bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social reintegration and rehabilitation of obstetric fistula patients before and after repair in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Shallon Atuhaire , Ojengbede Oladosu A. , Mugisha John Francis , Odukogbe Akin-Tunde A.
Published: June 2019

Aims: To review how social reintegration and rehabilitation processes are being executed among obstetric patients in Sub-Saharan Africa and highlight projects and programs involved.
Methods: This is a systematic review involving a search of relevant literature from PubMed, Google scholar, PsychINFO, African Journals Online, Australian Journals Online, and open access journal of international organizations such as WHO, UNFPA, USAID, Engender Health, Fistula Foundation, and Fistula Care Plus published between 1978 to date. Of the 46 articles identified, 25 were suitable for achievement of this study’s purpose.
Results: Sub-Saharan African countries have recognized the overall burden of obstetric fistula and have devised strategies for its’ holistic management. Most countries have National Obstetric Fistula Strategic Frameworks which emphasize multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approaches other than medical paradigm. Extraordinary among others are: Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Guinea while some countries such as Benin Republic, Chad, Malawi, Mali, and Zambia lack support the at policy level, and have inadequate community outreach programmes. Social reintegration and rehabilitation have been done through the identification of individual patient’s need/s. Upon discharge from hospital, they are counseled, given soap, clothes, transportation fund and are referred to community based projects for elementary education and skills development. Projects and programmes aiming to combat obstetric fistula and restore patients’ self-worth and dignity are: Lamaneh Suisse, and Delta Survie in Mali, Dimol in Niger, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in Burundi, FORWARD in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, Handicap International in Benin Republic, Women For Africa in Ghana and Liberia, TERREWODE and CoRSU both in Uganda, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in Ethiopia, and Safe Motherhood Initiative, Fistula Foundation, Fistula Care Plus, Engender Health, UNFPA, AMREF for Health, WHO and others which cut across the region.
Conclusions: Most Sub-Saharan countries have registered progress in assuring effective social reintegration and rehabilitation of obstetric fistula patients although some are still grappling with the issue due to lack of political commitment and inadequate outreach programmes. There is scanty information regarding reintegration and rehabilitation before obstetric fistula repair and yet it would hasten physical and mental wellbeing of the patients as they await repair.
Retracted: Challenges faced by women after repair of genital tract fistula: An observational study in Tanganika Province, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Notia Christine Amisi , Philibert Aline , Mukwege Denis Mukengere
Published: June 2019

On 6th February 2020 the Editorial Board of Nepal Journal Obstetrics and Gynaecology agreed to retract the Abstract ‘Challenges faced by women after repair of genital tract fistula: An observational study in Tanganika Province, Democratic Republic of Congo' published in Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vol.13(2) 2018 (DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/njog.v13i2.21914 ). This retraction was requested by the authors: C.A. Notia, A. Philibert and D.M. Mukwege. We apologise for any inconvenience.
This retraction notice appears in Vol.14(1) 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/njog.v14i1.27572
Coping mechanisms of obstetric fistula affected women in Uganda
Authors: Kabayambi Joan , Barageine Justus
Published: June 2019

Aims: To explore the coping mechanism of the women suffering with obstetric fistula.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 30 women living with OF. Six key informant interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted on health workers, spouses and attendants.
Results: The women had lived with OF for a period of one to 40 years. The mean age of respondents was 27 years and the median age at the time they got fistula was 18 years. Seventy two per cent of the women developed OF at less than 25 years of age. Coping with OF included keeping clean and washing all the time (83%), drinking a lot of water (80%) to reduce the smell and sores due to the urine, while 75% ignored people’s negative comments. Others included prayers (57%), seeking refuge at a pastor’s or in a church (30%), eating/drinking less (13%) and engaging in income-generating activities (8.9%). Padding was common to all of them.
Conclusions: Women living with OF have two main coping mechanisms: hygiene-focused and psycho-social. These attempts to cope with OF should be further studied, enhanced and supported by authorities, families and communities, to mitigate their suffering before surgical treatment.
Clinical Instructors’ Experiences Working with and Assessing Students Who Perform below Expectations in Physical Therapy Clinical Internships
Authors: So Olivia W. , Shaw Rachael , O’Rourke Liam , Woldegabriel Jacob T. , Wade Brittany , Quesnel Martine , Mori Brenda
Published: June 2019

Purpose: Clinical education is an integral component of the curriculum of all physical therapy (PT) entry-to-practice programmes in Canada. The literature indicates that working with and assessing students performing below expectations (SPBE) can be procedurally and emotionally difficult. Our study aimed to explore the experiences of clinical instructors (CIs) and the decision-making process involved when supervising SPBE in PT. Method: A total of 19 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with CIs, transcribed, and coded using qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Four factors appeared to be important for CIs when they were deciding how to assess SPBE: (1) features of student performance, (2) factors related to the CIs, (3) academic and clinical facility influencers, and (4) strategies and available resources. Concerns about safety and professional behaviour, a student’s clinical reasoning skills, and a lack of progression were key factors that CIs considered in recommending a final grade. CIs were more likely to recommend a failing grade if there was a series of repeated incidents rather than an isolated incident. Conclusions: We make several recommendations for the student, CI, and facilities to consider to better support and facilitate the process of working with SPBE in PT clinical education.
El crecimiento de la población de la Región Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (2001-2010)
Authors: Marcos Mariana , Chiara Camila
Published: June 2019

Este estudio compara la dinámica demográfica de las comunas y municipios metropolitanos en el período 2001-2010, identificando diferenciales en términos de niveles de dinamismo, componentes del crecimiento más relevantes y composición de los migrantes recientes. Los datos de dinámica demográfica provienen de las proyecciones anuales de población por departamento y las estadísticas vitales, y la caracterización de los migrantes recientes se hace con base en el censo de población de 2010. Como resultado, en primera instancia se identifican a los municipios y comunas que sobresalen en el contexto metropolitano por su dinamismo poblacional, dando cuenta de los componentes del crecimiento que lo explican, y luego se analiza el perfil de la población que llegó recientemente a los municipios y comunas con mayor crecimiento migratorio en diálogo con los procesos urbanos recientes y en curso.
ECONOMIC NATURE OF THE INVESTMENT PROCESS
Authors: Andrusiv U. Y. , Sydor H. V.
Published: June 2019

Purpose. Investigation of the essence of the investment process from the standpoint of existing approaches to economic science in order to formulate its own interpretation of the outlined definition.
Methodology of research. Theoretical and methodological basis of the research is the scientific works of domestic and foreign authors on the research of the essence of the investment process, Internet resources. In the process of research used general and special methods, in particular: monographic – in the implementation of the literary review of the problem under study; systematic and structural analysis – in substantiating different approaches and different points of view before interpreting the essence of the investment process as a complex economic category.
Findings. Generalized theoretical developments of domestic and foreign scientists-economists on the interpretation of the «investment process». On the basis of systematization of scientific approaches, the actual definition of the term «investment process» is proposed. The research of those scientists who consider the definition of «investment process» at micro and macro levels is considered. The signs that characterize the investment process are presented.    
Originality. The author's definition of the term, according to which the investment process should be considered as a never-ending in space and a continuous process of realization of investment decisions connected with attraction of funds, is proposed in order to achieve the goals and maximize the positive result for the participants and the investor.
 Practical value. The obtained research results are the basis for solving practical problems of the correct scientific approach to understanding this concept at the present stage.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES OF SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Vyshnevska O. M.
Published: June 2019

The main object of the article is to identify the global environmental priorities of the development of society on the partnership basis, also taking into account certain international directions of leveling of environmental threats as well as global warming. The research is based on theoretical substantiation and practical introduction of a systematic approach in implementing the environmental policy of states on the terms of partnership. We determined the core characteristics of global ecological priorities of the society development, global ecological policy, principles of international agreements under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and global goals of sustainable development. We defined the characteristics of a partnership for carrying out ecological policy with the goal of leveling global threats. We determined the possibilities of realizing the systemic approach in the development of society in view of global environmental priorities, ratified international agreements, and global goals of sustainable development. In accordance with the global goals of sustainable development, we generalized the principle courses for implementing environmental measures at different standards. It has been determined that the systematic actions in the implementation of ratified commitments by various state governments require significant changes to internal environmental policy, incentives for all participants to implement the predetermined measures, state incentive policy, and the dissemination of environmental knowledge. We determined that the global environmental priorities of the society development are closely linked with the possibility of introducing an action strategy for reforming to a rational model of consumption and production, which would involve all countries all over the world, considering the development and potential of the states, the progress toward rational development and efficient use of natural resources, and rational use of chemical products and other wastes throughout their life cycle in accordance with internationally agreed principles. All measures must be implemented on the basis of partnership.
Social determinants of health affecting treatment of pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Berkman Jillian M. , Dallas Jonathan , Lim Jaims , Bhatia Ritwik , Gaulden Amber , Gannon Stephen R. , Shannon Chevis N. , Esbenshade Adam J. , Wellons John C.
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

Little is understood about the role that health disparities play in the treatment and management of brain tumors in children. The purpose of this study was to determine if health disparities impact the timing of initial and follow-up care of patients, as well as overall survival.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective study of pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) previously diagnosed with, and initially treated for, a primary CNS tumor between 2005 and 2012 at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Primary outcomes included time from symptom presentation to initial neurosurgery consultation and percentage of missed follow-up visits for ancillary or core services (defined as no-show visits). Core services were defined as healthcare interactions directly involved with CNS tumor management, whereas ancillary services were appointments that might be related to overall care of the patient but not directly focused on treatment of the tumor. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s chi-square test, nonparametric univariable tests, and multivariable linear regression. Statistical significance was set a priori at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The analysis included 198 patients. The median time from symptom onset to initial presentation was 30.0 days. A mean of 7.45% of all core visits were missed. When comparing African American and Caucasian patients, there was no significant difference in age at diagnosis, timing of initial symptoms, or tumor grade. African American patients missed significantly more core visits than Caucasian patients (p = 0.007); this became even more significant when controlling for other factors in the multivariable analysis (p < 0.001). African American patients were more likely to have public insurance, while Caucasian patients were more likely to have private insurance (p = 0.025). When evaluating survival, no health disparities were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant health disparities were identified when evaluating the timing of presentation and survival. A racial disparity was noted when evaluating missed follow-up visits. Future work should focus on identifying reasons for differences and whether social determinants of health affect other aspects of treatment.
Transnasal endoscopic approach for pediatric skull base lesions: a case series
Authors: Quon Jennifer L. , Kim Lily H. , Hwang Peter H. , Patel Zara M. , Grant Gerald A. , Cheshier Samuel H. , Edwards Michael S. B.
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

Transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches constitute an essential technique for the resection of skull base tumors in adults. However, in the pediatric population, sellar and suprasellar lesions have historically been treated by craniotomy. Transnasal endoscopic approaches are less invasive and thus may be preferable to craniotomy, especially in children. In this case series, the authors present their institutional experience with transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches for pediatric skull base tumors.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients (age ≤ 18 years) who had undergone transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches for either biopsy or resection of sellar or suprasellar lesions between 2007 and 2016. All operations were performed jointly by a team of pediatric neurosurgeons and skull base otolaryngologists, except for 8 cases performed by one neurosurgeon.

RESULTS

The series included 42 patients between 4 and 18 years old (average 12.5 years) who underwent 51 operations. Headache (45%), visual symptoms (69%), and symptoms related to hormonal abnormalities (71%) were the predominant presenting symptoms. Improvement in preoperative symptoms was seen in 92% of cases. Most patients had craniopharyngiomas (n = 16), followed by pituitary adenomas (n = 12), Rathke cleft cysts (n = 4), germinomas (n = 4), chordomas (n = 2), and other lesion subtypes (n = 4). Lesions ranged from 0.3 to 6.2 cm (median 2.5 cm) in their greatest dimension. Gross-total resection was primarily performed (63% of cases), with 5 subsequent recurrences. Nasoseptal flaps were used in 47% of cases, fat grafts in 37%, and lumbar drains in 47%. CSF space was entered intraoperatively in 15 cases, and postoperative CSF was observed only in lesions with suprasellar extension. There were 8 cases of new hormonal deficits and 3 cases of new cranial nerve deficits. Length of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 61 days (median 5 days). Patients were clinically followed up for a median of 46 months (range 1–120 months), accompanied by a median radiological follow-up period of 45 months (range 3.8–120 months). Most patients (76%) were offered adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-institution report of the transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, the authors demonstrated that this technique is generally safe and effective for different types of pediatric skull base lesions. Favorable effects of surgery were sustained during a follow-up period of 4 years. Further refinement in technology will allow for more widespread use in the pediatric population.
Postgraduate publishing output in pediatric neurosurgery: correlation with fellowship site and individual scholars
Authors: Ajmera Sonia , Lee Ryan P. , Schultz Andrew , Hersh David S. , Lepard Jacob , Xu Raymond , Saad Hassan , Akinduro Olutomi , Justo Melissa , Fraser Brittany D. , Motiwala Mustafa , Dave Pooja , Jimenez Brian , Wallace David A. , Osikoya Olufemi , Norrdahl Sebastian , Dooley Jennings H. , Khan Nickalus R. , Vaughn Brandy N. , Maher Cormac O. , Klimo Paul
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze the publication output of postgraduate pediatric neurosurgery fellows for a 10-year period as well as identify 25 individual highly productive pediatric neurosurgeons. The correlation between academic productivity and the site of fellowship training was studied.

METHODS

Programs certified by the Accreditation Council for Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowships that had 5 or more graduating fellows from 2006 to 2015 were included for analysis. Fellows were queried using Scopus for publications during those 10 years with citation data through 2017. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, comparing program rankings of faculty against fellows using the revised Hirsch index (r-index; primary) and Hirsch index (h-index; secondary). A list of 25 highly accomplished individual academicians and their fellowship training locations was compiled.

RESULTS

Sixteen programs qualified with 152 fellows from 2006 to 2015; 136 of these surgeons published a total of 2009 articles with 23,735 citations. Most publications were pediatric-specific (66.7%) clinical articles (93.1%), with middle authorship (55%). Co-investigators were more likely from residency than fellowship. There was a clustering of the top 7 programs each having total publications of around 120 or greater, publications per fellow greater than 12, more than 1200 citations, and adjusted ir10 (revised 10-year institutional h-index) and ih10 (10-year institutional h-index) values of approximately 2 or higher. Correlating faculty and fellowship program rankings yielded correlation coefficients ranging from 0.53 to 0.80. Fifteen individuals (60%) in the top 25 (by r5 index) list completed their fellowship at 1 of these 7 institutions.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 90% of fellowship-trained pediatric neurosurgeons have 1 or more publications, but the spectrum of output is broad. There is a strong correlation between where surgeons complete their fellowships and postgraduate publications.
Validation of prognostic models in intensive care unit–treated pediatric traumatic brain injury patients
Authors: Mikkonen Era D. , Skrifvars Markus B. , Reinikainen Matti , Bendel Stepani , Laitio Ruut , Hoppu Sanna , Ala-Kokko Tero , Karppinen Atte , Raj Rahul
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

There are few specific prognostic models specifically developed for the pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) population. In the present study, the authors tested the predictive performance of existing prognostic tools, originally developed for the adult TBI population, in pediatric TBI patients requiring stays in the ICU.

METHODS

The authors used the Finnish Intensive Care Consortium database to identify pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) treated in 4 academic ICUs in Finland between 2003 and 2013. They tested the predictive performance of 4 classification systems—the International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT) TBI model, the Helsinki CT score, the Rotterdam CT score, and the Marshall CT classification—by assessing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the explanatory variation (pseudo-R2 statistic). The primary outcome was 6-month functional outcome (favorable outcome defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4–5).

RESULTS

Overall, 341 patients (median age 14 years) were included; of these, 291 patients had primary head CT scans available. The IMPACT core-based model showed an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.78–0.91) and a pseudo-R2 value of 0.40. Of the CT scoring systems, the Helsinki CT score displayed the highest performance (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.78–0.90; pseudo-R2 0.39) followed by the Rotterdam CT score (AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.73–0.86; pseudo-R2 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic tools originally developed for the adult TBI population seemed to perform well in pediatric TBI. Of the tested CT scoring systems, the Helsinki CT score yielded the highest predictive value.
BURHANİYE’NİN SPORTİF OLTA BALIKÇILIĞI POTANSİYELİ VE TURİZM AÇISINDAN KULLANILABİLİRLİĞİ
Authors: BEZİRGAN Muammer
Published: June 2019

Bu araştırmada; Burhaniye

ilçesinin sportif olta balıkçılığı turizmi potansiyeli tespit edilmeye

çalışılmıştır. Araştırma verilerinin toplanmasında nitel ve nicel araştırma

tekniklerinin birlikte kullanıldığı karma yöntem kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada

tekne sahibi yerel balıkçılar, balık yemi satıcıları ve balık malzemesi

satıcıları ile mülakatlar gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sorulan açık uçlu sorulara

verilen cevaplar, içerik analizi yöntemiyle analiz edilmiştir. Nicel yöntemde

ise Burhaniye’de sportif amaçlı balık avlayan kişilerle görüşülerek hangi tür

balıkların bölgede avlanabildiği, hangi yemlerin kullanıldığı ve hangi avlanma

tekniklerinin uygulandığı ile ilgili soruların yer aldığı anket formu, kolayda örnekleme yöntemi ile belirlenen 422 kişiye

uygulanmıştır. Araştırma sonuçları Burhaniye’de sportif olta balıkçılığı

turizmi ile ilgili önemli bir potansiyelin bulunduğunu, bölgede sportif olta

balıkçılığı turizminin tamamlayıcı bir turizm türü olarak gerçekleştiğini ve

henüz bağımsız bir turizm sektörü haline gelmediğini göstermektedir.  
JULİA KRİSTEVA’NIN “POSSESSIONS” ADLI ROMANINDA POLİSİYE KURGU VE ANLATI ÇÖZÜMLEMESİ
Authors: BAKİ Mehmet
Published: June 2019

Yapısalcılık-sonrası

eleştirmen, filozof, yazar, ruhbilimci ve romancı Kristeva’nın yapıtları, çeşitliliği ve disiplinlerarası olma özelliğiyle

bilinir. Kuramsal ve yazınsal çalışmalarında,

toplumsal konulara ışık tutar. Onları mercek altına alarak, kendi duygu ve

düşünce süzgecinden geçirdikten sonra, yazınsal siyasa ile de bağdaştırır.

Kristeva’nın üçüncü romanı

Possessions, kurgulama yöntemi

bakımından Bakhtine’in karnaval kuramına özgü çoksesli ve çokbiçimli özellikler

içeren, aynı zamanda toplumsal dil katmanları arasında kimi söylemsel ve

ruhbilimsel yöntemlerin kullanıldığı bir yapıttır. Alışageldik kurmacalara pek

benzemeyen anlatısı, yeni-ötesi uygulayımlar ve yazarın özyaşam öyküsüne

yönelik bir takım göndermeler içerir. Anlatıya elöyküsel “üçüncü tekil kişi

o-anlatıcı” ses egemen olsa da, özöyküsel “birinci tekil kişi ben-anlatıcı”

sese ve başkahramanın kendi özel yaşamından söz etme durumunda ise, içöyküsel

anlatıcı sese de yer verilir. Romanın anlatımında, çoğunlukla artsüremsel

öykülemenin biçimlerinin yanı sıra, katımsal anlatılar da görülür.

Bu çalışmamızda,

yeni-ötesi kuramın yazınsal eleştiri yöntemine de başvurarak, Kristeva’nın çok

katmanlı bu romanındaki ana izlekleri, bakış açılarını, anlatısal ses

düzeylerini, öyküleme türlerini, bunların romandaki kullanımlarını, yapısalcı,

modern ve yeni-ötesi eleştiri yöntemlerinden yararlanarak ana hatlarıyla

inceleyeceğiz.  
Studying noise immunity of radio information transmission systems with noise-like phase-shift keyed signals and synchronization delay errors
Authors: Maltsev G. N. , Evteev A. V.
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Radio information transmission systems with noise-like phase-shift keyed signals based on pseudo-random sequences have potential noise immunity provided by accurately tracking the delay of the received signal in the correlation receiver. When working with moving objects, the delay of the received signal varies continuously, and the reception quality for noise-like phase-shifted signals highly depends on the synchronization system operation and on the accuracy of estimating the received signal delay by the tracking system. To ensure the required signal reception quality, it is necessary to provide an informed choice of tracking system parameters, taking into account their effects, which are the random and systematic components of the delay tracking error, on the selected noise immunity indicator.

Purpose: Analyzing how the errors in tracking the delay of a received phase-shift keyed signal based on a pseudorandom sequence by the synchronization system of a radio information transmission system can affect the probability of erroneous reception of an information symbol.

Results: The calculation method was used to obtain families of dependencies of the probability of erroneous reception of an information symbol on the signal-noise ratio (SNR), and the values of the random and systematic components of the delay tracking error which are normalized to the capture band of the correlation receiver. It has been shown that at a fixed SNR, the values of the random and systematic components of the delay tracking error are critical for the erroneous reception probability. In all the cases discussed, all the dependencies are characterized by a slow change of the erroneous reception probability while the synchronization errors within the area of small SNR have fixed values. As the SNR value grows, the erroneous reception probability rapidly drops. To ensure the specified signal reception quality and the reliability of the selection of information symbols and messages in a radio information transmission system with noise-like phase-manipulated signals, its synchronization system requires a joint selection of the tracking system parameters, taking into account the limitations imposed by the operating conditions and technical implementation features.

Practical relevance: The obtained results can be used in noise immunity analysis of radio information transmission systems with noise-like phase-shift keyed signals in a wide range of communication conditions, and in providing technical solutions for synchronization systems ensuring the required quality of signal reception.
Adaptive control of time-varying non-linear plants by speed-gradient algorithms
Authors: Tomchina O. P. , Polyakhov D. N. , Tokareva O. I. , Fradkov A. L.
Published: June 2019

Introduction: The motion of many real world systems is described by essentially non-linear and non-stationary models. A number of approaches to the control of such plants are based on constructing an internal model of non-stationarity. However, the non-stationarity model parameters can vary widely, leading to more errors. It is only assumed in this paper that the change rate of the object parameters is limited, while the initial uncertainty can be quite large.

Purpose: Analysis of adaptive control algorithms for non-linear and time-varying systems with an explicit reference model, synthesized by the speed gradient method.

Results: An estimate was obtained for the maximum deviation of a closed-loop system solution from the reference model solution. It is shown that with sufficiently slow changes in the parameters and a small initial uncertainty, the limit error in the system can be made arbitrarily small. Systems designed by the direct approach and systems based on the identification approach are both considered. The procedures for the synthesis of an adaptive regulator and analysis of the synthesized system are illustrated by an example.

Practical relevance: The obtained results allow us to build and analyze a broad class of adaptive systems with reference models under non-stationary conditions.
Sulfate sources in carbonaceous aerosol particles in urban atmosphere (on the example of Irkutsk)
Authors: Yermakov A. N. , Aloyan A. E. , Arutyunyan V. O.
Published: June 2019

According to the monitoring data, it was found that the main source of sulfates in carbonaceous particles in the atmosphere of Irkutsk is sulfur dioxide captured from the air. Their accumulation in the particles is caused by heterogeneous chemical reactions (GHR) and is accompanied by the replacement of hydrocarbonates (HCO3 –) with sulfate anions. In this case, sulfur dioxide is oxidized by ozone in the dry atmosphere, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) also participates in the humid, along with dissolved ozone, during the oxidation of sulfur dioxide. The details of the mechanisms of these GHR are discussed and estimates of the dynamics of the sulphate production in carbonaceous particles are given.
Application of remote sensing for detection of tectonic structures and localisation of ore deposits within Biryusinsky and Krepsky-Tumanshetsky ore clusters (Eastern Sayan)
Authors: Milovsky G. A. , Belyakov A. A.
Published: June 2019

As a result of decoding of the materials of the Russian space survey “Resource-P” (ShMSA) on Biryusinskaya area, the features of the tectonic structure of the horst-anticlinal uplifts and the graben-synclines separating them were determined, the large role of sublatitudinal disjunctions was shown in the structural diagram of the area under study, ore prospective sites were isolated. The study of the Krepsko-Tumanshetskaya area was carried out using space multispectral and panchromatic high-resolution surveys “Resource-P” (Geoton), which made it possible to determine the structural position of the ore deposits. On the Krepsko-Tumanshetskaya area, the ore-controlling structures are small along the length of sublatitudinal strike faults and the nodes of their intersection with the northwestern and northeastern disjunctions.
Improvement of four-wheel drive vehicle controllability with a connected front axle through the redistribution of torque
Authors: ZHilejkin M. M , EHranosyan A. V
Published: June 2019

Currently, manufacturers of modern cars are constantly increasing the level of control over the parameters of the movement of wheeled vehicles, achieving the maximum level of stability and control. The use of various all-wheel drive systems is becoming increasingly relevant and expedient. The distribution of traction force on all wheels allows you to use the entire weight of the car as a coupling, which has a positive effect on the dynamic qualities of the car, terrain, and allows you to implement control algorithms that improve the handling and directional stability of the car. This article discusses the transmission with the possibility of redistribution of torque between both the front and rear axles, and between the wheels of the rear axle. The aim of the work is to substantiate the methods of control of the curvilinear motion of two-axle cars with different transmission schemes, providing an increase in their controllability. The control algorithms for the demolition of the front axle (understeer) and the rear axle skidding (oversteer) are considered. To solve the problem, the frequency method is used, in which the wheeled vehicle is considered as a multidimensional system. As a result, a method was proposed for improving the controllability of a two-axle car 4x4 with a link to the front axle and the redistribution of the torque between the wheels of the rear axle due to the redistribution of torque. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method are proved by the methods of simulation of motion of two-axle 4x4 vehicles with a connected front axle and redistribution of torque between the wheels of the rear axle.
Activation of GABAA receptors enhances the behavioral recovery but not axonal sprouting in ischemic rats
Authors: Wang Huibin , Cheng Xi , Yu Hang , Zhang Xiuchun , Guan Meiting , Zhao Lanqing , Liu Yang , Linag Yifan , Luo Yujia , Zhao Chuansheng
Published: June 2019

Background:

GABAA receptors modulate the behavioral recovery encountered in both experimental animals and patients with ischemic injury, possibly through promoting structural plasticity. We hypothesized that activation of GABAA receptors would regulate axonal growth, which in turn would improve the behavioral recovery in ischemic rats.

Objective:

To investigate the effects of muscimol on axonal growth, synaptic plasticity and behavioral performance in rats after a focal ischemia induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1).

Methods:

Focal ischemic infarct was induced by ET-1. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham-operated group, ischemic group, ischemic+muscimol group. The muscimol infusion into contralateral cortex started on post-operative day 7 continuing until day 21. Biotinylated dextran amine was injected on post-operative day 14 into the contralesional motor cortex to trace the crossing corticospinal tract fibers. The expression levels of growth inhibitors, Nogo receptor, NogoA, RhoA, and Rho-associated kinase were measured in the peri-infarct cortex. The expressions of vGlut-1 and postsynaptic density-95 were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in the denervated spinal cord. The behavioral recovery was evaluated by sensorimotor tests on post-operative days 32–34.

Results:

Treatment with the specific GABAA receptors agonist, muscimol, did not increase axonal growth into the denervated hemispheres and spinal cord after stroke. However, the activation of GABAA receptors partially improved the rats’ behavioral performance after the ET-1-induced stroke.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed that infusion of muscimol into the contralateral motor cortex during the repair stage could partially improve the behavioral performances without promoting axonal growth from uninjured hemisphere motor cortex to the denervated striatum and spinal cord, nor did it prevent the expression of axonal growth inhibitors in peri-lesioned cortex. More detailed studies will be required to clarify the role of GABAA Rs in regulating the behavioral recovery after a stroke.
Orientation systems to support indoor travel by persons with multiple disabilities: Technical aspects and applicability issues
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , O'Reilly Mark F. , Singh Nirbhay N. , Sigafoos Jeff , Oliva Doretta , Bracalente Sandro , Montironi Gianluigi
Published: June 2019

Increasing constructive activity engagement and promoting independent indoor traveling are basic objectives within programs for persons with multiple disabilities. Orientation and traveling may be serious problems for these persons, particularly those with visual impairment. To reduce the impact of these problems, orientation systems have been developed. These systems rely on direction cues or feedback cues. The former systems can be plausibly used with persons with very low levels of functioning as they guide (direct) the persons to the destinations without requiring them to take initiatives or make decisions. The latter systems can be realistically used with persons who have initiative in moving towards the destination and are efficient in correcting their direction in relation to feedback. This paper briefly presents basic orientation systems assessed with persons with multiple disabilities, examines strategies (technical solutions) adopted for promoting a self-managed (independent) use of the systems by these persons, and discusses the systems' overall applicability and practicality. Questions for future research are also examined.
Controllable mechanical tremor reduction. Assessment of two orthoses
Authors: Belda-Lois J.M. , Martinez-Reyero A.I. , Castillo A. , Rocon E. , Pons J.L. , Loureiro R. , Manto M. , Normie L. , Soede M.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the results of clinical trials performed using two upper-limb orthotic devices for tremor suppression, developed under the Fifth Framework Project DRIFTS (Contract QLK6-CT-2002-00536). The orthoses were tested on six subjects presenting various aetiological forms of tremor. Two different strategies of tremor reduction were investigated: viscous friction and notch filtering. The results obtained from the trials suggest that ambulatory and controllable mechanical suppression of tremor by orthotic means is a feasible intervention. The degree of tremor reduction is dependent upon the power associated with tremor. Expected reduction of tremor can be as high as 98% in severe cases. There are hints that for many persons suffering with tremor active mechanical suppression of tremor can produce a reinforcing feedback: when participants perceived and initial reduction of tremor due to the orthosis, they exhibited a further spontaneous reduction of the tremor. There are also indications in some participants that tremor can migrate from a controlled joint to other free joints.
Stroke survivors' experiences of computer use at home
Authors: Dorey Brenda , Reid Denise , Chiu Teresa
Published: June 2019

Using computers can lead to increased independence and an improved social network for stroke survivors. However, little is known about how and why stroke survivors are using computers at home and the barriers they encounter. The objective of this study was to gain an understanding about the experiences of stroke survivors using home computers, including the reasons stroke survivors use the computer, how patterns of computer use have changed post-stroke and any barriers or enablers to computer use. A modified grounded theory approach was utilized. In-depth interviews and observations with six stroke survivors were conducted. The constant comparison method was used to analyze the data. Two main themes emerged from the data: connected through doing and occupational tensions and strategies. The first theme refers to the reasons why and what purposes the computer was used for, and the meaning of computer use, while the second theme highlights barriers to access to computer use and the attempts to overcome difficulties. The results of this preliminary study shed light on stroke survivors' use of computers at home, which may help guide occupational therapists working with this population.
Robot-mediated ACtive REhabilitation (ACRE2) for the hemiplegic upper limb after a stroke: A pilot study
Authors: Doornebosch Arno J. , Cools Herman J.M. , Slee-Turkenburg Marry E.C. , van Elk Michel G. , Schoone-Harmsen Marian
Published: June 2019

Although scientific evidence shows that therapy improves movement recovery following a stroke, the duration of the reimbursed therapy available to patients is decreasing. To compensate for the reduction in personal therapy self-training procedures using robotic arms have been developed for hemiplegic patients. In this Dutch pilot study, the experiences of stroke patients and their therapists with the second prototype of a robotic arm device for ACtive REhabilitation (ACRE2) are evaluated. Positive results for patients and therapists are reported and the development of a system that can be used at home (ACRE3) is recommended.
Estimation of a possibility to use the quantumchemical approach while selecting reagents for coals flotation intensification
Authors: Medyanik N. L. , Mullina E. R. , Mishurina O. A. , Derina N. V. , Turlina A. A.
Published: June 2019

Decrease of mined coal quality results in deterioration of main quality characteristics of coal concentrates: ash content, moisture, calorific efficiency and sintering ability. Application of selective reagent modes of coals flotation is an effective method of solving the problem. Elaboration of the reagent modes should be based on a study of mechanism of reagents action on the coal surface. Study of the aromatic esters effect on the physicochemical and flotation properties of gas coals from the Komsomolets mine of the Kuznetsk coal basin accomplished. It was shown that the low natural floatability of gas coals is due to the significant energy unsaturation of their surface, in particular, the presence of large pores, oxygen-containing groups and mineral impurities. The results of quantum chemical calculations demonstrate that the electrophilic centres of the coal are formed due to the electron density shift to the oxygen atoms. It was determined that the hydrophobization of the coal surface can be achieved using reagents that have more rigid nucleophilic nature compared to water molecules. The study of the quantum-chemical characteristics of aromatic esters suggests that they can interact with electrophilic areas of the organic mass of coal through a charge-controlled mechanism with the formation of charge transfer complexes. Results of the study of the aromatic esters effect on the physicochemical properties of coals surface and calculation of quantum-chemical characteristics of compositions, simulating the organic coals mass and studied reagents, allow to make a conclusion about possibility to intensify the coals flotation process based on application the quantum-chemical approach at the reagents selection.
Technological estimation of skull effect on steel melting parameters in basic oxygen furnace
Authors: Bigeev V. A. , Kolesnikov Yu. A. , Potapova M. V. , Potapov M. G. , Yudina S. V.
Published: June 2019

Increasing the lining life of basic oxygen furnaces (BOF) reduces the expenses for refractories. Application of skull lining layer on the working surface is a good way to improve the efficiency of refractories. Features of the application of slag skull by the method of blowing a slag from previous melt with gas jet are discussed in the paper. It is shown that the presence of skull on the surface of the oxygen converter working lining affects not only the campaign duration of the unit, but also the technological parameters of steel melting, connected with its slag and thermal conditions. To quantify this effect, calculations of melting indices were performed for the conditions of BOF shop of PJSC MMK using a mathematical model based on the balance-statistical equations of physicochemical and thermal processes of oxygen-converter steel smelting. Taking into account the fact, that the skull is involved in the process as an additional material, that introduces slag-forming components and physical heat, the corresponding article of the heat balance was added to the program for melting parameters calculating. Assessment of the change of the amount of slag in the BOF in the course of steelmaking, knowing the possible arrival of the components from skull, was carried out. The calculations results of the change of the of melt metal components mass from the percentage of skull in the BOF are presented. The dependence of the change of the consumption of charge components on the amount of skull in the BOF is presented. It is shown that with an increase of the skull amount for smelting of the same steel mass some increase of metal charge will be required. This fact can be explained by increased iron loss with oxides, metallic beads and additional oxygen consumption for oxidative refining of the melt.
Estimation of protective ability, physical and mechanical properties of polymer inhibited films
Authors: Kolyada L. G. , Tarasyuk E. V. , Ponomarev A. P.
Published: June 2019

Metal products are subjected to atmosphere corrosion during transporting and longtime storing. Utilization of packing materials eliminating the access of water vapor and aggressive gases to the metal products surface is an important ways of struggling against the corrosion. Among the methods of metal products protection against the corrosion, application of volatile inhibitors is one of most effective one. As a carrier of the volatile corrosion inhibitors, polyethylene films can be used. Study of strength and barrier properties of polyethylene films with a volatile corrosion inhibitor and without it accomplished. As an object of the study, the films, produced under laboratory conditions by extrusion with blowing of low-density polyethylene and mixture of low-density polyethylene and IFKhAN volatile inhibitor, developed by the Institute of Physical Chemistry (Academy of Sciences of RF). For accelerated corrosion tests, samples of 08пс cold rolled steel used. The prepared samples packed in the studied films, a part of the closed airtight, and another part – not compact. It was traced, that the samples packed in the polyethylene film without the volatile inhibitor, had a point corrosion. The airtight sealed polymer film casings protect the carbon steel much better, comparing with the not compact casings. The surface of samples corrosion worms, which were airtight packed, was 0.15%, not compact ones – 0.33%. When inhibited polymer film was used for not compact packing, the corrosion had a uniform character, no local corrosion worms (pitting) was observed. The corrosion products were spongy, weekly cohered with the basic metal, easily peeling off. During the test period, the samples airtight packed in polyethylene film, containing IFKhAN volatile inhibitors, had no areas of corrosion. It was found, that input of inhibitor into the polyethylene matrix results in decreasing the film strength properties due to formation structure defects at the sub-molecular level during the extrusion, and also as a result of inhibitor desorption.
Experience of graphite-containing dust of metallurgical plants processing
Authors: Fadeeva N. V. , Orekhova N. N. , Gorlova O. E.
Published: June 2019

Graphite is a component of graphite-containing dust – one of wastes, formed at metallurgical plants. From the other side, it is a scare resource for the Russian industry. Involvement of graphite-containing wastes into processing can contribute to solving actual problems of resource, economic and ecological significance. Study of the graphite wastes utilization possibility showed an absence of constant practice of their processing at domestic metallurgical plants. The work of graphite department of Magnitogorsk steel-works (MMK) can be one of not numerous examples of the graphite dust processing at the same plant. At the department the processing of graphite-containing dust of accomplished, the dust being collected from 90 kg/h productivity gas cleaning systems of BOF shop. As a result of processing graphite concentrate obtained after flotation and iron powder – after magnetic separation. At the Department “Minerals enrichment” of the Magnitogorsk State Technical University after G.I. Nosov, the theory of graphite flotation is being elaborated under the direction of Professor V.B. Chizhevsky for many years. Besides study of graphite ores washability, which are difficult to be enriched is also carried out. Based on the gained extensive experience on perfection of reagent flotation modes for the graphite ores, it was recommended to use first VKP reagent at the MMK graphite department, and next – RAS foam formation agent, which is a refined sodium alkylartile-sulfonate. At the industrial tests, the RAS foam formation agent consumption was two times as lower comparing with industrial reagent mode, resulting in obtaining higher technological flotation indices. The experience of metallurgical plant graphite-containing dust processing can be used at both the MMK graphite department re-operation and at other plants of the industry for obtaining marketable products of high quality, that can meet requirements not only metallurgical plants, but also used for production of state-of-the-art carbon materials.
Application of Bitcoin in Blockchain - A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Jha Abhishek , Reddy B. Indira
Published: June 2019

Bitcoin is a Cryptocurrency which is evolving in digital world and gaining a larger market related to digital currency and stands on all the user expectation of decentralize mechanism of system by providing proof of work in peer-to-peer network with the help of Blockchain. In this paper I have done a literature review on Blockchain technology and its application in Bitcoin.