bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small signal stability improvement of a microgrid by the optimised dynamic droop control method
Authors: Unnikrishnan Binu Krishnan , Johnson Mija Salomi , Cheriyan Elizabeth P.
Published: July 2019

Renewable energy‐based energy conversion technologies have become more relevant due to environmental considerations even though they are intermittent in nature. As a result, the concept of microgrid and microgrid control techniques have been evolved as major areas of power system research. Among different inverter control methods, the droop‐based control method is more popular in microgrid systems due to its simplicity and non‐requirement of expensive communication systems. The transient performance, power‐sharing accuracy and decoupling between real and reactive power are improved by modifying the natural droop control method. In this study, the selected microgrid system consists of two inverters operating in parallel, two interconnecting lines and three loads. A state‐space model of the microgrid is created based on the small‐signal stability and the transient response is improved by introducing virtual impedance and dynamic droop gains. The different controller parameters are optimised using particle swarm optimisation ensuring stability. Eigenvalue analysis is done to analyse stability. The analysis of the response of the system for various disturbances validates the effectiveness of the proposed controller. The strategy developed ensures improved power‐sharing capability with high values of natural droop gains without compromising stability by using optimised dynamic droop gains.
Synthesis of isophoric concentric ring arrays with multiple constraints
Authors: Dai Dingcheng , Yao Minli , Jin Wei , Zhang Fenggan
Published: July 2019

Sparse method provides an efficient way for antenna systems to achieve low cost, weight, and complexity. However, the synthesis of sparse arrays always limited to multiple constraints, which include aperture, number of elements, and minimum elements spacing. The characteristic that element number in each ring of concentric ring array (CRA) is related to its ring radius, which is different from square or rectangle planar arrays, leads to a complex constrained optimisation problem for the synthesis. Here, a novel vector mapping method for e‐design of sparse CRA is proposed. According to the mapping functions established here, the ring radius and element number can be mapped by two variable vectors with only upper and lower boundaries. Thus, the strong constrained optimisation problem can be transformed to the unconstrained. Numerical examples show the effectiveness of the proposed method, which provides layouts of elements able to produce lower sidelobe level that satisfy multiple requirements.
Segmented discrete polynomial‐phase transform with coprime sampling
Authors: Liu Shengheng , Ma Yahui , Shan Tao
Published: July 2019

Segmented discrete polynomial‐phase transform (DPT) integrates input signals to enable detection and parameter estimation of weak linear frequency modulated (LFM) signals. However, conventional DPT approaches suffer from a low unambiguously detectable range of the chirp rates because the segmentation effectively reduces the sampling rate between adjacent segments. To enable unique detection of LFM signals with a high chirp rate estimation, the authors propose the use of multiple segmentation sets where the respective segment lengths are governed by a coprime relationship. As such, the ambiguity of the estimated chirp rates that arise from a single segmentation set is eliminated through the fusion of the multiple segmentation sets using the Chinese Remainder Theorem. The effectiveness of the proposed method for the estimation of LFM signals with a high chirp rate is validated by simulation results.
Mechanical properties of particles from the surface of asteroid 25143 Itokawa
Authors: Tanbakouei Safoura , Trigo-Rodríguez Josep M. , Sort Jordi , Michel Patrick , Blum Jürgen , Nakamura Tomoki , Williams Iwan
Published: July 2019

Aims.Asteroids have been exposed to impacts since their formation, and as a consequence their surfaces are covered by small particles, pebbles, and boulders. The Japanese JAXA/ISAS Hayabusa mission collected micron-sized particles from the regolith of asteroid 25143 Itokawa. The study in terrestrial laboratories of these particles provides a scientific opportunity as their physical properties can be compared with those characteristic of chondritic meteorites that are often considered proxies of the building materials of potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs).

Methods.Here we present the results from a study of the mechanical properties of three of these particles using a precise technique called nanoindentation. The derived results are compared with those obtained via a methodology similar to that used for the Chelyabinsk meteorite.

Results.The reduced Young’s modulus values obtained for the Itokawa samples are higher than those measured for the Chelyabinsk chondrite, so these specific particles of asteroid regolith are more compacted than the minerals forming the particular LL chondrite associated with PHAs. This might be a natural consequence of particles surviving long exposure times on the surface of a (near-Earth asteroid) NEA. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission plans to excavate a crater in the surface of the (65803) Didymos satellite. Our results suggest that excavating a crater with a kinetic impactor in an area of significant fine-grained regolith will increase the momentum transfer. As this will facilitate the release of particles carrying target mass in the opposite direction to the movement of the projectile, there is no need to grind up the target during the mechanical excavation phase.
FDTD modeling of nonperiodic antenna located above metasurface using surface impedance boundary condition
Authors: Uno Toru , Arima Takuji , Kurahara Akihide
Published: July 2019

This paper investigates an FDTD modeling method for precisely calculating the characteristics of a single, that is, a nonperiodic antenna located above a metasurface that consists of an infinite periodic conducting element on a flat dielectric substrate. The original FDTD method requires enormous computational resources to analyze such structures because an appropriate periodic boundary condition (PBC) is not supported, and a brute force approach has to be used for this reason. Another option is to use the array scanning method in which a single source is synthesized from a superposition of infinite phased array of point sources. In this method, some problems such as a mutual coupling between the single antenna and the metasurface, a computational error contained in a numerical integration over the Brillouin zone and so on have not been resolved yet. In order to resolve these difficulties and to reduce computational resources, a surface impedance boundary condition (SIBC) is incorporated into the FDTD method in this paper. The validity of the method is numerically confirmed by calculating an input impedance and a radiation pattern of a horizontal dipole antenna located above the metasurface.
Nanometric plasmonic optical trapping on gold nanostructures
Authors: Kotsifaki Domna G. , Makropoulou Mersini , Searfetinides Alexander A.
Published: July 2019

The precise noninvasive optical manipulation of nanometer-sized particles by evanescent fields, instead of the conventional optical tweezers, has recently awaken an increasing interest, opening a way for investigating phenomena relevant to both fundamental and applied science. In this work, the optical trapping force exerted on trapped dielectric nanoparticle was theoretically investigated as a function on the trapping beam wavelength and as a function of several plasmonic nanostructures schemes based on numerical simulation. The maximum optical trapping forces are obtained at the resonance wavelength for each plasmonic nanostructure geometry. Prominent tunabilities, such as radius and separation of gold nanoparticles as well as the numerical aperture of objective lens were examined. This work will provide theoretical support for developing new types of plasmonic sensing substrates for exciting biomedical applications such as single-molecule fluorescence.
La clinique transculturelle, aspects théorico-cliniques
Authors: Mouchenik Yoram
Published: July 2019

Dans la pluralité des courants théoriques les pratiques transculturelles tentent de répondre aux incertitudes que développent la rencontre clinique avec des altérités culturelles, linguistiques et sociales de patients venant d’ailleurs. Le dispositif de médiation que constitue la consultation transculturelle semble particulièrement pertinent dans une société multiculturelle où les problématiques peuvent être imbriquées et complexes. Le terme très polysémique de culture retrouve une place légitime avec les conceptualisations de René Kaës qui considère la culture comme la troisième différence avec la différence des sexes et des générations. Ses travaux soulignent l’intérêt des dispositifs plurisubjectifs. Le dispositif transculturel propose une médiation particulièrement pertinente en clinique dans une société multiculturelle et une clinique en changement.
Die Erwartungen an das Aufklärungsgespräch aus Patientensicht – strukturierte Befragung von 100 Patienten einer ophthalmologischen Universitätsambulanz
Authors: Enders Christian , Ryszka Joanna , Lang Gabriele E. , Strametz Reinhard , Lang Gerhard K. , Werner Jens Ulrich
Published: July 2019

Hintergrund Das Krankheitsverständnis der Patienten sowie deren Erwartungen an das Aufklärungsgespräch und den Therapieerfolg entsprechen nicht immer den ärztlichen Zielsetzungen und Einschätzungen. Umso wichtiger ist es, dass man im Aufklärungsgespräch gezielt auf Erwartungen und Wissenslücken der Patienten eingehen kann, insbesondere wenn es um den therapeutischen Erfolg geht. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Erhebung des krankheitsbezogenen Wissensstands und die Evaluierung der Erwartungen von Patienten in ophthalmologischer Behandlung.

Methode Mittels überwiegend geschlossener Fragen wurden in einer ophthalmologischen Ambulanz einer Universitätsklinik konsekutiv 100 Patienten anonym und strukturiert befragt. Die Antwortmöglichkeiten wurden überwiegend als Einzelauswahl auf einer Ratingskala vorgegeben.

Ergebnis 55% der Patienten hatten im Vorfeld einen ophthalmologischen Eingriff erlebt, 36% mindestens 2 ophthalmologische Eingriffe. Mehr als die Hälfte der Patienten hatte sich nicht näher mit dem bevorstehenden Eingriff beschäftigt (52%). Am meisten hatten die Patienten Angst vor Komplikationen (59%), am wenigsten vor der Betäubung (29%). Am wichtigsten war den Patienten eine Aufklärung über Komplikationen und sie wünschten sich am meisten Informationen über die Auswirkungen des Eingriffs auf den Alltag.

Schlussfolgerung Etwa die Hälfte der Patienten hatte sich im Vorfeld des Aufklärungsgesprächs nicht mit dem erforderlichen operativen Eingriff beschäftigt. Eine verständliche Aufklärung hinsichtlich der Erfolgsraten und der möglichen postoperativen Beeinträchtigungen sowie die Bereitstellung von übersichtlichem Aufklärungsmaterial erscheinen maßgeblich. So könnten über die Klinikhomepage Patienten im Vorfeld eines operativen Eingriffs allgemeine Informationen angeboten werden. Neue Medien scheinen für Patienten in diesem Zusammenhang bisher allerdings noch eine untergeordnete Rolle zu spielen.
Myostatin als potenzieller Marker für das Kompartmentsyndrom bei elektrischen Verletzungen
Authors: Wallner Christoph , Houschyar Khosrow Siamak , Drysch Marius , Lehnhardt Marcus , Behr Björn
Published: July 2019

Einleitung Elektrische Unfälle und insbesondere daraus resultierende Kompartmentsyndrome sind herausfordernde Verletzungen in der klinischen Behandlung. Kreatinkinase (CK) und Myoglobin sind bekannte Laborparameter zur Bestimmung eines Kompartmentsyndroms.

Methoden Wir haben Patienten mit elektrischen Verletzungen zwischen 2006 und 2016 in unserer Verbrennungsklinik untersucht. Wir wollten die Rolle von Myostatin als Marker für das Kompartmentsyndrom durch Serummessungen innerhalb von 24 h nach der Verletzung analysieren.

Ergebnisse Wir haben Daten von 24 Patienten erhoben, die mit einer elektrischen Hochspannungsverletzung stationär behandelt wurden. Von diesen 24 Patienten konnten wir bei 14 Patienten Myostatinkonzentrationen messen. Während CK-MB (Kreatinkinase Typ Muscle-Brain [MB]) keine signifikante Korrelation mit einem Kompartmentsyndrom zeigte, zeigten CK und Myostatin einen stark signifikanten Anstieg. Interessanterweise war Myostatin bei elektrischen Verletzungen signifikant erhöht, jedoch nicht bei Verbrennungen, während CK keinen signifikanten Unterschied zeigte.

Schlussfolgerung Neben CK kann Myostatin somit als zuverlässiger Frühmarker für das Kompartmentsyndrom bei elektrischen Verletzungen dienen.
Praxisorientiertes Pflegekonzept
Authors: Beese Ingrid
Published: July 2019

Wie delirante Patienten nicht nur körperlich, sondern auch kognitiv und emotional
in einem Akut-Krankenhaus rehabilitiert werden können, beschreibt unsere Autorin
anhand eines praxisbezogenen Pflegekonzepts.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy using a 22-G fine needle biopsy needle: a prospective study
Authors: Hasan Muhammad K. , Kadkhodayan Kambiz , Idrisov Evgeny , Ali Saeed , Rafiq Ehsan , Ben-Ami Shor Dana , Abdel-Jalil Ala , Navaneethan Uday , Bang Ji , Varadarajulu Shyam , Hawes Robert , Pernicone Peter
Published: July 2019

Background Endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) using a 19-gauge (19-G) EUS needle is becoming increasingly popular. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 22-G EUS fine needle biopsy (FNB) needle for performing EUS-LB.

Methods Patients referred for evaluation of elevated liver enzymes and without obstructive disease requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were included. Using a 22-G FNB needle, two passes were made from the left lobe and one from the right. The main outcome measure was adequacy of the specimen for histology interpretation, and the secondary outcome was the safety of EUS-guided liver biopsy with a 22-G FNB needle. Patients were followed for post-procedure complications for 30 days.

Results 40 patients (median age 61 years; 26 women) underwent EUS-LB. Analyzing by needle passes, the median longest core fragment was 12 mm (1st quartile – 3rd quartile 10 mm – 16.25 mm, interquartile range [IQR] 6.25 mm) from the left lobe and 11 mm (10 mm – 15.75 mm, IQR 5.75 mm) from the right lobe. The median cumulative core length per patient was 55 mm (44.5 mm – 68 mm, IQR 23.5 mm). The median cumulative number of complete portal triads (CPTs) per patient was 42 (28.5 – 53, IQR 24.5). The specimen was considered adequate in all 40 patients (100 %). Self-limiting abdominal pain was reported in 6 patients (15 %).

Conclusions EUS-LB using a 22-G FNB needle is a safe and viable alternative to the use of larger gauge needles, yielding adequate tissue for evaluation of parenchymal disease in 100 % of the patients.
Endothelial Function in Patients with Severe and Moderate Haemophilia A and B
Authors: Böhmert Stephanie , Schubert Ralf , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Alesci Sonja , Miesbach Wolfgang
Published: July 2019

The life expectancy of patients with haemophilia has increased and therefore the interest in age-related comorbidities has grown. The aim of this study was to determine whether haemophilia patients have a different endothelial function compared with the general population. A total of 26 patients with severe or moderate haemophilia A or B, 14 controls and 36 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were included in this study. Five markers of endothelial dysfunction (MOEDs) were determined. Moreover, the endothelial function was examined using the Itamar Endo-PAT, and the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was calculated from the results. The MOEDs soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (p = 0.0095) and interleukin-6 (p = 0.010) were significantly higher for patients with haemophilia compared with the control group. The presence of increased adhesion molecule levels and low-grade inflammation is suggestive of a decreased endothelial function. RHI is impaired in CAD patients (1.862), whereas haemophilia patients have an RHI of 1.958 in comparison with 2.112 in controls (p = 0.127). Therefore, laboratory and functional measurements imply a possible higher risk for CAD in haemophilia patients.
Trigeminal Amyloidoma: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Swanson Amy , Giannini Caterina , Link Michael , Van Gompel Jamie , Wald John , McPhail Ellen , Theis Jason , Vaubel Rachael
Published: July 2019

Cerebral amyloidomas, characterized by localized amyloid deposits in the nervous system in the absence of systemic disease, are rare. These typically consist of immunoglobulin light chain (AL)-type, predominantly lambda. Trigeminal nerve involvement is exceptionally rare with only 21 previously reported cases, three with bilateral disease. We report two additional cases of amyloid localized to Meckel’s cave with secondary involvement of the trigeminal nerves bilaterally, with protein characterization by mass spectrometry. The patients, both females, 39 and 49-years-old, respectively, presented with the insidious onset of progressive trigeminal neuropathy, including pain and numbness with sensory loss, refractory to medical therapy. One patient experienced bilateral symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated abnormal thickening and contrast enhancement along Meckel’s cave bilaterally in both cases. The clinical differential diagnosis included benign neoplasms and inflammatory disorders. At the time of biopsy, the trigeminal nerve was noted to be enlarged and multinodular in one case and associated with abnormal soft tan tissue in the other case. Microscopically, the nerve biopsies showed extensive Congo red-positive amyloid deposits. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated that the amyloid was of (AL)-type in both cases (AL [kappa] in one case and AL [lambda] in the other). After extensive evaluation, there was no evidence of systemic involvement. Both patients received localized radiotherapy for their refractory symptoms. One patient has stable symptomatology and imaging. No follow-up is available for the other patient.
A Theoretical Model Describing the Dynamics of Venous Flow in the DIEP Flap
Authors: Karadsheh Murad J. , Shafqat M. Shuja , Krupp James C. , Weiss Eric S. , Patel Sameer A.
Published: July 2019

Background The deep inferior epigastric artery flap is an integral component of autologous breast reconstruction. The technical aspects of performing the flap have been well-established. A prior mathematical model suggested using the largest perforator and concluded that the inclusion of additional perforators may decrease resistance and increase flow, but at the downside of increased tissue trauma. Many complications may result from inadequate venous drainage of the flap and the same mathematical concepts may be applied. We attempt to give a mathematical model, based on the physics of flow and properties of circuits, to explain clinical observations regarding venous drainage of the flap and the complications that may arise.

Methods We compare the different possible venous drainage systems of a perforator flap to a complex circuit with multiple resistances. Multiple venous perforators will be represented by resistances in parallel, while the deep and superficial drainage systems will be represented by a complex circuit loop.

Results Drainage of the flap may be optimized through the deep drainage system if the venous perforators are of sufficient size. Inclusion of additional perforators may decrease resistance and enhance drainage. Salvage procedures may be necessary when the venous perforators are insufficient in size or when there are insufficient connections between the deep and superficial systems.

Conclusion A single large sized vessel may provide adequate drainage in most DIEP flaps, while the use of multiple vessels may enhance drainage upon the encounter of smaller vessels. Salvage procedures may be needed to relieve venous congestion as the design of the venous system becomes more complicated.
Design and Implementation of a Comprehensive Surveillance System for Venous Thromboembolism in a Defined Region Using Electronic and Manual Approaches
Authors: Ortel Thomas L. , Arnold Katie , Beckman Michele , Brown Audrey , Reyes Nimia , Saber Ibrahim , Schulteis Ryan , Singh Bhavana Pendurthi , Sitlinger Andrea , Thames Elizabeth H.
Published: July 2019

Background Systematic surveillance for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the United States has been recommended by several organizations. Despite adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) by most health care providers and facilities, however, systematic surveillance for VTE is not available.

Objectives This article develops a comprehensive, population-based surveillance strategy for VTE in a defined geographical region.

Methods The primary surveillance strategy combined computerized searches of the EMR with a manual review of imaging data at the Duke University Health System in Durham County, North Carolina, United States. Different strategies of searching the EMR were explored. Consolidation of results with autopsy reports (nonsearchable in the EMR) and with results from the Durham Veterans' Administration Medical Center was performed to provide a comprehensive report of new VTE from the defined region over a 2-year timeframe.

Results Monthly searches of the primary EMR missed a significant number of patients with new VTE who were identified by a separate manual search of radiology records, apparently related to delays in data entry and coding into the EMR. Comprehensive searches incorporating a location-restricted strategy were incomplete due to the assigned residence reflecting the current address and not the address at the time of event. The most comprehensive strategy omitted the geographic restriction step and identified all patients with VTE followed by manual review of individual records to remove incorrect entries (e.g., outside the surveillance time period or geographic location; no evidence for VTE). Consolidation of results from the EMR searches with results from autopsy reports and the separate facility identified additional patients not diagnosed within the Duke system.

Conclusion We identified several challenges with implementing a comprehensive VTE surveillance program that could limit accuracy of the results. Improved electronic strategies are needed to cross-reference patients across multiple health systems and to minimize the need for manual review and confirmation of results.
The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons. A Contribution to the Neurosciences and Neurosurgery
Authors: da Silva Gilvan Aguiar , da Silva Elton Gomes , López Seidel Guerra
Published: July 2019

In the present article, we elaborate a critical review of the book “The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons: The History of the Human Brain as Revealed by True Stories of Trauma, Madness, and Recovery”, written by Sam Kean. In our opinion, this book can contribute to the dissemination of neurosciences to the lay public, but it can also have an important role: to increase the interest of medicine students in neurosciences and research, since an increasingly lower number of students declare they have this interest. Thus, this book can be an important tool to deal with a pertinent and current issue under debate in the neuroscience research and neurosurgery communities.
Recent Advances and Changing Face of Anatomy Teaching and Learning in Medical Education
Authors: Joseph Mathew , Singh Brijendra
Published: July 2019

Background A sound knowledge of human anatomy is a major requirement for being a good physician or a practicing surgeon. Despite digitalization and modernization of education sector, traditional cadaveric dissection still occupies the leadership of anatomy education. It is becoming an untold truth that no modern technologies such as virtual dissection or 3D model printing could replace cadaveric dissection in its way of teaching students.

Methods Recent research studies on modern anatomical teaching methods for medical and non-medical students and their influences are reviewed.

Results Despite new technologies, traditional cadaveric dissection helps students to acquire more practical knowledge and still occupies prior position on its way.
Modelling rapid online cultural transmission: evaluating neutral models on Twitter data with approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Carrignon Simon , Bentley R. Alexander , Ruck Damian
Published: July 2019

As social media technologies alter the variation, transmission and sorting of online information, short-term cultural evolution is transformed. In these media contexts, cultural evolution is an intra-generational process with much ‘horizontal’ transmission. As a pertinent case study, here we test variations of culture-evolutionary neutral models on recently-available Twitter data documenting the spread of true and false information. Using Approximate Bayesian Computation to resolve the full joint probability distribution of models with different social learning biases, emphasizing context versus content, we explore the dynamics of online information cascades: Are they driven by the intrinsic content of the message, or the extrinsic value (e.g., as a social badge) whose intrinsic value is arbitrary? Despite the obvious relevance of specific learning biases at the individual level, our tests at the online population scale indicate that unbiased learning model performs better at modelling information cascades whether true or false.
A generative hidden Markov model of the clear-sky index
Authors: Shepero Mahmoud , Munkhammar Joakim , Widén Joakim
Published: July 2019

Clear-sky index (CSI) generative models are of paramount importance in, e.g., studying the integration of solar power in the electricity grid. Several models have recently been proposed with methodologies that are related to hidden Markov models (HMMs). In this paper, we formally employ HMMs, with Gaussian distributions, to generate CSI time-series. The authors propose two different methodologies. The first is a completely data-driven approach, where an HMM with Gaussian observation distributions is proposed. In the second, the means of these Gaussian observation distributions were predefined based on the fraction of time of bright sunshine from the site. Finally, the authors also propose a novel method to improve the autocorrelation function (ACF) of HMMs in general. The two methods were tested on two datasets representing two different climate regions. The performance of the two methodologies varied between the two datasets and among the compared performance metrics. Moreover, both the proposed methods underperformed in reproducing the ACF as compared to state-of-the-art models. However, the method proposed to improve the ACF was able to reduce the mean absolute error (MAE) of the ACF by up to 19%. In summary, the proposed models were able to achieve a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test score as low as 0.042 and MAE of the ACF as low as 0.012. These results are comparable with the state-of-the-art models. Moreover, the proposed models were fast to train. HMMs are shown to be viable CSI generative models. The code for the model and the simulations performed in this paper can be found in the GitHub repository: HMM-CSI-generativeModel.
Coherent motion of vortices driven by alternating currents in an annular Josephson ratchet ladder
Authors: Lee K. H.
Published: July 2019

Vortex dynamics have been investigated numerically in a double-ring annular ladder composed of Josephson ratchet network along the circular direction. One repeat unit of the periodic ratchet potential consists of two adjacent plaquettes of different sizes, where the critical currents of their rung junctions are also assigned with different values. Each vortex generated between the two rings by a transverse magnetic field oscillates through several plaquettes or rotates along the ladder, depending on the magnitude of direct and alternating currents applied to the radial direction. Because of the broken spatial symmetry in the potential landscape, onsets of the vortex motion and widths of the Shapiro steps in the current-voltage characteristics show polarity-dependent behavior. The directional motion of vortices, already known in rectangular Josephson ratchet networks driven by alternating currents, has also been confirmed to appear as directional rotation in this annular ratchet ladder. A notable feature is that such dynamics can occur with a system’s commensurate condition that makes a Shapiro step at zero direct current, which leads to coherent rotational motion of vortices. Here, we report that for each magnetic flux applied to the system there is a finite range of alternating currents that allow vortices to move coherently.
Observation of a nonlinear phenomenon of the density fluctuations on zheda plasma experiment device (ZPED)
Authors: Xiao W. W. , Wang C. Y. , Zhu J. X. , Wali Niaz , Wang Ke , Sheng Z. M. , Fu G. Y.
Published: July 2019

An O-mode microwave reflectometry system has been developed to measure the density fluctuation on Zheda Plasma Experiment Device (ZPED). The microwave frequency range of this diagnostic system is from 10 GHz to 18 GHz, corresponding to the cutoff densities from 0.13×1019m-3 to 0.4×1019m-3. The density fluctuations are measured with a fixed microwave frequency for plasma in different magnetic field. It has been observed that the density fluctuation power changes with the magnetic field nonlinearly: the density fluctuations increase linearly with the magnetic field when the magnetic field is less than the critical magnetic field, while almost no change when the magnetic field is larger than the critical magnetic field.
High wildfire damage in interface communities in California
Authors: Kramer Heather Anu , Mockrin Miranda H. , Alexandre Patricia M. , Radeloff Volker C.
Published: July 2019

Globally, and in the US, wildfires pose increasing risk to people and their homes. Wildfire management assumes that buildings burn primarily in the wildland–urban interface (WUI), where homes are either ignited directly (especially in intermix WUI areas, where houses and wildland fuels intermingle), or via firebrands, the main threat to buildings in the interface WUI (areas with minimal wildland fuel, yet close to dense wildland vegetation). However, even urban areas can succumb to wildfires. We examined where wildfire damages occur among urban, rural and WUI (intermix and interface) areas for approximately three decades in California (1985–2013). We found that interface WUI contained 50% of buildings destroyed by wildfire, whereas intermix WUI contained only 32%. The proportion of buildings destroyed by fires among classes was similar, though highest in interface WUI areas (15.6%). Our results demonstrate that the interface WUI is where most buildings were destroyed in California, despite less wildland fuel. Continued advancement of models, mitigation and regulations tailored for the interface WUI, both for California and elsewhere, will complement the prior focus on the intermix WUI.
Influences of behaviour and physiology on body mass gain in the woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) post-translocation
Authors: Page Kimberley D. , Ruykys Laura , Miller David W. , Adams Peter J. , Bateman Philip W. , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: July 2019

Context Temperament can affect an individual’s fitness and survival if it also influences behaviours associated with predator avoidance, interactions with conspecifics, refuge selection and/or foraging. Furthermore, temperament can determine an individual’s response to novel stimuli and environmental challenges, such as those experienced through translocation. Increasing our understanding of the effect of temperament on post-translocation fitness is thus necessary for improving translocation outcomes. Aims The aim was to test whether differences in an individual’s behaviour or physiology could help predict body mass changes post-translocation in the woylie (brush-tailed bettong, Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi). In the absence of predation (due to release into a predator-free exclosure), body mass was used as a proxy for an individual’s success in securing resources in the new habitat, and therefore fitness. Methods Forty woylies were translocated from two predator-free exclosures to a larger exclosure, all in Western Australia. Behavioural and physiological measures were recorded during trapping, processing, holding, and release, and again at re-capture ~100 days post-release. Key results Translocated woylies generally increased in body mass post-translocation. This suggests that, in the absence of predation, the selected candidates were able to cope with the stress of translocation and possessed the behavioural plasticity to successfully find resources and adapt to a novel environment. The strongest predictors of body mass gain were sex, heart rate lability and escape behaviour when released (a convoluted escape path). Conclusions There was no significant difference in body mass between males and females pre-translocation but females showed greater mass gain post-translocation than did males, which could reflect greater investment in reproduction (all females had pouch young). Heart rate lability and escape behaviour are likely to reflect reactivity or fearfulness, a significant temperament trait in the context of translocation success. Implications Behavioural measures that can be easily incorporated into the translocation process – without increasing stress or affecting welfare of individuals – may hold promise for predicting the fate of translocated animals.
Theoretical Design of an Antireflection Coating for near Infrared Region (800-1500 nm) for glass substrate
Authors: Hameed Nibras S. , Fadil Hussein Itab , Hussain Nedal A. , Mossa Umran Nibras
Published: July 2019

The main purpose of this research is to design multilayer filter that can permit the IR wavelength (800-1500 nm), to make the aim of the research comes true, the equations of multilayer system have been derived and developed, and then a program code has been made using FORTRAN language. The films thicknesses of the multilayer could be even quarter wavelength or unlimited The research results illustrated that the best design when the stack number equals to(6).
Compact antennas for mobile radio communications
Authors: Yuri Nechaev , Alexander Klimov , Ilia Peshkov , Vladimir Vereitin
Published: July 2019

A compact linearly polarized three-element antenna with sector radiation pattern and a cylinder antenna array with electrically switchable radiation pattern for base stations of mobile radio communication systems are presented. The operational frequency range of the antennas is 440-470 MHz. The single antenna has antenna gain not less than 7 dBi, while the antenna gain of the cylinder antenna array is not less than 5 dBi in case of omnidirectional radiation pattern and 10 dBi in case of sector radiation pattern.
SIMULATION ASSESSMENT OF THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF VITAMIN C AND E AGAINST CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE IN RATS TONGUE MUCOSA: HISTOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY
Authors: Omer Saleh Ashty , Kamal Khleel Ameera , Almahana Jasim
Published: July 2019

Objectives: Oral mucositis was found to be one of the most common side effects of cyclophosphamide use. The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C or E as a treatment for the induced cyclophosphamide tongue mucositis.Materials and Methods: Eighty rats were randomly divided into two equal groups: The control group was intraperitoneally injected by physiological saline and were grouped randomly into four equal subgroups: Distilled water, corn oil, vitamin C (12 mg/kg/day), and vitamin E (40mg/kg/day) treatment groups. For induction of mucositis to the study group, a single dose of cyclophosphamide (300 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to each animal, and the animals were also grouped randomly in to four subgroups in the same manner as in the control group. Five of the animals in each group were sacrificed at day four and the other five at day eight and the tongue was dissected for histological and immunohistochemical analysis.Results: In comparison with the cyclophosphamide/water treated group, vitamin C caused a non-significant increase in epithelial thickness, non-significant decrease in damage score and caspase-3 immune expression at day four (p>0.05), but a significant increase in Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) immune expression at day four and eight was seen (p<0.05). While vitamin E cause a significant increase in epithelial thickness, a significant decrease in damage score and caspase-3 immune expression at day four, and a significant increase in PCNA immune expression at day four and eight (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin E is better than vitamin C in decreasing the severity of tongue mucositis induced by cyclophosphamide in rats.
Experimental investigation of using kerosene-biodiesel blend as an alternative fuel in diesel engines
Authors: Mohammed Amer A. , Ramadhan Al-Obaidi Ahmed , AlTabbakh Aouf A
Published: July 2019

Researchers are seeking alternative ways to deal with conventional fuels depletion and global warming. Biodiesel appears as one of the most candidate alternatives in this regard. The present work deals with biodiesel produced by transesterification of sunflower oil. The produced biodiesel was further mixed with kerosene to obtain a blend between new and traditional fuels. The physicochemical properties of the bio-fuel blended with kerosene have been tested in the laboratory maintaining different ASTM standards. In this study, blends of biodiesel and kerosene were tested on TQ small engine test set (TD200). BK60 (biodiesel 60 vol. % and kerosene 40 vol. %), BK45 (biodiesel 45 vol. % and kerosene 55 vol. %), BK30 (biodiesel 30 vol. % and kerosene 70 vol. %) and BK15 (biodiesel 15 vol. % and kerosene 85 vol. %) were tested. Three mixing speeds were used in the tests, namely; 1000 rpm, 2000 rpm, and 3000 rpm at constant high load of 80%. The performance parameters studied included; brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). Regarding the emissions, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) were also recorded. Results showed that the new blends produce higher BTE and lower BSFC than the conventional kerosene and biodiesel.
Enhanced thermal expansion, mechanical properties, and adhesion analysis of epoxy / ZrO2 nano composites
Authors: Ameer Noor , Ibreheim Hussein Seenaa
Published: July 2019

The aim of the research is to enhance the specifications of adhesives used in the treatment of cracks in the walls of buildings and concrete ceilings in addition to the oxide zirconium nanoparticles. Use epoxy resins and added ZrO2 by weight ratio (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9)%and using the in situ method for Preparation nano composites. To make the mechanical tests (tensile and impact), adhesion test (shear bonding and pull off tests), thermal expansion.

The results of the mechanical tests and adhesion test showed that all of the above tests improved the specifications of epoxy resin with the addition of zirconium. The strength of the overlapping material was increased by increasing the percentage of zirconium to 5% and then the strength and stiffness of the material decreased by increasing the ratio (7, 9%) due to the phenomenon of aggregation of nanoparticles.
Comparative study of hydrocarbon pollution before and after rainfall in Al-Gharraf River in Thi-Qar province – Iraq
Authors: Ali Ali S. , Al-Khafaji Basim Y. , Al-Gezi Haider R.
Published: July 2019

The difference between the seasons of the year and the fall of rain has a significant impact on the degree of pollution of hydrocarbons in the water of rivers in the area falling on them, to study the degree of hydrocarbon pollution in Al-Gharaf river in Thi-Qar province, the Samples were collected from water, sediments, Phragmites australis and Ceratophyllin demersum from this river that passing through Al-Fajr, Qal’at Sukkar and Al-Rifa’I cities in October 2018 and January 2019. The results showed that the concentration of TPH were increasing in January (after rainfall); as well as according to the order of the areas mention above the amount of increase in TPH In the water (17.7, 22.3, 18.9) μg / L, while in the sediments (647, 904, 626) μg/g D.W, however in Phragmites australis (2.00, 2.00, 3.19) μg/g D.W and Ceratophyllin demersum plant has reached an increase (1.88, 4.83, 5.2) μg/g D.W
Study the Health risk of Radioisotopes in different samples of salt in markets of Iraq.
Authors: Awad Kadhim alshebly Shaymaa , Alaboodi Azhar S. , Muhsen Hassan Ahmed , Mohammed alkhafaji Rusul , Asaad Muhmood Asmahan
Published: July 2019

Eleven samples of salt were collected from local markets in Iraq for the purpose of identifying which types were more radioactive and the radiation efficacy of the external hazard index, outdoor absorbent dose, internal hazard index and indoor absorbed dose and Radium equivalent activity (Raeq) also finding an effective dose due to ingestion where the maximum value of a specific uranium activity was recorded in sample S4, which was (32.138Bq/kg). The lowest value was recorded in sample S8, which was (4.432 Bq/kg). It should be noted that sample S8 is Turkish origin specific activity of 232Th, the highest value was (12.456Bq/kg) recorded in sample S9, while the lowest value was (1.426 Bq/kg) and recorded in sample S7. Also calculate Effective dose Dose(Sv/y) by using equation (7) for 40K was 10.088 Sv/y, 226Ra was 1.152 Sv/y and 232Th was 1.660 Sv/y.
Cyclic Voltammetry Stufy And Electrochemical Synthesis Of Some Organotellurium Compounds
Authors: Murad Diyar M. A. , Al-Najar Anis A. , Al-Rubaie Ali Z.
Published: July 2019

The electrochemical behavior of diphenyl ditelluride, bis(2-amino-5-methyl phenyl)ditelluride and bis(2-amino-5-bromo phenyl)ditellurid have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry(CV) in methanol or THF at room temperature. The results showed two single successive electron transfer through the reduction process. This technique was used to determine the best voltage regions in order to carry out the electrochemical synthesis of unsymmetrical organic telluride, i.e : ethyl phenyl telluride (1), propyl phenyl telluride(2), butyl phenyl telluride(3), ethyl (2-amino-5-methyl phenyl)telluride(4), propyl(2-amino-5-methylphenyl) -telluride(5), butyl (2-amino-5-methylphenyl)(6), ethyl(2-amino-5 bromophenyl telluride(7), propyl(2-amino-5-bromo phenyl) telluride(8) and butyl(2-amino-5-bromophenyl) telluride(9). All new compounds were characterized by CHN and IR spectroscopy.
Radioactivity Content of Wheat Fields in Wasit Governorate - Iraq
Authors: Alattabi Hadi D. , Shafik Shafik S. , Abdel Jabbar Fatima T.
Published: July 2019

The radioactivity content of soil of wheat fields of all Wasit cities have been measured using gamma spectroscopy adopted with high pure germanium coaxial detector. The specific radioactivities of Ra-226, Ac-228, and K-40 NORM isotopes have been measured. The overall average values of those isotopes for the investigated soil samples were 38.22, 10.67, and 409.4 Bq/kg. The results showed that some fields have higher radioactivity content according to the international agencies, and these results strongly suggested that the farmers don’t washing the fields’ soil.
Numerical Double Sumudu Transform for Nonlinear Mixed Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Shather Kadhem Hasan , Qasim Hasan Samear
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we are going to study a nonlinear fractional partial differential equations by double Sumudu transformation coupled with Adomian decomposition method or with variational iteration method. For this case, we choose an important fractional partial differential equations, such as parabolic-hyperbolic with mixed fractional derivatives (homogeneous and nonhomogeneous) types. Some examples are given here to illustrate efficiency of this method.
The Importance of Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Assessment Left Ventricle Function Among Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease on Maintenance Hemodialysis: The Impact of the Dialysis Session
Authors: Mahdi Salih Abdul-Hassan , Mashkoor Waleed Saad , Abdul-Aziz A.A , Roomi Ali B. , Ajrash Sabr Iqbal , Abed Hatem Abdalreda , Jawad Abdulrahman Shaymaa
Published: July 2019

Background: chronic renal failure (CRF) characterized by increased plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) due to increase peptide secretion and decrease BNP clearance due to impaired renal function. This peptide is a biomarker of cardiovascular disorders which are the common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with CRF. The present study tend to evaluate the role of BNP as a predictor of left ventricular function among patient with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis(HD) with particular concern to dialysis session frequency. Methods: A total of 90 patients with CRF who visited the dialysis unit at Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Thi-Qar city for maintenance hemodialysis were included in this study. They were divided into three groups according to the number of dialysis session per week. BNP level, glomerular filtration rate(GFR) of the patients were measured and left ventricular function (EF%) was detected by echocardiography. Results: There was a significant negative association between BNP level and EF% (P<0.001). BNP level was significantly lower in patients with three dialysis session per week in comparison with those patients who perform single session per week (P <0.001). There was also a strong inverse association between BNP level and GFR (P <0.001).Conclusion: BNP levels show a strong inverse association with EF% and GFR in patients with CRF. Patients with frequent dialysis had better left ventricular function manifested by lower BNP level and higher EF% than those patients with less frequent dialysis session.
Optimize the separators at processing crude oil primary treatment
Authors: Khairullah Nahar Aqeel
Published: July 2019

The process of monitoring the gas compositions outside from the separation stages of gas from oil, is a very important process and gives a complete perception of the optimization of these facilities, for processing oil and through this can be addressed the situation and access to the optimal situation in production.Where it can maintain heavy hydrocarbon fluids in the liquid phase instead of turning phase Gas and go to the ignition burners, In the absence of surface facilities to process gas and are losing those important quantities.Therefore, this research was based on some of the results of gases from the stages of insulation and work on the treatment of heavy hydrocarbons, including hexane and the possibility of benefiting from it and extract from the rest of the other compounds.In the initial periods of commencement of production (Primary development plan PDP) of oil from the fields, which do not have treatment of associated gas where it can benefit from the production of this unit until the completion of the surface facilities at (Final development plan FDP).