Based on Drive Mode Vibration Characteristic Control
Authors: Cui Min , Huang Yong , Wang Wei , Cao Huiliang
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a novel temperature compensation method for a dual-mass MEMS gyroscope is proposed based on drive mode vibration characteristic compensation using a temperature variable resistor. Firstly, the drive and sense modes of the gyroscope re analyzed and investigated, and it is found that the scale factor is proportional to the drive mode amplitude controlling reference voltage. Then, the scale factor temperature compensation method is proposed, and a temperature variable resistor is utilized to compensate the drive amplitude working point and make it change with temperature. In addition, the temperature compensation circuit is designed and simulated. After that, the temperature bias drift is compensated in a modular output. The experimental results show that scale factor and bias variation during the temperature range from −40 °C to 60 °C decrease from 3.680% to 1.577% and 3.880% to 1.913%, respectively. In addition, the bias value improves from 103.395 °/s to 22.478 °/s (optimized 78.26%). The bias stability and angular rate walking parameter are also optimized to 45.97% and 16.08%, respectively, which verify the method proposed in this paper.
Postharvest UV-B Irradiation Stimulated Ginsenoside Rg1 Biosynthesis through Nitric Oxide (NO) and Jasmonic Acid (JA) in Panax quinquefolius Roots
Authors: Zhou Jie , Ran Zhi-fang , Yang Xiao-tong , Li Jia
Published: April 2019

The study highlights the influence and signal transduction mechanism of postharvest UV-B on the production of Rg1 in Panax quinquefolius roots during the drying process. The results showed that postharvest UV-B irradiation induced generation of nitric oxide (NO), jasmonic acid (JA), and ginsenoside Rg1 of P. quinquefolius roots. The UV-B-induced increase of Rg1 was suppressed by NO-specific scavenger (cPTIO) and NOS inhibitors (PBITU), JA synthesis inhibitor (SHAM), and JA synthesis inhibitor (PrGall), indicating that NO and JA played essential parts in UV-B-induced Rg1. External NO inhibitors treatment inhibited UV-B-induced accumulation of NO and JA, which suggested that NO was located upstream of the JA signal pathway. NO-caused Rg1 was inhibited by SHAM and PrGall, implying JA participated in transmitting signal NO to Rg1 accumulation. In other words, NO mediated the postharvest UV-B-induced Rg1 accumulation by the JA-dependent pathway in P. quinquefolius roots during the drying process, which helps us understand the underlying mechanisms involved in UV-B-induced Rg1 production and provides information helpful for P. quinquefolius production.
Synthesis, Purification and Characterization of Polymerizable Multifunctional Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Authors: Okeke Ugochukwu C. , Snyder Chad R. , Frukhtbeyn Stanislav A.
Published: April 2019

Methacrylate analogs of quaternary ammonium salts functionalized with carboxylic (AMadh1 68.8% yield, AMadh2 53.2% yield) and methoxysilane (AMsil1 94.8% yield, AMsil2 36.0% yield) groups were synthesized via Menschutkin reaction. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H, 13C and 2D 1H-13C heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR), mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were utilized to validate structures and characterize thermal properties of the novel multifunctional quaternary ammonium salts synthesized. The potential adhesive, coupling and antimicrobial properties of these multifunctional monomers encourage their further comprehensive evaluation in conventional and experimental copolymers and composites.