bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Modeling of a Semi‐Cylinder Polymeric Composite Product Under Impact and Thermal Conditions
Authors: Ion Sorin , Niṭoi Dan , Chivu Oana , Opran Constantin Gheorghe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractComposite products have now reached very important production volumes in many avant‐garde industries or always innovative industries such as automotive or aerospace. Composite products allow engineers to adjust the formulation to meet specific strength or temperature requirements of any application. In short by combining specific materials and adjusting them, polymeric composite products can be tailored to any vehicle. Polymer composite products for car bodies have component areas in the form of semi‐cylindrical surfaces. The good behavior of these types of surfaces on impact or high temperatures is a requirement of traffic safety conditions for participants. Paper presents the results of research on modeling and impact simulation of these types of products besides a transient temperature analyze using the finite element method.Thus, the state of stress and deformations resulting from a structural analysis are highlighted, as well as the variation of temperatures from the transient thermal analysis. This results in suggestive researches images from which conclusions can be drawn regarding the possibility of using such polymeric composite structures in the automotive industry. As a result of the research carried out, in solutions for optimizing the body profile, the constructive typology of the polymer composite product and the manufacturing technology, respectively, leading to the increase of the safety of the traffic participants in optimal vehicle manufacturing conditions.
Influence of the Surface Microstructure of Conductive Polymer Composite Bipolar Plate on the Fuel Cell Performance
Authors: Serban Daniiel , Opran Constantin Gheorghe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAll components contribute to the total electrical resistance in the fuel cell including the bipolar plates (BP). Contact interface between BP and gas diffusion layers (GDL) can influence the voltage losses. It is usually assumed the real contact area of two metal surfaces is determined by the plastic deformation of their highest asperities. The contact deformation of the polymer composite BP and GDL made of graphite paper or graphite cloth, is depending on the complex topography of the surfaces which touch elastically and plastically and on the clamping force the stack. This paper presents the analysis of the influence of microstructures of the BP surfaces on the voltage losses and directly affecting the performance of the fuel cells. For same model of the BP made by injection molding in a conductive poly(propylene) matrix composite, the mold cavities surface microstructure of the gas flow fields have been manufactured by micro‐milling at two different roughness Ra of 0.77 µm (first type) and then, laser ablation at respectively Ra of 9.9 µm (second type). Voltage loss through the BP and membrane electrodes assembly have been investigated at different clamping forces the stack.
Metrological Determination of Torque for Monitoring During Composite Drilling Process
Authors: Bisu Claudiu , Dinu George , Zapciu Miron 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDrilling of composite materials is difficult to carry out due to the non‐homogeneous and anisotropic proprieties. Many composite materials are subjected to the drilling process and at the same time a series of problems are generated which lead to the difficulty of processing. Among these problems are those related to the errors of the machined hole as well as the premature wear of the drill tool. In this context, a method of monitoring the torque during processing can provide important information on the quality of the process. A metrology method allows determining the torque and its correlation with the tool position during the drilling process. A measurement procedure based on dynamometric technology is designed to highlight the various parameters required for processing.
Flexible and Conductive Materials for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Mocioiu Ana‐Maria , Mocioiu Oana C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe polyaniline co‐doped with hydrochloric acid and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate is prepared by in situ polymerization in one step directly on the polyester and cotton substrates. Polyaniline is a conjugate polymer containing aromatic rings and amino groups. The chemical bonds present in polyaniline as C═C double bonds, C─C bonds, and N─C bonds participate in conduction by delocalization of the electrons. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements on coated textiles are performed in order to determine electrical properties appropriate for applications in flexible solar cells. The structures of coated textiles are determined by infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance device and their morphologies are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Experiments show uniform coating and good electrical properties for textiles.
Intelligent Textile with Doped Polyaniline
Authors: Mocioiu Ana‐Maria , Mocioiu Oana Cătălina 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntelligent textiles are obtained by “in situ” polymerization of aniline on viscose and polyamide as flexible substrates. Intelligent textiles are materials with electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties that improve the quality of life. The wide range of electrical or optical properties, and good environmental stability of emeraldine base and salt form make polyaniline (PANI) attractive for a variety of applications. The PANI is doped with p‐toluene sulfonic acid by direct route. The structure of the coated textiles is characterized by infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance device. The morphologies of the obtained textiles are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Viscose and polyamide textiles are coated uniform and show good electrical properties. After coating with doped PANI, electrical properties of textile materials increase by 108 times. The best results are obtained for viscose.
On the Prediction of Guided Wave Dispersion Curves in Plates for Health Monitoring Applications
Authors: Perfetto Donato , De Luca Alessandro , Lamanna Giuseppe , Caputo Francesco 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the last years, a significant interest has been pointed out in the capability of ultrasonic guided waves as candidate tool for structural health monitoring (SHM), due to their high damage detection sensitivity and low power consumption. The monitoring of the structural health through the propagation of guided waves is complex: some wave phenomena, namely dispersion and slowness, together with boundary scattered waves, may mask the presence of damages. So, studying the dispersion phenomenon through the dispersion curves may be helpful in understanding the propagation mechanisms. As Lamb waves dispersion equations do not generally have analytical solutions, the development of a predictive finite element (FE) model can be a valuable tool for the improvement of SHM systems, avoiding the high cost of experimental campaigns. Thus, once calibrated with respect to an experimental test case, the developed FE model can be used to simulate and predict guided‐wave propagation mechanisms in a given structure. This leads to the possibility of employing such approach to identify and localize potential structural damages, that is the final aim of an SHM system. In this work, the FE method, together with an in‐house code, has been used to investigate guided wave dispersion phenomenon in plates for possible SHM applications.
Flexural Effects Evaluation on Hybrid Joints Under Uniaxial Tensile Load
Authors: Lamanna Giuseppe , Ion Sorin M. , Opran Constantin G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHybrid joints are a wide diffused design solution in the manufacturing industry for mechanical parts connection. The simultaneous use of two different connection mechanisms, such as bonding and bolting, allows to exploit the advantages of both techniques. There are many industrial applications where such methodology is extensively used, such as the automotive and aerospace ones. In addition to the many advantages offered by the use of hybrid joints, there are some troubles that limit their use and require the scientific research support for the development of such connections. With reference to a single lap joint, the flexural effects induced by the joint geometry are not negligible. The inhomogeneity of the joint along the load application direction inevitably determines significant bending effects, the more evident the thinner the adherends that constitute the joint. The bending effects can also lead to excessive section rotation, inducing effects of binding between washer and adherend. Such effect is even more evident in the case of polymeric composite adherends, rapidly leading the joint to a catastrophic end. In the present work some interesting experimental tests are shown, varying geometrical parameters of the joint.
Palmitoleic Acid Protects against Hypertension by Inhibiting NF‐κB‐Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Tang Jun , Yang Bo , Yan Yinkun , Tong Wenfeng , Zhou Renke , Zhang Junhui , Mi Jie , Li Duo 
Published: April 2021

ScopeThe role of palmitoleic acid (POA) in hypertension or blood pressure remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological association between circulating POA and primary hypertension in humans, and subsequently evaluate the effects of exogenous POA on blood pressure and aortic remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).Methods and resultsA case‐control study of 349 hypertensive and 1396 normotensive children and adolescents is conducted, and found hypertensive cases show significant lower erythrocyte phospholipid POA than normotensive controls (p < 0.001). In conditional logistic regression model, participants in the top quartile of POA have a lower prevalence of primary hypertension than those in the bottom (multivariate‐adjusted OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25–0.89). In animal study, 24 SHRs are randomly assigned to n‐3 PUFAs (500 mg kg‐1), POA (500 mg kg‐1), or vehicle (olive oil) for 8 weeks. At the end of intervention, as compared to SHRs treated with vehicle, SHRs treated with POA shows significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), improved aortic remodeling, and also decreased aortic expressions of NF‐κB and its downstream proinflammatory cytokines.ConclusionsCirculating POA is inversely associated with risk of primary hypertension, and exogenous POA supplementation can decrease SBP and improve aortic remodeling by inhibiting NF‐κB‐mediated inflammation.
Lactobacillus caseiAlleviated the Abnormal Increase of Cholestasis‐Related Liver Indices During Tuberculosis Treatment: A Post Hoc Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xiong Ke , Cai Jing , Liu Peiying , Wang Jinyu , Zhao Shanliang , Xu Lei , Yang Yang , Liu Jiahong , Ma Aiguo 
Published: April 2021

ScopeProbiotics are promising in mitigating drug‐induced liver injury in animal experiments. However, the clinical evidence is absent. The objective is to investigate the effect of adjunctiveLactobacillus caseion tuberculosis‐drug‐induced liver injury.Methods and resultsA post hoc analysis is conducted for a previous randomized controlled trial. The trial is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR‐IOR‐17013210). Four hundred twenty nine patients are allocated to receive standard tuberculosis therapy alone (control group), or together with 1 × 1010colony‐forming units (CFU) per day (low‐dose group), or 2 × 1010CFU per day ofL. casei(high‐dose group) during tuberculosis treatment. TheL. caseisupplementation significantly reduced the incidence of the abnormal increase of cholestasis‐related liver indices including alkaline phosphatase (p= 0.024) and bilirubin (p= 0.013). Plasma lipopolysaccharide (p= 0.02), intestinal permeability biomarkers including zonula occludens‐1 (p= 0.001) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (p= 0.002) are significantly reduced. The gut microbiota composition is dramatically altered with a reduction of Bacteroidetes (p< 0.001) and a corresponding increase of Actinobacteria (p< 0.001) and Firmicutes (p= 0.003).ConclusionsL. caseisupplementation is beneficial for suppressing abnormally elevated cholestasis‐related liver indices during tuberculosis treatment, which may be related to its modification on blood lipopolysaccharide, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota.
Study of the premicellar state in aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate by nuclear magnetic resonance diffusion
Authors: Arkhipov Victor P. , Arkhipov Ruslan V. , Kuzina Natalia A. , Filippov Andrei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSelf‐diffusion coefficients of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were measured in aqueous solutions in the premicellar range of the SDS concentrations 7–34.7 mM and temperatures 30–90°C. Average effective hydrodynamic radii and aggregation numbers of SDS in the premicellar region were determined. At C < CMC at all temperatures, the SDS solution is the solution of monomers. At C > CMC, the increase of temperature leads to decrease in the effective hydrodynamic radii and the average aggregation numbers. At C > > CMC, it is impossible to reach the monomeric state by increasing the temperature.
A rare case of multilevel spondylolysis—A nineteenth century Chinese immigrant to Peru from Castillo de Huarmey archaeological site
Authors: Więckowski Wiesław 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAn unusual burial was discovered at the site of Castillo de Huarmey, Peru. The individual buried in the area of pre‐Columbian huaca was likely of Chinese origin and came to Peru as a part of a large immigration wave between 1849 and 1874. Over 100 000 Chinese workers were brought to Peru during that timeframe, to replace freed slaves in many branches of the Peruvian economy. The individual's skeleton showed multiple‐level bilateral spondylolysis in the lumbar vertebrae. This kind of bony defect is very rare and often related to intensive and strenuous physical activity. The analysis allows for an insight into historical lifestyles and immigrant experiences as registered in skeletal remains.
BMI Trajectories from Childhood to Midlife are Associated with Subclinical Kidney Damage in Midlife
Authors: Liu Conghui , Tian Jing , Jose Matthew D. , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison J. 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationship of BMI trajectories from childhood with subclinical kidney damage (SKD) in midlife, a surrogate measure for chronic kidney disease.MethodsThe study followed up 1,442 participants from the 1985 Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey who were between 7 and 15 years old at the time the survey was conducted and who had BMI measurements in childhood and at least two follow‐ups in adulthood. Measures of kidney function for participants 36 to 50 years old were also included. Latent class growth mixture modeling was used to identify the BMI trajectories. Log‐binomial regression determined the associations of BMI trajectories with SKD defined as either 1) an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or 2) an eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with a urine albumin‐creatinine ratio ≥ 2.5 mg/mmol (males) or 3.5 mg/mmol (females), adjusting for childhood age, sex, and duration of follow‐up.ResultsRelative to the persistently low trajectory (n = 534, 37.0%), being in higher BMI trajectories was associated with greater risk of SKD in midlife (relative risk [RR] = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.10‐3.25 for progressing to moderate [n = 633, 43.9%]; RR = 1.91, 95% CI = 0.95‐3.81 for progressing to moderate/high [n = 194, 13.5%]; RR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.03‐7.99 for progressing to high/very high [n = 39, 2.7%]; and RR = 2.47, 95% CI = 0.77‐7.94 for adult‐onset high [n = 35, 2.4%]).ConclusionsParticipants with increasing BMI trajectories from childhood had an increased risk of SKD in midlife.
Efficacy and Safety of Phentermine/Topiramate in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lei Xiang‐Guo , Ruan Jia‐Qi , Lai Chen , Sun Ziyi , Yang Xi 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveThe study objective was to examine the association between phentermine/topiramate therapy and weight loss and adverse events in adults with overweight or obesity by meta‐analysis and systematic review.MethodsMedical Subject Headings and free‐text terms were selected to search for eligible trials in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase up to April 18, 2020. The quality of randomized controlled trials was evaluated by the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. Meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effect models.ResultsPhentermine/topiramate therapy resulted in an average weight loss of 7.73 kg (95% CI: 6.60‐8.85) in general compared with placebo. The weight loss was related to the dose of phentermine/topiramate. Compared with placebo, the average weight loss was 3.55 kg (95% CI: 2.22‐4.88) for 3.75/23 mg, 7.27 kg (95% CI: 6.40‐8.13) for 7.5/46 mg, and 8.25 kg (95% CI: 6.92‐9.79) for 15/92 mg. For phentermine/topiramate participants in different weight‐loss subgroups, the weight loss of participants with ≥5%, ≥10%, and ≥15% baseline weight loss was 3.18 (95% CI: 2.75‐3.67), 5.32 (95% CI: 4.53‐6.25), and 5.65 (95% CI: 3.55‐9.01), respectively. Compared with placebo, the adverse events associated with the treatment mainly included dysgeusia (odds ratio [OR] = 8.86, 95% CI: 5.65‐13.89), paresthesia (OR = 8.51, 95% CI: 6.20‐11.67), dry mouth (OR = 6.71, 95% CI: 5.03‐8.94), disturbance in attention (OR = 4.48, 95% CI: 2.39‐8.41), irritability (OR = 4.10, 95% CI: 2.29‐7.33), hypoesthesia (OR = 3.81, 95% CI: 1.32‐11.00), constipation (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 2.02‐2.93), and dizziness (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.72‐2.98). Phentermine/topiramate also reduced waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and lipid levels.ConclusionsPhentermine/topiramate has considerable benefit in reducing body weight, and the efficacy was closely related to the dosage. However, it increased the risk of nervous system‐related adverse events.
The politicization of civil service recruitment and promotion in Vietnam
Authors: Duong Hang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLiterature about the politicization of civil service recruitment and promotion generally treats loyalty and competence as being mutually exclusive and considers politicization to have negative consequences. While these studies focus mainly on multi‐party democratic regimes, studies in other political settings like Vietnam show that the conventional wisdom is controversial. Under the sole control of the communist party, Vietnam's civil service recruitment and promotion are highly politicized, and yet it has become more merit‐based. By analyzing this distinctive trajectory, this research shows that the conventional understandings of politicization need to be reconceptualized to include the combination of political and merit‐based criteria and the intervention of the political party. Additionally, while problems with politicization are inevitable, potentially positive aspects of politicization in authoritarian regimes, including stronger political leadership, better responsive competency, and improving efficient governance, should not be overlooked. This research also contributes to studies about the effects of politicization on development in developmental states.
Fabrication of acid‐labile poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanoparticles using aldazine‐based crosslinker as pH‐sensitive drug nanocarriers
Authors: Arjmand Fereshteh , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHerein, 1,2‐bis[(E)‐4‐(allyloxy)benzylidene]hydrazine is prepared via allyloxylation reaction of 4,4′{[(1E,1′E)‐Hydrazine‐1,2‐diylidene]bis(methanylylidene)}diphenol, which is obtained from the reaction of 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and hydrazine hydrate. The final product is used as a pH‐labile crosslinker in the synthesis of drug carriers based on poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) via distillation precipitation polymerization (DPP). These drug carriers are pH‐responsive by complete cleavage of carriers that allow for active delivery of anticancer drug in cancerous tissues. The synthesized new compounds are characterized using attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer, and fluorescence microscopy. To investigate the shape and size of the resultant nanoparticles, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are used. The in vitro drug release behavior of DOX‐loaded carriers is observed in various pH values and the results indicate that pH‐labile nanoparticles show excellent cumulative drug release during 48 h at pH = 1 as found to be 97.5 ± 1.4% and 98.8 ± 1.5% for drug carriers with 10 and 15 mol. % pH‐labile crosslinker, respectively.
Premedication prior to PEG‐asparaginase is cost‐effective in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: McCormick Meghan , Lapinski Jillian , Friehling Erika , Smith Kenneth 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPEG‐asparaginase is critical in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy but is highly immunogenic. Severe allergic reactions lead to substitution of further PEG‐asparaginase with Erwinia. Erwinia is associated with more frequent dosing, increased expense, and limited availability. Premedication may reduce rates of allergic reactions.ProceduresThis Markov model evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of three strategies: premedication plus therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), TDM alone, and no premedication or TDM. We modeled two scenarios: a standard‐risk (SR) B‐ALL patient receiving two asparaginase doses and a high‐risk (HR) patient receiving seven asparaginase doses. The model incorporated costs of asparaginase, premedication, TDM and clinic visits, and lost parental wages associated with each additional Erwinia dose. We incorporated a five‐year time horizon with a societal perspective. Outcomes were Erwinia substitutions avoided and differences in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Probabilistic and one‐way sensitivity analyses evaluated model uncertainty.ResultsIn both scenarios, premedication was the least costly strategy. In SR and HR scenarios, premedication with monitoring resulted in 8% and 7% fewer changes to Erwinia compared with monitoring alone and 3% and 2% fewer changes compared with no premedication/monitoring, respectively. Premedication resulted in the most QALYs gained in the SR patients. Individual variation of model inputs did not change premedication/monitoring favorability for either scenario. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, premedication/monitoring was favored in >87% of iterations in both scenarios.ConclusionCompared with other strategies, premedication use and asparaginase level monitoring in children with B‐ALL is potentially cost‐saving.