bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration Rating Prediction Using Machine Learning in a Dynamic Skip Fire Engine
Authors: Mandal Aditya , Arvanitis Anastasios , Chen S Kevin , Chien Li-Chun , Srinivasan Vijay , Younkins Matthew
Published: April 2019

Engines equipped with Dynamic Skip Fire (DSF) technology generate low frequency and high amplitude excitations that could reduce vehicles drive quality if not properly calibrated. The excitation frequency of each firing pattern depends on its length and on the rotational speed of the engine. Excitation amplitude mainly depends on the requested engine torque by the driver. During the calibration process, the torque characteristics that results in production level of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), must be identified, for each firing pattern and engine speed. This process is quite time consuming but necessary.

To improve our process, a novel machine learning technique is utilized to accelerate the calibration effort. The idea is to automate the vibration rating procedure such that given the relevant power-train parameters, a vibration rating associated with that driving condition can be predicted. This process is divided into two (2) prediction models. The first model is a multiple additive regression trees that predicts the seat accelerometer data based on the various engine and vehicle parameters. The predicted seat accelerometer data is used as an input to the second machine learning model which correlates, along with other relevant engine and vehicle parameters, to a final vibration rating score. The results indicate that using this machine learning approach can significantly improve capability of automating the DSF calibration process delivering commercial NVH performance.
Using Chemical Kinetics to Understand Effects of Fuel Type and Compression Ratio on Knock-Mitigation Effectiveness of Various EGR Constituents
Authors: Kim Namho , Vuilleumier David , Sjöberg Magnus , Yokoo Nozomi , Tomoda Terutoshi , Nakata Koichi
Published: April 2019

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) can be used to mitigate knock in SI engines. However, experiments have shown that the effectiveness of various EGR constituents to suppress knock varies with fuel type and compression ratio (CR). To understand some of the underlying mechanisms by which fuel composition, octane sensitivity (S), and CR affect the knock-mitigation effectiveness of EGR constituents, the current paper presents results from a chemical-kinetics modeling study. The numerical study was conducted with CHEMKIN, imposing experimentally acquired pressure traces on a closed reactor model. Simulated conditions include combinations of three RON-98 (Research Octane Number) fuels with two octane sensitivities and distinctive compositions, three EGR diluents, and two CRs (12:1 and 10:1). The experimental results point to the important role of thermal stratification in the end-gas to smooth peak heat-release rate (HRR) and prevent acoustic noise. To model the effects of thermal stratification due to heat-transfer losses to the combustion-chamber walls, the initial temperature at the start of the CHEMKIN simulation was successively reduced below the adiabatic core temperature while observing changes in end-gas heat release and its effect on the reactant temperature.

The results reveal that knock-prone conditions generally exhibit an increased amount of heat release in the colder temperature zones, thus counteracting the HRR-smoothing effect of the naturally occurring thermal stratification. This detrimental effect becomes more pronounced for the low-S fuel due to its significant Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) autoignition characteristics. This explains the generally reduced effectiveness of dilution for the low-S fuel, and higher knock intensity for the cycles with autoignition.
Pathway to 50% Brake Thermal Efficiency Using Gasoline Direct Injection Compression Ignition
Authors: Sellnau Mark , Foster Matthew , Moore Wayne , Sinnamon James , Hoyer Kevin , Klemm William
Published: April 2019

Continued improvement in the combustion process of internal combustion engines is necessary to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and criteria emissions for automotive transportation around the world. In this paper, test results for the Gen3X Gasoline Direct Injection Compression Ignition (GDCI) engine are presented. The engine is a 2.2L, four-cylinder, double overhead cam engine with compression ratio ~17. It features a “wetless” combustion system with a high-pressure direct injection fuel system. At low load, exhaust rebreathing and increased intake air temperature were used to promote autoignition and elevate exhaust temperatures to maintain high catalyst conversion efficiency. For medium-to-high loads, a new GDCI-diffusion combustion strategy was combined with advanced single-stage turbocharging to produce excellent low-end torque and power. Time-to-torque (TT) simulations indicated 90% load response in less than 1.5 seconds without a supercharger. For cold starts, the engine is equipped with a fast 2.5kW electric air heater positioned upstream of the intake valves. No spark plugs are used.

Dynamometer tests indicated excellent fuel efficiency over the operating map. Minimum BSFC of 194 g/kWh (BTE 43%) was measured at 1750rpm- 12bar IMEP with BSFC less than 210 (40% BTE) over a very wide operating region. The GDCI engine operates on US pump gasoline (RON91) and is ideal for down speeding and uploading for improved vehicle fuel economy. New simulations showed that potentially 48% BTE could be achieved through use of thermal barrier coatings and other improvements to the engine (Gen4X engine).

Vehicle simulations were performed at Argonne using the Gen3X engine map for a midsize sedan, SUVs, and a pickup truck. Results indicated a 36 to 51% improvement in combined FTP fuel economy over a competitive 2015 1.6L turbocharged GDi engine equipped with intake variable valve lift. The simulations showed that the Gen3X engine with 12V start/stop or mild hybridization can compete with full hybrid powertrains in various vehicle segments.
Saúde e qualidade de vida de policiais militares
Authors: Arroyo Thiago Roberto , Borges Marcio Andrade , Lourenção Luciano Garcia
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de policiais militares e comparar com as variáveis sexo, tempo de atuação profissional, turno e carga horária de trabalho. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 506 policiais, realizado no Comando de Policiamento do Interior - 5ª Região do Estado de São Paulo, entre junho e novembro de 2015, com um instrumento para coleta de dados sociodemográficos e o WHOQOL-Bref, da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Calculou-se a média dos escores do WHOQOL-Bref conforme modelo estatístico disponibilizado pelo Grupo WHOQOL. Resultados: Sexo masculino (449;88,7%), idade mediana de 36 anos, casados (338;66,8%), soldados (195; 38,5%) e cabos (161; 31,8%), mais de 10 anos de atuação policial (283; 55,9%), qualidade de vida boa ou muito boa (414; 81,8%), satisfeitos ou muito satisfeitos com a saúde (383; 75,7%). Maior escore de qualidade de vida para o domínio Relações Sociais (75,1) e menor para Meio Ambiente (62,2). Comprometimento das facetas Recursos financeiros (49,8) e Recreação e lazer (48,8). Conclusão: Os policiais militares avaliados consideram a qualidade de vida boa ou muito boa e encontram-se satisfeitos com a saúde. Há, no entanto, comprometimento da qualidade de vida dos profissionais nos fatores relacionados ao domínio Meio Ambiente.
Associação entre osteoartrite de joelho e síndrome metabólica: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Franco Maura Fernandes , De Oliveira Daniel Vicentini , Coimbra Arlete Maria Valente
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: Identificar as possíveis associações entre osteoartrite de joelho (OA) e síndrome metabólica (SM). Métodos: Revisão sistemática de literatura, ocorrida entre os anos de 2012 e 2017, nas bases: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), SciELO, Cochrane e Embase; em português e/ou inglês, com os descritores “osteoartrite” e “síndrome metabólica” em ambas as línguas. Para avaliação da qualidade metodológica, utilizou-se a Declaração STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Selecionaram-se sete artigos, todos com qualidade metodológica alta. Resultados: Os dados apontam para associação entre OA sintomática e hipertensão arterial sistêmica, dislipidemia e o número de fatores acumulados, com aumento da gravidade e progressão dos sintomas em mulheres. Entretanto, ainda não se esclareceu por completo a associação entre o estado pré-inflamatório da SM e a OA. Conclusão: Os resultados encontrados sugerem que uma melhor compreensão das ações das vias metabólicas envolvidas com a osteoartrite de joelho poderia abrir uma nova avenida terapêutica a esses pacientes.
Technical note: an alternative approach to laboratory benchmarking of saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers
Authors: Crestani Elena , Camporese Matteo , Salandin Paolo
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Saltwater intrusion is a worldwide problem increasingly affecting coastal aquifers, due to climate changes and growing demand of freshwater for irrigation and human consumption. Therefore, research efforts on this topic have been intensified, aiming to achieve better predictions of the saltwater wedge evolution and design suitable countermeasures to limit the saltwater intrusion. Both physical and numerical models are essential for these purposes. This work presents a laboratory facility designed and built to simulate saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers, with the overall goal of providing benchmarks for numerical models by means of different measurement techniques. The laboratory facility has been specifically designed to limit errors and provide redundant evaluation in the measurement of hydraulic heads and discharged flow rates. Moreover, the size of the facility allows us to monitor the saltwater wedge evolution by electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). A specifically designed ERT monitoring system was developed and verified by comparison with photos of the saltwater wedge collected at regular intervals during an experiment in a homogeneous porous medium. The experiment consisted of two phases: for the initial 24 h, the saltwater wedge evolved without any external forcing, while in the following 12 h, freshwater was pumped out through a channel drain, to simulate aquifer exploitation. The SUTRA code was adopted to reproduce the experimental results, by calibrating only the longitudinal and transversal dispersivities. Overall, the agreement between observed data, numerical simulations, and ERT results, albeit preliminary, demonstrates that the proposed laboratory facility can provide valuable benchmarks for future studies of seawater intrusion, even in more complex settings.
Oxycline oscillations induced by internal waves in deep Lake Iseo
Authors: Valerio Giulia , Pilotti Marco , Lau Maximilian Peter , Hupfer Michael
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Lake Iseo is undergoing a dramatic deoxygenation of the hypolimnion,
representing an emblematic example among the deep lakes of the pre-alpine
area that are, to a different extent, undergoing reduced deep-water mixing.
In the anoxic deep waters, the release and accumulation of reduced
substances and phosphorus from the sediments are a major concern. Because
the hydrodynamics of this lake was shown to be dominated by internal waves,
in this study we investigated, for the first time, the role of these
oscillatory motions on the vertical fluctuations of the oxycline, currently
situated at a depth of approximately 95 m, where a permanent chemocline
inhibits deep mixing via convection. Temperature and dissolved oxygen data
measured at moored stations show large and periodic oscillations of the
oxycline, with an amplitude of up to 20 m and periods ranging from 1 to 4 days.
Deep motions characterized by larger amplitudes at lower frequencies are
favored by the excitation of second vertical modes in strongly thermally
stratified periods and of first vertical modes in weakly thermally
stratified periods, when the deep chemical gradient can support
baroclinicity regardless. These basin-scale internal waves cause a
fluctuation in the oxygen concentration between 0 and 3 mg L−1 in the
water layer between 85 and 105 m in depth, changing the redox condition at the
sediment surface. This forcing, involving approximately 3 % of the lake's
sediment area, can have major implications for the biogeochemical processes
at the sediment–water interface and for the internal matter cycle.
Assessing the impact of resolution and soil datasets on flash-flood modelling
Authors: Lovat Alexane , Vincendon Béatrice , Ducrocq Véronique
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The present study assesses the impacts of two grid resolutions and the descriptors of soil texture and land cover on flash-flood modelling at local and basin scales. The ISBA-TOP coupled system, which is dedicated to Mediterranean flash-flood simulations, is used with two grid-cell sizes (300 and 1000 m), two soil texture datasets, and two land use databases to model 12 past flash-flood events in southeastern France. The skill of the hydrological simulations is assessed using conventional data (discharge measurements from operational networks) and proxy data such as post-event surveys and high-water marks. The results show significant differences between the experiments in terms of both the simulated river discharge and the spatial runoff, whether at the catchment scale or at the local scale. The spatial resolution has the largest impact on the hydrological simulations. In this study, it is also shown that the soil texture has a larger impact on the results than the land cover.
Technique for solving for microseismic source location parameters
based on adaptive particle swarm optimization
Authors: Sun Hong-Mei , Yu Jian-Zhi , Zhang Xing-Li , Wang Bing-Guo , Jia Rui-Sheng
Published: April 2019

Abstract. An intelligent method is presented for locating microseismic source based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) concept. It eliminates microseismic source locating errors caused by inaccurate velocity model of the earth medium. The method uses as the target of PSO a global minimum of the sum of squared discrepancies between modeled arrival times and measured arrival times. The discrepancies are calculated for all pairs of detectors of a seismic monitoring system, Then, the adaptive PSO algorithm is applied to locate the microseismic source and obtain optimal value of the P-wave velocity. The PSO algorithm adjusts inertia weight, accelerating constants, the maximum flight velocity of particles, and other parameters to avoid the PSO algorithm trapping by local optima during the solution process. The origin time of the microseismic event is estimated by minimizing the sum of squared discrepancies between the modeled arrival times and the measured arrival times. This Sum is calculated using the obtained estimates of the microseismic source coordinates and P-wave velocity. The effectiveness of the PSO algorithm was verified through inversion of a theoretical model and two analyses of actual data from mine blasts in different locations. Compared with the classic least squares method, the PSO algorithm displays faster convergence and higher accuracy of microseismic source positioning. Moreover, there is no need to measure the microseismic wave velocity in advance: the PSO algorithm eliminates the adverse effects caused by error in the P-wave velocity when locating a microseismic source using traditional methods.
The Impact of Knowledge Management on CRM Approaches
Authors: Al Duwailah Fahed Y , Hashem Tareq N
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the current paper is to examine the impact of knowledge management and its tools on the processesand approaches of the customer’s relation management(CRM) within the banks sector in Kuwait.The methodological approach followed in the current study is a quantitative .The population of the current study wasall the CRM managers within the operating Kuwaiti banks which are working within the capital of Kuwait. Thequestionnaire was distributed on the sample of the study through visiting the banks and presenting the main aim ofthe paper. The convenience sample was (50) managers. However, the researchers retrieved (30) questionnaire forms(i.e. the response rate is (60%).The researchers found that there is a significant impact of knowledge management and its tools on processes andapproaches of customer relation management within banks sector in Kuwait.
Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy
Authors: Rubin Guy , Orbach Hagay , Bor Noam , Rozen Nimrod
Published: April 2019

Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is a chronic clinical condition characterized by a delayed onset ulnar neuropathy after an injury to the elbow. Typically, tardy ulnar nerve palsy occurs as a consequence of nonunion of pediatric lateral condyle fractures at the elbow, which eventually lead to a cubitus valgus deformity. While the child grows, the deformity worsens and the ulnar nerve is gradually stretched until classic symptoms of ulnar nerve neuropathy appear. Other childhood elbow trauma has also been associated with tardy ulnar nerve palsy, including supracondylar fractures resulting in cubitus varus, fractures of the medial condyle and of the olecranon, as well as radial head or Monteggia fractures/dislocation, with or without deformity. The clinical assessment includes obtaining a complete history, physical examination, nerve conduction tests, and elbow imaging studies. Treatment consists of ulnar nerve decompression, with or without corrective osteotomy, with overall successful results usually achieved.
A Behavioral Assessment of College Students’ Knowledge, Awareness, and Consumption on Snack Foods That May Contain Probiotics
Authors: Sorensen Sarah A. , Rock Cheryl R. , Moore Dustin M. , Blaine Rachel E. , Costa Christine B.
Published: April 2019

With the increasing variety of snack foods containing probiotics infiltrating the market, it is important that consumers become more aware and knowledgeable about these products. The aim of the current study was to investigate potential consumers’ behavior by assessing knowledge about probiotics, awareness of snack foods containing probiotics, and frequently consumed snacks among student college departments within a university setting. Participants included 125 college students (n = 34 male, n = 91 female), all 18 years and older, and evaluated via a 19-item questionnaire using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Gabriel’s post hoc test. Level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge about probiotics among the student college departments, p = 0.012. Specifically, students in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) were statistically significantly more knowledgeable than those in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) college, p = 0.010. There was no statistically significant difference in awareness of snack foods containing probiotics, p = 0.262. On average, participants’ knowledge about probiotics was low (48.1%) and awareness of snack foods containing probiotics was very low (2.5%), though, a majority of participants (94.1%) were aware that yogurt may contain probiotics. Overall, these findings should guide food product developers and marketers to create products that are relevant and messages that enhance consumers’ knowledge and awareness to the existence of the probiotics in that product.
Merchant Storage Investment in a Restructured Electricity Industry
Authors: Siddiqui Afzal S. , Sioshansi Ramteen , Conejo Antonio J.
Published: April 2019

Restructuring and liberalisation of the electricity industry creates opportunities for investment in energy storage, which could be undertaken by a profit-maximising merchant storage operator. Because such a firm is concerned solely with maximising its own profit, the resulting storage-investment decision may be socially suboptimal (or detrimental). This paper develops a bi-level model of an imperfectly competitive electricity market. The modelling framework assumes electricity-generation and storage-operations decisions at the lower level and storage investment at the upper level. Our analytical results demonstrate that a relatively high (low) amount of market power in the generation sector leads to low (high) storage-capacity investment by the profit-maximising storage operator relative to a welfare maximiser. This can result in net social welfare losses with a profit-maximising storage operator compared to a no-storage case. Moreover, there are guaranteed to be net social welfare losses with a profit-maximising storage operator if the generation sector is sufficiently competitive. Using a charge on generation ramping between off- and on-peak periods, we induce the profit-maximising storage operator to invest in the same level of storage capacity as the welfare-maximising firm. Such a ramping charge can increase social welfare above the levels that are attained with a welfare-maximising storage operator.
Investing in Smart Grids: Assessing the Influence of Regulatory and Market Factors on Investment Level
Authors: Gwerder Yvonne Vogt , Figueiredo Nuno Carvalho , Pereira da Silva Patrícia
Published: April 2019

This paper explores how market and regulatory factors affect stakeholders' investments in smart grid projects in Europe. Distribution System Operators (DSOs), universities, and technology manufacturers are leading investors, with a cumulative 2286 M€ financed since 2002. Statistical tests were conducted on these groups' investments in smart grid projects in the EU-28, Norway, and Switzerland from 2008-2015, to evaluate the influence of the following factors on investment: the level of distribution sector concentration, the regulatory mechanism in place, and the existence of innovation stimulus mechanisms. The level of distribution sector concentration did not significantly influence investments by these three groups. Market-minded stakeholders, such as DSOs and technology manufacturers, invested more in countries that employed hybrid, incentive, or innovation-stimulus mechanisms; meanwhile, collaborative knowledge-seeking institutions, such as universities, were not swayed by these factors. Taking these findings into consideration will help policy makers design adequate incentives for stakeholders.
Voortvarend in verbouwen
Authors: van Schaik Eline
Published: April 2019

Quick to reform: How Denmark implements drastic policy changes efficiently (but not necessarily very effectively)

In international comparative research, a dominant image often emerges of Denmark as a frontrunner in innovative governance, gaining top results in international rankings.

Based on four recent examples of national public reforms, this article studies the dynamics of reform implementation in Denmark, which can be characterised as expeditious and efficient. Three explanatory factors are discussed: a political, systemic and managerial factor. What is Denmark, a country in many ways similar to the Netherlands, doing differently? The article concludes that, for the Netherlands, the guiding element of Danish public reforms can be found not in the results of these reforms, but in the efficiency with which they are implemented.
Transparantie in de EU-Raad
Authors: Hillebrandt Maarten
Published: April 2019

Transparency in the Council of the EU: Inevitable and indispensable? Unsatisfiable and unworkable?

The democratic deficit is generally observed to be one of the largest challenges facing the European Union. This is in spite of the fact that the member states introduced transparency in 1992 to address this legitimacy problem. This article asks why, after several decades, the transparency policy has still not delivered on its promise. In doing so, it bases itself on new empirical data that was collected in the context of a recently presented dissertation (Hillebrandt, 2017), while drawing a strict distinction between the empirical policy change question and the normative desirability question. From a longitudinal comparative analysis, a differentiated empirical image arises. On the one hand, a clear enhancement of legislative transparency can be discerned; on the other hand, a plurality of transparency-evasive practices has emerged in the area of non-legislative decision-making. This equivocal image supports contrasting normative responses, according to which transparency is respectively cast as an indispensable ideal, a fiction, or a solution in search of a problem.
De Nederlandse Staat als aandeelhouder in Air France/KLM: een nieuwe deelneming, een nieuw deelnemingenbeleid
Authors: Nijland J.
Published: April 2019

De Nederlandse Staat als aandeelhouder in Air France/KLM: een nieuwe deelneming, een nieuw deelnemingenbeleid

Met de aankoop van aandelen in Air France-KLM hoopt de Nederlandse Staat de internationale bereikbaarheid van Nederland beter te borgen. Deze bijdrage bespreekt in hoeverre deze aankoop de positie van de Staat versterkt en hoe het huidige deelnemingenbeleid aldus verruimd lijkt te worden met ruimte voor nieuwe overheidsdeelnemingen.
An Introduction to the Singapore Convention on Mediation – Perspectives from Singapore
Authors: Alexander Nadja , Chong Shouyu
Published: April 2019

An Introduction to the Singapore Convention on Mediation – Perspectives from Singapore

Following a retrospective of the road towards the Convention, incorporating some Singaporean inside views, the authors provide a detailed analysis of the envisaged grounds for refusal of mediated settlements. The authors also highlight various issues around the very concept, and proof, of mediation. These issues are fundamental, as only settlements ensuing from mediation are covered. Another significant aspect is the absence of any provisions pertaining to the status of agreements to mediate, the contract situated at the entry side of mediation.
Determination of lead(II) and cadmium(II) in water lily stems using a bismuth film electrode
Authors: Somkid Monthira , Chooto Pipat
Published: April 2019

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles and chitosan were combined with ex-situ bismuth film modified glassy carbon electrode (NanoSiO2–CTS/BiFE) for simultaneous determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in HCl/KCl pH 2.2. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) measurements, based on formation of ion-associates between chlorocomplexes and protonated amino groups (–NH3+) of chitosan at the electrode surface, were explored. Under optimum conditions, the linear correlation coefficient was 0.998 for both Pb(II) and Cd(II) after 240 s of deposition time. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 1.0 mg/L and 3.3 mg/L for Pb(II) and 0.5 mg/L and 1.6 mg/L for Cd(II), respectively. The method exhibited satisfactory reproducibility and the results comparable to ICP-OES. Also, DPASV at NanoSiO2–CTS/BiFE was applied successfully in determining Pb(II) and Cd(II) in water lily stems in Thale Noi.
Científicas e inventoras a través de los cuentos
Authors: Calvo Iglesias Maria Encina
Published: April 2019

En los últimos años, en nuestro país se han llevado a cabo distintas iniciativas para atraer alumnas al ámbito STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), donde continúan siendo una minoría. En esta comunicación, mostramos una selección de científicas e inventoras cuyas biografías aparecen en cuentos y relatos dirigidos al público infantil y juvenil y que ha formado parte del material complementario del programa Unha enxeñeira ou científica en cada cole, cuyo objetivo es visibilizar a científicas y tecnólogas en colegios de primaria. Estos cuentos y relatos podrían utilizarse para mostrar las contribuciones de las mujeres al avance de la ciencia y tecnología, combatiendo la cultura androcéntrica que aún predomina en los libros de texto escolares y proporcionando referentes femeninos en el ámbito científico-tecnológico, algo de gran importancia en la elección de estudios.
Juzgar con perspectiva de género: una metodología vinculante de justicia equitativa
Authors: Poyatos Matas Gloria
Published: April 2019

Una sociedad que mide con el mismo rasero a los desiguales genera más desigualdad. En muchas partes del mundo, la igualdad ha evolucionado desde lo jurídico (siglo XX) hacia lo real (siglo XXI), exigiendo resultados. Hacer real el principio de igualdad no permite neutralidad, hay que adoptar un enfoque constitucional, removiendo los obstáculos que lo dificulten, e integrando la perspectiva de género, como criterio de referencia en todos los casos que involucren relaciones asimétricas y patrones estereotípicos de género. Este artículo aporta información teórica y práctica sobre la impartición de justicia con perspectiva de género, como método de traslación y aplicación al ámbito judicial, de los estándares jurídicos internacionales y constitucionales en derecho  antidiscriminatorio (gender mainstreaming), en la aplicación e interpretación de todas las normas, procesales y sustantivas. A nivel teórico, expone la normativa internacional e interna que sustenta este método de análisis judicial, que no es una opción de quien juzga sino un mandato legal imperativo y vinculante para todos los órganos judiciales, sometidos al imperio de la ley. Desde el punto de vista práctico, documenta cómo dos sentencias integran esta metodología en la interpretación jurídica de las normas penales y en la valoración de la prueba social
Ao correr da pena (folhetins inéditos)
Authors: Alencar José de
Published: April 2019

O livro Ao correr da pena (folhetins inéditos), de José de Alencar, apresenta oito folhetins inéditos do romancista romântico. Os textos, publicados inicialmente no jornal Correio Mercantil, entre setembro de 1854 e julho de 1855, não aparecem na fortuna literária do autor, sendo, a rigor, textos inéditos, já que, até hoje, além de nunca estudados, nunca tinham sido recolhidos em livro. Além dos folhetins, o livro é aberto pelo ensaio “O enigma dos folhetins”, de Wilton José Marques, que levanta algumas questões sobre o porquê de os textos não terem sido anteriormente publicados.
Comparison of shallow-water seston among biogenic habitats on tidal flats
Authors: Ruesink Jennifer L. , Donoghue Cinde R. , Horwith Micah J. , Lowe Alexander T. , Trimble Alan C.
Published: April 2019

Aquatic structure-formers have the potential to establish mosaics of seston in shallow water if they modify the relative amounts of deposition (or filtration) and resuspension of particles. By sampling surface water adjacent to Lagrangian drifters traveling 0.1 to 2 m above the bottom, we tested the modification of seston in water masses flowing over two biogenic marine species (native eelgrass, Zostera marina; introduced oysters, Crassostrea gigas) in comparison to unstructured tidal flats. Water properties were examined at five intertidal sites in Washington State, USA, each with 27 drifts (three drifts at different stages of the tidal cycle in each of three patches of three habitat types; drift distance 116 m (109SD), duration 24 min (15SD)). At the initiation of each drift, habitat differences in water properties were already apparent: chlorophyll-a and total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations were greater in structured habitats than bare, and TSS was also inversely related to water depth. Water flowed more slowly across eelgrass than other habitat types. As water flowed across each habitat type, TSS generally increased, especially in shallow water, but without habitat differences; chlorophyll-a in these surface-water samples showed no consistent change during drifts. At higher TSS concentrations, quality in terms of organic content declined, and this relationship was not habitat-specific. However, quality in terms of chlorophyll-a concentration increased with TSS, as well as being greater in water over eelgrass than over other habitat types. These results support widespread mobilization of seston in shallow water ebbing or flooding across Washington State’s tidal flats, especially as water passes into patches of biogenic species.
Spatial variation in allometric growth of invasive lionfish has management implications
Authors: Villaseñor-Derbez Juan Carlos , Fitzgerald Sean
Published: April 2019

Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) are an invasive species in the Western Atlantic and the Caribbean. Improving management of invasive lionfish populations requires accurate total biomass estimates, which depend on accurate estimates of allometric growth; sedentary species like lionfish often exhibit high levels of spatial variation in life history characteristics. We reviewed 17 published length-weight relationships for lionfish taken throughout their invasive range and found regional differences that led to significant misestimates when calculating weight from length observations. The spatial pattern we observed is consistent with findings from other studies focused on genetics or length-at-age. Here, the use of ex situ parameter values resulted in total biomass estimates between 76.2% and 140% of true observed biomass, and up to a threefold under- or overestimation of total weight for an individual organism. These findings can have implications for management in terms of predicting effects on local ecosystems, evaluating the effectiveness of removal programs, or estimating biomass available for harvest.
Ultraprocessed Food Intake and Psoriasis
Authors: Penso Laetitia , Touvier Mathilde , Srour Bernard , Ezzedine Khaled , Sbidian Emilie
Published: November 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the association between self-reported level of ultraprocessed food consumption and cases of psoriasis in France.
Changes in Postpartum Opioid Prescribing After Implementation of State Opioid Prescribing Limits
Authors: Fry Carrie E. , Jeffery Alvin D. , Horta Manuel , Li Yixuan , Osmundson Sarah S. , Phillippi Julia , Schirle Lori , Morgan Jake R. , Leech Ashley A.
Published: November 2024

Importance

In response to the growing opioid crisis, states implemented opioid prescribing limits to reduce exposure to opioid analgesics. Research in other clinical contexts has found that these limits are relatively ineffective at changing opioid analgesic prescribing.

Objective

To examine the association of state-level opioid prescribing limits with opioid prescribing within the 30-day postpartum period, as disaggregated by type of delivery (vaginal vs cesarean) and opioid naivete.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, observational cohort study used commercial claims data from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2021, from 49 US states and a difference-in-differences staggered adoption estimator to examine changes in postpartum opioid prescribing among all deliveries to enrollees between the ages of 18 and 44 years in the US.

Exposures

The implementation of a state opioid prescribing limit between 2017 and 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measurements

The primary outcomes for this analysis were the number of prescriptions for opioid analgesics, proportion of prescriptions with a supply greater than 7 days, and milligrams of morphine equivalent (MMEs) per delivery between 3 days before and 30 days after delivery.

Results

A total of 1 572 338 deliveries (enrollee mean [SD] age, 30.20 [1.59] years) were identified between 2014 and 2021, with 32.3% coded as cesarean deliveries. A total of 98.4% of these were to opioid-naive patients. The mean MMEs per delivery was 310.79, with higher rates in earlier years, states that had an opioid prescribing limit, and cesarean deliveries. In a covariate-adjusted difference-in-differences regression analysis, opioid prescribing limits were associated with a decrease of 148.70 MMEs per delivery (95% CI, −657.97 to 360.57) compared with states without such limits. However, these changes were not statistically significant. The pattern of results was similar among other opioid-prescribing outcomes and types of deliveries.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study suggest that opioid prescribing limits are not associated with changes in postpartum opioid prescribing regardless of delivery type or opioid naivete, which is consistent with research findings on these limits in other conditions or settings. Future research could explore what kinds of prevention mechanisms reduce the risk of opioid prescribing during pregnancy and postpartum.
Ambulatory Care vs Overnight Hospitalization After Anterior Surgery for Cervical Radiculopathy
Authors: Lönnrot Kimmo , Taimela Simo , Satopää Jarno , Saarenpää Ilkka , Leinonen Ville , Kivelev Juri , Silvasti-Lundell Marja , Förster Johannes , Pitkänen Mikko , Raj Rahul , Kauppinen Mikko , Westermarck Riitta , Jahromi Behnam Rezai , Koski-Palkén Anniina , Seppälä Matti , Kivipelto Leena , Antinheimo Jussi , Korja Miikka , Czuba Tomasz , Järvinen Teppo L. N.
Published: November 2024

Importance

During the past decade, spinal surgical procedures have been increasingly performed on an ambulatory basis, a change in clinical practice supported only by observational evidence thus far. There have been no randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing ambulatory care with inpatient care after any spinal surgery.

Objective

To assess whether ambulatory care is noninferior to overnight hospital surveillance in functional outcome, as measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI), in adults after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for cervical radiculopathy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This parallel group, noninferiority RCT enrolled patients at 3 tertiary neurosurgical centers in Finland (University Hospitals of Helsinki, Turku, and Oulu) between June 2019 and February 2021, with a final follow-up in October 2021. Patients aged 18 to 62 years who underwent 1-level or 2-level ACDF due to cervical radiculopathy were assessed for eligibility. After surgery, participants were randomly assigned to either ambulatory care or overnight hospital surveillance. Intention-to-treat data analyses were conducted in August 2022.

Interventions

Patients randomly assigned to ambulatory care were kept under surveillance for 6 to 8 hours after surgery and then discharged. Patients assigned to overnight hospital surveillance were kept in the ward for 24 hours or longer.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was NDI at 6 months. A minimal important difference of 17.3 percentage points for NDI was set as the margin of noninferiority.

Results

Among the 105 patients (mean [SD] age, 47.0 [7.9] years; 54 women [50%]) randomly assigned to ambulatory care (n = 52) or overnight hospital surveillance (n = 53), 94 (90%) completed the trial. Four (8%) patients who received ambulatory care crossed over to overnight hospital surveillance. Seventy-nine patients (75%) had a 1-level ACDF and 26 (25%) had a 2-level ACDF. At 6 months after surgery, the mean NDI was 13.3% (95% CI, 9.3%-17.3%) in the ambulatory care group and 12.2% (95% CI, 8.2%-16.2%) in the overnight hospital surveillance group (between-group mean difference, 1.1 [95% CI, −4.6 to 6.8] percentage points).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this RCT comparing functional outcomes of ambulatory care vs overnight hospital surveillance after ACDF, ambulatory care resulted in noninferior functional outcomes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03979443
Thermodynamic versus kinetic basis for the high conformational stability of nanobodies for therapeutic applications
Authors: Gómez‐Mulas Atanasio , Cano‐Muñoz Mario , Salido Ruiz Eduardo , Pey Angel Luis
Published: November 2024

Nanobodies (NB) are powerful tools for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. They strongly bind to their targets and are very stable. Early studies showed that NB unfolding is reversible and can be analyzed by equilibrium thermodynamics, whereas more recent studies focused on their kinetic stability in very harsh conditions that are far from storage or physiological temperatures (4–37 °C). Here, we show that the thermodynamic view of NB stability holds in a wide range of temperatures (18–100 °C). The thermodynamic stability of three different NBs did not correlate with binding affinity for their target. Alpha‐Fold 2 analyses of these NBs showed structural differences in the binding site and hydrogen bond networks. We expect that our approach will be helpful to improve our capacity to enhance structure–function–stability relationships of NB.
Impact of Infill Density and Glass Fiber Reinforcement on the Compressive and Bending Strength of Acrylonitrile Butadiene 3D‐Printed Corrugated Sandwich Panels
Authors: Sadooghi Ali , Ebrahimian Mohammad Reza , Hashemi Seyed Jalal , Sayar Rasool , Rahmani Kaveh , Bodaghi Mahdi
Published: November 2024

Sandwich panel structures are widely utilized across various industries due to their exceptional strength‐to‐weight ratios, particularly when employing a corrugated core. In this study, the innovative use of additive manufacturing and fused deposition modeling to produce corrugated core sandwich panels with enhanced mechanical properties are investigated. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene filaments reinforced with varying percentages of glass fibers (0, 5, 10, and 15%) are utilized, and three distinct infill density patterns are examined. The panels are subjected to three‐point bending and compressive tests, revealing that a 10% glass fiber reinforcement yields the highest bending (1973.62 N) and compressive strengths (9581.56 N). Beyond this reinforcement level, strength decreases due to fiber agglomeration. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscope confirms optimal dispersion and bonding of glass fibers at 10%, which improves mechanical performance. Thermal analysis identified the appropriate printing temperatures, ensuring high‐quality layer adhesion. The novel approach of varying infill densities and fiber content contributes to optimizing 3D printing parameters, advancing the production of lightweight, high‐strength structures for applications in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. In this study, significant insights into the relationship between material composition, manufacturing parameters, and mechanical properties of 3D‐printed sandwich panels are provided.
Synergistical Effects of Mg Microalloying, Deformation, and Aging on the Strength and Electrical Conductivity of Cu‐3.3 wt%Ti Alloy
Authors: Yang Kuo , Guo Mingxing , Wang Hu , Mo Yongda , Wang Miaomiao , Liu Fang , Wang Yunpeng , Liang Dong , Lou Huafen
Published: November 2024

Herein, large electrical conductivity of 21% IACS and high strength of 1118 MPa in the Cu‐3.3 wt%Ti alloy are successfully achieved based on the coupling control of microalloying, deformation, and aging. It is revealed that compared with the Mg‐free Cu‐3.3 wt%Ti alloy prepared by traditional treatment methods, such as aging, deformation + aging, and the novel method of preaging + cold rolling + aging, both the addition of 0.1 wt%Mg and the novel method of preaging + cold rolling + aging not only can greatly improve the uniform distribution level of dislocation formed during cold rolling and reduce the average size of precipitates, but also can significantly improve the formation of multiscale precipitates with higher volume fraction and their coupling distribution with dislocations, which effectively improve the electrical conductivity and strengthening contribution of precipitates and dislocation simultaneously. The results shed light on the understanding of related mechanisms in Cu‐Ti alloys and hopefully also provide theoretical guidance for industrial production and applications of Cu‐Ti alloys with excellent properties.
Deuteration‐Induced Superior Properties in Polymer/Soluble Acene Blends: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Lee Jung Hun , Lim Soohwan , Kim Minsong , Bae Heesun , Im Seongil , Ji Daechan , Lee Hoonkyung , Nguyen Ky Van , Lee June Hyuk , Anthony John E. , Jang Ho Won , Lyu Jaegeun , Koo Jaseung , Lee Wi Hyoung
Published: November 2024

The selection of suitable polymers is pivotal in influencing the electrical performance and the thermal/electrical stabilities of organic electronics. Here, the superior properties induced by deuteration in polymer/2,8‐difluoro‐5,11‐bis(triethylsilylethynyl)anthradithiophene (diF‐TES ADT) blends are systematically investigated. By employing a combination of experimental and computational analyses, the critical factors underlying charge transport and device stabilities in deuterated polymers (d‐polymers) compared to protonated polymers are elucidated. Deuterated polymers exhibit increased mass due to the substitution of hydrogen with deuterium, reducing the zero‐point vibration energy by 1/√2. This reduction leads to enhanced energetic stabilization and the formation of stronger D─C bonds than H─C bonds. Consequently, deuterated polymers exhibit enhanced thermal properties, along with improved insulating properties, which are intrinsically linked to improved device performance. Additionally, the correlation between the electrical properties and bias stability using deuterated poly(methyl methacrylate) (d‐PMMA) and polystyrene (d‐PS) blends are analyzed. Utilizing complementary neutron & X‐ray reflectivity, and photoexcited charge‐collection spectroscopy (PECCS), phase separation and trap dynamics are delved, providing a comprehensive understanding of these relationships. These findings reveal that d‐polymers significantly enhance the electrical performance and stability of the blends, offering valuable insights for the design of advanced materials in organic electronics.
Microfluidic Synthesis of Carrier‐Free Full‐Active Metal‐Phenolic Nanocapsules for Tumor Chemo‐Chemodynamic‐Immune Therapy
Authors: Yang Rui , Zhan Mengsi , Shen Siyan , Zhang Bin , Ouyang Zhijun , Guo Honghua , Xia Jindong , Shen Mingwu , Shi Xiangyang
Published: November 2024

Development of carrier‐free full‐active nanoplatforms to exert efficient tumor therapeutics and prevent tumor recurrence remains to be a challenging task. Herein, a microfluidic synthesis of self‐assembled carrier‐free gossypol (Gos)‐iron ion (Fe3+)‐toyocamycin (Toy) nanocapsules (GFT NCs) is developed for tumor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and chemo‐chemodynamic‐immune therapy. The constructed GFT NCs with an average diameter of 101.9 nm display desirable colloidal stability, uniformity, pH‐responsive drug release profile, and enhanced r1 relaxivity (3.71 mm−1s−1) under an acidic condition. The NCs‐mediated co‐delivery of Gos, Fe3+, and Toy induces apparent immunogenic cell death by leveraging a combination of Gos‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction, Fe3+‐mediated chemodynamic therapy, and Toy‐amplified endoplasmic reticulum stress, thus efficiently inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis while triggering a potent antitumor immunity. When combined with programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody, the GFT NCs significantly enhance immune activation and establish tumor‐specific immune memory effects, thereby preventing tumor recurrence. Compared to Magnevist, a commercial T1 MR imaging contrast agent, the GFT NCs offer superior tumor T1‐weighted MR imaging at equivalent Fe or Gd concentrations in vivo. The developed GFT NCs represent a potential carrier‐free full‐active nanomedicine formulation for multifaceted and enhanced immunotherapy across diverse tumor types.