bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is There a Relationship Between Smoking and Stricture Recurrence After the Urethroplasty? a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma Yu-cheng , Wang Menghua , Jian Zhong-Yu , Li Hong , Wang Kunjie
Published: February 2020

Background Some retrospective studies have noted that smoking is a possible risk factor for recurrence of restenosis after urethroplasty, but not all of them are consistent. Therefore a meta-analysis is needed. Method Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane databases were searched with key words: “urethroplasty”, “buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty”, “oral mucosa graft urethroplasty”, “excision and primary anastomosis urethroplasty”, “urethral stricture recurrence” until Jan 30, 2020. The quality of included studies was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) system. Hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted or re-calculated from included studies. Meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.0 based on univariate and multivariate data separately. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test stability of meta-analysis. I 2 was calculated to evaluate heterogeneity. Publication biases were assessed by egger’s and begg’s tests. Funnel plots of univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were also offered. Results 12 studies with 3443 patients were involved into this meta-analysis. The analysis results of two stages were consistent. In the univariate meta-analysis stage, 9 studies with 2279 patients were pooled and the result indicated that smoking might promote stricture recurrence (RR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.11-1.93, P=0.008). In the multivariate meta-analysis stage, based on adjusted estimate, 7 studies with 2074 patients were pooled and the result indicated that smoking might promote stricture recurrence (RR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.04-1.85, P=0.026). There was no significant heterogeneity in both univariate and multivariate stage. Conclusion This meta-analysis of current evidence indicates that smoking may prompt stricture recurrence after the urethroplasty. Quitting smoking may be a good option for patients undergoing urethroplasty surgery.
The stone density does not affect the stone-free rate of kidney pelvic stones (2-3 cm) treated with flexible ureterorenoscopy
Authors: Bai Yao , Hu Sheng , Dai Yuanqing , Chen Xiong , Zhang Xiaobo , Gu Jie
Published: February 2020

Objectives To compare the efficacy of retrograde flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) in the treatment of low-density stone (LDS) and high-density stone (HDS).Patients and Methods From January 2017 to March 2019, 241 patients with 2–3 cm kidney pelvic stones were treated with retrograde flexible ureterorenoscopy. The relevant study parameter for all patients, including patients age, body mass index (BMI), gender, stone density values (Hounsfield units [HU]), stone size, stone location, operative time, hospitalization time, stone free rate (SFR), complications were evaluated. The results were assessed one month after the FURS and the follow-up time is 6 months.Results Effectively, 241 patients finish the whole process and are divided into two groups (LDS and HDS). The postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) was 13.31±1.06 vs. 13.21±1.14 g/dL (p=0.50). The mean total operating time was 83.91±13.7 vs. 130.65±19.8 min (p<0.01), respectively. The hospitalization time was 3.4±1.1 vs 3.2±1.1 days (p=0.33), respectively. The free stone rate was 91.5% vs. 93.5% (p=0.54) and the street stone rate was 12(10%) vs. 3(2.4%) (χ2=6.173 a , p=0.01) in the LDS and HDS groups.Conclusions We concluded that FURS is safe and effective for the treatment of large renal pelvic stones 2-3 cm. There is no difference in the SFR between LDS and HDS group after the FURS operation. Density (as measured by non-contrast CT) of the renal calculus can help predict the treatment outcome before FURS. For appropriate patients, FURS should be chosen as a common approach in the treatment of renal pelvic calculus.
Research capacity of Australian and New Zealand emergency medicine departments, 2019 survey
Authors: Walker Katie , Tan Shijie Ian , Fatovich Daniel , Watkins Gina , Stephenson Melanie , Ting Joseph , Whittome Richard , Wang Wei , Knott Jonathan
Published: February 2020

Background Large, multicentre studies are required in emergency medicine to advance clinical care and improve patient outcomes. The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine clinical trials network is available to researchers to assist with facilitating large, multicentre research. However, there is no current information about the research capacity of emergency departments (EDs) in Australia and New Zealand. Methods All EDs accredited for emergency medicine training in Australia and New Zealand were eligible to participate. Research leads or ED directors were invited via email and telephone to complete a survey. Data were collected regarding the presence of a research lead, their research experience; available research resources including colleagues, funding, departmental paid research time; publications and research culture. Results One hundred and twelve responses were received on behalf of 122 (84%) sites (10 satellite plus main) from a possible 143 sites with all types of hospitals and regions represented. Research leads were identified at 66 (59%) sites, 32 (29%) had a director of emergency medicine research. A wide range of research was underway. Ninety-six sites (66%) contributed data to multicentre projects. Twenty-one centres (17%), were highly productive with multiple resources (skilled colleagues, funding, staffing), a positive research culture and high volume output. Sixty to seventy centres (50-58%) had limited resources, experienced an unsupportive research culture and authored manuscripts infrequently. Paid time for research directors was associated with increased research outputs. Discussion ACEM sites have capacity to undertake large multicentre studies with a varied network of sites and researchers. While some sites are well equipped for research, the majority of EDs had minimal research output.
Perceptions and experiences of organizational justice among healthcare professionals in academic hospitals in South-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ghasi Nwanneka Chidinma , Ogbuabor Daniel Chukwuemeka , Onodugo Vincent Aghaegbunam
Published: February 2020

Background Research on organizational justice in hospitals in African countries are limited despite being important for workforce performance and hospital operational efficiency. This paper investigated perception and experiences of organizational justice among health professionals in academic hospitals in South-east Nigeria. Methods The study was conducted in two teaching hospitals in Enugu State, South-east Nigeria using mixed-methods design. Randomly sampled 360 health professionals (doctors = 105, nurses = 200 and allied health professionals, AHPs = 55) completed an organizational justice (OJ) scale. Additionally, semi-structured, in-depth interview (IDI) with purposively selected 18 health professionals were conducted. Univariate and bivariate statistics and multivariable linear regression were used to analyse quantitative data. Statistical significance was set at alpha 0.05 level. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo 11 software. Results The findings revealed moderate to high perception of different dimensions of OJ. Doctors showed the highest perception, whereas AHPs had the least perception. Among doctors, age and education predicted distributive justice (adjusted R 2 = 22%); hospital ownership and education predicted procedural justice (adjusted R 2 = 17%); and hospital ownership predicted interactional justice (adjusted R 2 = 42%). Among nurses, age, gender and marital status predicted distributive justice (adjusted R 2 = 41%); hospital ownership, age and gender predicted procedural justice (adjusted R 2 = 28%); and hospital ownership, age, marital status and tenure predicted interactional justice (R 2 = 35%). Among AHPs, marital status predicted distributive justice (adjusted R 2 = 5%), while hospital ownership and tenure predicted interactional justice (adjusted R 2 =15%). Qualitative findings indicate that nurses and AHPs perceive as unfair, differences in pay, access to hospital resources, training, work schedule, participation in decision making and enforcement of policies between doctors and other health professionals due to medical dominance. Overall, supervisors have a culture of limited information sharing with, and disrespectful treatment of, their junior colleagues. Conclusion Addressing specific set of socio-demographic factors that significantly influenced perception of OJ among different categories of health professionals and departure from physician-centred culture would improve perceptions and experiences of organizational justice among health professionals in Nigeria and similar settings.
Concurrent high-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise modulates systemic release of alarmins (HMGB1, S100A8/A9, HSP70) and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy young men: a pilot study
Authors: Goh Jorming , Hofmann Peter , Aw Ning Hong , Tan Poh Ling , Tschakert Gerhard , Mueller Alexander , Wong Siew Cheng , Tan Frankie , Gan Linda Seo Hwee
Published: February 2020

Background: Intense exercise is a systemic stressor associated with the release of “danger” molecules – alarmins, by damaged or dying cells into systemic circulation to evoke a sterile inflammatory response. Compared with research in clinical diseases, physiological responses of alarmins to exercise and training are not well studied. Short-term responses to exercise and training using a panel of alarmins – HMGB1, S100A8/A9, HSP70 and sRAGE may reveal unique aspects of stress responses to strenuous exercise with important ramifications when prescribing exercise to generally healthy adults. Methods: A 3-week, high-intensity training program was performed by healthy young men (N = 7). Concurrent aerobic and resistance exercises were performed on 3 consecutive days each week. Blood and saliva were collected before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and 30 min (30 min) after exercise each week, and 24 h after the final exercise session in week 3 (24 h). Results: Plasma HMGB1, S100A8/A9 and HSP70 increased from Pre to Post (P < 0.05), although at different timepoints during the study, and displayed different kinetics from IL-10, IL-8 and IFN-γ, suggesting unique mechanisms involved in modulating their release and clearance. CD14+CD16- monocytes increased from Pre to Post across 3 weeks; CD14+CD16+ monocytes increased from Pre to Post in week 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). ΔHMGB1 and ΔHSP70 correlated positively with ΔMCP-1 during 3 weeks of training, while ΔHMGB1 correlated positively with CD14+CD16- monocytes, suggesting higher alarmin release after strenuous exercise may involve increase in circulating monocytes. Conclusions: Perturbations in systemic alarmins are novel biological signatures for assessing the inflammatory milieu of healthy adults during high-intensity exercise.
Concurrent Modified Constant Modulus Algorithm and Decision Directed Scheme with Barzilai-Borwein Method
Authors: Xu Tongtong , Xiang Zheng
Published: February 2020

In this work, concurrent modified constant modulus algorithm and decision-directed scheme with the Barzilai-Borwein method is proposed for blind equalization of wireless communications systems. The Barzilai-Borwein method, the two-step gradient method, is usually used to solve multidimensional unconstrained optimization problems. The proposed algorithm concurrently operates a modified constant modulus algorithm equalizer and a decision directed equalizer, it then adaptively adjusts the step size of the decision directed equalizer using Barzilai-Borwein method. Theoretical analysis is provided to illustrate that the proposed algorithm has a faster convergence speed, and better equalization performance than the original one. Simulation results support the new proposed technique.
A novel C-terminal degron identified in bacterial aldehyde decarbonylases using directed evolution
Authors: liu yilan , chen jinjin , Khusnutdinova Anna N. , Correia Kevin , Diep Patrick , Batyrovaa Khorcheska A. , Nemr Kayla , Flick Robert , Stogios Peter , Yakunin Alexander F. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan
Published: February 2020

Background: Aldehyde decarbonylase (AD), which converts acyl aldehydes into alkanes, supplies promising solution for producing alkanes from renewable feedstock. However the instability of AD impeded its further application. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the degradation mechanism of AD and engineer it towards high stability. Results: Here, we describe the discovery of a degradation tag (degron) in the AD from marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus marinus via error-prone PCR based directed evolution system. Bioinformatic analysis revealed this C-terminal degron is common in the family of bacterial ADs and identified a conserved C-terminal motif, RMSAYGLAAA, representing the AD degron (ADcon). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the ATP-dependent proteases ClpAP and Lon are involved in the degradation of AD-tagged proteins in E. coli , thereby limiting alkane production. Deletion or modification of the degron motif increased alkane production in vivo . Conclusions: This work revealed the presence of a novel degron in bacterial ADs responsible for its instability. The in vivo experiments proved eliminating or modifying the degron could stabilize AD, thereby producing higher titers of alkanes.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers towards Hepatitis B virus infection in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Moussa Ayan Aden , Abdi Abdkeren Abdullahi , Abdullahi Sharif Alhassan
Published: February 2020

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is globally distributed with its attendant complications such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Somalia is among the countries with high prevalence of HBV infection. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCW) towards HBV infection in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted on HCW to assess KAP towards HBV infection. Standardized questionnaires were distributed to 470 HCW recruited for the study from five hospitals. Data for demographic characteristics were described using percentages. Scores for KAP were presented as mean ±standard deviation. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used deduce inferences between the mean KAP and demographic characteristics of the participants. Spearman’s rho correlation was used to determine any association between the KAP of the HCW. Results Of the 470 distributed questionnaire, 430 questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 91.5%. Majority (73%) of the participants had tertiary education. The mean scores for KAP were 16.3±4.4, 6.9±0.4, 7.03±1.5 respectively. Significant ( P<0.01 ) positive correlation between the KAP variables were observed. Professional cadre and marital status were found to be associated with mean KAP ( P<0.001 ). Conclusion This study revealed an acceptable level of KAP among the HCW and a potential source of participants for awareness campaign against HBV infection in Somalia.
Simulation and optimisation of homogeneous permanent magnet for portable NMR applications
Authors: Poulichet Patrick , Fakri Abdennasser , Delabie Christophe , Phuc Hung Dang , Cong Tien Truong , Fakri-Bouchet Latifa
Published: February 2020

This paper focuses on the magneto static simulation of magnet arrangement used for portable NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) apparatus. In NMR experiments, a very homogeneous magnetic field is required in a large sample volume. In our case, NdFeB magnets are used to generate a homogeneous field, with a Halbach arrangement. The homogeneity of the magnetic field B0 can be improved by dividing a long configuration of magnets into several rings. The size of useful volume is dependent on both the gap between each ring and some others shim magnets. Our aim is to enhance the sensitive volume size while maintain the highest magnetic field. In this goal, we optimized the gap between the two rings and put two shim magnets rings in the bore of the structure. Optimizing the position of the shim magnets allow drastic improvement. The homogeneity of the magnetic field B0 is optimized with the help of CAD and mathematical software. Our results were confirmed with a Finite Element Method. As a result the method described here achieves a significant improvement of the homogeneity in the particular case of Halbach arrangement.
Feasibility Study on Estimating Visual Attention using Electrodermal Activity
Authors: Yoshida Ryuichi , Nakayama Tomohiro , Ogitsu Takeki , Takemura Hiroshi , Mizoguchi Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Etsuji , Inagaki Shigenori , Takeda Yoshiaki , Namatame Miki , Sugimoto Masanori , Kusunoki Fusako
Published: February 2020

Electrodermal Activity (EDA) refers to change in the electrical properties of skin during mental exertion caused by tension and agitation. In recent studies, it has been revealed that there is an overlap between the brain activation area where emotion occurs and the brain activation area responsible for attentiveness. Consequently, in this paper we test our hypothesis that, given these findings, visual attention can be estimated via EDA. The results of experiments conducted verify that EDA can be used as an attention index.
Detection of microbial contamination in potable water by Nanowire technology
Authors: Carmona Estefanía Núñez , Sberveglieri Veronica , Ponzoni Andrea , Zappa Dario , Pulvirenti Andrea
Published: February 2020

It is well known that the lack of control and sanitation of water in developing countries has cause very significant epidemiological events. In the last decades the situation of water supplies and sanitation has improve all over the world. Despite of it, in the European Union there are a considerable number of confirmed cases of water-borne infections even though the restrictive law. Electronic Noses (ENs) has shown to be a very effective and fast tool for monitoring microbiological spoilage and quality control. The aim of this study was test the ability of a novel EN for the detection of bacterial presence in potable water in cooperation with analytical (pH) and optical (photometer) techniques. The achieved results notably advocate the use of EN in industry laboratories as a very important tool in water quality control.
Inspection of Packaged Integrated Circuits using Terahertz Radiation
Authors: Fritz Andreas , Arnold Thomas
Published: February 2020

A non-destructive, non-contact inspection system for packaged integrated circuits using terahertz (THz) radiation is tested. Our results show that we are able to reconstruct the internal structure of the IC, like the microelectronic chip and the interconnections. Due to the limitation of the system and the wavelength of THz radiation the fine bonding wires could not be detected. However, we show that the THz technology will be a valuable tool for the automatic online inspection of packaged integrated circuits.
Acoustic emission testing of electrical stressed copper trace
Authors: Florian Daniela , Wiesner Thomas , Zagar Bernhard G.
Published: February 2020

Copper becomes more and more important in the electronic industry. This metal is more resilient than conventional materials (like aluminium) due to the higher electrical and thermal conductivity. During several electrical stress pulses the copper changes. The surface can melt up and cracks and voids can develop inside the copper specimen.

In this paper we use acoustic emission testing to analyse copper degradation especially of copper and copper traces. It is evaluated if an acoustic wave excited by a thermo-electrical stress pulse can be detected by a simple measurement setup and if a correlation between the acoustic signal and the degradation exists. The idea is that during the degradation, the behaviour of the material changes which in turn influences the emitted acoustic signal.
Study on Monitoring Method for Laser Welding Process by using UV and IR sensors
Authors: Kang Heeshin , Choi Jiyeon
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a process inspection technology for laser and laser hybrid welding processes. It proposes a quality monitoring method and the laser hybrid welding system with industrial robot for approving the welding speed and accuracy of conventional spot and laser welding systems. The laser hybrid welding process is consisted of the laser and arc welding process. The hybrid welding system has the cost efficiency of arc welding and good performance of laser welding. The laser generator, arc welding and the industrial robotic systems are consisted of laser hybrid welding systems with monitoring system. The laser hybrid welding system with robot was equipped with a laser head and arc welding gun for laser hybrid welding process. The welding joints are butt and Fillet joints. The welding specimens are made from the steel plate and aluminium plate. The quality of welding specimens is tested by observing the shape of the beads on the plate after hybrid welding. The cross-section of the welded parts is observed by using metallography method. The mechanical tensile test is carried out for analysing the performance of welding strength. The monitoring results of the plasma intensity by using UV and IR sensor are used for finding the correlation with the results of the mechanical and metallurgical test.
Smart Home: Recognition of activities of elderly for 24/7; Coverage issues
Authors: Nag Anindya , Mukhopadhyay Subhas Chandra
Published: February 2020

A smart home has been designed and developed to monitor elderly people who lives alone and needs assistance to perform their daily living activities. The system monitors different activities of the elderly and determine the wellness of the person. It is a challenge to recognize different activities of the elderly over 24 hours for the seven days a week. The coverage issues in terms of monitoring the elderly are discussed in the paper.
The feasibility of using electromagnetic waves in determining the moisture content of building fabrics and the cause of the water ingress.
Authors: Kot P. , Shaw A. , Jones K. O. , Cullen J. D. , Mason A. , Al-Shamma’a A. I.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the feasibility of using electromagnetic (EM) waves is determining the moisture content of building fabrics and the case of water ingress in experimentally assessed. This paper will concentrate on investigating the propagation of EM waves through typical structures and their interaction with concealed pipework, wiring and timber. All current methods are overviewed and analysed. Novel microwave sensor described in this paper operates in 6 GHz to 12 GHz frequency range using Marconi 6200A microwave test set. Results of experimental test confirm that microwaves can be used as an alternative non- destructive method for identifying different object behind the walls.
Método de intervención en desarrollo familiar: teoría, práctica, reflexividad y producción de conocimiento
Authors: Viveros Chavarría Edison Francisco , Rodríguez Bustamante Alexander , Herrera Saray Germán Darío , López Montaño Luz María
Published: February 2020

Objetivos: analizar los cuatro componentes del método de desarrollo familiar: teoría, práctica, reflexividad y producción de conocimiento, y su implicación en la práctica profesional. Metodología: esta investigación tuvo un enfoque cualitativo e interpretativo; empleando el estudio de caso y como técnica la entrevista semiestructurada, con una muestra de 20 profesionales que laboran en instituciones en las ciudades de Manizales y Medellín. Resultados: se aporta epistemológicamente en el campo de familia y se evidencia la importancia y pertinencia de los cuatro componentes del método para el desarrollo familiar. Conclusiones: el método en el cual se combina teoría-práctica-reflexividad y producción de conocimiento, es necesario para realizar un trabajo sistemático con las familias y construir un desarrollo sustentado en sí mismas, es decir, un conocimiento originado desde su realidad.
Propuesta de modelo de evaluación de competencias en el área contable de los estudiantes de Contaduría Pública de la Universidad Santo Tomás mediante rúbricas: autoevaluación
Authors: Moreno Gabriel , Duque Cruz Oscar Yamith
Published: February 2020

El presente trabajo tiene como propósito diseñar un modelo de autoevaluación de competencias en el área contable de los estudiantes de contaduría pública de la Universidad Santo Tomás mediante rúbricas, a partir de la comprensión que la educación superior debe tener del concepto y evaluación de competencias. Al formar y evaluar por competencias, se hace indispensable considerar la instrumentalización de estas; de allí parte el sentido de la evaluación auténtica, en este caso, mediante rúbricas.La formación por competencias de los contadores públicos se deriva del modelo de desarrollo de competencias de The International Accounting Education Standards Board, que ha formulado las guías básicas en materia de educación contable y sus resultados. Esta propuesta considera una parte teórica-conceptual y desarrolla una propuesta de rúbrica a partir de competencias clave: formulación de hipótesis, trabajo en equipo, elaboración conceptual, liderazgo y análisis, como competencias del quehacer contable.
Research on gearbox dynamic design methodology based on modal optimization
Authors: Li Zheng , Zhou Yu
Published: February 2020

The vibration reduction shall be considered as the most important purpose of dynamic performance optimization for gearbox, and some particular vibration is relevant to the modes of integrated system of gearbox. The dynamic performance influences the reliability of gearbox obviously, but it is difficult to be considered critically at the theoretical design phase. This paper proposes a kind of “Gearbox Dynamic Design Methodology” which can control the system vibration of the product at the theoretical design phase. The research investigates the relationship between the vibration and the system modes of gearbox by using multi-body dynamic simulation; and also discusses the method to regulate design parameters in order to optimize the mode characteristic (modal optimization). The methodology is summarized as per the discussions, and the effectiveness of vibration control is validated by multiple vibration experiments.
Effect of annulus drilling fluid on lateral vibration of drillstring
Authors: Yang Chunxu , Wang Rui-He , Han Laiju , Xue Qilong , Li Lixin
Published: February 2020

Annular drilling fluid between the drillstring and borehole wall has a great influence on lateral vibration of drillstring and the influence involves the added mass. Assuming the drilling fluid is incompressible, we derive the added mass coefficient that annular drilling fluid influences on lateral vibration of drillstring in the case of axial flow of drilling fluid. When the axial flow of drilling fluid is considered, the added mass coefficient is difficult to solve. We apply CFD method and dynamic mesh technique to establish the calculation model for the flow in the annulus caused by the vibration of drillstring in the annulus. The pressure distribution and velocity distribution of annular drilling fluid are obtained. The added mass force of the drilling fluid acting on the drillstring along the direction of the drillstring is obtained from the pressure distribution, and the added mass coefficient of the lateral vibration of the drillstring is obtained. This paper provides the basis to solve the added mass coefficient of the lateral vibration of drillstring considering axial flow of drilling fluid.
Influence of adjacent surface building on seismic response of shallow buried subway station structure
Authors: Huang Wenliang , Liu Tao , Ge Yan , Wang Han , Zhong Liangjian , Jin Xiaoguang
Published: February 2020

Taking the 6-storey frame structure as an example, using FLAC numerical simulation, the influence of the adjacent multi-storey buildings on the seismic response of the metro station structure (including the internal force and bias state of the station structure) is studied systematically, and the relationship between the influence and surrounding rock level change is analyzed. The research shows that the existence of surface buildings has obvious amplification effect on the internal force of the subway station and above. It mainly shows that the eccentricity of the vault of the subway station is increased, and the eccentricity of the arch waist is reduced. It has a great influence on the internal force and distribution range of the station structure. The worse the surrounding rock, the greater the internal force and influence range of the building to the station structure.
Thermoelastic vibration analysis of disc brake based on multi-physical field coupling method
Authors: Zhang Sen , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2020

Thermoelastic vibration is the main cause of brake jitter and noise, including significant fluctuations in temperature, thermal stress, structure size and braking moment. In order to improve the reliability of thermoelastic vibration results, a multi-physical field coupling modeling method is proposed in this paper, which can realize the simultaneous calculation of temperature field, stress field and air flow field. Firstly, the theoretical analysis of the whole braking coupling process and feasibility analysis is carried out. Secondly, ABAQUS solid model and FLUENT fluid model are established respectively, and MPCCI is used to share the parameters of the two models, including temperature, node displacement and heat transfer coefficient. Finally, different paths are constructed to study the fluctuation of thermoelastic parameters in different directions. The research conclusion of thermoelastic vibration can provide important basis for optimization of brake NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness).
Estimation and measurement of effective line mobility on a non-deterministic thin plate excited by a piezoelectric patch
Authors: Wahid Azni N. , Muthalif Asan G. A.
Published: February 2020

This paper derived the expression to estimate the effective line moment mobility of a non-deterministic thin plate under moment excitation by a piezoelectric patch actuator. The piezoelectric patch actuator is assumed to generate purely line moments at each of its edges and regarded as a finite number of point moments acting on an infinite plate, which is achieved by integration method. The theoretical model is validated using MATLAB simulation and compared with experimental measurements on a randomized thin plate. The derived effective line moment mobility managed to closely estimate high-frequency response while cutting significant computational time and resource. Results from this study can be used in many applications ranging from vibration isolation where power transmission between the isolator with an area distribution and its host structure can be determined more accurately, and to design the optimal shunt circuit of a piezoelectric shunt damper for maximum power dissipation in order to reduce vibration of a non-deterministic thin plate.
Coupling characteristic analysis of ship shafting design parameters and research on multidisciplinary design optimization
Authors: Yin Hongsheng , Liu Jinlin , Zeng Fanming
Published: February 2020

In the design process of traditional ship shafting, the design quality is generally hard to get guaranteed for the lack of discipline coupling. In this paper, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) is innovatively introduced to ensure design quality. Multidisciplinary decomposition of shafting can help to construct the MDO model of ship shafting based on multidisciplinary feasibility method. Then the sub-discipline model of shifting design can be further established, including calibration neutron discipline model, whirling vibration model, and dynamic stiffness of radial oil film bearing model. Collaborative operation is implemented by the multidisciplinary model of shifting to obtain the experimental results. Based on Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network, the responsive surfaces of variable, bearing load, and support stiffness can be constructed, in the meanwhile the dynamic stiffness decoupling of vibration model can be obtained. Fireworks algorithm is used to establish multidisciplinary optimization of seven-dimensional design variable. The results show that MDO helps improve the quality of shafting alignment and whirling vibration. The work in present paper also provides insight for the future optimization of research methods, design quality, and engineering experiments.
Gübre Kullanım Alışkanlıklarının Su Kalitesine Etkisinin Araştırılması: Konya İli Örneği
Authors: ÜÇLER Nadire
Published: February 2020

Bu çalışma ile Türkiye’nin önemli tahıl üretim yerlerinden olan Konya ilinde gübre kullanım alışkanlıklarının araştırılması amacıyla 150 numunenin toprak analizi raporları incelenmiştir. Di Fosfor Penta Oksit (P2O5) sonuçları değerlendirilmiş ve ideal gübre kullanımı durumunda oluşacak etki ile mevcut durum karşılaştırılmıştır. Buğday, arpa, pancar ve ayçiçeği ekiminde kullanılan maksimum ve minimum P2O5 miktarları arasında büyük fark olduğu ve ayrıca ortalama değerlerinin de önerilen ortalama değerlerden büyük olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Kuru ve sulu tarım değerlendirildiğinde sulu tarım yapılan ürünlerin ekiminde fazla gübre kullanım eğilimi olduğu belirlenmiştir. Toplamda 5 260.944 da bir ekim alanında; çiftçiler bilinçlendirilerek uygun miktarda gübreleme yapılması durumunda mevcuttaki gübreleme durumunda oluşan P2O5 miktarının %42.14 azaltılabileceği tespit edilmiştir.
Au/C20H12/n-Si (MPS) Yapının Elektriksel Özelliklerinin Frekansa Bağlı İncelenmesi
Authors: BENGİ Seda
Published: February 2020

Bu çalışmada, C20H12 (perilen) ince film tabaka spin kaplama metodu ile n-Si üzerine büyütüldü. Au/C20H12/n-Si (Metal-perilen-yarıiletken) yapının kapasitans-voltaj (C-V) ve iletkenlik-voltaj (G/-V) karakteristikleri, oda sıcaklığında, 200kHz-3MHz frekans ve ±6V voltaj aralığında incelendi. Potansiyel engel yüksekliği (B), seri direnç (Rs) ve arayüzey durumları (Nss) gibi temel elektriksel parametrelerin frekansa ve voltaja oldukça bağlı olduğu görüldü. C-V eğrilerinde yüksek frekanslarda negatif kapasitans davranışı gözlendi. Nicollian ve Brews metodu kullanılarak Au/C20H12/n -Si yapının seri direnci (Rs) ve Hill-Coleman metodu kullanılarak da arayüzey durumlarının (Nss) voltaja bağlı değişimi incelendi. Seri direnç değerleri her frekans değeri için bir pik vermekte ve artan frekans ile azalmaktadır. Arayüzey durumları da artan frekans değeri ile eksponansiyel olarak azalmaktadır. Elde edilen deneysel sonuçlar ile hem Rs hem de Nss değerlerinin C-V ve G/-V ölçümleri üzerinde oldukça etkili olduğu gözlendi.
Testing the applicability of physiographic classification methods toward improving precipitation phase determination in conceptual models
Authors: Grigg Laurie D. , Feiccabrino James , Sherenco Frederick
Published: February 2020

Regions with a large percentage of precipitation occurring near freezing experience high percentages (>10%) of misclassified precipitation events (rain versus snow) and necessitate efforts to improve precipitation phase determination schemes through the use of more accurate surface air temperature thresholds (Trs). Meteorological data from 169 sites in Scandinavia were used to test the applicability of using physiographic categories to determine Trs. Three classification methods involving varying degrees of automation were evaluated. The two automated methods tested did not perform as well as when tested on a smaller region, showing only 0.16% and 0.20% reduction in error. A semi-manual method produced the largest average reduction in misclassified precipitation (0.53%) across all sites. Further refinement of classification criteria for mountain and hill stations showed that at mesoscales (>5 km), maximum elevation is a better predictor of Trs (0.89% average reduction in error) than terrain relief (0.22%), but that relief becomes increasingly important at microscales (0.90%). A new method for categorizing mountainous stations based on upslope or downslope air movement increased the average reduction in error up to 0.53%. These results provide a framework for future landscape classification methods and confirm the importance of microscale topography for determining Trs in alpine regions.
Potential of waste activated sludge to accumulate polyhydroxyalkanoates and glycogen using industrial wastewater/liquid wastes as substrates
Authors: Ike Michihiko , Okada Yukihiro , Narui Takaaki , Sakai Kosuke , Kuroda Masashi , Soda Satoshi , Inoue Daisuke
Published: February 2020

Recovery of the organics in industrial wastewaters/liquid wastes as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and/or glycogen (GLG) in waste activated sludge is a useful strategy to not only improve the resource value of waste activated sludge but also reduce the energy and cost of waste disposal and wastewater treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of activated sludge to accumulate PHA and GLG using complex substrates (actual and simulated industrial wastewaters/liquid wastes) in addition to various simple organic substrates (organic acids, saccharides, and glycerol). The 24 h PHA and GLG accumulation experiments resulted in the accumulation of up to 25.5%, 6.0% and 14.1% of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and GLG, respectively, from simple substrates, and up to 9.8%, 0.1% and 14.6%, respectively, from complex substrates. The results indicated that activated sludge can accumulate PHA and GLG even from complex wastewater substrates, although the accumulated PHA and GLG levels were not sufficiently high. The results also indicated that the PHA and GLG accumulation abilities of activated sludge from complex substrates can be drastically enhanced by a short-term acclimation to the corresponding substrate. This study will present the practical implications for value-added resource production through the combined use of waste activated sludge and industrial wastewaters.
Recovery of cutting oil from wastewater by pervaporation process using natural clay modified PVA membrane
Authors: Unlu D.
Published: February 2020

In this study, the pervaporative dehydration of the cutting oil ‘diethylene glycol’ (DEG) through a hydrophilic PVA membrane was investigated at various operation temperatures in the range of 333–363 K with a feed mixture containing 0.5–2.0 wt% water. The pervaporation (PV) performance of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is enhanced by the addition of natural clay kaolin into the pristine membrane. The thermal stability of the membranes was analyzed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphological analysis of the membranes was performed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Separation success was determined by calculation of flux, selectivity, and PSI. These values were investigated as functions of the clay amount, feed concentration and feed temperature. The obtained results show that PV is an effective method for recycling waste cutting oil from wastewater.
Recent Development of Supramolecular Sensors Constructed by Hybridization of Organic Macrocycles with Nanomaterials
Authors: Zhao Yong-Yi , Yang Jian-Mei , Jin Xian-Yi , Cong Hang , Ge Qing-Mei , Liu Mao , Tao Zhu
Published: February 2020

Macrocyclic compounds have attracted tremendous attention for their superior performance in supramolecular recognition, catalysis, and host-guest interaction. With these admirable properties, macrocyclic compounds were used as modifiers for enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of electrodes and optical sensors. The classic macrocyclic compounds, including crown ethers, cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbiturils, and pillararenes, were employed as receptors for electrochemical and optical sensors to develop new analytical methods with the wilder detection range, lower detection limit, and better tolerance of interference. Macrocyclic molecules functionalized with nanomaterials, the small entities with dimensions in the nanoscale, realized the versatility and diversification of the nano-hybrid materials, which improved the capabilities of recognition and response with the combining characteristics of two components. Herein, this review focused on the development in the research field of hybridization of organic macrocycles with nanoparticles and their applications for chemosensors, aiming at both existing researchers in the field and who would like to enter into the research.
A Brief Survey for MicroRNA Precursor Identification Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Guan Zheng-Xing , Li Shi-Hao , Zhang Zi-Mei , Zhang Dan , Yang Hui , Ding Hui
Published: February 2020

MicroRNAs, a group of short non-coding RNA molecules, could regulate gene expression. Many diseases are associated with abnormal expression of miRNAs. Therefore, accurate identification of miRNA precursors is necessary. In the past 10 years, experimental methods, comparative genomics methods, and artificial intelligence methods have been used to identify pre-miRNAs. However, experimental methods and comparative genomics methods have their disadvantages, such as timeconsuming. In contrast, machine learning-based method is a better choice. Therefore, the review summarizes the current advances in pre-miRNA recognition based on computational methods, including the construction of benchmark datasets, feature extraction methods, prediction algorithms, and the results of the models. And we also provide valid information about the predictors currently available. Finally, we give the future perspectives on the identification of pre-miRNAs. The review provides scholars with a whole background of pre-miRNA identification by using machine learning methods, which can help researchers have a clear understanding of progress of the research in this field.
Synthesis and Herbicidal Activities of Novel Thiazole PPO Inhibitors
Authors: Chen Shu , Ren Guihua , Pei Dan , Zhang Fan , Liu Jie , Zhang Donglin , Yang Ren , Shi Jianjun , Xu Tianming , Tan Chengxia
Published: February 2020

Background:

Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO, EC 1.3.3.4) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll and heme, also the target of different types of herbicides. Thiazole compounds shown excellent biological activity, can be designed by using active groups docking for new PPO inhibitors.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to synthsize a series of aryl thiazole compounds as PPO inhibitors.

Methods:

In this study, a series of aryl thiazole compounds derivatives 11a-l were obtained from 2- chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid as the starting material via esterification, Iron powder reduction, diazotization, Hantzsch reaction and final acylation. All synthesized compounds have been tested for their herbicidal activities as a PPO inhibitors.

Results:

The Petri dish test indicated that all compounds exhibited good herbicidal activities at 200 mg/L using culture dish. And the post-emergence tests showed that at 150g.ai/ha on weed stem leaf spray treatment, some of the title compounds exhibited 80% inhibition rate against the dicotyledonou weeds Amaranthus retroflexus and Eclipta prostrate.

Conclusion:

Good activity was noted for some compounds that compounds 11a, 11b, 11c, 11g, 11h had 80% inhibition on stems and leaves of Amaranthus retroflexus at 150g.ai/ha.
Synergy Effects of Metformin and Berberine on Glyoxal-induced Carbonyl Stress in Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria
Authors: Rezaei Mohsen , Kalantari Heibatullah , Mehrzadi Saeed , Goudarzi Mehdi
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Carbonyl stress, resulting from toxic effects of alpha-dicarbonyls such as
glyoxal (GO), plays an important role in mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent development of
diabetic complications. This study evaluated the ability of metformin (MET), berberine (BBR), and
their combination to prevent GO-induced carbonyl stress in isolated rat liver mitochondria.

Methods:

Mitochondria (0.5 mg protein/mL) were isolated from the Wistar rat liver and incubated
with various concentrations of GO (1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mM) for 30 minutes and IC50 for GO was
calculated. The suspensions of mitochondria were incubated with various concentrations of MET
(2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mM) or BBR (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μM) for 30 min and then GO in a dose of IC50
at 37 ºC for 30 min. Mitochondrial complex II activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP),
MDA level, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and
protein carbonylation were assessed. The combination index and isobologram of MET and BBR on
GO toxicity were calculated.

Results:

IC50 of GO was assigned approximately 3 mM. GO disrupted the electron transfer chain
and significantly increased mitochondrial ROS formation, protein carbonylation, and MDA level.
GO decreased mitochondrial viability, MMP, and GSH content. Pre-treatment with MET and BBR
could potentially reverse GO-induced deleterious effects in a concentration-dependent manner.
Results of the drug combination indicated that CI for Fa 0.5 (Effect 50 %) was 0.83.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that BBR in combination with MET has a moderate synergistic
effect on GO-induced carbonyl stress in isolated rat liver mitochondria.
Pathogenic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implication in Nickel-Induced Cell Damage
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Jamali Zhaleh , Atashbar Saman , Khezri Saleh , Ghorbanpour Amir M. , Etefaghi Nahid
Published: February 2020

Background:

Nickel (Ni) is mostly applied in a number of industrial areas such as printing inks, welding, alloys, electronics and electrical professions. Occupational or environmental exposure to nickel may lead to cancer, allergy reaction, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, as well as cell damage, apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Methods:

In here, we focused on published studies about cell death, carcinogenicity, allergy reactions and neurotoxicity, and promising agents for the prevention and treatment of the toxicity by Ni.

Results:

Our review showed that in the last few years, more researches have focused on reactive oxygen species formation, oxidative stress, DNA damages, apoptosis, interaction with involving receptors in allergy and mitochondrial damages in neuron induced by Ni.

Conclusion:

The collected data in this paper provide useful information about the main toxicities induced by Ni, also, their fundamental mechanisms, and how to discover new ameliorative agents for prevention and treatment by reviewing agents with protective and therapeutic consequences on Ni induced toxicity.
Nutritional Evaluation of Insect’s Pupae-Larvae and its Utilization in Poultry Compound Feed
Authors: Zegeye Dawit M.
Published: February 2020

This paper is aimed to review the nutritional evaluation of insect’s pupae-larvae and its utilization in poultry compound feed, using an appropriate keyword search in agricultural and biological science. The paper surveys previous studies on the nutrient composition of insect’s pupae-larvae and its utilization in poultry compound feed. The literature review shows that most of the insect species have higher nutritional values and amino acid profiles than the regularly used feed such as fishmeal and soybean meal. In addition, studies find that the broiler chicken quality is not affected or even improved in some scenarios when insect-based feed substitutes the conventional feed by 10% - 100%. However, the growth performance of laying chickens is limited using the insect-based feed.