bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of processing conditions on mechanical properties of Polypropylene nanocomposite reinforced with Gigantochloa Scortechinii via ANOVA
Authors: Khamis S Z , Mamat O , Othman M H 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Defining the level and value of the appropriate parameters is very significant in seeing the quality in mechanical properties of the injection molding products, particularly affecting the advanced material such as nanocomposites. Consequently, this study was aimed to optimize the processing conditions to the mechanical properties of the sample in nanocomposite polypropylene reinforced with Gigantochloa Scortechinii fiber. The tests to be tested were flexural strength, shrinkage and warpage, and the factor chosen were melting temperature, filling time, packing pressure and screw speed. The bamboo fiber types Gigantochloa Scortechinii in form nano powder, and preheat at 120˚C after alkaline treatment, and so blended with polypropylene, Maleic anhydride, and cloisite 20A using two step of twin-screw extruder brabender. According the result from ANOVA, the flexural strength and shrinkage for 0wt% and 3wt% of Gigantochloa Scortechinii fiber, the most influence parameter is filling time, while the melt temperature for 6wt% of gigantochlia scortechinii fiber. For the result of warpage, for 0wt% and 3wt% of fiber Gigantochloa Scortechinii, the melting temperature is the highest factor prevailing warpage. Whereas for 6wt% of the fiber Gigantochloa Scortechinii, the packing pressure and screw speed are the highest factor. The conclusions of this study will be invaluable for quality dominance and benchmarking for future researchers.
A review on bonding of Polyamide reinforced carbon fibre via additive manufacturing
Authors: Naima Khalid Nisa , Afiqah Mohd Radzuan Nabilah , Bakar Sulong Abu , Mohd Foudzi Farhana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Continuous carbon fibre offers a huge potential which is a lightweight, high strength, low density, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high thermal conductivity and stiffness. In addition, polyamide-6 (PA6) has good mechanical and physical properties thus, it makes PA6 as effectiveness between matrix and reinforcement of continuous carbon fibre. 3D printing as a cost effective in additive manufacturing was covered in a complex part building using CAD software based on CAD model makes fisible finish the elements. The main objectives of this paper are to review on interlayer bonding of polyamide reinforced carbon fibre by using 3D printing method on their mechanical properties. This paper scope was a review on the bonding of polymeric composites which is polyamide reinforced carbon fibre as the material used and their printing parameter which is important for their orientation during printing. The printing parameter in 3D printing was set to vary the quality and mechanical behavior of the sample. The sample was reviewed on their bead orientation consist of 0°, 45°, and 90° directional angle of the sample in form of their bonding. Mechanical properties of the samples were tests using tensile test and resulted at 0° it achieves higher tensile strength and modulus when tensile loading direction is parallel to deposition direction. At 90° direction, the fibre was perpendicular with the tensile loading direction and resulted in a decreased tensile property.
A review on the prospect of wind power as an alternative source of energy in Malaysia
Authors: Ashwindran S N , Azizuddin A A , Oumer A N , Sulaiman M Z 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Fossil fuels has dictated the energy sector for several decades, rising as the primary and prominent source of energy production for various sector of industries namely electricity (power), transportation, manufacturing and others. However, extensive usage of fossil fuels majorly contributed to pollution issues and degradation of the environment. Hence, governments and research agencies are providing supports and resources to facilitate the growth of renewable energy sector (RES). This manuscript provides a brief view of the challenges of wind renewable energy sector in Malaysia relative to geographical wind condition, government policies and challenges in initiation of wind technologies and global perspective of green energy in terms of RER. It is found that data presented by previous researchers on wind speed data are considered unreliable to be utilized for WT power density assessment and design. Notably, wind speed in Malaysia is seasonal based and highly inconsistent. The wind flow pattern and intensity experience by Malaysia are merely an aftereffect of weather change in neighbouring regions. Nevertheless, it is found that selected regions of east-coast peninsular Malaysia and selected region of Sabah and Sarawak is potential for harvesting wind power due to substantial and adequate wind pattern behavior during monsoon season. Therefore, it is evident that geographical wind condition of Malaysia is appropriate for wind power devices as a form of RER in green energy sector of Malaysia. However, it is also found that fundamental design modification is required on conventional design of WT in terms of blade morphology and configuration in order to adapt to unsteady monsoon wind speed pattern.
Optimization of laser melting parameter to enhanced surface properties in hot press forming die
Authors: Norhafzan B , Aqida S N , Khairil C M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper presents laser melting process with various parameter to enhanced surface properties of AISI H13 tool steel. The design of experiment (DOE) optimisation was conducted to obtain significant model using regression analysis. DOE were analysed using response surface method (RSM) with Box-Behnken design approach. Design Expert 7 software was used to design parameter of laser melting process. The laser melting processes was conducted using Nd:YAG laser system with pulsed mode at a constant average power of 100 W, overlapping rate of 30 to 50%, peak power of 1700 to 2500 W and pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 50 to 70 Hz respectively. The responses were characterised for sub-surface hardness, melt depth and surface roughness. The results show that optimum parameter of 2500 W peak power, 60 Hz PRF and 30% overlapping rate produced highest surface hardness of 793.7 HV0.1 with 0.21 mm melted depth and 3.89 µm surface roughness from experimental data. This finding was important to enhance properties of AISI H13 tool steel for hot press forming die using laser process.
Effect of thread profile variation on pullout and bending strength of a pedicle screw
Authors: Daud Rosdi , Kae W Y , Mas Ayu H , Shah A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Pedicle screw is an important instrument in treatment of spinal degeneration or disease. However, the pedicle screw failure still occurs due to the screw loosening, fracture and pullout. There are few factors that affected the pedicle screw performance as reported by previous research but still lacking study related to the pedicle screw thread profile. Thus, the aim of this research is to investigate the effect of variation of thread pitch on the pullout and bending strength of pedicle screw. The research is carried out by constructing 3D pedicle screw models (model 1-6), importing the models into ANSYS, meshing and post processing analysis. The equivalent or Von-Mises stress used to compare the bending and pullout performance of the pedicle screws. Based on the obtained finite element analysis result, the single thread pedicle screw (model 3) has the optimum performance in bending while the model 4 is the optimum in pullout performance. While, for the dual threaded pedicle screw, the model 6 which has coarse thread pitch at screw tip is better than model 5 (fine thread). Thus, it can be conclude that both the single and dual threaded pedicle screw with coarse thread pitch has lower maximum equivalent stress than fine thread pitch, which is means it has better bending and pullout performance.
A review on 3D printed polymer-based composite for thermal applications
Authors: Halim N A , Mogan J , Sandanamsamy L , Harun W S W , Kadirgama K , Ramasamy D , Tarlochan F 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Recently, 3D printing techniques for the polymer-based part has become popular in the industry and academic area. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most popular methods among 3D printing techniques because of its low cost, ability to fabricate objects with complex structures and geometries, specific functions, ease in processing, safety, reliability, and availability of various thermoplastic materials. This technique’s application is widespread on the electronic application, medical application, and rapid tooling applications. This paper aims to review fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printed polymer-based composite techniques for thermal management applications. This paper will provide an overview of fused deposition modelling (FDM) techniques in 3D printing, conducting polymer base and conducting nanofiller additive material used, and current trend research in this area.
New Determination Method of Two Bioactive Saponins in Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl. by Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components by Single-Marker
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong , Chen Xuezhao , Jin Juan , Gong Minghua , He Qiang , Li Shouxin , Tian Jinkui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Capilliposide B (CPS-B) and Capilliposide C (CPS-C), as the key components in Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl., increasingly aroused the interest and research concern of many researchers due to the good bioactivities. Nowadays, the reference standards of CPS-B and CPS-C yield were very limited. Due to the deficit of reference standards, the determination could be difficult to carry out, and the quality control and evaluation would be restrained afterwards. To solve this urgent problem, a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker (QAMS) method was proposed and established based on high-performance liquid-chromatography tandem evaporative light-scattering detector. In this QAMS method, the content of the two bioactive components could be calculated by buddlejasaponin IV, which is applied as an external standard and readily obtained. And the methodological experiments were evaluated and indicated accuracy, stability and feasibility of this QAMS method. Therefore, in this study, this built method would properly meet the requirement of determination of CPS-B, CPS-C and quality control of the L. capillipes Hemsl. plant.
Diagnostic Value of 16S Ribosomal RNA Gene Polymerase Chain Reaction/Sanger Sequencing in Clinical Practice
Authors: Fida Madiha , Khalil Sarwat , Abu Saleh Omar , Challener Douglas W , Sohail Muhammad Rizwan , Yang Joshua N , Pritt Bobbi S , Schuetz Audrey N , Patel Robin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Accurate microbiologic diagnosis is important for appropriate management of infectious diseases. Sequencing-based molecular diagnostics are increasingly used for precision diagnosis of infections. However, their clinical utility is unclear.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of specimens that underwent 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing at our institution from April 2017 through March 2019.

Results
A total of 566 specimens obtained from 460 patients were studied. Patients were considered clinically infected or noninfected based on final diagnosis and management. In 17% of patients, 16S rRNA PCR/sequencing was positive and in 5% of patients, this test led to an impact on clinical care. In comparison, bacterial cultures were positive in 21% of patients. Specimens with a positive Gram stain had 12 times greater odds of having a positive molecular result than those with a negative Gram stain (95% confidence interval for odds ratio, 5.2–31.4). Overall, PCR positivity was higher in cardiovascular specimens (37%) obtained from clinically infected patients, with bacterial cultures being more likely to be positive for musculoskeletal specimens (P &lt; .001). 16S rRNA PCR/sequencing identified a probable pathogen in 10% culture-negative specimens.

Conclusion
16S rRNA PCR/sequencing can play a role in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with culture-negative infections, especially those with cardiovascular infections.
The European Perspective and History on Biosimilars for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Solitano Virginia , D’Amico Ferdinando , Da Rio Leonardo , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWith the expiration of biologics’ patents, biosimilars entered the market as a promising opportunity to reduce health-care costs in the field of inflammatory bowel diseases. Although biosimilars were initially poorly accepted, the growing evidence about their efficacy and safety has changed this situation, resulting in their widespread use. However, there is still an unmet need of improving patients’ education about biosimilars to minimize nocebo responses and to accept nonmedical switching. Looking to the future, the use of recently authorized adalimumab biosimilars and the first attempts of adopting different strategies of switching (eg, cross-, multiple-) will fill some residual knowledge gaps.
Impact of the introduction of an enhanced recovery pathway in esophageal cancer surgery: a cohort study and propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Moons J , Depypere L , Lerut T , van Achterberg T , Coosemans W , Van Veer H , Mandeville Y , Nafteux P 
Published: February 2021

Summary
Enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) have the potential to improve clinical outcomes. Aim of this study was to determine the impact of ERP on perioperative results as compared with traditional care (TC) after esophagectomy. In this study, two cohorts were compared. Cohort 1 represented 296 patients to whom TC was provided. Cohort 2 consisted of 200 unselected ERP patients. Primary endpoints were postoperative complications. Secondary endpoints were the length of stay and 30-day readmission rates. To confirm the possible impact of ERP, a propensity matched analysis (1:1) was conducted. A significant decrease in complications was found in ERP patients, especially for pneumonia and respiratory failure requiring reintubation (39% in TC and 14% in ERP; P&lt;0.0001 and 17% vs. 12%; P&lt;0.0001, respectively) and postoperative blood transfusion (26.7%–11%; P&lt;0.0001). Furthermore, median length of stay was also significantly shorter: 13 days (interquartile range [IQR] 10–23) in TC compared with 10 days (IQR 8–14) in ERP patients (P&lt;0.0001). The 30-day readmission rate (5.4% in TC and 9% in ERP; P=0.121) and in-hospital mortality rate (4.4% in TC and 2.5% in ERP; P=0.270) were not significantly affected. A propensity score matching confirmed a significant impact on pneumonia (P=0.0001), anastomotic leak (P=0.047), several infectious complications (P=0.01–0.034), blood transfusion (P=0.001), Comprehensive Complications Index (P=0.01), and length of stay (P=0.0001). We conclude that ERP for esophagectomy is associated with significantly fewer postoperative complications and blood transfusions, which results in a significant decrease of length of stay without affecting readmission and mortality rates.
Impact of winter holiday and government responses on mortality in Europe during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Björk Jonas , Mattisson Kristoffer , Ahlbom Anders 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
This aggregated population study investigated the impact of the seemingly quasi-randomly assigned school winter holiday in weeks 6–10 (February to early March) on excess mortality in 219 European regions (11 countries) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring 2020. A secondary aim was to evaluate the impact of government responses to the early inflow of infected cases.

Methods
Data on government responses weeks 8–14 were obtained from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. Regional data on total all-cause mortality during weeks 14–23 in 2020 were retrieved from Eurostat and national statistical agencies and compared with the average mortality during same period 2015–2019. Variance-weighted least square regression was used with mortality difference as dependent variable with adjustment for country, population density and age distribution.

Results
Being a region with winter holiday exclusively in week 9 was in the adjusted analysis associated with 16 weekly excess deaths [95% confidence interval (CI) 13–20] per million inhabitants during weeks 14–23, which corresponds to 38% of the excess mortality in these regions. A more stringent response implemented in week 11, corresponding to 10 additional units on the 0–100 ordinal scale, was associated with 20 fewer weekly deaths (95% CI 18–22) per million inhabitants.

Conclusions
Winter holiday in week 9 was an amplifying event that contributed importantly to the excess mortality observed in the study regions during the spring 2020. Timely government responses to the resulting early inflow of cases reduced the excess in mortality.
Creating and Validating a DNA Methylation-Based Proxy for Interleukin-6
Authors: Stevenson Anna J , Gadd Danni A , Hillary Robert F , McCartney Daniel L , Campbell Archie , Walker Rosie M , Evans Kathryn L , Harris Sarah E , Spires-Jones Tara L , McRae Allan F , Visscher Peter M , McIntosh Andrew M , Deary Ian J , Marioni Riccardo E 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudies evaluating the relationship between chronic inflammation and cognitive functioning have produced heterogeneous results. A potential reason for this is the variability of inflammatory mediators which could lead to misclassifications of individuals’ persisting levels of inflammation. DNA methylation (DNAm) has shown utility in indexing environmental exposures and could be leveraged to provide proxy signatures of chronic inflammation.MethodWe conducted an elastic net regression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a cohort of 875 older adults (Lothian Birth Cohort 1936; mean age: 70 years) to develop a DNAm-based predictor. The predictor was tested in an independent cohort (Generation Scotland; N = 7028 [417 with measured IL-6], mean age: 51 years).ResultsA weighted score from 35 CpG sites optimally predicted IL-6 in the independent test set (Generation Scotland; R2 = 4.4%, p = 2.1 × 10−5). In the independent test cohort, both measured IL-6 and the DNAm proxy increased with age (serum IL-6: n = 417, β = 0.02, SE = 0.004, p = 1.3 × 10−7; DNAm IL-6 score: N = 7028, β = 0.02, SE = 0.0009, p &lt; 2 × 10−16). Serum IL-6 did not associate with cognitive ability (n = 417, β = −0.06, SE = 0.05, p = .19); however, an inverse association was identified between the DNAm score and cognitive functioning (N = 7028, β = −0.16, SE = 0.02, pFDR &lt; 2 × 10−16).ConclusionsThese results suggest methylation-based predictors can be used as proxies for inflammatory markers, potentially allowing for further insight into the relationship between inflammation and pertinent health outcomes.
Optimism and Longevity Beyond Age 85
Authors: Jacobs Jeremy M , Maaravi Yoram , Stessman Jochanan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Optimism is associated with health benefits and improved survival among adults older than 65 years. Whether or not optimism beyond age 85 continues to confer survival benefits is poorly documented. We examine the hypothesis that being optimistic at ages 85 and 90 is associated with improved survival.

Method
The Jerusalem Longitudinal Study (1990–2020) assessed comorbidity, depression, cognition, social and functional status, and 5-year mortality among a representative community sample, born during 1920–1921, at age 85 (n = 1096) and age 90 (n = 533). Overall optimism (Op-Total) was measured using a validated 7-item score from the Scale of Subjective Wellbeing for Older Persons. The 4 questions concerning positive future expectations (Op-Future) and 3 questions concerning positive experiences (Op-Happy) were also analyzed separately. We determined unadjusted mortality hazards ratios and also adjusted for gender, financial difficulty, marital status, educational status, activities of daily living dependence, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, cognitive impairment, and depression.

Results
Between ages 85–90 and 90–95 years, 33.2% (364/1096) and 44.3% (236/533) people died, respectively. All mean optimism scores declined from age 85 to 90, with males significantly more optimistic than females throughout. All measures of optimism (Op-Total, Op-Future, and Op-Happy) at ages 85 and 90 were significantly associated with improved 5-year survival from age 85 to 90 and 90 to 95, respectively, in both unadjusted and adjusted models. Findings remained unchanged after separately excluding depressed subjects, cognitively impaired subjects, and subjects dying within 6 months from baseline.

Conclusions
These finding support the hypothesis that being optimistic continues to confer a survival benefit irrespective of advancing age.
Job Strain and Trajectories of Cognitive Change Before and After Retirement
Authors: Nilsen Charlotta , Nelson Monica E , Andel Ross , Crowe Michael , Finkel Deborah , Pedersen Nancy L 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesWe examined associations between job strain and trajectories of change in cognitive functioning (general cognitive ability plus verbal, spatial, memory, and speed domains) before and after retirement.MethodsData on indicators of job strain, retirement age, and cognitive factors were available from 307 members of the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging. Participants were followed up for up to 27 years (mean = 15.4, SD = 8.5).ResultsIn growth curve analyses controlling for age, sex, education, depressive symptoms, cardiovascular health, and twinness, greater job strain was associated with general cognitive ability (estimate = −1.33, p = .002), worse memory (estimate = −1.22, p = .007), speed (estimate = −1.11, p = .012), and spatial ability (estimate = −0.96, p = .043) at retirement. Greater job strain was also associated with less improvement in general cognitive ability before retirement and a somewhat slower decline after retirement. The sex-stratified analyses showed that the smaller gains of general cognitive ability before retirement (estimate = −1.09, p = .005) were only observed in women. Domain-specific analyses revealed that greater job strain was associated with less improvement in spatial (estimate = −1.35, p = .010) and verbal (estimate = −0.64, p = .047) ability before retirement in women and a slower decline in memory after retirement in women (estimate = 0.85, p = .008) and men (estimate = 1.12, p = .013). Neither preretirement nor postretirement speed was affected significantly by job strain.DiscussionGreater job strain may have a negative influence on overall cognitive functioning prior to and at retirement, while interrupting exposure to job strain (postretirement) may slow the rate of cognitive aging. Reducing the level of stress at work should be seen as a potential target for intervention to improve cognitive aging outcomes.