bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro-Nano Carbon Structures with Platelet, Glassy and Tube-Like Morphologies
Authors: Liu Mingqiang , Huang Juntong , Xiong Qingming , Wang Suqing , Chen Zhi , Li Xibao , Liu Qianwei , Zhang Shaowei
Published: September 2019

Carbon source precursors for high-grade, clean, and low-carbon refractories were obtained by in situ exfoliation of flake graphite (FG) and phenol–formaldehyde resin (PF) composites with three-roll milling (TRM) for the fabrication of graphite nanoplatelets. In addition, by using Ni(NO3)2·6H2O as a catalyst in the pyrolysis process, multidimensional carbon nanostructures were obtained with coexisting graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs), glassy carbon (GC), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The resulting GNPs (exfoliated 16 times) had sizes of 10–30 μm, thicknesses of 30–50 nm, and could be uniformly dispersed in GC from the PF pyrolysis. Moreover, Ni(NO3)2·6H2O played a key role in the formation and growth of CNTs from a catalytic pyrolysis of partial PF with the V–S/tip growth mechanisms. The resulting multidimensional carbon nanostructures with GNPs/GC/CNTs are attributed to the shear force of the TRM process, pyrolysis, and catalytic action of nitrates. This method reduced the production costs of carbon source precursors for low-carbon refractories, and the precursors exhibited excellent performances when fabricated on large scales.
Food Consumption Patterns and Body Composition in Children: Moderating Effects of Prop Taster Status
Authors: Stoner Lee , Castro Nicholas , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Smith-Ryan Abbie E. , Lark Sally , Williams Michelle A. , Faulkner James , Skidmore Paula
Published: September 2019

This cross-sectional study determined whether 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taster status moderates the relationship between food consumption patterns and body composition in children. Children were recruited (n = 342, 50% female, 8–10 y) from across New Zealand. Using a food frequency questionnaire, these food consumption patterns were derived: Processed Foods, Fruit and Vegetables, and Breakfast Foods. Body composition variables included: body fat (%), fat mass (kg), fat mass index (FMI, kg/m2), body mass index (kg/m2) and waist to height ratio (W:Ht). Following adjustment for confounders, Processed Foods were positively associated with %fat (p = 0.015), fat mass (p = 0.004) and FMI (p = 0.016). Taste test strips determined PROP status. For Breakfast Foods, there were small negative associations with all body composition variables (p ≤ 0.001 to 0.037). The population sample was also stratified by PROP taster status. For the non-tasters, there were small to moderate negative associations between Breakfast Foods and each body composition variable (p = 0.003–0.045) except W:Ht (p = 0.112), and these relationships were stronger for girls compared to boys. For the tasters, there were small to moderate positive associations between Processed Foods with %fat (p = 0.030), fat mass (p ≤ 0.001) and FMI (p = 0.014). In conclusion, sensitivity to bitterness may moderate the relationship between food consumption patterns and body composition in children.
Raw Garlic Consumption and Risk of Liver Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Eastern China
Authors: Liu Xing , Baecker Aileen , Wu Ming , Zhou Jin-Yi , Yang Jie , Han Ren-Qiang , Wang Pei-Hua , Liu Ai-Min , Gu Xiaoping , Zhang Xiao-Feng , Wang Xu-Shan , Su Ming , Hu Xu , Sun Zheng , Li Gang , Jin Zi-Yi , Jung Su Yon , Mu Lina , He Na , Lu Qing-Yi , Li Liming , Zhao Jin-Kou , Zhang Zuo-Feng
Published: September 2019

Although the major risk factors for liver cancer have been established, preventive factors for liver cancer have not been fully explored. We evaluated the association between raw garlic consumption and liver cancer in a large population-based case-control study in Eastern China. The study was conducted in Jiangsu, China, from 2003 to 2010. A total of 2011 incident liver cancer cases and 7933 randomly selected population-controls were interviewed. Epidemiological data including raw garlic intake and other exposures were collected, and serum markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were assayed. Overall, eating raw garlic twice or more per week was inversely associated with liver cancer, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62–0.96) compared to those ingesting no raw garlic or less than twice per week. In stratified analyses, high intake of raw garlic was inversely associated with liver cancer among Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative individuals, frequent alcohol drinkers, those having history of eating mold-contaminated food or drinking raw water, and those without family history of liver cancer. Marginal interactions on an additive scale were observed between low raw garlic intake and HBsAg positivity (attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) = 0.31, 95% CI: -0.01–0.62) and heavy alcohol drinking (AP = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.00–0.57). Raw garlic consumption is inversely associated with liver cancer. Such an association shed some light on the potential etiologic role of garlic intake on liver cancer, which in turn might provide a possible dietary intervention to reduce liver cancer in Chinese population.
Impact of Caffeine Intake on 800-m Running Performance and Sleep Quality in Trained Runners
Authors: Ramos-Campo Domingo Jesús , Pérez Andrés , Ávila-Gandía Vicente , Pérez-Piñero Silvia , Rubio-Arias Jacobo Ángel
Published: September 2019

Background: Caffeine ingestion improves athletic performance, but impairs sleep quality. We aimed to analyze the effect of caffeine intake on 800-m running performance, sleep quality (SQ), and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity (CAA) in trained runners. Methods: Fifteen male middle-distance runners participated in the study (aged 23.7 ± 8.2 years). In a randomized and comparative crossover study design, the athletes ingested a placebo (PL) or caffeine supplement (CAF; 6 mg∙kg−1) one hour before an 800-m running time-trial test in the evening. During the night, CAA and SQ were assessed using actigraphy and a sleep questionnaire. A second 800-m running test was performed 24 h after the first. Time, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate concentration were analyzed for each running test. Results: No significant differences in CAA and performance variables were found between the two conditions. However, CAF impaired sleep efficiency (p = 0.003), actual wake time (p = 0.001), and the number of awakenings (p = 0.005), as measured by actigraphy. Also, CAF impaired the questionnaire variables of SQ (p = 0.005), calm sleep (p = 0.005), ease of falling asleep (p = 0.003), and feeling refreshed after waking (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The supplementation with caffeine (6 mg∙kg−1) did not improve the 800-m running performance, but did impair the SQ of trained runners.
Association between Total Sugar Intake and Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged Korean Men and Women
Authors: Seo Eun Ha , Kim Hyesook , Kwon Oran
Published: September 2019

There is increasing evidence emerging that suggests high sugar intake may adversely increase the incidence of chronic diseases. However, there are only a few related studies in Korea. Based on the current Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans, this study examined whether total sugar intake above 20% of the total energy was a risk factor for metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Korean adults. This cross-sectional study involved 7005 adults (3751 men and 3254 women) aged 40–69 years, who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), a large community-based cohort study. Daily total sugar intake was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. About 9% and 16% of the men and women, respectively, derived >20% of energy intake from total sugar. The males in this category had a significantly higher odds of obesity defined as having a BMI ≥ 25 (OR = 1.491, 95% CI = 1.162–1.914), low HDL-cholesterol (OR = 1.313, 95% CI = 1.038–1.660), and metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.332, 95% CI = 1.038–1.709) than those who received a lower proportion of energy intake from total sugar. These results suggest that high (>20%) energy intake from total sugar may be associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Korean men.
Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Concentrated, Hydrolyzed, and Isolated Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition of Physical Activity Practitioners
Authors: A. Castro Luis Henrique , S. de Araújo Flávio Henrique , M. Olimpio Mi Ye , B. de B. Primo Raquel , T. Pereira Thiago , F. Lopes Luiz Augusto , B. S. de M. Trindade Erasmo , Fernandes Ricardo , A. Oesterreich Silvia
Published: September 2019

Whey protein (WP) is a dairy food supplement and, due to its effects on fat-free mass (FFM) gain and fat mass (FM) loss, it has been widely consumed by resistance training practitioners. This review analyzed the impact of WP supplementation in its concentrated (WPC), hydrolyzed (WPH) and isolated (WPI) forms, comparing it exclusively to isocaloric placebos. Random effect meta-analyses were performed from the final and initial body composition values of 246 healthy athletes undergoing 64.5 ± 15.3 days of training in eight randomized clinical trials (RCT) collected systematically from five scientific databases. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was statistically significant for FM loss (WMD = −0.96, 95% CI = −1.37, −0.55, p < 0.001) and, in the analysis of subgroups, this effect was maintained for the WPC (WMD = −0.63, 95% CI = −1.19, −0.06, p = 0.030), with protein content between 51% and 80% (WMD = −1.53; 95% CI = −2.13, −0.93, p < 0.001), and only for regular physical activity practitioners (WMD = −0.95; 95% CI = −1.70, −0.19, p = 0.014). There was no significant effect on FFM in any of the scenarios investigated (p > 0.05). Due to several and important limitations, more detailed analyses are required regarding FFM gain.
Molecular Interactions for the Curcumin-Polymer Complex with Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Authors: He Yan , Liu Hongfei , Bian Wangqing , Liu Yue , Liu Xinyang , Ma Shijing , Zheng Xi , Du Zhiyun , Zhang Kun , Ouyang Defang
Published: September 2019

The molecular interactions between compound and polymeric carriers are expected to highly contribute to high drug load and good physical stability of solid dispersions. In this study, a series of amorphous solid dispersions (ASD) of Curcumin (Cur) were prepared with different polymers by the solvent evaporation method. With the carrier polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), the amorphous solid dispersion system exhibits a better solubility and stability than that with poloxamers and HP-β-CD due to the strong drug-polymer interaction. The drug/polymer interaction and their binding sites were investigated by combined experimental (XRD, DSC, FTIR, SEM, Raman, and 1H-NMR) and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. The Curcumin ASD demonstrated enhanced bioavailability by 11-fold and improved anti-inflammatory activities by the decrease in cytokine production (MMP-9, IL-1β, IL-6, VEGF, MIP-2, and TNF-α) compared to the raw Curcumin. The integration of experimental and modeling techniques is a powerful tool for the rational design of formulation development.
The Use of Waste from the Production of Rapeseed Oil for Obtaining of New Polyurethane Composites
Authors: Paciorek-Sadowska Joanna , Borowicz Marcin , Isbrandt Marek , Czupryński Bogusław , Apiecionek Łukasz
Published: September 2019

This article presents the results of research on obtaining new polyurethane materials modified by a by-product from vegetable oils industry—rapeseed cake. The chemical composition of rapeseed cake was examined. Rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams containing a milled rapeseed cake in their composition were obtained as part of the conducted research. Biofiller was added in amount of 30 wt.% up to 60 wt.%. Effects of rapeseed cake on the foaming process, cell structure and selected properties of foams, such as apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness, flammability, absorbability, water absorption, thermal resistance and thermal conductivity are described. The foaming process of RPU/PIR foams modified by rapeseed cake was characterized by a lower reactivity, lower foaming temperature and decrease in dielectric polarization. This resulted in a slowed formation of the polyurethane matrix. Apparent density of RPU/PIR foams with biofiller was higher than in unmodified foam. Addition of rapeseed cake did not have a significant influence on the thermal conductivity of obtained materials. However, we observed a tendency for opening the cells of modified foams and obtaining a smaller cross-sectional area of cells. This led to an increase of absorbability and water absorption of obtained materials. However, an advantageous effect of using rapeseed cake in polyurethane formulations was noted. Modified RPU/PIR foams had higher compressive strength, lower brittleness and lower flammability than reference foam.
Flexible and Optical Fiber Sensors Composited by Graphene and PDMS for Motion Detection
Authors: Wang Dong , Sheng Bin , Peng Lina , Huang Yuanshen , Ni Zhengji
Published: September 2019

A stretchable optical sensor can quantify the strain generated by human movement, which has been widely studied in the development of health monitoring systems, human–machine interfaces and wearable devices. This paper reports a graphene-added polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber, which has high tensile properties and good light transmittance suitable for detecting human movement. When the graphene-added PDMS fiber is stretched, the concentration of graphene per unit volume is constant, and the sensor uses the optical loss of the beam through the graphene PDMS fiber to detect the tensile strain. The fiber has excellent strain-sensing performance, outstanding sensitivity, a tensile property of 150%, and an excellent waterproofing performance. The linear response and repeated response in large dynamic range could reach 100% stability. The results show that the sensor can be used to detect human motion detection. These excellent properties indicate that the fiber has potential applications in wearable devices, soft robots and electronic skin.
People Detection and Tracking Using LIDAR Sensors
Authors: Álvarez-Aparicio Claudia , Guerrero-Higueras Ángel Manuel , Rodríguez-Lera Francisco Javier , Ginés Clavero Jonatan , Martín Rico Francisco , Matellán Vicente
Published: September 2019

The tracking of people is an indispensable capacity in almost any robotic application. A relevant case is the @home robotic competitions, where the service robots have to demonstrate that they possess certain skills that allow them to interact with the environment and the people who occupy it; for example, receiving the people who knock at the door and attending them as appropriate. Many of these skills are based on the ability to detect and track a person. It is a challenging problem, particularly when implemented using low-definition sensors, such as Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors, in environments where there are several people interacting. This work describes a solution based on a single LIDAR sensor to maintain a continuous identification of a person in time and space. The system described is based on the People Tracker package, aka PeTra, which uses a convolutional neural network to identify person legs in complex environments. A new feature has been included within the system to correlate over time the people location estimates by using a Kalman filter. To validate the solution, a set of experiments have been carried out in a test environment certified by the European Robotic League.
Focusing Bistatic Forward-Looking Synthetic Aperture Radar Based on an Improved Hyperbolic Range Model and a Modified Omega-K Algorithm
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Su Weimin , Gu Hong , Yang Jianchao
Published: September 2019

For parallel bistatic forward-looking synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, the instantaneous slant range is a double-square-root expression due to the separate transmitter-receiver system form. The hyperbolic approximation provides a feasible solution to convert the dual square-root expression into a single-square-root expression. However, some high-order terms of the range Taylor expansion have not been considered during the slant range approximation procedure in existing methods, and therefore, inaccurate phase compensation occurs. To obtain a more accurate compensation result, an improved hyperbolic approximation range form with high-order terms is proposed. Then, a modified omega-K algorithm based on the new slant range form is adopted for parallel bistatic forward-looking SAR imaging. Several simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed imaging algorithm.
Innovation, Network Capabilities, and Sustainable Development of Regional Economies in China
Authors: Li Dandan , Wei Yehua Dennis , Miao Changhong , Wu Yangyi , Xiao Weiye
Published: September 2019

This paper studies the relationships between network capabilities and innovation development in the context of two types of innovation networks: scientific knowledge networks (SKN) and technological knowledge networks (TKN). Focusing on two types of network capabilities, namely acquisition capability and control capability, the paper uses spatial regime models to compare the impacts of multiple factors on different spatial regimes. The main conclusions are the following. First, as regards SKN, the political-administrative hierarchy has shaped the spatial evolution of acquisition capacity, forming a pattern consisting of three dominant cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing), three subsidiary cities (Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Wuhan), and multiple lesser centers (Tianjin, Chengdu, Xi’an). Moreover, high control capability cities are mainly clustered in the coastal areas, specifically, one monocentric city (Beijing) and two polycentric metropolises (Shanghai, Wuhan). Second, for TKN, cities with high acquisition and control also are mainly found in coastal areas, with Shanghai and Beijing dominating network capabilities. The model’s analysis confirms the positive effect of network capabilities on innovation development, especially in scientific knowledge networks, and the driver for regional innovation development appears to have shifted from global pipeline (globalization) to local buzz (localized talents). This paper concludes with suggestions regarding network capabilities’ potential to reduce regional inequality and achieve sustainable development of regional economies.
A Comparison of Energy Efficiency Certification in Housing: A Study of the Chilean and Spanish Cases
Authors: Sanhueza-Durán Francisco , Gómez-Soberón José M. , Valderrama-Ulloa Claudia , Ossio Felipe
Published: September 2019

Faced with implementing policies that seek to improve the energy efficiency of housing and reduce the impact of CO2 emissions, several countries are introducing (unilaterally or by international agreement) energy certification systems that allow the effects of these policies to be evaluated. This study aims to compare the energy efficiency certification systems in Spain and Chile, identifying convergent and divergent parameters, enabling the existing gaps to be identified and improvements noted for both systems. To do so, 20 sample dwellings in Santiago de Chile were evaluated, along with the local calculating tools in both countries. The analysis considered the aspects of regulation, its reach, the characterization of the models and the necessary indicators. The comparison identified, among others, differences such as obligatory implementation of the system, a study of the existing buildings in the focus area, the prevailing indicators for evaluating the effects of the buildings, the low incidence of mixed energy systems in the Chilean system and the possibility of proposing and evaluating improvements in the Spanish system. As a result, higher energy requirements and greater CO2 emissions were identified in the Chilean system, reaching differences of 42 kWh/m2/year in consumption and 14 kgCO2/ m2/year in emissions with regard to the Spanish qualification. The results of this comparison have facilitated the identification of improvements that will increase the evaluation standards of the Chilean system.
Antecedents of Purchase Intention toward Organic Food in an Asian Emerging Market: A Study of Urban Vietnamese Consumers
Authors: Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai , Phan Thanh Hung , Nguyen Hoang Linh , Dang Thi Kim Thoa , Nguyen Ngoc Diep
Published: September 2019

This study aims to investigate some factors influencing purchase intention toward organic food among urban consumers in Vietnam, an Asian emerging economy. The extended Theory of Planned Behavior was used as theoretical framework for this study. In order to test the proposed model and hypotheses, a survey was conducted on a sample including 572 consumers in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The findings of structural equation modeling indicated that modern self, traditional self, health consciousness, organic-label trust, and subjective norm were significant predictors of attitude toward buying organic food, while environmental concern was not significantly related to attitude. In addition, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control toward organic food purchase were found to be positively related to purchase intention. The research findings were discussed and implications for marketers and policy makers were provided.
Risk Assessment for Engagement in Sharing Economy of Manufacturing Enterprises: A Matter–Element Extension Based Approach
Authors: Xiao Quan , Wan Shanshan , Lu Fucai , Li Shun
Published: September 2019

At present, manufacturing enterprises in China and across the world are undergoing a critical period of transformation and upgrading for sustainable development, with various obstacles such as financing difficulties and imperfect production facilities. The emergence of the sharing economy may provide a feasible solution for manufacturing enterprises, but meanwhile, unpredictable risks are bound to arise in the process of Engagement in the Sharing Economy of Manufacturing Enterprises (ESEME), and the assessment for the risk of ESEME is an important issue that requires special attention. Based on the characteristics of ESEME, a risk assessment indicator system is constructed, and a matter–element extension based approach is proposed to assess the risk of ESEME. The comprehensive risk value of ESEME can be calculated, and by means of sensitivity analysis and combinatory analysis, sensitive risk indicators and the risk type of indicators are identified. The innovation is embodied in three aspects: the sharing economy is studied by the matter–element extension method, the minimum deviation weight is adopted, and the risk is identified by sensitivity analysis and combinatory analysis. This assessment method is applied to enterprise E, and good results are obtained. This work is conducive to promoting manufacturing enterprises to engage in the sharing economy, which provides an effective vision for enterprises to implement risk management strategies, and also offers references for the government to formulate relevant policies for ESEME.
Reflections on Service Learning for a Circular Economy Project in a Guatemalan Neighborhood, Central America
Authors: Kumble Peter A.
Published: September 2019

The research presented in this paper explored multiple objectives. First, what are the requirements for establishing a new composting business that embraces the principles of circular economy? Second, how can employment opportunities for at-risk youths from the most impoverished neighborhood in Guatemala City be created, while adhering to the tenets of social sustainability, of which human rights is the corner stone? Third, what were the requirements involved in making compost in the challenging climatic conditions of Guatemala City? And finally, from an educational perspective, how can this be taught to university students incorporating community service learning in its pedagogy, coupled with the model of action research? What are the obstacles to overcome when initiating a startup business, balancing what appeared to be a mix of complex economic, environmental, and social elements? These three elements are the recognized pillars of sustainability, and as such, there existed a great opportunity to meld the principles of circular economy, community service learning, and action research within the context of putting theories into practice. This applied research attempted to explore how effectively this could be accomplished in Guatemala while overcoming complex cultural, environmental, and economic barriers.
Research on an Electromagnetic Interference Test Method Based on Fast Fourier Transform and Dot Frequency Scanning for New Energy Vehicles under Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Liu Guixiong , Zhong Senming
Published: September 2019

In recent years, electromagnetic interference (EMI) of new energy vehicles, including difference mode symmetric interference and common mode asymmetry interference, has attracted the attention of many scholars. So far, EMI tests for new energy vehicles under steady conditions cannot reflect the actual EMI of the running vehicle. The results of EMI test methods based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) under dynamic conditions have worse frequency resolutions, and frequency/amplitude accuracy has low precision. Therefore, this paper proposes an EMI test method based on FFT and dot frequency scanning (DFS) for new energy vehicles under dynamic conditions. The identification method for accelerating, sliding, and braking conditions is studied. A comprehensive EMI key evaluation index system for new energy vehicles is built, including characteristic points with maximum amplitude, area, ratio, and density coefficients for high-amplitude characteristic points. Among them, the maximum amplitude is an index to evaluate extreme values. The ratio of high-amplitude characteristic points is a comprehensive index to evaluate the overall region. The density coefficient is an index to evaluate the local region. Finally, this method is applied to three vehicles. With the same instruments, by reducing the FFT frequency span, the frequency resolution and frequency accuracy increase. The results indicate that the EMI of new energy vehicles can be tested under dynamic conditions with high accuracy according to the operable evaluation indexes.
Sulfur Development in the Water-Sediment System of the Algae Accumulation Embay Area in Lake Taihu
Authors: Liu Cheng , Shao Shiguang , Zhang Lei , Du Yiheng , Chen Kaining , Fan Chengxin , Yu Yang
Published: September 2019

Sulfur development in water-sediment systems is closely related to eutrophication and harmful algae blooms (HABs). However, the development of sulfur in water-sediment systems during heavy algae accumulation still remains unclear, especially in hyper-eutrophic shallow lakes. In this study, a quarterly field investigation was carried out for a year in the algae accumulated embay area of Lake Taihu, accompanied by a short-term laboratory experiment on algae accumulation. The results show that hydrogen sulfide and methanethiol dominated the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the water during non-accumulation seasons, whereas the concentrations of dimethyl sulfides increased during heavy algae accumulation, both in the field and the laboratory. An increase in the acid volatile sulfide (AVS) in the surface sediments was also discovered together with the increase in dimethyl sulfides. The depletion of oxygen in the overlying water and sediment–water interface during the heavy algae accumulation and decomposition was found to be closely related to both the increase in VSCs in the overlying water and increase in AVS in the sediment. The increased concentrations of these reductive sulfocompounds might aggravate the eutrophication and HABs and should be given more consideration in future eutrophication control plans for lakes.
Degradation of Methylene Blue via Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Treatment
Authors: Wu Lihang , Xie Qinglong , Lv Yongbo , Wu Zhenyu , Liang Xiaojiang , Lu Meizhen , Nie Yong
Published: September 2019

The degradation of methylene blue (MB) using an upgraded dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor was investigated in this paper. Air plasma was generated in the glass bead packed bed in the reactor, which was propagated into MB solution through a microporous diffuser plate. Microdischarge phenomenon can be observed on the interface of MB solution and the diffuser plate, where plasma active species were generated. The effects of air flow rate, initial solution concentration, initial solution pH, and initial solution conductivity on MB degradation were examined. Experimental results indicated that the proposed plasma reactor was effective for MB degradation. No obvious change in MB degradation efficiency was obtained for solution with various initial pH and conductivities, which suggested the potential of the reactor in actual wastewater treatment. The possible mechanism of the generation of plasma active species for MB degradation was proposed. In addition, the total organic carbon removal and chemical oxidation demand removal after 30 min treatment were 38.5% and 48.3%, which was higher than that obtained by ozone. The energy yield for MB degradation reached up to 9.3 g/kWh. Finally, a possible degradation pathway of MB solution was proposed.
Estimation of Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Granular Soils from Particle Size Parameters
Authors: Wang Ji-Peng , Zhuang Pei-Zhi , Luan Ji-Yuan , Liu Tai-Heng , Tan Yi-Ran , Zhang Jiong
Published: September 2019

Estimation of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity could benefit many engineering or research problems such as water flow in the vadose zone, unsaturated seepage and capillary barriers for underground waste isolation. The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of a soil is related to its saturated hydraulic conductivity value as well as its water retention behaviour. By following the first author’s previous work, the saturated hydraulic conductivity and water retention curve (WRC) of sandy soils can be estimated from their basic gradation parameters. In this paper, we further suggest the applicable range of the estimation method is for soils with d 10   > 0.02 mm and C u < 20, in which d 10 is the grain diameter corresponding to 10% passing and C u is the coefficient of uniformity ( C u = d 60 / d 10 ). The estimation method is also modified to consider the porosity variation effect. Then the proposed method is applied to predict unsaturated hydraulic conductivity properties of different sandy soils and also compared with laboratory and field test results. The comparison shows that the newly developed estimation method, which predicts the relative permeability of unsaturated sands from basic grain size parameters and porosity, generally has a fair agreement with measured data. It also indicates that the air-entry value is mainly relative to the mean grain size and porosity value change from the intrinsic value. The rate of permeability decline with suction is mainly associated with grain size polydispersity.
Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Adam D. , Iftimie D. , Moisescu Cristiana
Published: September 2019

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is a neurodegenerative disease which affects the elderly, with a significant prevalence in the general population (0,2% - 5,9%), thus a common pathology encountered by neurologists and neurosurgeons, alike. Although the widespread availability of modern imaging techniques has facilitated the diagnosis of this disorder, the clinical manifestations can often be misleading. Also, an overlap with other degenerative or psychiatric diseases can make the differential diagnosis even more challenging. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures are the first line of treatment for INPH. Nowadays, there are several shunting options available, including: ventriculoperitoneal (the most commonly used), ventriculoatrial, ventriculopleural, ventriculosternal, lumboperitoneal, endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Choosing a procedure tailored to the individual patient is essential for therapeutic success. Although they are generally straightforward surgical interventions, they associate a high rate of failure, regardless of procedure used, which emphasizes the need for regular clinical and imagistic follow-up. Thus, INPH remains a disease where there is significant room for improvement, both in diagnosis and treatment.
Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulae presenting as transient ischemic attack
Authors: Zenteno Marco , Arnaout Mohamed M. , Lee Angel , Agrawal Amit , AbdulAzeez Mohammed Maan , Al-Saadi Hayder Ali , Al-Awadi Osama M. , Hoz Samer S. , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: September 2019

Dural arteriovenous fistulae are vascular lesions of the dura mater, usually acquired, consisting of abnormal connections between the dural arteries with the venous sinuses or the cortical veins. A case report presents a case with an unusual form of presentation of the dural (tentorial) arterio-venous fistula simulating a transient ischemic attack in a 60-year-old male patient.
Quality and reliability of information available on YouTube videos pertaining to transforaminal lumbar epidural steroid injections
Authors: Atci Aysel Gürcan , Atci Ibrahim Burak
Published: September 2019

Background. This study analyses the transforaminal lumbar steroid injection videos that have the highest views and likes on YouTube, and attempts to reveal the video qualities in order to contribute to the literature.

Methods. For review, “transforaminal lumbar steroid injection” was written to the standard YouTube search bar, and the videos with the highest views were ranked using advanced search preferences. The 50 most widely viewed videos were watched and scored by 2 physicians.

Results. The mean Modified DISCERN Score of the videos was 2,66+/-1,032 (the lowest: 1; the highest: 4) while the mean GQS score was 2,876+/-1,06 (the lowest: 1; the highest:4). In addition, the mean DISCERN score and the mean GQS value were 3,51 and 3,82, respectively, for the informational videos that were uploaded by health professionals but did not contain actual surgery.

Conclusion. We think that medical associations and state authorities in medicine should check the validity and accuracy of the information on the internet and should support the society in access to the most correct information.
PENGARUH BIAYA PROMOSI TERHADAP PENJUALAN PADA CV. BELILAS OFFSET
Authors: Dewi Kurnia
Published: September 2019

Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada CV. Belilas Offset yang terletak di Kecamatan Seberida. Dalam Penelitian ini penulis melakukan penelitian tentang pengaruh biaya promosi terhadap penjualan pada CV. Belilas Offset. Kegiatan promosi dalam perusahaan sangat penting kaitannya dengan penjualan. Promosi merupakan kegiatan memperkenalkan barang atau jasa kepada pasar agar konsumen membelinya. Oleh karena itu tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh biaya promosi terhadap penjualan pada CV. Belilas Offset. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode wawancara sebagai alat pengumpulan data. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pelanggan (pembeli) yang berjumlah 142 orang. Sampel diambil dengan menggunakan rumus slovin, sehingga diperoleh sampel sebanyak 59 orang. Data yang diperoleh melalui wawancara dianalisis dengan analisis regresi sederhana, korelasi sederhana, koefisien determinasi dan  uji t. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa promosi berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap penjualan pada CV. Belilas Offset. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan hasil uji t yaitu diperoleh nilai t hitung = 11,33   >  ttabel = 3,128 berarti menolak H0. Artinya  semakin tinggi biaya promosi maka semakin tinggi tingkat penjualan. Selain itu juga diperoleh nilai korelasi sebesar r = 0,9885, yang artinya biaya promosi memiliki hubungan yang sangat kuat terhadap penjualan.
La cuisine des familles au prisme des recommandations nutritionnelles
Authors: Cardon Philippe
Published: September 2019

Les politiques publiques nutritionnelles ont vocation à changer l’alimentation des ménages. Pourtant, en interrogeant à nouveaux frais le rôle des pères et des mères de dix familles dans la socialisation et l’éducation familiale alimentaire, cet article montre que la diffusion des recommandations nutritionnelles officielles ne va pas de soi. Outre que ces dernières sont plurielles et parfois contradictoires, elles se confrontent à des recommandations « alternatives » (bio, végétarisme, etc.). Leur transmission dépend fortement de la manière dont les pères (passionnés ou hédonistes) et les mères (nutritionnistes ou tiraillées) construisent leur rapport à l’alimentation domestique, au prisme notamment des enjeux nutritionnels et de leurs interactions au coeur de l’espace domestique. L’étude ethnographique de dix familles issues des classes moyennes supérieures permet de proposer une typologie de trois styles parentaux d’alimentation : le style nutritionniste ajusté, le style nutritionniste conflictuel et le style nutritionniste larvé.
Devenir parent. Des jeunes couples entre projections et normes
Authors: Santelli Emmanuelle , Vincent Justine
Published: September 2019

Becoming a parent. Young couples between projections and norms.

This article examines family definition norms and the way in which couples redefine themselves as they move from living as a young couple to having a family, based on the negotiations and compromises made by men and women during this new stage. A study of young couples provided a view both of parenting situations and their projections about entering into parenthood. It involves understanding what the “proper” schedule might be and the way in which these couples plan to connect their relation as a couple and the family. Biographical interviews with forty young adults reveal how they negotiate this idea of “making a family”, causing them to question how to connect their individual, professional, and marital activities.
Risk and Risk Management in the Hungarian Sheep Sector
Authors: Madai Hajnalka
Published: September 2019

The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the risk attitudes of Hungarian sheep producers regarding the changes they have had to go through since the political changes of 1989-1990. Moreover, the objective of this study is to strengthen the empirical basis for risk analysis by identifying the importance of farmers’ risk attitudes. The results of a nationwide survey of over 500 sheep farmers presented a framework of risk attitudes, risk sources and applied risk management techniques of livestock producers.
Journal of Bioengineering and Technology Applied to Health: A New Journal of Health Institute of Technology - ITS/SENAI CIMATEC
Authors: Leone Peter Andrade
Published: September 2019

ITS/SENAI CIMATEC created The Journal of Bioengineering and Technology Applied to Health (JBTH) in order to develop a platform for innovative researchers and scientists to explore the advanced and latest research developments in the field of Biomedical Engineering and related disciplines that are applied to the development of new tools for diagnostics and treatment in the area of health.
History of Medicine and Advanced Manufacturing for Modernization of Health Services: The New Paradigm for the Learning and Practicing of Medicine Shortly
Authors: Badaró Roberto , Josiane Dantas Viana  , Leone Peter Andrade
Published: September 2019

Each year, when we look at Google and other information research sites on the internet about what is happening in the world of medical science, the list of necessary technologies increases dramatically. Within today, the medical curriculum has lagged, bringing a fundamental issue to universities that graduate doctors  and health professionals. Are we training health professionals able to care for patients in the light of the most appropriate scientific knowledge to be used in medical practice? The JBTH will be a great opportunity to share these new knowledgements of fast technological innovations applied to health.
Study of Medical-Assistance Equipment, Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Special Materials in the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil
Authors: Fotini Santos Toscas  , Thiago Rodrigues Santos  , Eduardo Jorge Valadares Oliveira
Published: September 2019

Medical Assistance Equipment (MAE), Orthotics, Prosthetics and Special Materials (OPSM) are strategic subsectors of the Industrial Health Complex (IHC).The dynamism and peculiar characteristics of these technologies characterize the innovation field and the short life cycle of technological developments. The study aims to consolidate the products in a single list by analyzing computerized databases and consulting the technical and other areas in the Ministry of Health. The study strengthens the data obtained and investigates the repeated items in the adopted criteria, crossing this information with previous publications. We established standards about MAE and OPSM in this study that have already been repeated in previous publications. Thus, there is a concentration of skills needs for these technologies in industrial and technological development, as well as in technological services requirement of these products.
Journal of Bioengineering and Technology Applied to Health
Authors: Knop Luciana
Published: September 2019

The entire articles submitted to the JBTH vol 2 issue 2 2019.
The Management of Electro-Medical Equipment in Intensive Care Units: Assurance of Traceability and Metrological Reliability
Authors: Juliana Lins de Oliveira  , Herman Augusto Lepikson
Published: September 2019

Physiological measurements in the health sector have been supported by the rapid evolution of medical equipment technologies. The health sector increasingly requires the development of mechanisms and applications that assure the metrological reliability of the results obtained using the equipment for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the clinical evolution of patients. This study demonstrates the weaknesses in the control of metrological parameters related to electro-medical equipment (EMS) in Brazil, specifically those used in Intensive Care Units (ICU), where reliability is critical in terms of survival, sequelae or death. We discuss essential determinants to ensure physiological measurements, such as the limitations of legislation/standards, laboratory infrastructure, voluntary accreditations, including a brief history and indicators of patient safety in Brazil and the United States of America, as well as data from research at Hospital Units (HUs) located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF FDI ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Authors: Alili Sulejmani Liza
Published: September 2019

The importance of FDI on the economic growth of a country is widely accepted fact among the scholars and policymakers, beside of the existing debate regarding the strength of its impact and the level of the development of a country.In this regard, the main objective of this paper is to empirically determine the effects of FDI on the Macedonian economy, through the co-integration and VECM methodology. In addition, this study analyzes the impact of FDI in the short-run and long-run period in the Republic of Macedonia, utilizing quarterly time series data for the period 1998 – 2017. Moreover, time series are tested for unit root by employing the Augmented Dickey Fuller test, demonstrating that variables contain unit root in their level, while are stationary in their first difference.Secondly, Granger causality test is used in order to investigate the causal relationship among FDI and real GDP growth rate in Republic of Macedonia for 1998q1-2017q2, by suggesting unidirectional causal relationship among these variables.Last but not least, this study investigates the existence of significant relationship between FDI and economic growth in the context of the Macedonian economy, in both long – run and short – run time period.
THE IMPORTANCE AND THE ROLE OF INTRODUCTION OF ECOLOGICAL ACCOUNTING IN THE FUNCTION OF MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Authors: Milanović Tijana , Petković Zdravka , Stojmenović Gordana
Published: September 2019

More and more global warming, ozone depletion and loss of biodiversity have contributed to raising awareness of the need to implement measures that enable sustainable development, so that different pillars of society find a balance between economic growth and social interest in preserving a healthy environment. The environmental impacts of the company have led to the strengthening of environmental demands by society and the incorporation of various management tools into the environmental management process. In order to properly address the issue of environmental protection, a so-called environmental management system is required, which carries out an important part of the information systems management system in an integrated form, together with another accounting information system. Ecological accounting is an important tool for understanding the role of the natural environment in the economy. Environmental accounts provide data that highlight the contribution of natural resources to economic well-being and the costs of imposed pollution or resource degradation. The use of accounting in the environment is necessary with more aspects on various issues, such as cost estimates, investment analysis and strategic decision-making. Companies, which are important subjects of economic activity, play the main roles in economic activities. Therefore, a clear introduction of the goal of preserving the environment in every activity activity becomes a strong motivating force for the structural transformation of this economic society. This paper will present a brief overview of the history, concept, division, role, significance and contributions of ecological accounting, and the importance and necessity of introducing ecological accounting in enterprises.Given the financial implications that environmental impacts can have on the business of the company, this paper aims to point out the role and significance of environmental accounting and the environmental management process.
ADVERTISING IN THE CONTEXT OF EMPATHY
Authors: Kirilov Kamen
Published: September 2019

Globalization, commodity parity, consumer sovereignty, super competition and a broad variety of other factors, including the roll-out of the mass media, the emergence and rapid rise of the new media formats and platforms as well as the exchange of information provided by social networks pose new challenges for the advertising industry. Throughout its 150 years of history, since we have known it as a distinct occupation and practice, advertising shows adaptive sustainability quality and greatly enhance its capacity as features, forms, user approaches and distribution channels. Nevertheless, by its very nature, advertising retains the constant of an asymmetric pattern of communication in which, in nowadays environment, the success of effort is expressed in the formula of understanding others and the willingness they to understand us in return. In practice, beyond the abstract of this formula, the effort of advertisers in the process of creating and planning a certain campaign would be greatly facilitated by putting the basic principles of empathy theory. Numerous experiments and studies of this human ability establish working models to achieve effective contact both at the level of personal communication and in the cases of direct and indirect communication with huge quantity and variety of audiences with specific composition. Synthesized and brought to a universal level of application, the basic principle of empathy is the ability, rather cognitive than emotional, to understand and to feel the feelings of others. The achievements in this psychology field currently apply mainly to psychotherapy, clinical psychiatry, pedagogy and political rhetoric theories and ractices. Experience proves that empathic skills help the communicator for faster, easier, more effective and more properly understood and accordingly more efficient as a moderator. This article provokes a new paradigm for advertisers in communicating with the public - about the content, forms and planning of communication activities of the principles of empathy. The goal of the effort is clear - creating more effective communication and achieving a sustainablecompetitive advantage.