bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blends of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and thermoplastic whey protein isolate: a compatibilization study
Authors: de Andrade Marina Fernandes Cosate , Loureiro Hugo Campos , Sarantopóulos Claire Isabel Grígoli de Luca , Morales Ana Rita 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This work assesses the influence of the plasticizer polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the compatibilization of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and thermoplastic whey protein isolate (WPIT) blends. To prepare the blends, WPI was denatured at 90 oC, in the presence of PEG, to become a thermoplastic material. Dried WPIT was later mechanically blended with PBAT using a torque rheometer at 160 oC and 80 rpm. Two blends were prepared: 90% of PBAT/10% of WPIT (90_10) and 70% of PBAT/30% of WPIT (70_30). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed a homogenous blend morphology and good interaction between the dispersed phase and the matrix. Atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) showed PBAT and WPIT bands in all studied regions of both blends, which suggests that these materials presented partial miscibility. The viscosity ratio of the PBAT/WPIT system was less than 3.5 in the high shear rate region in complex viscosity curves, which indicates that droplet break-up of WPIT may occur by the drop fibrillation mechanism. The addition of WPIT reduced the degree of crystallinity of PBAT in the blends in comparison to pristine PBAT as shown by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical tests showed that blend tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with the addition of WPIT. Elastic modulus of the blends increased compared to pristine PBAT. Barrier properties were also evaluated showing that the oxygen permeability coefficient reduced by 20% for the blend with 30% of WPIT and vapor water permeability increased with the addition of WPIT.
Efficacy and safety of Yinxing Mihuan oral solution in the treatment of patients with post-PCI chest pain: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Xu Danping , Wu Bingxin , Yu Zikai , Lin Jinhai , Xu Haiyan , Lin Luoqi , Liu Qingrong , Zhong Biying , Ding Yining , Huang Zhiwei , Lin Miaoyang , Wu Yongjian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background：Coronary artery disease (CHD) now accounts for approximately one third of all deaths globally and up to one-quarter of patients may have either continues or recurrent post-PCI chest pain. Yinxing Mihuan oral solution (YMOS) has been proven to bring clinical benefits for patients with CHD and Ginkgo biloba extract can relieve depression in mice. No high-quality randomized controlled trials on YMOS have been published. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yinxing Mihuan oral solution (YMOS) in the treatment of patients with post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) chest pain. This study also aimed to relieve the symptoms of chest pain as a primary outcome, improve the anxiety as a secondary outcome, assess therapeutic effects of YMOS on chest pain, and explore its effects on chest pain caused by psychological disorders after PCI.Methods: 320 patients with symptoms related to heart and a confirmed history of PCI for coronary heart disease (CHD) without the need to undergo selective coronary revascularization plan were recruited in this randomized controlled trial. The included participants were randomly assigned (at a ratio of 1:1) to experimental group and control group; patients in the experimental group received YMOS and standardized medical treatment, while those in control received placebo (10 ml) for three times/day for 12 weeks and standardized medical treatment regimen. The endpoints of the study included Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) score, Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA), Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD), Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina score, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, visual analogue scale (VAS), 12-Item short form survey (SF-12), frequency of angina-related symptoms per week, nitroglycerin discontinuation, and reduction rate of HAMA score.Discussion: This clinical trial can provide reliable evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of YMOS for patients with post-PCI chest pain.Trial registration: This research has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. ChiCTR2000028760) on January 1, 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=47528
Comparative Study on Morphological, Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of L-PBF Based Alsi10mg Parts with Conventional Stir Casted Al-10%Sic Composites
Authors: Kumar M. Saravana , Mohan E. , Robinson S. , ThivyaPrasad D. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Stir casting plays a major role in production of Al-SiC10% composites for aero space and automobile applications. However, obtaining the composites with homogenous distribution of the SiC particles, low porosity and without clustering of reinforcement particles were still a major problem faced by the research community. These kinds of casting defects were overcome by the Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. In this research, AlSi10Mg parts were manufactured by Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) method, one of the AM techniques. The mechanical and morphological characteristics of AM samples were compared with the Stir Casted (SC) samples. The influence of print orientation on the mechanical properties was also evaluated. It was found that the AM samples printed along the XY directions shows 26.5% and 8.2%higher fracture toughness and shear strength than AM samples printed along the Z directions. Both AM and SC samples were analyzed for the porosity% using the Optical Microscope (OM). The result shows that the AM sample shows reduced porosity of 1.4%. Mechanical testing such as tensile test, hardness test, fracture toughness test and double shear stress were carried out. The results obtained from the tensile test AM samples show 14.6% higher tensile strength than the SC samples, from the hardness test AM samples show 18.6% higher hardness strength than the SC samples, from the fracture toughness test AM samples show 33.4% higher fracture toughness strength than the SC samples and from the double shear stress test prove that the AM samples show 24.6% higher shear stress than the SC samples. The outcome of this research, it was proved that additive manufactured AlSi10Mgsample shows enhanced mechanical and morphological properties when compared with the conventional stir casting process.
Influence of Back Contact Annealing Temperature in the mc-Si&nbsp;Solar Cell Fabrication Process
Authors: Gurusamy Aravindan , Sanmugavel S. , Nagarajan S. G. , Kesavan V. , Sriniv M. , Ramasamy P. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The boron doped multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) ingot was grown using the directional solidification process. Grown ingots were converted into bricks and then to wafers. We have fabricated silicon solar cells from the multi-crystalline silicon wafers. The minority carrier lifetime of the wafers is around 15-25 ms. Annealing was made after back and front contact during the fabrication process. The effect of back contact annealing temperature has been investigated. Annealing the device at 5830C for 5 sec gives better results. Typical open circuit voltage (Voc) of the devices is around ~540-550mV. The best cell had a power conversion efficiency of ~9 % with a typical acceptor doping density ~ 2.35 E+15 per cm3 (The devices reported here do not have AR coating layer, no passivation was done and the surfaces are also not textured).
Stability of Geared Systems with Linear Suspension in Permanent Contact Regime
Authors: Azimi Mohsen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Many experimental, analytical, and numerical works have investigated the dynamic characteristics of geared transmission systems under constant speed and lightly loaded operational conditions. In such a condition, the internal and external excitation terms can easily cause the separation of the gears in mesh, followed by free play mode and impact phases, which introduce strong nonlinearity to the system. This is while, limited works have used analytical approach to investigate the dynamic behavior of the geared systems under constant speed and heavy-load operational condition, where the governing equations of the system reduce to linear periodic time-varying system of equations and the parametric resonance is the main source of Instability. In fact, large oscillations of such a system lead into the separation of the teeth in mesh, where the permanent contact assumption is not valid anymore and the effect of the backlash, free play mode, and impact phases must be considered. Consequently, in this study, lumped parameter analysis method is used to formulate the generalized dynamic model of a one-stage spur gear pair with linear suspension. Poincare-Lindstedt method is used to determine the range of the parameters in which the primary and combined parametric resonance would not happen, where the amplitude of the vibration remains small and the permanent contact condition between the teeth in mesh is satisfied. Afterward, numerical integration along with Floquet theory is used to validate the analytical results.
Hydrocracking of Waste Cooking&nbsp;Oil into Biofuel Using Mesoporous Silica from Parangtritis Beach Sand Synthesis by Sonochemistry
Authors: Salamah Siti , Trisunaryanti Wega , Kartini Indriana , Purwono Suryo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
High content of silica in beach sand can be synthesized into mesoporous silica (MS) using the sonochemistry method with dodecyl-amine (DDA) as a surfactant template. The preparation began by adding sodium silicate dropwise to DDA solution under the rotation speed of 120 rpm. The mixture was then added with H 2 SO 4 and sonicated at 37 Khz at a temperature of 35 ºC for 20 minutes. The product was then filtered, washed, and dried at 50 °C then calcined at 600 ºC for 5 h. After it was calcined, the sample was characterized by using FTIR, Surface Area Analyzer, XRD, SEM, and TEM as well as the acidity using pyridine vapor adsorption. The synthesized MS was then used as a catalyst in hydrocracking waste cooking oil in a semi-batch stainless steel reactor system at 450 ⁰C for 2 h, under 20 ml min -1 H2 flow rate. The hydrocracking product of the liquid fraction was analyzed using GC-MS. The results showed that the best performance of the MS1 was produced by using the DDA concentration of 0.1 M, had optimum acidity at 1.7 mmolg -1 , specific surface area of 233 m 2 g -1 , total pore volume of 0.4cc/g, and average pore diameter of 7.70 nm.The best MS1 catalyst produced liquid fraction with yield of 31.13 wt.% which consisted of 11.10 % diesel oil and 5.04 % gasoline.
Implementation of Low Voltage MOSFET and Power LDMOS on InGaAs
Authors: ADHIKARI MANOJ SINGH , Patel Raju , Verma Yogesh Kumar , Singh Yashvir 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a new low voltage MOSFET (LV MOSFET) and high voltage dual-gate MOSFET (HV DG MOSFET) have been proposed with concept of integration based on trench technology on InGaAs material. Junction isolation technique is used for the implementation of a low voltage MOSFET and a high power dual gate MOSFET in same InGaAs epitaxial layer side by side. The HV DG MOSFET consists of dual gate that are placed in drift region under the oxide-filled trenches. The proposed structure minimize on-resistance (R on ) along with increased breakdown voltage (V br ) due to enhanced RESURF effect, the creation of dual channels, and due to folding technique of drift region in vertical direction. In the HV DG MOSFET, the drain current (I D ) increases leading to enhanced transconductance (gm) by simultaneous conduction of channels with improved maximum oscillation frequency (f max ) and cut-off frequency (f t ). On the other side, the low voltage MOSFET consists of a gate placed in a centre of the structure within an oxide trench to create two n-channels in the p-base. The two channels are conducting in parallel and give substantial enhancement in peak g m , I D , f max and f t with more control over the short channel parameters. The design and performance analysis of low voltage MOSFET (LV MOSFET) and high voltage dual-gate MOSFET (HV DG MOSFET) are carried out on 2-D ATLAS device simulator.
Comparative Analysis of Different Figures of Merit for Algan/Gan and Si Surrounding-Gate Field Effect Transistors (SG-Fets)
Authors: Verma Yogesh Kumar , Mishra Varun , Adhikari Manoj Singh , Buddhi Dharam , Gupta Santosh Kumar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The combination of better transport properties of III-V group semiconductors along with excellent electrostatic control of surrounding gate is a promising option for the future low power electronics. Accordingly in this brief, the major figures of merit (FOM) including output current, output conductance (gd), transconductance generation factor (TGF), intrinsic gain (dB), and dynamic power dissipation are computed for surrounding-gate field effect transistors (SG-FETs) considering III-V group semiconductors and Si channel material respectively with respect to different device parameters. It is noticed that the center potential is higher in AlGaN/GaN SG-FET than Si for different values of channel length (CL), channel height (H), oxide thickness (tox), and doping concentration (Nd). The AlGaN/GaN SG-FET provides lower gd than Si for different values of CL, H, tox, and Nd as required for MOS analog circuits to achieve higher gain. The peak value of TGF and intrinsic gain is higher in AlGaN/GaN than Si SG-FET for different values of CL, H, tox, and Nd. In this work, we have analyzed the MOSFET structure for normally off operation of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) to reduce dynamic power dissipation (PD). The magnitude of PD is calculated to be lower in normally off AlGaN/GaN SG-FET than Si for different values of CL, H, and tox.
Piloting a Self-Reported Symptom Assessment Tool in Three Outpatient Oncology Palliative Care Clinics
Authors: Patel Mallikaben Bhanubhai , Bryant Ashley Leak , Mayer Deborah K , Winzelberg Gary 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Palliative care outpatient clinics should assess patients’ symptoms and quality of life prior to visits to guide care and response to treatments. We describe the implementation of a quality improvement initiative to increase symptom and quality of life screening in the outpatient oncology palliative care (OOPC) clinics of one National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Method: Our quality improvement project structure was based on the RE-AIM framework. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach, we focused on assessing effective implementation of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-r ) and one Quality of Life (QoL) question at each OOPC visit. At the end of each 3-week PDSA cycle, barriers and facilitators were recognized and addressed. The implementation’s effectiveness was determined by percentage of adherence using the following formula: [(number of ESAS-r +1 QoL forms completed per clinic/Number of OOPC completed patient appointments per clinic) x 100].Results: A total of 372 patient appointments were completed during the four PDSA cycles, with overall 59% adherence. The first PDSA cycle compliance was 69%, 58% in the second, 52% in the third, and 65% at the last PDSA cycle. The primary barrier was staff turnover.Conclusion: We were able to implement the ESAS-r + 1 QoL form in a complex clinical outpatient setting. We identified barriers for sustainability, including staff turnover. We addressed these barriers by providing robust instructions that outlined an overview of the clinic workflow and education for all staff members involved in the implementation process. Based on our experience, we suggest integrating this form into the electronic medical record to monitor patient outcomes in the outpatient oncology clinics.
Optical solitons and other soluions for Radhakrishnan–Kundu–Lakshmanan equation in birefringent fibers by an efficient computational technique
Authors: Bilal M. , Youins Mohammad , Seadawy Aly Ramadan , Rizvi S.T.R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this article, we are interested to discuss the exact optical soiltons and other solutions in birefringent fibers modeled by Radhakrishnan-Kundu-Lakshmanan
equation in two component form for vector solitons. We extract the solutions in the form of hyperbolic, trigonometric and exponential functions including solitary wave solutions like multiple-optical soliton, mixed complex soliton solutions. The strategy that is used to explain the dynamics of soliton is known as generalized exponential rational function method. Moreover, singular periodic wave solutions are recovered and the constraint conditions for the existence of
soliton solutions are also reported. Besides, the physical action of the
solution attained are recorded in terms of 3D, 2D and contour
plots for distinct parameters. The achieved outcomes show that the
applied computational strategy is direct, efficient, concise and can
be implemented in more complex phenomena with the assistant of
symbolic computations. The primary benefit of this technique is to develop a significant relationships between NLPDEs and others simple
NLODEs and we have succeeded in a single move to get and
organize various types of new solutions. The obtained outcomes show that the applied method is concise, direct, elementary and can be imposed in more complex phenomena
with the assistant of symbolic computations
Classification of Cognitive Ability of Healthy Elderly Individuals Using Resting-State Functional Connectivity Magnetic Resonance Imaging and An Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Yang Zekun , Ge Manling , Belkacem Abdelkader Nasreddine , Fu Xiaoxuan , Zhang Qirui , Chen Shenghua , Xie Chong , Song Zibo , Chen Chao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose Quantitative determination of the correlation between cognitive ability and functional biomarkers in the elderly brain is essential. To identify biomarkers associated with cognitive performance in the elderly, this study combined an index model specific for resting-state functional connectivity (FC) magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) with a supervised machine learning method. Methods Performance scores on conventional cognitive test batteries and MRI data were obtained for 98 healthy elderly individuals and 90 healthy youth from two public databases. Based on the test scores, the elderly cohort was categorized into two groups: excellent and poor. An fcMRI index model was constructed for each elderly individual to determine the relative differences in FC among brain regions compared with that in the youth cohort. Brain areas sensitive to test scores could then be identified using the fcMRI indexes. To confirm the effectiveness of constructed model, the fcMRI indexes of these brain areas were used as feature matrix inputs for training an extreme learning machine. Classification accuracy was then tested in separate groups and confirmed by N-fold cross-validation. Results This learning study could effectively classify the cognitive status of healthy elderly individuals according to frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and parietal lobe FC values with a mean accuracy of 83.5%, which is substantially higher than that achieved using conventional correlation analysis. Conclusion This fcMRI classification study may facilitate early detection of age-related cognitive decline as well as help reveal the underlying pathological mechanisms.
Menopausal Transition and Its Association With the Sexual Quality of Life of Male Partners
Authors: ALIDU HUSEINI , Luuse Arnold Togiwe , Abaka-Yawson Albert , Kwadzokpui Precious Kwablah , Kortei Nii Korley , Koryo-Dabrah Alice , Bawah Ahmed Tijani , Amidu Nafiu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSexual function in women is reported to decline with age. Menopausal transition is very important as the sexual function of women usually takes a down turn. Menopause has been associated with psychogenic factors such as anxiety, depression and stress. The decline in sexual function coupled with these psychogenic factors could trigger events that could lead to a poor sexual quality of life. The impact on the sexual function of women coupled with the onset of these psychogenic problems during menopause could affect the way women respond to sexual advances from their spouses and this could eventually compromise the sexual quality of life of their spouses.MethodsThe study recruited 96 postmenopausal and 20 premenopausal participants. These women had to be in a heterosexual relationship for at least 2 years. The male partners were followed up at their homes and interviewed to obtain data on their sexual quality of life.ResultsMenopausal women showed a decrease in domains of sexual function but their overall sexual function and their sexual quality of life was not affected. The sexual function of the postmenopausal women did not affect the quality of life of the male partner, nor did it affect the sexual quality of life of the partners in synergy with their menopausal status. However, menopausal status had a significant effect on the sexual quality of life of the male partners. Factors not directly linked to the sexual function of postmenopausal women but directly linked to events around their menopausal status was significantly involved in lowering the sexual quality of life of their male partners. Participant’s occupational and exercise habits were significantly associated with their menopausal status. Engagements in regular exercise amongst postmenopausal women could improve their general wellbeing. This could improve their self confidence and willingness to engage in sexual activity thereby contributing to salvaging the sexual quality of life of their male partners.ConclusionMenopausal status had an effect on the sexual quality of life of the male partners. Factors not directly linked to the sexual function of postmenopausal women but directly linked to events around their menopausal status was significantly involved in lowering the sexual quality of life of their male partners.
The Effect of Maternal Body Mass Index on In Vitro Fertilization-Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Treatment: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Inal Zeynep Ozturk , Inal Hasan Ali 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate whether or not maternal body mass index (BMI) has an effect on pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) treatment.Methods: A total of 869 patients who had undergone IVF-ICSI treatment between 2012 and 2017 were included in this study. The participants were stratified according to maternal BMI as Group 1 (BMI<25 kg/m2; n=394), Group 2 (25 kg/m2<BMI <30 kg/m2; n=303), and Group 3 (BMI>25 kg/m2; n=172). Basal parameters and IVF-ICSI outcomes were compared between the groups.Results: While there were no differences between the groups in terms of age, smoking status, etiology of infertility, thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin levels, antral follicle count, and stimulation protocol (p>0.05), there was significant statistical difference (p<0.05) in terms of BMI, duration of infertility, baseline follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol (E2), duration of stimulation, total gonadotropin dose required, peak E2 levels, progesterone levels, endometrial thickness on hCG administration, and cycle cancellation rate. In addition, the numbers of MII and 2PN oocytes retrieved and the rates of clinical pregnancy, live births, and miscarriages were also different between the groups (p<0.05).Conclusion: Our data suggest that there is an inverse impact of increased BMI on laboratory and reproductive outcome parameters of IVF-ICSI treatment. Taking cost-effectiveness into consideration, weight loss should be suggested before ovulation is induced.