bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Polymers for Break pad Applications.
Authors: Ravi Raj V , Vijaya Ramnath B , Srinivsan R , Sethuvelappan P , Ramanan  
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Non wear out brake emission is one of the significant issue concerns with health and the environment. In brakes performance, wear debris is released in the atmosphere and pollute the environment. The brake pad is classified into two categories mainly asbestos and non-asbestos. As per the report of WHO and Environment Protection Agencies, some of the metals oxidized and produces toxic gaseous. Toxicity leads and creates a bad effect on human health. This work focuses on remedies over environmental and health issues because of brake pad emission. It is important to reduce the percentage of toxic elements at source and develop novel material compositions that are less dangerous to the environment and human health. Also, it satisfies all requirements of a brake pad material as per international standards. From this investigation, we found an alternate material for brake bad applications. The natural fibers reinforcement material is zero toxic. So, the materials will not create any environmental and human health issues.
Investigation on Mechanical Strength of Cellular Concrete in Presence of Silica Fume
Authors: Fani G M , Singla S , Garg R , Garg R 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOver the past decade, Cellular Lightweight concrete has gained popularity in the construction industry. Despite its advantageous low weight, thermal insulating, and fire-resistant nature, its comparatively low strength is a matter of concern. To develop the strength of this type of concrete, a thorough characterization of its main characteristics must be studied thereafter in addition to supportive cementitious materials. The effect of polyurethane on density and strength of cellular concrete subjected to varying curing conditions have been investigated in this report. Besides, Silica Fume has been used as a partial substituent of cement and as supportive cementitious material. The cellular concrete has been obtained by varying silica fume (0-20% by weight of cement) and polyurethane (0-20% by volume) at 7, 28, 56, and 90 days of curing. Density, compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength have been investigated for all the specimens. The findings revealed a decrease in density and strength of cellular concrete in the absence of SF and the presence of polyurethane. The introduction of silica fume resulted in higher density and strength revealing the beneficial use of this pozzolanic material.
Mechanical Properties and Durability Study of Jute Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Tiwari S , Sahu A K , Pathak R P 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Natural material/fiber should be used in the construction industry as it finds low cost and improve the properties of the material. Jute fiber is used in research study and carried out an experimental investigation on the mechanical properties of the jute fiber reinforced concrete (JFRC). Natural available jute fiber was chopped to the desired length and it was mixed in concrete to produce JFRC. The chopped jute fiber added in three different percentages i.e. 0.5%, 1.0%, & 1.5% in three various concrete mixes (M25, M30 and M40). Additionally, JFRC concrete specimens cured in the acid medium and examine the compression strength, split tensile strength, and strength reduced under acid curing. Workability results indicated that the slump value (workability) reduced as an increased amount of jute fiber in the concrete specimens. Also, the compressive strength reduced in the acid curing as compared to normal curing. Additionally, Jute fiber increased the compressive and tensile strength of every concrete mix. This research study revealed that natural fiber (jute fiber) can be used as additives to enhance the durability and strength of concrete.
Performance analysis of Papercrete in presence of Rice husk ash and Fly ash
Authors: Singh A , Singla S , Garg R , Garg R 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Papercrete is a modern composite material, that uses waste paper as a partial replacement to Portland cement, and is a renewable medium to construction owing to the reduction of the volume of waste paper as well as cement. Papercrete has strong sound absorption, thermal insulation and a low-cost alternative; light weight and fire-resistant building material. However, its low mechanical strength needs to be compensated by incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials. The work discusses the potential for the partial replacement of cement (by weight) with waste paper pulp in presence of Rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA) in ternary blends. For tests, the levels of replacement for RHA and FA were 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% and for waste paper, the rates of replacement were maintained at 10%. A reference mix was also prepared for the comparative purposes without substitution by RHA, FA and paper pulp. The flow, compressive strength, split tensile strength, water absorption and dry density studies were performed for all the specimens. The findings revealed decreased the flow of specimens compared with the reference mix along with reduction in strength that was well compensated by RHA and FA particles. The optimal content for RHA blends was 20% and that of FA was 15% with maximum strength among the mixes. The study signifies that the waste paper can be used to prepare papercrete in presence of optimal content of supplementary cementitious materials to have desired mechanical properties.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Psidium guajava Leaf Extract
Authors: Varughese Ammu , Kaur Raminder , Singh Poonam 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Green synthesis of nanoparticles has gained enormous attention in today’s world due to ongoing demand to develop safe, sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly process for synthesizing a wide variety of materials including metal/metal oxides nanoparticles, hybrid and bioinspired materials. In the current study, we have carried out green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) using psidium guajava leaf extract as capping agent and copper acetate as metal precursor. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using wide variety of techniques i.e. powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FTIR, TGA and HRTEM. The PXRD result confirms the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles in pure phase having monoclinic symmetry. The average particle size using PXRD was found out to be ∼33 nm.
Effect of Silica Fume & Steel Slag on Nano-silica based High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Kansal C M , Singla S , Garg R 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study presents strength behaviour of concrete based composites including three different ternary binders namely Nano-Silica (NS), Silica Fume (SF) & Steel Slag (SS). NS as fragmental substitution of cement, SF as the fragmental substitution for the fine aggregates and SS as fragmental substitution of coarse aggregates has been used. The study has been conducted at an optimized content of NS (2%) and by varying the content of SF (10-15%) and SS (10-30%). Cement concrete having M60 grade strength at fixed W/C (0.35) has been explored for the strength behaviour. The studies have revealed that the optimized content of NS, SF and SS can be used as a partial substitute of cement, fine aggregates and coarse aggregates respectively to obtain increased strength. Thus, NS, SF and SS can be used to obtain high performance and eco-friendly concrete structures.
Mechanical Properties of Chemically Treated Banana and Ramie Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Sai Krishnan G. , Shanmugasundar G. , Vanitha M. , Sivashanmugam N. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPresent research focuses on finding better fibre reinforcement cheap and eco-friendly polypropylene composite Mechanical Properties increased with increase in fibre loading and sodium carbonate Treatment. Banana and Ramie Fibres were chosen as reinforcement. The compression moulding technique was used to prepare the composite material. Fibre loading was varied at 0, 5 and 10% volume. Both raw Banana and Ramie Fibre was chemically treated with 5 wt% sodium carbonate and composites were also prepared with 0, 5 and 10% volume treated ramie and banana fibre. Analysis of prepared composites was subsequently conducted using Mechanical Tensile, flexural, hardness tests and. 10% fibre reinforced composite provided the best set of mechanical properties. It can be concluded after chemical treatment the mechanical treatment got enhanced.
Investigation on the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Red banana/Ramie Fiber vinyl ester composites
Authors: Sai Krishnan G. , Shanmugasundar G. , Vanitha M. , Srinivasan S. , Suresh G. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The need of green materials for various applications is in high demand. The bio fibers play a very important position to achieve eco friendliness and cost effectiveness. The aim is to analyse the effect of hybrid mat performance. In this work banana and ramie fibers were taken into consideration, With vinyl ester composites. Three different combinations have been developed in laminating the composites at 90 degree orientation. ASTM standards were used to examine the mechanical performances of the composites. The worn out analysis have been carried out by using scanning electronic microscopy. In this work two single layer fibers of ramie and banana have been taken into account and the third composite is developed with hybridisation of red banana and ramie fibers. On comparing all the results obtained the hybrid double layer of red banana and ramie fibers possessed good results in tensile/flexural property. The impact properties of ramie fiber were marginally higher than red banana fibers.
Study on the ball milling modification of attapulgite
Authors: Xu Jianlin , Ren Shibo , Kang Chenghu , Cui Fandong , Li Chengsi , Fan Jiliang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In order to improve the dispersion of attapulgite (ATP), the surface of ATP was modified by conventional ball milling, chemical modification and ball milling modification methods. The ATP samples were studied by XRD, FTIR, TG, TEM, etc. The research results show that the resulting ATP modified by conventional ball milling still has the secondary agglomeration phenomenon and partial damage phenomenon of its rod-like crystal. The surface of ATP can be effectively modified by silane coupling agent KH-550 using chemical modification and ball milling modification methods and their rod-like crystal cannot be damaged. The ball milling modification and dispersion effects for ATP was the best. The contact angle of the resulting ATP was increased by 189% , its specific surface area was increased by 218% , and the volume of the bundles and the sedimentation rate were decreased.
Methods for measuring the electron’s electric dipole moment using ultracold YbF molecules
Authors: Fitch N J , Lim J , Hinds E A , Sauer B E , Tarbutt M R 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Measurements of the electron’s electric dipole moment (eEDM) are demanding tests of physics beyond the standard model. We describe how ultracold YbF molecules could be used to improve the precision of eEDM measurements by two to three orders of magnitude. Using numerical simulations, we show how the combination of magnetic focussing, two-dimensional transverse laser cooling, and frequency-chirped laser slowing, can produce an intense, slow, highly-collimated molecular beam. We show how to make a magneto-optical trap of YbF molecules and how the molecules could be loaded into an optical lattice. eEDM measurements could be made using the slow molecular beam or using molecules trapped in the lattice. We estimate the statistical sensitivity that could be reached in each case and consider how sources of noise can be reduced so that the shot-noise limit of sensitivity can be reached. We also consider systematic effects due to magnetic fields and vector light shifts and how they could be controlled.
Woody plant encroachment enhances soil infiltrability of a semiarid karst savanna
Authors: Leite Pedro A M , Wilcox Bradford P , McInnes Kevin J 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Semiarid karst landscapes are often the source areas for regionally important groundwater supplies. Like savannas across the globe, these landscapes are experiencing an increase in woody plant cover—often referred to as woody plant encroachment. Although this phenomenon is commonly viewed as leading to increased transpiration and reduced groundwater recharge, this may not be true of all ecosystems. For example, in the Edwards Plateau region of central Texas—where the underlying geology is karst—dramatic increases in baseflows have occurred concurrently with the expansion of woody plants. It has been suggested that in this context woody plants, especially juniper (Juniperus spp.), are partially responsible for boosting recharge by improving soil infiltrability, but this hypothesis has not been systematically evaluated. Our study examined the effects of an important encroaching shrub (Redberry juniper) on soil infiltrability in the Edwards Plateau. We carried out a large number of infiltration tests to determine soil infiltrability and used a dye tracer followed by soil profile excavation to estimate the potential for deep percolation. Tests were performed at increasing distances under juniper shrubs of five size classes, ranging from young seedlings to mature shrubs. We found that in soils underlying shrubs, infiltrability was quintupled and percolation depth almost tripled compared with soils in intercanopy zones. Surprisingly, shrub size was not a significant factor. Even the soils beneath the smallest shrubs had much higher infiltrability than intercanopy soils, showing that these woody plants modify soil properties at very early stages. We also found that both infiltrability and percolation depth gradually increased with proximity to the trunk and showed a strong correlation with litter thickness. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that in semiarid karst landscapes, woody plant encroachment—especially the invasion of juniper—can play an important role in enhancing groundwater recharge by improving the soil infiltrability.
Clinical and Epidemiologic Evaluation of Inconclusive COVID-19 PCR Results Using a Quantitative Algorithm
Authors: Yang Shangxin , Stanzione Nicholas , Uslan Daniel Z , Garner Omai B , de St Maurice Annabelle 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe inconclusive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result causes confusion and delay for infection prevention precautions and patient management. We aimed to develop a quantitative algorithm to assess and interpret these inconclusive results.MethodsWe created a score-based algorithm by combining laboratory, clinical, and epidemiologic data to evaluate 69 cases with inconclusive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) PCR results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assay (18 cases) and the TaqPath assay (51 cases).ResultsWe determined 5 (28%) of 18 (CDC assay) and 20 (39%) of 51 (TaqPath assay) cases to be false positive. Lowering the cycle threshold cutoff from 40 to 37 in the TaqPath assay resulted in a dramatic reduction of the false-positive rate to 14%. We also showed testing of asymptomatic individuals is associated with a significantly higher probability of having a false-positive result.ConclusionsA substantial percentage of inconclusive SARS-CoV-2 PCR results can be false positive, especially among asymptomatic patients. The quantitative algorithm we created was shown to be effective and could provide a useful tool for clinicians and hospital epidemiologists to interpret inconclusive COVID-19 PCR results and provide clinical guidance when additional PCR or antibody test results are available.
Social Work, Disasters and Communities—Challenging the Boundaries of the Profession
Authors: Das Arpita 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Disasters caused by natural phenomena are ubiquitous world over in terms of their occurrence. Myths and folklore are testament to this. The transition of natural phenomena into ‘natural’ disasters occurs only when humans are introduced. ‘Natural’ disasters have a social gradient to them, which differs vastly across societies. Epistemologically, disasters have been the forte of technocrats with social workers at best remaining at the fringes. This article is based on an empirical study undertaken with two communities who live in the flood affected Brahmaputra valley. It reveals a gap in the knowledge of the local realities—social, political, geographical resulting in grand and ineffective policy making. The current policies have a large imprint of the colonial with little being done in terms of developing alternate, localised and participatory methods of flood management. It demonstrates how the community’s efforts transcend a spectrum of stages moving from prevention and adaption to mitigation. For the Brahmaputra floods, the reality is extremely tenuous. Hence, it is not feasible for one knowledge system to understand the whole reality. Rather it needs to be acknowledged that multiple knowledge systems exist, and social workers need to be stakeholders in this process of knowledge creation and building of resilient communities.
Increased Mucosal Thrombin is Associated with Crohn’s Disease and Causes Inflammatory Damage through Protease-activated Receptors Activation
Authors: Motta Jean-Paul , Palese Simone , Giorgio Carmine , Chapman Kevin , Denadai-Souza Alexandre , Rousset Perrine , Sagnat David , Guiraud Laura , Edir Anissa , Seguy Carine , Alric Laurent , Bonnet Delphine , Bournet Barbara , Buscail Louis , Gilletta Cyrielle , Buret Andre G , Wallace John L , Hollenberg Morley D , Oswald Eric , Barocelli Elisabetta , Le Grand Sylvie , Le Grand Bruno , Deraison Celine , Vergnolle Nathalie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
Thrombin levels in the colon of Crohn’s disease patients have recently been found to be elevated 100-fold compared with healthy controls. Our aim was to determine whether and how dysregulated thrombin activity could contribute to local tissue malfunctions associated with Crohn’s disease.

Methods
Thrombin activity was studied in tissues from Crohn’s disease patients and healthy controls. Intracolonic administration of thrombin to wild-type or protease-activated receptor-deficient mice was used to assess the effects and mechanisms of local thrombin upregulation. Colitis was induced in rats and mice by the intracolonic administration of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid.

Results
Active forms of thrombin were increased in Crohn’s disease patient tissues. Elevated thrombin expression and activity were associated with intestinal epithelial cells. Increased thrombin activity and expression were also a feature of experimental colitis in rats. Colonic exposure to doses of active thrombin comparable to what is found in inflammatory bowel disease tissues caused mucosal damage and tissue dysfunctions in mice, through a mechanism involving both protease-activated receptors -1 and -4. Intracolonic administration of the thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, as well as inhibition of protease-activated receptor-1, prevented trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis in rodent models.

Conclusions
Our data demonstrated that increased local thrombin activity, as it occurs in the colon of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, causes mucosal damage and inflammation. Colonic thrombin and protease-activated receptor-1 appear as possible mechanisms involved in mucosal damage and loss of function and therefore represent potential therapeutic targets for treating inflammatory bowel disease.
Evaluation of the Bidirectional Relations of Perceived Physical Fatigability and Physical Activity on Slower Gait Speed
Authors: Qiao Yujia (Susanna) , Gmelin Theresa , Renner Sharon W , Boudreau Robert M , Martin Sarah , Wojczynski Mary K , Christensen Kaare , Andersen Stacy L , Cosentino Stephanie , Santanasto Adam J , Glynn Nancy W 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Lower physical activity levels and greater fatigability contribute independently to slower gait speed in older adults. To fully understand the bidirectional relations between physical activity and fatigability, and to inform potential intervention strategies, we examined whether physical activity or fatigability explains more of the other factor’s association on slower gait speed.

Methods
Two generations (probands and offspring) of older adults (N = 2079, mean age 73.0 ± 10.0 years, 54.2% women, 99.7% White) enrolled in the Long Life Family Study were assessed at Visit 2 (2014–2017). Self-reported physical activity was measured with the Framingham Physical Activity Index and perceived physical fatigability using the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale. Statistical mediation analyses were conducted separately by generation with linear mixed-effect models accounting for family relatedness and adjusted for demographics, health conditions, and field center.

Results
Greater perceived physical fatigability explained the association of lower physical activity on slower gait speed via a 22.5% attenuation of the direct association (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.0%–35.2%) for the probands and 39.5% (95% CI: 22.8%–62.6%) for the offspring. Whereas lower physical activity explained the association of greater perceived fatigability on slower gait speed via a 22.5% attenuation of the direct association (95% CI: 13.4%–32.8%) for the probands and 6.7% (95% CI: 3.8%–15.4%) for the offspring.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the impact of greater perceived physical fatigability on the association between lower physical activity and slower gait speed differs between younger-old and middle-to-oldest-old adults, indicating perceived physical fatigability as a potential mediator in the disablement pathway.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and all-cause mortality by sex and age: a prospective cohort study among 15.8 million adults
Authors: Yi Sang-Wook , Park Se-Jun , Yi Jee-Jeon , Ohrr Heechoul , Kim Hyeongsu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The associations between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and all-cause mortality are unclear in young adults (&lt;45 years) and in Asian populations.

Methods
In total, 15 860 253 Korean adults underwent routine health examinations during 2009–10 and were followed until June 2018 for all-cause mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results
During a mean 8.4 years of follow-up, 555 802 individuals died. U-curve associations were found between HDL-C levels and mortality, irrespective of sex or age. The HDL-C ranges associated with the lowest mortality were 40–59 and 50–69 mg/dL (1.03–1.54 and 1.29–1.80 mmol/L) in men aged &lt;65 and ≥65 years, respectively, and the corresponding ranges were 40–69 and 50–79 mg/dL (1.03–1.80 and 1.29–2.06 mmol/L) in women aged &lt;45 and ≥45 years, respectively. For HDL-C ranges of 60–149 mg/dL (1.55–3.86 mmol/L), each 39 mg/dL (1 mmol/L) increase in HDL-C was associated with higher mortality [men: HR = 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.36–1.42; women: HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11–1.18], adjusting for age. These positive associations were generally stronger at younger than older ages, whereas inverse associations for HDL-C ranges &lt;60 mg/dL (1.55 mmol/L) were strongest in middle age (45–64 years). The U-curve associations were generally unchanged after adjustment for various confounders.

Conclusions
Korean adults showed U-curve associations of HDL-C with mortality, regardless of sex, and age. Younger adults had a lower optimal range and a stronger positive association with mortality than older adults in the high HDL-C range. Even moderately high HDL-C levels are not necessarily a sign of good health, especially in young adults.