bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of multi-scale defects for optimizing thermoelectric properties of n-type Cu1−xCdxFeS2 (x = 0–0.1)
Authors: Ge Bangzhi , Hu Jiabin , Shi Zhongqi , Wang Hailong , Xia Hongyan , Qiao Guanjun
Published: August 2019

Illustration of integrating multi-scale defects for optimizing the thermoelectric properties of Cu1−xCdxFeS2.
An Al2O3 coating layer on mesoporous Si nanospheres for stable solid electrolyte interphase and high-rate capacity for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Na , Yi Zheng , Lin Ning , Qian Yitai
Published: August 2019

A simple and one-pot replacement reaction route was designed to produce an Al2O3 layer anchored on mesoporous Si nanospheres by employing Al nanospheres with a naturally formed Al2O3 layer as a reducing agent and self-sacrificial template.
Effect of solvent nature on propylene glycol oxidation with tert-butyl hydroperoxide over metal–organic framework Cr-MIL-101
Authors: Torbina Viktoriia , Salaev Mikhail , Vodyankina Olga
Published: August 2019

The effect of solvent nature on conversion, product yields and reaction kinetics of selective propylene glycol oxidation with tert-butyl hydroperoxide over porous chromium terephthalate Cr-MIL-101 used as a heterogeneous catalyst is considered.
Sulfonated component-incorporated quaternized poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) membranes with improved ion selectivity, stability and water transport resistance in a vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Chen Yuning , Zhang Shouhai , Liu Qian , Jian Xigao
Published: August 2019

Novel AIEMs were prepared through successive blending and amination processes, and they exhibited good ion selectivity, stability and water transport resistance.
Engineering protein polymers of ultrahigh molecular weight via supramolecular polymerization: towards mimicking the giant muscle protein titin
Authors: Wang Ruidi , Li Jiayu , Li Xiumei , Guo Jin , Liu Junqiu , Li Hongbin
Published: August 2019

Utilizing protein fragment reconstitution of a small protein GB1, we developed an efficient, supramolecular polymerization strategy to engineer protein polymers with ultrahigh molecular weight that mimic the giant muscle protein titin.
Delfos: deep learning model for prediction of solvation free energies in generic organic solvents
Authors: Lim Hyuntae , Jung YounJoon
Published: August 2019

We introduce Delfos, a novel, machine-learning-based QSPR method which predicts solvation free energies for generic organic solutions.
Octahedral iron(iv)–tosylimido complexes exhibiting single electron-oxidation reactivity
Authors: Sabenya Gerard , Gamba Ilaria , Gómez Laura , Clémancey Martin , Frisch Jonathan R. , Klinker Eric J. , Blondin Geneviève , Torelli Stéphane , Que Lawrence , Martin-Diaconescu Vlad , Latour Jean-Marc , Lloret-Fillol Julio , Costas Miquel
Published: August 2019

Octahedral iron(iv) tosylimido complexes based in the tacn ligand scaffold exhibit single electron oxidation reactivity.
Highly stereoselective nickel-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of aryl ketones to tetrasubstituted monofluoroalkenes and quaternary alkyl difluorides
Authors: Li Chao , Cao Yi-Xuan , Jin Ruo-Xing , Bian Kang-Jie , Qin Zi-Yang , Lan Quan , Wang Xi-Sheng
Published: August 2019

A nickel-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of aryl ketones to furnish highly stereo-defined tetrasubstituted monofluoroalkenes or quaternary alkyl difluorides has been established.
α-d-Gal-cyclophellitol cyclosulfamidate is a Michaelis complex analog that stabilizes therapeutic lysosomal α-galactosidase A in Fabry disease
Authors: Artola Marta , Hedberg Christinne , Rowland Rhianna J. , Raich Lluís , Kytidou Kassiani , Wu Liang , Schaaf Amanda , Ferraz Maria Joao , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Rovira Carme , Aerts Johannes M. F. G. , Davies Gideon J. , Overkleeft Herman S.
Published: August 2019

α-d-Gal-cyclophellitol cyclosulfamidate is a new class of neutral, conformationally-constrained competitive glycosidase inhibitor that stabilizes α-gal A and prevents its degradation both in vitro and in cellulo by mimicry of the Michaelis complex conformation.
Two 3′-O-β-glucosylated nucleoside fluorometabolites related to nucleocidin in Streptomyces calvus
Authors: Feng Xuan , Bello Davide , Lowe Phillip T. , Clark Joshua , O'Hagan David
Published: August 2019

Two novel 3′-O-β-glucosylated nucleosides are identified from Streptomyces calvus fermentations prior to nucleocidin production, suggesting an early role during the biosynthesis of this antibiotic.
Ligand-controlled diastereodivergent, enantio- and regioselective copper-catalyzed hydroxyalkylboration of 1,3-dienes with ketones
Authors: Feng Jian-Jun , Xu Yan , Oestreich Martin
Published: August 2019

A ligand-controlled diastereodivergent copper-catalyzed borylative coupling between 1,3-dienes and ketones enables the enantioselective synthesis of densely functionalized tertiary homoallylic alcohols.
Deciphering multivalent glycocluster–lectin interactions through AFM characterization of the self-assembled nanostructures
Authors: Zuttion Francesca , Sicard Delphine , Dupin Lucie , Vergoten Gérard , Girard-Bock Camille , Madaoui Mimouna , Chevolot Yann , Morvan Francois , Vidal Sébastien , Vasseur Jean-Jacques , Souteyrand Eliane , Phaner-Goutorbe Magali
Published: August 2019

Arrangements formed by the lectin LecA and five different synthetic glycoclusters were studied by AFM imaging combined to MD simulations. Arrangements and affinities differ depending on the nature of the core and the branches of the glycoclusters.
Recovering superhydrophobicity in nanoscale and macroscale surface textures
Authors: Giacomello Alberto , Schimmele Lothar , Dietrich Siegfried , Tasinkevych Mykola
Published: August 2019

We investigate drying of hydrophobic cavities and its dependence on the size, the geometry, and the hydrophobicity of the confinement. The emerging scheme of drying from the nano- to the macroscale allows one to understand perpetual superhydrophobicity.
Up-regulated ENO1 promotes the bladder cancer cell growth and proliferation via regulating β-catenin
Authors: Ji Mingfei , Wang Zhijun , Chen Jie , Gu Liqiong , Chen Ming , Ding Yelei , Liu Tao
Published: August 2019

Bladder cancer (BC) is the ninth most common malignancy throughout the world. The molecular mechanisms of this disease remain largely unclear. The glycolytic enzyme enolase 1 (ENO1) has been shown to regulate the development of various cancers. However, the significance of ENO1 in BC is underdetermined. In this study, we found that ENO1 was highly expressed in BC tissues and cells. High expression of ENO1 was associated with the poor survival of BC patients. Using lentivirus-mediated knockdown and over-expression, we revealed that ENO1 was critical for the growth and proliferation of BC cells. ENO1 over-expression also promoted the proliferation of SV-HUC-1 cells. At the molecular level, the cell cycle and apoptosis related genes were regulated by ENO1. β-catenin expression was positively regulated by ENO1. Furthermore, ectopic expression of β-catenin reversed the effect of ENO1 knockdown on T24 cell proliferation and growth. Opposite results were observed in β-catenin knockdown T24 cells. Our findings suggested that ENO1 functioned as an oncogene in BC through regulating cell cycle, apoptosis and β-catenin. Targeting ENO1/β-catenin cascade may benefit for BC patients.
Remission of Recurrent Cochlear Hydrops Associated With Bromocriptine Treatment for Macroprolactinoma
Authors: Košec Andro , Kruljac Ivan , Ajduk Jakov
Published: August 2019

Objective

Current recommendations for cochlear hydrops treatment include systemic glucocorticoids and diuretics. Cochlear cells express dopamine receptors, although their role is unknown in the pathophysiology of cochlear hydrops.

Case Description

We report the case of remission of recurrent right-sided cochlear hydrops in a young male patient treated with bromocriptine due to pituitary macroprolactinoma. Transient improvement was observed after oral steroid and diuretic treatment, but cochlear hydrops recurred until the dose of bromocriptine was increased to 10 mg daily.

Conclusion

Bromocriptine may stimulate dopamine receptors in cochlear cells with potential therapeutic role in patients with cochlear hydrops. There are no widely accepted and effective treatments for endolymphatic hydrops, and identifying potential new and efficacious therapeutics is of high relevance.
Chipless frequency selective rasorber with stable performance for oblique incidence
Authors: Lee I.G. , Oh W.S. , Kim Y.J. , Hong I.P.
Published: August 2019

This Letter presents the design of a frequency‐selective rasorber that selectively absorbs undesired (out‐of‐band) signals and selectively transmits desired (in‐band) signals by using planar resistor technology without lumped elements. To implement the selective absorption characteristic on the upper surface, a lossy layer was implemented in the proposed structure by using a nickel‐phosphorus metal alloy‐based resistor–conductor material. Furthermore, stable transmissive/absorptive performance against polarisation and incidence angle was implemented by laminating a quarter‐wavelength thickness of dielectric spacer and bandpass type frequency selective surface together. The resulting design was verified through experimental measurements.
Design of sensor system for air pollution and human vital monitoring for connected cyclists
Authors: Venkatanarayanan Aadithya , Vijayavel Ashwin , Rajagopal Adarshana , Nagaradjane Prabagarane
Published: August 2019

This study addresses the design of smart sensor system aided bicycle that can be exploited as a platform for the acquisition of real‐time data. In particular, in this work, the authors address the pressing issues like air pollution monitoring and health monitoring by using sensors that were seen as limitations in the already existing smart e‐bike monitoring system. The sensor system presented in this study is capable of monitoring parameters such as location, heart rate of the rider and air quality levels in real‐time. The data thus collected is fed into Thingspeak, an open Internet of Things platform powered by Matlab. The data is then visually represented in an Android application for riders to view and analyse the monitored parameters. The Android application designed for the system assists the user with location tracking, pollution mapping and health monitoring. Furthermore, security is also considered in this work which is addressed with the help of a fingerprint sensor and a global system for mobile/global positioning system module to alert the user in case of system theft. The system attached to the bicycle can be implemented on a large scale as a fleet/bike sharing system in order to map the pollution of an entire city with the help of IoT, thus aiding the development of greenfield smart city and additionally monitoring the vitals of the user riding the bicycle leading to intelligent transportation system. This study details the design and implementation of the hardware and software, enlists the outcomes of the system and explores the future scope and development.
Power management control strategy for hybrid energy storage system in a grid‐independent hybrid renewable energy system: a hardware‐in‐loop real‐time verification
Authors: Krishan Om , Suhag Sathans
Published: August 2019

This study proposes a novel control strategy for a hybrid energy storage system (HESS), as a part of the grid‐independent hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) which comprises diverse renewable energy resources and HESS – combination of battery energy storage system (BESS) and supercapacitor energy storage system (SCESS). The proposed control strategy is implemented into two parts: in the first part, HESS controller is designed and implemented to maintain the active power balance among different constituents of HRES and regulate DC‐link voltage (VDC) under surplus power mode and deficit power mode. The low‐frequency components of imbalance power are diverted to BESS while the high‐frequency components are diverted to SCESS while maintaining the state of charge (SoC) constraints of HESS thereby reducing stress on BESS. In the second part, inverter controller is designed and implemented to maintain AC voltage and frequency within limits in the events of perturbation. The proposed HESS along with its novel control strategy, as implemented in the HRES, is a new proposition in this study. The detailed model of HRES is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and the results prove the efficacy of the control strategy. Further, hardware‐in‐loop real‐time simulation studies using OPAL‐RT real‐time simulator demonstrate the feasibility of hardware implementation of HRES with the proposed control strategy.
Comprehensive study of finite control set model predictive control algorithms for power converter control in microgrids
Authors: Aghdam Mahlagha Mahdavi , Li Li , Zhu Jianguo
Published: August 2019

Advances in power electronics and digital control open a new horizon in the control of power converters. Particularly, model predictive control has been developed for control applications in industrial electronics and power systems. This study presents a comprehensive study on recent achievements of model predictive control algorithms to overcome the challenges in the real‐time implementation of power converter control, which is the lowest level control of hierarchical control in microgrids. The study shows that most of these alternate solutions can enhance system reliability, stability, and efficiency. The control platform devices for the real‐time implementation of these algorithms are compared. The related issues are discussed and classified, respectively. Finally, a summary is provided, leading to some further research questions and future work.
Fossil field decay due to nonlinear tides in massive binaries
Authors: Vidal J. , Cébron D. , ud-Doula A. , Alecian E.
Published: August 2019

Context.Surface magnetic fields have been detected in 5–10% of isolated massive stars, hosting outer radiative envelopes. They are often thought to have a fossil origin, resulting from the stellar formation phase. Yet, magnetic massive stars are scarcer in (close) short-period binaries, as reported by the BinaMIcS (Binarity and Magnetic Interaction in various classes of Stars) Collaboration.

Aims.Different physical conditions in the molecular clouds giving birth to isolated stars and binaries are commonly invoked. In addition, we propose that the observed lower magnetic incidence in close binaries may be due to nonlinear tides. Indeed, close binaries are probably prone to tidal instability, a fluid instability growing upon the equilibrium tidal flow via nonlinear effects. Yet, stratified effects have hitherto been largely overlooked.

Methods.We theoretically and numerically investigate tidal instability in rapidly rotating, stably stratified fluids permeated by magnetic fields. We use the short-wavelength stability method to propose a comprehensive (local) theory of tidal instability at the linear onset, discussing damping effects. Then, we propose a mixing-length theory for the mixing generated by tidal instability in the nonlinear regime. We successfully assess our theoretical predictions against proof-of-concept, direct numerical simulations. Finally, we compare our predictions with the observations of short-period, double-lined spectroscopic binary systems.

Results.Using new analytical results, cross-validated by a direct integration of the stability equations, we show that tidal instability can be generated by nonlinear couplings of inertia-gravity waves with the equilibrium tidal flow in short-period massive binaries, even against the Joule diffusion. In the nonlinear regime, a fossil magnetic field can be dissipated by the turbulent magnetic diffusion induced by the saturated tidal flows.

Conclusions.We predict that the turbulent Joule diffusion of fossil fields would occur in a few million years for several short-period massive binaries. Therefore, turbulent tidal flows could explain the observed dearth of some short-period magnetic binaries.
Impacts into rotating targets: angular momentum draining and efficient formation of synthetic families
Authors: Ševeček P. , Brož M. , Jutzi M.
Published: August 2019

About 10% of the observed asteroids have rotational periods lower thanP= 3 h and seem to be relatively close to the spin barrier. Yet, the rotation has often been neglected in simulations of asteroid collisions. To determine the effect of rotation, we performed a large number of impact simulations with rotating targets. We developed a new unified smoothed particle hydrodynamics and N-body code with self-gravity, suitable for simulations of both fragmentation phase and gravitational reaccumulation. The code has been verified against previous ones, but we also tested new features, such as rotational stability, tensile stability, etc. Using the new code, we ran simulations withDpb= 10 and 100 km monolithic targets and compared synthetic asteroid families created by these impacts with families corresponding to non-rotating targets. The rotation affects mostly cratering events at oblique impact angles. The total mass ejected by these collisions can be up to five times larger for rotating targets. We further computed the transfer of the angular momentum and determined conditions under which impacts accelerate or decelerate the target. While individual cratering collisions can cause both acceleration and deceleration, the deceleration prevails on average. Collisions thus cause a systematic spin-down of the asteroid population.
Stars and brown dwarfs in the σ Orionis cluster
Authors: Caballero J. A. , de Burgos A. , Alonso-Floriano F. J. , Cabrera-Lavers A. , García-Álvarez D. , Montes D.
Published: August 2019

Context. Only a few open clusters are as important for the study of stellar and substellar objects, and their formation and evolution, as the young σ Orionis cluster. However, a complete spectroscopic characterisation of its whole stellar population is still missing.

Aims. We filled most of that gap with a large spectroscopic and astrometric survey of targets towards σ Orionis. Eventually, it will be one of the open clusters with the lowest proportion of interlopers and the largest proportion of confirmed cluster members with known uncontrovertible youth features.

Methods. We acquired 317 low-resolution optical spectra with the Intermediate Dispersion Spectrograph (IDS) at the 2.5 m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) and the Optical System for Imaging and low Resolution Integrated Spectroscopy (OSIRIS) at the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC). We measured equivalent widths of Li I, Hα, and other key lines from these spectra, and determined spectral types. We complemented this information with Gaia DR2 astrometric data and other features of youth (mid-infrared excess, X-ray emission) compiled with Virtual Observatory tools and from the literature.

Results. Of the 168 observed targets, we determined for the first time spectral types of 39 stars and equivalent widths of Li I and Hα of 34 and 12 stars, respectively. We identified 11 close (ρ ≲ 3 arcsec) binaries resolved by Gaia, of which three are new, 14 strong accretors, of which four are new and another four have Hα emission shifted by over 120 km s−1, two juvenile star candidates in the sparse population of the Ori OB1b association, and one spectroscopic binary candidate. Remarkably, we found 51 non-cluster-members, 35 of which were previously considered as σ Orionis members and taken into account in high-impact works on, for example, disc frequency and initial mass function.
The EREBOS project: Investigating the effect of substellar and low-mass stellar companions on late stellar evolution
Authors: Schaffenroth V. , Barlow B. N. , Geier S. , Vučković M. , Kilkenny D. , Wolz M. , Kupfer T. , Heber U. , Drechsel H. , Kimeswenger S. , Marsh T. , Wolf M. , Pelisoli I. , Freudenthal J. , Dreizler S. , Kreuzer S. , Ziegerer E.
Published: August 2019

Eclipsing post-common-envelope binaries are highly important for resolving the poorly understood, very short-lived common-envelope phase of stellar evolution. Most hot subdwarfs (sdO/Bs) are the bare helium-burning cores of red giants that have lost almost all of their hydrogen envelope. This mass loss is often triggered by common-envelope interactions with close stellar or even substellar companions. Cool companions to hot subdwarf stars such as late-type stars and brown dwarfs are detectable from characteristic light-curve variations – reflection effects and often eclipses. In the recently published catalog of eclipsing binaries in the Galactic Bulge and in the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey, we discovered 125 new eclipsing systems showing a reflection effect seen by visual inspection of the light curves and using a machine-learning algorithm, in addition to the 36 systems previously discovered by the Optical Gravitational Lesing Experiment (OGLE) team. The Eclipsing Reflection Effect Binaries from Optical Surveys (EREBOS) project aims at analyzing all newly discovered eclipsing binaries of the HW Vir type (hot subdwarf + close, cool companion) based on a spectroscopic and photometric follow up to derive the mass distribution of the companions, constrain the fraction of substellar companions, and determine the minimum mass needed to strip off the red-giant envelope. To constrain the nature of the primary we derived the absolute magnitude and the reduced proper motion of all our targets with the help of the parallaxes and proper motions measured by the Gaia mission and compared those to the Gaia white-dwarf candidate catalog. It was possible to derive the nature of a subset of our targets, for which observed spectra are available, by measuring the atmospheric parameter of the primary, confirming that less than 10% of our systems are not sdO/Bs with cool companions but are white dwarfs or central stars of planetary nebula. This large sample of eclipsing hot subdwarfs with cool companions allowed us to derive a significant period distribution for hot subdwarfs with cool companions for the first time showing that the period distribution is much broader than previously thought and is ideally suited to finding the lowest-mass companions to hot subdwarf stars. The comparison with related binary populations shows that the period distribution of HW Vir systems is very similar to WD+dM systems and central stars of planetary nebula with cool companions. In the future, several new photometric surveys will be carried out, which will further increase the sample of this project, providing the potential to test many aspects of common-envelope theory and binary evolution.
Numerical simulation of a phase change material melting process
Authors: Stanciu Dorin , Stanciu Camelia , Apostol Valentin , Pop Horatiu
Published: August 2019

Storage processes are usually integrated in solar energy systems applications due to daily variation of this energy source availability. Among different thermal storage solutions, phase change materials (PCM) lately became more extensively used covering a wide range of operating temperatures. In this regard, a numerical simulation of a PCM melting process is performed under ANSYS CFD environment. A particular configuration is considered consisting in a 2m length annular tube having a 5.48 cm external diameter. The tube is filled with paraffin chosen as PCM. A concentric interior tube of 2.54 cm diameter is used for transporting the heat transfer fluid (HTF) from the solar collector. Heat is transferred through the 1 mm thick pipe wall to the PCM placed all around the HTF tube. The numerical results reveal the melting process of the PCM at different instances and tube sections. The time variation of the PCM liquid fraction is emphasized. The results describe the dynamic behavior of a PCM melting process and might be further integrated in any solar power plant storage charging process simulation.
Study of the fire dynamics in a burning car and analysis of the possibilities for transfer of fire to a nearby vehicle
Authors: Terziev Angel
Published: August 2019

A full scale experiment was carried out on the process of vehicle combustion and the ignition of an adjacent one. For this purpose, specialized measuring equipment (thermocouples and infrared camera) is used to determine the temperature field of the burning car and nearby vehicle. The burning car has 16 thermocouples mounted on it and one thermocouple mounted on the adjacent car in order to examine the heat transfer process. The temperature field between cars at different points of time is detected by an infrared camera, with a clear change in the temperature gradient in the presence of wind. It is one of the main reasons for the increased momentum of heat transfer. The research shows that with the available combustible load of the car (2,1 MW or around the average for the currently produced cars), the ignition of the neighbouring vehicle is expected around 14 minutes after the ignition of the main vehicle, with the ignition zone being in the engine compartment. Important information was obtained for both the dynamics of the burning vehicle and the temperature field between the two cars.
Experimental study of Food Court Waste air gasification process performances in a batch reactor
Authors: Nicoleta Tîrtea Raluca , Ionescu Gabriela , Bulmău Cora , Mărculescu Cosmin
Published: August 2019

The paper presents the experimental results of Food Court Waste air gasification using a batch reactor. This type of waste is generated mainly in the food court areas of services spaces, shopping centers, airports and malls and is generally composed of paper & cardboard, plastic, organic, wood, metal and glass waste. The process operating parameters were: temperatures between 650°C and 850°C and an equivalent ratio of 0.25 and 0.4 respectively. The study focused on the influence of process parameters on the energy conversion rate considering the cold gas and hot gas efficiency correlated with the feedstock carbon conversion rate. The recorded instantaneous concentrations of sampled gas species were plotted in time dependent graphs for accurate variation curves of gases concentrations. The results can be used to isolate the startup stage of the gasification process and to establish the optimal process parameters for increased overall energy efficiency. In conclusion, considering the current setup, operational parameters and process energy efficiency, the optimal temperature for the air gasification of Food Court Waste is 850ºC with an equivalent ratio of 0.40.
Usage of biomass CHP for balancing of power grid in Ukraine
Authors: Epik Oleksii , Zubenko Vitalii
Published: August 2019

The article contains the first considerations of the problematic of Ukrainian grid balancing issues raised by a rapid increase of RES share in total electricity supply. The provision of balancing electricity with accent on biomass combined heat and power plants (CHP) usage is considered. Three technical concepts are proposed for engaging of existing and planned biomass CHP into balancing operation primary operating in baseload regimes, namely – greenfield biomass thermal power plant (TPP) and CHP working primary in baseload regimes and provide balancing electricity when needed (with and without steam accumulation). It is shown that there are no principle technical limitations for biomass CHP/TPP usage for grid balancing. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of balancing electricity for proposed concepts are calculated and compared with the reference technology proposed by the national grid operator (gas-piston engines and/or gas turbine). According to the calculations performed the LCOE (EUR/MWh) of balancing electricity could be 77-88 EUR/MWh for biomass CHP primary operating in baseload and 216 EUR/MWh for greenfield biomass TPP against 206 EUR/MWh for gas-piston/gas-turbine for applied assumptions, prices and tariffs.
Irradiance characteristic of a small-scale solar simulator for testing thermal collectors
Authors: Gheorghian Adina-Teodora , Apostol Valentin , Prisecaru Tudor , Stanciu Camelia , Pop Horaţiu
Published: August 2019

This paper describes the development of a small-scale solar simulator for research and educational purposes. The main goal is to provide a uniform and stable distribution of irradiation from a set of four floodlight halogen lamps, over a targeted area of 40x40 cm2. The floodlights are placed perpendicularly to each other, on the top end of a light tube. Two types of halogen lamps were characterised and the total irradiation of the solar simulator was measured over a 5x5 grid. The results showed that the two arrangements of lamps are able to achieve a level of 1000 W/m2 on the 40x40 cm2 targeted area, but the non-uniformity is unsatisfactory. In order to reach a non-uniformity level of 10% using the proposed lamps arrangements, the targeted area should be reduced to 31x31 cm2.
Concaves influence on the milling process of cereal seeds in hammer mills
Authors: Păun Anişoara , Stroescu Gheorghe , Milea Dumitru , Olan Mihai , Epure Mariana
Published: August 2019

Obtaining quality fodder that meets the requirements of fodder receipts makes necessary the use of components that have to respect certain dimensions. The milled products must respect the granulation imposed by the receipt because they are very well assimilated by animals and the homogenization process is also very good. The milling process is a complex one, influenced by a number of factors that depend on the technical and constructive solution of the milling chamber and on the physical and mechanical properties of the processed raw material (seeds). In the hammer mills with open chambers and sieve surface up to 180 degrees, the presence of concaves (grooved plates) within the milling chamber is a must because it will lead to the acceleration of the seed milling process and implicitly to increase the productivity and reduce electricity consumption. The paper follows the theoretical and experimental presentation of an open chamber mill that is provided with these grooved plates.
Results on bioenergetic potential of some sweet sorghum hybrids cultivated under psamosols conditions in Southern Oltenia
Authors: Draghici Iulian , Draghici Reta , Diaconu Aurelia , Croitoru Mihaela , Paraschiv Alina Nicoleta , Dima Milica , Ciuciuc Elena , Ciuciuc Daniel
Published: August 2019

Sorghum bicolor L. Moench is a herbaceous annual C4-type plant, with a high ecological plasticity because it can be grown in tropical, subtropical, temperate and semi-arid regions, harnessing soils with reduced natural fertility, from the category of sandy soils. Studies on 5 sweet sorghum hybrids studied under psamosols in southern Oltenia highlight a bioenergy potential in the milk-wax phase of the grain, ranging from 60847.4-89338.65 Mcal / ha, with a maximum in the hybrid Shaşm 2, which achieved a distinctly significant difference in production, compared to the average production of hybrids. The results recorded in sugar sorghum production were positively correlated, significantly distinct with leaf index determined during the flowering of the plants (r = 0.9854**).
Heavy metals contamination of the soil – water – vegetables chain in the Ilfov region
Authors: Mustăţea Gabriel , Belc Nastasia , Ungureanu Elena Loredana , Lăcătuşu Radu , Petre Jana , Pruteanu Augustina
Published: August 2019

Dietary exposure to several heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb, As represents a risk to human health through the consumption of vegetables. Due to the possible risks for the human body, contamination of soils as well as drinking and irrigation water has been the subject of many researches.

In this study, the analysis of heavy metals content from soil, water and vegetable samples from households in Ilfov County it was carried out. As a result, no contamination of soil and water with heavy metals was observed.

Cadmium content is above the maximum allowable limit for all analyzed vegetables, excepting cabbage and green onion. Two lettuce samples have an alarmingly high content of lead, the values being even 10 times higher than the maximum admissible limit of 0.3 mg/kg. The high values obtained for chromium content in lettuce and radish samples raise serious questions about possible contamination. Arsenic content values ranged between 0.87 and 7.69 mg/kg, which also represents high values. Based on the transfer factor (TF) calculated the strongest accumulation of the metals was in lettuce.
Analysis and Optimization of a Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Borzea Claudia , Comeagă Daniel
Published: August 2019

The paper aims to assess and improve the performances of a multilayer piezoelectric MEMS device for vibrations harnessing. Two operating modes are possible: at resonance and outside resonance. In some applications it is not possible to operate at resonance, functioning being mostly at low frequencies in a quasi-static regime. An Euler-Bernoulli classic beam theory mathematical model was studied for estimating the behaviour of multilayer piezoelectric generators, in terms of deflection and voltage, at functioning under resonance frequency. The analytical results were compared with the finite element method simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics. The main goal of this study is to obtain an accurate model for engineering design purposes, with simple analytical equations and ease of use, but with predictable errors. The study proved the usefulness of the derived model but also its limitations. It also proves the need to improve the model using plate theory, for sensors with high width/height ratio.
Theoretical analysis of the dynamics of a nacelle drive system in order to optimize the system energy
Authors: Dumitrescu Liliana , Chiriţă Polifron Alexandru , Cristescu Corneliu , Lepădatu Ioan , Laza Evelin
Published: August 2019

The paper presents the hydraulic system for the operation of a lifting platform in two constructive variants. One of the drive schemes is with energy recovery. A hydraulic, energy and economic analysis is performed for the two proposed drive schemes using the numerical simulation technique. The conclusions are useful in design and exploitation. The platform can be used for various applications in agricultural farms or construction.
Transformer lifetime management by analyzing the content of furan and gas dissolved in oil
Authors: Chera Anghel Irina Alina , Gatman Elena
Published: August 2019

In order to see the transformer insulation status, the temperature profile, the degree of polymerization (DP), the furan compound content, the carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide concentration are monitored. By evaluating the degree of polymerization (DP) of the cellulose paper insulation and furans in the determination of the insulating oil, it can estimate the lifetime of the transformer. Analysis of cellulose insulation paper to see the degree of polymerization (DP) can be performed safely only when the transformer is interrupted. However, being a non-invasive test, determination of furane content in an oil-insulating oil is often used as an alternative method for measuring the DP average of insulation paper. In order to analyze the technical condition of a transformer, furan content in oil should be used and interpreted as a primary chemical indicator in conjunction with the results of carbon oxide from the dissolved gas analysis, the acidity and moisture results from the chemical tests, the methanol content from the chromatographic tests and other monitoring techniques.
Les micropolluants organiques : présence dans les effluents urbains et traitement – Résultats d’essais pilotes industriels sur la station d’épuration d’Herford (Allemagne)
Authors: Gaid A. , Sauvignet P.
Published: August 2019

Cet article présente les résultats des essais effectués sur la station de traitement des eaux usées (STEU) d’Herford (Allemagne) en vue d’éliminer les micropolluants organiques présents dans les eaux traitées, cela au moyen d’une unité mobile de traitement complémentaire (Mobile Water Services). Un traitement tertiaire constitué par un pilote Actiflo Carb – réacteur à charbon actif en poudre (CAP) – a ainsi été mis en oeuvre. Le charbon actif en poudre testé, choisi après essais en laboratoire, est l’Aquasorb MP23 de la société Jacobi. Les résultats obtenus montrent que la plupart des micropolluants organiques sont éliminés à plus de 80 % pour des concentrations en CAP qui se situent autour de 18 g/m3. Les expérimentations permettent de souligner l’efficacité du pilote en matière tant de qualité d’eau produite (turbidité, demande chimique en oxygène) que d’efficacité vis-à-vis des composés responsables des perturbations endocriniennes.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Varano Gianluca Maria , Mauri Giovanni , Mascagni Luca , Della Vigna Paolo , Bonomo Guido , Maiettini Daniele , Orsi Franco
Published: August 2019

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, and many patients, with advanced disease, suffer from severe pain that can heavily affect their quality of life. In patients with advanced disease, an eminent role is played by percutaneous techniques, which cause tumor necrosis with a minimally invasive approach. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a relatively recent noninvasive technique that allows ablation of different solid tumors including uterine fibroids, and hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tumors. HIFU technology is based on external emission of an ultrasound beam, which has larger amplitudes than the regular diagnostic probes, focused on a precise target, allowing mechanical energy transfer through the tissues and tumor ablation due to thermal and nonthermal effects. Multiple clinical trials have been performed to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of HIFU for the palliation of pancreatic tumors, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Tumor-related pain relief was achieved in the vast majority of reported cases, and no significant side effects were recorded. This review aims to provide a description of HIFU physical principles, briefly summarize the clinical experience, to date, in HIFU treatment of pancreatic cancer, and discuss the possible future challenges, limitations, and insights in HIFU and pancreatic cancer management.
Use of Prophylaxis for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Isolated Foot or Ankle Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bikdeli Bavand , Visvanathan Renuka , Jimenez David , Monreal Manuel , Goldhaber Samuel Z. , Bikdeli Behnood
Published: August 2019

Although prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is recommended after many surgeries, evidence base for use of VTE prophylaxis after foot or ankle surgery has been elusive, leading into varying guidelines recommendations and notable practice variations. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine if use of VTE prophylaxis decreased the frequency of subsequent VTE, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), compared with control. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov through May 2018, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective controlled observational studies of VTE prophylaxis in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. Our search retrieved 263 studies, of which 6 were finally included comprising 1,600 patients. Patients receiving VTE prophylaxis had lower risk for subsequent DVT (risk ratio [RR]: 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.94) and subsequent VTE (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55–0.94). There was only one case of nonfatal PE, no cases of fatal PE, and no change in all-cause mortality (RR: 3.51; 95% CI: 0.14–84.84). There was no significant difference in the risk for bleeding (RR: 2.12; 95% CI: 0.53–8.56). Very few RCTs exist regarding the efficacy and safety of VTE prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery. Prophylaxis appears to reduce the risk of subsequent VTE, but the event rates are low and symptomatic events are rare. Future studies should determine the subgroups of patients undergoing foot or ankle surgery in whom prophylaxis may be most useful.
Impact of the 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics Immunoprophylaxis Policy on the Rate, Severity, and Cost of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalizations among Preterm Infants
Authors: Krilov Leonard R. , Fergie Jaime , Goldstein Mitchell , Brannman Lance
Published: August 2019

Objective This study examined the rate, severity, and cost of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations among preterm infants 29 to 34 weeks gestational age (wGA) versus term infants before and after a 2014 change in the American Academy of Pediatrics policy for RSV immunoprophylaxis.

Study Design Preterm (29–34 wGA) and term infants born from July 2011 to March 2017 and aged < 6 months were identified in a U.S. commercial administrative claims database. RSV hospitalization (RSVH) rate ratios, severity, and costs were evaluated for the 2011 to 2014 and 2014 to 2017 RSV seasons. Postpolicy changes in RSVH risks for preterm versus term infants were assessed with difference-in-difference (DID) modeling to control for patient characteristics and temporal trends.

Results In the DID analysis, prematurity-associated RSVH risk was 55% greater in 2014 to 2017 versus 2011 to 2014 (relative risk = 1.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–2.17, p = 0.011). RSVH severity increased among preterm infants after 2014 and was highest among those aged < 3 months. Differences in mean RSVH costs for preterm infants in 2014 to 2017 versus 2011 to 2014 were not statistically significant.

Conclusion RSVH risk for preterm versus term infants increased after the policy change, confirming previous national analyses. RSVHs after the policy change were more severe, particularly among younger preterm infants.
Basal Insulin Analogs versus Neutral Protamine Hagedorn for Type 2 Diabetics
Authors: Fishel Bartal Michal , Ward Clara , Refuerzo Jerrie S. , Ashimi Sunbola S. , Joycelyn Cornthwaite A. , Chen Han-Yang , Chauhan Suneet P. , Sibai Baha M.
Published: August 2019

Objective To determine whether basal insulin analogs reduce the rate of composite neonatal morbidity compared with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of women with T2DM and singleton pregnancy at a single tertiary center. Primary outcome was a composite neonatal morbidity of any of the following: shoulder dystocia, large for gestational age, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal hypoglycemia, or respiratory distress syndrome. Secondary outcomes were rates of maternal hypoglycemic events, hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, and primary cesarean delivery. Adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results Of 233 women with T2DM that met the inclusion criteria, 114 (49%) were treated with basal insulin analogs and 119 (51%) with NPH. The rate of composite neonatal morbidity was similar between groups (73 vs. 60%; aRR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.92–1.51). There were no differences in the rates of maternal adverse outcomes between the groups. Basal insulin analog was associated with a lower rate of primary cesarean delivery as compared with NPH (21 vs. 36%; aRR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25–0.78).

Conclusion Among pregnant women with T2DM managed with either basal or NPH insulin regimen, the rates of composite neonatal morbidity and maternal complications were similar.
The Association between Advanced Maternal Age and Diagnosis of Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Palatnik Anna , De Cicco Sarah , Zhang Liyun , Simpson Pippa , Hibbard Judith , Egede Leonard E.
Published: August 2019

Objectives To identify whether advanced maternal age (AMA), defined as age ≥35 years old, is independently associated with small for gestational age (SGA).

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort of births from the National Vital Statistics System in the United States from 2009 to 2013. Women were categorized based on four age groups at the time of delivery: 20 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, and ≥40 years old. The primary outcome of SGA < 10th and SGA < 5th percentiles was compared between the four groups using both univariable and multivariable analyses to determine whether maternal age was associated with SGA independent of parity.

Results A total of 17,031,005 births were eligible for analysis, with 2,705,501 births to AMA women. In multivariable analyses, maternal age of 30 to 34, compared with 20 to 29, was associated with lower rates of SGA < 10th and <5th percentiles (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–0.96 and aOR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96–0.98, respectively). The AMA of 35 to 39, compared with 20 to 29, was associated with lower rates of SGA < 10th percentile and unchanged rates of SGA < 5th percentile (aOR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96–0.98 and aOR = 1; 95% CI: 0.99–1.01, respectively). In contrast, AMA of ≥40, compared with age 20 to 29, was associated with higher rates of both SGA < 10th and <5th percentiles (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04–1.07 and aOR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.12–1.16, respectively). A significant association was found between maternal age and parity toward the risk of SGA (p < 0.001). Nulliparous women ≥30 years old but not multiparous women had higher rates of SGA < 10th and SGA < 5th percentiles compared with nulliparous women in the age group of 20 to 29. In contrast, both nulliparous and multiparous women age ≥40 years old had an increased risk for SGA < 5th percentile compared with all women in the age group of 20 to 29.

Conclusion Nulliparous women aged 30 years and older have higher risk of SGA < 10th and SGA < 5th percentiles compared with nulliparous women age 20 to 29. In contrast, both nulliparous and multiparous women age 40 years and older have an increased risk of SGA < 5th percentile compared with all women in the age group of 20 to 29.
Outpatient Cervical Ripening: A Cost-Minimization and Threshold Analysis
Authors: Son Shannon L. , Benson Ashley E. , Hart Hayes Emily , Subramaniam Akila , Clark Erin A. S. , Einerson Brett D.
Published: August 2019

Objective To evaluate cost of outpatient (OP) versus inpatient (IP) ripening with transcervical balloons, and determine circumstances in which each strategy would be cost saving.

Study Design We created a decision model comparing OP and IP balloon ripening in term (≥37 weeks) singleton pregnancies with unfavorable cervix. We performed a cost-minimization analysis and threshold analyses comparing two OP ripening strategies (broad and limited use) to IP ripening from a health system perspective. Base case estimates of probability, utilization, and cost were derived from the literature. The primary outcome was incremental cost of OP versus IP ripening from a hospital perspective. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses explored uncertainty in the model.

Results Both OP ripening strategies were cost saving compared with IP ripening: incremental cost −$228.40/patient with broad use and −$73.48/patient with limited use. OP ripening was no longer cost saving if hours saved on labor and delivery (L&D) were <3.5, insertion visit cost >$714, or facility cost/hour on L&D <$61. Two-way sensitivity analyses showed that OP ripening was cost saving under the most plausible clinical circumstances.

Conclusion In patients with unfavorable cervix, OP transcervical balloon ripening was cost saving under a wide range of circumstances, particularly if OP ripening can shorten time spent on L&D by 3.5 hours.