bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exsolution Enhancement of Metal-support CO Oxidation Perovskite Catalyst with Parameter Modification
Authors: Lew G L , Ibrahim N , Abdullah S , Daud W R Wan , Ramli W K W
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to further tune the capability of active metal exsolution onto the surface of the CO oxidative perovskite catalyst La 0.7Ce 0.1Co 0.3Ni 0.1Ti 0.6O 3 by tuning the reducing parameter. Under same calcination temperature of 800°C, XRD analysis shown that the precursors with calcination duration of 6 hours (S 2T 8H 6) was able to achieve similar crystalline structure to those with calcination duration of 12 hours (S 2T 8H 12). In order for the active metal (CoNi) to be exsolved onto the perovskite surface, reducing parameter such as temperature and duration are deemed crucial to the reduction process. The exsolution of the active metals was observed when the samples were treated under reducing condition with varying temperatures of 550°C and 700°C and duration from 200 to 300 minutes. Through comparison with their EDX readings, S 2T 8H 6 treated under 700°C and 300 minutes (S 2T 8H 6-R 7H 5) achieved the highest weight percentage of surface Cobalt and Nickel of 3.83 and 2.81. It was clear that by tuning the temperature and duration of reduction, the exsolution of the active metals onto the surface of the perovskite could be improved resulting in better exposure and dispersion of active metals onto the surface of catalyst.
Enhanced carbon dioxide adsorption by potassium hydroxide modified peat soil as porous adsorbent
Authors: NurAisyah S. , Jusoh N. W. C. , Ali Halim Abd Md , Nor Ruwaida J. , Khairunnisa M. P.
Published: May 2021

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is a strategy established to mitigate issues related to CO2emission through various methods, for instance by adsorption. Soil, a natural resources, depending on its particular type are abundant carbon precursor. However, previous studies have neglected the possibility of soil modification for CO2adsorption. In this study, a natural soil, peat soil was used to prepare dried, carbonised, and alkaline-modified soils. Through nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, the porosity of the alkaline modified soil has higher BET surface area and total pore volume of 72.08 m2/g and 0.11 cm3/g respectively. Furthermore, the functional groups of OH, C=O, and S=O presence in the adsorbents which were determined by FTIR also capable to assist the adsorption of CO2. Hence, the performance of the soil after alkaline modification increased by 85% compared to the non-modified soil where the adsorbent recorded an adsorption capacity of 11.70 mg/g. Moreover, the isotherms and kinetics fitting suggest that the adsorption of CO2onto the adsorbents was governed by physisorption. In conclusion, modified soils showed better performance for CO2adsorption. Thus, further investigations such as optimisation of the modification process or amine functionalisation are anticipated in development of soil-based adsorbents.
Spent Coffee Ground as Low-Cost Adsorbent for Congo Red Dye Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Taufik R , Mohamad M , Wannahari R , Shoparwe N F , Osman WHW , Teo P T , Masri MN
Published: May 2021

This study represents the utilisation of spent coffee ground to remove Congo red dye from aqueous solution. Congo red dye may cause adverse effect towards human and aquatic organism if present in water. This study investigated three parameters, adsorbent dosage (0.5, 1.25 and 2 g), initial dye concentration (10, 30 and 50 mg/L) and contact time (10, 35 and 60 min). Batch adsorption studies were carried out to study the effect of these parameters towards percentage of Congo red removal. Optimisation study was conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) by employing Central Composite Design (CCD). Quadratic model was selected for the response. The highest percentage of Congo red removal obtained was 88.43% with operating conditions of 2 g adsorbent dosage, 50 mg/L initial dye concentration and 60 minutes contact time. Meanwhile, the percentage of CR removal that predicted by RSM was 89.17% with conditions of 1.87 g adsorbent dosage, 48.18 mg/L initial dye concentration and 57.96 minutes contact time with the desirability of 1. This study indicates that spent coffee ground could be employed as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of Congo red dye.
Synthesis and characterization of secondary amine-functionalized silica for CO2 capture
Authors: Rahim Abdul Rahman Abdul , Hao Tay Tze , Azhari Ahmad Aizat Wan , Saman Norasikin , Mat Hanapi , Johari Khairiraihanna
Published: May 2021

As one of commonly used technique for carbon dioxide (CO 2) removal, amine-absorption also required high amounts of energy for adsorbent regeneration and problems of equipment corrosion during chemical holding may happened. Alternatively, amine-impregnated solid adsorbent received wide attention for CO 2 removal. However, there are limitations on the adsorbents’ adsorption capacity and their hydrolytic stability. In this study, amine-functionalized silica (T-Si) adsorbent was synthesized via oil-in-water emulsion technique using centrimonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactant, ethanol as oil phase, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as silica precursor followed with impregnation with secondary amine (tetraethyl pentamine, TEPA). Results indicated that T-Si 2 adsorbent has a surface area of 10.7338 m 2/g, presence of amine group (N-H) peaks in the FTIR spectra, and is thermally stable up to temperature of 170°C. CO 2 adsorption study also shows that the T-Si also performed higher adsorption capacity (0.63 mmol/g) towards CO 2 compared to the blank Si adsorbent (0.33 mmol/g). The obtained experimental data show a good fitting into Sips adsorption isotherm which indicate a multilayer adsorption that happen on a heterogenous surface. The findings of this study show that the introduction of amine groups from TEPA offers improvement towards CO 2 capture due to the reaction with amine groups.
Microwave-assisted Pyrolysis of Microalgae in Producing Bio-oil using CaO catalyst and Charcoal as heat Absorber
Authors: Qadariyah L , Aswie V , Widjaya H V , Aditya K H , Mahfud M
Published: May 2021

In the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process the solid material to be cracked requires an absorber material to capture microwaves to be converted into heat as a heat source and a catalyst to accelerate the pyrolysis process. This research is focused on studying the use of a potential heat absorber, namely coconut shell charcoal and CaO as catalyst in the microwave-assisted pyrolysis process in converting microalgae (dry Chlorella sp) into bio-oil. The round boiling flask as a reactor is placed in a microwave oven, equipped with a condenser and a vacuum pump. The operating variables were microwave power, pyrolysis time and catalyst ratio to microalgae. The products obtained consisted of 3 phases, namely solid residue (char), liquid product (bio-oil) and gas products. The results show that microwave power, pyrolysis time, and ratio of catalyst to microalgae using shell charcoal absorbent can provide an increase in product yield. The optimum yield is 20.57% of bio-oil obtained when the microwave power is 600 watts, 20 minutes, and CaO catalyst of 1 gr and ratio absorber to microalgae 1/6. The use of a mixture of catalyst and absorber improve the performance of pyrolysis in producing bio-oil from microalgae using microwave-assisted pyrolysis technology.
Application of OPEFB Fibre Based Electrode in Microbial Fuel Cell System for Electricity Generation and Chlorophenol Degradation
Authors: Zahir Raudzah Mohd , Hassan Huzairy , Nagoor Gunny Ahmad Anas
Published: May 2021

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) has emerged as one of the potential technologies for sustainable bioelectrical energy recovery and reduction of recalcitrant wastes. The MFC performance is greatly influenced by the anode materials which serve as the support for exoelectrogenic bacteria attachment. In this study, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) is proposed as an alternative anode material prepared via a direct carbonization process using tube furnace owing to its good conductivity property. The carbonization process was conducted under nitrogen gas flow at 900°C with a constant heating rate of 5°C/min. The anode was prepared by mixing the carbonized OPEFB with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder. When used in MFC, the OPEFB-anode generated a maximum current density of 97.30 mA/m2, which is comparatively higher than that of the conventional carbon cloth anode (76.24 mA/m2). Our MFC system had also resulted considerable chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 2-chlorophenol reductions of 77% and 75%, respectively. This study could support future research on freely-available OPEFB materials for high performance MFC anode.
Simulation of crude palm oil dilution and clarification in a palm oil mill using computational fluid dynamics: Grid dependency and parametric studies
Authors: Mohammad Fauzi A H , Saifuddin M N A A , Kasim F H , Zakaria Z Y
Published: May 2021

Oil extraction rate (OER) is a useful tool for assessing the performance of palm oil mills, where a higher OER is favorable. The OER can be enhanced by improving the quantity of palm oil recovered from fresh fruit bunches processed. In this study, the simulation of dilution and clarification of crude palm oil (CPO) in a clarifier of a palm oil mill was performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. Grid dependency and parametric studies were conducted on the fluid region inside the clarifier. From the results, the utilization of mediumsized mesh managed to achieve grid-independent solutions, with the average percentage error of 12.4% based on the comparison of the actual and simulation data. Moreover, the input parameters (i.e., velocity, temperature, and oil mass fraction of the inlet) significantly influenced the oil mass fraction of the outlet based on the coefficient determination (R 2) values. As a conclusion, CFD has the potential to enhance the OER of a palm oil mill by enabling the study of parameters influencing dilution and clarification of CPO without the need of conducting experiments.
Morphological Properties of Cassava Film Influence by Plasticizers in Zinc-air Fuel Cell
Authors: Wahab N AAA , Masri M N , Mohamad M , Shoparwe NF
Published: May 2021

The effect of plasticizers, glycerol, sorbitol, and sucrose on structural, mechanical, and chemical properties of cassava starch film has been investigated. The morphologies of cassava films were studied by the addition of a different type of plasticizer. Mixtures of cassava starch and distilled water with the combination of glycerol, sorbitol, sucrose as plasticizers. Dried films plasticized showed the results under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) as smooth film surfaces were observed in a mixture of glycerol, sorbitol, and sucrose because glycerol and sucrose are more hydrophilic than sorbitol, thus the presence of more hydroxyl groups (-OH groups) in the molecule, sorbitol interacted with water by hydrogen bonding resulting in less plasticizing effect compared to glycerol and sucrose. As a result, the presence of sorbitol as a plasticizer with glycerol and sucrose in cassava starch films provided a more compact and homogenous surface, improves the stability and flexibility of cassava starch films.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of the Wood Composite from Neolamarckia Cadamba and Endospermum Diadenum for Particleboard Application
Authors: Kahar S , Masri M N , Mohamed M , Amini MHM , Sobri S A , Hashim W S
Published: May 2021

This research is to characterize the potentials wood species for particleboard alternative materials. The wood species are Neolamarckia Cadamba sp. (NC) and Endospermum Diadenum sp. (ED), which were selected forest plantations in Malaysia due to rapid growing species. Indeed, also known as lesser-known commercial timbers species. The NC and ED functional group analysis chemistry were examined using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT-IR). The significant bands emerged at 3600 to 3050 cm-1, which ascribed to Amines’ stretching (N-H groups). The intense peak at 2850 cm-1is related to chains of C-H bonding.
The Hydrogen Evolution of Zinc-Potassium Hydroxide Reaction via Volumetric Measurement
Authors: Ismail W M I W , Masri M N
Published: May 2021

Zinc (Zn) is immersed in different potassium hydroxide concentrations (KOH), aiming to prepare the volumetric measurement of Zn in KOH, which is led by producing hydrogen evolution gas. A 99.9% of Zn purity was used in this study. The Zn characterization includes the hydrogen evolution gas and structural analysis by using is X-ray diffraction (XRD). Based on the XRD evaluation, the Zn determine as ZnO after immersion in KOH.
Copper contaminated water mediated biochemical changes on charophyte species Chara braunii
Authors: Ranawakage V P , Fujino T , Herbst A
Published: May 2021

Over the past few decades water bodies have been heavily contaminated by the heavy metals thus charophytes communities tended to disappear from their own habitat niches. In this experiment we hypothesized that elevating Cu concentrations and increasing exposure time deviates the biochemical responses ofChara braunii. For evaluating this hypothesis we considered changes in plant reactive oxygen species (ROS) mainly as hydrogen peroxide. Thereafter, scavenging antioxidant activities were measured (POD, CAT) while pigment content assessed means of Chla, Chlband Carotenoids. Each treatment contains 3 replicates and subjected to four levels of Cu concentrations (0ppm, 1ppm, 5ppm, and 10ppm) for over four days respectively. Compared to the control, all dosages of Cu concentrations and exposure times were caused to trigger H2O2generation. Observed results revealed that dramatic increases of H2O2level on the 1stday of copper contamination by the 10ppm concentration. Conversely, after 1stday H2O2content continuously tended to decreases and in 4thday it shown the lowest value. Moreover,C. brauniiexhibited significant increase in the catalase activity and peroxidase activity for detoxifying Cu toxicity for short duration whereas inhibited antioxidant activity on prolonged exposure. Consequently, chlorophyll pigments content impaired significantly and deteriorated plant color suggests subjected plant were under extreme stress. This study results indicated that exposure to Cu contaminated water is lethal for charophyte growth and the physiological process by enhancing oxidative damages to the cells.
Assessment of carbon emission in China and factors influencing the estimation: an input-output analysis
Authors: Li Siwei , Song Zhe , Yu Yang , Jiang Tangyang
Published: May 2021

We used the input-output method to analysis the impact of four factors on carbon dioxide emission calculations. These factors included the transformational energy, energy invested in the gross capital formation, energy exported or transferred, and the carbon emission from cement production. In detail, if the transformational energy segment was not removed, the carbon dioxide emission from the intermediate demand was 0.16% higher than the baseline scenario, and 4.17% lower than the baseline scenario in the final demand. If the energy invested in the gross capital formation was not considered, the carbon dioxide emission from the intermediate demand was 1.38% higher than the baseline scenario and 35.71% lower than the baseline scenario from the final demand. If the energy exported and transferred was not considered, the carbon dioxide emission from intermediate demand was 1.02% higher than the baseline scenario, and 26.35% lower than the baseline scenario from the final demand. If the carbon emission from the cement production was not included, the carbon dioxide emission from the intermediate demand was 10.63% higher than the baseline scenario, and 10.23% lower than the baseline scenario from the final demand. Finally, we propose policy recommendations in terms of choosing carbon emission calculation methods.
Constructive compensation of the thermal behaviour for industrial robots
Authors: Uhlmann Eckart , Polte Julian , Mohnke Christian
Published: May 2021

Industrial robot systems offer a flexible, adaptable basis due to their kinematics and their mobility An influencing variable, which is particularly relevant for processes with long process times, is the thermal heating and the associated thermal drift of the tool center point. The maximum deviation from the actual nominal position can reach up to ΔAPt= 1.5 mm. Currently, there are no procedures and methods established in practice which compensate the effects of thermal drift without expensive calibration measures and system downtime. In these investigations a system was developed which allows the reduction of thermally induced displacement by using controlled heating elements. The aim is to keep the entire robot system at a permanent, balanced temperature level. The heating elements are adapted to the geometry of the respective axis and heat the material to a temperature θ close to the steady state. A comparison of the drift through the heating system with the error occurring in normal operation shows that the drift of the heating system is comparable with the drift of normal heating. With the heating mats, a thermally induced error of ΔAPt= 0.234 mm can be generated within t = 20 min. While normal heating requires up to t = 600 min. The achieved error deviation of the drift of the self-heating to the heated variants is with ΔAP = 0.04 mm only minimal. The results can help to reduce the influence of thermal heating and the associated thermal drift of the TCP without using cost-intensive measures with additional hardware and software on external computers for compensating the errors.
Analysis of the tube piercing process types in terms of final product properties
Authors: Darki Saeed , Raskatov Evgeniy Yurevich
Published: May 2021

The rotary tube piercing (RTP) is the first process of making seamless tube after producing the desired alloy ingot. There are several ways to make a seamless tube, one of the most common being RTP. This approach covers a wide range of processes that are categorized according to the number and shape of the rollers. On the other hand, each of these types has designed guides in the output and input of the piercing process. In this article, a new design of input and output guide for all types of rollers have been examined and simulated. Thus, three specimens including Diescher and Conical rollers were considered with 3 and 2 numbers, respectively. Results including torque, total force, temperature distribution and strain were extracted using FEM simulation. The results obtained through simulation are more in line with the experimental results obtained from previous research. While showing the successful performance of the output and input guides of the RTP process, the results indicate that the 3-roller Diescher type RTP has the most suitable arrangement for seamless tube production.
Automation of Life Data Analysis Processes
Authors: Krämer Jonathan , Thiele Gregor , Johanni Theresa , Krüger Jörg
Published: May 2021

Life data analysis is an effective statistical process to gain information on the reliability of technical facilities. The Weibull analysis is a widely-used method for modeling the probabilities of different functional failures. For its application in modern manufacturing and maintenance processes, an automation of this analysis is expedient. An exemplary process of data collection and fitting of a parametric model with continuous time scale is analyzed in this article. Its automation with different statistic software tools is described and comparatively evaluated. With the ambition of minimizing manual effort in the process, a highly automated solution was developed in this research. We describe this self-implemented solution in “R” and justify that this procedure automatizes the process more than the examined commercial implementations. The here presented work proves to be a practical real-time assistance, right now applied in aircraft maintenance.
Simulation based Performance Analysis of Production Intralogistics
Authors: Golova Jelena , Mahmood Kashif , Raamets Tõnis
Published: May 2021

Production planning and scheduling rely heavily on the efficient operations of production logistics and material handling equipment. Industry 4.0 technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be applied to production logistics in terms of autonomous mobile robots that facilitate to increase the flexibility and productivity of the whole production site. However, before the implementation of an automated production logistics systems, its feasibility must be analysed. This paper describes a simulation-based approach, including the definition of and comparative analysis of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), to analyse the performance of production intralogistics applied to a selected use case. The presented approach offers a proof of concept on the basis of which decision-makers can implement mobile robots for intralogistics in their own production environments.
Numerical study on the effect of geometry on mechanical behavior of triply periodic minimal surfaces
Authors: Rezapourian Mansoureh , Kamboj Nikhil , Hussainova Irina
Published: May 2021

Metallic cellular structures with triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) is a great approach to enhance multifunctionality for several engineering disciplines. In the present study, we aimed to generate metal-based Neovious, Schoen I-WP and Schwarz Primitive structures, leveraging on TPMS based design methods. Neovious, Schoen I-WP and Schwarz Primitive structures are mathematically formulated. Geometric factors like wall thickness, number of cells and the length of unit cell can affect the mechanical response namely elastic modulus and compressive strength. Herein, Neovious, I-WP and Primitive based materials are fabricated through Selective Laser Melting (SLM) to evaluate the difference between the aforementioned geometrical factors both experimentally and through simulations. The Taguchi method was implemented to explore the effect of geometric factors on structural response. These results were further extended to the structures to optimize the elastic modulus and compressive strength.
Risk Assessment and Calibration of Risk Matrices Aspects
Authors: Sivitski A , Põodra P
Published: May 2021

Modern quality management systems, including ISO 9001 standard based, are widely used by companies. Availability of ISO 9001 certificate and quality management system, that runs like well-lubricated machine, gives the company the tool to concentrate on customer needs, to keep the high quality standard of all processes in the company, to collaborate with reliable partners and as a result to offer the high quality products and services. There is a tendency that management systems are becoming more risk thinking based and refer to risk management standard ISO 31000. Risk management standard stands for managing risks with consequences related to safety, economic performance, environmental and other outcomes thus support company continuous improvement.

For machine industry risk assessment is crucial as this is a part of CE marking documentation. According to EU legislation, to sell the machinery within European Economic Area, CE marking of machines showing the machine correspondance to Machinery directive requirements is mandatory. Risk assessment in machine industry is applied for evaluation of the risks associated with corresponding hazards to guarantee the safety of design, production process and machinery produced. Risk assessment is conducted to evaluate machine design, exploitation or manufacturing process risks. For production process risk estimation the risk levels of subprocesses should be considered.

There are no available risk assessment industry standards. Risk matrices developed by companies are used to analyse and estimate risks for correct decision making and risk reduction. Unfortunately faulty risk matrices cause difficulties during risk estimation process and lead to inappropriate safety measures application. Risk matrices use numerical values and consider minimally hazardous event severity and probability of hazardous event levels. Numerical values of risk levels are listed in the risk matrices during risk assessment. Unfortunately calibration information with defined numerical risk tolerance criteria is often missing. Miscalibrated risk matrices lead to critically wrong decisions on risk elimination issues. This paper describes the aspects of risk matrices calibration and highlights the importance of risk tolerance definition applied during risk assessment.
Investigation of technological factors influencing the strength of bonded Al – alloy
Authors: Reneckis Vainius , Vilutis Almontas , Jankauskas Vytenis
Published: May 2021

Adhesive bonding makes up a significant part of rigid joints of machine elements. The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination effect of moisture and oil on the bond strength of aluminium alloy 2024 T3 bonded by film and liquid adhesives using mechanical and chemical surface preparation methods. Two types of joints were used: homogeneous (Al-Al) and heterogeneous (Al-GFRP) ones. Surface preparation highly increased surface roughness Ra. The surfaces were moistened with deionized water and mineral oil and glued after a constrained time delay (outlife). Tensile shear strength tests of the joints showed higher strength of the chemically prepared surfaces by gluing with film adhesive. Contrarily mechanically prepared surfaces were stronger with liquid adhesive. Film adhesive seemed less sensitive to surface contamination in general.
Alloying of TiC-FeCr cermet in manganese vapor
Authors: Kolnes M , Tarraste M , Kübarsepp J , Juhani K , Viljus M
Published: May 2021

Conventional vacuum sintering is not suitable for producing manganese containing cermets because of the physical-chemical properties of manganese, high vapor pressure, combined with high sintering temperature of cermets (1400-1600 °C). Sintering in Mn-rich microatmosphere does not only prevent Mn loss, but also enables additional in-situ alloying of the binder phase during sintering. We studied alloying of TiC-based cermet bonded with high chromium steel during sintering in Mn-rich atmosphere. Sintering in manganese vapor was found to increase sinterability of the TiC-FeCr cermet, resulting in the formation of ∼1 mm thick Mn-rich surface layer with homogeneous microstructure while the core region of the material remained unaffected. This core region exhibited highly increased Mn content and competitive mechanical properties – hardness of ∼1200 HV30 and indentation fracture toughness of ∼13 MPa*m1/2. In addition, an unusual ε-type martensitic phase was observed in the surface layer.
Analysis of power losses in catenary wires in AC electric traction power supply systems when installing a device for shunt compensation of reactive power
Authors: Agunov A V , Komissarov A D , Seronosov V V , Sokolov D A , Stepanskaya O A
Published: May 2021

The research is aimed at studying the catenary wires power losses change by transverse capacitive compensation with considering the movement of trains on the intersubstation zone. Calculations instantaneous and average catenary wires power losses while passing through the intersubstation zone one train and two successive trains are presented in this article. Losses are determined for two cases: when installed compensating device and in its absence. The values of the differences of these losses are founded. The computer simulation in MATLAB-Simulink software was implemented. According to the results of calculations graphs were built, illustrating the change of catenary wires power losses while moving trains on the intersubstation zone when installed compensating device and without it, as well as the differences between the said losses. Average values of catenary wires power losses were determined by integrating these functions and their comparison is carried out. Calculations have shown that by selecting compensating device power by the average reactive power consumed by a train, its intersubstation zone passage with constant current causes the same average catenary wires power losses as in the absence of the compensating device. Increasing the number of trains, simultaneously located on the intersubstation zone at the same compensating device power, entails a reduction of catenary wires power losses with respect to a similar situation without the compensating device, but at the same time reactive power is compensated only partially.
Features and prospects of development of transit container transportation on the Northern sea route
Authors: Yudnikova E S , Bedashov N M
Published: May 2021

Due to the congestion of the main transit container corridors, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative container lines. This trend prompted us to conduct a study of an alternative sea corridor to the Suez Canal. In this paper, we have considered the features and prospects for the development of transit container transportation along the Northern Sea Route. We analyzed many factors that influenced the complexity of transportation by the Northern Sea route, such as severe weather conditions, undeveloped infrastructure, and others. We studied the geography of the Northern Sea Route, the natural conditions along its entire length, and identified the main ports along the route. We conducted a comparative analysis between the Northern Sea Route and its main competitor, the Suez Canal. We found out that there are prospects for the development of the Northern Sea Route and its economic benefits over competitors. We were convinced that the Northern Sea Route is a strategically important project for Russia. We reviewed the transport strategy for the development of the Northern Sea Route until 2030. They presented forecasts for the development of the Northern Sea Route. They gave an example of an experimental flight of a Maersk vessel passing along the Northern Sea Route. Based on our research, we were able to make forecasts for the development of transit container traffic along the Northern Sea Route.
Scheduling of construction works in the formation of technological processes of railway construction using a genetic algorithm
Authors: Polyanskiy A V
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to solving the task of scheduling construction works in the formation of technological processes of railway construction by the method of evolutionary modeling. Scheduling of construction works is the task of optimizing the amount of subcontracting involved to ensure maximum utilization of the construction contractor’s own resources. The purpose of the task was to determine the sequence of work during the construction of railway track objects (roadbed, upper structure of the track, culverts). The solution of the task required taking into account project limitations: resource, technological, and information. The specifics of the activities of construction contractors and subcontractors required taking into account the time limit that set the time interval: early and late start of construction work. The set of restrictions and the dimension of the task contributed to the attraction of a genetic algorithm for its solution. A mathematical model was developed for this purpose. The model allowed us to assess the fitness function of individuals (solutions), taking into account the dynamic nature of the distribution of own and subcontracting resources for construction work. The results of solving the task were obtained in automated mode. Analysis of the results of the solution allowed us to determine the advantages of the genetic optimization method for obtaining the most effective solution to the task of scheduling construction works.
Protection of critical information in external data stores using the dissection-separation method
Authors: Shurkhovetsky George N
Published: May 2021

Today, due to the large spread of cloud technologies, more and more individuals and businesses use their services. It is common practice in the field of cloud technologies to store in-formation (data) from one service provider in one physical and geographical location. At the same time, we must remember that the information passes through third parties whose intentions are not always known. Therefore, valuable critical information is usually encrypted before it is sent to the cloud on the user’s side. To do this, you can use both simple tools (for example, creating password-protected archives) and more advanced tools (software for creating encrypted partitions). However, in addition to normal encryption, you can use the fact that there are many unrelated repositories. Such methods include, for example, the dissection-separation method, which is discussed in this paper.
Environmental and floristic analysis of undesired plants on the railway formation canvas
Authors: Dontsov S A , Drozdova L F
Published: May 2021

Negative effects caused by the vegetation of unwanted plants on the railway track skeleton have been studied. The ballast prism is shown to be a potentially areal for a vegetation of specific plants under particular effects of biotic and abiotic factors. The phytoindication technique was used to estimate the plants vegetation in the railroads with different volumes of traffic. The typical plants species and the average degree of the manifestation in the photoautotroph areal have been determined. To improve efficiency of the weed control measures, various forms of herbicides have been tested. The paper reports techniques for the environmental and floristic analysis of unwanted plants that grow in the tie cribs and provides recommendations on how to avoid an appearance of those plants. These measures ensure a stable operation of the railway infrastructure.
Distributed elementary ECR microwave plasma sources supplied by solid state generators for production of large area plasmas without scale limitation: plasma density measurements and comparison with simulation
Authors: Zoubian F , Renaut N , Latrasse L
Published: May 2021

High-density reactive species plasmas uniformly covering large surface areas are required for semi-conductor processing. Novel, self-matched plasma sources using microwave solid state generators have been developed for this purpose. The technology applied, based on automatic frequency tuning, allowed to eliminate the impedance matching system. Large surface plasmas have been achieved by using a distribution of elementary sources. A big campaign of plasma density measurement using a Langmuir probe has allowed to create a database for different plasma conditions for a single source. Thanks to an internally developed software, the density obtained with several sources in various distribution configurations has been simulated. The position and the power of each source have been optimized and the calculations have been validated by experimental measurements. High plasma densities >1011 cm−3 over large areas >400 mm in diameter with only 13 plasma sources have been achieved with all tested gases. An increase of compactness i.e., increasing the sources number over the same area, allows to have the same plasma surface while increasing the plasma density up to 5 × 1011 cm−3.
Short-Scar Latissimus Dorsi With a Lateral Approach: A Game Changer in Breast Reconstruction?
Authors: Perez Simon , Delay Emmanuel , Sinna Raphaël , Savu Traian , Vaucher Richard , Frobert Paul
Published: May 2021

Background

In delayed breast reconstruction, the thoraco-mammary cutaneous tissue often shows residual damage from radiotherapy. The fragility of this tissue is associated with a risk of skin necroses of approximately 8% when dissection is performed by reopening of the mastectomy scar.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to adapt the technique of short-scar latissimus dorsi flap surgery with an abdominal advancement flap employing a lateral approach only avoiding re-incision of the mastectomy scar.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the authors performed 150 reconstructions in 146 patients to assess the safety and effectiveness of the short-scar latissimus dorsi technique with lateral approach. The primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative skin necrosis of the thoraco-mammary area.

Results

Of the 150 delayed breast reconstruction procedures performed, none showed skin necrosis of the thoraco-mammary area, and a positive effect on skin trophicity of this area was observed. The resulting patient and surgical team satisfaction were very favorable.

Conclusions

In the authors’ practice, this technique changed their paradigm because of good skin safety and effectiveness. It allows reconstruction without a patch-effect in patients with very poor skin quality in whom the thoraco-mammary skin would have been replaced in the past by a skin paddle. Reconstruction would have even be contraindicated. It could also be an alternative to many other more complex and longer techniques of autologous reconstruction.

Level of Evidence: 4
Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in high-risk women
Authors: Duncan A , Maslen C , Gibson C , Hartshorne T , Farooqi A , Saratzis A , Bown M J
Published: May 2021

Background

Population-wide ultrasound screening programmes for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) for men have already been established in some countries. Women account for one third of aneurysm-related mortality and are four times more likely to experience an AAA rupture than men. Whole-population screening for AAA in women is unlikely to be clinically or economically effective. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of a targeted AAA screening programme for women at high risk of AAA.

Method

Women aged 65–74 years deemed at high risk of having an AAA (current smokers, ex-smokers, or with a history of coronary artery disease) were invited to attend ultrasound screening (July 2016 to March 2019) for AAA in the Female Aneurysm screening STudy (FAST). Primary outcomes were attendance for screening and prevalence of AAA. Biometric data, medical history, quality of life (QoL) and aortic diameter on ultrasound imaging were recorded prospectively.

Results

Some 6037 women were invited and 5200 attended screening (86.7 per cent). Fifteen AAAs larger than 29 mm were detected (prevalence 0.29 (95 per cent c.i. 0.18 to 0.48) per cent). Current smokers had the highest prevalence (0.83 (95 per cent c.i. 0.34 to 1.89) per cent) but lowest attendance (75.2 per cent). Three AAAs greater than 5.5 cm were identified and referred for consideration of surgical repair; one woman underwent repair. There was a significant reduction in patient-reported QoL scores following screening.

Conclusion

A low prevalence of AAA was detected in high-risk women, with lowest screening uptake in those at highest risk. Screening for AAA in high-risk women may not be beneficial.
Media Censorship: Obscuring Autocracy and Hindutva-ideology in Indian Governance
Authors: Mehta Smith , Kaye D Bondy Valdovinos
Published: May 2021

This article draws on a political economy approach to examine the politics of censorship that undergirds the current Indian online audio-visual sector. Through our analysis of interviews with media creators, government policies and trade press literature, we probe the implications of censorship on India’s burgeoning online production culture and we contest the Indian government’s ideological motives in spearheading the censorship process. We conclude that the current measures for regulating online content reflect the government’s ongoing agenda to curb freedom of expression and promote Hindu nationalism through policy interventions.
Arrhythmia in an athlete diagnosed by smartphone electrocardiogram: a case report
Authors: Phillips Daniel , O’Callaghan Peter , Zaidi Abbas
Published: May 2021

Background

This is the first case report demonstrating the use of a smartphone device, enabling the diagnosis of an arrhythmia in the sports cardiology literature.

Case summary

A 17-year-old semi-professional rugby player presented with recurrent episodes of palpitations terminated by vagal manoeuvres. The rugby player’s resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and exercise stress test were normal. Due to his suggestive history and an ECG trace from a smartphone device, demonstrating a narrow complex tachycardia, an electrophysiological study was arranged. The study demonstrated a slow-fast atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia which was successfully ablated.

Discussion

The ambulatory use of a smartphone ECG device assisted in the timely diagnosis and management of an undiagnosed paroxysmal arrhythmia in a rugby player. This resulted in an expedited return to play.
May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Benin–Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Houehanou Corine , Codjo Léopold , Adjagba Philippe , Sonou Arnaud , Dohou Hugues , Hounkponou Murielle , Kpolédji Gwladys , Saka Dominique , Assogba Gildas , Assani Salimatou , Beaney Thomas , Day Emily , Poulter Neil R , Houenassi Martin D
Published: May 2021

Hypertension constitutes a major health concern worldwide and particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative of the International Society of Hypertension for raising awareness of high blood pressure (BP). This work aims to determine the prevalence, awareness and levels of treatment and control of hypertension among adults participating in the MMM Campaign in Benin in 2019 (MMM19). A cross-sectional survey including volunteers aged ≥18 years was carried out in June 2019 in 13 rural and urban areas in Benin. BP measurement followed the MMM19 protocol. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg, or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg (based on the mean of the second and third readings) or taking antihypertensive medication. A total of 3637 people were screened with a female predominance (61.4%) and a mean age of 44.4 ± 16.1 years. A total of 1363 (37.5%) participants had hypertension. Of 1363 participants with hypertension: 64.5% were aware of their status and 43.9% were taking antihypertensive medication. Among 598 participants taking anti-hypertensive medication, 34.9% had controlled BP (systolic BP <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg). The results suggest a high prevalence of hypertension in Benin and that intensifying actions for its primary prevention, early detection and effective management should be encouraged.
May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo Costa Duarte , Feitosa Audes M , Bortolotto Luiz Aparecido , Guerra Grazia Maria , Filho Júlio César Ayres Ferreira , Cestário Elizabeth E S , Yugar-Toledo Juan Carlos , Pimentel Rodrigo , Ferrari Bruno , Aguiar Rodrigo , Barroso Weimar Kunz Sebba , Eibel Bruna , Xia Xin , Poulter Neil R , Beaney Thomas ,   Collaborators
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to describe the results of the May Month Measurement (MMM) campaign implemented in Brazil, in 2019. Questionnaire data were collected and three measures of blood pressure (BP) were performed. The sample consisted of 13 476 individuals, 58.2% were white, 60.8% were women. The average age was 46.3 (18.6) years. Of all 13 476 participants, 6858 (50.9%) had hypertension defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or being on anti-hypertensive medication. Of those with hypertension, 68.8% were aware of their diagnosis, 65.3% were on antihypertensive medication, and 36.1% had controlled BP (<140/90 mmHg). In addition, of 4479 participants on anti-hypertensive medication, 55.2% had controlled BP. The use of anti-hypertensive medication was associated with higher systolic (P < 0.001) and diastolic BP (P < 0.001) and having diabetes with higher systolic BP (P < 0.001). Previous hypertension in pregnancy was associated with higher systolic (P = 0.038) and diastolic BP (P = 0.003), and smoking was associated with higher systolic BP (P < 0.001). Lastly, obese and overweight individuals showed significantly higher systolic (P < 0.001) and diastolic (P < 0.001) BP. The Brazilian MMM19 data demonstrate that strategies to increase awareness of hypertension and a better control of the risk factors are still needed.
May Measurement Month 2019: blood pressure screening results in Georgia, Europe
Authors: Tsinamdzgvrishvili Bezhan , Gamkrelidze Amiran , Trapaidze Dali , Sturua Lela , Grdzelidze Nino , Abesadze Tamar , Mebonia Nana , Shengelia Lela , Giuashvili Nia , Gogilashvili Nino , Odisharia Nana , Alavidze Sophiko , Beaney Thomas , Partington Giles , Poulter Neil R
Published: May 2021

May Measurement Month is a global campaign aimed at raising public awareness of hypertension and to improve the management of hypertension—the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in the population. Screening was carried out at 400 sites on a national scale. More than 500 volunteers, including physicians (80%) and students of medical universities (20%) participated in the screening. To familiarize them with the research tools and standard blood pressure (BP) measurement method, they were trained by the members of the Georgian Society of Hypertension and the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health’s staff. Medical societies, health-care professionals, public health workers, social mass media, and other stakeholders were actively involved in the recruitment process. A total of 13 267 (38.5% males and 61.5% females) individuals were screened. The mean age of participants was 54.7 years (SD 15.9). All participants were Caucasian. After imputation of missing BP readings, 8510 (64.1%) were found to have hypertension, out of whom 7269 (85.4%) were aware of their condition, 7232 (85.0%) were on medication, and 1278 (15.0%) were not taking any medication. Of those taking antihypertensive medication, 34.8% had their BP controlled (<140/90 mmHg). May Measurement Month detected a high proportion of participants with hypertension, with results indicating low rates of control in Georgia.
May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Korea
Authors: Lee Hae-Young , Oh Gyu Chul , Sohn Il Suk , Park Sungha , Shin Jinho , Beaney Thomas , Partington Giles , Poulter Neil R , Cho Myeong-Chan
Published: May 2021

Hypertension is the biggest contributing risk factor to cerebrovascular disease and is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of hypertension and acting as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programs worldwide. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of participants aged ≥18 was carried out during May 2019 in Korea. Over 10 000 participants were recruited in the MMM campaign in Korea, with a slogan of ‘A simple measure to save lives—#checkyourpressure’. A total of 9975 participants with valid clinical and blood pressure (BP) data were used for analysis. All participants were Korean in ethnicity, mean age was 57.2 (SD ± 21.2) years, 57.7% were females, and the mean body mass index was 23.4 kg/m2 (SD ± 3.3). In total, 37.7% of the participants reported a previous diagnosis of hypertension, and 91.3% of those diagnosed were on antihypertensive medications. For other comorbidities, 11.6% reported having diabetes mellitus, 2.0% had previous stroke, and 1.0% had previous myocardial infarction. Mean BP was 130.0/81.0 mmHg in the overall population. After multiple imputation, 47.6% of participants were classified as hypertensive (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or on treatment for raised BP). Among all hypertensive participants, the awareness rate, the treatment rate, and the control rate (systolic BP <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg) were 76.2%, 74.0%, and 50.5%, respectively. Of those on antihypertensive medication, the control rate was 68.2%. While awareness and treatment rates were relatively high in the MMM19 campaign, the BP control rate of the total hypertensive population was still only ∼50%, which demands more emphasis on strict BP control.