bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of finite elements of various dimensions in strength calculations of thin-wall constructions of agro-industrial complex
Authors: Klochkov Yuri , Nikolaev Anatoly , Vakhnina Olga , Sobolevskaya Tatyana , Klochkov Mikhail
Published: February 2020

The article presents a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the use of finite elements of various dimensions in the study of the stress-strain state (SSS) of objects of the agro-industrial complex (AIC). To determine the strength parameters of the AIC objects, which can be attributed to the class of thinwalled, it is proposed to use a two-dimensional finite element in the form of a fragment of the middle surface of a triangular shape with nodes at its vertices. To improve the compatibility of a two-dimensional finite element at the boundaries of adjacent elements, it is proposed to use the Lagrange multipliers introduced in additional nodes located in the middle of the sides of the triangular fragment as additional unknowns. It is proposed to use a three-dimensional finite element in the form of a prism with triangular bases to study the SSS of agricultural objects of medium thickness and thick-walled. To improve the compatibility of the prismatic element, Lagrange multipliers in the middle of the sides of the upper and lower bases are also used. On the example of calculating a fragment of a cylindrical pipeline rigidly clamped at the ends loaded with internal pressure, the effectiveness of the developed two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite elements with Lagrange multipliers was proved. The validity of the use of a twodimensional element for researching the SSS of agricultural objects belonging to the class of thin-walled was proved.
Hormonal therapy for ovarian dysfunctions in high-productive cows
Authors: Khamitova Liliya , Rudakov Roman , Knyazeva Mariya , Metlyakova Anastasiya
Published: February 2020

The analysis was made of culling data in the farm of the Udmurt Republic. As a result, it was found that the animals are eliminated due to gynecological and limb diseases. They make up 19–24 % and 18–31 % respectively. Analyzing the results of gynecological clinical examination of cows, we found a predominance of ovarian diseases 32–36 %, as well as endometritis 28–30 %. The ovarian dysfunction progresses mostly. This can be attributed to an increase in the productivity of cows in the Udmurt Republic over the past 5 years from 5601 to 6250 kg per 1 cow. In connection with an increase in the incidence of ovaries, the calf yield per 100 cows decreases from 88 to 85 %. Causes of ovarian disease can be diseases of the birth and postpartum period. For the treatment of ovarian hypofunction, 3 schemes were used for anestral and reactive reproductive cycles. Often, the cause of ovarian hypofunction is uterine pathology; drugs that have a therapeutic effect on the uterus are included in the scheme.
Using modern research methods for identifying specific falsification of prepared lamb meat products marked as “Halal”
Authors: Shchupakova Yulia , Vasilevich Fedor , Petrova Yulia
Published: February 2020

Development prospects of relatively new segment of meat industry producing confessional products also known as Halal are discussed in the article. Problems of inconsistency to quality and safety requirements are highlighted. Results of organoleptic and physicochemical tests are represented. Results of laboratory test using methods of polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunodetection, immunochromatographic assay are shown. These methods are aimed at identifying specific falsification of prepared meat products marked as Halal. Comparative analysis of these methodologies is given.
Studying physical and mechanical characteristics of corn feed
Authors: Ulyanov Vyacheslav , Utolin Vladimir , Luzgin Nikolay , Krygin Stanislav , Parshina Marina
Published: February 2020

The use of condensed extract in the production of corn feed contributes to the improvement of their nutritional and biological value. The rheological properties of the feed material are of great importance in the mechanical interaction with the working bodies of the machines, in the movement of viscous media along technological conveyors, as well as in the intensification of heat exchange processes. The technique, laboratory equipment and the results of studies of physical and mechanical characteristics of corn feed are presented. The viscosity properties of the corn extract are investigated depending on the temperature. It is shown that when decreasing the temperature, the viscosity of the corn extract increases due to the aggregation of its components, which characterizes the non-Newtonian flow of the extract. The coefficient of external friction of the pulp and extract mixture in the technology of preparing corn feed allows calculating the geometry of the storage tanks and energy costs of the processes. The change in the coefficients of friction of corn feed when interacting with various surfaces, depending on the content of dry substances. The specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the extract and corn feed were determined and investigated. It has been revealed that the dependences of the thermo-physical parameters of the extract and corn feed on the solids content are non-linear in nature, monotonously decreasing when increasing the concentration of solids.
Specialization of agricultural organizations of Chelyabinsk region: analysis and institutional interpretation
Authors: Zakharova Evgenia , Zemtsova Elena , Davydov Denis , Abilova Ekaterina , Lushnikova Tatyana , Tregubova Anastasia
Published: February 2020

The article presents the results of research and analysis of specialization of agricultural organizations of the Chelyabinsk region for the period from 2006 to 2017, which according to the population ecology of organizations has advantages in stable or specific environments. To study the specialization of the organizations of the agro-industrial complex of the Chelyabinsk region, a three-part coefficient of specialization was used, which characterizes the total share of the three values of the studied trait in the total population. Empirical research of agro-industrial complex of Chelyabinsk region allowed performing the analysis of 294...194 organizations for the period 2006...2017. It was found that the arithmetic value of a share of the first three types of products, ordered descending, in the structure of realization of products of agricultural organizations of territories of the region made up 78.09...85.08 % and in the structure of sales organizations of the region amounted to 89.71...96.86 %. It was shown that the analysis of the shares of the first three types of products, ordered in descending order, in the structure of sales of agricultural products can be reduced to the analysis of the shares of the first of the three types of products in this ordered structure. It was found that during the study period, the share of organizations of the agro-industrial complex of the region with the share of proceeds from the sale of grain and leguminous crops in the total revenue of organizations 20 ... 80 % amounted to 45.92...29.61 %.
Differentiated assessment of the recreational potential of forests in the management of recreational forests
Authors: Musin Haris G. , Denisov Stanisłav V. , Khalilov Ildar I. , Minnichanov Azat R.
Published: February 2020

The assessment of the recreational potential is the primary basis for forest cadaster, which contains reliable information on natural, economic and legal conditions of the forest fund and forest users. Depending on the role and importance of diagnostic features in landscape formation, they receive a differentiated assessment. Differentiated assessment of recreational potential criteria is a critical basis of cadastral land assessment, which promotes optimal decisions to improve recreational properties of landscapes and ensures protection and rational use. It allowed some neighborhoods to be excluded from the recreational use, others – to limit this use, third – to identify additional opportunities for forest land leasing. On the same basis, options have been proposed to redistribute the flow of recreational people by forming forest parks on the basis of existing forests and forest landscapes.
The dioxin regulation criteria in the agro-industrial complex of Russia
Authors: Gibadullin Radik , Gubeidullina Alsu , Vinogradov Vasilii , Glushko Sergei , Petrova Guzel
Published: February 2020

The article studies the reactions of biochemical, hematological, pathomorphological, immunological and ultrastructural changes in the organisms of laboratory animals that were subjected to chronic dioxin poisoning at threshold doses were studied. There were hold toxicological experiments on white rats of both sexes weighing 155–215 g in order to detect threshold doses. For two months, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (2,3,7,8- TCDD) in amounts corresponding to 1/100 and 1/200 LD 50. After each decade, some of the animals were euthanized and weighed to calculate the mass coefficient of internal organs. The obtained data comparison revealed no statistically significant changes in organ. Continued observation of animals in the experiment for up to two months, characteristic intoxication 2,3,7,8-TCDD clinical signs did not give. The correlation dependence of the minimum effective doses of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, namely 1/400 of LD50 with LD50, was determined. The obtained threshold dose of dioxin can be recommended as the basis for the normalization of dioxin in the Russian agro-industrial complex. There were determined biochemical, hematological and ultrastructural changes in the body of animals exposed to chronic poisoning of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in doses of 1/200, 1/300 of LD50. The article describes a statistically significant dependence of the respiratory activity of the liver mitochondria in laboratory animals (white rats and rabbits) on chronic poisoning with threshold doses of various degrees. Based on laboratory animals’ experiments, threshold concentrations are determined and the maximum permissible levels of dioxin in the feed of some animals are tentatively calculated.
Analysis of the digitalization efficiency in agricultural complex in the Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Krupina Gulnara Dzhaudatovna , Safiullin Niyaz Azatovich , Kudryavtseva Svetlana Sergeevna , Savushkina Louisa Nizamovna , Kurakova Chulpan Malikovna
Published: February 2020

The article provides an analysis of the current state of the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Tatarstan in the digital economy. Indices of Russia’s position in readiness for the digital economy are given. The priority directions of digitalization of agriculture in the Republic of Tatarstan are described. Practical experience of implementing the elements of the digital economy in the agricultural sector of the region is given. The analysis of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the digitalization of agriculture is presented. Measures are proposed to increase the efficiency of digital transformation in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Economic aspects of fruit production: a case study in Poland
Authors: Łakomiak Aleksandra , Zhichkin Kirill A.
Published: February 2020

The article discusses the economics of fruit growing in Poland. Poland currently holds leading positions in the cultivation of apples, cherries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries, blueberries, strawberries and mountain ash. In 2017, the area of fruit growing in Poland amounted to 390 570 thousand ha. In this regard, the problem of efficiency arises. The authors analyze the cost structure of apple production as the most important horticultural culture in Poland.
Ethological and biological features of the organism of the black-and-white bulls when using natural feed additives in the diets
Authors: Krasnova Oksana , Hardina Ekaterina , Hramov Sergei , Kudrin Michail , Konik Nina
Published: February 2020

The authors studied the natural feed additive effect to the behaviour and biochemical blood composition of the black-and-white bulls. As results of the scientific experiment we came to the conclusion that using of the biologically active substance dihydroquercetin as a part of a natural feed additive in livestock feed for the metabolic processes intensity stimulation, the nutrient synthesis intensity and higher rates meat productivity formation.
Determining the residual resource of the hammer crushers’ rotor bearings
Authors: Adigamov Nail R. , Shaikhutdinov Rafis R. , Gimaltdinov Ildus H. , Akhmetzyanov Rishat R. , Basyrov Rafik S.
Published: February 2020

The practice of operating machinery and equipment that are used in animal husbandry and in the processing of its products has shown low reliability of feed crushers. As of 01.01.2019, in the agricultural enterprises of the Republic of Tatarstan there are about 1200 machines for grinding feed, of which 800 pcs. are hammer crushers. Most of these crushers have a service life of 10 to 13 years and are objects with low reliability. Mostly emergency stops occur due to the destruction of the rotor bearings. In the event of a sudden failure, unplanned repairs and a decrease in production efficiency occur. At the Department of Operation and Repair of Machines of Kazan State Agrarian University, research was carried out and a scientific result was obtained, which was implemented in the adapter to the vibrometer to determine the residual life of rolling bearings. Input data for this device were obtained during operational research and further analysis of the data.
Analyzing the exome heterogeneity of cattle immunity genes with the method of flow-cell sequencing
Authors: Kalashnikov Aleksandr E. , Kalashnikova Liubov , Novák Karel
Published: February 2020

Toll-like receptors belong to the pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), which have evolved to recognize conserved features of bacterial and viral molecules. We used the approach developed earlier to screen for the polymorphism in TLR genes in a representative set of historical and modern cattle breeds from Russia. The method pipeline included the steps of obtaining the overlapping amplification products from the coding regions of all ten bovine TLR genes, their subsequent purification and normalization. While the anti-bacterial group included TLR1, -2, -4, -5 and -6, the anti-viral group compressed TLR3, -7, -8, -9 and -10 (in spite of its unclear specificity). Animals from the about seven breeds, both bulls and cows, was used for analysis. The samples from the pooled genomic DNA were sequenced on the PacBio platform. After identification of variations, Bayesian analysis was carried out, followed by filtration on quality of sequencing. The 5–36 structural variants of TLRs were annotated according to their biological significance. Both new and already identified sites of variability, already annotated and documented in dbSNP, have been found. The data are needed for further breeding of local breeds in Russia with respect to their natural resistance to various diseases.
Use of land shares in common ownership of agricultural land (based on the materials of Sibir LLC in Yalutorovsky District of Tyumen Region)
Authors: Evtushkova Elena
Published: February 2020

Agricultural land management should aim to ensure balance and sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex. When using land to the owner of this resource a number of important requirements are made: investment in agricultural production, increasing the number of jobs, the use of advanced agroindustrial technologies, the creation of an effective management and marketing system. The use of land shares lies in the fact that due to the lack of demand for a large number of agricultural land, there are significant losses of agricultural products, which leads to the non-receipt of land payments to municipal budgets.
Restoration tailings and recultivation of soil fertility
Authors: Alborov I. D. , Bekuzarova S.A. , Osikina R.V. , Khubaeva G.P. , Kachmazov D.G. , Lushchenko G.V. , Datieva I. , Dzampaeva M.
Published: February 2020

In the mining industry place, tailing dumps remain, which contain toxic substances. For their rehabilitation, it is proposed to use local zeolite-containing clays of North and South Ossetia Eredvit and Dialbekulit containing a complex of minerals with an alkaline reaction of the environment. In addition to clays, peat with a high content of humic substances is introduced into the substrate. The prepared substrate is irrigated with mineral sulfur-containing water of the Tamisk spring. Accumulating toxic substances and herbs are sown on the surface of the densified area: annual and perennial herbs, for example, amaranth, legumes, winter camelina. Before sowing, grass seeds are mixed with the husk of winter camelina. Such remediation of contaminated sites reduces the toxicity of tailings to 90 % and restores soil fertility.
A complex of breakthrough grain production technology
Authors: Mazitov Nazib , Sakhapov Rustem , Mudarisov Salavat , Sharafiev Lenar , Dmitriev Sergey
Published: February 2020

The massive introduction of foreign machinery, seeds, and technologies not adapted to Russian conditions over the past quarter-century have led agricultural production in Russia to reduce yield and quality of manufactured products. The reasons leading to the loss-making of Russian production are manifold, namely, over-compaction of fields with heavy equipment and small processing, excluding moisture absorption and moisture accumulation, destroying floods, artificial “drought, ” forced late sowing and ultra-expensive western equipment. This article is devoted to the description of a breakthrough proposal, which includes the creation of technology with a complex of domestic technology, which is costeffective and import-leading in all environmental, energy, and economic indicators. The research work is approved by many official scientific and technical councils and is a significant legitimate contribution to the development of agricultural machinery in Russia, increasing labor productivity in agricultural production and restoring the health of the nation. On the basis of domestic tractors of traction classes of 1.5-5.0 ts, a full range of functional agricultural equipment has been created that provides an increase in productivity, yield and its quality, profitability up to 2 times with a decrease in specific metal consumption, power, fuel consumption and cost growth from 2 to 4 time.
Measurements with the stripping foil test stand in the Linac4 Transfer Line
Authors: Bracco Chiara , Jorat Louise , Noulibos Remy , van Trappen Pieter , Weterings Wim
Published: February 2020

In 2020, after the CERN accelerators complex Long Shutdown 2 (LS2), a novel Linac4 (L4)-to-PS Booster (PSB) charge-exchange injection system will allow to transform the L4 160 MeV H- beam into H+, which will be injected into the four PSB superposed rings. For this, a 200 µg/cm2 carbon stripping foil will convert negative hydrogen ions (H-) into protons by stripping off the electrons. L4 is now performing operational reliability runs, which include a stripping foil test stand installed in the L4 transfer line. These tests will permit to gain experience on the fragile foils, test different foil materials and thicknesses, measure the efficiency and lifetime of the foils, and evaluate the foil changing mechanism as well as the interlocking functions. This paper briefly describes the stripping foil test stand setup, before reporting on the obtained important test results.
Uranium targets for heavy-ion accelerators
Authors: Lommel Bettina , Celik Ayik Elif , Hübner Annett , Kindler Birgit , Steiner Jutta , Yakusheva Vera
Published: February 2020

Uranium targets are very important for accelerator-based research of nuclear properties. Depending on the reaction to be studied and on the conditions during the experiments different restrictions on the target material have to be met; as for example, durability, melting temperature, reactivity or a possible contribution of the additional compounds present to the reaction. Therefore, we are developing processes to produce uranium targets in the elemental form as well as in different compounds. Here we report on the production and application of targets from metallic uranium, UF4 and UO2.
Second generation degrader foil for the CARIBU project
Authors: Gott Matthew , Greene John , DiGiovine Brad , Savard Guy , Zabransky Bruce
Published: February 2020

The Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) project utilizes 252Cf to provide beams of neutron-rich nuclides with intensities not currently available at other facilities. The electroplated 252Cf source is positioned inside a large helium gas catcher, where the ejected fission fragments lose their energy and are slowed. Prior to entering this gas catcher, the ions first pass through a gold cover foil to contain self-sputtering recoil emissions and then through an aluminium degrader foil, where much of their residual energy is reduced. In the past due to production limitations, a less than ideal cylindrical shaped degrader was utilized. This resulted in non-uniform energy loss as the ions passed through the degrader. With the advent of 3D printing, a new hemispherical degrader was prepared to enable a more uniform energy loss. The design, production, and assembly will be discussed.
Calcium targets for production of the medical Sc radioisotopes in reactions with p, d or α projectiles
Authors: Stolarz Anna , Sitarz Mateusz , Szkliniarz Katarzyna , Choiński Jarosław , Jastrzębski Jerzy , Trzcińska Agnieszka , Zipper Wiktor
Published: February 2020

The scandium radioisotopes for medical application can be produced in reactions of calcium with proton, deuteron or alpha projectiles. Enriched isotopic calcium material is commercially available mainly as calcium carbonate which can be used directly for production of Sc radioisotopes or can be converted into other calcium compounds or into metallic form. The superiority of application of calcium oxide is shown throughout analysis of use of each target chemical form.
Assessment of the shear properties of thermoplastic composites using the ±45° tension and the V-notched rail shear methods
Authors: Stamopoulos Antonios G. , Di Genova Luca Glauco , Di Ilio Antoniomaria
Published: February 2020

Composite materials consisting of thermoplastic matrix are gaining the interest of both the aeronautical and the automotive industry as they comprise a series of advantages regarding their mechanical performance, their recyclability and their ability to be produced in large quantities. Nevertheless, some notable drawbacks have been noticed related to the fabrication process affecting their in-plane shear properties the characterization of which is complicated. Among the notable number of testing methods proposed throughout the years, several advantages and drawbacks were observed, mostly related to the way the load is applied, the stress uniformity and the applicability of each method to various material architectures. In the present work, the modified V-notched rail shear and the ±45° shear testing methods are applied to short and textile glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics aiming to assess the influence of both the fabrication method and the strands direction. Consecutively, the results obtained from the two different testing methods are compared revealing a relatively good agreement while, in parallel, the stress uniformity and the local failures observed on the specimens are analyzed.
CFD simulation for evaluation of optimum heat transfer rate in a heat exchanger of an internal combustion engine
Authors: Kocheril Rajesh , Elias Jacob
Published: February 2020

Heat exchanger is an essential component of an engine cooling system. Radiators are compact heat exchangers used to transfer the heat absorbed from engine to the cooling media. The jacket cooling water gets cooled and re-circulated into system after exchanging the heat with cooling water in a heat exchanger. Conventional fluids like water, oil, ethylene glycol, etc. possess less heat transfer performance; therefore, it is essential to have a compact and effective heat transfer system to obtain the required heat transfer. A reduction in energy consumption is possible by improving the performance of heat exchanging systems and incorporating various heat transfer enhancement techniques. In this paper, the heat transfer rate using nano-sized ferrofluid with and without magnetization is analysed using CFD simulation and compared with the experimental values obtained from a heat exchanger using water as base fluid. The heat transfer rate is measured using different combinations by varying the percentage of nano particles and by introduction of different magnetic intensity (gauss) on to the ferrofluid. The optimum heat transfer rate and efficiency of heat exchanger is calculated with the different combinations and the values are compared with the values of CFD simulation. CFD simulation was undertaken for water alone as cooling media and for water with ferro particle addition from 2% to 5%. The difference in temperature observed to be similar with experimental values. The deviation is within the acceptable limit and therefore the experimental findings are validated. The experiment was conducted on a parallel flow heat exchanger with water alone as cooling media, water with varying percentage of ferro fluid and water with varying magnetic intensity on ferrofluid. Percentage of ferro particles added up to where the optimum temperature difference could be obtained and the magnetic intensity also varied up to the optimum value.
Avaliação do tratamento de pacientes submetidos a osteogênese por distração na tíbia
Authors: de Resende Henrique Carvalho , Gomes Diogo de Vasconcelos Sabido , Mota Gabriel Milhomem da Silva
Published: February 2020

Objetivo Avaliar o tratamento das fraturas de tíbia que evoluíram com perda óssea (traumática ou secundária a infecção) e as complicações ocorridas durante o tratamento com fixador externo e no período imediatamente após sua retirada.

Métodos Foram selecionados 40 pacientes tratados entre 2010 e 2017, com a idade média de 33,02 anos, sendo 34 do sexo masculino e 6 do sexo feminino. Todos os pacientes portavam regenerado ósseo da tíbia, foram vítimas de trauma (sobretudo motociclístico), e estavam em seguimento ambulatorial.

Resultados Foram obtidos regenerados ósseos da tíbia proximal de até 17 cm e da tíbia distal de 14 cm. O maior transporte trifocal teve a soma do tamanho dos tecidos dos ossos regenerados, medindo 14,5 cm. Como complicações, 29 (72,5%) pacientes tiveram infecção no trajeto dos pinos e fios. Houve 9 (22,5%) casos de refratura, sendo 6 deles tratadas com novo fixador circular, e 2 infecções no osso regenerado. Os pacientes foram submetidos a uma média de 4,72 procedimentos cirúrgicos (2–12), portaram fixador por 20,75 meses (7–55 m.) e permaneceram internados por 53,7 dias (5–183) devido principalmente a complicações de partes moles, a antibioticoterapia intravenosa ou até mesmo a questões sociais. Dois (5%) pacientes apresentaram gonartrose sintomática e outros 2 artrite sintomática do tornozelo. Três apresentaram discrepância de membros inferiores de 3,0; 3,7; e 5,0 cm.

Conclusão Apesar de não ser um método de tratamento amplamente disponível, o método de Ilizarov é útil para solucionar a maioria das falhas ósseas da tíbia, independente da sua etiologia.
Uso de placa retorcida – Um método de fixação da fíbula distal
Authors: Agarwala Sanjay , Menon Aditya , Bhadiyadra Ravi
Published: February 2020

Objetivo A literatura discute diversos métodos intramedulares ou extramedulares para fixação de fraturas da fíbula distal, mas não há consenso acerca do método ideal de fixação. Analisamos retrospectivamente os resultados do uso de uma placa bloqueada de compressão (LCP) de 3,5 mm retorcida e com contorno como placa de apoio posterior.

Métodos Dos 62 casos de fraturas de tornozelo tratadas em nosso instituto pelo autor sênior entre 1° de janeiro de 2012 e 31 de dezembro de 2015, 41 pacientes atenderam aos critérios de inclusão (tipos B e C de Danis-Weber).

Resultados Todas as 41 fraturas fibulares distais cicatrizaram sem intercorrências, em uma média de 10,4 semanas (8–14 semanas) (Figuras 6 a 9) e sem complicações. A pontuação American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) média foi de 92,6 (86–100) em um período médio de acompanhamento de 31,5 meses (14–61 meses).

Conclusões Obtivemos excelentes resultados clínicos e radiológicos com uso de LCP retorcida de 3,5 mm como apoio posterior ao combinar as vantagens da placa antideslizante posterior e a LCP lateral.
National Survey on Training in Pediatric Cardiology by the “Junges Forum” of the DGPK
Authors: Horst Jan-Pit , Michel Miriam , Kubicki Rouven , Lang Nora , Zschirnt Martin , Moosmann Julia
Published: February 2020

Background This is the first national survey of residents and fellows in pediatric cardiology in Germany evaluating training, research activity, and the general working environment.

Methods An online questionnaire including 62 questions (SurveyMonkey) was developed by the “Junges Forum” of the German Society of Pediatric Cardiology. Fellows and residents during training and up to 3 years after completing their pediatric cardiology fellowship were invited to participate.

Results A total of 102 pediatric cardiology fellows and residents completed the questionnaire. Many participants complained about their training as being unstructured (47%) and non-transparent (37%). The numbers of technical and catheter interventions required by the national medical board in Germany cannot be achieved, especially regarding invasive procedures. Sixty per cent work more than contractually agreed, usually in Germany it is 40 hours daytime work plus on calls, while 90% of all participants prefer less than 50 weekly working hours; 50% of the participants are engaged in research that is usually done during their spare time. More than 90% are satisfied with their professional relationships with colleagues and coworkers. Seventy-eight per cent describe their career perspectives as promising, and 84% would start a fellowship in pediatric cardiology again.

Conclusion The majority of pediatric cardiology fellows and residents are satisfied with their working environment and with their choice of a career in pediatric cardiology. Besides the heavy work load, we identified the urgent desire for better structured transparent clinical training concept including the teaching of manual skills, i.e., invasive procedures and catheterization.
Dreams and realities of school tracking and vocational education
Authors: Ozer Mahmut , Perc Matjaž
Published: February 2020

School tracking has been introduced as a means to provide skills the labor market demands, and as such has been in place for several decades in most Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The time is thus ripe for a critical review of the effects this has had on the equalities in education and opportunities later in life, and on the quality of vocational education in general. A synthesis of the existing literature reveals gaping holes between the dreams of superior vocational education and training that educational tracking ought to deliver, and the realities of lost opportunities and facilitated inequalities, especially in students with poor socioeconomic background, weak social capital, and sparse social networks. This is all the more true the sooner educational tracking comes into effect. While most OECD countries will start tracking students aged 15 or 16, some countries, such as Germany, will start doing this as early as age 10. Our review shows that this can have catastrophic consequences for students that for various reasons perform poorly early on, as they are indeed unable to recover due to the Matthew effect and preferential attachment in social networks, both of which punish false starts in life and reward first movers. To remedy the situation, we propose educational tracking be held off until later in life, and even then be undertaken with flexibility and late bloomers in mind. We also propose to restructure vocational education by decreasing the degree of curriculum differentiation, by allowing broader vocational education curricula, and by decreasing the number of training occupations in order to account for the changing labor market dynamics.
Attractors of nonlinear Hamiltonian partial differential equations
Authors: Komech A. I. , Kopylova E. A.
Published: February 2020

This is a survey of the theory of attractors of nonlinear Hamiltonian partial differential equations since its appearance in 1990. Included are results on global attraction to stationary states, to solitons, and to stationary orbits, together with results on adiabatic effective dynamics of solitons and their asymptotic stability, and also results on numerical simulation. The results obtained are generalized in the formulation of a new general conjecture on attractors of

-invariant nonlinear Hamiltonian partial differential equations. This conjecture suggests a novel dynamical interpretation of basic quantum phenomena: Bohr transitions between quantum stationary states, de Broglie’s wave-particle duality, and Born’s probabilistic interpretation.

Bibliography: 212 titles.
The dynamic landscape of bat borne zoonotic viruses in Australia
Authors: Halpin Kim , Durrheim David N
Published: February 2020

This review discusses the history, epidemiology, diagnostics, clinical presentation in humans, as well as control and prevention measures, of the high-profile viruses Hendra virus (HeV) and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). Since the discovery of HeV and ABLV in the 1990s, these viruses have only caused disease in areas where spill-over hosts, including humans, encounter the reservoir host.
CCT Supplementary comparison S2 on thermal conductivity measurements of insulating materials by guarded hot plate
Authors: Hay Bruno , Zarr Robert , Stacey Clark , Sokolov Nikolay , Cortés Leonel Lira , Zhang Jintao , Hammerschmidt Ulf , Filtz Jean-Remy , Allard Alexandre
Published: February 2020

Seven National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) from France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Mexico, China and Germany participated in an inter-laboratory comparison on thermal conductivity measurements by the Guarded Hot Plate method. This action was part of a series of supplementary inter-laboratory comparisons (including infrared spectral emittance and thermal diffusivity) sponsored by the Consultative Committee on Thermometry (CCT) Task Group on Thermophysical Quantities (TG-ThQ). The objective of this collaborative work was to strengthen the consistency of thermal conductivity measurements carried out worldwide on low conductive materials. Measurements were conducted successively by all participants on the same sets of specimens of insulating materials (mineral wool and expanded polystyrene) at temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 40 °C, according to the International Standard ISO 8302. This protocol aimed to minimize issues of material variability by circulating the same pairs of specimens among the laboratories following the strict format of a round-robin test program. More than 120 data points (combinations of material, thickness and temperature) were compared. Ninety-two percent (92 %) of the data points were in agreement, with differences to weighted mean values less than the expanded uncertainties calculated from the individual NMI uncertainties and uncertainties related to the comparison process.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Ultra-fast prompt gamma detection in single proton counting regime for range monitoring in particle therapy
Authors: Marcatili S , Collot J , Curtoni S , Dauvergne D , Hostachy J-Y , Koumeir C , Létang J M , Livingstone J , Métivier V , Gallin-Martel L , Gallin-Martel M L , Muraz J F , Servagent N , Testa É , Yamouni M
Published: February 2020

In order to fully exploit the ballistic potential of particle therapy, we propose an online range monitoring concept based on time-of-flight (TOF)-resolved prompt gamma (PG) detection in a single proton counting regime. In a proof of principle experiment, different types of monolithic scintillating gamma detectors are read in time coincidence with a diamond-based beam hodoscope, in order to build TOF spectra of PG generated in a target presenting an air cavity of variable thickness. Since the measurement was carried out at low beam currents (< 1 proton/bunch) it was possible to reach excellent coincidence time resolutions, of the order of 100 ps (σ). Our goal is to detect possible deviations of the proton range with respect to treatment planning within a few intense irradiation spots at the beginning of the session and then carry on the treatment at standard beam currents. The measurements were limited to 10 mm proton range shift. A Monte Carlo simulation study reproducing the experiment has shown that a 3 mm shift can be detected at 2σ by a single detector of ∼1.4 × 10−3 absolute detection efficiency within a single irradiation spot (∼108 protons) and an optimised experimental set-up.
The physics of the mean and oscillating radial electric field in the L–H transition: the driving nature and turbulent transport suppression mechanism
Authors: Kobayashi T.
Published: February 2020

The low-to-high confinement mode transition (L–H transition) is one of the key elements in achieving a self-sustained burning fusion reaction. Although there is no doubt that the mean and/or oscillating radial electric field plays a role in triggering and sustaining the edge transport barrier, the detailed underlying physics are yet to be unveiled. In this special topic paper, the remarkable progress achieved in recent years is reviewed for two different aspects: (i) the radial electric field driving procedure and (ii) the turbulent transport suppression mechanism. Experimental observations in different devices show possible conflicting natures for these phenomena, which cannot be resolved solely by conventional paradigms. New insights obtained by combining different model concepts successfully reconcile these conflicts.
Predicting spatial and temporal variability in crop yields: an inter-comparison of machine learning, regression and process-based models
Authors: Leng Guoyong , Hall Jim W
Published: February 2020

Pervious assessments of crop yield response to climate change are mainly aided with either process-based models or statistical models, with a focus on predicting the changes in average yields, whilst there is growing interest in yield variability and extremes. In this study, we simulate US maize yield using process-based models, traditional regression model and a machine-learning algorithm, and importantly, identify the weakness and strength of each method in simulating the average, variability and extremes of maize yield across the country. We show that both regression and machine learning models can well reproduce the observed pattern of yield averages, while large bias is found for process-based crop models even fed with harmonized parameters. As for the probability distribution of yields, machine learning shows the best skill, followed by regression model and process-based models. For the country as a whole, machine learning can explain 93% of observed yield variability, followed by regression model (51%) and process-based models (42%). Based on the improved capability of the machine learning algorithm, we estimate that US maize yield is projected to decrease by 13.5% under the 2 °C global warming scenario (by ∼2050 s). Yields less than or equal to the 10th percentile in the yield distribution for the baseline period are predicted to occur in 19% and 25% of years in 1.5 °C (by ∼2040 s) and 2 °C global warming scenarios, with potentially significant implications for food supply, prices and trade. The machine learning and regression methods are computationally much more efficient than process-based models, making it feasible to do probabilistic risk analysis of climate impacts on crop production for a wide range of future scenarios.
Modeling of deep indentation in brittle materials
Authors: Olivi-Tran Nathalie , Despetis Florence , Faivre Annelise
Published: February 2020

We modelled deep indentation in brittle materials via a tensorial approach in three dimensions. Experimentally, we performed deep indentation in base catalyzed aerogels. When deep indentation is performed in these materials, it appears a Hertzian cone crack for both experimental and numerical results. The cone angle (angle between the surface and the boundaries of the Hertzian cone) depends on the material in which indentation is performed. The Young moduli of the materials has no effect on these angles. The tendency is that materials with increasing Poisson ratios have a decreasing value of the Hertzian cone angle.
Exploring the structural properties and enhancement of Opto-electrical investigations for the synthesized epoxy based polymers with local nanoscale structures
Authors: Jilani Wissal , Fourati Najla , Zerrouki Chouki , Faugeras Pierre-Antoine , Guinault Alain , Zerrouki Rachida , Guermazi Hajer
Published: February 2020

Epoxy networks of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) were prepared using 4, 4′-diaminodiphenyl (44′DDS) and 3, 3′-diaminodiphenyl (33′DDS) sulfone diamines crosslinking hardeners. The structural, linear optical and mechanical properties of the investigated sample were analysed. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis and wide-angle x-ray diffraction were conducted to select a candidate presenting interesting thermo-mechanical properties and particular nanostructures embedded in an amorphous matrix. Our choice is therefore focused on DGEBA/33′DDS polymer for which, rocking curve measurements revealed the existence of two principal reflecting planes inclined to each other by about 0.27°. To highlight the potential effect of these interfaces, Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Current (TSDC) and Time Domain Spectroscopy measurements have been carried out. The application of the windowing polarization TSDC technique, in DGEBA/33′DDS polymer sample, gives an almost linear variation of the activation energies in the range between 3.65 and 4.09 eV. To our knowledge, this is the first study concerning epoxy polymers in which activation energies associated to ρ interfacial charge relaxations are calculated. To study the effect of the interfaces and trapped charge carriers, correlated by the angle x-ray diffraction measurements, the optical parameters were investigated. Our contribution will open a new avenue for developing the DGEBA/33′DDS polymer sustainable candidate in optoelectronic engineering applications.
Thermodynamic stability of borophene, B2O3 and other B1−xOx sheets
Authors: Arnold Florian M , Seifert Gotthard , Kunstmann Jens
Published: February 2020

The recent discovery of borophene, a two-dimensional allotrope of boron, raises many questions about its structure and its chemical and physical properties. Boron has a high chemical affinity to oxygen but little is known about the oxidation behaviour of borophene. Here we use first principles calculations to study the phase diagram of free-standing, two-dimensional B1−x
O
x
for compositions ranging from x = 0 to x = 0.6, which correspond to borophene and

B

2

O

3

sheets, respectively. Our results indicate that no stable compounds except borophene and

B

2

O

3

sheets exist. Intermediate compositions are heterogeneous mixtures of borophene and

B

2

O

3

. Other hypothetical crystals such as

B

2

O

are unfavorable and some of them underwent spontaneous disproportionation into borophene and

B

2

O

3

. It is also shown that oxidizing borophene inside the flakes is thermodynamically unfavorable over forming

B

2

O

3

at the edges. All findings can be rationalized by oxygen’s preference of two-fold coordination which is incompatible with higher in-plane coordination numbers preferred by boron. These results agree well with recent experiments and pave the way to better understand the process of oxidation of borophene and other two-dimensional materials.
Non-freezing cold event stresses can cause significant damage to mangrove seedlings: assessing the role of warming and nitrogen enrichment in a mesocosm study
Authors: Song Weimin , Feng Jianxiang , Krauss Ken W , Zhao Yan , Wang Zhonglei , Lin Guanghui
Published: February 2020

Mangroves are expanding poleward along coastlines globally as a response to rising temperatures and reduced incidence of freezing under climate change. Yet, knowledge of mangrove responses to infrequent cold events in the context of climate warming and regional nitrogen (N)-enriched eutrophication is limited. We conducted a mesocosm experiment in which the seedlings of two mangrove species (A. marina and B. gymnorrhiza) were grown either at ambient temperature or under warming with and without nitrogen (N) loading. During a short winter period, an unusually severe cold event occurred with the lowest temperature of 2 °C in the experimental region. We took this unique opportunity to assess possible response of these mangrove species to the cold stress under various environmental conditions. The cold event caused various degrees of damage to the seedlings of both mangrove species, with the warming treatment seemingly protecting leaves and branches from the cold damage. However, the warming treatment did not buffer mangroves to mortality from the low temperature stress in either species. The cold event resulted in significant decreases in seedling growth rates and net ecosystem CO2 uptake in the post-cold period relative to the pre-cold period, although the cold event did not alter the effects of warming treatment on these parameters of both mangrove species. The cold event differentially altered physiological responses of the two species growing under N loading, with the seedlings of A. marina growing in higher N concentrations having a reduced growth response after the cold event, whereas those of B. gymnorrhiza showed no change in post-cold period versus pre-cold period growth. Our results suggest that cold events may play a pivotal role in regulating mangrove survival and growth even under future warming scenarios. Two mangrove species exhibited differential survival and growth responses to the cold event at different N concentrations, which may have implications for how we can restore and conserve mangroves among the world’s eutrophied sub-tropical estuaries and with future warming.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in International Institutions
Authors: Voss M. Joel
Published: February 2020

The human rights of LGBTI persons are being contested across the world—both within states and across regions. Despite decades of incremental change, in many states, LGBTI activists are beginning to rapidly advance their normative agendas, particularly in the context of protection against violence and discrimination. However, consistent backlash and opposition to LGBTI advocacy remains.

Notwithstanding decades of silence on LGBTI rights, international institutions are also beginning to rapidly include sexual orientation and gender identity in their work as well. Institutions that consist primarily of independent experts and that focus on narrower human rights issues have been especially active in including sexual orientation and gender identity in their work, either formally or informally. At the same time, largely political institutions have generally lagged behind their counterparts.

Scholarship on both sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) advocacy and contestation have also lagged behind political and legal developments at international institutions. Although a few works exist, particularly on the UN Human Rights Council, there are numerous other institutions that have been understudied. Further, research on the implementation of international SOGI policies has also been largely absent. SOGI advocacy and contestation continues across nearly every major international institution. Research agendas, either qualitative or quantitative are sorely needed to help better predict and explain the advancement or retreat of SOGI in international institutions and within domestic contexts.