bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research and Experiments on a Separation Mechanism for Film-Impurity Aggregates Using a Pneumatic Cylinder Sieve
Authors: Peng Qiangji , Li Chengsong , Kang Jianming , Shi Gaokun 
Published: September 2020

HighlightsBased on a proposed method combining airflow with a cylinder sieve, a separation device was designed for aggregates of plastic film residue and impurities.The influencing factors were determined by analyzing the separation mechanism and verified by experiments.A response model was successfully built, and a significance test was performed.This study potentially provides a basis for designing separation equipment for film-impurity aggregates.Abstract. Separation of plastic film residue from impurities has challenges, including a high impurity rate and complex operation, causing reuse problems after the recovery of plastic film. To solve these problems, a new method is proposed combining airflow with a cylinder sieve to design a separation device for film-impurity aggregates. In this study, the changes in the movement of film-impurity aggregates during the separation process were initially analyzed for the separation device. The suspension speed of different materials, the rotation speed of the cylinder sieve, the airflow speed of the inlet pipe, and the inclination angle of the airflow were selected as experimental factors, while the impurity rate in the film and the film content in the impurity were used as evaluation indicators. A Box-Behnken test design was used to design a three-factor and three-level test to analyze the influence of each factor on the separation performance. The results indicated that the factors affecting the impurity rate in the film, in descending order, were the airflow speed of the inlet pipe, the angle of the airflow, and the rotation speed of the cylinder sieve. On the other hand, the factors affecting the film content in the impurity, in descending order, were the airflow speed of the inlet pipe, the rotation speed of the cylinder sieve, and the angle of the airflow. Design-Expert software was used to analyze the effect of each factor on the evaluation indicators, and optimal working parameters were obtained. This study shows that the optimal rotation speed of the cylinder sieve, airflow speed of the inlet pipe, and inclination angle of the airflow were 22 rpm, 7 m s-1, and 4°, respectively. An experiment was performed to verify the optimal values. The impurity rate in the film and the film content in the impurity for the optimal design were 11.87% and 0.121%, respectively. The results indicate that the optimization scheme of the device is feasible. Keywords: Film-impurity agglomerates, Model, Pneumatic cylinder sieve, Separation mechanism.
Comparative study of the biosorption of Fe3+ ion by living and dead biomass prepared from the microalga Scenedesmus obliquus
Authors: Bouzit Laila , Bouharat Dorsaf , El Yousfi Farida , Stitou Mostafa 
Published: September 2020

<p>:<strong> </strong>The present work compares the biosorption capacity of Fe<sup>3+</sup> by the living biomass presented in our previous study with dead biomass prepared from the same microalgae after deactivating the cells using temperature (drying). This technique (dry biomass) is the most frequently used in biological processes based on adsorption by microalgae. The influence of different parameters on the biosorption capacity of the two biomasses was studied. The highest efficiency of metal removal was recorded by a live microalgae <em>Scenedesmus obliquus,</em> with a removal value of 100% within 20 minutes versus to 43% for dried microalgae within 60 minutes. This work confirms the potential use of a live microalgae <em>Scenedesmus obliquus</em> as an efficient technique for removing ions from wastewater.</p>
Epidemiology of human brucellosis in Nahavand county, Hamadan Province, western Iran: an 8-year (2010–2017) registry-based analysis
Authors: Khazaei Salman , Solgi Manoochehr , Goodarzi Shahram , Khazaei Leila , Salehi Iraj , Jenabi Ensiyeh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Brucellosis is an infectious zoonosis, which greatly afflicts human health and animal productivity.

Objectives
To describe the trends and epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Nahavand county, Hamadan Province, western Iran over 8 years (2010–2017).

Methods
In this registry-based longitudinal study, we analyzed all reported cases of human brucellosis, including 1,130 patients from 2010 to 2017. A checklist including demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with reported cases of brucellosis had been used to gather data. We calculated annual percent changes (APCs) and average annual percent changes (AAPCs) using Joinpoint software to determine the trend of brucellosis using a segmented regression model.

Results
Among the patients, 60.9% were male and 87.3% lived in rural areas. The mean age of the patients was 35.9 ± 18.34 years. Compared with male patients, female patients were more affected when they were elderly (15.6% men vs. 24.2% women for those aged ≥55 years) (P = 0.001). Of patients with brucellosis, 65.2% had consumed unpasteurized dairy products and 82.3% had a history of contact with animals. The incidence of human brucellosis in Nahavand county increased between 2010 and 2014, then decreased in 2015, and thereafter remained steady. Per 100,000 population, the AAPC pertaining to the incidence was 17.4 in the male population (95% CI: 4.4, 31.9), 13.8 in the female population (95% CI: 0.2, 29.3), and 16.1 in rural dwellers (95% CI: 2.2, 31.8) indicating an increasing trend from 2010 to 2017 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The incidence of brucellosis in the western part of Iran is high and remains a challenging health problem. In the present study, age, job, sex, and seasonal changes are important risk factors for human brucellosis.
Cooperation and development for academic language skills in the university context
Authors: Argondizzo Carmen , Marcella Vanessa , Sasso Maria I. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This paper analyses the learning process of students of a Master’s course in Cooperation and Development (C&D) who attend classes in English for Academic Writing at the University of Calabria, and their awareness of competences achieved. The language objectives are to expand students’ knowledge of the main elements of spoken and written discourse in English in academic contexts with focus on specialized language in the fields of C&D. The study evaluates the ability of students to improve their competences and assess their language development using the self-assessment grid of academic language competences included in the European Language Portfolio created at the Università della Calabria, Italy. Specifically, this version of the ELP focuses on academic language and contains descriptors aimed at evaluating learners’ language competences in academic contexts. A group of 25 students participated in this didactic experience, in the second semester of the academic year 2018. Students’ oral production, interaction and academic writing skills were monitored. For the written examination students were required to write a Research Proposal (RP) showing competence in text cohesion and content coherence, appropriate use of terminology and accurate use of language structures. Following on from the acceptance of the RP, students delivered an oral presentation on the topic presented, showing ability in answering questions and expressing opinions on issues presented by other students. The concepts of autonomous learning are crucial in order to monitor students’ improvement and commitment. A contrastive analysis of data from students’ first self-assessment to the final evaluation of competences achieved by the end of the academic year was conducted.
Nitrate removal studies on polyurea membrane using nanofiltration system – membrane characterization and model development
Authors: Kancherla Ravichand , Kumar Vadeghar Ramesh , Prabhaker Reddy Ginuga , Sridhar Sundergopal 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Desalination of nitrates from brackish water is prominent in the coastal areas due to excessive disposal of pesticides by agricultural industries. Nowadays, membrane processes are growing tremendously for the desalination of brackish water. In this context, polyurea (PU) could be a useful membrane material for the treatment of brackish water. The present work deals with the removal of nitrates from synthetic water using PU membranes by nanofiltration (NF) process. Polyurea thin film composite (PU-TFC) membranes were prepared by interfacial polymerization followed by thermal crosslinking and characterized using Fourier transformed infrared spectral (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy– energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric (TGA), and universal testing machine (UTM) for structural analysis, crystallinity, morphological, compositional, thermal and mechanical properties, respectively. Experimental studies were conducted on an NF pilot plant by varying operating pressure from 2 to 10 bar and feed nitrate concentration from 60 to 200 mg/L for evaluating PU membrane performance. Experimental observations revealed a maximum water flux of 30.6 L/m2 h and nitrate rejection of 97.2% at a pressure of 10 bar for feed containing 140 mg/L of nitrate. A mass transfer model was developed on the basis of solution–diffusion mechanism for a semi-batch NF process by considering cake enhanced concentration polarization model, for laminar flow with feed recycle, using a plate and frame membrane module. A generic semi-batch NF process model was integrated taking into account concentration polarization and fouling layer resistance. The integrated model was successfully compared with existing data in literature and could be used for process scale-up. Due to the merits of hydrophilicity, negative charge, high thermal and mechanical resistance, the PU membrane can be termed as a low cost, commercially viable and ecofriendly barrier for separation of nitrates.
Takeover Bids in Europe in Times of a World-wide Pandemic Threat: A Delicate Balance Between the Fundamental Freedoms and the Protection of Europe’s and the Member States’ Strategic Assets
Authors: Wyckaert Marieke 
Published: September 2020

This paper explores takeover bids in Europe in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The search for a balance between maintaining the open market as a European achievement and the protection of national security and public order is not a new phenomenon. This search is not easy with the future FDI Regulation and will raise additional questions.The FDI Regulation became very concrete thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic: At the beginning of the crisis, the Commission presented a Communication setting out guidelines for FDI to be applied prior to the regulation.
Does Judicial Selection Affect Judicial Performance? Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Vakilifathi Mona , Kousser Thad 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Do judges selected by merit review commissions perform better than elected judges or those directly appointed by elected officials? This is a central question in both the academic study of state judicial institutions and the policy discourse about how to reform them. To address it, we take advantage of the variation in the means of the selection for trial court judges within Arizona, a state comprised of appointed, elected, and merit-selected trial court judges. This unique context allows us to use an objective measure of judicial performance – the reversal rate of trial court cases appealed to Arizona’s state appellate courts – to evaluate judges by their means of selection. We gather an original dataset on 2919 cases heard by 176 judges, estimating multivariate models that control for characteristics of cases and of judges. Overall, we find that elected judges have a lower reversal rate than merit-selected judges. Our findings question the conventional wisdom in the state courts literature in favor of merit selection and against judicial elections, and encourage further work on the effects of judges’ means of selection beyond state supreme courts to include state appellate and trial courts.
The optimization and statistical analysis of fermentative hydrogen production using Taguchi method
Authors: Sepehri Sara , Rostami Khosrow , Azin Mehrdad 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
There are many variables influencing the performance of fermentative hydrogen production. The present paper tries to scrutinize and improve the rate and efficiency of fermentative hydrogen production through modeling and optimizing the effective parameters or variables on fermentative process. In this research, Taguchi experimental design method are applied to design the experiments. Then, the experimental results are analyzed by Design Expert software. Eventually, the optimization of process with considering the experimental data is implemented and their results are reported. The optimum conditions of bio hydrogen production and their predicted responses have been resulted in inoculums size of 11%, an initial glucose concentration of 10.13 g/L, initial pH of medium of 6.18 and FeSO4·7H2O concentration of 30 mg/L. The yield of hydrogen is 2.86 mol of hydrogen per mole. glucose with the production rate of 3.21 mol of hydrogen per hour.
Effect of experimental wet and dry cycles on bamboo fibre reinforced acrylic polymer modified cement composites
Authors: Akinyemi Banjo A. , Omoniyi Temidayo E. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This study experimentally evaluated the effect of accelerated wet/dry cycles on the dimensional stability and some selected mechanical properties of polymer modified vegetable fibre cement composites. The bamboo fibres were pre-treated with 10% conc. of sodium hydroxide and varied from 0 – 2.0% while acrylic polymer admixture of 10% w/w of cement was added to improve the properties. The modified fibre-cement composites were subjected to 50 cycles of wet/dry processes to simulate natural weathering process of the environment. The samples were subjected to water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) after 28 days of curing and aging cycles respectively using 5 replicates. One way ANOVA at p<0.05 was used to analyse the results. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were conducted on the samples. The results showed improvement of 33.3, 64, 71 and 57% in MOR and 135, 85, 101 and 188% in MOE for samples with 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% fibre inclusion after ageing tests. Significantly improved dimensional stability values were observed in this study in comparison with data from similar ageing tests conducted on unmodified vegetable fibre-cement matrix. SEM micrographs showed marginal increase in the size of the pores before and after ageing tests. FTIR analysis indicated increase in intensities during the ageing tests especially for spectra bands located at 3384 – 3520cm−1 which are denoted for OH vibration stretching as well as 1676, 1726 and 1794 cm−1 which depict the presence of carbonyl groups because of absorption of polymers to the fibre surface during the ageing cycles. The study has shown thatwet/dry ageing cycles showed less harmful effect on vegetable fibre cement composites provided the cement matrix is modified with polymer admixtures.
Respecting Children’s Choices
Authors: Grill Kalle 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The traditional liberal view on conflicts between care for wellbeing and respect for choice and desire is that we should look to degrees of competence and voluntariness to determine which moral imperative should take priority. This view has likely influenced the common view that children’s choices should be considered only to the extent that this promotes their future autonomy and helps us determine their best interests. I reject both the general traditional liberal view and its application to children. Competence and voluntariness, as well as maturity, are at best proxies for what really matters, which is wellbeing, choice and desire. We typically have reason to respect children’s choices, irrespective of any further positive consequences. If we should more often make children do what they do not want to do, this is mainly because, though we should care about respecting their choices, we should care even more about their wellbeing and future autonomy.
Semantic Realism, Actually
Authors: Hewitt Simon 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMichael Dummett offered a semantic characterisation of a variety of realism-antirealism debates. This approach has fallen out of fashion. This has been to the detriment of metaphysics. This paper offers an accurate characterisation of Dummett’s view, often lacking in the literature, and then defends it against a range of attacks (from Devitt, Miller and Williamson). This understanding of realism debates is resilient, and if we take it seriously the philosophical terrain looks importantly different. In particular, the philosophy of language has a foundational role with respect to metaphysics.
Micro Remote Islands: Lands of Freedom or Lands of Despotism?
Authors: Bertolini Elisa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The paper addresses the narrative that qualifies micro and remote islands as lands of freedom, suggesting that they can also be lands of despotism. Philosophers from Plato to Aristotle, to Thomas More, to Montesquieu and Rousseau have claimed that micro polities, preferably insular, represent the ideal society, where everyone is actively engaged in public affairs and pursues common good. Literature has represented islands as lands of freedom, opportunity, challenge, success, adventure, redemption, away from the corruption of Europe. However, in the nineteenth century a new narrative has emerged in fiction, which abandons this idyllic approach: islands as lands of despotism. Islands are interpreted as lawless lands, characterised by rivalries between individuals. Moving from these contrasting suggestions from literature and philosophy, the paper discusses the constitutional arrangements of Commonwealth Caribbean and Pacific micro states, in order to investigate where they stand with respect to the dialectic freedom/despotism.
Law, Narrative and Critique in Contemporary Verbatim Theatre
Authors: Howe Steven , Pégorier Clotilde 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The present article undertakes an interdisciplinary inquiry into contemporary British verbatim theatre as a site of interplay between law, art and politics. Focusing on the example of Matt Woodhead and Richard Norton-Taylor’s 2016 play Chilcot, documenting the public inquiry into the UK’s role in the 2003 Iraq war, the authors explore the work as a space of legal and political critique, and ask how the specific theatrical and narrative affordances of the verbatim form shape its critical substance.
Effectiveness assessment of TiO2-Al2O3 nano-mixture as a filler material for improvement of packaging performance of PLA nanocomposite films
Authors: Yakdoumi Fatima Zohra , Hadj-Hamou Assia Siham 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of TiO2-Al2O3 nano-mixture used as filler in improving packaging films performance. Polylactic acid/titanium dioxide (PLA/TiO2), polylactic acid/alumina (PLA/Al2O3) and polylactic acid/TiO2-Al2O3 (PLA/TiO2-Al2O3) nanocomposite films were successfully prepared via melt mixing process and thoroughly characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The properties such as heat resistant, barrier, mechanical and antimicrobial properties, required for food packaging have also been investigated. As compared to the neat PLA film, the developed PLA nanocomposites have displayed superior properties particularly the PLA/ TiO2-Al2O3 nanocomposite film. This resulted material has showed a 22 °C increase in its thermal stability versus 14 and 2 °C in the cases of PLA/TiO2 and PLA/Al2O3 respectively, and a 54% reduction of its water vapor permeability in comparison with 47% for PLA/TiO2 and 39% for PLA/Al2O3. In addition, the PLA/TiO2-Al2O3 had a significant enhancement of its mechanical properties. Its Young modulus increased by 102% unlike 23.60% for the PLA/TiO2 and 44.66% for the PLA/Al2O3. It was also noticed that this nanocomposite film demonstrated stronger antibacterial activity than the two others. The bacterial growth inhibition effect of TiO2-Al2O3 nano-mixture against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli bacteria was more effective than that of its two constituents.
Temperature impact on [68Ga]Ga-edotreotide for the shipping of radioactive material in shielded container
Authors: Schmitt Camille , Fouque Julien , Blondeel-Gomes Sandy , Provost Claire , Da Costa Branquinho Emilie , Madar Olivier 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionTo reduce costs of gallium-68 activity in nuclear medicine, a subcontracting activity has been settled for [68Ga]Ga-edotreotide preparations. Cold kits are radiolabeled in our radiopharmacy and shipped out to nearby hospitals. According to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), preparations must be stored below 25 °C until expiration (4 h).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to define the impact of high temperature on preparation quality during shipping.Materials & methodsAfter radiolabeling, vials were placed in “type A” package until their expiry date. Four kits were stored in “Type A” container exposed to an outside temperature of 50 °C to represent extreme temperature conditions and one kit was kept at room temperature and used as a control. For each preparation, pH, organoleptic properties and radiochemical purity (RCP) were evaluated. RCP was measured using two radio thin layer chromatography, to evaluate the rates of gallium-68 colloids and free gallium-68. Samples were withdrawn at the end of preparation (t0), at t0 + 1 h or at t0 + 2 h and at t0 + 4 h.ResultsRCPs and pH of the radiopharmaceutical were all conform from t0 to t0 + 4 h. Four hours storage in “type A” package at 50 °C does not show any impact on physical and chemical quality of the preparation. Thanks to it expanded polyethylene foam which absorbs impacts; “Type A” package might acts as thermal barrier and enables the temperature regulation of shipped vials.ConclusionA monitored expedition in temperature-controlled vehicle does not seem necessary in those conditions.
Innovatory role of nanomaterials as bio-tools for treatment of cancer
Authors: Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Talat Muntaha , Jaffri Shaan Bibi , Shaheen Neelofer 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Conventional treatment modes like chemotherapy, thermal and radiations aimed at cancerous cells eradication are marked by destruction pointing the employment of nanomaterials as sustainable and auspicious materials for saving human lives. Cancer has been deemed as the second leading cause of death on a global scale. Nanomaterials employment in cancer treatment is based on the utilization of their inherent physicochemical characteristics in addition to their modification for using as nano-carriers and nano-vehicles eluted with anti-cancer drugs. Current work has reviewed the significant role of different types of nanomaterials in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics in a systematic way. Compilation of review has been done by analyzing voluminous investigations employing ERIC, MEDLINE, NHS Evidence and Web of Science databases. Search engines used were Google scholar, Jstore and PubMed. Current review is suggestive of the remarkable performance of nanomaterials making them candidates for cancer treatment for substitution of destructive treatment modes through investigation of their physicochemical characteristics, utilization outputs and long term impacts in patients.