bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence-based predictive model of nanoscale friction using experimental data
Authors: Perčić Marko , Zelenika Saša , Mezić Igor 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA recent systematic experimental characterisation of technological thin films, based on elaborated design of experiments as well as probe calibration and correction procedures, allowed for the first time the determination of nanoscale friction under the concurrent influence of several process parameters, comprising normal forces, sliding velocities, and temperature, thus providing an indication of the intricate correlations induced by their interactions and mutual effects. This created the preconditions to undertake in this work an effort to model friction in the nanometric domain with the goal of overcoming the limitations of currently available models in ascertaining the effects of the physicochemical processes and phenomena involved in nanoscale contacts. Due to the stochastic nature of nanoscale friction and the relatively sparse available experimental data, meta-modelling tools fail, however, at predicting the factual behaviour. Based on the acquired experimental data, data mining, incorporating various state-of-the-art machine learning (ML) numerical regression algorithms, is therefore used. The results of the numerical analyses are assessed on an unseen test dataset via a comparative statistical validation. It is therefore shown that the black box ML methods provide effective predictions of the studied correlations with rather good accuracy levels, but the intrinsic nature of such algorithms prevents their usage in most practical applications. Genetic programming-based artificial intelligence (AI) methods are consequently finally used. Despite the marked complexity of the analysed phenomena and the inherent dispersion of the measurements, the developed AI-based symbolic regression models allow attaining an excellent predictive performance with the respective prediction accuracy, depending on the sample type, between 72% and 91%, allowing also to attain an extremely simple functional description of the multidimensional dependence of nanoscale friction on the studied variable process parameters. An effective tool for nanoscale friction prediction, adaptive control purposes, and further scientific and technological nanotribological analyses is thus obtained.
Physical Methods for the Decontamination of Meat Surfaces
Authors: Albert Thiemo , Braun Peggy G. , Saffaf Jasem , Wiacek Claudia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The market for minimally processed products is constantly growing due to consumer demand. Besides food safety and increased shelf life, nutritional value and sensory appearance also play a major role and have to be considered by the food processors. Therefore, the purpose of the review was to summarize recent knowledge about important alternative non-thermal physical technologies, including both those which are actually applied (e.g. high-pressure processing and irradiation) and those demonstrating a high potential for future application in raw meat decontamination (e.g. pulsed light UV-C and cold plasma treatment). The evaluation of the methods is carried out with respect to efficiency, preservation of food quality and consumer acceptance.

Recent Findings
It was evident that significantly higher bacterial reductions are achieved with gamma-ray, electron beam irradiation and high pressure, followed by pulsed light, UV-C and cold plasma, with ultrasound alone proving the least effective. As a limitation, it must be noted that sensory deviations may occur and that legal approvals may have to be applied for.

Summary
In summary, it can be concluded that physical methods have the potential to be used for decontamination of meat surfaces in addition to common hygiene measures. However, the aim of future research should be more focused on the combined use of different technologies to further increase the inactivation effects by keeping meat quality at the same time.
On the x-coordinates of Pell equations that are sums of two Padovan numbers
Authors: Ddamulira Mahadi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLet $$ (P_{n})_{n\ge 0} $$

(

P
n

)

n
≥
0

be the sequence of Padovan numbers defined by $$ P_0=0 $$

P
0

=
0

, $$ P_1 = P_2=1$$

P
1

=

P
2

=
1

, and $$ P_{n+3}= P_{n+1} +P_n$$

P

n
+
3

=

P

n
+
1

+

P
n

for all $$ n\ge 0 $$

n
≥
0

. In this paper, we find all positive square-free integers d such that the Pell equations $$ x^2-dy^2 = N $$

x
2

-
d

y
2

=
N

with $$ N\in \{\pm 1, \pm 4\} $$

N
∈
{
±
1
,
±
4
}

, have at least two positive integer solutions (x, y) and $$(x^{\prime }, y^{\prime })$$

(

x
′

,

y
′

)

such that both x and $$x^{\prime }$$

x
′

are sums of two Padovan numbers.
Horizontal and vertical log-concavity
Authors: Heim Bernhard , Neuhauser Markus 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHorizontal and vertical generating functions and recursion relations have been investigated by Comtet for triangular double sequences. In this paper we investigate the horizontal and vertical log-concavity of triangular sequences assigned to polynomials which show up in combinatorics, number theory and physics. This includes Laguerre polynomials, the Pochhammer polynomials, the D’Arcais and Nekrasov–Okounkov polynomials.
Investigating impact of land-use and land cover changes on hydro-ecological balance using GIS: insights from IIT Bombay, India
Authors: Srivastava Aman , Chinnasamy Pennan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present study, for the first time, examined land-use land cover (LULC), changes using GIS, between 2000 and 2018 for the IIT Bombay campus, India. Objective was to evaluate hydro-ecological balance inside campus by determining spatio-temporal disparity between hydrological parameters (rainfall-runoff processes), ecological components (forest, vegetation, lake, barren land), and anthropogenic stressors (urbanization and encroachments). High-resolution satellite imageries were generated for the campus using Google Earth Pro, by manual supervised classification method. Rainfall patterns were studied using secondary data sources, and surface runoff was estimated using SCS-CN method. Additionally, reconnaissance surveys, ground-truthing, and qualitative investigations were conducted to validate LULC changes and hydro-ecological stability. LULC of 2018 showed forest, having an area cover of 52%, as the most dominating land use followed by built-up (43%). Results indicated that the area under built-up increased by 40% and playground by 7%. Despite rapid construction activities, forest cover and Powai lake remained unaffected. This anomaly was attributed to the drastically declining barren land area (up to ~ 98%) encompassing additional construction activities. Sustainability of the campus was demonstrated with appropriate measures undertaken to mitigate negative consequences of unwarranted floods owing to the rise of 6% in the forest cover and a decline of 21% in water hyacinth cover over Powai lake. Due to this, surface runoff (~ 61% of the rainfall) was observed approximately consistent and being managed appropriately despite major alterations in the LULC. Study concluded that systematic campus design with effective implementation of green initiatives can maintain a hydro-ecological balance without distressing the environmental services.
Good patriotism, social consideration, environmental problem cognition, and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors: a cross-sectional study of Chinese attitudes
Authors: Hamada Tomomi , Shimizu Makoto , Ebihara Tsuyoshi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecent studies have indicated a positive association between patriotism and environmentalism; however, the correlation between them has not yet been quantitatively verified. Additionally, differences in “good” versus “blind” patriotism have been ignored in environmental behavior studies; thus, theoretical concepts related to their effects on environmentalism have not been empirically tested. The present study aims to reveal the effects of good patriotism and social consideration on pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, and the mediating effect of social consideration on the relationship between patriotism and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, while removing national or political prejudice or ideology from the measurement of patriotism. Data collected using a self-report questionnaire were analyzed for Chinese university students and workers. Results of multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis of five pro-environmental attitudes/behaviors estimation models showed that patriotism was correlated with pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, and this correlation was completely mediated by individual social consideration, which was strongly and positively correlated with both patriotism and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. Our findings show that patriotism encourages people to focus on societal structures and environmental problems. The effect of good patriotism on individual pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors is clearly different from that of blind nationalism, as shown in previous literature. The present study highlights implications for future policy-making and education on patriotism and environmentalism in China.
New non-edible Allanblackia parviflora seed oil as an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production and characterization of the fuel
Authors: Takase Mohammed , Essandoh Paul Kwame , Kipkoech Rogers 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study is aimed at producing biodiesel from Allanblackia parviflora seed oil as a new non-edible alternative resource. The amount of oil extracted from the seeds was approximately 49% and was mainly composed of linoleic acids (66.68). The Allanblackia parviflora methyl esters (APME) were prepared using NaOH as a homogeneous base-catalyst for the transesterification. The rate of conversion of the triglycerides to methyl esters was determined using Gas Chromatograph with an optimum yield of 97.1%. The conditions under which this maximum yield (97.1%) was obtained include methanol to Allanblackia parviflora oil ratio of 6:1, reaction temperature of 60 ℃, NaOH concentration of 1% and reaction time of 2 h. The properties of the methyl esters were comparable to fuel properties of conventional diesel using ASTM and European Union standards. The seeds of Allanblackia parviflora can be described as promising non-edible resource.
Ambient air quality and the risk for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among Metro Manila Development Authority traffic enforcers in Metro Manila: An exploratory study
Authors: Seposo Xerxes , Arcilla Audrey Lynn A. , De Guzman Jose Guillermo N. , Dizon Enrico Miguel S. , Figuracion Andrea Nova R. , Morales Christina Micaela M. , Tugonon Pauleena Katriona A. , Apostol Geminn Louis C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAir pollution and poor ambient air quality are significantly related to multiple health risks. One associated disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a preventable disease with several contributing factors and one of the leading causes of morbidity/mortality locally and globally. A potentially high‐risk population are traffic enforcers who are constantly exposed to air pollution. In the Philippines, the MMDA has the widest coverage in traffic management. The study determined the risk of COPD among Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers in relation to ambient air quality level, as well as identified other factors that increase the risk of developing COPD.MethodsFifty‐two MMDA traffic enforcers deployed in PM2.5 air quality sensor areas in Metro Manila from 2016 to 2018 were recruited through stratified sampling. The International Primary Airways Guidelines (IPAG) questionnaire was utilized to measure risk of COPD. Respiratory health and working history were obtained through questionnaires. Department of environment and natural resources provided PM2.5 ambient air quality data which aided in the construction of the Exposure‐Month Index. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the association of PM2.5 together with the relevant factors and the risk of COPD.ResultsWe found statistically significant associations between PM2.5 and COPD among high risk category [odds risk (OR): 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.44]. Age (Moderate, OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.98–1.38 and High, OR: 10.06, 95% CI: 4.02–25.17) and chest pain (Moderate, OR: 68.65, 95% CI: 1.71–2.75 × 103) were potential risk factors, whereas body mass index (BMI) (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.53) exhibited protective effect.ConclusionsExposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increased risk of COPD among high‐risk category MMDA traffic enforcers. Age and chest pain were potential risk factors to risk of COPD, whereas BMI exhibited a potential protective effect. Results of this study can be used for clinical management of high‐risk populations, such that of MMDA traffic enforcers.
Prophylactic efficacy of intravenous atropine with crystalloid co-loading for hemodynamic stability in parturient undergoing cesarean delivery at Dilla University Referral Hospital. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aweke Zemedu , Mola Simeneh , Solomon Fistum , Ayalew Nugusu , Hailu Sleshi , Neme Derartu , Tilahun Abere , Abiy Sileshi 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT

Background:
The main objective of this study is to assess the prophylactic efficacy of intravenous atropine for the prevention of hypotension after spinal anesthesia in a parturient who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.

Method:
A randomized controlled trial study was conducted at Dilla University hospital. Pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section were randomized to either atropine prophylaxis (n = 33) or active prophylaxis (n = 33) for prevention of post-spinal hypotension. Sample sizes were calculated using a G-power version 3.1.9.2 getting a total of 66 participants. Intraoperative blood pressure, heart rate, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were assessed. Paired sample t-test was used to compare each group change from baseline. Independent t-test and Manny Whitney tests were used based on the distribution of data. A statistically significant difference was determined at a p-value of ≤05.

Result:
Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure declined from the baseline in both groups after spinal anesthesia. Atropine didn't prevent a decline in blood pressure from the baseline during the first 60 min of initiation of spinal anesthesia (p > 0.05). Heart rates at the 15th and 20th minute were higher in the atropine group (p < 0.05). There is no statistically significant difference between groups regarding mean Apgar score, and neonatal outcome. The total crystalloid fluid given during the perioperative period is higher in the active prophylaxis group with a mean of 2151.5 ml compared to 1651.52 ml in the atropine group p = 0.002. The incidence of intraoperative nausea and vomiting was higher in the active prophylaxis group compared to the atropine group but the difference is not statistically significant p > 0.05 as it was shown in the figure below.

Conclusion:
Prophylactic administration of atropine didn't prevent a decline in blood pressure from baseline. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was lower in the atropine group with no statistically significant difference.
Same-Sex Marriage in Japan: Prospects for Change
Authors: UPHAM Frank K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article examines why Japan is a prominent exception to the global trend towards recognition of same-sex marriage and evaluates the prospects for change. It does so through an analysis of five cases brought on Valentine's Day – 14 February 2019. Unlike many jurisdictions where religious opposition to same-sex relationships has been intense and sometimes violent, Japan has a history of relative tolerance towards LGBT individuals. Nonetheless, despite the creation of civil partnership ordinances in some localities, national legislation seems unlikely, and a group of lawyers filed suit in five district courts across Japan. The litigation was brought under the State Redress Act and is based on tort rather than directly on constitutional doctrine. It claims that marriage equality is constitutionally required and that the failure of the government to recognize same-sex marriage constitutes a tort that has harmed the LGB plaintiffs and entitles them to compensation. This article analyzes the nature of the cause of action founded on the State Redress Act, and examines the arguments, which are based more on the plaintiffs’ suffering than on their desire for self-expression. Subsequently, it presents and evaluates the possible outcomes
Cost minimization analysis of outpatient parenteral/oral antibiotic therapy at a trauma hospital: Public health system
Authors: Loesch Gustavo Henrique , Cruz June Alisson Westarb , Gasparetto Juliano , Oliveira Dayana dos Santos , Telles Joao Paulo , Tuon Felipe Francisco 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the impact of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) on a public hospital in a middle-income country.Design:A retrospective, observational study analyzing the economic data retrieved on the dehospitalization of patients on antibiotic therapy.Setting:Public university trauma hospital.Patients:Data were collected from June 2017 to May 2020. Antibiotic cost, hospital length of stay, and risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infection or colonization were reviewed, along with the break-even point at which a balance occurs between OPAT antimicrobial costs and all in-hospital costs. A cumulative risk curve was constructed showing the incidence of MDR during the review period.Results:In total, 225 patients were studied. The implementation of OPAT resulted in a reduction of $156,681 (49.6%), which is equivalent to an average of $696 per patient, as well as a shortened length of stay, from 33.5 to 15.7 days. OPAT reduces the risk of acquiring infection by MDR bacteria by having the final treatments administered outside of the hospital environment. The breakeven curves, comparing the duration of the OPAT to daily medication costs, allowed for the prediction of the time and dollar costs of antibiotic therapy.Conclusions:OPAT presented a significant cost savings, shortened length of stay, and reduced risk of contamination of patients by MDR.
Biostratigraphy and taxonomy of fusulinid foraminifera across the Upper Mississippian (upper Serpukhovian)–Lower Pennsylvanian (Bashkirian) successions from the Hadim Nappe, Central Taurides, southern Turkey
Authors: Akbaş Melikan , Okuyucu Cengiz 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe Hadim Nappe, which is one of the allochthonous tectonic units in the Tauride Belt, in southern Turkey, includes a continuous stratigraphic succession from the Middle(?)–Late Devonian to Late Cretaceous. A relatively complete succession of the upper Serpukhovian to Bashkirian is exposed in the Central Taurides, where two sections (Yassıpınar and Gölbelen) have been selected for detailed biostratigraphic investigations. The Mississippian-Pennsylvanian boundary in these sections was determined by the first appearance datum of thePlectostaffella jakhensisand located in the oolitic limestone facies indicating a shallow-water depositional environment. The uppermost Serpukhovian and regional Bashkirian substages (Syuranian, Akavasian, Askynbashian, and Arkhangelskian) were determined by index taxa, namelyPlectostaffella jakhensis,P.bogdanovkensis,P.varvariensis,Pseudostaffella antiqua,Staffellaeformes staffellaeformis,Tikhonovichiella tikhonovichi, andVerella spicata. Fifty fusulinid species belonging to fourteen genera were determined in two sections, in which two species are new:Depratina turaniAkbaş new species andTikhonovichiella praetikhonovichiAkbaş new species. The taxonomic positions of two fusulinid species (Depratina convolutan. comb. andStaffellaeformes parva robustan. comb.) are revised. The studied fusulinid assemblages correlate with fusulinid assemblages from the southern Urals, Russian Platform, Donetz Basin, Darvaz, Spain, central Iran, and some other regions of the Tethyan Realm.UUID:http://zoobank.org/bcbb6c72-f6f9-4e77-9cf9-3572bd731ff3
Holocene ice wedge formation in the Eureka Sound Lowlands, high Arctic Canada
Authors: Campbell-Heaton Kethra , Lacelle Denis , Fisher David , Pollard Wayne 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIce wedges are ubiquitous periglacial features in permafrost terrain. This study investigates the timing of ice wedge formation in the Fosheim Peninsula (Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands). In this region, ice wedge polygons occupy ~50% of the landscape, the majority occurring below the marine limit in the Eureka Sound Lowlands. Numerical simulations suggest that ice wedges may crack to depths of 2.7–3.6 m following a rapid cooling of the ground over mean winter surface temperatures of −18°C to −38°C, corresponding to the depth of ice wedges in the region. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC)/Cl molar ratios suggest that the DOC in the ice wedges is sourced from snowmelt and not from leaching of the active layer. Based on 3214CDOCmeasurements from 15 ice wedges, the wedges were likely developing between 9000–2500 cal yr BP. This interval also corresponds to the period of peat accumulation in the region, a proxy of increased moisture. Considering that winter air temperatures remained favorable for ice wedge growth throughout the Holocene, the timing of ice wedge formation reflects changes in snowfall. Overall, this study provides the first reconstruction of ice wedge formation from a high Arctic polar desert environment.
Educational inequality in the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension diet in the UK: evaluating the mediating role of income
Authors: Patel Linia , Alicandro Gianfranco , Bertuccio Paola , La Vecchia Carlo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractApparent differences in the adoption of the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet have been reported between less and more educated individuals. However, the mediating role of income has not been clarified. In this study, we aimed at quantifying the mediating effect of income on the relationship between education and the DASH score in the UK population. We analysed data on 4864 subjects aged 18 years and older collected in three waves of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2016). The DASH score was calculated using sex-specific quintiles of DASH items. We carried out a counterfactual-based mediation analysis to decompose the total effect of education on DASH score into average direct effect and average causal mediation effect mediated by income. We found that the overall mediating effect of income on the relationship between education and the DASH score was only partial, with an estimated proportion mediated ranging between 6 and 9 %. The mediating effect was higher among females (11·6 %) and younger people (17·9 %). Further research is needed to investigate which other factors may explain the socio-economic inequality in the adoption of the DASH diet in the UK.