bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delineating and preventing plastic waste leakage in the marine and terrestrial environment
Authors: Hahladakis John N. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPlastics are nowadays considered to be the workhorse material of our modern society with an ubiquitous presence that has increased manifold over the past 60 years, providing several benefits to the global economy. However, inappropriate and/or uncontrolled disposal practices, poor waste management infrastructure and application of insufficient recycling technologies, coupled with a lack of public awareness and incentives, have rendered plastic waste omnipresent, littering both the marine and the terrestrial environment with multi-faceted impacts. This short communication/commentary aims at delineating the plastic litter global challenge providing, at the same time, scientific views and perspectives on properly dealing with this material type, both upstream and downstream.
Benefits of applying X-ray computed tomography in bentonite based material research focussed on geological disposal of radioactive waste
Authors: Reijonen Heini Maria , Kuva Jukka , Heikkilä Pasi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBentonite-based geomaterials are included in the designs of geological repository planning in most countries, especially in high-level radioactive waste disposal. Physical integrity of the bentonite sealant is key in assuring its hydraulic and retention properties, which affect the long-term performance of the repositories. Examination of the internal textures and structures of bentonite has been challenging until recently. Here, X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is applied to improve the textural and structural characterization of natural and man-made bentonite samples. Based on these initial analyses, clear benefits have been identified compared with conventional bentonite research methods. First, applying XCT prior to destructive analytical methods provides means to distinguish secondary features or in situ textures. It allows to eliminate false interpretations due to sample deformation and guides subsampling. Second, XCT images add the third dimension to analyses, allowing larger spatial coverage in less time. Overall, findings support the application of XCT for reducing uncertainties related to physical characterization of bentonite samples, both natural and industrial. They also show that XCT has potential to be developed to support quality assurance processes for bentonite sealant manufacturing.
Homegarden commercialization: extent, household characteristics, and effect on food security and food sovereignty in Rural Indonesia
Authors: Abdoellah Oekan S. , Schneider Mindi , Nugraha Luthfan Meilana , Suparman Yusep , Voletta Cisma Tami , Withaningsih Susanti , Parikesit  , Heptiyanggit Amanda , Hakim Lukmanul 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHomegardens have long been recognized for contributing to household food security, nutritional status, and ecological sustainability in especially poor, rural areas in low-income countries. However, as markets and policies drive the commercialization of food and farming systems, and of rural livelihoods in general, it becomes increasingly difficult for small-holder farmers to maintain homegarden plots. Rather than autonomous spaces to grow food for self-consumption, farmers are transforming the land around their dwellings into an income-generating space by planting commercial crops for sale in urban and processing markets. The objective of this study was to examine homegarden commercialization in the Upper Citarum Watershed of West Java, Indonesia, and its effects on food security and food sovereignty. We employed a mixed-method approach to survey 81 village households involved in agricultural production. For quantitative analysis, we calculated a “homegarden commercialization index,” and developed indicator frameworks to examine relationships between commercialization, household food security, and food-related decision-making. Accompanied by insights from qualitative interviews, our results show that homegardens are highly commercialized, which contributes to the spread of monocultural production in the region. We argue that homegardens should be included and supported in food, agricultural, health, environmental, and rural development policy, in Indonesia and generally.
Quality of life after fragility fracture in the Russian Federation: results from the Russian arm of the International Cost and Utility Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study (ICUROS)
Authors: Lesnyak Olga , Svedbom Axel , Belova Ksenia , Dobrovolskaya Olga , Ershova Olga , Golubev Georgij , Grebenshikov Vyacheslav , Ivanov Sergej , Kochish Alexander , Menshikova Larissa , Nikitinskaya Oxana , Nurligayanov Radik , Solodovnikov Alexander , Toroptsova Natalia , Varavko Julia , Zotkin Eugenij , Borgstrom Fredrik , Kanis John A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Summary

Changes in health-related quality of life (QoL) due to hip, humeral, ankle, spine, and distal forearm fracture were measured in Russian adults age 50 years or more over the first 18 months after fracture. The accumulated mean QoL loss after hip fracture was 0.5 and significantly greater than after fracture of the distal forearm (0.13), spine (0.21), proximal humerus (0.26), and ankle (0.27).

Introduction
Data on QoL following osteoporotic fractures in Russia are scarce. The present study evaluated the impact of hip, vertebral, proximal humerus, distal forearm, and ankle fracture up to 18 months after fracture from the Russian arm of the International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study.

Methods
Individuals age ≥ 50 years with low-energy-induced humeral, hip, clinical vertebral, ankle, or distal forearm fracture were enrolled. After a recall of pre-fracture status, HRQoL was prospectively collected over 18 months of follow-up using EQ-5D-3L. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify determinants of QALYs loss.

Results
At 2 weeks, patients with hip fracture (n = 223) reported the lowest mean health state utility value (HSUV) compared with other fracture sites. Thereafter, utility values increased but remained significantly lower than before fracture. For spine (n = 183), humerus (n = 166), and ankle fractures (n = 214), there was a similar pattern of disutility with a nadir within 2 weeks and a progressive recovery thereafter. The accumulated mean QoL loss after hip fracture was 0.5 and significantly greater than after fracture of the distal forearm (0.13), spine (0.21), proximal humerus (0.26), and ankle (0.27). Substantial impairment in self-care and usual activities immediately after fracture were important predictors of recovery across at all fracture sites.

Conclusions
Fractures of the hip, vertebral, distal forearm, ankle, and proximal humerus incur substantial loss of QoL in Russia. The utility values derived from this study can be used in future economic evaluations.
The Influence of Iron in Minimizing the Microstructural Anisotropy of Ti-6Al-4V Produced by Laser Powder-Bed Fusion
Authors: Simonelli Marco , McCartney David Graham , Barriobero-Vila Pere , Aboulkhair Nesma T. , Tse Yau Yau , Clare Adam , Hague Richard 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
There remains a significant challenge in adapting alloys for metal-based additive manufacturing (AM). Adjusting alloy composition to suit the process, particularly under regimes close to industrial practice, is therefore a potential solution. With the aim of designing new Ti-based alloys of superior mechanical properties for use in laser powder-bed fusion, this research investigates the influence of Fe on the microstructural development of Ti-6Al-4V. The operating mechanisms that govern the relationship between the alloy composition (and Fe in particular) and the grain size are explored using EBSD, TEM, and in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction. It was found that Fe additions up to 3 wt pct lead to a progressive refinement of the microstructure. By exploiting the cooling rates of AM and suitable amount of Fe additions, it was possible to obtain microstructures that can be optimized by heat treatment without obvious precipitation of detrimental brittle phases. The resulting microstructure consists of a desirable and well-studied fully laminar α + β structure in refined prior-β grains.
The Impact of Robotics in Learning Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Retrospective Analysis of 214 Laparoscopic and Robotic Procedures
Authors: Beckmann Jan Henrik , Bernsmeier Alexander , Kersebaum Jan-Niclas , Mehdorn Anne-Sophie , von Schönfels Witigo , Taivankhuu Terbish , Laudes Matthias , Schafmayer Clemens , Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Becker Thomas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Proximal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is commonly used to manage obesity, performed using laparoscopic or robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. As the prevalence of robotic bariatric surgery increases, further data is required to justify its use.

Methods
This was a large, retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures performed using laparoscopic (LRYGB) or robotic (RRYGB; da Vinci Xi system, Intuitive Surgical Sàrl) surgery between January 2016 and March 2019. The surgical techniques did not differ apart from different trocar placements. Data collected included patient characteristics before and after RYGB, operative outcomes and complications.

Results
In total, 114 RRYGB and 108 LRYGB primary surgeries were performed. There were no significant differences between the groups, apart from a significantly shorter duration of surgery (116.9 vs. 128.9 min, respectively), lower C-reactive protein values at days 1 (31.1 vs. 44.1 mg/l) and 2 (50.3 vs. 77.8 mg/l) after the intervention, and overall complication rate (4.4 vs. 12.0%, Clavien-Dindo classification II-V) with RRYGB compared with LRYGB. There was a lower hemoglobin value in the postoperative course after RRYGB (12.1 vs. 12.6 g/dl, day 2).

Conclusions
In our experience, robotic RYGB has proven to be safe and efficient, with a shorter duration of surgery and lower rate of complications than laparoscopic RYGB. RRYGB is easier to learn and seems safer in less experienced centers. Increasing experience with the robotic system can reduce the duration of surgery over time. Further studies with higher evidence level are necessary to confirm our results.
Rice Grain Cadmium Concentrations in the Global Supply-Chain
Authors: Shi Zhengyu , Carey Manus , Meharg Caroline , Williams Paul N. , Signes-Pastor Antonio J. , Triwardhani Eridha Ayu , Pandiangan Febbyandi Isnanda , Campbell Katrina , Elliott Christopher , Marwa Ernest M. , Jiujin Xiao , Farias Júlia Gomes , Nicoloso Fernando Teixeira , De Silva P. Mangala C. S. , Lu Ying , Norton Gareth , Adomako Eureka , Green Andy J. , Moreno-Jiménez Eduardo , Zhu Yongguan , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel Antonio , Haris Parvez I. , Lawgali Youssef F. , Sommella Alessia , Pigna Massimo , Brabet Catherine , Montet Didier , Njira Keston , Watts Michael J. , Hossain Mahmud , Islam M. Rafiqul , Tapia Yasna , Oporto Carla , Meharg Andrew A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOne of cadmium’s major exposure routes to humans is through rice consumption. The concentrations of cadmium in the global polished (white), market rice supply-chain were assessed in 2270 samples, purchased from retailers across 32 countries, encompassing 6 continents. It was found on a global basis that East Africa had the lowest cadmium with a median for both Malawi and Tanzania at 4.9 μg/kg, an order of magnitude lower than the highest country, China with a median at 69.3 μg/kg. The Americas were typically low in cadmium, but the Indian sub-continent was universally elevated. In particular certain regions of Bangladesh had high cadmium, that when combined with the high daily consumption rate of rice of that country, leads to high cadmium exposures. Concentrations of cadmium were compared to the European Standard for polished rice of 200 μg/kg and 5% of the global supply-chain exceeded this threshold. For the stricter standard of 40 μg/kg for processed infant foods, for which rice can comprise up to 100% by composition (such as rice porridges, puffed rice cereal and cakes), 25% of rice would not be suitable for making pure rice baby foods. Given that rice is also elevated in inorganic arsenic, the only region of the world where both inorganic arsenic and cadmium were low in grain was East Africa.
Contraceptive technologies for global health: ethically getting to safe, effective and acceptable options for women and men
Authors: Townsend John , Sitruk-Ware Régine , RamaRao Saumya , Sailer Jim 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhile the contributions of science, biomedicine, and engineering to contraceptive development offer wonder and promise to the community, what inspires many of us in the not-for-profit sector about the process of contraceptive product development is the integration of consultations with users, providers and policy makers, good clinical and manufacturing practice in product design and development, and the delivery of approved products at affordable prices to those in greatest need. The commitment to have an impact on the reproductive lives of women and men along with the ethical principles embedded in this process of achieving safe, effective, and acceptable options include the respect for persons, i.e., eventual users, beneficence for those using the product and justice in ensuring that it is available to those who are most vulnerable, including those in developing countries. It is the inspiration that drives the scientists and developers to produce public benefit and additional social value.
Body mass of honey bee drones developing in constant and in changing temperatures
Authors: Czekońska Krystyna , Tofilski Adam 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe body mass of honey bee (Apis mellifera) drones was investigated during a post-capping development under four temperature regimes: constant low temperature (32 °C), constant high temperature (35 °C), low temperature in the early stage followed by high temperature in the later stage, and high temperature in the early stage followed by low temperature in the later stage. The temperature regimes had significant influence on the drones’ body mass. The heaviest drones were obtained when the temperature was high at the early stage and low at the later stage of the post-capping period. The most lightweight drones occurred at constant high temperature. The body mass of drones was changing significantly over their adult life and was highest at the age of five days. After this age, the body mass tended to decrease until the end of life. These results suggest that the highest body mass of drones can be obtained by keeping them during the post-capping development in changing and not constant temperatures.
Short-term hyperthermia at larval age reduces sucrose responsiveness of adult honeybees and can increase life span
Authors: Kablau Arne , Berg Stefan , Rutschmann Benjamin , Scheiner Ricarda 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHoneybees are very sensitive to their breeding temperature. Even slightly lower temperatures during larval development can significantly affect adult behavior. Several devices which are employed for killing the honeybee ectoparasiteVarroa destructorrely on short-term hyperthermia in the honeybee hive. The device used here applies 43.7 °C for 2 h, which is highly effective in killing the mites. We study how short-term hyperthermia affects worker brood and behavior of emerging adult bees. Sucrose responsiveness was strongly reduced after treatment of larvae early or late of larval development. Hyperthermia significantly enhanced life span, particularly in bees receiving treated early in larval development. To ask whether increased life span correlated with foraging performance, we used radio frequency identification (RFID). Onset and offset of foraging behavior as well as foraging trip duration and lifetime foraging effort were unaffected by hyperthermia treatment as prepupa.
Fatigue of brazed joints made of X5CrNi18-10 and Cu110 and derivation of reliable assessment approaches
Authors: Baumgartner J. , Tillmann W. , Bobzin K. , Öte M. , Wiesner S. , Sievers N. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBrazing in a continuous belt furnace is a quite cost-effective way of joining components consisting of many individual parts. It is extensively used in many industrial sectors like the automotive or in the energy industry. Even though many components are cyclically loaded during service up to now, no approaches to assess the lifetime under in-service loads are available. In order to assess the fatigue strength of brazed joints, three different specimen types have been investigated: peel and shear as well as a component-like specimens. The specimens were characterized and tested under load control using constant and variable amplitudes. Subsequently, the fatigue life of these joints was assessed by linear-elastic notch stresses. A reference S-N curve and characteristic damage sums were derived that enable to perform a reliable fatigue assessment. Further parameters which seem to have a strong influence on the fatigue life, the surface topology, and the overall quality of the braze were identified. Their influence is discussed.
Study of the effects of adapted Tango and multidimensional intervention in pREvention of dementia in agiNG: developing healTHy lifestyle programs (STRENGTH Project)—the experimental protocol of a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Giuli Cinzia , Paoloni Cristina , Santillo Elpidio , Balietti Marta , Fabbietti Paolo , Postacchini Demetrio , Piacenza Francesco 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Dementia represents a key health issue for older adults, with negative consequences on psycho-social and functional status. Treatments that counteract cognitive deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are needed to prevent or delay it.

Aim
To describe the experimental protocol of the STRENGTH Project. This study investigates a multimodal intervention in older adults with MCI to improve cognitive, functional, biochemical and psycho-social aspects.

Methods
The prospective randomised controlled trial will enrol 300 subjects with MCI (age ≥ 60 years). Participants will be randomly assigned to: (a) the experimental group, which will undergo sessions of adapted tango, music therapy, engagement in social activities, cognitive intervention and psycho-education for 6 months or (b) the control group, which will receive psycho-education and advice on healthy lifestyle for 6 months. All outcomes will be analysed before intervention (baseline), immediately after termination (follow-up 1), after 6 months (follow-up 2) and after 2 years (follow-up 3).

Discussion
We expect that the findings of this multidisciplinary study will be useful to optimize clinical and psycho-social interventions for improving cognitive and functional status of subjects with MCI.

Conclusions
This project could have a meaningful impact on National Health Systems by providing clues on multidisciplinary management of older adults affected by cognitive decline to prevent dementia.
An experimental research of dynamic characteristics for long wall shearer cutting unit gearbox in oblique cutting
Authors: Wang Jue , Song Shiyao , Li Peng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOblique cutting is a working condition in fully mechanized mining whose function is making it possible for coal shearer to cut coal wall. Coal shearer often exhibit large vibration amplitudes in oblique cutting since the shearer is forced to be bent. In this study, dynamic behavior in oblique cutting for the coal shearer cutting unit gearbox (SCUG) is investigated experimentally based on National Coal Mining Equipment Laboratory of China. A new long wall mining test set-up consists of a test coal shearer and other auxiliary machines is developed for operating long wall coal mining process. Realistic oblique cutting process is developed, and vibration response will be more accurate since both cutting loads and test machine in this experiment are realistic. A data-acquisition system consisting of sensors, channel conditioner and computer is developed to capture three-dimensional vibratory accelerations. A test matrix which included various combinations of key cutting load parameters is executed under realistic oblique cutting loads within a wide parameter range to establish database. Experimental data is analyzed in time, domain and time-frequency domains for investigating the rules of dynamic behavior for SCUG. Beat vibration phenomenon and the coupling of gear mesh frequencies are found in experiment, resulting in local resonance and reduce fatigue life of SCUG. The influence of cutting load on beat phenomenon and frequency coupling is demonstrated at the end, and some conclusions are obtained.
Data Analysis to Study Sub-threshold Delays Incurred by Tyne and Wear Metro Trains
Authors: Screen Daniel , Parkinson James , Shilton Christopher , Rjabovs Aleksandrs , Marinov Marin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe performance of Tyne and Wear Metro system in the UK is measured on a headway basis, and gaps in service that are 4 min or more in excess of scheduled gaps are investigated and the cause documented. The metro system has a number of infrastructure constraints including single-line sections, junctions and level crossings, all of which have to be taken account of when constructing the timetable, in order to avoid trains being held by the signalling system, causing delays. The objective of this study is to analyse delays less than 4 min, which are not investigated or attributed to a cause, known as sub-threshold delays. The purpose of the analysis is to identify regularly occurring issues which are due to the timetable, in order to recommend changes. Two different data sets were used. The first data set explored specific trains, areas and times of day where delays were highest. The second data set allowed us to drill down on each of those in greater detail by studying station departure times for each train. A number of options to resolve the issues identified during the analysis are proposed. Whilst the results are specific to the Tyne and Wear Metro system, the methodology is suitable for use by other urban rail transit systems. The study identified several areas of future work including resolving data recording issues, carrying out further investigation of trains at peak times in particular scenarios, and automating the analysis through the use of other software.