bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Damage assessment of reinforced concrete columns retrofitted by steel jacket under blast loading
Authors: Thai Duc‐Kien , Pham Thai‐Hoan , Nguyen Duy‐Liem 
Published: November 2019

SummaryIn this study, the damage to a reinforced concrete column retrofitted by steel jacket subjected to blast loading was investigated. Actually, this research is an extensive study of the previous works of the authors. Therefore, some of finite element modeling and validation procedure were adopted. Extensively, the effect of the steel jacket used for retrofitting the reinforced concrete column was evaluated. The effects of scaled distance, axial compressive force, and steel cover plate thickness on the structural performance of the column were investigated and discussed. Moreover, the residual strengths of the column with respect to the different scaled distances were also evaluated. Some useful discussions and recommendations, which may interest structural engineers and researchers, were presented as an important outcome of this research.
Outcomes after thumb carpometacarpal joint stabilization with an abductor pollicis longus tendon strip for the treatment of chronic instability
Authors: Stauffer Alexandra , Schwarz Yvonne , Uranyi Marion , Schachinger Florian , Girsch Werner , Ganger Rudolf , Farr Sebastian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Instabilities of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, caused by idiopathic ligamentous hyperlaxity, trauma or other conditions may lead to pain, functional impairment and eventually osteoarthritis. Several techniques have been described to enhance stability of the CMC 1. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes after CMC 1 joint stabilization using a soft-tissue procedure in patients with chronic instability.

Materials and methods
This study was designed as a retrospective study with a single follow-up visit after a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. All patients who underwent stabilization of the CMC 1 with an abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon strip for chronic, habitual instability were re-assessed using clinical examination, dedicated outcome scores [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; Nelson score; Kapandji opposition score], grip and pinch strength measurements, and radiographic examination.

Results
12 patients (15 operated thumbs) with a mean age at surgery of 23.2 (± 9.3) years were included after a mean follow-up period of 3.5 (± 1.3) years. The postoperative outcomes indicated excellent results, with a mean DASH score of 13.3 (± 11.3), VAS 1.1 at rest (and 2.8 during stress) and Nelson score of 87.7 (± 11.3). Postoperative grip, pinch strength and passive stability were not significantly different between operated and non-operated sides (p = 0.852; p = 0.923 and p = 0.428, respectively). We observed one case of recurrent instability besides no other complications. However, patients with trapezium hypoplasia (5 of 12) were more prone to signs of radiographic instability during stress testing.

Conclusions
Thumb carpometacarpal stabilization with an APL tendon strip yielded excellent clinical outcomes and low morbidity in the mid-term. However, long-term follow-up is needed to assess specifically whether patients with trapezium hypoplasia may be more prone to clinical symptom recurrence than those with normal anatomy.

Level of evidence
Level IV
Vergleich abfallwirtschaftlicher Systeme für Siedlungsabfälle mit Schwerpunkt Beschäftigungseffekte
Authors: Altendorfer Michael , Pomberger Roland , Gelbmann Ulrike 
Published: November 2019

Zusammenfassung
Nach dem Wirtschaftsaufschwung der sechziger Jahre folgte die Entwicklung hin zu einer „Wegwerfgesellschaft“. Dadurch steigen die Müllmengen nach wie vor rasant und somit auch die damit verbundenen Entsorgungsproblematiken. Zu den wesentlichen Herausforderungen zählen die begrenzten Deponievolumen, die Ressourcenknappheit sowie die negativen Umweltauswirkungen.
Obwohl die Abfallwirtschaft einen sehr wichtigen und durchaus beträchtlichen Wirtschaftszweig darstellt, wurden die Beschäftigungseffekte in Statistiken oder volkswirtschaftlichen Berechnungen bislang vernachlässigt.
Diese Arbeit untersucht anhand unterschiedlicher Modelle das Potenzial der direkten Beschäftigungseffekte in der Behandlung von Restmüll. Die idealisierten Modelle stützen sich auf grundlegende abfallwirtschaftliche Systeme, beginnend von der ungeordneten Deponierung hin zur verbesserten getrennten Sammlung. Neben dem Personalaufwand für die behandelnden Anlagen fließen auch die Beschäftigungszahlen für die Sammlung sowie die Transporte in die Betrachtung mit ein.
Bei der verbesserten getrennten Sammlung gelangt ein Teil des Restmüllstroms in die Altstoffsammlung. Basis für die Berechnung der Restmüllzusammensetzung bilden die Restmüllanalysen der einzelnen Bundesländer, woraus sich die Mengen für die Altstoffsammlung ableiten lassen.
Zusammenfassend wird deutlich, dass durch das Modell der verbesserten getrennten Sammlung – im Vergleich mit den anderen Modellen – ein Anstieg der Arbeitsplätze um ein Vielfaches möglich ist.
Nutzen und Kosten eines verstärkten Recyclings von Kunststoffverpackungen
Authors: Van Eygen Emile , Fellner Johann 
Published: November 2019

Zusammenfassung
Die neuen EU-weiten Recyclingziele für Verpackungen bedeuten, dass bis 2025 50 % der Kunststoffverpackungsabfälle stofflich verwertet werden müssen. In dieser Studie wurden für Österreich verschiedene Maßnahmen entwickelt, um dieses Ziel zu erreichen und versucht abzuschätzen, welche Umweltnutzen und welche Kosten damit verbunden sind. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit zeigen, dass die zusätzliche Rezyklatproduktion von 46.000 t/Jahr (+49 % gegenüber dem Status quo) einerseits zu einer Einsparung von 80.000 t CO2-eq an Treibhausgasemissionen führt; andererseits werden durch die verstärkte Umlenkung von Kunststoffverpackung von der thermischen Verwertung hin zum Recycling kaum fossile Ressourcen eingespart. Absolut gesehen beträgt die durch vermehrtes Kunststoffverpackungsrecycling erzielbare Reduktion 0,1 % der gesamten österreichischen Treibhausgasemissionen. Die zusätzlichen Kosten dafür liegen allerdings bei rund € 60 Mio., was zu spezifischen Treibhausgasvermeidungskosten von € 770 pro Tonne CO2-eq führt. Das Potenzial, über eine Verbesserung der Recyclingquote von Kunststoffverpackungen wesentliche Reduktionen an Treibhausgasemissionen und fossilem Ressourcenverbrauch zu schaffen, scheint also begrenzt. Die positiven Effekte eines verstärkten Recyclings von Kunststoffverpackungen liegen dementsprechend hauptsächlich in der gesteigerten Verfügbarkeit von Sekundärkunststoffen sowie einer möglichen Reduktion des Kunststoffkonsums aufgrund der höheren Kosten für die Abfallbehandlung von Kunststoffverpackungen.
A case study of seismograph self-noise test from Trillium 120QA seismometer and Reftek 130 data logger
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Yuan Songyong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Seismograph self-noise has become a de facto standard for instrument comparisons and their performance assessment and is considered as one of the most vital parameters for instrument comparison. For self-noise testing of modern force-balance feedback broadband seismometers, several factors have been thoroughly discussed and thought to be attributable to the self-noise estimate, including the data selection criteria, sensor alignment correction, timing error, correlation analysis method, and computational parameter selection during the computational process. This study focuses on some other factors, such as local site conditions, temperature insulating methods, and data logger self-noise interferences, with an aim to differentiate the self-noise contribution of these sources and their dependencies on time and frequency. A series of experiments were conducted at the Beijing National Earth Observatory using a Trillium 120QA seismometer and Reftek-130 data acquisition system at three different locations ranging from the ordinary equipment warehouse to global seismographic network level cave with a hard-rock base. Results show that noise-free site is necessary for the self-noise test in a frequency band greater than approximately 0.1 Hz. However, for a frequency band less than 0.1 Hz, the insulation method and installation procedures are far more important, although the influence of the site location cannot be neglected fully. A suitable preamp should be selected in the data logger configurations to ensure that the low-noise amplitude of the sensor signal is above the digitizer noise level.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanocomposite of titania-deposited copper ferrite/ferrite oxide for photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue dye
Authors: Nasrollahi Zahra , Ebrahimian Pirbazari Azadeh , Hasan-Zadeh Atefeh , Salehi Ali 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The pure titania (TiO2) and the heterogeneous ternary magnetic nanocomposite of copper ferrite/ferrite oxide (CuFe2O4/Fe2O3) deposited by titanium dioxide (TiO2) were fabricated using a facile one-pot hydrothermal synthesis for the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue (MB) dye, under visible light. The nanocomposite was encoded as TCF in this work, where T stands for TiO2, C for CuFe2O4 and F for Fe2O3. Various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption, and vibrational sample magnetometry (VSM) were used to characterize the prepared samples. The PXRD data showed that the samples had pure anatase structure and the average crystal size of anatase TiO2 in the pure titania and ternary nanocomposite were calculated 147 Å and 135 Å, respectively. The nitrogen physisorption analysis data showed that the pore diameter was increased from 10.6 nm in pure titania to 16.0 nm in TCF. The pore volume was also increased from 0.316 in titania to 0.383 cm3/g in TCF sample. It also increased the typical magnitude of the mesopores’ diameter and volume per weight but it reduced the specific surface area of the samples. The VSM analysis of the ternary nanocomposite showed a considerable magnetic property of the sample (1.99 emu/g), qualifying it as a paramagnetic material. The photocatalytic decomposition efficiency of MB reached 77% and 68% in the presence of pure titania and TCF ternary nanocomposite, after 240-min exposure by the visible light. Active species trapping experiments showed that the major active species responsible for the photodecomposition of MB in the presence of TCF are $${\text{O}}_{2}^{ \cdot - }$$O2·- radicals and holes (h+).
Teaching Anatomy to Neuroscientific Health-Care Professionals: Are They Receiving the Best Anatomical Education?
Authors: Latini Francesco , Ryttlefors Mats 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
University neuroanatomical courses seldom teach the anatomical-functional connectivity of the brain. White matter dissection improves understanding of brain connectivity, but until now has been restricted to neurosurgeons and in some cases to medical students, never to health-care non-medical professionals. Our aim was to teach white matter anatomy to medical and non-medical students to evaluate this technique in groups with different education. A standardized lab demonstration of white matter anatomy was performed with high appreciation rate in both groups, suggesting a suboptimal neuroanatomical education provided by basic course. We encourage to include this technique of teaching brain anatomy into basic neuroanatomical courses to improve the level of comprehension and competence in all health-care staff within the field of neuroscience.
Martin Krygier’s Passion for the Rule of Law (and His Virtues)
Authors: Cheesman Nick , Janse Ronald 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Why did Martin Krygier become a rule of law guy? This Introduction to a Special Issue of the Hague Journal on the Rule of Law, which consists of 33 short essays celebrating Krygier as a colleague, mentor and friend, discusses some of the factors which prompted him to develop a distinct and influential body of work on the rule of law over the past three decades: the rule of law revival, especially in Central and Eastern Europe; his involvement with Philip Selznick; and his dialogue with other prominent theorists, including Gianluigi Palombella and Jeremy Waldron. The Introduction gives a sense of the importance of Krygier’s personal background and history, and it also discusses some of the key features of his theory, and how these have developed over the past decades.
Effect of preparation method on the properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/mesoporous silica composites
Authors: Sibeko M. A. , Saladino M. L. , Armetta F. , Spinella A. , Luyt A. S. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The preparation method of a polymer composite and the filler loading are amongst the factors that influence the properties of the final composites. This article studies the effect of these factors on the thermal stability and thermal degradation kinetics of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/mesoporous silica (MCM-41) composites filled with small amounts of MCM-41. The PMMA/MCM-41 composites were prepared through in situ polymerisation and melt mixing methods, with MCM-41 loadings of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt.%. The presence of MCM-41 increased the thermal stability of PMMA/MCM-41 composites prepared by melt mixing, but in the case of the in situ polymerised samples, the MCM-41 accelerated the degradation of the polymer. As a result, the activation energy was low and less energy was required to initiate and propagate the degradation process of these composites. The small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements showed that the preparation method of the composites had no influence on the pore size of MCM-41, but the PMMAs used in the two methods both had shorter chains than the MCM-41 pore size. This allowed the polymer chains to be trapped inside the pores of the filler and be immobilised, as was observed from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The immobilisation of the polymer chains was more significant in the in situ polymerised samples.
Evaluation of k-nearest neighbour classifier performance for heterogeneous data sets
Authors: Ali Najat , Neagu Daniel , Trundle Paul 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDistance-based algorithms are widely used for data classification problems. The k-nearest neighbour classification (k-NN) is one of the most popular distance-based algorithms. This classification is based on measuring the distances between the test sample and the training samples to determine the final classification output. The traditional k-NN classifier works naturally with numerical data. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the performance of k-NN on heterogeneous datasets, where data can be described as a mixture of numerical and categorical features. For the sake of simplicity, this work considers only one type of categorical data, which is binary data. In this paper, several similarity measures have been defined based on a combination between well-known distances for both numerical and binary data, and to investigate k-NN performances for classifying such heterogeneous data sets. The experiments used six heterogeneous datasets from different domains and two categories of measures. Experimental results showed that the proposed measures performed better for heterogeneous data than Euclidean distance, and that the challenges raised by the nature of heterogeneous data need personalised similarity measures adapted to the data characteristics.
Eco-friendly preparation of chitooligosaccharides with different degrees of deacetylation from shrimp shell waste and their effects on the germination of wheat seeds
Authors: Fu Xiaodan , Zhu Lin , Li Li , Zhang Tan , Li Meng , Mou Haijin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractProduction of chitosan and its derivatives by traditional methods involves the excessive use of a reaction solution comprised of sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. Waste water resulting from this process has limited the application of chitosan as a fertilizer as the process causes serious environmental pollution. Specifically, the resulting waste water contains high levels of dissolved nitrogen and minerals from shrimp shells. In this study, an eco-friendly method was established to produce chitooligosaccharides (COS) with different degrees of deacetylation (DDAs) from shrimp shell waste. At a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:6, the degree of demineralization was above 90% with the treatment of 30 g·L−1 H3PO4, and the degree of deproteinization was above 80% when treated with 30 g·L−1 KOH at 70 °C. Chitosans with different DDAs were obtained by microwave-assisted KOH metathesis and the COS with Mw approximately 1500 Da were then prepared by oxidative degradation. In summary, 33.73 kg H3PO4, 12.77 kg, and 241.31 kg KOH were supplied during the processes of demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation of 100 kg shrimp shell waste, respectively. The process water was totally recycled, demonstrating that the shrimp shell could be wholly transformed into fertilizer. The entire process created a product with the fractions of N:P2O5:K2O:COS = 7.94:24.44:10.72:18.27. The test on the germination promotion of wheat seeds revealed that the COS with 72.12% DDA significantly promoted germination. This work demonstrated the use of an eco-friendly preparation method of COS with a specific degree of deacetylation that can be applied as a fertilizer.
Mapping the Perceived Sexuality of Heterosexual Men and Women in Mid- and Later Life: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Macleod Ashley , Busija Lucy , McCabe Marita 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
There is currently limited research that examines the meaning of sexuality at midlife and later life.

Aim
This study investigates how heterosexual men and women in mid- and later life perceive their sexuality and the factors that influence it.

Methods
Group concept mapping was used to produce a conceptual map of the experience of sexuality for heterosexual adults ages 45 years and above. Group concept mapping data were collected using 6 open-ended survey questions that asked about sexuality, intimacy, and desire. Thematic analysis was used to examine how participants perceived their sexuality to have changed as they aged. Thematic analysis data were collected using a single open-ended survey question.

Main Outcome Measure
Statements generated from 6 of the open-ended survey questions were rated by participants using a 5-point Likert scale for how important participants felt that each statement was to themselves personally. Participants responses to the seventh open-ended survey question were examined using thematic analysis to understand whether participants felt that their sexual experiences had changed over time and, if so, how they had changed.

Results
Eight themes were identified across the different phases of group concept mapping. These were, in order of importance, partner compatibility, intimacy and pleasure, determinants of sexual desire, sexual expression, determinants of sexual expression, barriers to intimacy, sexual urges, and barriers to sexual expression. Seven areas of change were identified in terms of perceived changes to sexuality with age. These included changes to perspective, relationship dynamics, environment, behavior, body/function, sexual interest/desire, and sexual enjoyment.

Conclusion
The results highlight the prioritization of interrelationship dynamics in mid- and later life sexuality over sexual functioning and sexual urges. These findings may facilitate the development of new perspectives on how sexuality is experienced in the later years and provide new avenues for intervention in situations where sexual problems arise.
Role of micronize purified flavonoid fraction and ethanol Graptophyllum pictum extract on experimental anal ulcer healing. Study on Wistar rat
Authors: Prasetyo Sigit Adi , Wisnu Yan , Nugroho Eriawan Agung , Dharmana Edi , Susilaningsih Neni , Riwanto Ignatius 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Aim of the study To evaluate the role of micronized purified flavanoid fraction and ethanol Graptophyllum pictum extract in the treatment of anal ulcer.
Method Twenty-eight Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Groups 2, 3 and 4 the anus were induced with croton oil, but was not induced on group 1. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with normal saline, while groups 3 and 4 were treated with micronized purified flavanoid fraction, and ethanol G. pictum extract, respectively. On 9th days blood sample were taken from the retro-orbital region, and Wistar was killed by cervical dislocation under ether anesthesia. The anal canal was resected up 2 cm from anal opening, weighted, photographically taken to measure the percentage of residual ulcer, and then prepared for microscopic examination. Elisa methods were done for superoxide dismutase and malondialdedhyde. The total leukocyte in the anal specimen was counted under 400 magnification power. superoxide dismutase, anal coefficient, and total leukocyte for statistical analysis were using ANOVA and LSD, while malondialdedhyde and percentage of ulcers were using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney.
Result Treatment with ethanol G. pictum extract dose of 100 mg/kg BW significantly reduces the percentage of anal ulcer, the edema, leukocyte infiltration, and malondialdedhyde, and increase the superoxide dismutase in comparison without treatment. Treatment with micronized purified flavanoid fraction did not reduce the leukocyte, anal coefficient, and percentage of anal ulcer, only increase malondialdedhyde and decrease superoxide dismutase significantly.
Ophthalmology Training in Greece as Perceived by Resident Ophthalmologists in the Times of Crisis
Authors: Lamprogiannis Lampros , Tzamalis Argyrios , Tsaousis Konstantinos T , Ziakas Nikolaos , Symeonidis Chrysanthos , Karamitsos Athanasios , Dimitrakos Stavros , Tsinopoulos Ioannis 
Published: November 2019

Purpose:
To assess the level of perceived satisfaction with the current level of ophthalmology training in Greece from the perspective of residents and to identify deficiencies in the training curriculum.

Methods:
This is a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. An online, semi-structured questionnaire was designed to evaluate ophthalmology residents' extent of satisfaction with the quality of their postgraduate medical training. The survey was divided in two parts: demographics and evaluation of training. Resident ophthalmologists in all teaching hospitals in Greece were contacted and encouraged to complete it.

Results:
A response rate of 53.8% was achieved. Two out of three participants stated their disappointment with the quality of training they received and deemed the four-year residency training program as insufficient. Surgical training was also viewed as unsatisfactory by the majority of the respondents. An interest in subspecialty training, as well as a significant participation in research activities, was noted.

Conclusions:
Both training and overall satisfaction with working conditions must be improved to preserve the appeal of ophthalmology for young academics. A new, structured curriculum, reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, and improved surgical training rank among the most essential priorities in order to improve postgraduate ophthalmology training.