bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Dosage For Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Su Ting-Shi , Zhou Ying , Huang Yong , Cheng Tao , Liang Ping , Liang Shi-Xiong , Li Le-Qun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeThe optimal dose and fractionation scheme of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear due to different tolerated liver volumes and degrees of cirrhosis. We compared the effectiveness of stereotactic body radiation therapy dosing regimens for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods and materialsThis single-center retrospective study included 604 patients treated during 2011-2017. Biologically effective dose (BED10) and equivalent dose in 2 Gym fractions (EQD2) were assumed at an α/β ratio of 10. Overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free rate (LRF), intrahepatic recurrence-free rate (IRF), and progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated in univariable and propensity-score matched analyses.ResultsMedian tumor size was 5.2 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 1.1-21.0). Median follow-up was 31 months in surviving patients (IQR, 3-82). High radiotherapy dose correlated with better OS, PFS, LRF and IRF. Different post-SBRT OS, PFS, LRF and IRF rates were observed for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SART) with BED10 ≥100 Gy, SBRT with EQD2 ≥74 Gy to BED10 <100 Gy, and stereotactic conservative radiotherapy (SCRT) with EQD2 <74 Gy.ConclusionsHigh radiotherapy dose correlated with better outcomes. If tolerated by normal tissue, we recommend SART as a first-line ablative dose or SBRT as a second-line radical dose. Otherwise, SCRT is recommended as palliative irradiation.
Design, engineering and testing of an innovative adaptive automation assembly system
Authors: Bortolini Marco , Faccio Maurizio , Galizia Francesco Gabriele , Gamberi Mauro , Pilati Francesco 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
Industry 4.0 emerged as the Fourth Industrial Revolution aiming at achieving higher levels of operational efficiency, productivity and automation. In this context, manual assembly systems are still characterized by high flexibility and low productivity, if compared to fully automated systems. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose the design, engineering and testing of a prototypal adaptive automation assembly system, including greater levels of automation to complement the skills and capabilities of human workers.

Design/methodology/approach
A lab experimental field-test is presented comparing the assembly process of a full-scale industrial chiller with traditional and adaptive assembly system.

Findings
The analysis shows relevant benefits coming from the adoption of the adaptive automation assembly system. In particular, the main findings highlight improvements in the assembly cycle time and productivity, as well as reduction of the operator’s body movements.

Practical implications
The prototype is applied in an Italian mid-size industrial company, confirming its impact in terms of upgrades of the assembly system flexibility and productivity. Thus, the research study proposed in this paper provides valuable knowledge to support companies and industrial practitioners in the shift from traditional to advanced assembly systems matching current industrial and market features.

Originality/value
This paper expands the lacking research on adaptive automation assembly systems design proposing an innovative prototype able to real-time reconfigure its structure according to the product to work, e.g. work cycle, and the operator features.
Electrochemical corrosion performances of laser thermal sprayed amorphous Al–Ti–Ni coatings in marine environment
Authors: Dejun Kong , Haixiang Chen 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performance in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, which provided an experimental basis for the application of Al–Ti–Ni amorphous coating in marine environment.

Design/methodology/approach
Amorphous Al–Ti–Ni coatings were fabricated on S355 structural steel by laser thermal spraying (LTS) at different laser powers. The surface and cross-section morphologies, chemical element distribution, phases and crystallization behaviors of obtained coatings were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performances of Al–Ti–Ni coatings in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaOH solutions were investigated using an electrochemical workstation.

Findings
The crystallization temperature of Al–Ti–Ni coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1,300 and 1,700 W is ∼520°C, whereas that fabricated at the laser power of 1,500 W is ∼310°C. The coatings display excellent corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, while a faster dissolution rate in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution. The coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1,300 and 1,700 W present the better electrochemical corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, whereas that fabricated at the laser power of 1,500 W exhibits the better electrochemical corrosion resistance in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution.

Originality/value
In this work, Al-wire-cored Ti–Ni powder was first on S355 steel with the laser power of 1,300, 1,500 and 1,700 W, and the effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performance in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaOH solutions were investigated using an electrochemical workstation.
Tomography reconstruction of concrete materials for mesoscale modelling
Authors: Mazzucco Gianluca , Pomaro Beatrice , Xotta Giovanna , Maiorana Carmelo E. , Salomoni Valentina A. 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the numerical assessment of concrete behaviour close to failure, via the development of robust elastoplastic models inclusive of damage effects. If mesoscale investigations are to be considered, the model must take into account the local confinement effects because of the presence of aggregate inclusions in the cement paste and, correspondingly, the possibility to account for local 3D stress states even under uniaxial compression. Additionally, to enhance the predictive capabilities of a mesoscale representation, the reconstructed geometry must accurately follow the real one.

Design/methodology/approach
The work provides a procedure that combines a 3D digital image technique with finite element (FE) modelling thus maintaining the original 3D morphology of the composite.

Findings
The potentialities of the proposed approach are discussed, giving new insights to a FE modelling (FEM)-based approach applied together with a computer-aided design. Coupled mechanisms of mechanical mismatch and confinement, characterizing the combined cement matrix-aggregates effect, are captured and highlighted via the numerical tests.

Originality/value
The novelty of this research work lies in the proposal of a digitally based methodology for a precise concrete reconstruction together with the adoption of an upgraded elastic–plastic damage model for the cement paste.
Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched silane-modified alkyd as a polymer for environmentally friendly low VOC polyurethane coatings
Authors: El-Bindary Ashraf , Kiwaan Hala , Shoair Abdel Ghany , El-Ablack Fawzia , Eessa Ahmed 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new method for modification of alkyd resin by using 3-triethoxysilylpropyl succinic acid anhydride (TESP-SA) as the core material for low volatile organic components (VOCs) polyurethane coating applications.

Design/methodology/approach
The structural, physical, thermal and film properties of the silane-modified (SM) alkyd were evaluated and compared with those of a silane-free alkyd resin that was prepared by a single-step method. The synthesis reaction was described in a detailed scheme and evidenced by ATR-FTIR measurements and 13C-NMR spectroscopy.

Findings
SM alkyd has synthesized with high solid content (85%) and low viscosity (5700 cP). As a result, environmentally friendly coatings with lower (VOC) emission are possible by using this type of alkyd polymer. The results showed that the presence of the Si atom in the final structure improved the thermal stability against the higher levels of aromatic rings in the silane-free alkyd. It was found that coatings based on SM alkyd have lower values of yellowing factor (Δa) and an increase of gloss retention percentage at different intervals of exposure to the quick ultraviolet weathering conditions.

Practical implications
The synthesized SM alkyd resin provided a practical solution to obtain environmentally friendly coatings with low VOC content, in addition to its improvement in alkyds’ overall characteristics, while still using natural resources – fatty acids – instead of totally petroleum resources.

Originality/value
TESP-SA has not been used before in alkyd polymer modifications, and this study can help countries that are interested in using environmentally-friendly coatings.
Financial Outcomes in Adolescence and Early Adulthood in Australian Longitudinal Data
Authors: de New John , Ribar David , Ryan Christopher , Wong Clement 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article describes and catalogues person‐specific measures of financial outcomes that are available for adolescents and young adults in three large longitudinal Australian surveys: the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, and the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. It summarises international research that has been conducted on young people's financial outcomes, illustrating outcomes that have been investigated, research questions that have been asked, and distinctions that have been drawn between adolescents and young adults. It considers the strengths and weaknesses of the three surveys for extending this research into the Australian context.
Wealth and Consumption in Australia
Authors: May Diego , Nodari Gabriela , Rees Daniel M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe revisit the evidence on the effect of changes in household wealth on consumption using a panel of Australian states. We find that a one per cent increase in the value of housing wealth increases consumption by about 0.16 per cent in the long‐run, with half of the response occurring within two quarters. The size of this response has been stable over time and largely reflects changes in spending on motor vehicles, durable goods and other discretionary items. We then run counterfactual scenarios using the Reserve Bank of Australia's macroeconometric model, MARTIN, to assess the macroeconomic effects of changes in household wealth. We show that increases in household wealth supported household spending between 2013 and 2017, when growth in disposable income was weak.
Virtual implant planning and fully guided implant surgery using magnetic resonance imaging—Proof of principle
Authors: Flügge Tabea , Ludwig Ute , Hövener Jan‐Bernd , Kohal Ralf , Wismeijer Daniel , Nelson Katja 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo present a workflow of virtual implant planning and guided implant surgery with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and virtual dental models without the use of ionizing radiation.MethodsFive patients scheduled for implant placement underwent an MR examination at three Tesla using individualized 2D and 3D turbo spin‐echo (TSE) sequences and dedicated head coils. The MRI data and virtual dental models derived from either optical model scans or intraoral scans were imported to a virtual implant planning software (coDiagnostiX, Dental Wings, Montreal, Canada). Virtual prosthetic planning and implant planning were performed regarding the hard and soft tissue anatomy. A drill guide was designed on the virtual dental model using computer‐aided design (CAD) and manufactured in‐house, using a 3D printer (Eden 260V, Stratasys, Eden Prairie, MN, USA).ResultsThe MRI displayed all relevant anatomical structures for dental implant planning such as cortical and cancellous bone, floor of the nasal and maxillary sinus, inferior alveolar nerve and neighboring teeth. The manual alignment of virtual dental models with the MRI was possible using anatomical landmarks. Dental implant planning, CAD/CAM of a drill guide and fully guided implant placement were successfully performed.ConclusionsGuided implant surgery is feasible with MRI without ionizing radiation. Further studies will have to be conducted to study the accuracy of the presented protocol and compare it to the current workflow of guided surgery using CBCT.
Habitat suitability and distribution potential of Liberibacter species (“Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” and “Candidatus Liberibacter africanus”) associated with citrus greening disease
Authors: Ajene Inusa Jacob , Khamis Fathiya , van Asch Barbara , Pietersen Gerhard , Rasowo Brenda Amondi , Ekesi Sunday , Mohammed Samira 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimTo quantify current and predict future distribution of the citrus greening pathogens “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (Las) in Africa and “Candidatus Liberibacter africanus” (Laf) globally.LocationAfrica.MethodsThree species distribution models (MaxEnt, BIOCLIM and Boosted Regression Trees) were used to predict the current and future potential distribution of Las in Africa, and the potential global distribution of Laf, using long‐term bioclimatic variables. Two climate change scenarios (moderate and extreme) were employed to determine how future climate alterations may affect the potential distribution of Las in Africa. Presence data from global reports of Las, as well as the new positional points obtained in this survey, were used to predict the habitat suitability of the pathogen in Africa, while the presence data points of Laf were used to predict the global habitat suitability. Testing data comprised 25% of the presence only points.ResultsConsensus of the three models predicted a potential distribution of Las in large areas of Western, Eastern and sub‐Saharan Africa. North Africa was mostly unsuitable for Las, except for the northern fringes. The potential distribution of Laf included South and Central America, Asia and Australia. In Europe, the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula showed marginal suitability for Laf. The projections under the future climate change scenarios showed an increase in the Laf habitat suitability hotspots under the extreme scenario.Main conclusionsThis study highlights the potential establishment and distribution in Africa of Las‐associated Huanglongbing and globally for Laf‐associated with African citrus greening disease. The ensemble modelling approach for the distribution of plant pathogens is a valuable tool for the development of strategies for crop protection. These results constitute an early alert for citrus‐producing regions that should inform strategies for surveillance and preventive management against the invasion and spread of this destructive disease.
Peripheral insulin administration enhances the electrical activity of oxytocin and vasopressin neurones in vivo
Authors: Paiva Luis , Leng Gareth 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOxytocin neurones are involved in the regulation of energy balance through diverse central and peripheral actions and, in rats, they are potently activated by gavage of sweet substances. Here, we test the hypothesis that this activation is mediated by the central actions of insulin. We show that, in urethane‐anaesthetised rats, oxytocin cells in the supraoptic nucleus show prolonged activation after i.v. injections of insulin, and that this response is greater in fasted rats than in non‐fasted rats. Vasopressin cells are also activated, although less consistently. We also show that this activation of oxytocin cells is independent of changes in plasma glucose concentration, and is completely blocked by central (i.c.v.) administration of an insulin receptor antagonist. Finally, we replicate the previously published finding that oxytocin cells are activated by gavage of sweetened condensed milk, and show that this response too is completely blocked by central administration of an insulin receptor antagonist. We conclude that the response of oxytocin cells to gavage of sweetened condensed milk is mediated by the central actions of insulin.
MEASUREMENT AND DETERMINANTS OF MULTI‐FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY: A SURVEY OF LITERATURE
Authors: Ahmed Tauqir , Bhatti Arshad Ali 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper surveys and synthesizes fast‐growing literature on the measurement and determinants of multi‐factor productivity (MFP). We identify three strands of the literature to measure MFP: the first is growth accounting, which decomposes observed economic growth into the contribution of factor inputs and technological change, called the Solow Residual; the second is index number methods, accompanied by frontier techniques; the third is growth regressions and econometric methods used to estimate productivity across countries and regions. We keep our focus on assessing the major strengths and weaknesses of commonly used methods for MFP measurement and categorize existing literature on the determinants of MFP growth into macroeconomic and institutional factors. We attempt to provide a reassessment and thematic survey of literature on the drivers of aggregate productivity, enabling policymakers to formulate effective economic policy.
Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Gardner Donald S. , Holzwarth Charles W. , Liu Yang , Clendenning Scott , Pint Cary , Jin Wei , Moon Bum Ki , Chen Zhaohui , Hannah Eric , Wang Chunlei , Chen Chunhui , Gustafson John 
Published: February 2020

Electrochemical capacitors using porous silicon nanostructures were prepared and studied. Capacitors are favored over batteries for certain applications because they can provide higher power, albeit at lower energy densities, and do not degrade significantly over many thousands of charging cycles. These properties are a direct result of the fact that capacitors do not rely on chemical reactions to store energy. In this work, porous silicon nanostructures that have exceedingly high surface-to-volume ratios with channel sizes 20 nm to 100 nm are combined with an ionic electrolyte to create an electrochemical capacitor. The devices are fabricated using silicon process methods with the potential to be incorporated into integrated circuits.
Initial measurements from the prepared porous silicon capacitors reveal that high capacitances can be achieved, contrary to previously reported early studies [1, 2]. Unpassivated silicon structures, however are not stable over a long period of time due to oxidation/reduction reactions with the electrolyte, resulting in rapidly decreasing capacitance over repeated charge-discharge cycles. Our work has focused on optimizing the porous silicon nanostructure (i.e. surface area, pore morphology, etc.) and passivating the surfaces. As part of this, the pore sizes and size distributions were optimized and modeled to make the total surface area high to obtain large capacitance.
[1] Rowlands, S. E., Latham, R. J. & Schlindwein, W. S. Supercapacitor devices using porous silicon electrodes. Ionics 5, 144–149 (1999).
[2] S. Desplobain, G. Gautier, J. Semai, L. Ventura and M. Roy, "Investigations on porous silicon as electrode material in electrochemical capacitors", Phys. Stat. Sol. (c), 4, 2180, 2007.
PEO-Based Polymers As SOLID-State Electrolyte: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Jia Zhe , Baker Gregory L 
Published: February 2020

Due to the leakage and sealing problems of liquid electrolyte used in batteries or cells, the development of solid-sate electrolyte is important. Among all the alternatives, polymer electrolytes are of particular interests that attract lots of groups. Polymer electrolytes, especially poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based polymer electrolytes, have generated considerable research interests in lithium ion batteries, fuel cells, and other solid state electrochemical devices, mostly due to their unique properties, such as, high polarity to dissolve metal salt and excellent chemical stability.
In this work, we designed, synthesized and characterized several novel polymer electrolytes that consist of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based polymer blended with LiI/I2 to form a homogenous solid-state or quasi solid-state electrolyte used as the electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The high polarity of ethylene glycol repeating unit in polymers caused an ion-dipole interaction between lithium cation and oxygen atom, making cation be dissociated by the polymer network, resulted in a sovation-desolvation process, which provides a pathway for ion transportation in DSSCs.
As shown in Scheme 1, a series of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether mechacrylate (PEGMA) polymers with different length of PEO side chains were polymerized through Atom Radical Transfer Polymerization (ATRP). Electrolytes were later prepared from the functionalized PEGMA polymers and low-molecular weight (~500 g/mol) polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (PEGDME500) with the addition of LiI and I2 as redox couple.
Upon the introduction of PEGMA, electrolytes became very viscous and gel-like. With the increase of PEO side chains, the viscosity of the electrolyte increased dramatically, among which, poly(PEGMA-1100) became solid-state. The room temperature conductivity of polymer electrolytes is in the range of 1.2×10-4 to 1.5×10-4 S/cm, slightly lower than the reference. Poly(PEGMA-475), with much higher viscosity, represented better ionic conductivity.
Acknowledgement
We thank the National Science Foundation (NSF-0934568) for funding this research.
Design and Fabrication of High Energy Density Lithium Battery
Authors: Kou Rong , Ge Shanhai , Tang Duihai 
Published: February 2020

Rechargeable LIBs have been widely used in many portable consumer electronics. They presently have limited acceptance in larger energy storage markets, e.g., plug-in hybrid and electrical vehicles due to several issues, including 1) low energy density or power density, 2) poor cycling stability, 3) safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries.
EC Power has been working on development of novel polymer-carbon nanocomposite cathode materials to demonstrate high energy/power Li-ion batteries using the electrode materials. A series of polymers with electrochemically active functional groups have been synthesized, characterized, and fabricated as cathode for lithium batteries. The polymer cathode has showed high capacity up to 250mAh/g and the long cycling performance up to 500 cycles. Compared to the traditional cathode materials, the polymer cathode materials not only have high specific capacity, but also are potentially low-cost and recyclable.
In order to study the degradation of the battery cells, EC Power also designed and fabricated 3-electrode cells. With the lithium reference, we are able to test and observe the voltage profile of cathode, anode and the full cell, respectively. Thus we will be able to study the degradation behavior of the cathode and anode respectively in the full cell environment. The degradation behavior of cathode and anode in a full cell is different from that in a half-cell. The study help us to understand the kinetics of full cell chemistry, target the control step in degradation and thus to mitigate the degradation.
In this presentation, we will also demonstrate several complimentary methods for fabrication of commercially viable size cells of the Li-polymer and conventional Li-ion batteries with the process much faster and cost-effective. With the EC Power’s proprietary cell design software, which gives us a very reasonable starting point for expected cell performance upon cell fabrication, EC Power has successfully fabricated different types of cells.