Influence of paper properties on adhesive strength of starch gluing

The effect of paper properties on the strength of starch gluing for Kraft sack papers has been investigated. We analyzed the effect of surface roughness, wettability and glue penetration. Surface roughness was found not to be related to gluing strength, also surface wetting measured by contact angle showed only a weak relation. Liquid penetration measured by ultrasound (ULP) was found to have a substantial correlation to gluing strength. Comparing ULP liquid penetration speed with actual glue uptake during the gluing process we found that they are only moderately connected. We are attributing this to the fact that the penetration and spreading of the glue on the paper is driven by applying an external pressure during the gluing process, which is not the case for the liquid penetration measurement. Investigating how asymmetrical glue penetration affects gluing strength we found that the relationship was low. The best indication for gluing strength turned out to be the surface wetting/substrate swelling parameter from the ultrasonic liquid penetration measurement. We conclude that the main parameter capturing gluing strength combines the influence of fiber wetting and penetration of the glue into the fibers.

Quantum computational speed of a nanowires system with Rashba interaction in the presence of a magnetic field

The present research is designed to examine the dynamic of the quantum computational speed in a nanowire system through the orthogonality speed when three distinct types of magnetic fields are applied: the strong magnetic field, the weak magnetic field, and no magnetic field. Moreover, we investigate the action of the magnetic fields, the spin-orbit coupling, and the system’s initial states on the orthogonality speed. The observed results reveal that a substantial correlation between the intensity of the spin-orbit coupling and the dynamics of the orthogonality speed, where the orthogonality speed decreasing as the spin-orbit coupling increases. Furthermore, the initial states of the nanowire system are critical for regulating the speed of transmuting the information and computations.

Do Grittier People Have Greater Subjective Well-Being? A Meta-Analysis

The present study conducted a meta-analysis to examine the relation between grit and subjective well-being (SWB). The association between grit (i.e., overall grit, perseverance of effort, and consistency of interest) and SWB (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, happiness, depression, life satisfaction, job satisfaction, and school satisfaction) were synthesized across 83 studies and 66,518 participants. The results based on a random-effects model showed a substantial correlation between overall grit and SWB (ρ = .46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [.43, .48]), followed by perseverance of effort (ρ = .38, 95% CI = [.33, .43]) and consistency of interest (ρ = .23, 95% CI = [.17, .28]). The moderator analysis indicated that the correlations between overall grit/consistency of effort and SWB become weaker as age increased, and these links were stronger in affective well-being than in cognitive well-being. Moreover, grit explained unique variance in SWB even after controlling for conscientiousness. Implications and directions for further research are discussed.

Impact of Non-Metallic Organic Tanning Agents with a Double-Triazine Structure on the Microbial Community Structure in Wastewater

This study examined the correlation between non-metallic organic tanning agents (NOTAs) and wastewater containing double-triazine (bistriazine). Specifically, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze how the physical and chemical properties of the bistriazine-containing wastewater affected the microbial community. In total, 9995 operating taxonomy units (OTUs) were detected at a similarity level of 97%. According to the taxonomy results and relative bacterial richness, the non-metallic organic tanning agent (NOTA) wastewater communities showed significant differences. Clostridium sensu stricto and Turicibacter bacteria were dominant in NOTA T2, T3, and the blank control (KB) wastewater; Trichococcus and Aeromonas were dominant in NOTA T4; and Pseudomonas was dominant in T2, T4, and the blank control (KB). Thus, the addition of bistriazine ring derivatives altered the composition of the bacterial community. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a substantial correlation in the composition of the communities and the physicochemical properties of the wastewater. Acidocella and norank c Cyanobacteria correlated positively with Total Phosphorus (TP) (p ≤ 0.001) and Mycobacterium showed a positively held correlation with pH (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, norank_f__Elev-16S-1332 indicated a negative correlation with TP, Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) (p ≤ 0.05), whereas Zoogloea correlated negatively with NH3–N, TOC, and TN (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding water quality, a significant correlation between microbial communities and the physicochemical properties of bistriazine wastewater was also observed (p ≤ 0.05). We concluded that Trichococcus, Clostridium sensu stricto, Turicibacter, Pseudomonas, Intestinibacter, Acidocella, Bacillus, and Tolumonas showed a high tolerance for bistriazine wastewater, which could offer insight into its bioremediation.

Association Between Hindfoot Alignment and First Metatarsal Rotation

Background: The association between forefoot and hindfoot position for planus and cavus feet is fundamental to the treatment of these deformities. However, no studies have evaluated the association between hindfoot alignment and first metatarsal (M1) axial rotation. Understanding this possible relationship may help to understand the deformity and improve patient care. The purpose of this study is to determine a correlation between hindfoot alignment and metatarsal rotation as assessed by weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). Methods: Patients who underwent weightbearing plain radiography (WBPR) and WBCT between 2015 and 2018 were evaluated. Hindfoot alignment was measured with the calcaneal moment arm (CMA). M1 rotation was measured using the Kim and Saltzman angles. Patient subgroups were created according to the severity of valgus/varus hindfoot alignment. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate for association between variables. Results: Among the 196 patient feet included in the study, the average CMA was 6.0 ± 16.2 mm. The average Kim and Saltzman angles were 7.7 ± 12.9 degrees and 2.8 ± 13.1 degrees, respectively. The average Meary angle was 182.0 ± 11.9 degrees. A moderately strong association was found between the CMA and the Saltzman ( r = 0.641, P < .01) and Kim angles ( r = 0.615, P < .01). Hindfoot valgus was associated with M1 pronation and hindfoot varus with M1 supination. Additionally, inverse relationships between the Meary angle and the Saltzman ( r = −0.600, P < .01) and Kim angles ( r = −0.529, P < .01) were identified. Conclusion: In this well-defined cohort, we found substantial correlation between hindfoot alignment and M1 rotation. Hindfoot valgus was associated with M1 pronation, and hindfoot varus was associated with M1 supination. Surgeons correcting cavovarus/planovalgus deformities should be aware of this association and evaluate the need for first-ray derotation. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Heterogeneous Correlation Map Between Estimated ENSO And IOD From ERA5 And Hotspot In Indonesia

El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can reduce the amount of rainfall in Indonesia. The previous study found that ENSO and IOD derived from the OISST dataset have an association with hotspots in Indonesia, especially in southern Sumatra dan Kalimantan. But the correlation results are still too small, and the correlation strength between regions has not been analyzed. Therefore, this study quantifies the association of the estimated ENSO and IOD derived from the ERA5 dataset on hotspots in Indonesia based on a Heterogeneous Correlation Map (HCM) and analyzes the correlation strength between regions in Indonesia. We use a singular value decomposition method to quantify this HCM. Besides OISST, ERA5 is an estimation data often used for weather forecast analysis. Therefore, this study quantifies the association of the estimated ENSO and IOD derived from the ERA5 dataset on hotspots in Indonesia based on a Heterogeneous Correlation Map (HCM) and analyzes the correlation strength between regions in Indonesia. Based on variance explained and correlation strength, the hotspot in Indonesia is more sensitive to ENSO and IOD derived from ERA5 than OISST. Consequently, the ERA5 data more useful to statistical analysis that requiring a substantial correlation.

The Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in COVID-19

Purpose of the Review Elevated levels of anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies are the most important criterion in the diagnosis of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) and are usually responsible for promoting the risk of thrombotic complications. Now, in the course of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, measurable aPL antibodies have also been detected in a noticeable number of patients showing a variety ranging from studies with only isolated positive tests to cohorts with very high positivity. Thus, the question arises as to whether these two different clinical pictures may be linked. Recent Findings The ambivalent results showed a frequent occurrence of the investigated aPL antibodies in COVID-19 patients to an individually varying degree. While some question a substantial correlation according to their results, a number of studies raise questions about the significance of a correlation of aPL antibodies in COVID-19 patients. Within the scope of this review, these have now been described and compared with each other. Summary Ultimately, it is necessary to conduct further studies that specifically test aPL antibodies in a larger context in order to make subsequent important statements about the role of APS in COVID-19 and to further strengthen the significance of the described comparisons.

Liver lymphatic anatomy and role in systemic lymphatic disease

Objectives To characterize hepatic to systemic lymphatic connections in patients with systemic lymphatic disease using intra-hepatic lymphangiography and to compare outcomes after lymphatic intervention. Methods In this retrospective study, patients with intra-hepatic lymphangiography from May 2014 – April 2019 at our institution were included. Imaging review was performed and hepatic lymphatic connections and flow patterns were characterized. Clinical data were reviewed and comparisons between patients undergoing lymphatic intervention with or without abnormal hepatic lymphatics were performed. Results During the study period, 105 patients underwent intra-hepatic lymphangiography. Primary clinical presentation included ascites (19/105), chylothorax (27/105), plastic bronchitis (PB) (17/105), and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) (42/105). Five categories of hepatic lymphatic connections and flow patterns were identified (%): normal (25%, 26/105), hepatoperitoneal (12%, 13/105), hepatopulmonary (10.5%, 11/105), hepatomesenteric (7.5%, 8/105), and hepatoduodenal (41%, 43/105) with four patients having more than one abnormal pattern. A comparison between clinical presentation and imaging category revealed an increased likelihood of having ascites with hepatoperitoneal (p < .0001), chylothorax/PB with hepatopulmonary (p = .01), and PLE with hepatoduodenal (p < .001) connections. Seventy-six patients had a lymphatic intervention, 24% with normal, and 76% with abnormal liver lymphatics. There was no difference in length of hospital stay or mortality between the two groups, but there was a prolonged time to symptom resolution (p = .006) and persistent symptoms after 6 months (5% vs 44%, p = .002) in the group with abnormal liver lymphatics. Conclusion We identified five liver lymphatic imaging categories with a substantial correlation to presenting lymphatic disease. Abnormal imaging patterns correlated with increased morbidity. Evaluation of liver lymphatics should be considered in patients with a systemic lymphatic disease if central lymphatic imaging is normal. Key Points • We identified five liver lymphatic imaging patterns: normal, hepatoperitoneal, hepatomesenteric, hepatopulmonary, and hepatoduodenal. • Imaging patterns were correlated with disease presentation (normal – chylothorax/PB, hepatoperitoneal – ascites/chylothorax, hepatopulmonary – chylothorax/PB, hepatoduodenal – PLE). • Abnormal imaging patterns correlated with increased morbidity.

In Search of Quality: Echocardiographic Mitral Regurgitation Evaluation Discrepancies

Introduction: Two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for mitral regurgitation (MR) evaluation plays a vital role in choosing the adequate type of treatment. Considerable undertreatment prevalence suggests a possible knowledge gap. The aim of the present study was to assess physician diagnostic adherence according to clinical echocardiographic guidelines. Methods: 438 echocardiographically confirmed MR cases evaluated by 60 beginner, intermediate, or expert level physicians were enrolled. MR eyeballing tendencies, quantitative method application accuracy, and guideline adherence were analyzed. Results: Main discrepancies were unjustified eyeballing (66.95%; p<0.001), inaccurate application of methods (22.46%, p=0.002), and misinterpretation of diagnostic criteria (10.59%). Female patient gender (p=0.026) and lower physician competence levels (p<0.001) were identified as predictors for eyeballing discrepancy possibility. The latter was also a predictor quantitative method discrepancy (p=0.043). Method choice had the most substantial correlation to discrepancies when determining moderate–severe MR (p<0.001). Conclusions: Echocardiographic evaluation of hemodynamically significant MR discrepant in 53.88% of cases as non-quantitative evaluation of hemodynamically significant MR, methodological inaccuracies, and misinterpretation of diagnostic criteria compile the largest proportion of discrepancies. Female gender, lower physician competence, and downgraded diagnostic method application were the most substantial predictors of discrepancy occurrence.

The Self-Control Scale and Social Desirability: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

The current study investigated the construct validity of a popular measure of trait self-control, the Self-Control Scale (SCS; Tangney, Baumeister, &amp; Boone (2004)), by examining its relationship with social desirability in three complementary ways. First, a meta-analysis (k = 55, N = 14,836) demonstrated a substantial correlation between the SCS and social desirability (r = .41, 95% Confidence Interval = [.38, .45]). Second, among the meta-analyzed studies, social desirability scales were predominantly used as a measure of response bias. Finally, simulations demonstrated that the overlap between the SCS and social desirability presents major methodological and interpretation challenges under some circumstances. These results call for further investigations into the nature of the overlapping variance between the SCS and social desirability.