bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining friend-of-friend and halo-based algorithms for the identification of galaxy groups
Authors: Rodriguez Facundo , Merchán Manuel
Published: March 2020

Context. Galaxy groups provide the means for a great diversity of studies that contribute to a better understanding of the structure of the universe on a large scale and allow the properties of galaxies to be linked to those of the host halos. However, the identification of galaxy systems is a challenging task and therefore it is necessary to improve the techniques involved as much as possible.

Aims. In view of the large present and forthcoming galaxy catalogues, we propose, implement, and evaluate an algorithm that combines the two most popular techniques used to identify galaxy systems. The algorithm can be easily applied to any spectroscopic galaxy catalogue, but here we demonstrate its use on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.

Methods. Assuming that a galaxy group is a gravitationally bounded system that has at least one bright galaxy, we begin by identifying groups with a friends-of-friends algorithm adapted to fit this definition. In view of the shortcomings of this method, particularly the lack of ability to identify low-number groups, and consequently the inability to study the occupation of halos throughout the mass range, we improve it by adding a halo-based procedure. To assess the performance, we construct a mock catalogue from a semi-analytical model to compare the groups identified using our method with those obtained from the simulation.

Results. The comparison of groups extracted using our method with those of a mock catalogue shows that the proposed algorithm provides excellent results. The modifications introduced to the friends-of-friends algorithm in the first part of the procedure to fit the adopted group definition gave reliable groups. Furthermore, incorporation of the halo-based method reduces the interlopers while more accurately reproducing the number of galaxies per group. As a specific application, we use the algorithm to extract groups from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.
What should be a gas-engine locomotive
Authors: Kossov Evgeny , Andronchev Ivan , Asabin Vitaliy , Silyuta Anatoly , Kossova Lidia
Published: March 2020

Today, no one doubts the necessity of widespread applying of gas fuel both in industry and in transport. The price, environmental safety and availability of this type of fuel play a crucial role. Russian Railways has also taken a number of decisions to develop the design and construction of gas-fueled locomotives. The work is being carried out in two directions: locomotives will be created that run on gas fuel using gas turbine and gas piston engines with full replacement of diesel fuel, as well as gas locomotives with diesel engines that run on a gas-diesel cycle. The latter are attractive because the gas-diesel engine has higher technical and economic characteristics and can be easily transformed into a locomotive running on diesel fuel, which can be of strategic importance.
Reduction of the pull effect of a cylindrical linear synchronous motor
Authors: Shutemov Sergey , Сhabanov Evgeniy , Shevkunova Anastasia , Shapshal Alexander , Тalakhadze Temur
Published: March 2020

A theoretical and experimental study of the effect of gravity, which occurs in a cylindrical linear synchronous motor between the secondary element and the inductor, was carried out. As a result, the forces of mechanical friction of the secondary element on the inductor are formed, which entails touching the secondary element on the surface of the inductor. An unfavourable result is a weakening of the power force that is working for a cylindrical linear synchronous motor. Two different inductor designs for a cylindrical linear synchronous motor have been studied. When solving this problem, we used an approach based on a combination of the field theory method and the theory of electric circuits. The forces of gravity, friction, and force between the secondary element and the inductor for these structures are determined. Experimentally, it was found that the pull force significantly weakens the working force of the engine. Based on the results obtained, conclusions were drawn about the need to change the design of the inductor. The design change of this element consists in the use of a non-magnetic intermediate centralizer, which is inserted between two sliding bearings located at the ends of each module of a cylindrical linear synchronous motor. Also, changes were made to the design of the magnetic circuit, in which instead of one slot for a three-phase winding system, three symmetrical slots were made, each for its own phase of the three-phase winding. As a result, the magnetic system of the engine in question became axisymmetric. The measures taken to change the design of the engine in question allowed us to dramatically reduce the effect of gravity. As a result, the specific force has increased significantly.
Partitioning around medoids approach application for computation of regional flood and landslide quantiles
Authors: Shiyamalagowri Gnanaprakkasam , Ganapathy Pattukandan , Zaalishvili Vladislav , Melkov Dmitry
Published: March 2020

Flood and landslides causes serious damage to the functioning of the society which results in a huge loss of human life, material and other environmental impacts. In this paper, partitioning around medoids approach is executed for the assessment of flood quantiles over 145 sites using 11 basin characteristics. The study region is classified into 6 clusters as a result of the partitioning algorithm which are further proved to be homogeneous by applying the heterogeneity measure test. Results from the study provided the regional flood quantile measurements for the ungauged sites derived from L moments with good accuracy limits for the recurrence intervals 50, 100, 200 and 500 years. As a floods landslides may caused by rainfalls, especially over long time periods, which both increase the weight of slopes and can lubricate planes of weakness within rock or sediment. It is shown that landslides are also allocated in some of the clustered zones, depending of geological conditions of the clusters. Thus regional flood quintiles in conjunction with geology and topography forms landslide activity quantiles.
Experience herb relocation for preserving its population during reconstruction period
Authors: Martsev Anton , Selivanov Oleg
Published: March 2020

The article is devoted to the experience of transplantation Anemone nemorosa L., listed in the Red book of the Vladimir region as a rare species (status category 3). A feature of this work is transplanting in the autumn period, in connection with the construction of a natural place of growth, in accordance with the conclusion of environmental impact assessment. The aim of the work was to preserve the aboriginal population in natural conditions that are close in their ecological characteristics to the natural place of growth and which do not fall into the zone of reconstruction. Methods. We used the geobotanical description method, soil selection methods, and laboratory methods. Results. The data of the geobotanical description of the initial and recipient habitats of the Anemone nemorosa and soil characteristics are presented. The method of plant transplantation is described in detail. Conclusion. The phenollogical observations made in May 2019 showed that Anemone nemorosa successfully transferred the autumn transplant to a new place. An artificial population of Anemone oakwood was formed, which requires further monitoring studies for adaptation and resistance to transplantation.
Flood risk assessment of river “Kelani Ganga” exceeding its threshold water level
Authors: Dushyantha Charith , Ptuhina Irina
Published: March 2020

Flood risk assessment curves were developed for a flood risk assessment carried out in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Annual maximum water levels at three gauging stations in Kelani Ganga were used as data to prepare the flood risk assessment. Information sources include the Ministry of Disaster Management, Irrigation department and Department of Metrology. Current approaches to risk assessment function development were improved by using the extreme value theory. The most suitable model from the extreme value theory was defined by the behaviour of the probabilistic density function. The probability of a threshold water level exceeding in a given year can be predicted by using the developed model. According to the results of the flood risk assessment at the three gauging stations along river Kelani Ganga, the Hanwella station is at an 89.3% high risk of inundating the area with the water level reaching up to 9.6m in 10 years of time. These results can be used to develop hazard maps for these areas as one of the criteria that must be taken into consideration when choosing the optimal site for construction.
Monitoring of the collapse of the shores of reservoirs and the technology of their surface and deep fixing
Authors: Zolina Tatiana , Strelkov Sergei , Kupchikova Natalia , Kondrashin Kirill
Published: March 2020

Due to the unique water regime of the Astrakhan region, characterized by an uneven distribution of runoff that is directly dependent on the discharge from the Volgograd hydroelectric power station, coastal zones of water bodies are subject to intense negative effects. It is established that, despite the existing variety of ways to protect coasts from erosion, the search for new technical solutions at the moment continues to be an urgent task in hydraulic construction. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the application of a new methodology for studying the destruction of coastal zones and the method of shore protection. The article discusses the features of work on shore protection of territories subject to slope processes. The role of studies of the leading processes of destruction of coastal zones in the course of engineering and geological surveys, to predict and prevent risk, as well as to ensure the information content of further work on the construction of reliable shore protection, is emphasized. The result of the study was a new method for identifying the destroyed coastal zones, technologies for surface and deep fixing of the Bank slopes, and a method for preventing the collapse of steep river banks. In this paper, a positive assessment of the investigated method of Bank protection was given. Research has shown that prevention of emergency situations, especially in urbanized areas subject to intense anthropogenic impact, is possible only with the construction of engineering protection structures that have a positive effect in both protective and environmental aspects.
Physical-chemical wastewater treatment in Arctic conditions
Authors: Glushchenko Ekaterina , Vialkova Elena , Sidorenko Olga , Fugaeva Anastasia
Published: March 2020

The biological wastewater treatment problem of the small villages located in the Arctic zone is considered. The purpose of this research is to study the alternative wastewater treatment method in Northern settlements. Standard research methods were used: gravimetric and photometric methods of liquid analysis to achieve this goal. This article presents the physical-chemical wastewater treatment method, consisted of coagulation proses, oxidation, sand and sorption filtration. As a result of the laboratory research, the effects of pollutants removal are 96.6% (COD), 82.4% (ammonium) and 97.1% (nitrates). These effects were achieved by the technological scheme that includes a coagulation, two-stage sequential oxidation with potassium permanganate and ozone, and intermediate filtration too. The brands of coagulant and flocculant were selected, as well as their optimal doses.
Carbonate sludge as a nanostructured material for environmental engineering
Authors: Makarova Anastasiya , Zvereva Elvira , Mongush Yudenma , Zueva Olga
Published: March 2020

The behaviour features of carbonate sludge which are a waste of water treatment process were studied in aqueous and oil environment. Based on the analysis of images of carbonate sludge particles in liquid media made by laser scanning confocal microscopes, the existence of nanostructures of various chemical compositions having several hundred nanometers in size, both single and forming porous conglomerate structures with a developed surface was revealed. The existence of such fragmentation of fine carbonate sludge powder particles in liquid media suggests that the mechanism of action of sludge additives is similar to that of nanoparticles. It was shown that the waste of the water treatment can be used as a cheap and environmentally friendly nanostructured material for industrial and environmental engineering, in particular, to improve the properties of hydrocarbon fuels. If necessary, the effect of carbonate sludge can be enhanced by changing its composition at the coagulation stage or by adding other nanoparticles. The data on the composition and texture characteristics of used sludge were given.
Environmental impacts of mining and processing of sand-gravel mix
Authors: Sozaeva Lezhinka , Kagermazov Arthur
Published: March 2020

The work is devoted to the assessment of the negative impact of pollutant emissions on the air in the extraction and processing of sand and gravel. The maximum one-time and total emissions created by unorganized sources of one of the actually functioning enterprises are determined. The results of the calculation of the dispersion of the main pollutant (inorganic dust) are given. It is shown that the emissions of inorganic dust on the area of the enterprise exceed the values of the maximum permissible concentration and become lower than the MPC only outside the sanitary protection zone This demonstrates the need to comply with and control hygienic standards of ambient air quality near such enterprises.
Comparative analysis of traditional and alternative energy in the Russian Federation
Authors: Dvinin Dmitry , Nikolaeva Ekaterina
Published: March 2020

The study obtained the totals of material intensity (resource intensity) and greenhouse gas emissions for all regions of the Russian Federation with traditional and alternative energy sources. The share of alternative energy in the regional energy balance, the total amount of natural resources consumed as a result of its activities (expressed in total material input numbers). It has been established that the emission of greenhouse gases by the traditional electric power industry is 788.56 million tons. Greenhouse gas emissions from alternative power generation activities in the Russian Federation are relatively low, with emissions of 0.11 million tons, and are associated exclusively with the activities of biofuel plants. The volume of matter transported due to traditional energy activities in the Russian Federation is 2 billion tons. The volume of material transported due to alternative energy activities in the Russian Federation is minimal and amounts to 421 thousand tons. Even in a hypothetical scenario, when alternative electricity completely replaces traditional energy, the volume of transported material will be almost 7 times less than fossil fuel energy. Thus, the ecological and economic advantage of alternative energy development in the Russian Federation is established, which is expressed in significant resource saving.
Legal aspects in development of transport infrastructure in the city of Tyumen
Authors: Truntsevsky Yuri , Lez’er Victoria , Belyasov Sergey , Kopytova Anna
Published: March 2020

The authors of the article seek to determine the nature, characteristics and main directions of development of transport infrastructure in the municipality of Tyumen; to describe the management system for development of transport infrastructure; to develop a model for improving the management of transport infrastructure in the city of Tyumen, to identify measures for improving regional and municipal legislation; to make recommendations for the system of municipal authorities. The study is based on the basic principles and methods of development of transport systems of municipalities. The authors conclude that only implementation of a complex integrated policy at the state level based on the synthesis of transport management systems, urban planning, land use and traffic management is able to resolve current problems in the transport infrastructure of Russian cities. Federal monitoring and control of compliance of public transport services with the quality standards along with responsibility of heads of municipalities will become the main incentives for the priority development of public transport in Russian cities.
Effect of terrorism activities on capital flight in the Middle East
Authors: Seifi Anahita , Motaghi Samira , Ebrahim Salah , Soltani Ahmadi Mojtaba
Published: March 2020

Behavioral economics has proven that negative emotions can influence investors’ decisions. One of the factors that have a negative impact on investors’ sentiment is terrorism as the new face of violence with economic consequences. The link between terrorism and capital outflow is a theoretical framework that explains how violence affects capital flight of a country. With this in mind, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of terrorist activities on capital flight in the Middle East countries during the period 2000-2016 using the Spatial Econometric Panel Data Approach. The results of this study show that terrorism and its spatial effects have a significant and positive impact on capital flight in the Middle East countries. Also, gross domestic production (GDP) and trade openness have negative effects on capital outflow. This study has important implications for policymakers in countries facing terrorist activity and investors’ trust building.
Social development axiological fundamentals in the information age
Authors: Honyukova Liliya , Kleshnya Hanna , Ordenov Serhii , Skyba Ivan
Published: March 2020

The article attempts to reflect correlation of the traditional values and axiological foundations of the information society. The purpose of the article is to present the values being formed during the social development in the Information Age. Particular attention is paid to understanding the modern society moral state, the analysis of information societies value systems, the identification of the managed information field influence on the moral axiological foundations transformation. It is noted that increasing influence of information space on consciousness correlates with the growth of conflict situations in society. Sociocultural and comparative methodological approaches in their dialectical unity have been used to reveal the content of traditional cultural values and values of the information society.
Socio-Philosophical Aspects of the Neuro-Digital Noosphere Formation and Development
Authors: Devterov Ilya , Skyba Ivan
Published: March 2020

At present there is more than half of the world population who is currently using the Internet, due to which it seems relevant to develop not only technical, but also humanitarian and metaphysical views and theories that can serve the basis for the analysis of this phenomenon. The aim of these areas of studies should be rethinking of the role and place of man in the structure of modern society, as well as the role and place of the society in human life. The methodology for these processes comprehension lies in the plane of ontology, social philosophy and anthropology, based on the integration of the latter with cybernetics and mathematics, synergetics and mathematical modeling. Systemic and historical methods are inevitably capable of synthesizing the results of such a methodological approach, leading to the appearance of neologisms, the explication of new notions that most adequately reflect the essence of modern processes. The article illustrates a number of phenomena that should be studied with the aim of forming a person not as an object, but as a subject of global digital communication.
Use of blockchain technology in planning and management of transport systems
Authors: Eremina Luba , Mamoiko Anton , Bingzhang Li
Published: March 2020

The paper presents the results of comparative studies of the transport management application blockchain technology. The accuracy of the use Quick Road System (QRS) in intelligent transport systems (ITS) may be the service of getting free passage is shown. This service is aimed at creation of decentralized network of road lane sharing in real time. Based on model studies it was found that, depending If a driver is in a hurry or wants to get priority in using the speed lane, then, having established a special status, he shares his place in the lane with other vehicles moving along the same route by exchanging incentives through the blockchain with other private car owners. The paper estimates the probability of with the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the number of connected devices in ITS is growing extremely fast. Therefore, the optimal use of large arrays of collected data is the main focus of research and the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is one of the most targeted branches of integration of the existing IoT technologies with the growing transport needs in order to solve the problem of intellectual traffic.
High-growth firms in transport sector (Russian experience)
Authors: Pletnev Dmitri , Naumova Kseniia , Mirvahedi Saeed
Published: March 2020

High-growth firms provide a substantial stake in the national economy growth and supply job creation. Research of gazelle stability, allocation and success play an essential role in understanding the manufacturing and economic growth overall. The paper aims to present the results of high-growth firms analysis in the Russian transport sector. The authors propose the high-growth firms’ detection methods based on accounting data and analyze the allocation of high-growth firms according to the sectors ( railway and highway transport) and by federal districts of Russia. The authors define total revenue trends of high-growing firms comparing with ordinal firms and inside transport sectors. This study pays special attention to the evaluation of the further high-growth firms’ success in 2016-18. The most common phenomenon of high-growth firms is sacrificing the profit to achieve an accelerated growth rate.
Modeling of the virtual system of control of contrailer transportation in the information-economic space
Authors: Zubkov Valery , Sirina Nina
Published: March 2020

In the present work, the main attention is focused on research and search for the most rational, economically justified way of developing the potential of the railway industry in the field of interaction of several modes of transport in the organization and management of correspondence of piggyback traffic. The concept, which is based on the evaluation of possibilities of future subjects of the transport and logistics process to integrate into a single information field of the transport system. The information model of the system for the management of contrailer traffic in the information and economic space is considered. The stratum of cognitive subsystem in the presented virtual system allows transforming and structuring the processes of monitoring, analysis, accounting and storage of correspondence of transport infrastructure of supposed production facilities, railway stations and loading and unloading sites for their compliance with the requirements for the organization of contrailer transportation correspondence. The information subsystem’s stratum reflects the functions of accounting and recording the impact of the subjects of transportation on the compliance with the technological process in all its life cycles. The application subsystem stratum reflects the process of making optimal decisions, formation of management teams. The difference of virtual control system consists in intellectual architecture, namely cognitive subsystem, which forms knowledge about unified information system and operational and technological management on the basis of above mentioned information data. Knowledge generation is based on the results of processing of system state data coming from system agents and integrators.
Review of research in cargo transportation reliability
Authors: Prokofieva Evgenia
Published: March 2020

The paper contains a review of studies in cargo and empty cars delivery reliability, describes methods of reliability calculation and monetary evaluation. The analysis showed that monetary evaluation when reliability is considered the main emphasis should be put on its for all participants of transportation process. Consignors/consignees are, as a rule, concerned about logistical control in terms of steady and regular carriages; carriers pay more attention to process operations and loading of the infrastructure elements; railway rolling stock operators give the first place to the turnaround of main operating assets.
Assessment of the influence of additives in concrete by the Raman spectroscopy method
Authors: Ovcharenko Gennadiy , Ibe Ekaterina , Viktorov Artem
Published: March 2020

The effect of nano SiC additives with a particle size less than 50 nm, carbon black with a specific surface of about 80 m2/g, SiO2 and Al2O3 zol, AlCl3, FeCl3 solutions on the composition of silicon-oxygen anions in the pure C-S-H phase and hydrated cement was studied. The mixture was pressed at a specific pressure of 100 MPa and tested for compressive strength after 1, 7 and 28 days of normal aging. The Raman spectroscopy method was used to determine the composition of silicon-oxygen anions (SOA) in the C-S-H phase of cement and compared it with the strength of the stone, as well as with the SOA composition in the pure C-S-H phase. It was found that the initial powder of the C-S-H phase mainly contains isolated Q0 and terminal Q1 tetrahedra [SiO4]. Pressing the powder at 100 MPa leads to the advanced formation of chains of cross-linking Q2 and Q3 tetrahedra. The addition of silica to C-S-H promotes maximum chain formation from Q2. The Raman spectrum of C-S-H with silica zol is identical to the spectrum of hydrated cement. Iron chloride prevents the formation of extended chains of silicon-oxygen tetrahedrons. Carbon-containing nano-additives significantly alter the spectrum of C-S-H calcium substructures.
Evaluation of the durability of asphalt concrete on polymer modified bitumen
Authors: Onishchenko Artur , Stolyarova Larysa , Bieliatynskyi Andrii
Published: March 2020

For research conduction to prepare the modified bitumen and the polymer asphalt concrete there were used the stone materials from the Malynsky enterprise and the mineral powdered lime, the petroleum paving bitumen of 60/90 grade from the Mozyrsky enterprise, and the Butanol NS 198 modifier. Conducted research showed that the asphalt concretes produced using the Butonal NS 198 meet the requirements to hot asphalt concrete and have higher strength and durability parameters. The polymer asphalt concrete design characteristics values change in sufficiently wide range depending on the binding agent amount shows the possibility of active regulation of its properties under the designing actual conditions. Higher water resistance and extended durability of these PACs ensure the preconditions of their use in different regions of Ukraine. Research results show that to get the maximum effect from the modifying agent application it is desirable to perform the scientist support during its field use and also the operational conditions monitoring to collect statistic data and carry out the necessary corrections to obtain the best results.
Finite element simulation of a motorway bridge collapse using the concrete damage plasticity model
Authors: Benin Andrey , Guzijan-Dilber Matija , Diachenko Leonid , Semenov Artem
Published: March 2020

The aim of this work is to show how the concrete damage plasticity model developed by Lubliner et al. can be applied for calculation of a motorway bridge collapse occurred in the Amur region, Russia. The concrete structural behaviour is highly complex. Being a quasi-brittle material, concrete demonstrates softening behaviour that is numerically complex due to the loss of positive definiteness of the tangent rigidity matrix of the material, and hence the loss of the ellipticity of the equilibrium rate equation. This eventually leads to the loss of well-posedness of the rate boundary value problem. Besides that, concrete behaviour in compression differs from that in tension. There are a few different failure modes of concrete material: tension cracking, compression crushing, spalling of concrete, etc.
Quality risks and logistics processes in major repairs of buildings
Authors: Degaev Evgeniy , Rimshin Vladimir , Borkovskaya Victoria , Shubin Igor
Published: March 2020

Housing and utilities in modern Russia is at the stage of its development and in particular the management of logistics flows, as a result, the functioning of this sector of the economy is subject to a high degree of risk. In the housing and utilities sector, risks entail not only losses for managers and resource supply companies, but also the likelihood of losses in providing services to the consumer, namely, the low quality of produced housing and utilities.
The determination of the repairs of railway track considering the reliability and risk level
Authors: Kovalenko Nikolai , Grin Elena , Kovalenko Nina
Published: March 2020

The method of predictive calculations of the state of the rails as the main element of assessing the state of the track when planning major repairs of the track is given. With a standard service life of 600 to 700 million tons gross, it is necessary to predict the number of defective rails on the track when increasing the service life to 1100 million tons gross (considering local rail replacement during intermediate repairs). The polygon for assigning repairs is determined by the number of “Windows” that can be provided per week on the section. The projected increase in the work of the track causes the need to increase life cycle cost depreciation charges for the formation of the repair Fund for capital repairs by 30-35%.
Syria’s wind resources: Outlook for the Future
Authors: Al Jamil Ahmad , Sidorenko Gennady
Published: March 2020

15 locations with wind speeds of more than 5 m/s were explored among 24 locations across Syria. Wind data from these locations was analyzed using the Weibull distribution, along with 15 different turbines. Three performance indicators were calculated and compared between each other: annual energy production, power factor (θ) and energy cost (z). The economic potential was calculated and the economic efficiency of wind turbines was studied on the basis of optimization of wind farm parameters that helped to find an option that provides the lowest price for electricity production on wind turbines. The study reveals that E70 71m 2300kw is the optimal turbine in all areas (from the places under consideration), both in terms of the highest efficiency and the lowest energy cost. The results show that the area of Sokhna has the largest economic potential because of the big space suitable for the establishment of wind turbines. Using the proposed wind farm scenario until 2030 is able to cover the deficit by 7.22%.
Avoiding conjugacy classes on the 5-letter alphabet
Authors: Badkobeh Golnaz , Ochem Pascal
Published: March 2020

We construct an infinite word w over the 5-letter alphabet such that for every factor f of w of length at least two, there exists a cyclic permutation of f that is not a factor of w. In other words, w does not contain a non-trivial conjugacy class. This proves the conjecture in Gamard et al. [Theoret. Comput. Sci. 726 (2018) 1–4].
Normes de chauffe et transition énergétique : les transactions des habitants
Authors: Fijalkow Yankel , Maresca Bruno
Published: March 2020

On interroge dans cet article la notion de transition énergétique en explorant la non-prise en compte par les pouvoirs publics de l’écart entre les pratiques de chauffage des ménages et les dispositifs d’injonctions mis en œuvre. Après avoir discuté les résultats d’enquêtes récentes sur les températures de chauffe des ménages, on revisite l’évolution et le mode de production des normes de confort dans l’habitat et on analyse les pratiques de chauffage à l’aune de la notion de transaction sociale. Les pratiques des ménages, qui conduisent à des températures réelles de chauffe des habitations plus élevées que les 19 degrés de la norme, constituent une critique de fait de la transition énergétique. Ne parvenant pas à « faire passer la norme » dans les comportements en dépit des urgences de la maîtrise de la demande en énergie, la transition énergétique se révèle velléitaire par ignorance des mécanismes de la pratique sociale.
The Population Pharmacokinetics of Rifampicin in Japanese Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Nishimura Takahiro , Kohno Haruichi , Nagai Hideaki , Maruoka Daisuke , Koike Yuichi , Kobayashi Masahiro , Atsuda Koichiro
Published: March 2020

In Japan, tuberculosis has been recognized as one of the major infections requiring urgent measures because of its high morbidity rate even now especially in elderly people suffering from tuberculosis during the past epidemic and its reactivation. Hence, many Japanese clinicians have made efforts to suppress the onset of tuberculosis and treat it effectively. The objectives of this study are to (1) identify covariate(s) that may explain the variation of rifampicin, which is the key antitubercular agent, under the steady-state by evaluating its population pharmacokinetics and (2) to propose an appropriate dosing method of rifampicin to Japanese patients. For this purpose, serum concentration–time data were obtained from 138 patients receiving rifampicin (300–450 mg) and isoniazid (300–400 mg) every day over 14 days, and analyzed using nonlinear mixed effects model. Thereby, population pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated followed by elucidating relations between the parameters and statistical factors. The analysis adopted one-compartment model including Lag-time by assuming that the absorption process is 0+1st order. The analyses demonstrate that meal affected the bioavailability, primary absorption rate constant, and zero order absorption time in the constructed model. A body weight calculated from the power model was selected as the covariate by the Stepwise Covariate Model method and found to highly affect the clearance in the range from −31.6% to 47.4%. We conclude that the dose in Japanese tuberculous patients can be well estimated by the power model formula and should be taken into consideration when rifampicin is administered.
Psychometric Properties of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire for
Children (FoP-Q-SF/C)
Authors: Luz Johanne Katrin , Martini Julia , Clever Katharina , Herschbach Peter , Christiansen Holger , Schepper Florian
Published: March 2020

Background Recent research shows that parents of children suffer from
fear of progression (FoP), the fear of further disease progression. It is most
possible that children also develop FoP, which could impair treatment and
psychological health. The aim of this study is to adapt the adult’s
version of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire – Short Form (FoP-Q-SF)
for children and to examine the psychometric properties in pediatric cancer
patients.

Patients 32 pediatric cancer patients between 10 and 18 years with
different diagnoses and in different treatment states participated in this
study.

Method In the cross-sectional study participants completed the adapted
Fear of Progression Questionnaire – Short Form for Children
(FoP-Q-SF/C) and self-report measures assessing quality of life,
depression, fear and coping satisfaction.

Results The questionnaire (FoP-Q-SF/C) showed adequate
psychometric properties (Cronbachs α=0.86) and good results for
construct validity. Significant medium to large correlations of
children’s FoP was observed with quality of life
(r=− 0.37), depression (r=0.52), fear
(r=0.33 – 0.76), and satisfaction with coping
(r=− 0.44). One-fifth of the sample was classified as
having high FoP with values over 37.

Conclusions The FoP-Q-SF/C is a short, economic questionnaire
that is applicable in children with cancer. Clinicians can use the questionnaire
to explore specific fear and the need for psychosocial support. Further research
for specific treatment approaches for FoP in pediatric cancer patients are
warranted.
A Study of Executive Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease before and after a Single Session of Hemodialysis
Authors: Murthy Vasantmeghna S. , Shukla Vedant S.
Published: March 2020

Background Executive functions (EFs) are critical to daily life and sensitive to our physiological functioning and emotional states. The number of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD) globally is increasing steadily. We aimed to determine the impact of a single session of HD on EFs in patients with CKD receiving maintenance HD (MHD).

Methods This was a quasi-experimental study conducted at the department of psychiatry and dialysis unit of a tertiary hospital. Patients undergoing MHD underwent screening to rule out delirium, using the Confusion Assessment Method prior to EF testing. The tests of EF used were the Trail-Making Test—Part B (TMT-B) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), both of which were administered before and after a session of HD. Statistical tests used were Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test, paired t-test, single sample t-test, and correlation analyses.

Results The mean time taken on TMT-B before HD was 195.36 seconds and after HD, 171.1 seconds; difference is significant (p = 0.0001). The mean FAB score was 13.19 before HD and 14.83 after HD; the difference is significant (p < 0.0001). Significant differences were observed on similarities (p = 0.003), lexical fluency (p = 0.02), and go–no go (p = 0.003) subtests of FAB. Mean TMT-B scores before and after HD differed significantly from that of a reference study (reference TMT-B 150.69 seconds), p = 0.0002 and 0.04, respectively.

Conclusion We conclude that patients with CKD on MHD, in general, have worse executive cognitive functioning compared with healthy populations. A session of HD results in significant improvement in these functions.
Can Prolactinemia Cause Coronary Thrombosis
Authors: Akidi Goutham
Published: March 2020

There is an increasing trend of myocardial infarction (MI) among the young population. There exist various causes for this trend, as the pathogenesis of increased MI could be atheromatous, nonatheromatous, or hypercoagulable, and involve substance misuse. Here, we report a case of a 32-year-old female patient presented with coronary thrombosis; on evaluation, she was found to have hyperprolactinemia with no other causes of coronary thrombosis. Hyperprolactinemia is a rare cause of recurrent coronary thrombosis. Prolactin levels are even elevated in MI but they return to normal values in 2 to 4 weeks; however, this patient experienced a persistent elevation of prolactin levels with no signs of pituitary adenoma, so there is a possibility that elevated prolactin levels could cause coronary thrombosis.
Individual homogenization in large-scale systems: on the politics of computer and social architectures
Authors: Bürger Jens , Laguna-Tapia Andrés
Published: March 2020

One determining characteristic of contemporary sociopolitical systems is their power over increasingly large and diverse populations. This raises questions about power relations between heterogeneous individuals and increasingly dominant and homogenizing system objectives. This article crosses epistemic boundaries by integrating computer engineering and a historicalphilosophical approach making the general organization of individuals within large-scale systems and corresponding individual homogenization intelligible. From a versatile archeological-genealogical perspective, an analysis of computer and social architectures is conducted that reinterprets Foucault’sdisciplinesandpolitical anatomyto establish the notion of politics for a purely technical system. This permits an understanding of system organization as modern technology with application to technical and social systems alike. Connecting to Heidegger’s notions of theenframing(Gestell) and a moreprimal truth(anfänglicheren Wahrheit), the recognition of politics in differently developing systems then challenges the immutability of contemporary organization. Following this critique of modernity and within the conceptualization of system organization, Derrida’sdemocracy to come (à venir)is then reformulated more abstractly asorganizations to come. Through the integration of the discussed concepts, the framework ofLarge-Scale Systems Composed of Homogeneous Individuals(LSSCHI) is proposed, problematizing the relationships between individuals, structure, activity, and power within large-scale systems. The LSSCHI framework highlights the conflict of homogenizing system-level objectives and individual heterogeneity, and outlines power relations and mechanisms of control shared across different social and technical systems.
Non-zero spontaneous magnetic moment along crystalline b-axis for rare earth orthoferrites
Authors: Mohammed Mohanad H. , Cheng Z. X. , Cao Shixun , Rule K. C. , Richardson C. , Edwards A. , Studer A. J. , Horvat J.
Published: March 2020

Rare earth orthoferrites demonstrate great application potentials in spintronics and optical devices due to their multiferroic and magnetooptical properties. In RFeO3, magnetic R3+ undergo a spontaneous spin reorientation in a temperature range determined by R (rare earth), where the magnetic structure changes from Γ2 to Γ4. The b-axis component of their magnetic moment, Mb, is reported in numerous neutron diffraction studies to remain zero at all temperatures. More sensitive magnetometer measurements reveal a small non-zero Mb, which is minute above ∼200 K. Mb increases with cooling and reaches values of ∼10–3 μB/f.u. at temperatures within or below the spin reorientation temperatures. Our results can be explained by assuming the Fe3+ spins as the origin of non-zero Mb, while R3+ spins suppress Mb. The representation analysis of point groups shows that non-zero Mb is associated with a small admixture of the Γ3 phase to Γ2 or Γ4. Such a mixing of the three magnetic phases requires at least a fourth order of the spin Hamiltonian for RFeO3 to describe the non-zero Mb.
Development of a pulsed power supply with tens of milliseconds flattop time
Authors: Ma Xun , Yu Zhiguo , Xiao Jinshui , Xu Fengyu , Ding Mingjun , Lin Wenbin , E Peng , Li Hongtao
Published: March 2020

In order to generate a current pulse with tens of milliseconds flattop time on an inductive load for pulse magnetic window technology research, a prototype of pulsed power supply is fabricated and tested. It is composed of several pulse forming units with capacitor banks and a thyristor switch and can generate a flattop current pulse by triggering sequentially the thyristor valve of pulse forming units at certain time or adjust a current waveform by altering triggering time of units. The results show that the prototype with four pulse forming units can generate a current pulse with 5 ms flattop time and 35 kA peak current, and its energy transfer efficiency is significantly higher than that of conventional circuits such as parallel capacitor banks or pulse forming networks.
Bogolyubov invariant via relative spectral invariants on manifolds
Authors: Avramidi Ivan G.
Published: March 2020

We introduce and study a new spectral invariant of two elliptic partial differential operators of Laplace and Dirac types on compact smooth manifolds without boundary that depends on both the eigenvalues and the eigensections of these operators, which is equal in some approximation to the regularized number of created particles from the vacuum when the dynamical operator depends on time. We study the asymptotic expansion of this invariant for small adiabatic parameter and compute explicitly the first two coefficients of the asymptotic expansion.
Universal scaling parameter for a counter jet drag reduction technique in supersonic flows
Authors: Desai Siddesh , Prakash K Vishnu , Kulkarni Vinayak , Gadgil Hrishikesh
Published: March 2020

The reduction in aerodynamic drag by injecting a gaseous jet from the nose of a blunt body into a supersonic stream is investigated numerically. The penetration of the jet into the supersonic flow modifies the shock structure around the body and creates a low pressure recirculation zone, thereby decreasing the wave drag significantly. Combining various theoretical estimates of different flow features and numerical simulations, we identify a universal parameter, called the jet to freestream momentum ratio (RmA), which uniquely governs the drag on the blunt body. The momentum ratio fundamentally decides the penetration of the jet as well as the extent of low pressure envelope around the body. In addition, various influencing parameters reported in the literature are reviewed for different steady jet flow conditions. Furthermore, their limitations in regulating the flowfield are explained by correlating the facts with the jet to freestream momentum ratio. We perform the simulations for various combinations of physical and flow parameters of the jet and the freestream to show a universal dependence of drag on the momentum ratio.
Sensitive hybrid femtosecond/picosecond vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering thermometry using optimized probe time delays
Authors: Zhao Huijie , Tian Ziyang , Wu Tao , Li Yan , Wei Haoyun
Published: March 2020

We propose a method that utilizes optimized probe time delays of 10–35 ps in hybrid femtosecond/picosecond (fs/ps) vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering thermometry and obtains maximum temperature sensitivity from 300 to 2500 K. The relationship between temperature sensitivity and the optimal probe time delay can be approximated by a power function. Sensitive measurements at flame temperatures (1700–2100 K) using optimal time delays are performed in further experiments where the Raman coherence of nitrogen molecules is excited by 35-fs pump and Stokes pulses and probed with a spectrally narrow pulse generated from a 4-f pulse shaper. Temperature results at optimal time delays exhibit state-of-the-art accuracy and superior uncertainty, demonstrating its capability to achieve sensitive measurements.
Anti-Klein tunneling in topoelectrical Weyl semimetal circuits
Authors: Rafi-Ul-Islam S. M. , Siu Zhuo Bin , Jalil Mansoor B. A.
Published: March 2020

Topoelectrical (TE) circuits consisting of capacitors and inductors can be designed to exhibit various Weyl semimetal (WSM) phases in their admittance dispersion. We consider a TE heterojunction circuit consisting of a central region sandwiched by source and drain regions. The energy flux transmission across the heterojunction can be tuned to exhibit perfect transmission near normal incidence (Klein tunneling) for one valley and perfect reflection (anti-Klein tunneling) for the other valley by controlling the WSM phases of the heterojunction. Perfect valley-polarized transmission occurs when the dispersion tilt to Fermi velocity ratio in the source region is reciprocal to that in the central barrier region. This unusual flux transmission is ascribed to two factors, i.e., perfect pseudospin (sublattice) polarization at normal incidence and complete decoupling of one of the sublattice polarizations at the critical velocity ratio. The emergence of anti-Klein tunneling by design in TE circuits suggests a possible realization of the effect in real WSM materials.