bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of UV resonance Raman spectroscopy for assessing the brightness stability of ozone TCF bleached pulp
Authors: Montet Etienne , Isaza Ferro Estefania , Perrin Jordan , Lachenal Dominique , Chirat Christine 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This study intends to explain the difference in brightness stability between hardwood ECF and TCFz kraft pulps bleached by DEpDD and A(ZEo)(ZEo)(ZP) sequences respectively, using UV Resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy. The brightness stability of the pulps was tested via dry aging experiments where the Post-Color Number (PCN) of the ECF pulp was twice that of the TCF pulp. The aged and non-aged bleached pulps were analyzed with UVRR spectroscopy to identify the cause of the large difference in PCN. The spectra of ECF and TCF bleached pulps presented clear differences in the intensities of the Raman shifts associated to lignin, lignin-like compounds, and degradation products such as muconic acids. To identify more specifically the compounds affecting the PCN, several post-bleaching treatments were applied on the ECF pulp including single stages (E, B, P, Z) or combinations (ZE, ZB, ZP), and their UVRR spectra analyzed. It was found that alkaline-soluble compounds were the main culprits for the difference in PCN values between ECF and TCFz pulps. ZP combination was the most efficient in eliminating residual lignin and other unsaturated components and for the development of brightness and brightness stability.
Celecoxib versus mefenamic acid in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Basri Nurul Iftida , Abd Ghani Nur Azurah , Mahdy Zaleha Abdullah , Abdul Manaf Mohd Rizal , Mohamed Ismail Nor Azlin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
The objective was to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of mefenamic acid and celecoxib in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and to compare the quality of life of study participants pre- and post-treatment.

Materials and methods
This was a randomized crossover clinical trial conducted among sexually inactive female adults aged 18–25 years with PD. Participants were asked to rate their pain score and answer a validated quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) before and after consumption of each medication in two menstrual cycles. The effectiveness of celecoxib and mefenamic acid in treating PD was compared with regard to reduction in pain score and the need for medical leave and rescue therapy. Drug tolerability was determined by comparing the occurrence of side effects of both drugs. Quality of life scores pre- and post-intervention were measured and compared.

Results
Mefenamic acid had a comparable effect to celecoxib in relieving symptoms of PD. Both drugs were equally tolerable and showed similar impacts on quality of life.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that mefenamic acid and celecoxib had similar effectiveness in improving pain score and quality of life in women with PD.
Osteopontin enhances the migration of lung fibroblasts via upregulation of interleukin-6 through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway
Authors: Fujisawa Yu , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Uehara Takeshi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Fibrosis is a phenomenon in which parenchyma is replaced with fibrous tissue. Persistent inflammation accompanied by dysregulation of cytokine production and repeated cycles of inflammation-associated tissue-repair induces fibrosis in various organs including the liver, lung, and kidney. In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, production of interleukin (IL)-6 and osteopontin (OPN) are dysregulated. Fibrosis leads to qualitative rather than quantitative changes of fibroblasts at the sites of tissue repair, and this leads to enlargement of fibrotic foci. These fibroblasts are immunohistochemically positive for OPN; however, the effect of overexpressed OPN in fibroblasts is not fully understood yet. In this study, we investigated the effect of OPN on IL-6 secretion and on migration and proliferation of fibroblasts. Lung fibroblasts overexpressing exogenous OPN showed that OPN was linked to the enhancement of cell migration through increased IL-6 secretion via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. These results suggest that OPN may exert its pro-fibrotic functions, such as enhancement of fibroblasts migration by cooperating with chemoattractant IL-6, and may be involved in enlargement of fibrotic foci.
Role of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in the increased sensitivity of endothelial cells to a promigratory effect of erythropoietin in an inflammatory environment
Authors: Chamorro María Eugenia , Maltaneri Romina , Schiappacasse Agustina , Nesse Alcira , Vittori Daniela 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe proliferation and migration of endothelial cells are vascular events of inflammation, a process which can also potentiate the effects of promigratory factors. With the aim of investigating possible modifications in the activity of erythropoietin (Epo) in an inflammatory environment, we found that Epo at a non-promigratory concentration was capable of stimulating EA.hy926 endothelial cell migration when TNF-α was present. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression, as well as adhesion of monocytic THP-1 cells to endothelial layers were also increased. Structurally modified Epo (carbamylation or N-homocysteinylation) did not exhibit these effects. The sensitizing effect of TNF-α on Epo activity was mediated by the Epo receptor. Inhibition assays targeting the PI3K/mTOR/NF-κB pathway, shared by Epo and TNF-α, show a cross-talk between both cytokines. As observed in assays using antioxidants, cell migration elicited by TNF-α + Epo depended on TNF-α-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS-mediated inactivation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), involved in Epo signaling termination, could explain the synergistic effect of these cytokines. Our results suggest that ROS generated by inflammation inactivate PTP1B, causing the Epo signal to last longer. This mechanism, along with the cross-talk between both cytokines, could explain the sensitizing action of TNF-α on the migratory effect of Epo.
CPEC: A win-win for China and Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Kiran 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is believed to be Beijing’s most ambitious project so far. Two types of apprehensions are often voiced to support this claim. First, it is widely argued that despite enjoying enduring strategic partnership for over five decades, Pakistan and China don’t match economically. The Chinese will get weary of the many challenges coming with the corrupt, inefficient and globally isolated Pakistan, seriously undermining the conclusion of the Chinese mammoth investment in CPEC Secondly, Pakistan’s prevailing environment of insecurity which is rife with Islamic militancy and domestic insurgency is thought to be posing serious threats to the construction of the corridor. This paper aims to explain why, despite possible concerns, the China Pakistan economic corridor will succeed.
Análisis de la interacción social en contextos de movilidad transnacional y de superdiversidad
Authors: Sánchez Moreano Santiago 
Published: May 2020

Resumen
En contextos de superdiversidad y movilidad transnacional, al disponer de repertorios plurilingües, los hablantes tienen la posibilidad de utilizar formas lingüísticas particulares indexicales y socioculturalmente asociadas a las diferentes lenguas, variedades diatópicas, estilísticas o registros (Agha 2005) a los que han estado expuestos a lo largo de sus trayectorias de vida (Busch 2012). Dichas formas lingüísticas, a veces híbridas e innovadoras, pueden ser utilizadas con fines pragmáticos como el de adoptar una postura social particular. Basado en ejemplos conversacionales de Cayena (Guayana Francesa) y Cali (Colombia), este artículo sugiere combinar metodológicamente el análisis conversacional y de la interacción con la observación etnográfica y la teoría de stance (Du Bois 2007) para hacer más fino y productivo el análisis de las prácticas discursivas de los hablantes en su conexión con el mundo social.
Propuestas metodológicas para la investigación interdisciplinaria como interacción social
Authors: Haboud Marleen 
Published: May 2020

Resumen
Contextualizado en el programa de investigación interdisciplinaria Oralidad Modernidad y en algunos de sus proyectos, este capítulo reflexiona sobre los procedimientos metodológicos de procesos de documentación activa-revitalización lingüístico-cultural desarrollados en situaciones de contacto en Ecuador. Luego de describir brevemente al Ecuador y algunos trabajos de investigación previos que han sido cruciales para los enfoques metodológicos aquí descritos, puntualizo algunos conceptos clave. Paso entonces a ilustrar los procesos de documentación activa a partir de los resultados del proyecto “Voces Andinas y Conocimientos Ancestrales” (Fase I), desarrollado por Oralidad Modernidad. Finalmente, comparto algunas reflexiones y retos de los procesos investigativos centrados en las comunidades.
Una propuesta analítico-conversacional para el estudio de las actitudes hacia las señales del paisaje lingüístico
Authors: Fernández-Mallat Víctor 
Published: May 2020

Resumen
Basándome en datos naturales, en este estudio contribuyo al ámbito metodológico de los estudios que se interesan por la manera en que las personas interactúan con las señales del paisaje lingüístico que las rodea. Mientras que en estudios previos se han desarrollado e implementado métodos para suscitar que las personas expresen sus actitudes, en el presente desarrollo e implemento una propuesta para analizarlas. Para efectos de ilustrar su implementación, tomo como estudio de caso las actitudes que migrantes de habla hispana radicados en Basilea – una ciudad de tradición germánica – expresan ante la presencia del español en el paisaje lingüístico de su lugar de acogida.
Enhancement of the performance of a static mixer by combining the converging/diverging tube shapes and the baffling techniques
Authors: Kaid Noureddine , Ameur Houari 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The performance of a newly designed static mixer is explored in this paper by numerical simulations. It concerns a converging/diverging circular tube equipped with opposing and staggered baffles. This new design of static mixer presents a cost-effective, easy-to-design, easy-to-maintain choice, with a minimum pressure drop and a good mixing index at low Reynolds numbers (from 60 to 700), to the currently used static mixers. The investigation was carried out numerically for different baffle clearances (cl/D = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0, respectively) and inclination angles (α = 0°, 30° and 45°, respectively), different ratios of inlet diameter-to-outlet diameter (D
d = d/D = 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4, respectively) and different Reynolds number values. The obtained results revealed that the diverging tube favors the mixing index while reducing the pressure drop. For a dimensionless baffle clearance (cl/D) of 0.5 and Re = 700, the mixing index has been increased from 0.78 for a simple tube (d/D = 1) having vertical baffles (α = 0°) until 0.95 for a diverging tube at the ratio (d/D) of 1.4 with the same vertical baffles (α = 0°). The increase in the ratio d/D has also yielded a decrease in pressure losses. Compared to the simple static mixer without baffles and having the same inlet as outlet sections, the maximum enhancement in mixing index was about 315.84% when d/D = 1.4 and Cl/D = 0.3 and α = 0°. However, a reduction in pressure drop by about 92% may be obtained when α = 30° with only a reduction in mixing index by 14% (compared to α = 0°).
Experimental investigation of start-up dynamics for various heating effects in batch reactive distillation to produce methyl acetate
Authors: Patan Ameer Khan , Thamida Sunil Kumar , Suranani Srinath , Siliveri Suresh , Narayanan Venkatathri 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this article the experimental results related to various wall heating conditions for a batch reactive distillation (BRD) are presented. A solid catalyzed esterification reaction between acetic acid and methanol to produce methyl acetate and water is chosen as the system for study. An experimental apparatus with reboiler and a rectification column along with top total condenser is used. As a novelty the rectification column is provided a jacket through which hot water can be circulated. The dynamics of temperature in the reboiler, the time for onset of distillate and the purity of product in the distillate were recorded. The wall temperature of rectification column is varied to study its effect. Another two sets of conditions with air filled jacket and insulated conditions were also studied. The reboiler is supplied a constant heat input rate at three different values. An objective function pertaining to high throughput of the desired product in distillate is defined to select the most suitable option among all the above mentioned operating conditions.
Flow characteristics of the Rushton and pitched blade turbines in turbulent and laminar mixing
Authors: Taghavi Mahsa , Moghaddas Jafarsadegh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe velocity field and concentration distribution of three radial and axial impellers were studied in miscible liquid blending in a stirred tank reactor. To obtain a better insight into the applicability of each impeller system, the influence of velocity profiles on the generated concentration profiles was studied in detail for each impeller. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) methods were used as the measurement techniques. In the turbulent regime, the Rushton turbine provided a homogeneous concentration field throughout the reactor by generating high radial and axial velocities in the bottom and upper zones of the tank. Operation comparisons of the up and down-pumping pitched blade turbines illustrated that the up-pumping turbine had a better performance in overall because of producing high turbulence in the upper half of the reactor. In this region, the radial concentration profile approached the final homogenized value in a shorter time. In the laminar regime, all three impellers acted in a similar way and produced a radial flow throughout the reactor.
Performance analysis of an open-core type three-phase saturated iron-core superconducting fault current limiter
Authors: Upadhyaya Anirban , Roy Debabrata , Choudhury Amalendu Bikash 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
A very common kind of fault that appear in an electrical power system is the short-circuit fault, which were traditionally handled by the use of protective devices like fuses or circuit breakers which would disconnect the power supply to protect the components of the network. An alternative to these are fault current limiters (FCL), which are protective devices that limit or suppress the high-magnitude currents created during a short-circuit fault, thereby preventing damage to sensitive equipment and also aid in providing uninterrupted power supply to the consumers. A saturated iron-core superconducting fault current limiter (SISFCL) employs the ferromagnetic property of its core material to automatically suppress high-magnitude currents. In this paper, the performance of an open-core type three-phase SISFCL design is evaluated against three different kinds of short-circuit faults. The analysis is performed using finite element modelling (FEM) in the ANSYS Maxwell software environment.
An improvement in fermentability of acid-hydrolysed hemicellulose from kenaf stem for xylitol production
Authors: Shah Siti Syazwani Mohd , Luthfi Abdullah Amru Indera , Jahim Jamaliah Md , Harun Shuhaida , Low Kheng Oon 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of agricultural biomass for fermentation purposes; however, efficient strategies to counter lignocellulose inhibition are warranted to enhance xylitol production performance. Dilute-acid hydrolysis has been studied to selectively release a significant portion of xylose from hemicellulose, while leaving cellulose and lignin intact. The formation of inhibitory compounds, however, could jeopardise the overall performance during fermentation to produce xylitol. In this study, the fermentability of nitric acid-hydrolysed kenaf stem was substantially improved, through either adaptive evolution of the recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) or removal of fermentation inhibitors by detoxification with activated carbon. Both methods were compared to evaluate the superiority in fermentative performance. In the fermentation with detoxified hemicellulosic hydrolysate, the non-adapted strain produced the highest xylitol concentration of up to 6.8 g/L, with 61.5% xylose consumption. The yields of xylitol production involving detoxification were successfully enhanced by 22.6% and by 35.7% compared to those involving adaptive evolution and raw hydrolysate, respectively. The results reported herein suggest that the utilization of detoxified kenaf stem hydrolysate could be advantageous.
Duansheng Qian’s thoughts on human rights
Authors: Sun Pinghua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Duansheng Qian was a renowned scholar in the period of the Republic of China who studied in depth and at length the legal systems of different countries. His discourse constitutes a rich treasure of political and legal thought and numerous ideas on human rights. Much of his discourse touches on the concept of protecting human rights. A study of Qian’s works reveals the breadth and width of his ideas on human rights that form an important part of Chinese concepts on human rights. Many of these concepts are of great historical and practical significance.
On the Dynamics and Control of Fractional Chaotic Maps with Sine Terms
Authors: Gasri Ahlem , Ouannas Adel , Khennaoui Amina-Aicha , Bendoukha Samir , Pham Viet-Thanh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This paper studies the dynamics of two fractional-order chaotic maps based on two standard chaotic maps with sine terms. The dynamic behavior of this map is analyzed using numerical tools such as phase plots, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents and 0–1 test. With the change of fractional-order, it is shown that the proposed fractional maps exhibit a range of different dynamical behaviors including coexisting attractors. The existence of coexistence attractors is depicted by plotting bifurcation diagram for two symmetrical initial conditions. In addition, three control schemes are introduced. The first two controllers stabilize the states of the proposed maps and ensure their convergence to zero asymptotically whereas the last synchronizes a pair of non-identical fractional maps. Numerical results are used to verify the findings.
“So you know ehn … ” The use of bilingual interjections in Nigerian English
Authors: Unuabonah Foluke Olayinka 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This paper investigates four bilingual interjections: na wa, shikena, ehn, and ehen, with the objective of exploring their sources, meanings, frequencies, spelling stability, positions, collocational patterns and discourse-pragmatic functions in Nigerian English. The data which were obtained from the Nigerian component of the Global Web-based English corpus were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, using the theory of pragmatic borrowing. The results indicate that na wa, which is loaned from Nigerian Pidgin, is actually a modified form of a Hausa expression, na wahala, shikena is borrowed from Hausa, while ehn and ehen are loaned from Yoruba. Na wa is an emotive interjection, shikena and ehen are cognitive interjections, while ehn can function both as phatic and as emotive interjections. Both ehn and ehen also function as pragmatic markers. The study thus extends research on the discourse-pragmatic features of Nigerian English.
Exploring L2 learners’ request behavior in a multi-turn conversation with a fully automated agent
Authors: Timpe-Laughlin Veronika , Dombi Judit 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNew technology such as fully-automated interactive spoken dialogue systems (SDS), which allow learners to engage in multi-turn conversations with an automated agent, could provide a means for second and foreign language learners (L2) to practice form-function-context mappings in oral interaction. In this study, we investigated how learners interacted with an automated agent as they engaged in an SDS task that required them to make two requests. We examined the requests employed by 107 L2 learners, exploring in particular the request strategies and modifications used. We first transcribed verbatim all audio-recorded dialogues. Then, all turns were coded as to whether they contained a request or not. All turns that were identified as including requests were then coded for four categories adopted from Cross-cultural Speech Act Realization Patterns project: (1) Level of directness, (2) Request strategy, (3) External modifiers, and (4) Internal modifiers. Direct requests were most frequently used and learners’ preferred request strategies were want-statements and query preparatories. Additionally, they employed more internal than external modifications – a finding that seems contrary to most interlanguage studies on request realization. Moreover, we found distinct request realizations when comparing L1 Hungarian and L1 Japanese learners of English. We discuss the findings with regard to previous interlanguage studies on request realization, the potential impact of an automated agent, and ways automated spoken dialog systems might be used to implement individualized feedback to raise learners’ pragmatic awareness.
Pharmacological evidence of Vitex thyrsiflora, Entandrophragma cylindricum, and Anonidium mannii used for the management of inflammation in Cameroon
Authors: Mokale Kognou Aristide Laurel , Kopa Kowa Theodora , Pateriya Pradeep , Narayan Pal Prem , Mouokeu Raymond Simplice , Tchinda Tiabou Alembert , Agbor Agbor Gabriel , Pawar Singh Rajesh , Ngono Ngane Rosalie Annie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Inflammation is the most common health problem faced in life relating to a vast number of diseases. The present study evaluated the pharmacological effect of three plants (Vitex thyrsiflora, Entandrophragma cylindricum, and Anonidium mannii) commonly used in the Cameroon pharmacopeia for the management of inflammatory response.

Methods
The pharmacological effect was characterized by the antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties of the ethanol extracts of the three plants. Antioxidant capacity was determined using total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, hydrogen peroxide, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro by protein denaturation and hypotonic-induced hemolysis methods and in vivo by carrageenan paw edema method. Analgesic and antipyretic activities were studied in vivo using acetic acid-induced writhing and brewer’s yeast-induced hyperpyrexia models.

Results
All selected extracts showed high phenolic (15.93–64.45 mgCAE/g) and flavonoid (336.03–1053.48 mgCAE/g) contents and high ferric reducing power (288.75–364.91 mgCAE/g). These extracts exhibited good DPPH (IC50 = 0.30–1.65 μg/mL), ABTS (IC50 = 0.52–1.90 μg/mL), and H2O2 (IC50 = 1.40–3.55 μg/mL) radical scavenging activities. All extracts inhibited protein denaturation (6.79–82.27%) and protected the erythrocyte membrane from lysis induced by hypotonic solution (18.90–88.00%). The extracts significantly reduced dose-dependent paw edema (p < 0.05), fever, and abdominal writhing (p < 0.001) especially at 400 mg/kg.

Conclusions
All extracts exhibited interesting antioxidant properties, as well as significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.