bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Magnetite (Fe3O4)-Titania (TiO2) hybrid particle on mechanical, thermal and microwave attenuation behaviour of flexible natural rubber composite in X and Ku band frequencies
Authors: John Prabhahar M , S Julyes Jaisingh , R Arun Prakash V 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This current work aims to prepare a flexible elastomeric microwave shielding composite material with good mechanical and thermal properties by dispersing Fe3O4 and titania hybrid nano-particles. The primary aim of this research work is to prepare a high strength and high thermal stable flexible natural rubber composite with higher wave attenuation coefficient against ‘X (8–12 GHz)’ and ‘Ku (12–18 GHz)’ band microwave frequencies. The Fe3O4-Titania hybrids were prepared using low energy ball milling and the hybridization effect was confirmed using transmission electron spectroscopy. The prepared Fe3O4-Titania hybrids were surface-treated using 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane via wet solution method to avoid agglomeration. The natural rubber flexible composite was made by two-roll milling with recommended process parameters. The mechanical and thermal results showed improved tensile strength, modulus and mass decomposition. The highest tensile strength of 60 MPa was observed for composite contains 1.0 vol% of Fe3O4–TiO2 particles. Similarly, the highest thermal stability of 385 °C is observed for composite contain Fe3O4–TiO2 particles. The X and Ku band microwave attenuation behaviour revealed the highest attenuation of 28.1 dB for 1.0 vol% of Fe3O4–TiO2 particle dispersed rubber composite in Ku band frequency. These mechanically toughened thermally stable and high microwave attenuation flexible composites could be used as EMI shielding material at antennae and other telecommunication devices where electromagnetic wave interference creates crucial issues.
Validity of cylindrical approximation for spherical birefringent microparticles in rotational optical tweezers
Authors: Vaippully Rahul , Gummaluri Venkata Siva , Vijayan C , Roy Basudev 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Rotational manipulation of microscopic birefringent particles has conventionally been done by manoeuvring the polarization of the trapping light in optical tweezers. The torque on the particle is a sum of contributions from the linear polarization and the circular polarization, while assuming that the difference in optical path lengths between the extraordinary and the ordinary components of polarization depends upon the wavelength of light, the thickness of the particle and the birefringence. Generally, the thickness of spherical microparticles is assumed to be the diameter which renders the particle appear cylindrical. We test this hypothesis for sizes relevant towards optical tweezers manipulation. We find that for a range of particles from the Rayleigh regime to the early Mie regime, the approximation holds good.
Economy-wide effects of coastal flooding due to sea level rise: a multi-model simultaneous treatment of mitigation, adaptation, and residual impacts
Authors: Schinko Thomas , Drouet Laurent , Vrontisi Zoi , Hof Andries , Hinkel Jochen , Mochizuki Junko , Bosetti Valentina , Fragkiadakis Kostas , van Vuuren Detlef , Lincke Daniel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This article presents a multi-model assessment of the macroeconomic impacts of coastal flooding due to sea level rise and the respective economy-wide implications of adaptation measures for two greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration targets, namely the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP)2.6 and RCP4.5, and subsequent temperature increases. We combine our analysis, focusing on the global level, as well as on individual G20 countries, with the corresponding stylized RCP mitigation efforts in order to understand the implications of interactions across mitigation, adaptation and sea level rise on a macroeconomic level. Our global results indicate that until the middle of this century, differences in macroeconomic impacts between the two climatic scenarios are small, but increase substantially towards the end of the century. Moreover, direct economic impacts can be partially absorbed by substitution effects in production processes and via international trade effects until 2050. By 2100 however, we find that this dynamic no longer holds and economy-wide effects become even larger than direct impacts. The disturbances of mitigation efforts to the overall economy may in some regions and for some scenarios lead to a counterintuitive result, namely to GDP losses that are higher in RCP26 than in RCP45, despite higher direct coastal damages in the latter scenario. Within the G20, our results indicate that China, India and Canada will experience the highest macroeconomic impacts, in line with the respective direct climatic impacts, with the two first large economies undertaking the highest mitigation efforts in a cost-efficient global climate action. A sensitivity analysis of varying socioeconomic assumptions highlights the role of climate-resilient development as a crucial complement to mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The Effect of a Priest-Led Intervention on the Choice and Preference of Soda Beverages: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial in Catholic Parishes
Authors: Miranda J Jaime , Taype-Rondan Alvaro , Bazalar-Palacios Janina , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Ariely Dan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundLatin America ranks among the regions with the highest level of intake of sugary beverages in the world. Innovative strategies to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks are necessary.PurposeEvaluate the effect of a one-off priest-led intervention on the choice and preference of soda beverages.MethodsWe conducted a pragmatic cluster-randomized trial in Catholic parishes, paired by number of attendees, in Chimbote, Peru between March and June of 2017. The priest-led intervention, a short message about the importance of protecting one’s health, was delivered during the mass. The primary outcome was the proportion of individuals that choose a bottle of soda instead of a bottle of water immediately after the service. Cluster-level estimates were used to compare primary and secondary outcomes between intervention and control groups utilizing nonparametric tests.ResultsSix parishes were allocated to control and six to the intervention group. The proportion of soda selection at baseline was ~60% in the intervention and control groups, and ranged from 56.3% to 63.8% in Week 1, and from 62.7% to 68.2% in Week 3. The proportion of mass attendees choosing water over soda was better in the priest-led intervention group: 8.2% higher at Week 1 (95% confidence interval 1.7%–14.6%, p = .03), and 6.2% higher at 3 weeks after baseline (p = .15).ConclusionsThis study supports the proof-of-concept that a brief priest-led intervention can decrease sugary drink choice.Clinical Trial informationISRCTN, ISRCTN24676734. Registered 25 April 2017, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN24676734
Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Mortality From Renal Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Ran Jinjun , Yang Aimin , Sun Shengzhi , Han Lefei , Li Jinhui , Guo Fang , Zhao Shi , Yang Yang , Mason Tonya G , Chan King-Pan , Lee Ruby Siu-Yin , Qiu Hong , Tian Linwei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Numerous studies have indicated that ambient particulate matter is closely associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the evidence for its association with renal disease remains underrecognized. We aimed to estimate the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, defined as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5), and mortality from renal failure (RF) among participants in the Elderly Health Service Cohort in Hong Kong, China, from 1998 to 2010. PM2.5 concentration at the residential address of each participant was estimated based on a satellite-based spatiotemporal model. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate risks of overall RF and cause-specific mortality associated with PM2.5. After excluding 5,373 subjects without information on residential address or relevant covariates, we included 61,447 participants in data analyses. We identified 443 RF deaths during the 10 years of follow-up. For an interquartile-range increase in PM2.5 concentration (3.22 μg/m3), hazard ratios for RF mortality were 1.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.06, 1.43) among all cohort participants and 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.74) among patients with chronic kidney disease. Long-term exposure to atmospheric PM2.5 might be an important risk factor for RF mortality in the elderly, especially among persons with existing renal diseases.
Targeting Concentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. A Meta-analysis of Echocardiographic Studies
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Tadic Marijana , Sala Carla , Gherbesi Elisa , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Aim
We assessed the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) subtypes (i.e., concentric and eccentric LVH) trough a meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies.

Design
The PubMed, OVID-MEDLINE, and Cochrane library databases were systematically analyzed to search full papers published from 1st January 2000 to 31st August 2019. Studies were detected by using the following terms: “obstructive sleep apnea”, “sleep disordered breathing”, “left ventricular mass”, “left ventricular geometry”, “left ventricular hypertrophy”, “echocardiography”.

Results
Meta-analysis included 1,760 patients with OSA and 1,284 non-OSA controls from 9 studies. The prevalence rates of concentric and eccentric LVH in the pooled OSA population were 24.0% (confidence interval [CI] 16.0–33.0%) and 16.0% (CI 12.0–23.0%), respectively. Meta-analysis of six studies comparing the prevalence of LVH subtypes in participants with OSA and controls showed that OSA was associated with an increased risk of both concentric (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, CI: 1.27–2.07, P &lt; 0.0001) and eccentric (OR = 1.34, CI: 1.07–1.67, P &lt; 0.009) LVH, respectively.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that in the OSA setting concentric LVH is more frequent than eccentric LVH. From a practical perspective, in consideration of the particularly adverse prognostic significance of concentric LVH, a comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation targeting LVH subtypes could improve cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with OSA.
Genet assignment and population structure analysis in a clonal forest-floor herb, Cardamine leucantha, using RAD-seq
Authors: Tsujimoto Michiaki , Araki Kiwako S , Honjo Mie N , Yasugi Masaki , Nagano Atsushi J , Akama Satoru , Hatakeyama Masaomi , Shimizu-Inatsugi Rie , Sese Jun , Shimizu Kentaro K , Kudoh Hiroshi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
To study the genetic structure of clonal plant populations, genotyping and genet detection using genetic markers are necessary to assign ramets to corresponding genets. Assignment is difficult as it involves setting a robust threshold of genetic distance for genet distinction as neighbouring genets in a plant population are often genetically related. Here, we used restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) for a rhizomatous clonal herb, Cardamine leucantha [Brassicaceae] to accurately determine genet structure in a natural population. We determined a draft genome sequence of this species for the first time, which resulted in 66 617 scaffolds with N50 = 6086 bp and an estimated genome size of approximately 253 Mbp. Using genetic distances based on the RAD-seq analysis, we successfully distinguished ramets that belonged to distinct genets even from a half-sib family. We applied these methods to 372 samples of C. leucantha collected at 1-m interval grids within a 20 × 20 m plot in a natural population in Hokkaido, Japan. From these samples, we identified 61 genets with high inequality in terms of genet size and patchy distribution. Spatial autocorrelation analyses indicated significant aggregation within 7 and 4 m at ramet and genet levels, respectively. An analysis of parallel DNA microsatellite loci (simple sequence repeats) suggested that RAD-seq can provide data that allows robust genet assignment. It remains unclear whether the large genets identified here became dominant stochastically or deterministically. Precise identification of genets will assist further study and characterization of dominant genets.
Digital Street Culture Decoded: Why criminalizing drill music is Street Illiterate and Counterproductive
Authors: Ilan Jonathan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAuthorities in the United Kingdom censure ‘drill rap’, the artistic expression of disadvantaged urban youth, citing its connections to serious violence. This is shown to be based on a thin, ‘street-illiterate’ understanding of the genre that ultimately rests on stereotypes of young black men as violent ‘gang’ members. In place of this misreading, a street-literate interpretation of drill is offered from a deep and nuanced analysis of YouTube videos and below the line discussions. It is demonstrated that it is inaccurate and unhelpful to view drill videos as evidence of violent crime or as attempts to glorify or precipitate it. Instead, the stylized videos and violent lyricism are shown to be forms of artistic performance that reveal an ambiguous relationship to criminality. Marginalizing the excluded further, video removals and restrictions on performance are shown to be counterproductive from a crime-reduction perspective. New developments in technology and culture can take shape around existing patterns of criminalization.
Is Piperacillin-Tazobactam Effective for the Treatment of Pyelonephritis Caused by Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Organisms?
Authors: Sharara Sima L , Amoah Joe , Pana Zoi D , Simner Patricia J , Cosgrove Sara E , Tamma Pranita D 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Limited data exist regarding the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) for the management of nonbacteremic pyelonephritis caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter observational study comparing clinical outcomes of adults hospitalized with ESBL-producing pyelonephritis who were receiving TZP versus carbapenems, using an inverse probability of treatment weighted propensity score analysis. Patients were eligible for inclusion if all of the following criteria were met: (1) urine cultures growing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, or Proteus mirabilis at ≥50 000 colony-forming units/mL; (2) identification of an ESBL gene; (3) pyuria (≥10 white blood cells per high powered field in the urine); and (4) dysuria and fever plus at least 1 of the following symptoms: emesis, rigors, hypotension, or flank pain.

Results
There were 186 patients included in the propensity score–weighted cohort; 45 (24%) received TZP and 141 (76%) received a carbapenem. Of these 186 patients, 27% were admitted to the intensive care unit, 48% were immunocompromised, and 45% had underlying urologic abnormalities. There were no differences between the 2 groups in the proportion of patients (20% vs 25%) with recurrent cystitis or pyelonephritis with the same ESBL-producing organism within 30 days (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, .31–1.81; P = .52). There were no differences in the resolution of clinical symptoms by Day 7 or in 30-day mortality. There was 1 (2%) patient in the TZP arm and 11 (8%) patients in the carbapenem arm who had incident carbapenem-resistant organisms isolated within 30 days (P = .09).

Conclusions
TZP may be a reasonable alternative to carbapenems for the management of ESBL-producing pyelonephritis and may mitigate the risk of emergence of carbapenem-resistant organisms, compared with carbapenem therapy.
Musical diplomacy in a divided city: the Lassus-Mayrhofer manuscripts
Authors: Eichner Barbara 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Gifts of music manuscripts continued to serve an important diplomatic function well into the 16th century. This article investigates the production, content and function of two choirbooks prepared by the Benedictine monk Ambrosius Mayrhofer of St Emmeram in Regensburg, which mainly contain sacred music by Orlande de Lassus. They were dedicated to Abbot Jakob Köplin of St Ulrich and Afra in Augsburg (1568) and the city council of Regensburg (1567) respectively. The programmatic opening motet and accompanying illuminations of the Regensburg choirbook suggest that it functioned as a politically motivated gift that helped to ‘harmonize’ the frictions within a city divided by ancient rights and new religious allegiances: Regensburg was a free imperial city with a predominantly Protestant population and council, but also harboured an episcopal see and several nunneries and monasteries (among them St Emmeram), with the Catholic Dukes of Bavaria as close and powerful neighbours. Mayrhofer’s music manuscript projects a conciliatory message that was particularly timely in the late 1560s, when the permission of Eucharistic communion under both kinds (with consecrated bread and wine) offered a short-lived hope of religious compromise.
Can melodies be signs? Contrafacture and representation in two trouvère songs
Authors: Quinlan Meghan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The trouvère repertory contains over a hundred groups of contrafacta with a variety of parodic, satirical and devotional functions. This article discusses how certain cases of contrafacture can reshape the ways in which we imagine text–music relations. Through two cases—a serventois protesting the policies of King Louis IX of France, modelled on a song by Blondel de Nesle, and a contrafact of a song by the Chastelain de Coucy that comments on its own contrafaction—I argue not only for a medieval interest in melody’s representative potential, but also that this kind of representation was generated in a process similar to that of language—through repeated use in various contexts. Drawing briefly on semiotics, I suggest that these two melodies become ‘signs’ in that they represent or stand in for something else.
Rotavirus vaccination impact, Ireland, implications for vaccine confidence and screening
Authors: Burns Heather E , Collins Abigail M , Fallon Una B , Marsden Paul V , Ni Shuilleabhain Caitlin M 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Rotavirus vaccine efficacy is well established. However, it is important to consistently demonstrate the positive impact of vaccination programmes in order to optimize uptake rates and combat vaccine hesitancy.

Methods
Routine data were used to examine rotavirus vaccine effectiveness in Ireland, including changes in age-specific crude incidence rates (CIRs), hospitalizations and hospital length of stay. National intussusception incidence was interrogated. Vaccination status of vaccine-eligible cases of rotavirus infection was determined.

Results
Nationally, a reduction in the CIR of rotavirus infection of 77.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 57.8–88.5%, P&lt;0.001] was observed post-inclusion of the rotavirus vaccine in the primary immunization schedule. A decrease in hospitalizations of 85.5% (95% CI 79.3–90.2%, P&lt;0.001), 86.5% (95% CI 82.9–89.4%, P&lt;0.001) and 78.5% (95% CI 74.7–81.9%, P&lt;0.001) was observed in children aged &lt;1, &lt;2 and &lt;5 years, respectively. Most hospitalizations occurred in infants too young to have been vaccinated. There was no significant difference in median length of stay for children hospitalized with rotavirus infection. Decreased CIRs and hospitalization rates in unvaccinated children aged between 2 and 5 years suggest community immunity. Vaccine non-protection was 0.13%. No increase in the national CIR of intussusception was observed.

Conclusions
Inclusion of the rotavirus vaccine in the Irish primary immunization schedule has resulted in a significant reduction in the burden of rotavirus infection. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a concern. With new vaccination programmes, risk of vaccine harms should be considered and mitigated in order to protect individuals and the integrity of the programme.
Experimental evaluations on the outdoor air-based methods for water saving and plume abatement of cooling tower
Authors: Lee Beomjoon , Roh Chul Woo , Choi Bong Soo , Wang Eunseok , Ra Ho-Sang , Cho Junhyun , Cho Jongjae , Shin Hyungki , Choi Jong Won , Lee Gilbong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Cooling towers are widely used not only for commercial and industrial purposes but also for cooling power plant. In Korea, coal-fired power plants and nuclear power plants are generally located on the coast, while most combined-power plants are located inland and use cooling towers to condense steam. The operation rate of power plants in Korea highly depends on government energy policies. In the future, it is expected that the need for cooling tower water for inland power plant will increase. Since power plant is one of the massive water-consuming facilities, methods for water saving of cooling tower should be prepared. Also, in the industrial sector, plume is constantly raising social conflicts between residents and manufactures. Basically, similar technologies can be applied to water saving and plume abatement. In this study, the performance of the condensing module (outdoor-air-condensing method) using outside air was tested first. This module has an advantage in that cooling heat source is not necessary. But an excessive increase of fan air volume is required. We tested a membrane-dehumidification method that selectively transfers water vapor by applying a membrane module. The results showed that membrane module required a large amount of energy to generate vapor pressure difference and it had a disadvantage in energy usage. Since the membrane method considered requires a high bypass airflow for higher dehumidification, it also has a disadvantage similar to that of the outdoor air module. Finally, the dehumidification/regeneration module (heat-pump method) gave the best performance in terms of water saving and plume abatement.
A Novel CO2-Based Insect Sampling Device and Associated Field Method Evaluated in a Strawberry Agroecosystem
Authors: Bick Emily , Dryden Daniel M , Nguyen Hoang Danh , Kim Heather 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
There is high demand for accurate insect sampling methods to inform integrated pest management strategies. Despite widespread application, existing sampling methods, such as portable aspirating and sweep netting, can result in overrepresentation of prominent pests, underrepresentation of natural enemies, and damage to plants. In this study, we test a novel device for insect sampling via anesthetization. Specifically, we test the effect of CO2 (application pressure and duration of exposure) on Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) anesthetization in the laboratory and on insect community density in a strawberry agroecosystem. Carbon dioxide application proves an effective means of anesthetization compared to negative controls, and an increase in net CO2 exposure results in a decrease in time until L. hesperus anesthetization. Field results indicate the CO2 method collects more parasitoids and thrips than a portable aspirator, and at the 50 PSI application pressure and 15-s exposure, the CO2 method results in a comparable number of pests collected as the research standard, a portable aspirator with 8-s aspiration time. Benefits of the CO2 method include minimal plant damage, highly explicit spatial and temporal data, and scalability.