bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remimazolam anesthesia for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report
Authors: Saito Kota , Ohno Sho , Maeda Makishi , Hirata Naoyuki , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: March 2021

Background

Remimazolam has less cardiovascular depressant effects than propofol in non-cardiac surgical patients. However, the efficacy and safety of remimazolam in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have not been reported. We present a case of successful anesthetic management using remimazolam in cardiac surgery with CPB.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old female was scheduled for mitral valve repair, tricuspid annuloplasty, maze procedure, and left atrial appendage closure. We used remimazolam in induction (6.0 mg/kg/h) and maintenance (0.6–1.0 mg/kg/h) of general anesthesia, and the bispectral index value was maintained in the range of 36 to 48 including the period of CPB. Hemodynamics, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and bilateral regional cerebral oxygen saturation were maintained within acceptable ranges. There was no intraoperative awareness/recall or serious complications associated with remimazolam throughout the perioperative period.

Conclusions

Remimazolam can be used the same as other existing anesthetics in cardiac surgery with CPB.
Prenatal exposure to exogenous progesterone adversely affects fetal development in Albino rats
Authors: Tag Hend M. , Elgawish Rania Abdelrahman , Ebaid Hala M. , Abdel-Rahman Mona , Abdelrazek Heba M. A.
Published: March 2021

Background

The current study was carried out to investigate the effects of exogenous progesterone on fetal development in rats.

Results

Placental weights did not vary in control and treated groups. Fetal weights were significantly reduced in the low- and high-dose progesterone groups. Fetal CVL was significantly reduced in both treatment groups compared to control group. In fetuses that received maternal treatment with low- and high-dose progesterone, several parts of the fetal skeleton showed incomplete ossification. Alkaline phosphatase was decreased in the bones of fetuses born to progesterone-treated dams. The testes and ovaries of the fetuses of the dams treated with low and high doses of progesterone showed degenerative seminiferous tubules and failed sex cord development into primordial follicles, respectively.

Conclusions

The administration of exogenous progesterone during pregnancy adversely influences fetal growth, skeletal construction, and sex organ development.
The biophysics of photothermal treatments with lasers and intense pulsed light systems
Authors: Murphy Mike
Published: March 2021

Lasers and intense pulsed lights are commonly used for many skin applications today. An understanding of the basic biophysics is essential to achieve good clinical outcomes. Yet, the author's training experiences demonstrate that many users do not have a good grasp of some of these concepts. In this article, Mike Murphy will address these issues, and the most important parameters that need to be considered when treating the skin with high-energy devices will be identified
An influenza vaccination season like no other: present and future aspects
Authors: MacDonald Pauline
Published: March 2021

The influenza immunisation season of 2020/21 was very challenging for practice nurses involved in delivering the programme. The main challenge was delivering the programme while coping with the difficulties of ensuring venues and practices were operating safely with the aim of reducing the risk of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There has been comprehensive guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Public Health England (PHE) and the Royal Colleges to support vaccination providers this year. Additionally, the vaccination programme was expanded to include more patients who are at risk of severe disease from influenza and SARS-CoV-2. This expanded programme is likely to continue in 2021/22 and guidance and directives on influenza vaccines for use in the programme are expected soon.
Challenges of complex monitoring of the curing parameters in coupons for LRI manufacturing
Authors: TORRE-POZA A. , PINTO A. M. R. , GRANDAL T. , GONZÁLEZ-CASTRO N. , CARRAL L. , RODRÍGUEZ-SENÍN E.
Published: March 2021

In the aerospace industry, Liquid Resin Infusion (LRI) is gaining more and more importance as an out-of-autoclave alternative manufacturing technique to traditional pre-impregnated (prepreg) fabrics. The research in this field has been focused on understanding the cure and the process parameters of these materials, aiming to optimize the manufacturing process and reduce costs. A major problem derived from these technologies is the distortions induced by LRI process, affecting to composite parts due to non-uniform distribution of residual stresses. Such distortions can lead to non-uniform parts with shape distortions, which is a critical issue when trying to assembly with other parts due to mismatches in shape, leading to the rejection of such components. In this context, ELADINE project aims to understand and quantify the key manufacturing parameters that cause shape distortions on composite coupons (such as spring-in of curved parts) using an integrated numerical-experimental approach. The manufacturing process will be accurately monitored through Fiber Optic Sensors (FOS) and Dielectric sensors (DC) to understand how the process variables affect the distortion phenomena. The monitored data will feed a simulation tool for spring-in prediction for large integral composite wing structures. This article covers the preliminary results of cure monitoring and process parameters of thermoset composites implementing monitoring strategies for manufactured coupons by LRI.
USB-powered technology platform for laser ablative thrust generation
Authors: Bauer Toni , Weixler Sebastian , Lorbeer Raoul-Amadeus , Eckel Hans-Albert
Published: March 2021

Small satellites gave the opportunity to universities all over the world, allowing their students to participate in a complete satellite mission. After some years, the graduating students and the developing technologies for satellites as small as a 1 liter cube, have reached a point where a new type of space industry is developing and gaining importance. Despite all possibilities and components available for such systems, it is still a very difficult task to maneuver these satellites due to the lack of compact and efficient thruster systems. Here we demonstrate the compactification of a laser ablative thruster concept called MICROLAS. We verify the functionality of all sub components and demonstrate ablation under vacuum conditions.
Study on the extraction of the text region from natural scene images by an analysis of the edge-oriented pattern
Authors: Ho Yang Jae , Seong Lee Gang , Pyo Hong Young , Hun Lee Sang
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives: In this paper, we propose a hybrid scene-detection method using an edge and textural analysis in natural scene images, and finally, we detect the text regions by removing the non-text regions through a pattern analysis of each region.Methods/Statistical analysis: The proposed algorithm is divided into the pre-processing stage and the extraction processing stage to perform the text detection. The lost texts that are improved through a histogram equalization for the minimization of the loss of the text parts that is due to light exposure are detected before the edge detection. After that, the edge is detected using the Canny operator. The detected edge is obtained in the step of applying the SWT algorithm to detect the text candidate regions. The extraction processing step is the step of removing the noise region that is detected by the pixel analysis of the SWT algorithm, and it analyzes the pattern of the text regions and then removes the non-text regions to finally detect the text regions. For the quantitative comparison of the proposed algorithm, our results are compared with the ground-truth image using the precision, recall, and F-measure.Findings: One of the existing text-detection algorithms, the edge-based method, is problematic, as, in addition to the text, the complex backgrounds and textures are detected as the edges in natural scene images. The connected component-based method is also problematic, as the non-text region is included in the text region in the process of finding the connection component.Improvements/Applications: The proposed method shows an effective text-detection result regardless of the light exposure in natural scene images compared with the conventional text-detection algorithm.
A case study on the real time transmission system for research funds
Authors: Hoon Hong Ji , Soo Park Hark , Ho Kim Dae
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives: With aview topreventing the abuse and misuse of national research and development funds, which is increasing day by day, thisstudy investigated how systems can be efficiently constructed and redundant development can be minimized when systems are linked with those of variousmanaging institutions which support research and development funds from the viewpoint of research conducting institutions that have been provided with research and development funds.Methods/Statistical Analysis: This study was conducted with aK government-funded research institute, which is a research conducting institution, in coordination with three institutions; the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion.These institutions manage research & development projects.Findings: Inthis study, to prevent the abuse, misuse, and unjust execution of national research and development funds, research-fundcard companies, research managing institutions, and research conducting institutions were linked with each other in real time.First,work efficiency was improved by setting a procedure through which the conducting institutions receive card use details from card companies when research fundcards have been used to execute funds in linkage with the internal executionsystems of the conducting institutions. The data on the execution of funds are transmitted to the managing institutions in real time to enable monitoring in real time.In the past, a conducting institution had to construct a linked system and revise the internal management and execution systems every time a research project from a new managing institution was implemented.Therefore, in this study, when systems were linked, the systems were not directly linked to the DB table, but transmitted/received data by managing institution were analyzed to construct an integrated view and the integrated view was linked with conducting institutions’ internal systems to minimize redundantsystem development.Improvements/Applications: Unjust execution of research and development funds could be prevented in advance, and the transparency of research fund execution could be improved through system linked inreal time. In addition, the expandability of internal systems was improved through the system links and redundant system development when new projects are implemented could be minimized.
Spectral domain characterization of genome sequences
Authors: Venkateswarlu P , G. Rajan E
Published: March 2021

Genome sequencing became an important research area for understanding order of DNA and discovering genetic secrets of humans. Fortunately voluminous data in this area is available for the study of genome sequences. Characterization of genome sequences is non-trivial and tedious task. Nevertheless, algorithms were found in the literature to study them. As the genome sequences data has characteristics of big data we proposed a technique based on MapReduce programming paradigm to attempt spectral characterization of genome sequences. A machine learning approach is used to discover trends in the genome sequences. Rationale behind using MapReduce, a distributed programming framework, is its support for parallel processing and the usage of more powerful Graphical Processing Units (GPUs). Moreover, the datasets can be maintained in cloud so as to handle it with ease. We built a prototype application to demonstrate proof of the concept. Our empirical results reveal encouraging observations in the genomic study.
Realization of trophy shaped flexible wearable antenna based on foam substrate
Authors: Dubey Reema , Kumar Singh Vinod , Kumar Bhoi Akash , Ali Zakir
Published: March 2021

The endeavor of this paper is to analyze a light weighted flexible antenna for modern communication system. There are three different patch designs with operating frequency 4GHz. These proposed antennas are compact in size, shows high directivity and large bandwidth. Ex-pandable polystyrene foam is used as a substrate because such antenna are bendable, wearable, cheap, require less attention and having good features like low dielectric constant, low loss tangent and better efficiency. The antenna parameters like reflection coefficient, gain, band-width, radiation pattern are analyzed. The reflection coefficient of anticipated antenna provides a good concurrence between simulated and measured result. Foam based design is simulated by using CST studio.
Analyzing the power quality for smart grid with hybrid conventional resources.
Authors: Kumari Deepa , Vig Sunny
Published: March 2021

The upcoming advanced electric grid or smart grid is define as the intelligent junction of smart devices making a power system featured by the next level advancement of flow of information and electricity in two way. In this work we have come out with the better quality of energy generated at transmission side which also involves the implementation of fuzzy controller. As a goal this work is possessing working of any 2 non conventional resources i.e. wind and PV solar panel to run any non linear load by providing the controlled power to it through fuzzy controller. A general experimentation was performed to examine the current condition of art of smart grid, and removal of disturbances and their affect on power quality. Which is due to the complications, huge heterogeneity of smart grid and high amount of information to be processed, computational techniques are enabling technologies for its advancement and success in future. Hence the motive of this work is to implement fuzzy controller in combination with non conventional resources in smart grid to the production of needed amount of electricity to make the non linear load work accordingly. Different artificial technologies give support to the development of power system.
Review on various strategies for maximum efficiency of solar panels
Authors: Ayoub Umer , Kaur Channi Harpreet
Published: March 2021

Solar modules are used to convert sunlight directly into electric current. Certain parameters of the module decreases the overall efficiency of the module. These parameters include temperature, soiling, tilt angle. As the temperature increases the output current increases exponentially voltage decreases linearly. To overcome these problems simple,robust,cheap techniques are used to increase overall efficiency of the module.These techniques include MPPT,temperature control, nanowire solar cells and varying tilt angle in summer and winter seasons.
Visualization and the development of software connection technique to enhance the usability of science data
Authors: Yu Eunji , Joo Wonkyun , Choi Kiseok
Published: March 2021

It would be necessary in the future to provide service on not only national R&D information but also science data, but it would be necessary to effectively provide the meta information of currently owned science data before providing primitive data on science data. In this study, using visualization technique, this study will propose a science data map service model to visualize the information of science data into a transnational science data map, as well as to easily acquire the meta information of desired science data. Also, in order to enhance the usability of acquired information, this study will also suggest a way to immediately use acquired information by interworking with various simulation software. Through the service developed in this study, researchers have been able to acquire science data and usable simulation information without accessing different services.
Verification and power consumption measurement of ‘eid signal in eddy stone beacon
Authors: Bong Kim Ki , Mun Keum Ki , Bok Jang Chang , Seok Kwon Oh
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives: Recently, users are receiving various services through smart phones. Especially, with the emergence of IoT, the service by collecting information from things is expanding, and various techniques for using BLE beacons are being studied.Methods/Statistical analysis: Services that use BLE beacons periodically transmit Bluetooth signals and mobile devices receive signals from near beacons. In this case, the mobile application should also periodically scan for the Bluetooth signal. It consumes additional power from the smartphone. Therefore, low power consumption is an important issue for services that use beacons. Optimized results should be found by measuring power at various levels of beacon scan period and beacon advertising period.Findings: As a result of this research, the power consumption exponentially increases as the scan period becomes shorter, but the beacon recognition rate does not improve significantly. The average power consumption was 9.6% at 10s Scan Period, but 6.5% at 30s and 5.6% at 100s. Advertising Period affected the change of Beacon Recognition Rate though the effect of power consumption was small. The Beacon Recognition Rate was very low when the Advertising Period was short, but it was 50% to 70% at 200ms to 1000ms. In the service used in this study, the scan period was set to 30 seconds and the advertisement period to 1000ms for optimization.Improvements/Applications: Applying the results of this paper to various beacons and services requires additional experimental design that takes into account beacons and other indicators that affect variables, such as scan execution time, signal strength, and beacon life.
Physicochemical Properties of Palm Kernel Oil and Palm Kernel Olein Blends
Authors: Abd Rashid Norizzah , Nurhanis Jumari Fatin , Omar Zaliha
Published: March 2021

Palm kernel oil (PKO) and palm kernel olein (PKOo) have limited application due to rapid crystallisation properties and excessive foaming during heating, respectively. In this study, a series of PKO and PKOo blends were prepared at different concentration and analysed for slip melting point (SMP), solid fat content (SFC), triacylglycerols (TAGs) composition, thermal and morphological properties. The addition of 90% RBDPKOo caused the SMP to decrease from 27.8°C to 23.80°C. All the samples show steep SFC melting profile from 0°C to 30°C. The onset crystallisation temperature of RBDPKO was delayed with the addition of 90% PKOo from 9.73°C to 5.80°C and totally melted at lower melting temperatures.  It was observed that the addition of RBDPKOo caused the crystals to be spherulitic, scattered and less aggregated with each other. The addition of RBDPKOo reduced the compositions of the main TAG of RBDPKO such as LaLaLa, LaLaM and CLaLa. Therefore, through blending the physicochemical properties of the RBDPKO and RBDPKOo could be changed. Hence, their applications in food could be widened.
Effects of Par-Frying and Calcium Propionate on the Quality of Frozen Curry Puff
Authors: Hussain Norhayati , Ishak Izzreen , Syafizan Rosle Nurul , Husna Mohamed Nurul , Abd Ghani Maaruf
Published: March 2021

This study proves that the application of par-frying method and addition of calcium propionate able to prolong the shelf life and preserve the quality of frozen pastry curry puff during distribution and storage after exposure to fluctuating temperature. Par-fried curry puff added with 0.1% calcium propionate produce lower moisture content, oil uptake and weight loss than non-par fried puff. In addition, par fried curry puff was capable of preventing any visible black spots (after 4 weeks storage) which are related to the quality defect. No sensorial changes detected during sensory evaluation in terms of texture, appearance, taste and overall acceptability after addition of calcium propionate. There is a high possibility of frozen curry puff to be commercialized internationally without any deterioration.
Hypothesis Testing on Regression: Investigating Students’ Skill
Authors: Abdol Razak Fadzilah , Rashidah Nor , Baharun Norhayati , Afni Deraman Noor
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate students’ ability to write a correct hypothesis based on the statement referring to regression coefficients.  Different statements of regression coefficients, specifically the slope were given in the standard format of test questions and the students were asked to conduct an appropriate hypothesis test. From the decision made, the students also had to provide suitable conclusions on each of the tests conducted. 197 answer scripts were inspected and the focus was given to the hypothesis statement and the conclusion provided by the students. The results indicated that students were able to write proper hypothesis statement for a regression coefficient that directly refers to the slope of the variable. However, they failed to provide correct hypothesis when they had to translate the definition of slope to an appropriate hypothesis statement. Despite their ability to write simple hypothesis for regression slope, they still had difficulties in providing conclusions for the tests conducted. The study also clearly revealed that even though some of the students managed to write proper conclusions, they did not correspond to the hypothesis statements given earlier, as the conclusions made were merely based on the question statement.
Investigating Job Satisfaction Using Exploratory Factor Analysis at ABC Factory
Authors: N. H. Wan Abdul Aziz W. , Zulkipli F. , H. Mohammad Hamzah M. , W. Azhar F. , K. N. Abdul Rahim S.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this research is to study the workforce allocation at ABC Factory. A set of questionnaire consists of two parts, which are background of respondent and job satisfaction components were distributed among 80 employees. The statistical method exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to classify the components. As a result, the research revealed that there are three main components which are work environment, productivity, and organization can be classified by 25 questions.
Development and Characterization on sound acoustic at photo-induced polymer foam composited at prolonged ultra-violet exposure
Authors: Taufiq Zaliran M. , Zafiah M. Rus Anika , Kormin Shaharuddin , Shafiq M Azahari M
Published: March 2021

In this paper, polymer foam composites (FC) have been developed based on polyol mixed flexible crosslinker and fibre filler of Meranti Merah. 10 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm thickness of foam polymer and its composites have been use in this study. The percentage loading of wood fibre of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% added with polymer foam is namely as polymer foam (PP) and its composites of PP5, PP10, PP15 and PP20. The sound absorption coefficient (α) and pore structure of the foam samples have been measure by using Impedance Tube test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV Weatherometer is used to examine the durability and weatherproof of its composite. The results show that the highest thickness of the highest percentage fiber filler (Pp2030) gives higher sound absorption coefficient (α). 0.9922 and 0.99889 which contributed from low and high frequency absorption level respectively. The smallest pores size structure was observed with highest filler loading of PP20. The higher the thickness and the higher the percentage loading of wood filler gives smaller pore structure, consequently, increased the sound absorption coefficient level. Meanwhile, the stability of polymer foam composites is high due to unchanged pore structures morphology with prolonged ultra violet exposure.
Interactive Mobile Apps (CinTA 2.0) for Dyslexia’s Children Malay Language Therapy Tool: Focus on Malay Language
Authors: Hasni Nasrudin Nur , Ahmad Junid Rosida , Khatijah Nor Abdul Rahim Siti , Mohamed Zainab , Zafirah Azmi Anis , Imaina Abdullah Ini
Published: March 2021

The implementation of mobile apps in the educational systems has kept abreast with the needs of specific learning disability (SLD) children. It was agreed by researchers that technology is able to aid and harness the language development of these children. The use of mobile applications in English language has been widely accepted and implemented among educators. However, it was discovered that most of the applications have scarcely adopted the Malay language as the main stream to aid Malay language development of these children. Thus, it is imperative to set the aim of this paper to introduce an interactive mobile apps that uses Malay Language as the Therapy Tool for the Dyslexic Children in improving their language learning processes. The uniqueness of this app falls on the aesthetic value that is implemented in CInTA 2.0. The app is user friendly which applied multi-sensory technique that is suitable for learners with language disorder, specifically dyslexic children.
Eco-Friendly Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Madallah Mohammed Aseel , Ahmed Hammadi Ammar , I. Al-Hadithi Abdulkader
Published: March 2021

This article aims to study the mechanical properties of concrete containing the recycled and crushed aggregate instead of normal aggregate separately, and reinforced with volumetric ratios equal to (0.25,0.5,0.75,1,1.25 and 1.5)% of plastic fibers, which produced by cutting the plastic water bottles as a partial replacement from volume of coarse aggregate. Preliminary results showed that the compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete(RAC) increased with increasing the waste plastic fibers (PET) more than the observed values of crushed aggregate concrete(CAC), while the results showed that the splitting tensile strength of concrete samples containing recycled aggregate have a higher splitting tensile strength than those containing the crushed aggregate. On the other hand, it was noted that the increasing in the proportions of PET from (0.25-1) % showed an increase in compressive and splitting tensile strength, but after the ratio of PET used equal to (1% ), it was observed a decreasing in both of compressive and splitting tensile strength.
Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Assessment of Economically Optimized Thermal Insulation Materials for Different Climatic Region in Iraq
Authors: Saeed Sedeeq Murad , Kareem Ameen Shadan , Bolatturk Ali
Published: March 2021

Environmental pollution is one of the biggest problems facing the world, even it is the most dangerous. Therefore, it becomes necessary to combine all efforts to reduce or eliminate it. Iraq is at the forefront of countries that suffer from major environmental problems. The present study aims to perform a comparative environmental assessment for three commonly available thermal insulation materials in Iraq namely expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and rock wool (RW) to select least environmental impact material. A cradle to gate life cycle assessment is performed to assess the environmental impact of each insulation material taking into account manufacturing, transportation, and installation and disposal stages. A life cycle assessment program SimaPro is used to model thermal insulation materials during its life cycle. A life cycle impact analysis method CML 2001 has been selected to assess the environmental aspects associated with two global damage categories as ozone layer depletion and global warming and two regional damage categories as acidification and eutrophication. Economically optimized amount of each insulation material is selected to represent the functional unit of life cycle assessment. The results illustrate that the EPS has the lower contribution in all environmental impact categories for all climatic regions. So, the EPS can be select as a proper thermal insulation material for the building sector from an economic and environmental perspective. The results of LCA are used to determine the amount of CO2 can be reduced per meter square of the exterior wall by using the economical amount of EPS during the lifetime of insulation material. The environmental impact results show that using EPS will contribute in CO2 emission reduction at about 81.5 % in all climatic regions in Iraq.
Plasma thiol/disulphide homeostasis changes in patients with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Kucuksayan Ertan , Ozben Serkan , Topaloglu Tuac Selma , Koseoglu Mesrure , Erel Ozcan , Neselioglu Salim , Ozben Tomris
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological condition. Oxidative stress plays an important role in its pathogenesis. Thiol-disulphide homeostasis (TDH) is a new biomarker of oxidative stress. We studied plasma TDH to determine whether TDH could be used as a new biomarker for RLS and evaluated correlations between TDH and various disease severity rating scales.

Methods

A total of 25 RLS patients and 25 healthy controls were included into the study. TDH status was determined using an automated spectrophotometric analysis method and correlations were analyzed between the TDH status and various disease rating scales in the RLS patients.

Results

Plasma total (401±27 μmol/L) and native thiol (354±30 μmol/L) levels were significantly lower, but disulphide level (24±6 μmol/L) was significantly (<0.0001) higher in the RLS patients compared to the controls (455±36, 424±37, 15±5 μmol/L, respectively). The disulphide/native thiol and disulphide/total thiol ratios increased, in contrast, native thiol/total thiol ratio decreased significantly in the RLS patients compared to the healthy controls (<0.0001). The disulphide levels correlated positively with age and various rating scores of the RLS patients. International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) rating score and age correlated negatively with the total and native thiol levels.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate increased oxidative stress in the RLS patients reflected by decreased native and total thiol, and increased disulphide levels and positive correlations between the disulphide levels and various rating scores. We suggest dynamic TDH status to be used as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and follow-up of the RLS patients.
Short/small fatigue crack growth, thresholds and environmental effects: a tale of two engineering paradigms
Authors: Wanhill Russell J. H. , Stanzl-Tschegg Stefanie E.
Published: March 2021

This paper results from mutual discussions on the review ‘When do small fatigue cracks propagate and when are they arrested?’ in Corrosion Reviews, 2019; 37(5): 397–418. These discussions have arisen from the two engineering paradigms characterizing our fatigue research: (i) an aerospace research and technology remit for metallic airframes, and (ii) a materials science research programme supporting a methodology for steam turbine low pressure (LP) blade operations. In our opinion, this paper is of interest for other investigators of metal fatigue with respect to design requirements, life predictions and assessments. In more detail, the paper considers the fatigue design methodologies for airframes and steam turbine LP blades. This includes short/small fatigue cracks, fatigue crack growth thresholds, high-cycle fatigue (HCF) and very-high-cycle fatigue (VHCF), and the relevance of environmental effects (corrosion and corrosion fatigue).
Effect of talc and diatomite on compatible, morphological, and mechanical behavior of PLA/PBAT blends
Authors: Ding Yue , Zhang Cai , Luo Congcong , Chen Ying , Zhou Yingmei , Yao Bing , Dong Liming , Du Xihua , Ji Junhui
Published: March 2021

Biodegradable nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) (70/30, w/w) with diatomite or talc (1–7%). From the SEM test, the particles were transported to the interface of two phases, which acted as an interface modifier to strengthen the interfacial adhesion between PLA and PBAT. Talc and diatomite acted as nucleating agents to improve the crystallization of PBAT in the blends by DSC analysis. Moreover, adding the particles improved the tensile and impact toughness of the blends. The elongation at break with 5% talc was 78% (vs ∼21%) and the impact strength was 15 kJ/m2 (vs ∼6.5 kJ/m2). The rheological measurement revealed that the talc and diatomite reduced the viscosity of the blends. The results showed a good possibility of using talc- and diatomite-filled PLA/PBAT blends with high toughness for green-packaging and bio-membranes application.
Language change across a lifetime: A historical micro-perspective
Authors: Bergs Alexander
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on the micro-analysis of historical data, which allows us to investigate language use across the lifetime of individual speakers. Certain concepts, such as social network analysis or communities of practice, put individual speakers and their social embeddedness and dynamicity at the center of attention. This means that intra-speaker variation can be described and analyzed in quite some detail in certain historical data sets. The paper presents some exemplary empirical analyses of the diachronic linguistic behavior of individual speakers/writers in fifteenth to seventeenth century England. It discusses the social factors that influence this behavior, with an emphasis on the methodological and theoretical challenges and opportunities when investigating intra-speaker variation and change.
Variation and third age: A sociolinguistic perspective
Authors: Schreier Daniel
Published: March 2021

The correlation between external factors such as age, gender, ethnic group membership and language variation is one of the stalwarts of sociolinguistic theory. The repertoire of individual members of speaker groups, vis-à-vis community-wide variation, represents a somewhat slippery ground for developing and testing models of variation and change and has been researched with reference to accommodation (Bell 1984), style shifting (Rickford, John R. & MacKenzie Price. 2013. Girlz II women: Age-grading, language change and stylistic variation.Journal of Sociolinguistics17. 143–179) and language change generally (Labov, William. 2001.Principles of linguistic change, vol. 2: Social factors. Oxford: Blackwell). This paper presents and assesses some first quantitative evidence that non-mobile older speakers from Tristan da Cunha, an island in the South Atlantic Ocean, who grew up in an utterly isolated speech community, vary and shift according to external interview parameters (interviewer, topic, place of interview). However, while they respond to the formality of the context, they display variation (both regarding speakers and variables) that is not in line with the constraints attested elsewhere. These findings are assessed with focus on the acquisition of sociolinguistic competence in third-age speakers (particularly style-shifting, Labov, William. 1964. Stages in the acquisition of Standard English. In Roger Shuy, Alva Davis & Robert Hogan (eds.),Social Dialects and Language Learning, 77–104. Champaign: National Council of Teachers of English) and across the life-span generally.
Auf dem Land ist auch nicht alles gut!
Authors: Jüchser Cordula , Richter Daniel
Published: March 2021

An der vorliegenden Studie, welche flächendeckend den ländlichen Raum untersuchte, nahmen 2.554 Teilnehmer aus allen Bereichen des Rettungswesens teil. Für die Ergebnisse konnten die Daten von 1.717 Teilnehmern aus Rheinland-Pfalz ausgewertet werden. Hiervon gaben 34,2 % an, in den letzten 12 Monaten im Einsatz Gewalt erlebt zu haben. Es zeigte sich, dass 73,4 % der Teilnehmer mit Gewalterfahrungen psychische Gewalt und 62,4 % körperliche Gewalt erfahren haben. Ein Großteil der Befragten sieht neben einer deutlichen Zunahme von Gewalt im Einsatz diese als ein relevantes Thema an.
Quantum nanophotonic and nanoplasmonic sensing: towards quantum optical bioscience laboratories on chip
Authors: Xavier Jolly , Yu Deshui , Jones Callum , Zossimova Ekaterina , Vollmer Frank
Published: March 2021

Quantum-enhanced sensing and metrology pave the way for promising routes to fulfil the present day fundamental and technological demands for integrated chips which surpass the classical functional and measurement limits. The most precise measurements of optical properties such as phase or intensity require quantum optical measurement schemes. These non-classical measurements exploit phenomena such as entanglement and squeezing of optical probe states. They are also subject to lower detection limits as compared to classical photodetection schemes. Biosensing with non-classical light sources of entangled photons or squeezed light holds the key for realizing quantum optical bioscience laboratories which could be integrated on chip. Single-molecule sensing with such non-classical sources of light would be a forerunner to attaining the smallest uncertainty and the highest information per photon number. This demands an integrated non-classical sensing approach which would combine the subtle non-deterministic measurement techniques of quantum optics with the device-level integration capabilities attained through nanophotonics as well as nanoplasmonics. In this back drop, we review the underlining principles in quantum sensing, the quantum optical probes and protocols as well as state-of-the-art building blocks in quantum optical sensing. We further explore the recent developments in quantum photonic/plasmonic sensing and imaging together with the potential of combining them with burgeoning field of coupled cavity integrated optoplasmonic biosensing platforms.
Characterization and application of wood-ZrO2 sorbent for simultaneous removal of chromium (III) and chromium (VI) from binary mixture
Authors: Velinov Nena , Petrović Milica , Radović Vučić Miljana , Kostić Miloš , Mitrović Jelena , Bojić Danijela , Bojić Aleksandar
Published: March 2021

A new woodchips-ZrO2 biosorbent (W-ZrO2) was synthesized using wood residue material generated from the oak tree (Quercus robur) during furniture manufacturing. Biosorbent was tested for the simultaneous removal of both chromium (Cr) ions: Cr(III) and Cr(VI), in the binary component solution. Biosorbent characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). To define optimal process parameters for simultaneous removal of both Cr species, effects of pH, temperature, sorbent dosage and Cr ions concentration on the sorption process were investigated. Sorption of Cr ions onto W-ZrO2 was highly pH-dependent. Optimal pH for simultaneous removal of both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions is 4.0 with removal efficiency over 99.5 % in both cases. Equilibrium experimental results are the best fitted by the Langmuir sorption isotherm model. The maximal sorption capacities of the biosorbent for simultaneous removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions in binary-component system are 16.18 and 83.52 mg g−1, respectively. The present study shows that using wood residue material to produce a low-cost sorbent can effectively decrease the water pollution simultaneously removing both chromium species from water and also reduce wood waste and increase reuse/recycling options.
Becoming MSM: Sexual Minorities and Public Health Regimes in Vietnam
Authors: Montoya Alfred
Published: March 2021

This article explores the discursive and practical marking of male sexual minorities in Vietnam, as targets of a series of biopolitical regimes whose aim, ostensibly, was and is to secure the health and wellbeing of the population (from the French colonial period to the present), regimes which linked biology, technoscientific intervention and normative sexuality in the service of state power. Campaigns against sex workers, drug users, and briefly male sexual minorities, seriously exacerbated the marginalization and stigmatization of these groups, particularly with the emergence of HIV/AIDS in Vietnam in 1990. This article also considers how the contemporary apparatus constructed to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, one funded by the US, did not do away with these old forms, but reinscribed them with new language within a new regime that prioritizes quantification and technoscience.
Covid-19: Sammelunterkünfte für Geflüchtete und Kasernen im Vergleich
Authors: Penning Verena , Razum Oliver
Published: March 2021

In deutschen Sammelunterkünften für Geflüchtete traten während der Covid-19-Pandemie zahlreiche Covid-19-Ausbrüche auf. In Kasernen der Bundeswehr, einem strukturell teilweise vergleichbaren Setting, sind hingegen kaum Infektionsfälle bekannt. Wir diskutieren, warum in Kasernen ein niedrigeres Infektionsrisiko bestehen könnte und leiten Implikationen für das Management von Covid-19 in Sammelunterkünften für Geflüchtete ab.
Inclusionary und diversitätssensibles Public Health in der Pandemie
Authors: Tallarek Marie , Spallek Jacob
Published: March 2021

Othering beschreibt die Markierung von Menschen als „anders“ oder „nicht zugehörig“. Ausgehend von den Konzepten des exclusionary und inclusionary Othering diskutiert dieser Beitrag drei Ansätze zu i) exclusionary Public Health, ii) inclusionary Public Health und iii) diversitätssensiblem Public Health. Die Implikationen der Ansätze werden am Beispiel des Umgangs mit der COVID-19 Pandemie bei schutzsuchenden Menschen in Aufnahmeeinrichtungen und Sammelunterkünften in Deutschland aufgezeigt.
Wissenschaft, Politik und verfassungsrechtliche Verhältnismäßigkeit
Authors: Hart Dieter , Gruhl Matthias , Knieps Franz , Manow Philip
Published: March 2021

Wissenschaft ist ein Erkenntnis- und Entwicklungsprozess. Politik nimmt die wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse zur Pandemiebewertung zur Kenntnis und integriert sie in ihrem Verhandlungs- und Kompromissbildungsprozess mit anderen Zielen. Verfassungsrecht bewertet politische oder verwaltungsmäßige Maßnahmen in einem durch die konkurrierenden Grundrechte strukturierten Abwägungsprozess, in den unter dem Aspekt der Risikobewertung sich entwickelnde wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse als Datum eingehen.
COVID-19: Die Rolle der Intensivmedizin
Authors: Hanisch Volkmar
Published: March 2021

Die COVID-19 Pandemie führt zu einer erheblichen Anzahl an kritisch Kranken, die intensivmedizinischer Therapie bedürfen. Vorbestehende strukturelle und personelle Probleme der deutschen Intensivmedizin werden aggraviert. Die Neuartigkeit der Infektionserkrankung und bisher unverstandene Pathophysiologie erschweren die Therapie, die einem raschen Entwicklungsprozess unterliegt. Studiendaten für Dexamethason und Heparin belegen eine Mortalitätssenkung in einigen Patientenkollektiven, während Remdesivir die Krankheitsdauer verkürzen kann.
Pottery Production in Mycenaean Laconia: NAA Results from the Palace of Ayios Vasileios
Authors: Hein Anno , Jung Reinhard , Kardamaki Eleftheria , Kilikoglou Vassilis
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the provenance of Mycenaean pottery found in the palace of Ayios Vasileios in Laconia. It focusses on painted and plain fine wares and reports the results of neutron activation analysis (NAA). The analyzed ceramics cover all of the habitation phases of the palace as well as the short, post-palatial use of the site, i. e. LH IIB to LH IIIC Early 1 (ca. 1450–1180 BCE). A large part of these fine ware pots represents a compositional pattern, which probably relates to local or regional production during the palatial periods LH IIIA and IIIB. Very similar patterns are known from other sites in the Eurotas valley as well as on the southeastern Laconian coast. The diachronic analysis shows that a reduction of paste variability towards the use of a more homogeneous clay recipe occurred after LH II, i. e. approximately contemporaneously with the establishment of the palace at Ayios Vasileios. Relatively few samples of the painted fine wares are imports and can be assigned to the wider region of Mycenae. Interestingly, these imports are restricted to the earlier phases up to LH IIB/IIIA1.
Investigations of an anti-semiote: Stanisław Lem’s semiotic ideas in light of semiotic functionalism of Jerzy Pelc
Authors: Boruszewski Jarosław
Published: March 2021

At the turn of 1960s and 1970s, Stanisław Lem devoted some of his non-fiction writing to a discussion and considerations of semiotics. Most of them were expressions of a critical approach mainly directed against structuralism. However, Lem also formulated some positive statements although they were not developed systematically. The article offers an analysis of Lem’s semiotic ideas from the perspective of semiotic functionalism of Jerzy Pelc, mainly considering its two main components: contextualism and typological approach. Special attention is paid to the latter because both Pelc and Lem proposed some original solutions in this respect. What is meant here is the multidimensional typology of symbolic uses of signs developed by Pelc and Lem’s multidimensional typology of the situations of the reception of texts. Although they are independent form each other, these proposals show some convergence both in their ways of construction and roles they are supposed to perform. Henceforth, one can say that Lem was a crypto-functionalist.
Determinanten zur Akzeptanz der Einführung digitaler Technologien im genossenschaftlichen Agrarhandel
Authors: Munz Jana , Doluschitz Reiner
Published: March 2021

Der Einsatz digitaler Technologien wird als notwendig eingeordnet, um sich der verschärften Wettbewerbssituation, die sich entlang der gesamten agro-food Wertschöpfungskette vollzieht, zu stellen. Auch der genossenschaftliche Agrarhandel muss sich dementsprechend auf eine digitale Transformation des Geschäftsmodells einstellen. Aufgrund dessen wird in diesem Beitrag anhand einer empirischen Befragung von Geschäftsführerinnen von Warengenossenschaften analysiert, inwieweit zwischen digitalen Technologien bezüglich der erwarteten Werte der Nutzung und zwischen verschiedenen tatsächlichen Werten der Einstellung gegenüber der Akzeptanz digitaler Technologien unterschieden werden kann. Insgesamt konnte eine sogenannte Einstellungsakzeptanz gegenüber der Implementierung digitaler Technologien bei den Warengenossenschaften nachgewiesen werden. Als größte Herausforderung auf dem Weg zur Implementierung digitaler Technologien konnten personelle und finanzielle sowie strategische und operationeile Faktoren identifiziert werden. Chancen, die sich durch den genossenschaftlichen Verbund ergeben, müssen daher gezielt genutzt werden, um Herausforderungen zu stemmen und Risiken gemeinsam abzufedern.
Assessing Group-Based Changes in High-Performance Sport. Part 2: Effect Sizes and Embracing Uncertainty Through Confidence Intervals
Authors: Turner Anthony N. , Parmar Nimai , Jovanovski Alex , Hearne Gary
Published: March 2021

Today's strength and conditioning coach must extend their skill set to include data analysis, understating the validity and utility of p values, effect sizes, confidence intervals, and terms such as the smallest worthwhile change and minimal difference. The aim of part 2 of this 2-part review is to now build on our discussion of null hypothesis significance testing (covered in part 1) and introduce effect sizes, measures of variability, and confidence intervals, culminating in recommendations as to which may be the most viable options within the context of performance-based sport and thus potential methods to report group-based changes. This article has a series of worked examples to aid the reader.