bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P.147 Evaluation of Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging in poorly- defined focal epilepsy in children
Authors: Lam J , Tomaszewski P , Gilbert G , Moreau JT , Guiot M , Farmer J , Atkinson J , Saint-Martin C , Wintermark P , Bernhardt B , Baillet S , Dudley RW
Published: June 2022

Background: Poorly-defined cases (PDCs) of focal epilepsy are cases with no/subtle MRI abnormalities or have abnormalities extending beyond the lesion visible on MRI. Here, we evaluated the utility of Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) MRI perfusion in PDCs of pediatric focal epilepsy. Methods: ASL MRI was obtained in 25 consecutive children presenting with poorly-defined focal epilepsy (20 MRI- positive, 5 MRI-negative). Qualitative visual inspection and quantitative analysis with asymmetry and Z-score maps were used to detect perfusion abnormalities. ASL results were compared to the hypothesized epileptogenic zone (EZ) derived from other clinical/imaging data and the resection zone in patients with Engel I/II outcome and >18 month follow-up. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed perfusion abnormalities in 17/25 total cases (68%), 17/20 MRI-positive cases (85%) and none of the MRI-negative cases. Quantitative analysis confirmed all cases with abnormalities on qualitative analysis, but found 1 additional true-positive and 4 false-positives. Concordance with the surgically-proven EZ was found in 10/11 cases qualitatively (sensitivity=91%, specificity=50%), and 11/11 cases quantitatively (sensitivity=100%, specificity=23%). Conclusions: ASL perfusion may support the hypothesized EZ, but has limited localization benefit in MRI-negative cases. Nevertheless, owing to its non-invasiveness and ease of acquisition, ASL could be a useful addition to the pre-surgical MRI evaluation of pediatric focal epilepsy.
P.155 Giant aneurysm, tiny patient: flow diversion stenting of a giant MCA aneurysm in a young child
Authors: Bokeris A , Mcneely D , Pickett G , Schmidt M
Published: June 2022

Background: A 3-year-old girl presented with a 6-day history of severe headaches. On examination, upper motor neuron signs were noted in the left upper and lower extremities with increased tone, reflexes, and a positive Babinski sign. MRI of the brain revealed a giant right middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm with significant mass effect, associated with cerebral edema and ventricular effacement. CT and CT angiogram showed evidence of aneurysmal wall calcification and lamellar thrombosis within the aneurysmal sac. In addition, there was a smaller right MCA aneurysm in close proximity to the giant aneurysm. Methods: After a balloon occlusion test to assess collateral blood flow to the MCA territory, it was decided to treat both aneurysms with a flow diverting stent. Dual antiplatelet loading was done with aspirin and clopidogrel. The smallest available diameter of Pipeline Shield stent was deployed. Results: The patient remained neurologically unchanged. Early follow-up imaging demonstrated stent patency, reduced size and mass effect of the large aneurysm, reduced cerebral edema, and no flow into the smaller aneurysm. Conclusions: Flow diversion stenting may be employed successfully in pediatric patients, though has unique technical considerations including small size vessels and limited evidence for antiplatelet agent choice and dosing.
P.156 Spinal subdural hematoma from a type I spinal arteriovenous malformation: case report and literature review
Authors: Naeem A , Shamisa A
Published: June 2022

Background: Type 1 spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are dural fistulas which classically present due to progressive congestive myelopathy. Acute hemorrhage resulting in a spinal subdural hematoma is exceedingly rare with only three reported cases. Methods: This 46-year-old female experienced rapidly progressive paraplegia over several hours. There was no history of anti-coagulant use, trauma, fever, or infection. On examination, she had 0/5 in the lower extremities bilaterally and decreased sensation to pinprick below the T6 level on both sides. She also had loss of bowel and bladder control. MRI demonstrated evidence of an intra-dural extramedullary lesion located anteriorly causing significant compression on the spinal cord from T4 down to T7 level. Results: She underwent thoracic laminectomy from T4 – T7. After dural opening, a well organized sub-dural hematoma with significant mass effect on a distorted spinal cord was evacuated. Subsequently, a large abnormal artery leading into a dilated serpiginous vein on the dorsal aspect of spinal cord at the T7 level was visualized. Indocyanine green angiography confirmed our suspicion of a dural arteriovenous fistula which was disconnected. Conclusions: Type I spinal AVM in rare cases can present acutely as subdural hematoma and should be kept in the differential diagnosis for acute paraplegia.
P.157 Adjunctive treatment of chronic subdural hematoma with middle meningeal artery embolization – is the left side more common?
Authors: Dian JA , McEachern J , Kaderali Z , Silvaggio J , Shankar J
Published: June 2022

Background: Embolization of middle meningeal artery (EMMA) is an emerging treatment for CSDH and a method to decrease CSDH recurrence. We report a single Canadian center experience of EMMA for the management of CSDH. Methods: Consecutive EMMA patients during the period July 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively included in this series. EMMA procedures were performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles or liquid embolic agent. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically as per standard of care. Results: A total of 20 patients CSDH (mean 65.6 years; range 14-85 yrs; male 16) underwent 20 EMMA procedures. CSDH occured on the left in 13 patients, right in 4 patients and bilateral in 3 patients. No patients had periprocedural complications. There was no recurrence of CSDH on the EMMA treated side. The mean SDH size decreased from 18.4 +/- 6.34 mm at the time of presentation to 5.31 +/ 3.84 mm at last follow up. The proportion of patients with an mRS of 2 or less increased from 65% to 76%. Conclusions: EMMA was found to be effective and safe in the management of CSDH with no evidence of recurrence on the treated side. Left sided hematomas appear to be more common that right sided hematomas.
P.159 Saskatchewan experience with mechanical thrombectomy under general anesthesia
Authors: Persad A , Ahmed S , Gardner A , Whelan R , Hunter G , Graham B , Kelly M , Peeling L
Published: June 2022

Background: While mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become broadly used, many nuances around its performance are still contentious. In particular, the optimal sedation strategy for MT is not clear in the literature. Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected database. Age, gender, pre-treatment NIH stroke score (NIHSS), Alberta stroke program early score CT (ASPECTS), quality of collateralization, whether the patient underwent thrombectomy, tandem carotid occlusion, and thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score were recorded in the database. Results: We identified 228 patients having anterior circulation mechanical thrombectomy (MT). 91 were right-sided, 108 were left-sided. Collaterals were graded as good in 135 (71.4), moderate in 44 (23.2%), and poor in 10 (5.3%). The average pre-MT ASPECTS was 8.1 (range). We found significant differences between all patients, patients with good outcome (mRS 0-2) and death in age, baseline NIHSS, collateralization, and TICI revascularization score. Multivariate analysis was performed with showed significant associations of sidedness, collateralization, TICI score and hemorrhage with neurological outcome. Right-sided stroke, better collaterals, higher TICI score and absence of hemorrhage were associated with better outcomes. Conclusions: We found comparable outcomes to those reported in the literature with use of general anesthetic. We identify several factors that influence outcomes.
P.160 Safety and effectiveness of the assessment and treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) in the Adult Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (AHCRN)
Authors: Hamilton MG , Williams M , Holubkov R , Nagel S , Wisoff J , Zwimpfer T , Edwards R , McKhann G , Moghekar A , Golomb J , Katzen H , Dasher N , Luciano M
Published: June 2022

Background: Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a disorder of the elderly with progressive worsening of gait and balance, cognition, and urinary control which requires assessment using criteria recommended by International iNPH guidelines. Methods: Adult Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (AHCRN) prospective registry data from 5-centers over a 50-month interval included entry criteria; demographics; comorbidities; examination findings using standard AHCRN gait and neuropsychology assessments; shunt procedures, complications of CSF drainage, complications within 30 days of surgery, and 1-year postoperative follow-up. Results: 547 patients were referred for assessment of suspected-iNPH. 123 patients(21.6%) did not meet clinical criteria to proceed with further testing. 424 patients(74.4%;mean age 76.7 ± 6.0 years;males=269) underwent an LP or lumbar drain, and 193(45.6%) underwent insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. By 8-12 months after shunt surgery, gait velocity was 0.96±0.35m/s (54% faster than pre-CSF-drainage). Mean MoCA scores increased from 21.0 ± 5.0(median=22.0) at baseline to 22.6±5.5(median=24) 12-months post-surgery. Gait and cognitive improvements were clinically significant. No deaths occurred. 8% of shunt-surgery patients experienced minor complications. The 30-day reoperation rate was 4.1%. Conclusions: This AHCRN study demonstrated that CSF-drainage testing of patients with suspected-iNPH successfully identified those who could undergo CSF-shunt surgery with a high rate of improvement and a low rate of complications.
P.162 Neurosurgical trialists are not as diverse as the participants they enroll: A systematic sampling review
Authors: Churchill I , Sue T , Leha E , Peters DA , Lampron J , Wai EK , Tsai EC
Published: June 2022

Background: Diversity of healthcare personnel has been associated with improved care of diverse populations. To determine whether neurosurgical clinical trialists were as diverse as the populations they treated, we investigated the sex/gender and race/ethnicity of participants and compared them to authors of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, general surgery and plastic surgery. Methods: Embase and MEDLINE were systematically searched from 2001 to 2021. RCTs were limited by impact factor and selected using a series technique. Data on author and trial characteristics were extracted independently and in duplicate, and compared for each speciality. Results: 1548 articles were included. Interim analysis revealed the mean proportion of women authors was lowest in neurosurgery (5%) and highest in plastic surgery (50%). Trialists that were most reflective of their participants sex/gender were general surgery (42% authors vs 46% participants) and plastic surgery (50% authors vs 66% participants). 94% of RCTs did not report participants’ race/ethnicity. No RCTs excluded participants based on sex/gender or race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Compared to other surgical fields, neurosurgery had the poorest correlation of author sex/gender with the population being studied. Efforts are needed to improve the diversity of neurosurgical trialists, access to RCTs for underrepresented groups and standardized reporting of participants’ race/ethnicity.
P.168 Improving transitioning from pediatric to adult care: a qualitative study of patients with hydrocephalus and their caregivers
Authors: Fouladirad S , Cheong A , Singhal A , Tamber MS , McDonald PJ
Published: June 2022

Background: Hydrocephalus is a common pediatric condition but many neurosurgeons cannot continue to care for patients into adulthood. Although gaps in care are thought to exist for youth transitioning to adult care, little is known about how patients/caregivers feel about the process. This study examined the perceptions of adolescents and young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult care at a single centre. Methods: We explored the perceptions of patients/caregivers with hydrocephalus about the transitioning process using semi-structured interviews and the qualitative research methodologies of grounded theory. 40 patient/caregivers (7 adolescents, 13 young adults, 20 parents) from BC Children’s Hospital and the Hydrocephalus Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded, with common themes identified. Results: Four themes relating to transitioning from pediatric to adult care were identified: (1): Poor communiction; (2) Uncertainty relating to living life as an adult with hydrocephalus; (3) Anxiety and fear regarding navigating a new health care environment; (4) sadness in the loss of the relationship with the pediatric health care team. Conclusions: We identified a general dissatisfaction with the transitioning process for hydrocephalus. Common themes and concerns identified may form the basis of an improved transitioning model for youth with hydrocephalus as they become adults.
GP.5 Identifying clinically relevant prognostic epigenetic subtypes of chordoma and their non-invasive detection in plasma
Authors: Zuccato JA , Patil V , Mansouri S , Liu JC , Nassiri F , Mamatjan Y , Chakravarthy A , Karimi S , Almeida J , Bernat A , Hasen M , Singh O , Khan S , Kislinger T , Sinha N , Froelich S , Adle-Biassette H , Aldape KD , De Carvalho DD , Zadeh G
Published: June 2022

Background: Chordomas are rare malignant skull-base/spine cancers with devastating neurological morbidities and mortality. Unfortunately, no reliable prognostic factors exist to guide treatment decisions. This work identifies DNA methylation-based prognostic chordoma subtypes that are detectable non-invasively in plasma. Methods: Sixty-eight tissue samples underwent DNA methylation profiling and plasma methylomes were obtained for available paired samples. Immunohistochemical staining and publicly available methylation and gene expression data were utilized for validation. Results: Unsupervised clustering identified two prognostic tissue clusters (log-rank p=0.0062) predicting disease-specific survival independent of clinical factors (Multivariable Cox: HR=16.5, 95%CI: 2.8-96, p=0.0018). The poorer-performing cluster showed immune-related pathway promoter hypermethylation and higher immune cell abundance within tumours, which was validated with external RNA-seq data and immunohistochemical staining. The better-performing cluster showed higher tumour cellularity. Similar clusters were seen in external DNA methylation data. Plasma methylome-based models distinguished chordomas from differential diagnoses in independent testing sets (AUROC=0.84, 95%CI: 0.52-1.00). Plasma methylomes were highly correlated with tissue-based signals for both clusters (r=0.69 & 0.67) and leave-one-out models identified the correct cluster in all plasma cases. Conclusions: Prognostic molecular chordoma subgroups are for the first time identified, characterized, and validated. Plasma methylomes can detect and subtype chordomas which may transform chordoma treatment with personalized approaches tailored to prognosis.
B.1 Can quantitative susceptibility mapping help diagnose and predict recovery of concussion in children?
Authors: Sader N , Gobbi D , Goodyear B , Frayne R , Beauchamp M , Craig WR , Doan Q , Zemek R , Yeates KO , Riva-Cambrin J
Published: June 2022

Background: Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is an MR sequence that has potential as a biomarker in concussion. We compared QSM in pediatric concussion patients versus a comparison group of children with orthopedic injuries (OI) and assessed QSM’s performance relative to the current clinical benchmark (5P risk score) for predicting persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS). Methods: Children (N=967) aged 8-16.99 years with either concussion or OI were prospectively recruited from 5 Canadian centers. Participants completed QSM at a post-acute assessment 2-33 days post-injury. QSM z-score metrics for 9 regions of interest (ROI) were derived from 371 children (concussion=255, OI=116). PPCS at 1-month post-injury was defined using reliable change methods. Results: The concussion and OI groups did not differ significantly in QSM across ROI. Increased frontal white matter (WM) susceptibility predicted reliable increases in parent-rated cognitive symptoms (p=0.001). Together, frontal WM susceptibility and the 5P risk score were better at predicting persistent cognitive symptoms than the 5P risk score alone (p=0.0021). AUC were 0.71 (95%CI: 0.62-0.80) for frontal WM susceptibility, 0.67 (95%CI: 0.56-0.78) for the 5P risk score, and 0.73 (95%CI: 0.64-0.82) for
both. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate a potential imaging biomarker that predicts persistent symptoms in children with concussion compared to the current clinical benchmark.
Structure and dynamics of a laminar separation bubble near a wing root: towards reconstructing the complete LSB topology on a finite wing
Authors: Toppings Connor E. , Yarusevych Serhiy
Published: June 2022

The influence of the wing root junction on the laminar separation bubble forming on the suction surface of a semispan NACA 0018 wing cantilevered from the wind tunnel test section wall is studied using surface flow visualisations, particle image velocimetry and surface pressure measurements at a chord Reynolds number of 125 000 and an angle of attack of 6

$^\circ$

. The test section wall boundary layer upstream of the wing is turbulent, and the spanwise influence of the junction on the separation bubble extends well beyond the test section wall boundary layer thickness. Substantial three-dimensionality is seen in the separation bubble flowfield near the wing root, where earlier transition and a reduction in separation bubble thickness is observed. In contrast with the wing tip, earlier transition and a reduction in separation bubble length occurs near the wing root. Outside of the junction affected region, the separation bubble is similar to separation bubbles forming on two-dimensional geometries, and displays mild spanwise waviness. The transition process away from the end affected regions is characterised by the formation of spanwise roll-up vortices that are shed in a nearly two-dimensional manner across the span. The analysis of the results shows that, near the wing root, the increased level of perturbations leads to earlier vortex roll-up and spanwise flow contributes to more rapid vortex breakdown. The results in the wing root region are complemented by the analysis of data from Toppings and Yarusevych (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 929, 2021, A39) in the wing tip region to provide a more holistic outlook on the laminar separation bubble topology and dynamics on the entire finite wing.
The Legal System for Compensation for Vessel-Source Oil Pollution in South Africa
Authors: Gamassa Pascal Kany Prud'ome
Published: June 2022

In protecting the marine environment from vessel-source oil pollution, compensation for victims of damage is of great importance. International conventions regarding compensation for such damage have been adopted under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization. This article analyses the extent to which South Africa has implemented the provisions of these international conventions into its domestic laws and identifies issues that remain in the South African legal system. The article reveals that, although South Africa has improved its legal system for compensation for damage from vessel-source oil pollution, claimants in respect of damage from large vessel-source persistent oil pollution and vessel-source bunker oil pollution are still not adequately compensated. This article finds that acceding to the 1996 Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, the 2001 Bunker Convention and the 2003 Supplementary Fund Protocol would be of great interest and benefit to South Africa.
What's in a name? Why ‘SLA’ is no longer fit for purpose and the emerging, more equitable alternatives
Authors: Anderson Jason
Published: June 2022

Comments from the reviewers

‘ … very well-written, well-presented, and well-argued, fulfiling the aim of addressing critically an aspect of applied linguistics/SLA about which the author is clearly passionate and challenging the ubiquity, appropriateness and current relevance of the term “second language acquisition”’.

‘An essay which is at once elegant, eloquent, erudite, critical, creative, and constructive. It is topical while also grounded in a sense of the past, witty and amusing while also serious.’
THE LIFE AND WORK OF A SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMIST: DESMOND HOBART HOUGHTON, 1906–1976
Authors: Maylam Paul
Published: June 2022

For forty or so years, from the 1930s to the mid-1970s, Desmond Hobart Houghton was one of South Africa’s most prominent economists, based throughout his academic career at Rhodes University. He belonged to the liberal school of economists who believed in the free market and modernization theory, being particularly influenced by Walt Rostow’s stages of growth model, which he applied to South Africa. The rural economy, migrant labor, and regional development, with a particular focus on the Eastern Cape, were his major research interests. He authored a standard text on the South African economy. This article charts his career and thinking.
Performance improvement and thermodynamic assessment of microchannel heat sink with different types of ribs and cones
Authors: Zhang Shizhong , Ahmad Faraz , Khan Amjid , Ali Nisar , Badran Mohamed
Published: June 2022

The present study aims to investigate the performance of microchannel heat sink via numerical simulations, based on the first and second law of thermodynamics. The heat transfer and flow characteristics of rectangular microchannel heat sinks have been improved by adding six different types of surface enhancers. The cross-sections include rectangular, triangular, and hexagonal-shaped ribs and cones. The cones have been created from the same cross-sections of ribs by drafting them at an angle of 45° orthogonal to the base, which is expected to decrease the pressure drop, dramatically. The performance of ribs and cones has been evaluated using different parameters such as friction factor, wall shear stress, entropy generation rate, augmentation entropy generation number, thermal resistance, and transport efficiency of thermal energy. The results of the present study revealed that the novel effect of coning at an angle of 45° reduces frictional losses (Maximum pressure drop reduced is 85%), however; a compromise on thermal behavior has been shown (Maximum Nusselt number reduced is 25%). Similarly, the application of coning has caused a significant reduction in wall shear stress and friction factor which can lead to reducing the pumping power requirements. Moreover, triangular ribs have more ability to transfer thermal energy than rectangular and hexagonal ribs. Furthermore, it has been examined in the present study that the trend of total entropy generation rate for triangular ribs decreases up to Re = 400 and then increases onwards which means that thermal losses are more significant than frictional losses at lower Reynolds number. However, frictional losses dominate over thermal losses at higher Reynolds numbers, where vortex generation takes place, especially in triangular ribs.
Novel 3D-flower shaped KTaO3 perovskite for highly efficient photocatalytic and H2 generation ability
Authors: Sumedha H. N. , Shashank M. , Teixeira Sergio R. , Praveen B. M. , Nagaraju G.
Published: June 2022

Treatment of industrial wastewater is one of the biggest challenges that mankind is facing today to prevent environmental pollution and its associated adverse effects on human health. Environmentalists across the world have given a clarion call for dye degradation, wastewater treatment and their effective management in our surrounding habitats. Despite significant progress in the development of new water treatment technologies, new materials haven’t matured enough for large scale industrial applications. Hence, the development of new scalable and sustainable multifunctional materials having the potential to treat wastewater and generate energy is the need of the hour. In this direction, novel 3D-flower shaped KTaO3 (3D-F-KT) material has been synthesized using areca seed powder as a green fuel. This new material has been successfully applied for the treatment of industrial wastewater contaminated with Rose Bengal. The efficiency of the material was analysed using several parameters like catalytic loading, dye concentration, kinetic and scavenging experiments, photostability, effect of co-existing ions and recyclability. In addition, the material was subjected to optical studies and H2 generation, making it a highly versatile multifunctional material, exhibiting a degradation efficiency of 94.12% in a short span of 150 min and a photocatalytic H2 generation efficiency of 374 µmol g−1 through water splitting. With an immense potential, KTaO3 presents itself as a multifunctional catalyst that can be scaled up for a variety of industrial applications ranging from wastewater treatment to energy generation and storage.
Dynamic changes in heparin-binding protein as a prognostic biomarker for 30-day mortality in sepsis patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Dou Qing-Li , Liu Jiangping , Zhang Wenwu , Wang Ching-Wei , Gu Yanan , Li Na , Hu Rui , Hsu Wan-Ting , Huang Amy Huaishiuan , Tong Hoi Sin , Hsu Tzu-Chun , Hsu Cheng-An , Xu Jun , Lee Chien-Chang
Published: June 2022

Heparin-binding protein (HBP) has been shown to be a robust predictor of the progression to organ dysfunction from sepsis, and we hypothesized that dynamic changes in HBP may reflect the severity of sepsis. We therefore aim to investigate the predictive value of baseline HBP, 24-h, and 48-h HBP change for prediction of 30-day mortality in adult patients with sepsis. This is a prospective observational study in an intensive care unit of a tertiary center. Patients aged 20 years or older who met SEPSIS-3 criteria were prospectively enrolled from August 2019 to January 2020. Plasma levels of HBP were measured at admission, 24 h, and 48 h and dynamic changes in HBP were calculated. The Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. We tested whether the biomarkers could enhance the predictive accuracy of a multivariable predictive model. A total of 206 patients were included in the final analysis. 48-h HBP change (HBPc-48 h) had greater predictive accuracy of area under the curve (AUC: 0.82), followed by baseline HBP (0.79), PCT (0.72), lactate (0.71), and CRP (0.65), and HBPc-24 h (0.62). Incorporation of HBPc-48 h into a clinical prediction model significantly improved the AUC from 0.85 to 0.93. HBPc-48 h may assist clinicians with clinical outcome prediction in critically ill patients with sepsis and can improve the performance of a prediction model including age, SOFA score and Charlson comorbidity index.
A study on how concurrent visual feedback affects motor learning of adjustability of grasping force in younger and older adults
Authors: Yamamoto Ryohei , Akizuki Kazunori , Yamaguchi Kazuto , Yabuki Jun , Kaneno Tatsuya
Published: June 2022

In this study, we investigated the differences of the effectiveness from concurrent visual feedback among younger and older adults in learning tasks that require adjustability of grasping force (AGF), as well as the functions related to AGF in each generation. The younger and older adult groups were evaluated for simple visual reaction time as visual-motor speed (VMS) and a 100 g AGF task that reflected the difference between desired performance and actual performance. The main learning task was then practiced using concurrent visual feedback and tested without feedback. The VMS of older adults was slower than that of the younger, and the error in the 100 g AGF task was larger in older adults than in the younger adults. Performance improved from pre-test to retention test in both groups, but the older adult group failed to reach the level of the younger adult group. The results of this study show that concurrent visual feedback is effective for learning the tasks that require AGF in both groups. Indicatively, improvement in performance during practice is insufficient in older people for whom there is a large difference between desired performance and actual performance, or whose VMS is slow.
Multifunctional logic gates based on resonant transmission at atomic-plasmonic structure
Authors: Mosleh M. , Hamidi S. M. , Ranjbaran M.
Published: June 2022

Regarding the confinement of light at nanoscale dimensions in plasmonic structures, we try to show the impact of hot atomic vapor spectroscopy on a miniaturized scale. In such a combined structure, resonant coupling of the atom to plasmonic mode provides diverse ways to control the optical response of the system. We fabricate an atomic plasmonic cell based on Rubidium atomic vapor and gold plasmonic thin film onto the Kretschmann setup to introduce resonant coupling (EIT-like) of atom-plasmons as a tunable all-optical bandpass filter, switch, or logic gates. These all-optical devices such as NOR and XNOR logic gates are well done based on the filter by incidence angle of light, temperature as well as the external magnetic field. We believe the possibility of easy modulation of atomic susceptibility, not only through direct alteration on atoms but also through common methods available for modulation of plasmonic mode, has the potential to design and fabricate modern all-optical devices.
Study of natural degradation effect on lignocellulose fibers of archaeological cedar wood: monitoring by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
Authors: Fellak Somia , Rafik Mourad , Haidara Hasnaa , Boukir Abdellatif , Lhassani Abdelhadi
Published: June 2022

The present work aims at elucidating the changes in the chemical composition of Moroccan cedar wood during exposure time to the natural degradation process. Correlation of these changes with certain physical properties and performance of this polymeric material were proposed. Four archaeologicalCedrus atlanticawood samples dating from the 16th, 17th, 19thand 21stcenturies were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The infrared spectroscopic analyses demonstrated in detail the significant changes that occurred in different molecular groups of lignocelluloses fibers, as evidenced by the decrease of band intensities related to the carbohydrates and lignin. The influence of the natural degradation process on these fibers was enhanced by the gradual decline in fingerprint (1800-800cm-1) related to the cellulose amount accompanied by the detection of new carbonyl band at 1650cm-1attributed to the C=O quinone suggesting the lignin’s oxidation.
A review of non-destructive methods applied in deep foundations
Authors: Allalan Achraf , Bounab Loubna , El Khannoussi Fadoua
Published: June 2022

In the field of civil engineering, non-destructive methods occupy an essential place at the heart of each major project or planned civil engineering work. Among the several applications of this technique, one finds the quality control of various elements constituting the structure of the work (concrete, reinforcement, steel ... etc) as well as the recognition of pathologies. Of main interest in this context, non-destructive based methods allow for quality monitoring during construction and inspection of defects during and after the works, especially in inaccessible sites (piles, deep foundations, nuclear sites). Secondly, the preventive and corrective maintenance of old infrastructures can gain in efficiency thanks to the detection of failures and accurate localisation of damaged parts which are provided by this technique. It is in this perspective that the present research project focuses on the detection of failures that occur in deep foundations by means of a non-destructive testing method. A critical analysis is adopted and various methods were explored along with their principle, advantages, limitations and fields of application.
Numerical simulation of a heterogeneous liquid in a 2-D rectangular container
Authors: Benmasaoud Bilal , Essaouini Hilal , Hamydy Ahmed
Published: June 2022

We study the sloshing of a heterogeneous liquid in a 2-D rectangular container in the presence of a horizontal dynamic excitation. The governing equations of the motion of the liquid are presented in the case of a liquid of low heterogeneity. The study of these equations shows the existence of a small zone of instability. A two-dimensional numerical method is carried out to simulate the mathematical model. The effect of liquid heterogeneity on the changing aspects of the free surface was studied. As shown in the results, the free surface profiles increase by increasing the heterogeneity parameter. The analysis of sloshing in the stable zone shows significant effects on the evolution of the free surface of the liquid, these effects depend on the coefficient of heterogeneity and frequency of excitation.
Thermal non-destructive characterization of rail networks by using Infrared Thermography and FEM simulation
Authors: Noufid Abdelhamid , Hidar Nadia , Belattar Sougrati , Elafi Mohamed , Feddaoui M’barek
Published: June 2022

Because of the repeated passage of trains, anomalies are created inside the rails in the form of cracks of different shapes and position. These are due essentially to the wheel – rail contact. They present a hazard causing at the final stage rail failure, train derailment and accidents. Detecting track anomalies has become a major issue for the entire rail industry around the world. This paper focuses on the degradation of rails in urban railways in terms of cracks. The purpose is to develop an approach to detect and predict rail breaks, which will optimize maintenance task. Infrared thermography was used in order to characterise the effect of a defect on the acquired thermogram. Different defects were considered by varying their size, depth and inclination angle with respect to the rail surface.
Construire un système d’imagerie 3D de tomographie par cohérence optique (OCT)
Authors: Latour Gaël
Published: June 2022

Les étudiants ont la fierté de construire - de toute pièce - un microscope produisant des images tridimensionnelles (3D) d’objets transparents ou faiblement diffusants. Le projet laisse le temps aux étudiants de progresser en toute autonomie et de surmonter les difficultés théoriques et expérimentales rencontrées. Leur rigueur et leur ténacité sont récompensées par la beauté des films 3D qu’ils réalisent avec leur propre microscope.
Localisation nanométrique de molécules uniques par modulation du signal de fluorescence
Authors: Illand Abigail , Jouchet Pierre , Fort Emmanuel , Lévêque-Fort Sandrine
Published: June 2022

La microscopie de localisation de molécules individuelles permet de dépasser la limite de diffraction, révélant ainsi l’organisation cellulaire à l’échelle nanométrique. Cette méthode reposant sur l’analyse spatiale du signal émis par les molécules, reste souvent limitée à l’observation d’objets biologiques à de faibles profondeurs, ou très peu aberrants. Nous montrons ici que l’introduction d’un paramètre temporel dans le processus de localisation via l’introduction d’une excitation modulée permet d’adresser ces limitations.
Acheter des fibres optiques pour la spectroscopie
Authors: Le Boudec Patrice
Published: June 2022

Les fibres optiques sont de plus en plus utilisées dans des applications autres que les télécommunications. La spectroscopie est l’un des domaines où les fibres deviennent de plus en plus indispensables entre autres pour la fabrication de sondes permettant de déporter les points de mesures.
La photonique dans la métropole lilloise
Authors: Bigot Laurent , Ducournau Guillaume , Amo Alberto
Published: June 2022

Ces dernières années, la métropole lilloise s’est imposée comme un pôle de recherche académique incontournable dans le domaine de la photonique. C’est notamment le cas des travaux en optique fibrée, en optique non-linéaire, en topologie ou encore en photonique-Terahertz, qui ont une forte visibilité internationale. En lien étroit avec les grandes universités, le Conseil Régional et des industries implantées en région, ces activités structurent recherche et formation dans la métropole lilloise.
Digital concept of balanced scorecard for managing production cluster efficiency through GAP-analysis and “direct-costing” system
Authors: Utkin Alexey
Published: June 2022

The evaluation of innovative engines distribution impact for anti-crisis clusterization management of the production system of Ivanovo region on the organization of “direct-costing” system in regional cluster was carried out within digital technology of Balanced Scorecard projections. The article elaborates the conceptual GAP-analysis model within the application of the integrated digital concept of Balanced Scorecard for the improvement of “direct-costing” process in the management accounting of cluster-forming enterprises. Using collective and distributive accounting mechanisms and GAP-analysis elements, the criteria for evaluation of the economic potential of regional production cluster were corrected. As a result of the research, when disclosuring the innovation “direct-costing” mechanisms of management accounting, the elements of the methodology for comprehensive evaluation of production cluster efficiency through the digital Balanced Scorecard model were proposed.
Smart city sustainable configuration
Authors: Semyachkov Konstantin
Published: June 2022

The paper shows that sustainable development is the goal of most modern socio-economic systems of different levels, countries, regions, cities. It is shown that the basis for the development of modern society is the balance of interests in the economic, environmental, social spheres, without which it is impossible to achieve the goals of sustainable development. Sustainable development requires the introduction of new models of territory management. The paper notes that a promising tool for the sustainable development of the territory is the smart city model, the main element of which is modern digital technologies. The paper considers the main elements of the smart city configuration that affect the sustainable development of the territory. The toolkit of a smart city for the implementation of sustainable development goals in the context of the formation of a digital society is presented.
Digital technologies in the management of socio-economic systems
Authors: Edilsultanova Lyalya , Bolotkhanov Elimkhazhi , Markha Isaeva
Published: June 2022

Digital technologies are actively used in the activities of the Federal Executive authorities, through which the provision of necessary public services to citizens is carried out. The article describes the electronic services of the Federal tax service created by digital technologies The article discusses current issues of the digital economy, its role, the importance of creating and using BigData technology for digitalization and data sharing in countries of the economic union. Modern trends in the field of management, the impact of digitalization of the economy on management can hardly be overestimated. In this regard, the changes taking place in the field of economic management require the study of effective interaction in various areas of socio-economic relations. It is important to form an integrated management system in the field of digital transformation. It is no coincidence that countries aimed at increasing the competitiveness of their national economies have adopted appropriate development programs.
Problems and factors of grain production in the conditions of digital economy development
Authors: Kutaev Andrey , Akifieva Larisa , Zubrenkova Olga
Published: June 2022

The basis for research work is the works of both domestic and foreign authors. In their works, they reveal the main factors and problems of the development of grain production in Russia. These issues are raised in the materials of scientific conferences, articles in scientific journals, dissertations, monographs. The research uses various approaches and methods, such as abstract-logical, monographic, comparative method. The purpose of the study is to determine the factors and problems of grain production development. In order to determine the factors and problems of grain production development, it is necessary to solve the following issues: 1) determine the factors of grain production development; 2) to study the problems of grain production development within each group of factors.
Global neopolitics: risks of sustainable development of modern society
Authors: Vinnichuk Olga , Ignatyeva Tetyana , Naichuk Anton , Suliatytska Tetyana , Puyu Vasyl
Published: June 2022

The article analyzed the peculiarities of the development of modern society. It has been found that the social development of Ukraine corresponds to global trends and is aimed at participating in global cooperation. The matrix of world development, as well as for Ukraine is characterized by turbulence of the processes of functioning of society, which is manifested in the activation of a significant number of negative trends: the economic inability of a number of countries, the moral degradation of humanity, the intensification of protest sentiments by the intensification of terrorist activities. Therefore, these aspects allow to characterize modern global society as a “society of risk”. It was found that in order to achieve its sustainable development, it is necessary: to form a system of positive social, economic, environmental, political and cultural values, not only among the political elite, but also in other socially conscious strata; to restore legitimacy and trust in the existing institutions of power; to develop institutional mechanisms for predicting and managing risks, etc.
Legislative novels in the field of transport management: a retrospective and comparative legal analysis
Authors: Yakovleva Olga
Published: June 2022

The Russian Federation today is a developed modern state. The state policy is primarily aimed at the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of society and the state. The rapid socio-economic development of society has led to an increase in the total number of vehicles, and an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads has inevitably led to the emergence and progressive increase in traffic crimes. The criminal legislation provisions regulating the punishment assignment for the road traffic offense by a person subjected to administrative penalty have been changing throughout the entire historical period and up to the present. Article 264.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation can hardly be called perfect. It is positive that the legislator is making attempts to reflect in the criminal law provisions the concepts proven and substantiated in the legal doctrine. The study’s relevance is due to the need for analysis, scientific and theoretical understanding of the transport crimes problem in the Russian Federation.
Challenging the decision of the financial commissioner in court: distribution of the burden of proof
Authors: Egorova Olga
Published: June 2022

This article discusses evidentiary activities with an insurance (financial) company contesting the decision of the financial commissioner, adopted by him at the request of a consumer of financial services at the pretrial stage of resolving an auto insurance conflict. Comparative legal analysis, system-structural analysis, and synthesis make up the methodological basis of the study. The relevance of the study, because of the legal nature of cases challenging the decision of the financial commissioner, reflecting a qualitatively “new” format of the mechanism for protecting the rights of this participant in auto insurance legal relations in the Russian Federation, is because proving in any civil case makes up the “core” of all judicial activities to resolve civil law conflict. The author evaluates implementing the legally established paradigm of adversarial litigation in the consideration and resolution of this category of cases, because the subject of judicial review is the decision of a public competent person, who, as a general rule, is charged with proving the legality and validity of his decision. The article explores the feasibility of implementing an “active” role of the court in implementing this mechanism for protecting the rights of insurance companies.
The use of distance learning technologies at the university in the new reality
Authors: Pesha Anastasiya , Shavrovskaya Marina , Kamarova Tatyana
Published: June 2022

The purpose of the paper is, on the basis of empirical research, to identify problems and growth areas in the field of effective use of distance learning technologies in universities in the context of COVID-19. The authors used theoretical and empirical research methods: literary analysis, generalization, methods of descriptive statistics. The main method for collecting empirical data is to survey students’ opinions. The study involved 1578 students from more than 70 Russian universities. The authors substantiated the problems and opportunities for learning with the use of distance learning technologies. The paper shows not only the current difficulties of learning in an online format, but also identifies their main advantages. It presents the change in the attitude of students to the online format of education for a period of 1 year, their vision of the effectiveness of distance learning technologies in higher educational institutions. The authors substantiated the objectivity and reliability of the results obtained through their correlation with the results of similar studies conducted by scientists in various countries. The materials of the article can be useful for university teachers implementing the curriculum of disciplines using distance learning technologies, as well as for all those interested in higher education issues.
Developing soft skills of youth: regional experience
Authors: Uvarina Natalya , Gnatyshina Elena , Bogachev Alexey , Savchenkov Aleksey , Bezhina Viktoriya
Published: June 2022

This article is devoted to the problem of developing soft skills in the youth of Chelyabinsk region (the Russian Federation). The young generation requires possessing moral and ethical qualities and values, the leading tool for the formation of which is education. The aim of this study is to analyze and generalize the soft skills of young people in the region and develop educational technologies at the university aimed at developing these skills. The structural components of soft skills include: emotional intelligence (the ability to recognize and manage the feelings and emotions, the ability to understand and influence the emotions and feelings of other people, empathy, rapport); communicative skills (interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, collaboration, organizational skills, negotiation skills and public speaking skills). The system of developing soft skills of youth implemented at the university, implies: 1) the inclusion of students into the activities of volunteer organizations and public associations; 2) implementation of social activities at the university; 3) modeling of extreme pedagogical situations in the educational process of the university.