bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Management and Software Development Organization
Authors: Chedid Marcello , Teixeira Leonor
Published: September 2016

Software development organization (SDO) is a kind of knowledge-intensive business and their large majority is small and medium enterprise (SME) facing similar challenges of large ones. The diversity and complexity of the SDO environment makes knowledge the fundamental element in the software development process, which strengthens the importance of an effective knowledge management process. The software development process involves multidisciplinary teams, and the various working meetings that occur during a project are conducive to generate and share a lot of knowledge, in particular tacit knowledge. The use of a knowledge management process that enables to manage tacit knowledge will define the difference between a good SDO performance and the best SDO performance. This chapter aims to present an exploratory study based on literature review, with the aim of identifying the main challenge of knowledge management in the SDO context. The authors also aim to address some new research directions.
Intercultural Knowledge Transfer in Teams
Authors: Orazbayeva Balzhan , Baaken Thomas
Published: September 2016

The following chapter is dedicated to knowledge management, whereby the focus is on the transfer of relevant knowledge in an intercultural team. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine, how an intercultural team deals with the cultural diversity of its members and how it influences the knowledge transfer. The research object was the intercultural team of the research institute Science-to-Business Marketing Research Centre at the Münster University of Applied Sciences (MUAS) in Germany. Ten guided interviews were conducted with ten employees of ten different nationalities. As the investigation has shown, the processes of knowledge transfer within the team of the research centre are not standardized. The actual transfer of knowledge occurs between team members on a personal level during intercultural communication in a setting of provided framework conditions. The team's cultural diversity is able not only to transfer but also to generate new knowledge. Intercultural competence in a provided framework is the crucial factor for successful cross-cultural knowledge transfer.
Knowledge-Sharing Is One of the Guarantees of Success in Family Businesses
Authors: Fenyvesi Éva , Vágány Judit Bernadett
Published: September 2016

In this chapter a summary of the role family businesses play in the economy will be presented along with one of the main issues of family businesses in Hungary that is succession. Innovation as one of the most important factors of successful family businesses and the organizational culture supporting innovation will also be analysed. Some of the most relevant findings of a research study conducted in Hungary in 2015 will be given. The most significant components of knowledge sharing in SMEs especially in family businesses have been identified. The research results are based on over 300 questionnaires. The following questions have been answered: 1) What is the most decisive factor of choosing between cooperation and competition? 2) Is it possible that family businesses are able to respond to changes and as a result are they innovative? and 3) Is the organizational culture necessary for tacit knowledge sharing present in family businesses?
Thermal and Structural Properties of Organically Modified Montmorillonite and its Surface Activated with Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Smail Dalila , Djellouli B. , Ourari Ali
Published: September 2016

This paper presents preliminary results of modified Montmorillonite samples and the surface treatment with hydrochloric acid were investigated. The modification of this Montmorillonite surface, negatively charged and exchanged by organic cations such as alkylammoniums (Trimethylexadecyl C16 and Trimethyloctadecyl C18), yields a modified Montmorillonite (MMt). The resulting organo-mineral material acquires an organophilic character which could be used in several applications. The organically modified MMts were prepared by an ion exchange process in which sodium ions were replaced by alkylammonium ions. This material, used in the present work, is an Algerain montmorillonite obtained from MAGHNIA (West Algeria). Octadecyltrimethylammonium and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chlorides, utilized here as surfactants activators to organophilize the Montmorillonite. The microstructure of this modified Montmorillonite was characterized by XRD-diffraction with which the effects of the intercalation associated to the conformation of the long hydrocarbon chain were investigated. The results obtained showed that the amounts of hydrochloric acid added to these modified materials affect considerably the conformation of the intercalated surfactants. Their physical characteristics were determined by infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) and their chemical modification revealed that their thermal properties have been advantageously improved.
Textural Characteristics of Products Obtained by Electrochemical Oxidation of Copper and Cadmium Using Alternating Current
Authors: Dolinina Alesya S. , Korobochkin Valery , Usoltseva Natalya , Sudarev Eugene A. , Bikbaeva Alena V. , Popov Maxim V.
Published: September 2016

The porous structures of nanoparticles of copper and cadmium prepared by AC electrochemical synthesis in solutions of acetate of sodium, chlorides of ammonium and sodium were studied. It is established that at current density of 1A/cm2 and concentration of NaCl 3 % wt. with the highest specific surface area (8.23m2/g), maximum pore volume (0.029 cm3/g) are formed, and the largest volume of the particles is characteristic of the nominal pore diameter - 62 nm. The values of specific surface area and total pore volume with increase in the temperature of calcination decrease, and the pores are slightly enlarged in diameter. Thus, the obtained data allow predicting operating parameters of the electrolysis to obtain copper - cadmium oxide system a predetermined porous structure.
Structure and Worn Surface Morphology on Copper Containing Composites under Dry Sliding with High Contact Current Density
Authors: Fadin Viktor V. , Aleutdinova Marina I. , Rubtsov Valery E. , Aleutdinova Valeriya A.
Published: September 2016

Dry sliding of the sintered composites of compositions Cu-graphite-Fe and Cu-Fe against steel at the contact current density higher 100 A/cm2 has been carried out. The presence of FeO oxide in surface layer was shown. The low content of FeO oxide resulted in high wear intensity. Formation of a liquid phase on a sliding surface was observed. Wear intensity was low in the presence of a liquid phase on the worn surface.
Physical and Chemical Aspects of Formation of Epoxy Composite Material with Microfilling Agent
Authors: Buketov Andriy , Stukhlyak Petro , Maruschak Pavlo , Panin Sergey V. , Menou Abdellah
Published: September 2016

Formation of epoxy composite material with microfilling agent Al2O3 was investigated. Physical and chemical aspects of formation of external surface layers around disperse filler particles during structure formation of epoxy composites was proposed.
Application of Electro-Discharge Blasting Technology for Destruction of Oversized Rocks and Rock Massive Splitting off
Authors: Voitenko Nikita V. , Yudin Artem S. , Kuznetsova Natalia S.
Published: September 2016

The investigation of possibilities of the plasma blasting technology is considered. The method is based on the initiation of a pulsed electric discharge inside the solid dielectric material. The expanding plasma channel generates a shock wave which in the vicinity of the channel (1–2 mm) transforms into the elastic wave with an expressed region of tensile tangential stresses that in turn stimulate the radial crack nucleation. The efficiency of solid destruction at shock-wave action strongly depends on the pulse parameters. The high-current pulse must fulfil the requirements to such parameters: the high-rate of rising edge (0.1–10 ms) and pulse duration (≥ 200–300 ms). The experimental results have shown that the optimal ratio of the borehole depth is 0.6–0.7 from the oversize rock height. For splitting rock massive off the borehole depth should be at least 2 and not more than 5 electro-explosive cartridge lengths and distance between the boreholes should be equal to 1–2 of the boreholes depths. On the basis of the experimental results the recommendations for the electro-discharge destruction and splitting off oversized rocks are presented.
Improvement of Wear Resistance of UHMWPE by Adding Solid Lubricating Fillers
Authors: Panin Sergey V. , Kornienko Lyudmila А. , Alexenko Vladislav O. , Ivanova Larisa R.
Published: September 2016

For estimating effectiveness of adding solid fillers for composites with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene matrix tribotechnical characteristics of UHMWPE mixture with graphite, molybdenum disulfide and polytetrafluoroethylene were investigated under dry friction, boundary lubrication and abrasion. The optimum filler weight fraction was determined in terms of increasing wear resistance. Permolecular structure and surface topography of wear tracks for UHMWPE composites with different weight fraction of the fillers was studied. The mechanisms of wear of polymeric composites “UHMWPE-graphite”, “UHMWPE-PTFE” and “UHMWPE-MoS2” under dry sliding friction and abrasive wear are discussed.
Ceramic Materials for the Low-Temperature Synthesis of Dielectric Coatings Used in Electronics, Led Devices and Spacecraft Control Systems
Authors: Ivanov Alexandre A. , Tuev Vasily I. , Vilisov Anatoly A.
Published: September 2016

The sol-gel synthesis of filled aluminosilicates (FAS) has been developed. Such FAS consist of dendrimer morphology macromolecules capable to accommodate as a filler up to 70 % wt of high-refractory nitrides and oxides of high-melting compounds. The study of the obtained ceramic coatings on the developed metal surfaces has showed their use prospects to develop an ion beam control electrode in the ion plasma machine, microelectronics, and LED technology.
Fabrication of «TiC-HSS Steel Binder» Composite Powders by Self-Propagating High Temperature Synthesis
Authors: Korosteleva Elena N. , Pribytkov Gennadii A. , Krinitcyn Maxim G. , Baranovskii Anton V. , Korzhova Victoria V. , Strelnitskij Vladimir E.
Published: September 2016

The phase composition, microstructure and morphology of composite powders «TiC-HSS steel binder» obtained by the SHS method in layerwise combustion mode have been studied. Titanium powder, carbon (carbon black) in a ratio corresponding to equiatomic titanium carbide and high speed steel as a thermally inert binder was used as a reaction mixture. It was found that the mass transfer of reaction mixture components between the carbide and metal binder was taking place during synthesis, as a result of which the final phase and elemental composition of the synthesis products was formed. It is shown that the volume content of thermally inert binder significantly affects the dispersion of the formed carbide phase.
Study of the SHS Addition Effect on Phase Composition of Cordierite Ceramics
Authors: Khabas Tamara A. , Cherepanova Anastassiya I. , Promakhov V.V.
Published: September 2016

Ceramic cordierite-based materials are widely used in metallurgy, mechanical engineering and in the chemical industry as refractories, filters and catalyst supports. In this article, the activation of the synthesis of cordierite ceramics additives obtained by SHS is described. These additives consist of a mixture of mineral and alumina nanopowder in various ratios.
Technology Development of Continuous Synthesis of Active Substance for Dispenser Cathode
Authors: Bezmaternykh Anna O. , Shvaljov Yuriy B. , Kudiiarov Viktor N.
Published: September 2016

Barium aluminates have been obtained by the method of continuous precipitation at different values of pH. The method of thermal analysis showed that the main mass losses which are connected with dehydration processes occur in the temperature interval from 50 °C to 100 °C and from 150 °C to 200 °C. In addition, mass loss occurs in the temperature interval from 780 °C to 1000 °C which can indicate barium aluminate formation. XRD analysis was applied to determine phase composition of obtained substance and showed formation of Ba1.17Al10.67O17.17 and BaAl2O4 at pH 6.5; 7.0 and 7.5 respectively. Significant influence of pH on precipitation composition has not been detected.
Structural and Energy State of Electro-Explosive Aluminum Nanopowder
Authors: Mostovshchikov Andrei V. , Ilyin Alexander P. , Zakharova Margarita A.
Published: September 2016

Using XRD method it was revealed that in the stress-strain state of Al nanopowder lattice a non-significant amount of energy was stored (~0.385 J/g). Nevertheless, according to the data obtained by differential thermal analysis (DTA) the total amount of stored energy in the nanopowder was 348 J/g. The estimated value might be caused by the significant contribution of nanoparticles surface energy, which cannot be detected by means of XRD method. However, the method proposed in the paper can be applied to estimate changes in the structural and energy states of the lattice for nanoparticles or another micro-and nanopowders.
Temperature Calculation for Laser Sintering of Titanium and Niobium Taking into Account Properties Change due to Powder Layer Shrinkage
Authors: Knyazeva Anna G. , Sharkeev Yuri P.
Published: September 2016

The model of laser sintering with regard to explicit porosity evolution of powder layer has been suggested. Due to porosity reduction the shrinkage occurs, thermal - physical properties (the heat capacity, thermal conductivity coefficient) and reflection coefficient of laser irradiation change. It has been shown that additional mechanism of convective heat transfer connects with powder layer thickness evolution. It was detected that model obeys some prognostic properties and allows to reveal the area of technological parameters where homogeneous properties of sintered layer form.
Thermal and Chemical Stability of Micron Aluminum Powders Subjected to Gaseous Water
Authors: Zmanovskiy Sergey V. , Gromov Alexander M. , Smirnova Valentina V. , Petrunin Vadim F. , Kim Jin Chun
Published: September 2016

The paper studies the impact of gaseous water on the stability of micron aluminum powders in time at room temperature using the method of gravimetric analysis. The stability was studied using methods of thermal analysis during heating up to 1200 °С in air. The composition of products was analyzed using X-ray diffraction analysis. It was found out that the stability of micron aluminum powders depends on partial pressure of water vapor: the increase of pressure results in decreased stability of powders. The work gives recommendations for storing micron aluminum powders.
Study of Products of Metallic Titanium Electrospark Dispersion in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Zhuravkov Sergey P. , Lobanova Galina L. , Pustovalov Alexey V. , Fedorov Vasilii V. , Pribytkov Gennadii A. , Nadeina Luiza V.
Published: September 2016

The results of electrospark dispersion of the metallic titanium loading in aqueous medium are presented in the paper. Raster electronic microscopy, X-ray phase analysis and BET method were used to investigate properties of the obtained powder. Values of specific surface are given in the paper, and morphology and structure of the obtained powders are studied. It is established that chemical and phase composition of the obtained powders is identified by properties of the molten titanium to interact with the dissolved in dispersion medium gaseous products.
Laser Monitors for High Speed Imaging of Plasma, Beam and Discharge Processes
Authors: Trigub Maxim V. , Torgaev Stanislav N. , Evtushenko Gennadiy S. , Drobchik Vitaliy V.
Published: September 2016

The imaging results of different processes blocked from the observation by the intense background light are presented in this paper. Active optical systems based on high-frequency brightness amplifier are used to decrease the negative factor of the glare. The experimental and modeling results on obtaining high pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) (more than 100 kHz) of copper bromide vapor brightness amplifiers operating in a low input energy mode are shown. The use of metal vapor brightness amplifiers for visual non-destructive testing of fast processes obscured by the glare is also discussed. It has been shown that the imaging method proposed in this paper proves to be the most reliable to obtain the information about objects or processes in a real time mode using high PRF CuBr active media.
Pulsed Electron Beam Propagation in Oxygen
Authors: Kholodnaya Galina , Sazonov Roman , Ponomarev Denis , Poloskov Artyem
Published: September 2016

The paper presents the results of the experimental investigation of the pulsed electron beam propagation propagated in a drift tube filled with oxygen. The pressure was 50, 300, and 760 Torr in the drift tube. The experiments were carried out using a TEA-500 pulsed electron accelerator (450 kV accelerating voltage; 10 kA electron beam current; 80±1 ns pulse duration to the base; up to 200 J pulse energy; and 5 cm diameter beam). The electron beam was propagated in the drift tube (40 cm long), 14 cm in diameter composed of two sections equipped with two reverse current shunts. The experiments were carried out which fixed the absorbed dose registered on the walls of the drift chamber.
Monitoring the Palladium Contents in the Tailings Using Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Ustinova Elvira M. , Gorchakov Eduard , Melkova Alina V.
Published: September 2016

Anodic stripping voltammetry, a classical electroanalytical method has been optimized to analyze trace Pd (II) in tailings. The authors identified the registration conditions in the determination of the analytical signal Pd (II): the composition of background electrolyte and the electrolysis potential. The electroanalytical approaches with an unmodified carbon electrode were used. The use of stripping voltammetry applied to the assessment of the palladium content in geological objects was demonstrated.
Determination of Platinum and Palladium in the Presence of other Metals in the Mineral Raw Materials
Authors: Ustinova Elvira M. , Gorchakov Eduard
Published: September 2016

An electrochemical method for determination of the platinum and palladium was suggested and developed in this study. The effect of accompanying elements on the electrochemical oxidation processes of platinum and palladium has been described. It has been shown that the determination of platinum and palladium is possible only after removal of sample components.
Effects of Doped Oxygen on ZnWO4 Crystal Luminescence
Authors: Lisitsyn Viktor M. , Karipbayev Zhakyp T. , Lisitsyna Ludmila A. , Dauletbekova Alma K. , Tupitsyna Irina A. , Akilbekov Abdirash T. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: September 2016

The results of the study of the spectral characteristics and photo cathodoluminescence zinc tungstate crystals subjected to heat treatment in an oxygen atmosphere, or flows of high-energy irradiation of oxygen ions. It was observed that additional introduction of oxygen leads to decline in luminescence’s effectiveness. It was discovered, that introduction of oxygen by thermal processing leads to changes in excitation spectrum. Decline of excitation effectiveness proportional to increase of excitation quanta energy from 4.5 to 6.5 eV was observed; in the meantime, in the unprocessed crystals it declined by only 25-30%. The effect can be explained by destruction of complex defects with luminescence centers during introduction of additional oxygen. It was demonstrated, that characteristic oxygen’s depth of entry during thermal processing is 20 nm.
Pulsed Cathodoluminescence of LiF Crystals Doped with W and Ti
Authors: Korepanov Vladimir I. , Petikar Pavel V. , Ge Guang Hui , Li Yan Yi
Published: September 2016

The spectra and kinetics of pulsed cathodoluminescence buildup and decay in LiF-TiO2 and LiF-WO3.crystals have been studied in the temperature range of 20–300 K. It is found that all the LiF crystals doped with metal oxides (Fe, Ti, W) have a similar structure of the luminescence centers – oxygen centers excited by impurities in Fe2O3, WO3 and TiO2 complexes. In all types of the crystals, the processes of energy transfer to luminescence centers are similar (buildup stage).
The Impact of the Dislocation Density, Lattice and Impurity Friction on the Dynamics of Expansion of a Dislocation Loop in FCC Metals
Authors: Petelina Yulia , Kolupaeva Svetlana , Kayuda Anna , Shmidt Anna , Vorobyeva Olesya , Petelin Aleksander
Published: September 2016

The study of the role of various factors in plastic behavior of materials is carried out using a mathematical model that takes into account fundamental properties of deformation defects in a crystal lattice based on the continuum theory of dislocations. Calculations were performed for copper, nickel, aluminum, and lead using a specialized software system Dislocation Dynamics of Crystallographic Slip. It has been shown that a decrease in the density of dislocations from 1012 m-2 to 1011 m-2 leads to an increase in the dislocation path in 10−16 times, and the maximum velocity in 1.5−2 times in copper and nickel, by nearly 20% in aluminum, and practically remains unchanged in lead. A decrease in the lattice and impurity friction from 2 MPa to 0.1 MPa leads to a linear increase in the path and the maximum velocity of the dislocation by 10−25%.
Electrical Treeing in Solid Fossil Fuels
Authors: Martemyanov Sergey M.
Published: September 2016

The electrical treeing phenomenon is being actively studied in relation to polymer dielectrics like epoxy resin and polyethylene. In these materials treeing is the cause of degradation and failure of insulation parts. However, treeing is also found in other materials, where it can be used purposefully. Peculiar kind of treeing can be observed in solid fossil fuels. There are significant differences in the mechanism of treeing in solid fuels and organic dielectrics. These differences are specified by physical structure and chemical content of solid fuels, and also by thermal decomposition of organic matter under discharge influence. Treeing in solid fossil fuels leaves conductive tracks in rock. This allows using it in processing technologies, including in situ conversion.
Influence of High-Intensity Zr Ion-Beam Treatment on Deformation and Fracture of 12Cr1MoV Steel under Static, Cyclic and Dynamic Loadings
Authors: Vlasov Ilya , Panin Sergey V. , Sergeev Viktor , Naidfeld Vasilii , Maruschak Pavlo , Ovechkin Boris B.
Published: September 2016

The structure of the heat resistant 12Cr1MoV steel modified by Zr+ ion beam treatment was investigated by optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction methods. It was shown that the modification occurs over the entire cross section of the irradiated specimen with thickness of 1 mm. Changes in mechanical properties under static, cyclic and dynamic loading of the specimens after the treatment are interpreted in term of structural modifications.
Thermal Stability of Iron Micro- and Nanopowders after Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Mostovshchikov Andrei V. , Ilyin Alexander P. , Egorov Ivan S. , Ismailov Daniar V.
Published: September 2016

Chemical activity of micro-and nanosized powders during open air heating after electron beam (up to 360 keV of electron kinetic energy) irradiation has been studied. A differential thermal analysis disclosed that an initial oxidation temperature for iron powders has been decreased to ~ 30°C after electron beam irradiation. Thus, the thermal oxidative stability of iron powders in air was improved without any detected changes in other activity parameters.
Non Catalytic Methane Formation from Syngas in the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma, Initiated by Microsecond Pulses
Authors: Litvishko E. , Ivanov Alexei , Goreshnev M.
Published: September 2016

In this study, the principal possibility of methane formation from syngas (the mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) in the dielectric barrier discharge plasma was shown. The results of syngas conversion under microsecond pulses (amplitude up to 12 kV and frequency of 1000Hz) treatment in the five-tube reactor were discussed. The dependence of the methane formation on the volume flow rate and the energy input were studied. Also effect of inert gases (by the example of nitrogen) addition in the initial gaseous mixture on the methane formation was investigated.
The Research of Diamond Coatings Morphology Evolution under the Action of Reactive Ion Etching in Perpendicular Direction
Authors: Okhotnikov Vitaly V. , Linnik Stepan A. , Gaydaychuk Aleksandr V.
Published: September 2016

The evolution of the CVD diamond coatings morphology after perpendicular direction reactive ion etching was investigated. During the surface treatment, the average surface roughness was reduced. The efficiency of the etching decreases with the increasing of the processing time, until the surface roughness has been reduced by 30±5%. The height points spread over the surface were measured. The quality of the obtained films was investigated using the Raman spectroscopy.
The Features of Diffusion and Mechanical Waves Interaction at the Initial Stage of Metal Surface Treatment by Particle Beam under Nonisothermal Conditions
Authors: Parfenova Elena S. , Knyazeva Anna G.
Published: September 2016

The paper presents a mathematical model of the initial stage of ion implantation into the metal surface. The model takes into account the finiteness of relaxation times of heat and mass flows. The relation of introduced impurity concentration, stresses and strains arising as a result of particles impact to the substrate surface and substrate temperature by varying model parameters is numerically investigated.
CFHR1-Modified Neural Stem Cells Ameliorated Brain Injury in a Mouse Model of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Shi Kaibin , Wang Zhen , Liu Yuanchu , Gong Ye , Fu Ying , Li Shaowu , Wood Kristofer , Hao Junwei , Zhang Guang-Xian , Shi Fu-Dong , Yan Yaping
Published: September 2016

A major hurdle for effective stem cell therapy is ongoing inflammation in the target organ. Reconditioning the lesion microenvironment may be an effective way to promote stem cell therapy. In this study, we showed that engineered neural stem cells (NSCs) with complement factor H–related protein 1, a complement inhibitor protein, can attenuate inflammatory infiltration and immune-mediated damage of astrocytes, an important pathogenic progress in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Furthermore, we demonstrated that transplantation of the complement factor H–related protein 1–modified NSCs effectively blocked the complement activation cascade and inhibited formation of the membrane attack complex, thus contributing to the protection of endogenous and transplanted NSC-differentiated astrocytes. Therefore, manipulation of the lesion microenvironment contributes to a more effective cell replacement therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases of the CNS.
Burden of Fire Injuries in Finland: Lost Productivity and Benefits
Authors: Haikonen Kari , Lillsunde Pirjo M.
Published: September 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the economic burden of fire-related injury from two perspectives: post-injury social security compensations and also productivity losses due to the lost productive time from a societal perspective induced by the injury.

Design and methods

A cohort of 1503 inpatients who sustained fire-related injury during the period 2001–2005 was retrospectively followed up for 5-10 years until the end of 2010, using linkages between several administrative registers. The study process was started in 2015 and finalized on March 2016.

Results

Annual productivity loss was on average EUR 5.72 million, giving a total for the five-year study period of EUR 28.6 million, with a mean value of EUR 19,070 per person. Mean/median disability time for those who received benefits was 572/63 days, ranging from 3 days to 36.5 years. Total average cost of benefits to the injured annually during the study period was EUR 1.03 million. This equates to EUR 3430 per patient for the whole cohort or EUR 14,860 for those who received benefits.

Conclusions

The burden of fire-related injuries in terms of payment transfers and lost productivity due to periods of disability as indirect costs is high; in a population of 5.4 million, the annual loss exceeded EUR 5.7 million. The results could be used in planning preventive measures and therefore yield savings.
Experiences of patients having tuberculosis (TB) regarding the use of Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) in the North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Serapelwane Maserapelo G. , Davhana–Maselesele Mashudu , Masilo Gaboipolelwe M.
Published: September 2016

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) management remains a major challenge despite the implementation of Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS). Some of the challenges include defaulting treatment, low TB cure rates and relapse after patients had been treated under DOTS.Objectives: This study explored and described experiences of patients having TB regarding the use of DOTS in Doctor Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District of North West Province, South Africa. The study describes and recommends support required by patients having TB who are using DOTS.Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. The population consisted of all patients having TB under DOTS who had taken treatment for 2 months and more in one of the community health centres in Doctor Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Purposive sampling technique was applied to select participants receiving DOTS service. In-depth unstructured individual interviews were conducted, and data saturation occurred after having interviewed 15 participants. Ethical considerations were ensured throughout the study, and data were analysed using Tesch’s method of coding and analysis.Results: Two themes emerged from data and these are discussed as concerns related to ineffective use of DOTS and lack of resources as contributory factor to ineffective use of DOTS. Among other categories, poor nurse–patient relationships and difficulties in accessing the community health centre emerged as consistent themes related to default and inconsistent use of DOTS.Conclusion: Ineffective use of DOTS contributed to TB treatment default and low cure rate. Therefore, recommendations focused on strengthening effective use of DOTS for the management of TB.
Effect of corticosteroid injections versus physiotherapy on pain, shoulder range of motion and shoulder function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Burger Marlette , Africa Carly , Droomer Kara , Norman Alexa , Pheiffer Chloé , Gericke Anrich , Samsodien Adeeb , Miszewski Natasha
Published: September 2016

Background: Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Limited research has been conducted into the efficacy of corticosteroid injections (CSIs) compared to physiotherapy in the management of SIS.Objective: To critically appraise and establish the best available evidence for the effectiveness of CSI in comparison with physiotherapy for the management of pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and shoulder function in patients with SIS.Methodology:  Seven databases were searched from inception to February 2016, namely PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO Host: SPORTDiscus, EBSCO Host: CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus and PEDro. The main search terms were shoulder impingement syndrome and/or subacromial impingement syndrome, corticosteroid injections and/or steroid injections, physical therapy and/or physiotherapy. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were considered for inclusion. The articles were appraised according to the PEDro scale. The Revman© Review Manager Software was used to combine the results of shoulder function and the data were illustrated in forest plots.Results: The PEDro scores of the three RCTs that qualified for this review ranged from 7 to 8/10. There is Level II evidence suggesting that besides a significant improvement in shoulder function in favour of CSI at 6–7 weeks follow-up (p < 0.0001), no evidence was found for the superiority of CSIs compared with physiotherapy for pain, ROM and shoulder function in the short- (1–3 months), mid- (6 months) and long term (12 months).Conclusion: In patients with SIS only a short term significant improvement in shoulder function was found in favour of CSIs.
Selecting Targets for Tumor Imaging: An Overview of Cancer-Associated Membrane Proteins
Authors: Boonstra Martin C. , De Geus Susanna W.L. , Prevoo Hendrica A.J.M. , Hawinkels Lukas J.A.C. , Van De Velde Cornells J.H. , Kuppen Peter J.K. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Sier Cornelis F.M.
Published: September 2016

Tumor targeting is a booming business: The global therapeutic monoclonal antibody market accounted for more than $78 billion in 2012 and is expanding exponentially. Tumors can be targeted with an extensive arsenal of monoclonal antibodies, ligand proteins, peptides, RNAs, and small molecules. In addition to therapeutic targeting, some of these compounds can also be applied for tumor visualization before or during surgery, after conjugation with radionuclides and/or near-infrared fluorescent dyes. The majority of these tumor-targeting compounds are directed against cell membrane-bound proteins. Various categories of targetable membrane-bound proteins, such as anchoring proteins, receptors, enzymes, and transporter proteins, exist. The functions and biological characteristics of these proteins determine their location and distribution on the cell membrane, making them more, or less, accessible, and therefore, it is important to understand these features. In this review, we evaluate the characteristics of cancer-associated membrane proteins and discuss their overall usability for cancer targeting, especially focusing on imaging applications.
Association of MTHFR (C677T) Gene Polymorphism with Breast Cancer in North India
Authors: Waseem Mohammad , Hussain Syed Rizwan , Kumar Shashank , Serajuddin Mohammad , Mahdi Farzana , sonkar satyendra Kumar , Bansal Cherry , Ahmad Mohammad Kaleem
Published: September 2016

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women and is associated with a variety of risk factors. The functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C677T in the gene encoding 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) may lead to decreased enzyme activity and affect the chemosensitivity of tumor cells. This study was designed to investigate the association of MTHFR gene polymorphism (SNP) in the pathogenesis of breast cancer among the North Indian women population.

Materials and Methods

Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using genomic DNA, extracted from the peripheral blood of subjects with (275 cases) or without (275 controls) breast cancer. Restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to study C677T polymorphism in the study groups.

Results

The distribution of MTHFR (C677T) genotype frequencies, ie, CC, TT, and CT, among the patients was 64.7%, 2.18%, and 33.09%, respectively. In the healthy control group, the CC, TT, and CT frequencies were 78.91%, 1.09%, and 20.1%, respectively. The frequencies of C and T alleles were 81.2% and 18.7%, respectively, in the patient subjects, while they were 88.9% and 11.09%, respectively, among the healthy control group. Frequencies of the CT genotype and the T allele were significantly different ( P = 0.007 and P = 0.005, respectively) between the control and the case subjects.

Conclusion

This study shows an association of the CT genotype and the T allele of the MTHFR (C667T) gene with increased genetic risk for breast cancer among Indian women.
Casp8p41: The Protean Mediator of Death in CD4 T-cells that Replicate HIV
Authors: Sampath Rahul , Cummins Nathan W. , Badley Andrew D.
Published: September 2016

HIV cure is now the focus of intense research after Timothy Ray Brown (the Berlin patient) set the precedent of being the first and only person cured. A major barrier to achieving this goal on a meaningful scale is an elimination of the latent reservoir, which is thought to comprise CD4-positive cells that harbor integrated, replication-competent HIV provirus. These cells do not express viral proteins, are indistinguishable from uninfected CD4 cells, and are thought to be responsible for HIV viral rebound–-that occurs within weeks of combination anti retroviral therapy (cART) interruption. Modalities to engineer transcriptional stimulation (reactivation) of this dormant integrated HIV provirus, leading to expression of cytotoxic viral proteins, are thought to be a specific way to eradicate the latently infected CD4 pool and are becoming increasingly relevant in the era of HIV cure. HIV protease is one such protein produced after HIV reactivation that cleaves procaspase-8 to generate a novel protein Casp8p41. Casp8p41 then binds to the BH3 domain of BAK, leading to BAK oligomerization, mitochondrial depolarization, and apoptosis. In central memory T cells (TCMs) from HIV-infected patients, an elevated Bcl-2/procaspase-8 ratio was observed, and Casp8p41 binding to Bcl-2 was associated with a lack of reactivation-induced cell death. This was reversed by priming cells with a specific Bcl-2 antagonist prior to reactivation, resulting in increased cell death and decreased HIV DNA in a Casp8p41-dependent pathway. This review describes the biology, clinical relevance, and implications of Casp8p41 for a potential cure.
Diplomacia de movilización. Referenda de Cataluña y Escocia en la diplomacia en red
Authors: Manfredi Sánchez Juan Luis , Herranz de la Casa José María , Seoane Pérez Francisco
Published: September 2016

Los movimientos sociales de naturaleza política han innovado en la política internacional. Los actores no estatales han ocupado el espacio de la diplomacia pública, anteriormente limitada al estado nación. Metodología. Se analizan las campañas en redes sociales, los actores, los mensajes y las actividades políticas de los movimientos políticos independentistas catalán y escocés vinculados al referendo. Resultados. El movimiento catalán por la independencia ha apalancado sus resultados en la defensa de la identidad y la comunidad epistémica. Los partidarios escoceses del sí a la creación del nuevo estado sí han orientado la estrategia de protesta hacia la política. Discusión. Se examina la diplomacia de movilización, el uso de las redes sociales para la promoción internacional de mensajes de contenido político y el refuerzo de la lengua y la cultura propia. Conclusiones. Estamos ante una fase expansiva de la diplomacia pública. Más actores se incorporan a la arena internacional mediante la producción y la difusión de mensajes en las redes sociales.
Palaeohydrological changes over the last 50 ky in the central Gulf of Cadiz:
complex forcing mechanisms mixing multi-scale processes
Authors: Penaud Aurélie , Eynaud Frédérique , Voelker Antje Helga Luise , Turon Jean-Louis
Published: September 2016

Abstract. New dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) analyses were carried out at high resolution in core MD99-2339, retrieved from a contouritic field in the central part of the Gulf of Cadiz, for the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 interval, allowing for discussion of palaeohydrological changes over the last 50 ky in the subtropical NE Atlantic Ocean. Some index dinocyst taxa, according to their (palaeo)ecological significance, shed light on significant sea-surface changes. Superimposed on the general decreasing pattern of dinocyst export to the seafloor over the last 50 ky, paralleling the general context of decreasing aeolian dust fertilization, a complex variability in dinocyst assemblages was detected at the millennial timescale. Enhanced fluvial discharges occurred during Greenland Interstadials (GIs), especially GI 1, 8 and 12, while enhanced upwelling cell dynamics were suggested during the Last Glacial Maximum and Heinrich Stadials. Finally, during the early Holocene, and more specifically during the Sapropel 1 interval (around 7–9 ka BP), we evidenced a strong decrease in dinocyst fluxes, which occurred synchronously to a strong reduction in Mediterranean Outflow Water strength and which we attributed to an advection of warm and nutrient-poor subtropical North Atlantic Central Waters. Over the last 50 ky, our study thus allows for capturing and documenting the fine tuning existing between terrestrial and marine realms in North Atlantic subtropical latitudes, in response to not only the regional climate pattern but also monsoonal forcing interfering during precession-driven Northern Hemisphere insolation maxima. This mechanism, well expressed during the Holocene, is superimposed on the pervasive role of the obliquity as a first major trigger for explaining migration of dinocyst productive centres in the NE Atlantic margin to the subtropical (temperate) latitudes during glacial (interglacial) periods.
Contrasting trends in element incorporation in hyaline and miliolid foraminifera
Authors: van Dijk Inge , de Nooijer Lennart , Reichart Gert-Jan
Published: September 2016

Abstract. We analyzed trends in element incorporation between hyaline (perforate) and miliolid (imperforate) foraminifera in order to investigate processes involved in calcification affecting element incorporation into foraminiferal carbonate. For both groups, we observed similar trends in element incorporation with pCO2, suggesting there some mechanisms to transports ions to the site of calcification are similar for both calcification pathways, although the impact might be different across species. A previously published trans-membrane transport model assumes foraminifera utilize Ca2+ channels to transport calcium to the site of calcification. These channels are somewhat a-specific, leading to (accidental) transport of other free ions. By modelling the activity of free ions as a function of pCO2, we observed that speciation of some elements (like Zn and Ba) are heavily influenced by the formation of carbonate complexes. This leads to an increase in availability of free Zn and Ba with increasing pCO2, which leads to more transport to the site of calcification and subsequently incorporation in the foraminiferal shell. We further observed that incorporation of the trace elements studied here is positively correlated between the hyaline test building species. This could be due to dissimilar activity and/or selectivity of calcium channels between species, perhaps due to differences in size. For miliolid calcification, part of the calcium is obtained not only through channels but by also included seawater vesicles, which leads to similar element to calcium ratios between species and element partitioning which is more in line with inorganic carbonates.
A three-pillar approach to assessing climate impacts on low flows
Authors: Laaha Gregor , Parajka Juraj , Viglione Alberto , Koffler Daniel , Haslinger Klaus , Schöner Wolfgang , Zehetgruber Judith , Blöschl Günter
Published: September 2016

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to present a framework for assessing climate impacts on future low flows that combines different sources of information, termed pillars. To illustrate the framework three pillars are chosen: (a) extrapolation of observed low-flow trends into the future, (b) rainfall–runoff projections based on climate scenarios and (c) extrapolation of changing stochastic rainfall characteristics into the future combined with rainfall–runoff modelling. Alternative pillars could be included in the overall framework. The three pillars are combined by expert judgement based on a synoptic view of data, model outputs and process reasoning. The consistency/inconsistency between the pillars is considered an indicator of the certainty/uncertainty of the projections. The viability of the framework is illustrated for four example catchments from Austria that represent typical climate conditions in central Europe. In the Alpine region where winter low flows dominate, trend projections and climate scenarios yield consistently increasing low flows, although of different magnitudes. In the region north of the Alps, consistently small changes are projected by all methods. In the regions in the south and south-east, more pronounced and mostly decreasing trends are projected but there is disagreement in the magnitudes of the projected changes. The process reasons for the consistencies/inconsistencies are discussed. For an Alpine region such as Austria the key to understanding low flows is whether they are controlled by freezing and snowmelt processes, or by the summer moisture deficit associated with evaporation. It is argued that the three-pillar approach offers a systematic framework of combining different sources of information aimed at more robust projections than that obtained from each pillar alone.
Simulating cold-region hydrology in an intensively drained agricultural watershed in Manitoba, Canada, using the Cold Regions Hydrological Model
Authors: Cordeiro Marcos R. C. , Wilson Henry F. , Vanrobaeys Jason , Pomeroy John W. , Fang Xing
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Eutrophication and flooding are perennial problems in agricultural watersheds of the northern Great Plains. A high proportion of annual runoff and nutrient transport occurs with snowmelt in this region. Extensive surface drainage modification, frozen soils, and frequent backwater or ice damming impacts on flow measurement represent unique challenges to accurately modeling watershed scale hydrological processes. A physically-based, non-calibrated model created using the Cold Regions Hydrological Modelling platform (CRHM) was parameterized to simulate hydrological processes within a low slope, clay soil, and intensively surface drained agricultural watershed. These characteristics are common to most tributaries of the Red River of the North. Analysis of the observed water level records for the study watershed (La Salle River) indicate that ice cover and backwater issues at time of peak flow may impact the accuracy of both modeled and measured stream flows, highlighting the value of evaluating a non-calibrated model in this environment. Simulations best matched the streamflow record in years when peak and annual discharges were equal to or above the medians of 6.7 m3 s−1 and 1.25 × 107 m3, respectively, with an average Nash-Sutcliff efficiency (NSE) of 0.76. Simulation of low-flow years (below the medians) was more challenging (average NSE
Bias correction of daily satellite-based rainfall estimates for hydrologic forecasting in the Upper Zambezi, Africa
Authors: Valdés-Pineda Rodrigo , Demaría Eleonora M. C. , Valdés Juan B. , Wi Sungwook , Serrat-Capdevilla Aleix
Published: September 2016

Abstract. The Zambezi Basin is located in the semi-arid region of southern Africa and is one of the largest basins in Africa. The Upper Zambezi River Basin (UZRB) is sparsely gauged (only 11 rain gauges are currently accessible), and real-time rainfall estimates are not readily available. However, Satellite Precipitation Products (SPPs) may complement that information, thereby allowing for improved real-time forecasting of streamflows. In this study, three SPPs for the UZRB are bias-corrected and evaluated for use in real-time forecasting of daily streamflows: (1) CMORPH (Climate Prediction Center’s morphing technique), (2) PERSIANN (Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks), and (3) TRMM-3B42RT (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission). Two approaches for bias correction (Quantile Mapping and a Principal Component-based technique) are used to perform Bias Correction (BC) for the daily SPPs; for reference data, the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) was used. The two BC approaches were evaluated for the period 2001–2016. The bias-corrected SPPs were then used for real-time forecasting of streamflows at Katima Mulilo in the UZRB. Both BC approaches significantly improve the accuracy of the streamflow forecasts in the UZRB.