bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Crystallization Behaviors and Properties of F-III Fibers during Hot Drawing in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Ding Xiaoma , Kong Haijuan , Qiao Mengmeng , Hu Zhifeng , Yu Muhuo
Published: May 2019

In order to obtain F-III fibers with high mechanical properties, pristine F-III fibers were hot drawn at the temperature of 250 °C, pressure of 14 MPa, tension of 6 g·d−1, and different times, which were 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 75 min, 90 min, and 105 min, respectively, in supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO2) in this article. All the samples, including the pristine and treated F-III fibers, were characterized by a mechanical performance tester, wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the thermal stability of F-III fibers was enhanced to some extent, and the tensile strength and modulus of F-III fibers had great changes as the extension of treatment time during hot drawing in Sc-CO2, although the treatment temperature was lower than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of F-III fibers. Accordingly, the phase fraction, orientation factor fc of the (110) crystal plane, fibril length lf, and misorientation angle Bφ of all the samples were also investigated. Fortunately, the hot drawing in Sc-CO2 was successfully applied to the preparation of F-III fibers with high mechanical properties.
Influence of Oxidation Level of Graphene Oxide on the Mechanical Performance and Photo-Oxidation Resistance of a Polyamide 6
Authors: Scaffaro Roberto , Maio Andrea
Published: May 2019

The aim of this work is to study the relationship between the chemical-physical properties of graphene oxide (GO) and the performance of a polyamide 6 (PA6) in terms of mechanical reinforcement and resistance to UV-exposure. For this purpose, two samples of GO possessing different oxidation degrees were added (0.75 wt.%) to PA6 by way of a two-step technique and the materials achieved were carefully analysed from a morphological, chemical-physical, mechanical point of view. Photo-oxidation tests were carried out to assess the performance of this class of nanohybrids after 240 h of UV-exposure. The results reveal that both nanocomposites exhibit enhanced mechanical performance and durability of PA6. However, the most oxidized GO led to a higher increase of mechanical properties and a stronger resistance to UV-exposure. All the analyses confirm that both GO samples are well dispersed and covalently attached to PA6. However, the higher the oxidation level of GO the stronger and the more extended the chemical interphase of the nanocomposite. As regards photochemical stability, both GO samples display UV-shielding capacity but the most oxidized GO also shows radical scavenging activity by virtue of its nanocavities and defects, imparted by prolonged oxidation, which endows PA6 with an outstanding durability even after 240 h of UV-exposure.
Impact of Side Chains of Conjugated Polymers on Electronic Structure: A Case Study
Authors: Matt Clemens , Lombeck Florian , Sommer Michael , Biskup Till
Published: May 2019

Processing from solution is a crucial aspect of organic semiconductors, as it is at the heart of the promise of easy and inexpensive manufacturing of devices. Introducing alkyl side chains is an approach often used to increase solubility and enhance miscibility in blends. The influence of these side chains on the electronic structure, although highly important for a detailed understanding of the structure-function relationship of these materials, is still barely understood. Here, we use time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy with its molecular resolution to investigate the role of alkyl side chains on the polymer PCDTBT and a series of its building blocks with increasing length. Comparing our results to the non-hexylated compounds allows us to distinguish four different factors determining exciton delocalization. Detailed quantum-chemical calculations (DFT) allows us to further interpret our spectroscopic data and to relate our findings to the molecular geometry. Alkylation generally leads to more localized excitons, most prominent only for the polymer. Furthermore, singlet excitons are more delocalized than the corresponding triplet excitons, despite the larger dihedral angles within the backbone found for the singlet-state geometries. Our results show TREPR spectroscopy of triplet excitons to be well suited for investigating crucial aspects of the structure-function relationship of conjugated polymers used as organic semiconductors on a molecular basis.
Hollow and Solid Spherical Azithromycin Particles Prepared by Different Spherical Crystallization Technologies for Direct Tableting
Authors: Chen Kui , Hou Baohong , Wu Hao , Huang Xin , Li Fei , Xiao Yan , Li Jing , Bao Ying , Hao Hongxun
Published: May 2019

Many drugs have a propensity for agglomeration, resulting in poor flowability. Spherical crystallization can be used to improve product properties including flowability and particle size. In this work, two methods were developed and utilized to successfully make two kinds of azithromycin spherical particles, namely solid and hollow spheres. The resultant product exhibited regular spherical shape, large particle size, narrow particle size distribution and excellent flowability. The formation mechanism of these different spherical crystals was investigated with the help of a particle vision microscope (PVM). The immersion mechanism and the counter diffusion mechanism were proposed as the formation mechanisms for solid and hollow spheres, respectively. The effects of crystallization parameters on the spherical crystallization processes were investigated systematically. Furthermore, the tablet properties were evaluated to verify that the spherical particles obtained in this work can be directly used for tableting, thus avoiding granulation processes and reducing cost.
Experimental Data of Fluid Phase Equilibria- Correlation and Prediction Models: A Review
Authors: Domańska Urszula
Published: May 2019

The examples of phase equilibria in binary systems, solid/liquid (SLE), liquid/liquid (LLE), vapor/liquid (VLE), as well as liquid/liquid equilibria in ternary systems mainly containing ionic liquids (ILs), or the infragrance materials, or pharmaceuticals with molecular organic solvents, such as an alcohol, or water, or hydrocarbons, are presented. The most popular correlation methods of the experimental phase equilibrium data are presented, related to the excess Gibbs free energy models such as Wilson, universal-quasichemical, UNIQUAC and non-random two-liquid model, NRTL as well as several popular theories for the modeling of the phase equilibria and excess molar enthalpy, HE in binary or ternary mixtures are presented: the group contribution method (Mod. UNIFAC) and modified UNIFAC model for pharmaceuticals and lattice theory based on non-random hydrogen bonding (NRHB). The SLE, LLE, or VLE and HE of these systems may be described by the Perturbed-Chain Polar Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (PC-SAFT), or a Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS). The examples of the application of ILs as extractants for the separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from alkanes, sulfur compounds from alkanes, alkenes from alkanes, ethylbenzene from styrene, butan-1-ol from water phase, or 2-phenylethanol (PEA) from water are discussed on the basis of previously published data. The first information about the selectivity of extrahent for separation can be obtained from the measurements of the limiting activity coefficient measurements by the gas–liquid chromatography technique. This review outlines the main research work carried out over the last few years on direct measurements of phase equilibria, or HE and limiting activity coefficients, the possibility of thermodynamic modeling with emphasis on recent research achievements and potential for future research.
Melanoma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Focus on Their Proteome
Authors: Surman Magdalena , Stępień Ewa , Przybyło Małgorzata
Published: May 2019

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, and its incidence is increasing rapidly each year. Despite the extensive research into improved diagnostic and treatment methods, early detection and disease constraint still present significant challenges. As successful isolation protocols have been developed, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become the subject of extensive investigation in terms of their role in cancer progression and as a possible source of disease biomarkers. Besides functional studies, quantitative and qualitative proteomics have recently emerged as promising tools for the advancement of melanoma biomarkers. Nevertheless, the amount of data concerning the proteome of melanoma-derived EVs is still very limited. In this review we cover the current knowledge on protein content of melanoma-derived EVs, with a focus on their potential role in the development and progression of melanomas.
Meditation Experience and Mindfulness Are Associated with Reduced Self-Reported Mind-Wandering in Meditators—A German Version of the Daydreaming Frequency Scale
Authors: Linares Gutiérrez Damisela , Pfeifer Eric , Schmidt Stefan , Wittmann Marc
Published: May 2019

Mind-wandering or daydreaming can be described as spontaneous thoughts that are independent of the task at hand and the current sensory information. Mindfulness, defined as the ability to focus on the present moment with an accepting attitude towards the present experience, is considered to be the opposite of mind-wandering. We aimed at assessing how long-term meditation practice influences mind-wandering in everyday life and to which extent mind-wandering and self-reported aspects of mindfulness are conceptually linked. We first investigated the factorial structure of a German version of the Daydreaming Frequency Scale (DDFS) in a student population. Then we applied this version in meditators to a) investigate the relationship between meditation experience and reported levels of mind-wandering in daily life and b) explore how different facets of mindfulness, assessed with the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), relate to mind-wandering. Using a correlational design, we show that, among meditators, more meditation practice in years accounts for less self-reported mind-wandering in daily life. There was a negative association between mindfulness (FMI) and mind-wandering (DDFS). Our results provide evidence for clarifying the relationship between, meditation experience, mindfulness and mind-wandering and further validate the use of the FMI as a sensitive tool for assessing a two-factor structure of mindfulness.
Ten Hot Topics around Scholarly Publishing
Authors: Tennant Jonathan P. , Crane Harry , Crick Tom , Davila Jacinto , Enkhbayar Asura , Havemann Johanna , Kramer Bianca , Martin Ryan , Masuzzo Paola , Nobes Andy , Rice Curt , Rivera-López Bárbara , Ross-Hellauer Tony , Sattler Susanne , Thacker Paul D. , Vanholsbeeck Marc
Published: May 2019

The changing world of scholarly communication and the emerging new wave of ‘Open Science’ or ‘Open Research’ has brought to light a number of controversial and hotly debated topics. Evidence-based rational debate is regularly drowned out by misinformed or exaggerated rhetoric, which does not benefit the evolving system of scholarly communication. This article aims to provide a baseline evidence framework for ten of the most contested topics, in order to help frame and move forward discussions, practices, and policies. We address issues around preprints and scooping, the practice of copyright transfer, the function of peer review, predatory publishers, and the legitimacy of ‘global’ databases. These arguments and data will be a powerful tool against misinformation across wider academic research, policy and practice, and will inform changes within the rapidly evolving scholarly publishing system.
Ultra-High-Resolution Monitoring of the Catchment Response to Changing Weather Conditions Using Online Sediment Trapping
Authors: Johansson Markus , Saarni Saija , Sorvari Jouni
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between meteorological and hydrological observations and sediment flux rate changes, in order to better understand catchment dynamics. The meteorological and hydrological observations included local air temperature, wind speed, water temperature, and ice cover, while the sediment flux rate was observed in the lake basin using a modified sediment trap technique. This study demonstrates the advantages of a new online methodology applied in conventional sediment trapping to obtain flux rate information with daily resolution. A prototype of a high-resolution online sediment trap was tested in Savilahti Bay, Lake Kallavesi, eastern Finland, during the period from 22 October 2017 to 6 October 2018. The daily resolutions of meteorological, hydrological, and sediment flux rate data were analyzed using statistical methods. The results indicate relationships between temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and sediment flux rate, but the urban site also showed erosional changes due to anthropogenic land use. Sediment flux ceased during winter season and spring floods were recorded as pronounced peaks in sediment flux, while the growing season showed generally higher sediment accumulation rates. This research also provides valuable information on the catchment response to short-term weather events. The influence of a storm led to larger sediment flux for several days. The importance of wind speed and frost formation on sedimentation, which has been difficult to address due to trap deployment times of typically several months, is now supported. Used together with varved sediment archives, online sediment trapping will facilitate the interpretation of paleoclimatic proxy records and modeling of detailed weather and erosion conditions that are related to climate change.
Field Intercomparison of Radiometers Used for Satellite Validation in the 400–900 nm Range
Authors: Vabson Viktor , Kuusk Joel , Ansko Ilmar , Vendt Riho , Alikas Krista , Ruddick Kevin , Ansper Ave , Bresciani Mariano , Burmester Henning , Costa Maycira , D’Alimonte Davide , Dall’Olmo Giorgio , Damiri Bahaiddin , Dinter Tilman , Giardino Claudia , Kangro Kersti , Ligi Martin , Paavel Birgot , Tilstone Gavin , Van Dommelen Ronnie , Wiegmann Sonja , Bracher Astrid , Donlon Craig , Casal Tânia
Published: May 2019

An intercomparison of radiance and irradiance ocean color radiometers (the second laboratory comparison exercise—LCE-2) was organized within the frame of the European Space Agency funded project Fiducial Reference Measurements for Satellite Ocean Color (FRM4SOC) May 8–13, 2017 at Tartu Observatory, Estonia. LCE-2 consisted of three sub-tasks: (1) SI-traceable radiometric calibration of all the participating radiance and irradiance radiometers at the Tartu Observatory just before the comparisons; (2) indoor, laboratory intercomparison using stable radiance and irradiance sources in a controlled environment; (3) outdoor, field intercomparison of natural radiation sources over a natural water surface. The aim of the experiment was to provide a link in the chain of traceability from field measurements of water reflectance to the uniform SI-traceable calibration, and after calibration to verify whether different instruments measuring the same object provide results consistent within the expected uncertainty limits. This paper describes the third phase of LCE-2: The results of the field experiment. The calibration of radiometers and laboratory comparison experiment are presented in a related paper of the same journal issue. Compared to the laboratory comparison, the field intercomparison has demonstrated substantially larger variability between freshly calibrated sensors, because the targets and environmental conditions during radiometric calibration were different, both spectrally and spatially. Major differences were found for radiance sensors measuring a sunlit water target at viewing zenith angle of 139° because of the different fields of view. Major differences were found for irradiance sensors because of imperfect cosine response of diffusers. Variability between individual radiometers did depend significantly also on the type of the sensor and on the specific measurement target. Uniform SI traceable radiometric calibration ensuring fairly good consistency for indoor, laboratory measurements is insufficient for outdoor, field measurements, mainly due to the different angular variability of illumination. More stringent specifications and individual testing of radiometers for all relevant systematic effects (temperature, nonlinearity, spectral stray light, etc.) are needed to reduce biases between instruments and better quantify measurement uncertainties.
Development and Validation of a Photo-Based Measurement System to Calculate the Debarking Percentages of Processed Logs
Authors: Heppelmann Joachim B. , Labelle Eric R. , Seifert Thomas , Seifert Stefan , Wittkopf Stefan
Published: May 2019

Within a research project investigating the applicability and performance of modified harvesting heads used during the debarking of coniferous tree species, the actual debarking percentage of processed logs needed to be evaluated. Therefore, a computer-based photo-optical measurement system (Stemsurf) designed to assess the debarking percentage recorded in the field was developed, tested under laboratory conditions, and applied in live field operations. In total, 1720 processed logs of coniferous species from modified harvesting heads were recorded and analyzed within Stemsurf. With a single log image as the input, the overall debarking percentage was calculated by further estimating the un-displayed part of the log surface by defining polygons representing the differently debarked areas of the log surface. To assess the precision and bias of the developed measurement system, 480 images were captured under laboratory conditions on an artificial log with defined surface polygons. Within the laboratory test, the standard deviation of average debarking percentages remained within a 4% variation. A positive bias of 6.7% was caused by distortion and perspective effects. This resulted in an average underestimation of 1.1% for the summer debarking percentages gathered from field operations. The software generally performed as anticipated through field and lab testing and offered a suitable alternative of assessing stem debarking percentage, a task that should increase in importance as more operations are targeting debarked products.
Advances in the Remote Sensing of Terrestrial Evaporation
Authors: McCabe Matthew F. , Miralles Diego G. , Holmes Thomas R.H. , Fisher Joshua B.
Published: May 2019

Characterizing the terrestrial carbon, water, and energy cycles depends strongly on a capacity to accurately reproduce the spatial and temporal dynamics of land surface evaporation. For this, and many other reasons, monitoring terrestrial evaporation across multiple space and time scales has been an area of focused research for a number of decades. Much of this activity has been supported by developments in satellite remote sensing, which have been leveraged to deliver new process insights, model development and methodological improvements. In this Special Issue, published contributions explored a range of research topics directed towards the enhanced estimation of terrestrial evaporation. Here we summarize these cutting-edge efforts and provide an overview of some of the state-of-the-art approaches for retrieving this key variable. Some perspectives on outstanding challenges, issues, and opportunities are also presented.
A Geometric Barycenter-Based Clutter Suppression Method for Ship Detection in HF Mixed-Mode Surface Wave Radar
Authors: Zhang Jiazhi , Zhang Xin , Deng Weibo , Ye Lei , Yang Qiang
Published: May 2019

The nonhomogeneous clutter is a major challenge for ship detection in high-frequency mixed-mode surface wave radar. In this paper, a geometric barycenter-based reduced-dimension space-time adaptive processing method is proposed to suppress the clutter. Given the measured dataset, the range correlation of sea clutter is first investigated. Then, joint domain localized processing is applied to solve the training samples starve scenario in a practical system. The geometric barycenter-based training data selector is presented to select valid training samples and improve the accuracy of the clutter covariance matrix estimation. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified using the experimental data and the results show that it outperforms the conventional method in the nonhomogeneous environment of a practical system.
Sustainable Forest Management for Nontimber Products
Authors: Chamberlain James , Small Christine , Baumflek Michelle
Published: May 2019

Many of the plants and fungi that are harvested for nontimber products (e.g., foods, medicines, crafts) are critical to healthy forest ecosystems. These products also are essential to rural societies, contributing to the material and nonmaterial composition of communities and cultures. Product sales make important contributions at all economic scales, from household to national economies. Nontimber forest products (NTFPs) have been harvested for generations, sometimes centuries, yet they are seldom integrated into forest management. Few methods exist for inventory and assessment, and there is little evidence that harvests are sustainable. This article examines three elements of sustainable forest management for nontimber products: sociocultural, economic, and ecological, and elaborates with detailed examples of edible and medicinal species from United States (U.S.) forests. We synthesize the state of knowledge and emerging issues, and identify research priorities that are needed to advance sustainable management of NTFPs in the United States. Despite their social, economic, and ecological values, many of these species and resources are threatened by the overuse and lack of management and market integration. Sustainable management for nontimber products is attainable, but much research and development is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of these resources and their cultural values, and to realize their economic potentials.
Development of a Composite Model for Simulating Landscape Pattern Optimization Allocation: A Case Study in the Longquanyi District of Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Ou Dinghua , Yao Xingzhu , Xia Jianguo , Gao Xuesong , Wang Changquan , Chen Wanlu , Li Qiquan , Hu Zongda , Yang Juan
Published: May 2019

The simulation of landscape pattern optimization allocation (LPOA) to achieve ecological security is an important issue when constructing regional ecological security patterns. In this study, an LPOA model was developed by integrating a binary logistic regression model and a nonlinear programming model with a particle swarm optimization algorithm in order to consider the complexity of landscape pattern optimization in terms of the quantitative structure and spatial layout optimization, integrating the landscape suitability and factors that influence landscape patterns, and under constraints to maximize the economic, ecological, and comprehensive benefits of landscape patterns. The model was employed to simulate the LPOA in the Longquanyi District of Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China. The model successfully obtained an appropriate combination of the landscape quantitative structure and spatial layout, as well as effectively integrating the landscape suitability and factors that influence the landscape pattern. Thus, the model addressed the problems of previous studies, such as neglecting the coupling between quantitative structure optimization and spatial layout optimization, ignoring the macrofactors that affect landscape patterns during optimization modeling, and initializing particles without considering the suitability of the landscape. Furthermore, we assessed and analyzed the accuracy and feasibility of the landscape pattern spatial layout optimization results, where the results showed that the overall accuracy of the optimization results was 84.98% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.7587, thereby indicating the good performance of the model. Moreover, the simulated optimization allocation scheme for the landscape pattern was consistent with the actual situation. Therefore, this model can provide support and a scientific basis for regional landscape pattern planning, land use planning, urban planning, and other related spatial planning processes.
Effects of the Loss on Ignition of Fly Ash on the Properties of High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete
Authors: Chen How-Ji , Shih Neng-Hao , Wu Chung-Hao , Lin Shu-Ken
Published: May 2019

This study presents the experimental results of fresh and hardened properties of concrete incorporating high-volume fly ash (HVFA). Two kinds of low-calcium fly ash with loss on ignition (LOI) of 5% and 8% were used as replacement for cement and/or fine aggregate of 0% (control), 20%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 80% by weight of the total cementitious materials. The properties of fresh concrete tested included the slump, air content, unit weight and setting time; those of hardened concrete determined included compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, flexural strength and drying shrinkage. Test results indicate that the concretes made with high-LOI (8%) fly ash can be successfully produced for structural concrete, which contains fly ash of up to 60% of the total cementitious materials. The high-LOI fly ash-concretes with higher replacement levels presented longer setting times. However, although both the fresh and hardened properties of high LOI fly ash concretes were inferior to those of the low-LOI (5%) fly ash concretes, the high modulus of elasticity, the adequate strength development characteristics both at early and later ages (up to 365 days) and the low dry shrinkage were observed when compared to those of the control concrete with a comparable 28-day compressive strength of 30 MPa.
Interaction of Public Transport Accessibility and Residential Property Values Using Smart Card Data
Authors: Siripanich Amarin , Rashidi Taha Hossein , Moylan Emily
Published: May 2019

This study examines the relationship between residential property values and accessibility indicators derived from transit smart card data. The use of smart card data to estimate accessibility indicators for explaining the housing market has not yet been explored in the literature. Hence, this paper employs information from Brisbane, Australia’s “go card” and corresponding property data to develop residential property hedonic pricing models using an ordinary least square (OLS) model, a spatial lagged model (SL), a spatial error model (SE), and a geographically weighted regression (GWR). Due to the systematic coincidence between location and price similarities, these spatial econometric models yield superior goodness-of-fit over the OLS model. Using the proposed definition of public transit accessibility in this study, it was found that properties located in well-connected, well-serviced, and accessible locations generally experience premiums in their values. The results indicate that there is value added to the property market from the public investment in public transport services and infrastructure, which supports the adoption of transit funding mechanisms, such as value-capture taxes. Furthermore, the analysis of spatial interactions between transport accessibility and the housing market could be of use to policy makers to ensure a just distribution of capital investment in future infrastructure projects.
Predicted Absorption Performance of Cylindrical and Rectangular Permeable Membrane Space Sound Absorbers Using the Three-Dimensional Boundary Element Method
Authors: Toyoda Masahiro , Funahashi Kota , Okuzono Takeshi , Sakagami Kimihiro
Published: May 2019

Three-dimensional, permeable membrane space sound absorbers have been proposed as practical and economical alternatives to three-dimensional, microperforated panel space sound absorbers. Previously, the sound absorption characteristics of a three-dimensional, permeable membrane space sound absorber were predicted using the two-dimensional boundary element method, but the prediction accuracy was impractical. Herein, a more accurate prediction method is proposed using the three-dimensional boundary element method. In the three-dimensional analysis, incident waves from the elevation angle direction and reflected waves from the floor are considered, using the mirror image. In addition, the dissipated energy ratio is calculated based on the sound absorption of a surface with a unit sound absorption power. To validate the three-dimensional numerical method, and to estimate the improvement in prediction accuracy, the results are compared with those of the measurements and two-dimensional analysis. For cylindrical and rectangular space sound absorbers, three-dimensional analysis provides a significantly improved prediction accuracy for any shape and membrane sample that is suitable for practical use.
Boundary Layer Flow through Darcy–Brinkman Porous Medium in the Presence of Slip Effects and Porous Dissipation
Authors: Kausar Muhammad Salman , Hussanan Abid , Mamat Mustafa , Ahmad Babar
Published: May 2019

This paper aims to examine the Darcy–Brinkman flow over a stretching sheet in the presence of frictional heating and porous dissipation. The governing equations are modeled and simplified under boundary layer approximations, which are then transformed into system of self-similar equations using appropriate transformations. The resulting system of nonlinear equations was solved numerically under velocity and thermal slip conditions, by fourth-order Runge–Kutta method and built-in routine bvp4c in Matlab. Under special conditions, the obtained results were compared with the results available in the literature. An excellent agreement was observed. The variation of parameters was studied for different flow quantities of interest and results are presented in the form of tables and graphs.
Endothelial Microparticles in Uremia: Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Favretto Giane , Cunha Regiane Stafim da , Dalboni Maria Aparecida , Oliveira Rodrigo Bueno de , Barreto Fellype de Carvalho , Massy Ziad A. , Stinghen Andréa Emilia Marques
Published: May 2019

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are vesicles derived from cell membranes, which contain outsourced phosphatidylserine and express adhesion molecules, such as cadherin, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, and integrins. EMPs are expressed under physiological conditions and continue circulating in the plasma. However, in pathologic conditions their levels increase, and they assume a pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant role via interactions with monocytes; these effects are related to the development of atherosclerosis. Chronic kidney dysfunction (CKD) characterizes this dysfunctional scenario through the accumulation of uremic solutes in the circulating plasma, whose toxicity is related to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the formation of EMPs and their biological effects in the uremic environment. Data from previous research demonstrate that uremic toxins are closely associated with the activation of inflammatory biomarkers, cardiovascular dysfunction processes, and the release of EMPs. The impact of a decrease in circulating EMPs in clinical studies has not yet been evaluated. Thus, whether MPs are biochemical markers and/or therapeutic targets has yet to be established.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Is Related to All-cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients and Is Lowered by On-line Hemodiafiltration: Results from the Convective Transport Study
Authors: den Hoedt Claire H. , van Gelder Maaike K. , Grooteman Muriel P. , Nubé Menso J. , Blankestijn Peter J. , Goldschmeding Roel , Kok Robbert Jan , Bots Michiel L. , van den Dorpel Marinus A. , Gerritsen Karin  G. F.
Published: May 2019

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. The aminoterminal fragment of CTGF is a middle molecule that accumulates in chronic kidney disease. The aims of this study are to explore determinants of plasma CTGF in hemodialysis (HD) patients, investigate whether CTGF relates to all-cause mortality in HD patients, and investigate whether online-hemodiafiltration (HDF) lowers CTGF. Data from 404 patients participating in the CONvective TRAnsport STudy (CONTRAST) were analyzed. Patients were randomized to low-flux HD or HDF. Pre-dialysis CTGF was measured by sandwich ELISA at baseline, after six and 12 months. CTGF was inversely related in multivariable analysis to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p < 0.001) and positively to cardiovascular disease (CVD) (p = 0.006), dialysis vintage (p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (p < 0.001), beta-2-microglobulin (p = 0.045), polycystic kidney disease (p < 0.001), tubulointerstitial nephritis (p = 0.002), and renal vascular disease (p = 0.041). Patients in the highest quartile had a higher mortality risk compared to those in the lowest quartile (HR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.02–2.88, p = 0.043). HDF lowered CTGF with 4.8% between baseline and six months, whereas during HD, CTGF increased with 4.9% (p < 0.001). In conclusion, in HD patients, CTGF is related to GFR, CVD and underlying renal disease and increased the risk of all-cause mortality. HDF reduces CTGF.
Internal Wave Generation in a Non-Hydrostatic Wave Model
Authors: Vasarmidis Panagiotis , Stratigaki Vasiliki , Suzuki Tomohiro , Zijlema Marcel , Troch Peter
Published: May 2019

In this work, internal wave generation techniques are developed in an open source non-hydrostatic wave model (Simulating WAves till SHore, SWASH) for accurate generation of regular and irregular long-crested waves. Two different internal wave generation techniques are examined: a source term addition method where additional surface elevation is added to the calculated surface elevation in a specific location in the domain and a spatially distributed source function where a spatially distributed mass is added in the continuity equation. These internal wave generation techniques in combination with numerical wave absorbing sponge layers are proposed as an alternative to the weakly reflective wave generation boundary to avoid re-reflections in case of dispersive and directional waves. The implemented techniques are validated against analytical solutions and experimental data including water surface elevations, orbital velocities, frequency spectra and wave heights. The numerical results show a very good agreement with the analytical solution and the experimental data indicating that SWASH with the addition of the proposed internal wave generation technique can be used to study coastal areas and wave energy converter (WEC) farms even under highly dispersive and directional waves without any spurious reflection from the wave generator.
Evaluation of Distribution Properties of Non-Point Source Pollution in a Subtropical Monsoon Watershed by a Hydrological Model with a Modified Runoff Module
Authors: Zhang Zhou , Huang Ping , Chen Zhonghan , Li Junmin
Published: May 2019

Non-point source pollution (NPS) is difficult to manage for watersheds, due to the scattering of pollution sources and uncertainty over the time it takes to accumulate. Since local agriculture and poultry rearing prevail, NPS occupies a large proportion of local pollution. In this paper, we modified the runoff module of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to study the distribution properties and the effect of control of NPS in the Binjiang watershed in Southern China. The model was run from 2005 to 2014. The runoff simulation’s accuracy had apparently improved compared to the original model, as the Nash coefficient (Ens) had improved from 0.72 to 0.89, and the determination coefficient (R2) had improved from 0.75 to 0.91, an improvement in accuracy of 23.61% (Ens) and 21.33% (R2). Thus, the modified model (SWAT-m) is more adaptable for the simulation of extensive non-urban watersheds in subtropical monsoon climates. The validated model was used in further analysis. The results show that 82–90% of total nitrogen and 83–89% of total phosphorus were concentrated in the period from April to September annually. Through the introduction of the pollution generation potential parameter Φi, we obtained the descending order of all sub-basins in terms of their pollution generation potential. The critical source areas (CSAs) were found to be the northeast sub-basins in lower terrain that is used mainly for agricultural applications, accounting for 53% of the total watershed. The accumulation time is April to July, occupying 69% of annual generation. The simulation of management measures showed that NPS control has a good effect, with a 15 m filter strip in CSAs. Ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus can be reduced apparently by 32% and 43%, respectively. The results may provide support for the management of NPS in watersheds under similar conditions.
Experimental Investigation of Purging Saline Solution from a Dead-End Water Pipe
Authors: Elgamal Mohamed , Farouk Mohamed
Published: May 2019

Salty groundwater might find its way into dead end legs of a water distribution network and thus efforts are required to clean such parts of the network. This paper reports, for the first time, the results of a visual study for laboratory experimental investigation on the purging process of saline water from a dead-end water pipe using fresh water. Three purging locations and a number of purging flow rates were considered to identify the effect of purging location and purging flow rate on the time required to completely remove saline water from the dead-end pipe. Image processing analysis techniques were used to capture data from the experimental lab setup. A universal gray-intensity to salinity curve was experimentally found to formulate a color intensity to salinity mapping. A script code based on Octave numerical package was written for this regard to determine the temporal variation of the total dissolved salt (TDS) value within the dead leg pipe. It is generally noted that, as Reynolds number gets higher, the time removal ratio (t/ts) gets bigger. It is also noted that, as a purging location gets farther from the dead end, the time required for the complete removal of TDS increases exponentially.
DETERMINATION OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF FORENSIC-EXPERT INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE
Authors: Khosha V.
Published: May 2019

In the article, in order to formulate the essence of the administrative-legal regulation mechanism in the field of accreditation of forensic institutions of Ukraine, the general legal foundations of the accreditation system in Ukraine are defined theoretically, as well as the characteristics of a wider category – “legal regulation”, taking into account the peculiarities of public relations in accreditation of conformity assessment bodies.

The mechanism of administrative and legal regulation of accreditation of forensic institutions of Ukraine is a combination of legal means (legal norms, legal relations, acts of interpretation and application of legal norms, etc.) of influencing the relations between potential and accredited conformity assessment bodies ensuring a uniform technical policy in the field of conformity assessment; ensuring consumer confidence in conformity assessment activities; creating conditions for mutual recognition of the results of accredited bodies at the international level, etc.

The legal basis for the accreditation of forensic institutions of Ukraine is a set of output cross-cutting ideas enshrined in legal norms that define legal necessity and create conditions for accreditation and monitoring of conformity assessment bodies, directly determine legal, organizational and tactical provisions of the organization and implementation of relevant activities. The legal regime of accreditation is a type of permissive administrative and legal regimes. It is based on the principles of accessibility, voluntariness, professional competence, equality, transparency, confidentiality, participation of executive bodies and public organizations, independence and impartiality, non-transferability of special accreditation powers to others, control (the latter principle should be included in the list of basic principles of accreditation activities, which are defined in Article 5 of the Law of Ukraine “On Accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies”). The accreditation procedure is carried out according to the rules that are publicly available and free to use. Accreditation bodies should periodically confirm their competence, this is usually done with the help of other accreditation bodies. Key words: accreditation, forensic institutions, legal framework, legal regulation.
ON THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF FORENSIC EXPERTOLOGY
Authors:   V. Koloniuk; Yu. Foris; O. Yudina; V. Vynohradova
Published: May 2019

The suggested hypothesis of M.Ya. Sehai allows extrapolating the results of applying whole methods within the framework of each class (forensic expert substratology, forensic expert documentation, and forensic psychonomics).

This does not diminish the significance of the scientific ground of the provisions of a particular type of forensic examination, but thanks to the challenging hypothesis of M. Ya. Sehai concerning the relationship of interaction and the provisions justified by him in forensic science, this will allow applying “forensic” methods (which, by and large, does not exist, since methods are general scientific) to the subject of research in other types of forensic examinations, where they have not previously been used.

The subject of the study of forensic science and forensic expertology enlarges each other, at least from the perspective of using special knowledge in legal proceedings.

Conclusion is the following: in forensic expertology has its own role in justice, it is a completely established theory with a hypothesis and accepted facts at present. Forensic expertology has its own subject; it integrates the scientific methods of individual forensic expert theories and has its own methodological function.

Key words: forensic expertology, criminalistics, forensic science, forensic expert substratology, forensic expert documentation, forensic psychonomics, hypothesis.
THE ROLE OF THE PROSECUTOR – PROCEDURE LEADER OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE PRESENTATION IN THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FORENSIC EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION OF ITS RESULTS
Authors: Yakovlev A.
Published: May 2019

The article summarizes and analyzes the causes of errors made during the stages of the appointment of a forensic examination and an expert opinion assessment. There are numerous examples of errors from the practical activities of the investigating authorities. The lack of sufficient special forensic knowledge of the investigator and a formal attitude to his duties as a prosecutor are considered as the main cause of errors. This problem is aggravated by scientific progress, the continuous improvement of the methods, technologies and techniques used in the production of examinations, the expansion of the range of issues being solved and the increase in their complexity.

The role and possibilities of the prosecutor, as the procedural manager, regarding the timely detection and prevention of these errors are considered. It was noted that the effective work of the prosecutor in this direction requires special forensic knowledge. On the other hand, the imparting of deep knowledge simultaneously both in jurisprudence and in various fields of special knowledge of one person seems to be an extremely difficult and not always expedient decision.

In connection with the above, it is proposed to introduce the specialization of prosecutors according to the direction of the crimes, the investigation of which is under their procedural guidance. It is also recommended to introduce the practice of conducting specialized advanced training courses, to which employees of expert institutions should be involved. The latter will not only increase the information content of the courses, but will also facilitate the exchange of practical experience and scientific opinions between prosecutors and forensic experts. In addition, it is proposed to introduce the institute of forensic prosecutors, whose duties will include advisory assistance in some cases when there is a need for special forensic knowledge, including when appointing forensic examinations and when evaluating an expert opinion.

Key words: pre-trial investigation, forensic examination, evaluation of results.
CLASSIFICATION OF EXPERTISES ON THE BASIC SATISFACTION OBJECT OF RESEARCH AND OTHER GROUNDS
Authors:   А. Kirichenko; Yu. Lantsedova
Published: May 2019

The article deals with the new classification of antitort and other expertises on the basis object of the research and other grounds. The classes of criminalistic, medical and narcological expertises and the class of human psychic expertises are distinguished. The essence of the class of criminalistic expertises for the research of any trasessubstances (tracks: imprints, diagnostic and situational displays; substances: objects, devices, mechanisms, substances), relationships or phenomena of importance for overcoming criminal and/or other offenses except, excluding the psyche and metabolic processes of a person, his body, parts or secretions, as well as clothing, footwear and other traction substations in the event of joint causation of bodily harm to a person or other trace formation with his body and/or parts and/or excreta. The list of genuses of criminalistic expertises is given: firearms, ammunition and traces of illicit treatment of them; mechanical weapons, ammunition and traces of illicit handling of them; explosive weapons, explosive devices and substances, means of blasting and traces of the illicit treatment of them; substances, materials and products from them; restoration of destroyed texts and marking symbols; trassological; phonoscopic; commission odorological; handwriting author-identification; portrait; technical; technological, commodity research; accounting; financial-economical, biological, engineering-ecological, art criticism, military, etc., as well as kinds of expertises of some of these genuses.

The list of the genuses of medical expertises: genoscopic, immunological, biological, cytological, trassological, toxicological, trace ssubstances, corpses of a person, etc., as well as expertises of the human psyche: a psychological one that should investigate various peculiarities of the human psyche; and psychiatric, who investigates various deviations and diseases of the human psyche, including establishes the fact of the presence and recognition of the need for treatment of various manifestations of psychosociality.

The essence of the class of narcological expertises is determined, which must establish the fact of the presence and necessity of treatment of various manifestations of psycho-metabolic dependence on alcoholism, drug addiction, toxicomania, etc.

The variants of classification of antitortious and other expert investigations on the sequence of conducting, on the volume of research, on the composition and nature of the special knowledge, on the place of conducting and on the type of procedural proceedings.

According to the results of the research, it is suggested to use the above mentioned innovations to develop a solution for this problem, exhaustive in terms of the genuses and types of expertises, in the process of discussion.

Keywords: the classification of expert investigations criminalistic, medical and narcological expertises; human psychic expertises.