bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of mechanical anisotropy on the energy absorption capacity in thin-walled tubes
Authors: Afrasiab Mohammad , Faraji Ghader , Tavakkoli Vahid , Mashhadi Mahmoud Mosavi , Afrasiab Hamed 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
In this paper, the effect of mechanical anisotropy on the energy absorption capacity of thin-walled tubes was evaluated using experimental tests and numerical simulations. The paper shows that the plastic anisotropy could influence the energy absorption capacity of thin-walled tubes while the tube dimensions remain the same. The effect of anisotropy on energy absorption behavior and collapse modes was studied. The aims are control of the buckling modes and increase of energy absorption capacity of the tubes by varying the tubes anisotropic properties. The results indicate the possibility of controlling the load-displacement curve and energy absorption improvement by changing the anisotropy coefficients. Also, a rise of the anisotropy coefficient leads to an increase of the energy absorption and to a movement of the force-displacement diagram peak to the right side.
Effect of Ti as a trace element on mechanical properties and microstructural evolution in direct austempered ductile cast iron
Authors: Esmailian Mohammad 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
In this study, the effect of Ti as a trace element on acicular ferrite formation in direct austempered ductile cast irons was investigated. A step-block shape sample was used and the melt was poured into a sand mold at about 1450 °C. After cooling in the mold, the melt was hot knocked out at approx. 900 °C and then medium cooling to 350 °C was applied to the step-block shape sample. Afterwards, isothermal treatment was conducted in a commercial furnace at this temperature for 1 h, and then the sample was air-cooled down to room temperature. It was found that Ti as a trace element has an important effect on the nucleation of beneficial phases such as acicular ferrite in ductile irons which can result in increasing of mechanical properties. The microstructural examination confirmed that Ti actually acts as nucleation site for acicular ferrite. Moreover, the results show that in direct austempered ductile cast iron samples contain 0.25 wt.-% Ti, an increase from 820 to 950 MPa in tensile strength properties can be seen. Furthermore, the impact test results show that with an increase of tensile strength, the impact toughness does not decrease, but rather remains constant.
Effect of static strain aging on the fatigue behavior of S275JRC steel
Authors: Bülbül Ahmet , Kaçar Ramazan , Emre Hayriye Ertek 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
In this study, the effect of static strain aging on the fatigue behavior of a mild steel (S275JRC) was evaluated. For this purpose, the 5 % prestrained mild steel was aged at a temperature of 160 °C for different intervals. The aging behavior was determined primarily for the as-received (AR) as well as in the homogenization and normalizing heat treated (H+N heat treated) condition. The yield stresses before and after aging process as well as the hardness values of the aged steels were measured for the assessment of the strain aging progress. The dynamic mechanical behavior of strain aged samples was also determined by fatigue test under the dynamic loads. An increase in the yield strength due to strain aging and hardness induced improvement in fatigue strength of the steel were observed.
Influence of U-O bending process parameters on the friction coefficient
Authors: Sanei Mehrdad , Manafi Babak 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The U-O bending process is a manufacturing method for the production of pipes with large diameters and its manufacturing operations comprised of C forming, forming the plate into U shape, forming U into O shape, welding and expansion. With regard to the forming mechanism at O forming step, friction and wear influence the process. In this study, the effect of friction on the forming load has been studied. For this purpose, the influence of factors such as bending radius in the U forming step and the quality of surface roughness for several plate thicknesses on the forming load have been investigated by means of analytical and numerical modeling. Based on the results, proper selection of the initial bending radius in the U forming step is one of the most effective factors in reducing the friction force. Also, the reduction of the friction factor between the workpiece and the die has a significant impact on decreasing the pressing force. The results of the numerical modeling based on the finite element method and the analytical analysis have been compared, and the maximum error obtained was 8.6 %.
Effect of cutting parameters on surface roughness and wire consumption during wire electro-discharge machining
Authors: Sofu Mehmet Mahir , Hamamcı Emre , Kayacan Mehmet Cengiz 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The wire electro-discharge machining technique is used in many operations, from the simplest cutting applications to the manufacturing of complex and delicate parts. Costs and the variety of wire used in the cutting process vary according to the particular workpiece to be cut. The literature on this subject features studies conducted on the surface roughness and the metal removal rate. However, the surface sensitivity in the manufacturing of cutting dies is not a crucial property. The most important variable, rather, is the cost involved in making simple cutting dies. In this study, a Böhler K100 workpiece and CuZn37 wire material has been used to find the optimal conditions for high quality surface roughness, maximizing metal removal rate and minimizing wire consumption. Furthermore, the metal removal rate related directly to the cutting speed was calculated and compared with the consumption. To facilitate calculation of wire consumption, the evolutionary programming module was used for modeling and derivation of the formula for calculation with 99 % accuracy.
Prediction and controlling of roundness during the BTA deep hole drilling process: Experimental investigations and fuzzy modeling
Authors: Al-Wedyan Hussien Mahmoud , Hayajneh Mohammed T. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
In view of the large number of machining parameters that influence the system dynamics, experimental study is performed using the Boring Trepanning Association's (BTA) deep hole drilling process by varying the cutting parameters (workpiece rotational frequency, drilling feed rate, and tool usage), which are considered as input of the process. The specimens were then tested for roundness, which is considered as an output of the process. In this study, first order Sugeno-fuzzy models are designed by using the cutting parameters as input data and the roundness as output data. The relation between the input and the output is created to find the influence of the input parameters on the output surface quality in terms of roundness error. Hence, the best cutting condition in deep hole drilling is designated to improve the output. A scheme is recommended to precisely create the relationship between the different cutting parameters using subtractive clustering procedure based on the first order Sugeno fuzzy model. Minimum error model with lesser numbers of rules for roundness error is established by enumerative exploration of the clustering parameters. The resulted model with best clustering factors is then attuned by using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS).
Extrusion Blow Molding of Polymeric Blends Based on Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polymer and High Density Polyethylene
Authors: Qian C. , Mansfield C. D. , Baird D. G. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
This work is concerned with the extrusion blow molding of polymeric blends containing thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), using a single screw extruder. The TLCP is synthesized from terephthalic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroquinone and hydroquinone derivatives, the melting point of which is 280 °C. Because the TLCP is usually processed at much higher temperatures than HDPE, the thermal stability of HDPE at elevated temperature is evaluated. It is shown that HDPE is relatively stable in the processing temperature range of the TLCP used in this work (260 to 300 °C). Bottles are successfully produced from the blends containing 10, 20 and 50 wt% TLCP. The TLCP/HDPE blend bottles exhibit enhanced modulus relative to pure HDPE. However, the improvement in tensile strength is marginal. At 10 and 20 wt% TLCP contents, the TLCP phase exists as platelets aligning along the machine direction, while a co-continuous morphology is observed for the blend containing 50 wt% TLCP. To further enhance the mechanical properties of the blends, the preliminary effectiveness of maleic anhydride grafted HDPE (MA-g-HDPE) as a compatibilizer is studied. The injection molded ternary blends of TLCP/HDPE/MA-g-HDPE have demonstrated superior mechanical properties over the binary TLCP/HDPE blends, which suggests MA-g-HDPE as a potential compatibilizer for developing high performance TLCP/HDPE containers with enhanced mechanical properties.
Attempts to Optimize the Dispersion State during Twin-Screw Extrusion of Polypropylene/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Normand G. , Peuvrel-Disdier E. , Vergnes B. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt-mixing in a twin-screw extruder. Polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride was used as compatibilizer. The evolution of the microstructure along the screw profile was characterized through dead-stop experiments. In order to quantify the multi-scale dispersion state of the nanocomposites, different techniques have been used: scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) to observe the large remaining aggregates, X-Ray diffraction measurements to characterize the intercalation state by measuring the interlamellar distance, and finally rheological characterizations in the molten state to assess the dispersion state at the nanoscale. The effects of low barrel temperatures and high matrix viscosity were tested, in order to improve exfoliation by an increase in shear stresses.
Hunger marketing um novo caminho para as empresas de smartphones, ou não? O caso Xiaomi
Authors: Toledo Luciano Augusto , Jun Luana Chen Chih , Nishimoto Henrique Yudi Yassuda , Abreu Natália Correia , Siqueira Vivian Damaceno 
Published: March 2017

O presente estudo se apresenta sobre a forma de pesquisa exploratória qualitativa. É posteriormente complementado com o uso de um estudo de caso no âmbito do Hunger Marketing. Para tanto foi realizada uma pesquisa por meio de aplicação de questionários semiestruturados objetivando entender a priori: como o Hunger Marketing está a serviço de empresas manufaturadoras de telefonia móvel. Finalmente conclui-se que o termo Hunger Marketing não é totalmente novo, visto que ele também se baseia na busca por experiências e nas necessidades dos consumidores. A principal diferença dele para o marketing experiencial é que ele cria o desejo, enquanto o marketing experiencial busca atender esse desejo. Apesar disso, ambos têm como principal objetivo satisfazer o cliente e garantir a geração de emoções e satisfação. Também se nota que a utilização desse marketing pode não gerar os resultados esperados, visto que a empresa está lidando com uma variável não controlável que é o próprio consumidor. Trabalhar as necessidades pode ser algo vantajoso e competitivo, mas deve-se tomar cuidado com relação as expectativas, já que para alguns consumidores esperar pelo produto pode ser prazeroso e interessante, enquanto que para outros pode gerar frustações e tormentos algo que limite a ação de compra.
O custeio do sindicato livre: uma análise da compatibilidade das contribuições sindical e assistencial com o princípio da liberdade sindical
Authors: Gomes Ana Virgínia Moreira , Alfeu da Silva Antonio 
Published: March 2017

O artigo analisa criticamente as principais fontes de custeio dos sindicatos no Brasil, em especial a contribuição sindical compulsória e a contribuição assistencial sindical, considerando seus aspectos históricos, doutrinários e jurisprudenciais, e discutindo a compatibilidade dessas regras com o princípio da liberdade sindical. O estudo examina dois questionamentos acerca do sistema de custeio do sindicato no Brasil – um no Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) e outro perante a Organização Internacional do Trabalho. O primeiro versa acerca da possibilidade de fiscalização, pelo TCU, da aplicação dos recursos provenientes da contribuição sindical obrigatória, tendo em vista a sua natureza tributária e o seu interesse público. O segundo trata do caso nº 2739 (Brasil) do Comitê de Liberdade Sindical da OIT, que analisa queixa apresentada por organizações sindicais brasileiras contra o governo brasileiro em razão de medidas tomadas pelo Ministério Público do Trabalho (MPT), em
São Paulo, no sentido de anular cláusulas de contribuição assistencial. Conclui-se que mesmo uma contribuição compulsória para um grupo de trabalhadores pode ser considerada democrática, conforme os princípios da OIT, desde que o sindicato que a instituiu seja um sindicato com representação democrática, e que a contribuição tenha sido resultado de uma decisão da assembleia. Diante do contexto nacional brasileiro, no entanto, deve-se ressaltar que a contribuição assistencial, se somada à já existente contribuição sindical compulsória, adquire contorno de um ato abusivo praticado pelo sindicato contra os próprios trabalhadores.
Preliminary phytochemical screening and hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of <em>Artocarpus hirsutus</em> leaves.
Authors: Patel Jitendra , Reddy Venkateshwar , Kumar GS 
Published: March 2017

<p>The objective of the present work was investigating the preliminary phytochemical screening and hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of the leaves of <em>Artocarpus hirsutus</em>.<strong></strong></p><p>Group I served as vehicle control, Group II served CCL<sub>4 </sub>(2ml/kg, s.c.), Group III served as standard Silymarin (50 mg/kg, p.o.) Group IV and V served as methanolic extracts of <em>Artocarpus hirsutus</em><strong> </strong>(MEAH) at the dose level (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.). The degree of protection was determined by measuring level biochemical marker like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin and Cholesterol. The histopathology study also showed the hepatic protection of extracts. The preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to find out the phytoconstituents responsible for the activity.<strong></strong></p><p>The marker biochemical level such as ALT, AST, ALP, Direct bilirubin, Total bilirubin and Cholesterol were significantly raised in CCL<sub>4 </sub>treated rats when compared with the normal group (p&lt;0.05), but the MEAH (500 mg/kg, bw) treated rats exhibited maximum depletion. The histopathology study also showed the hepatic protection of extracts. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, Tannins, triterpenoids, carbohydrates and steroids.</p><p>The results of <em>in vivo</em> hepatoprotective activity showed that the methanol extract of <em>Artocarpus hirsutus</em><strong> </strong>exhibit significant hepatoprotective activity. This might be due to flavonoids and tannins; which was confirmed their presence in phytochemical tests. </p>
Effects of Opuntia ficus-indica flower extract WS 1261 on mental and psychic function in subsyndromal fatigue – A pilot study
Authors: Kressel Gaby , Willers Janina , Kohrs Heike , Zimmermann Andrea , Klement Stephan , Dienel Angelika , Hahn Andreas 
Published: March 2017

<p><em>Background<br /> </em>Traditional use, chemical constituents, and results of prior animal studies indicate alleviating effects of <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> flowers extract on subsyndromal fatigue symptoms in humans</p><p> </p><p><em>Methods<br /> </em>50 healthy subjects of either gender aged 30 to 60 years with subsyndromal fatigue were enrolled in this open-label monocentric single arm proof-of-principle study. 500mg of a hydro-alcoholic extract from <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> flowers were administered daily over 8 weeks. Mental and psychic function parameters were assessed by numerical analogue scale of Subjective Fatigue Symptoms, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20, Sheehan Disability Scale, Short Form Health Survey 36, Fatigue Impact Scale, and Global Self-Assessment. Also, health-related incidents, laboratory parameters and vital signs were measured during the intervention period.</p><p> </p><p><em>Results<br /> </em>Improvement of fatigue symptoms could be shown in most measurements after week 1 and continued further throughout the trial. 70.0% of subjects reported global improvement of their complaints at end of study.</p><p> </p><em>Conclusions<br /> </em>A consistent and positive effect of<em> Opuntia ficus-indica</em> flowers extract on symptoms of fatigue could be demonstrated. Improvement in all mental and psychic functions could be measured, most of them statistically significant.
Comparing sea ice, hydrography and circulation between NEMO3.6 LIM3 and LIM2
Authors: Uotila Petteri , Iovino Doroteaciro , Vancoppenolle Martin , Lensu Mikko , Rousset Clement 
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A set of hindcast simulations with the new version 3.6 of the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) ocean–ice model in the ORCA1 configuration and forced by the DRAKKAR Forcing Set version 5.2 (DFS5.2) atmospheric data was performed from 1958 to 2012. Simulations differed in their sea-ice component: the old standard version Louvain-la-Neuve Sea Ice Model (LIM2) and its successor LIM3. Main differences between these sea-ice models are the parameterisations of sub-grid-scale sea-ice thickness distribution, ice deformation, thermodynamic processes, and sea-ice salinity. Our main objective was to analyse the response of the ocean–ice system sensitivity to the change in sea-ice physics. Additional sensitivity simulations were carried out for the attribution of observed differences between the two main simulations.In the Arctic, NEMO-LIM3 compares better with observations by realistically reproducing the sea-ice extent decline during the last few decades due to its multi-category sea-ice thickness. In the Antarctic, NEMO-LIM3 more realistically simulates the seasonal evolution of sea-ice extent than NEMO-LIM2. In terms of oceanic properties, improvements are not as evident, although NEMO-LIM3 reproduces a more realistic hydrography in the Labrador Sea and in the Arctic Ocean, including a reduced cold temperature bias of the Arctic Intermediate Water at 250 m. In the extra-polar regions, the oceanographic conditions of the two NEMO-LIM versions remain relatively similar, although they slowly drift apart over decades. This drift is probably due to a stronger deep water formation around Antarctica in LIM3.
Association of Triiodothyronine Levels with Left Ventricular Function, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Gao Jianjun , Xu Yongxing , Kong Deyang , Zhou Lei , Jia Huaping , Liang Boran , Gu Zhaoyan 
Published: March 2017

Background Hemodialysis (HD) patients have altered free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels. A low fT3 level is a strong and inverse mortality predictor in HD patients. However, little is known about the relationship between fT3 and left ventricular function in HD patients. Methods A total of 128 maintenance HD patients were enrolled in this study. A thyroid function test with blood sampling and echocardiography was conducted. Low-T3 syndrome was defined as fT3 level <3.62 pmol/L and normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Overall mortality and rate of cardiovascular (CV) events were assessed during 48 months of follow-up. Results Low-T3 syndrome was detected in 57 (44.5%) of the 128 patients. Patients with low-T3 syndrome had a shorter duration of HD (49.1 vs. 73.3, p = 0.01), and lower serum albumin (35.1 vs. 40.4 g/L, p<0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; 54.7% vs. 63.9%, p<0.001), and fractional shortening at endocardial levels (endoFS; 29.3% vs. 34.8%, p = 0.001) compared to those with normal fT3 levels. In multivariate linear regression, LVEF, albumin, and duration of HD were independently correlated with fT3 levels. In addition, fT3 was also correlated with LVEF. During the study period, 13 (10.1%) patients died, CV events occurred in 15 (11.7%) patients. In Cox regression analysis, low fT3 level and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were associated with mortality and CV events. Conclusions In HD patients, fT3 level is positively correlated with LVEF. Low fT3 level and elevated hs-CRP predicted all-cause mortality and CV events.
A very large leiomyoma of the urethra: A case report
Authors: Fedelini Paolo , Chiancone Francesco , Fedelini Maurizio , Fabiano Marco , Persico Francesco , Di Lorenzo Domenico , Meccariello Clemente 
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumours of smooth muscle origin. They are the most common uterine masses in women of reproductive age group and may be related to the hormonal status. Urethral leiomyomas are very rare. According to the literature, the mean diameter of the urethral leiomyomas is 3.7 cm. Case report: We report a case of a very large leiomyoma of the urethra. A 40-year-old women woman was admitted to our department for a giant vaginal mass. She complained of haematuria, dysuria, recurrent urinary tract infections and dyspareunia. The physical evaluation demonstrated a 6 × 5.5 cm neoformation involving the distal tract of the urethra. The patient underwent an ultrasonography and then a magnetic resonance that suggested the diagnosis of leiomyoma. The neoformation was excised through a suburethral incision. Conclusions: The patient was discharged after 3 days and no intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. The Foley catheter was removed after a week. The patient was continent to urine, and at 6 months follow-up, the patient was symptom free and no recurrences occurred.
Comparison of evapotranspiration estimates based on the surface water balance, modified Penman‐Monteith model, and reanalysis data sets for continental China
Authors: Mao Yuna , Wang Kaicun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEvapotranspiration (ET) combines the land‐atmosphere water, energy, and carbon cycles and plays a critical role in climate studies. However, ET is difficult to quantify accurately. This study compares three 1982–2013 ET data sets for China based on surface water balance values, a modified Penman‐Monteith (MPM) model and reanalysis data. Water balance ET data, which have been widely used as benchmark data for regional ET, were calculated with and without considering reservoir water storage. MPM ET values were calculated from combinations of input data from different sources, including solar radiation and meteorological data. The MPM model is primarily energy determined, although the impacts of vegetation, soil moisture, air temperature, and wind speed on ET are also considered. The reanalysis ET data used in this study are derived from atmospheric and off‐line land reanalyses. We examined their spatial patterns, interannual variabilities, trends, and key drivers. We found that MPM ET is consistent with water balance ET in detecting ET trends for 1997 to 2013, whereas reanalysis ET is not. The trends and interannual variabilities of ET found via reanalyses are primarily determined by precipitation patterns. However, the precipitation data derived from the atmospheric reanalyses present significant uncertainties. Off‐line land reanalyses correct these biases but do not consider terrestrial water storage changes resulting from reservoir construction and interannual variability in vegetation. Both omissions may produce unreliable trends of ET in reanalyses for China. This study will help improve current ET simulations and contribute to further extending climate studies.