bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical basis of rolling bearing vibration formation of structural
Authors: Hruntovich Mikolay , Hruntovich Nadzeya , Kapanski Aliaksei , Markaryants Larisa , Gracheva Elena
Published: December 2020

The problem of increasing the reliability of detecting defects, both in new rolling bearings and the ones having already been in operation is current. The article describes the physical foundations of vibration of rolling bearings, caused by the different dimensions of the rolling elements and increased microwaves of the rings. A classification of rolling bearing defects was proposed, as well as calculation formulas for vibration frequencies corresponding to the indicated defects. It is shown that the vibration level at the overturning frequency depends on the gap size and the rotor mass. As an example, possible defects of rolling bearing No.310 were considered and their vibration frequencies were calculated. The frequency range in which defects of the rings and rolling elements appear was installed. An explanation of the reasons for the occurrence of high-frequency vibration was given. The combination of defects in the rolling elements of different dimensions and imbalance in the rotor causes the intensive development of microshells on the rolling bearing rings. Examples of experimental vibroacoustic characteristics were given to illustrate the physical processes of vibration in rolling bearings with various defects.
Study of Solar Radiation and Wind Characteristics in Various Regions of Uzbekistan
Authors: Saitov E.B. , Sobirov Y.B. , Yuldoshev I.A. , Jurayev I.R. , Kodirov Sh.
Published: December 2020

The article discusses methods for monitoring solar radiation and wind characteristics and practical principles of use. The efficiency of using solar and wind energy largely depends on how accurately the design took into account specific data on the arrival of solar radiation or wind speed at the site of the intended operation of installations. The instability of the primary energy supply makes it necessary to supply the installations with accumulators, the choice of capacity of which also affects the size of the energy receivers, and therefore the technical and economic indicators.
Economic assessment of the implementation of distributed data registry platforms in multimodal transport
Authors: Gulyi Ilia
Published: December 2020

Task: to develop a concept for implementing distributed Ledger technologies (blockchain) in passenger railway transport and to justify the approach to evaluating the effectiveness of these technologies. Methods: content analysis of special industry research, analysis of specialized statistical reporting on the use of digital systems and technologies, survey, mathematical modeling, and others. Result. The author analyzes the trends of the multimodal passenger transport market, in particular the European segment. It is established that due to the significant development of multimodality in passenger transport, transport organizations will be able to meet modern customer requests mainly when switching to network technologies, mainly to digital systems of distributed transaction data registry. The concept of passenger blockchain in transport is proposed: its functionality, platform composition, digital modules, additional services for passengers. The effects resulting from the introduction of blockchain in passenger transportation are systematized, the sources of their occurrence, and their quantitative assessment for the passenger railway complex of Russia is given. Practical significance: the results of the study deepen methodological developments in the field of economic evaluation of investment projects for the introduction of digitalization technologies. They are in demand by managers of transport companies, development specialists, and analysts who evaluate digital technologies.
Research of software verification methods for waste management and review the waste treatment legislation in Russia
Authors: Epifancev Kirill , Mishura Tamara , Kozlova Olga , Nikulin Andrei
Published: December 2020

The article considers the possibility of working with natural and technical systems of the Leningrad region in terms of processing several main types of waste. In article is collection some interesting program product software for waste management. In the process of analyzing the situation with waste management and the involvement of Russian citizens in the methodology of separate collection, the importance of modern software products installed on personal computers and gadgets was emphasized it is the constant interaction with such software products that adapts the methodology of separate collection, allows Russian citizens to learn more about methods of waste treatment, taking care of the environment. In addition, the task was set to create a perfect software product that takes into account the advantages of all previously created software products for recycling waste in the Java Script environment. The author emphasizes the possibility of developing a series of software products for waste management and developing waste management competencies in St. Petersburg residents. It is also worth noting that the created program described in the article is currently being developed in the third version, taking into account more and more information sources on waste processing. It should be noted that the described product contains several built-in hyperlinks to the most significant freely installed products for environmental monitoring. The article contains a separate chapter on the development of legislation in the field of waste management in the Russian Federation in order to reduce spontaneous dumps, and the organization of modernized state-owned enterprises regional operators for waste processing, creating a comfortable economic environment for recycling, rather than storing waste. In the last task, the ECO-365 software product may also be useful for better ecology in all peace.
Modeling of two complementary ambipolar organic thin film transistors: application to organic inverter
Authors: Becharguia Houaida , Mahdouani Mounira , Bourguiga Ramzi
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we have study two types of thin-film organic transistors and their application to release the organic inverter. For manufacturing p-type and n-type organic thin film transistors (OTFT), pentacene and N,N'-ditridecylperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI-C13H27) have been used as organic semiconductors active layers. These organic thin film transistors have been shown excellent ambipolar operation. We proceeded initially to model and study these complementary organic transistors individually. Therefore we present the various electrical parameters resulting from the modeling of these two types of organic transistors (n-type and p-type) as well as the various parameters characterizing the organic inverter. Very good agreement is obtained between the experimental electrical characteristics of the two types of organic transistors and the characteristics obtained by the analytical model, as well as the experimental characteristics of the organic inverter thus produced.
Generation-IV nuclear reactor systems
Authors: Caciuffo R. , Fazio C. , Guet C.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we provide a concise description of the six nuclear reactor concepts that are under development in the framework of the Generation-IV International Forum. After a brief introduction on the world energy needs, its plausible evolution during the next fifty years, and the constraints imposed by the necessity to address the climate challenges we are facing today, we will present the main features of the innovative nuclear energy systems that hold the promise to produce almost-zero-carbon-emission electricity, heat for chemistry and industrial manufacturing, hydrogen to be used as energy vector, and affordable freshwater. Potential advantages over currently available nuclear systems in terms of increased safety, reduced proliferation risks, economical affordability, sustainability of the fuel cycle, and management of the waste inventory will be critically discussed against the technical challenges that remain to be overcome.
A safe, reliable and regenerative electrical energy supply to power the future
Authors: Weber H. , Ahmed N.
Published: December 2020

Today, three phenomena are developing into critical global problems, requiring urgent attention from leaders all over the world. The first of these is the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to the escalated use of coal, resulting in the gradual increase of the Earth’s average temperature. The second is the continually diminishing fossil fuel resources, e.g. oil and natural gas, which are the primary sources of energy for vital services like transportation and domestic heating. The third is the unforeseen and rapid “world population boom” since the beginning of the 19th century after the invention of the steam engine by JamesWatt. The combination of these three factors signal imminent danger. With the increase of the world population, there is a subsequent rise in the usage of both electrical and non-electrical types of energy. At the same time, not only are the sources of these energy forms, i.e. the fossil fuels, depleting because they are non-renewable but their usage is also severely detrimental to the environment. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and switch to renewable or even nuclear resources as alternatives, in order to prevent an impending climate disaster. Hence, taking the aforementioned problems into account, a method is proposed in this paper to create a safe, reliable and regenerative electrical energy supply system using renewable wind and solar energy as well as hydrogen storages.
Sollen wir dem Hund einen Maulkorb verpassen?
Authors: Schmied-Wagner Claudia
Published: December 2020

Das Thema Maulkorb ist oft kontrovers und emotional. Das muss nicht sein. Für jeden Hund kann es Situationen geben, in denen das Tragen eines Maulkorbs geboten ist. Obwohl dieser immer eine Einschränkung für den Hund darstellt, gehört er zur Grundausstattung eines jeden Hundes. Voraussetzung ist eine tierschutzkonforme Verwendung – die 2 wichtigsten Schlagworte sind dabei „Anpassung“ und „Training“. Sie können durch Beratung der Hundehalter hinsichtlich Passform und Maulkorbtraining auch viel zu einem entspannteren Umgang damit beitragen – ob nun für die Praxis selbst oder für andere Situationen.
4 Fachrichtungen – 4 Strategien: Der geriatrische Hund
Authors: Börner Doris , Scharwey Reinhold , Süße Stefanie , Zohmann Andreas , Börge Schichl
Published: December 2020

Der Patient: Deutscher Schäferhund, 14 Jahre, Arthrose, Spondylosen, Inkontinenz, wandert nachts herum. Wie kann man die Lebensqualität dieses Hundes verbessern? Wir blicken
interdisziplinär darauf, welche Möglichkeiten bei solchen polyarthrotischen, nachtwandernden alten Tieren in Betracht gezogen werden können.
Application of Double-Threaded Locking Adaptation Plates used to Repair a Radius and Ulna Fracture in a Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)
Authors: Malak Anthony , Levien Andrew S.
Published: December 2020

Objective This study is a case description of the clinical application of locking plates to repair fractures in the radius and ulna of a 9-month-old, male domestic rabbit.

Study Design This study is a case report.

Results Double-threaded locking adaptation plates of 1.5 mm were fixated to the radius and ulna of the rabbit using the principles of orthogonal plating. Radiographs of the left radius and ulna were obtained at 8 weeks postoperatively depicting complete osseous union of the fracture and no implant complications were observed.

Clinical Significance The authors describe the first clinical report of 1.5 mm locking adaptation plates having been used in repairing radius and ulna fractures in a domestic rabbit.
Efficiency increase analysis of large RFPV power plants using reflectors between PV rows
Authors: Durković Vladan , Đurišić Željko
Published: December 2020

The concept of floating photovoltaic (FPV) power plants that are recognized as an alternative solution for PV power plants installed on land has been developed recently. The dominant reason for this is the fact that FPV power plants occupy inactive surfaces, which is specifically significant in the case of large power plants. Additionally, a promising concept of rotating floating photovoltaic power (RFPV) plants which brings significant improvements in production has been analyzed in literature. Conversely, reflectors were used in many studies for increasing the production of PV panels installed on land. This paper proposes the improvement of large RFPV power plants by using aluminum reflectors. The conceptual solution presented in this paper, which is based on perennial meteorological data, indicates that the proposed solution enables the increase in the annual electricity production of up to 25% in comparison with classical solutions for RFPV power plants. Also, an economic analysis, which takes into account additional financial investments for reflectors, was carried out. The obtained results have shown that the proposed concept of an RFPV is cost-effective.
A lateral flow immunoassay with self-sufficient microfluidic system for enhanced detection of thyroid-stimulating hormone
Authors: Bikkarolla Santosh Kumar , McNamee Sara E. , McGregor Stuart , Vance Paul , McGhee Helen , Marlow Emma L. , McLaughlin James
Published: December 2020

We report a self-sufficient microfluidic paper-based lateral flow immunoassay device (μLFD) for highly sensitive detection of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Fabrication of the paper microchannels involves engraving the nitrocellulose membrane with a CO2 laser to create narrow flow paths, which constrain the fluid flow over the test zone. The proposed microchannel modified devices were studied for detection of the TSH using gold nanoparticles as labels. The effect of such microchannel modified LFDs has led to an improvement in sensitivity by nine times and the limit of detection by 6.6 times due to the slow flow rate of the sample compared with the traditional LFD. In addition, the binding of gold nanoparticles over the test line is more uniform in the case of the μLFD, thus minimizing leading-edge effects, resulting in more accurate quantitative analysis. The proposed strategy offers great potential for multiplex detection of biomarkers with increased sensitivity without introducing any hydrophobic materials to the LFD.
Electron–electron interaction dominated resistivity minimum in quasi-continuous Ag nanocluster films
Authors: Joseph Joshy , Bansal C. , Reddy K. Jonathan , Rajanikanth A.
Published: December 2020

Electronic transport in metal nanoclusters has great significance due to a variety of tunable parameters such as size, dimensionality, and cluster-distribution. Here, we report on the resistivity behavior of randomly distributed quasi-continuous Ag nanocluster films of varying cluster coverage on the substrate. This was achieved by changing the deposition time of clusters on the substrate. The Ag nanoclusters which were about 15 nm in size were deposited on thermally oxidized silicon substrates. As the deposition time reduced, clusters were distributed randomly with less coverage on the surface, resulting in a resistivity minimum at low temperatures. The temperature at which resistivity minimum occurs increases as the deposition time decreases. The resistivity at temperatures above 45 K was found to fit with a modified Bloch–Gruneisen equation which includes interaction of electrons due to structural disorder. However, the obtained Debye temperatures were found to decrease in comparison with the bulk values, which is ascribed to the softening of phonon modes in these structures. The emergence of the resistivity minimum could be explained through disorder effects in electron–electron interaction dominated quantum corrections, as shown in the Altshuler–Aronov model. A T1/2 temperature dependence of resistivity at low temperatures, as predicted by this model, was observed in our system, showing the applicability of this model.
The vegetation structure and condition of contracting lowland habitat for Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)
Authors: Greet Joe , Harley Dan , Ashman Kita , Watchorn Darcy , Duncan David
Published: December 2020

Lowland Leadbeater’s possums are on a trajectory to extinction, with fewer than 40 individuals surviving in the wild. Quantification of the vegetation characteristics of their occupied habitat is urgently needed to inform strategies to conserve this genetically distinct population. We surveyed the canopy and midstorey vegetation at all remaining (nine) occupied territories and eleven abandoned territories in lowland swamp forest at the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. For each territory we quantified canopy and midstorey stem density, basal area (total and live) and vegetation condition (percentage live basal area, tree crown vigour and plant area index) within a 50-m radius of known den locations. The canopy at all locations was dominated by mountain swamp gum (Eucalyptus camphora), with most occupied sites supporting dense midstorey dominated by paperbarks, either Melaleuca squarrosa or Melaleuca ericifolia. Occupied territories had higher stem densities and better vegetation condition than abandoned territories. Stem density alone was able to predict occupancy vis-à-vis abandoned sites with a high (80%) degree of accuracy. Lowland Leadbeater’s possums occupy swamp forests characterised by high stem density, particularly in the midstorey, structural complexity and healthy vegetation. These findings can help guide habitat restoration and translocation projects currently underway to expand the area of lowland habitat for this critically endangered species.
Insights into the microbial autotrophic potential of a shallow oligotrophic alpine pond
Authors: Mania Ilaria , Pellicciaro Martina , Gorra Roberta
Published: December 2020

Carbon dioxide fixation is one of the most important biogeochemical processes worldwide, but our current understanding of the distribution of microbial autotrophy and its ecological significance in oligotrophic freshwater systems, and particularly in benthic habitats, is poor and limited primarily to photoautotrophic organisms. In this study we investigated the autotrophic microbial communities inhabiting the sediments of a high-elevation, oligotrophic freshwater pond in the north-western Italian Alps. The abundance and distribution of three different forms of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) large-subunit gene (cbbLG, Form I green-like; cbbLR, Form I red-like; cbbM, Form II) were assessed in samples collected at different depths by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR); correlations with sediment geochemical properties and total bacterial abundance were also examined. RuBisCO forms cbbLG, cbbLR and cbbM were all detected, with abundances of 9.13–10.90, 6.93–8.77 and 6.75–7.93 log(copies) g–1 dry weight respectively. For all the RuBisCO genes, interannual variability overcame depth-related variability. The abundance of RuBisCO genes was strongly correlated with total bacterial abundance, and both were positively correlated with Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations. These observations provide some first indications of the distribution of photo- and chemolithoautotrophic bacteria relying on the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle for C fixation in alpine pond sediments, and suggest that they may represent an important component of the total benthic microbial community.
Rapid dark aging of biomass burning as an overlooked source of oxidized organic aerosol
Authors: Kodros John K. , Papanastasiou Dimitrios K. , Paglione Marco , Masiol Mauro , Squizzato Stefania , Florou Kalliopi , Skyllakou Ksakousti , Kaltsonoudis Christos , Nenes Athanasios , Pandis Spyros N.
Published: December 2020

Significance

To quantify the full implications of biomass burning emissions on the atmosphere, it is essential to accurately represent the emission plume after it has undergone chemical aging in the atmosphere. Atmospheric models typically consider the predominant aging pathway of biomass burning emissions to take place in the presence of sunlight (via the OH radical); however, this mechanism leads to consistent underpredictions of oxidized organic aerosol in wintertime urban areas. Here, we show, through a combination of laboratory experiments, ambient field measurements, and chemical transport modeling, that biomass burning emission plumes exposed to NO
2
and O
3
age rapidly without requiring any sunlight, thus providing an overlooked source of oxidized organic aerosol previously not accounted for in models.
Universal features of annealing and aging in compaction of granular piles
Authors: Gago Paula A. , Boettcher Stefan
Published: December 2020

Significance

We explore the compaction dynamics of a granular pile after a hard quench from a liquid into the glassy regime. First, we establish that the otherwise athermal granular pile during tapping exhibits annealing behavior comparable to glassy polymer or colloidal systems. Like those other systems, the pile undergoes a glass transition and “freezes” into different nonequilibrium glassy states at low agitation for different annealing speeds, starting from the same initial equilibrium state at high agitation. Then, we quench the system instantaneously from the highly agitated state to below the glass transition regime to study the ensuing aging dynamics. In this classic aging protocol, the density increases (i.e., the potential energy of the pile decreases) logarithmically over several decades in time. Instead of system-wide, thermodynamic measures, here we identify the intermittent, irreversible events (“quakes”) that actually drive the glassy relaxation process. We find that the event rate decelerates hyperbolically, which explains the observed increase in density when the integrated contribution to the downward displacements is evaluated. We argue that such a hyperbolically decelerating event rate is consistent with a log-Poisson process, also found as a universal feature of aging in many thermal glasses.
Heterozygous germline
BLM
mutations increase susceptibility to asbestos and mesothelioma
Authors: Bononi Angela , Goto Keisuke , Ak Guntulu , Yoshikawa Yoshie , Emi Mitsuru , Pastorino Sandra , Carparelli Lorenzo , Ferro Angelica , Nasu Masaki , Kim Jin-Hee , Suarez Joelle S. , Xu Ronghui , Tanji Mika , Takinishi Yasutaka , Minaai Michael , Novelli Flavia , Pagano Ian , Gaudino Giovanni , Pass Harvey I. , Groden Joanna , Grzymski Joseph J. , Metintas Muzaffer , Akarsu Muhittin , Morrow Betsy , Hassan Raffit , Yang Haining , Carbone Michele
Published: December 2020

Significance

We found that the probability of carrying heterozygous germline
BLM
mutations is significantly higher among mesothelioma patients than in the general population. In vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that heterozygous
BLM
mutations increase susceptibility to mesothelioma.
BLM
-mutation carriers are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma, and their risk increases upon asbestos exposure. Therefore,
BLM
mutation carriers should benefit from prevention and screening for early detection. We suggest that genetic testing to identify carriers of
BLM
heterozygous mutations and genetic counseling would help identify individuals at higher risk of mesothelioma and provide mutation carriers the option to implement simple preventive measures to reduce exposure to asbestos and other carcinogenic fibers to decrease their risk of developing mesothelioma.
Creole prestige beyond modernism and methodological nationalism
Authors: Schneider Britta
Published: December 2020

In this article, I develop an ethnographic view on social discourses associated with language use in a Belizean village in order to access the setting’s complex and not always easy to grasp patterns of linguistic prestige. Analyzing interview and observational data on language ideologies, I show that relationships of prestige are not necessarily neatly ordered and binary but that different language ideologies, in some cases relating to the same linguistic resources, may exist side-by-side. Therefore, linguistic resources may have several indexical, social-semiotic meanings at the same time. In these, the national and educational elite is not always a central point of orientation. Other cultural values, linking to colonial histories, African imaginaries, resistance towards standardization, transnational ties or the ability to keep codes apart, may have an influence on local language ideologies and thus also the language uses in this cultural context. Binary linguistic models like thediglossiaor thecontinuum model, which map language variation in binary or linear fashions, are characteristic of epistemological traditions of Western linguistics that impact on but may also conceal complex language ideological realities in a postcolonial setting like Belize.
Between the translator and norms
Authors: Guo Huarui
Published: December 2020

The paper explores the tension between the translator and target-cultural norms, using the British missionary, Timothy Richard (1845–1919), and his translation ofLooking Backward: 2000–1887in the late Qing dynasty as a case study. The study integrates a sociological framework as proposed by Pierre Bourdieu into Descriptive Translation Studies as developed by Gideon Toury. The related concepts include ‘norms’, ‘habitus’, ‘field’, and ‘capital’. Given that the translator was a professional missionary and not a professional translator, the dynamics of the translator’s habitus are connected with his professional role as a missionary and his position-taking in the broader social, cultural, and political contexts of the late Qing dynasty. The translator’s translation strategy at both the macro and micro levels are analyzed and interpreted. Interpretations are based on the translator’s habitus reconstructed from his early experiences and his position-taking in the broader context. The case study reveals the tension between the translator’s habitus and target-cultural norms, which in turn sheds some light on the situation in which missionaries found themselves in late Qing society.
Limited-transpiration rate under high atmospheric vapour pressure deficit: a trait for developing genotypes for water-deficit conditions.
Authors: Ghanem Michel Edmond , Sinclair Thomas R.
Published: December 2020

Water deficits are the major limitation in increasing crop yields in many regions of the world. Various plant traits that might result in yield increases in water-limited environments have been discussed for decades. Conservative use of soil water is an important breeding strategy in drought-prone environments that can be achieved by traits based on partial stomatal closure under specific environmental conditions to limit transpiration rate (TR). The focus of this review is on a specific trait for conservative soil water that results in partial stomatal closure that can be supported by a plant. This limit on TR is expressed in terms of the atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) at which partial stomatal closure occurs. The review provides the physiological background of partial stomatal closure under elevated VPD. Simulation studies that analyse the potential benefits of this trait are also discussed. Finally, we provide a review of the various research that has been made in the identification of genetic variability of this trait in major crops.
Macrophage morphology correlates with single-cell diversity and prognosis in colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Donadon Matteo , Torzilli Guido , Cortese Nina , Soldani Cristiana , Di Tommaso Luca , Franceschini Barbara , Carriero Roberta , Barbagallo Marialuisa , Rigamonti Alessandra , Anselmo Achille , Colombo Federico Simone , Maggi Giulia , Lleo Ana , Cibella Javier , Peano Clelia , Kunderfranco Paolo , Roncalli Massimo , Mantovani Alberto , Marchesi Federica
Published: December 2020

It has long been known that in vitro polarized macrophages differ in morphology. Stemming from a conventional immunohistology observation, we set out to test the hypothesis that morphology of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) represents a correlate of functional diversity with prognostic significance. Density and morphological metrics of TAMs were measured and correlated with clinicopathological variables. While density of TAMs did not correlate with survival of CLM patients, the cell area identified small (S-TAM) and large (L-TAM) macrophages that were associated with 5-yr disease-free survival rates of 27.8% and 0.2%, respectively (P < 0.0001). RNA sequencing of morphologically distinct macrophages identified LXR/RXR as the most enriched pathway in large macrophages, with up-regulation of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism, scavenger receptors, MERTK, and complement. In single-cell analysis of mononuclear phagocytes from CLM tissues, S-TAM and L-TAM signatures were differentially enriched in individual clusters. These results suggest that morphometric characterization can serve as a simple readout of TAM diversity with strong prognostic significance.
Determination of structural, mechanical, thermal and magnetic properties of Cr based new quaternary Heusler alloys with GGA and GGA+U
Authors: Zafar M , Amjad Swera , Shakil M , Gillani S S A , Arshad Hafsa , Tahir M B , Tariq N H
Published: December 2020

Structural, mechanical, thermal and magnetic properties of Quaternary Heusler alloys (QHA) CrFeTiZ (Z = Al, Si, Ge, Ga) are determined by employing full potential - linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method using density functional theory (DFT). Geometry optimization of all these QHAs is accomplished and Type 2 is found the most stable. Elastic parameters reveal the mechanical stability and ductile behavior of all considered alloys. The calculated Debye Temperature (θ
D) assured that these alloys can be appropriate for high temperature devices due to high thermal conductivity (

κ

) and melting temperature (Tmelt). All these compounds are half metallic (HM) in nature as the band gap (Eg) is present in one spin orientation. The values of Eg for CrFeTiAl and CrFeTiGa are 0.68 eV and 0.86 eV respectively which are obtained by employing generalized gradient approximation (GGA) while Hubbard parameter (U) with GGA is used to calculate Eg of CrFeTiGe and CrFeTiSi and the Eg are 0.93 eV and 0.9 eV. The calculated magnetic moment (MM) of CrFeTiZ (Z = Al, Si, Ge, Ga) alloys agrees with Slater-Pauling rule (SPR). From the obtained results it is envisaged that these materials are suitable candidates for spintronic and high temperature devices.
Long exposure convolutional memory network for accurate estimation of finger kinematics from surface electromyographic signals
Authors: Guo Weiyu , Ma Chenfei , Wang Zheng , Zhang Hang , Farina Dario , Jiang Ning , Lin Chuang
Published: December 2020

Objective. Estimation of finger kinematics is an important function of an intuitive human–machine interface, such as gesture recognition. Here, we propose a novel deep learning method, named long exposure convolutional memory network (LE-ConvMN), and use it to proportionally estimate finger joint angles through surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals. Approach. We use a convolution structure to replace the neuron structure of traditional long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, and use the long exposure data structure which retains the spatial and temporal information of the electrodes as input. The Ninapro database, which contains continuous finger gestures and corresponding sEMG signals was used to verify the efficiency of the proposed deep learning method. The proposed method was compared with LSTM and Sparse Pseudo-input Gaussian Process (SPGP) on this database to predict the ten main joint angles on the hand based on sEMG. The correlation coefficient (CC) was evaluated using the three methods on eight healthy subjects, and all the methods adopted the root mean square (RMS) features. Main results. The experimental results showed that the average CC, root mean square error, normalized root mean square error of the proposed LE-ConvMN method (0.82 ± 0.03,11.54 ± 1.89,0.12 ± 0.013) was significantly higher than SPGP (0.65 ± 0.05, p < 0.001; 15.51 ± 2.82, p < 0.001; 0.16 ± 0.01, p < 0.001) and LSTM (0.64 ± 0.06, p < 0.001; 14.77 ± 3.21, p < 0.001; 0.15 ± 0.02, p = < 0.001). Furthermore, the proposed real-time-estimation method has a computation cost of only approximately 82 ms to output one state of ten joints (average value of 10 tests on TitanV GPU). Significance. The proposed LE-ConvMN method could efficiently estimate the continuous movement of fingers with sEMG, and its performance is significantly superior to two established deep learning methods.
Modelling of charge-exchange induced NBI losses in the COMPASS upgrade tokamak
Authors: Jaulmes F. , Zadvitskiy G. , Bogar K. , Imrisek M. , Hromadka J. , Cats S.Y. , Varju J. , Komm M. , Panek R.
Published: December 2020

The COMPASS upgrade tokamak (Panek et al 2017 Fusion Eng. Des.
123 11–16) will be a tokamak of major radius R
0 = 0.894 m with the possibility to reach high field (B
t ∼ 5 T) and high current (I
p ∼ 2 MA). The machine should see its first plasma in 2023 and H-mode plasma will be obtained from 2025. The main auxiliary heating system used to access H-mode will be 4 MW of neutral beam injection (NBI) power. The NBI will have a nominal injection energy of 80 keV, a maximum injection radius R
tan = 0.65 m and will create a population of well-confined energetic D ions. In this contribution, our modelling studies the NBI deposition and losses when a significant edge background density of neutrals is assumed. We follow the fast ions in the 3D field generated by the 16 toroidal field (TF) coils using the upgraded EBdyna orbit solver (Jaulmes et al 2014 Nucl. Fusion
54 104013). We have implemented a Coulomb collision operator similar to that of NUBEAM (Goldston et al 1981 J. Comput. Phys.
43 61) and a charge-exchange operator that follows neutrals and allows for multiple re-ionizations. Detailed integrated modelling with the METIS code (Artaud et al 2018 Nucl. Fusion
58 105001) yields the pressure and current profiles for various sets of achievable engineering parameters. The FIESTA code (Cunningham 2013 Fusion Eng. Des.
88 3238–3247) calculates the equilibrium and a Biot–Savart solver is used to calculate the intensity of the perturbation induced by the TF coils. Initial distributions of the NBI born fast ions are obtained from the newly developed NUR code, based on Suzuki et al (1998 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion
40 2097). We evolve the NBI ions during the complete thermalization process and we calculate the amount of NBI ions loss in the edge region due to neutralizations. Results indicate the NBI losses for various injection geometries, various engineering parameters and various assumptions on the magnitude of the background neutral densities.
The rebound effect representation in climate and energy models
Authors: Colmenares Gloria , Löschel Andreas , Madlener Reinhard
Published: December 2020

We review the state-of-the-art and common practice of climate and energy modeling vis-á-vis the rebound literature. In particular, we study how energy system and economy-wide models include and quantify rebound effects—the gap between actual and expected saving or the behavioral adjustment in response to an energy efficiency improvement, in terms of energy or greenhouse gas emissions. First, we explain the interaction between drivers of energy efficiency improvements, energy efficiency policies, and the rebound effect to provide a framework for a general theoretical revision from micro- to macro-economic levels. Using this classification, we analyze rebound effect representations in empirical models by four dimensions: actors (industry or the production side, and private households or the consumption side), the aggregation level (from micro- to macro-economic levels), income level (developed or developing countries), and time (short- and long-run). Furthermore, we review rebound effect studies whose models focus on three drivers of energy efficiency improvements: market-based policies, non-market-based policies, and a costless energy efficiency improvement that holds other attributes constant (zero-cost breakthrough). We find that a clear representation of one or simultaneous drivers of energy efficiency improvements is crucial to target the goals of energy savings, greenhouse gas mitigation, and welfare gains. Under this broader view, the rebound effect is one additional phenomenon to be taken into consideration. This perspective provokes and provides additional policy implications. Reporting rebound effects as a stand-alone percentage is not sufficiently informative for policy considerations and the distinction of the aggregation level is important to asses the scalability of energy efficiency policies. Finally, we identify some ideas and motivations for future research.
Solar Elemental Abundances
Authors: Lodders Katharina
Published: December 2020

Solar elemental abundances, or solar system elemental abundances, refer to the complement of chemical elements in the entire Solar System. The Sun contains more than 99% of the mass in the solar system and therefore the composition of the Sun is a good proxy for the composition of the overall solar system. The solar system composition can be taken as the overall composition of the molecular cloud within the interstellar medium from which the solar system formed 4.567 billion years ago. Active research areas in astronomy and cosmochemistry model collapse of a molecular cloud of solar composition into a star with a planetary system and the physical and chemical fractionation of the elements during planetary formation and differentiation. The solar system composition is the initial composition from which all solar system objects (the Sun, terrestrial planets, gas giant planets, planetary satellites and moons, asteroids, Kuiper-belt objects, and comets) were derived.

Other dwarf stars (with hydrostatic hydrogen-burning in their cores) like the Sun (type G2V dwarf star) within the solar neighborhood have compositions similar to the Sun and the solar system composition. In general, differential comparisons of stellar compositions provide insights about stellar evolution as functions of stellar mass and age and ongoing nucleosynthesis but also about galactic chemical evolution when elemental compositions of stellar populations across the Milky Way Galaxy is considered. Comparisons to solar composition can reveal element destruction (e.g., Li) in the Sun and in other dwarf stars. The comparisons also show element production of, for example, C, N, O, and the heavy elements made by the s-process in low to intermediate mass stars (3–7 solar masses) after these evolved from their dwarf-star stage into red giant stars (where hydrogen and helium burning can occur in shells around their cores). The solar system abundances are and have been a critical test composition for nucleosynthesis models and models of galactic chemical evolution, which aim ultimately to track the production of the elements heavier than hydrogen and helium in the generation of stars that came forth after the Big Bang 13.4 billion years ago.
Linking Cortical Morphology to Interindividual Variability in Auditory Feedback Control of Vocal Production
Authors: Chen Na , Zhao Chenxi , Wang Meng , Jones Jeffery A , Liu Peng , Chen Xi , Gong Gaolong , Liu Hanjun
Published: December 2020

Speakers regulate vocal motor behaviors in a compensatory manner when perceiving errors in auditory feedback. Little is known, however, about the source of interindividual variability that exists in the degree to which speakers compensate for perceived errors. The present study included 40 young adults to investigate whether individual differences in auditory integration for vocal pitch regulation, as indexed by vocal compensations for pitch perturbations in auditory feedback, can be predicted by cortical morphology as assessed by gray-matter volume, cortical thickness, and surface area in a whole-brain manner. The results showed that greater gray-matter volume in the left inferior parietal lobule and greater cortical thickness and surface area in the left superior/middle temporal gyrus, temporal pole, inferior/superior parietal lobule, and precuneus predicted larger vocal responses. Greater cortical thickness in the right inferior frontal gyrus and superior parietal lobule and surface area in the left precuneus and cuneus were significantly correlated with smaller magnitudes of vocal responses. These findings provide the first evidence that vocal compensations for feedback errors are predicted by the structural morphology of the frontal and tempo-parietal regions, and further our understanding of the neural basis that underlies interindividual variability in auditory–motor control of vocal production.
Older and Young Adults Experience Similar Long-Term Olfactory Habituation
Authors: Mignot Coralie , Nahrath Philipp , Sinding Charlotte , Hummel Thomas
Published: December 2020

Olfactory habituation corresponds to a decreased behavioral or perceptual response to an odor after a prolonged exposure to this odor. Our aim was to investigate whether long-term olfactory habituation and its recovery are similar in young (<35 years old) and older adults (>50). Fifty-seven participants were recruited for a 5-week longitudinal study. They were exposed to one of the two odors (manzanate alpha [MA], irone alpha [IA]) for 2 weeks at home. Olfactory detection thresholds for both odors were measured before and after exposure. Results showed that the two age groups behaved similarly. The long-term exposure to an odor led to a temporary increase of its detection threshold (lower sensitivity to the odor). IA thresholds were more sensitive to the duration of exposure with the odor than MA thresholds. One week after termination of exposure, participants fully recovered and even became more sensitive to both odors. No cross-habituation was found between the two odors. Our findings highlight that long-term habituation is specific to the odor exposed, behaves the same in young and older adults, and is fully reversible in both age groups after 1 week.
Prevalence, multimodality imaging characterization, and mid-term prognosis of quadricuspid aortic valves: an analysis of eight cases, based on 160 004 exams performed during 12 years in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Manuel Ana Mosalina , Ladeiras-Lopes Ricardo , Ribeiro José , Ferreira Nuno Dias , Faria Rita , Carvalho Mónica , Ferreira Wilson , Ferraz Ricardo , Gonçalves Fernando , Batista Ana , Gonçalves Carlos , Pires-Morais Gustavo , Rodrigues Alberto , Sampaio Francisco , Teixeira Madalena , Braga Pedro , Fontes-Carvalho Ricardo
Published: December 2020

Aims

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare abnormality, which may cause aortic regurgitation (AR) requiring surgical intervention in some patients. The characteristics associated with aortic valve functional degeneration in patients with QAV are still unknown. The aim of this study is to describe QAV prevalence, characterize the disease by multimodality imaging, evaluate predictors of severe AR, and assess mid-term prognosis.

Methods and results

Retrospective search in imaging exams database of one tertiary centre, for patients diagnosed with QAV between January 2007 and September 2019. QAV was characterized by cardiac computed tomography, transthoracic/transoesophageal echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance. A total of 160 004 exams were reviewed and eight patients with QAV were identified (50% men, mean age 53.5 ± 10.7 years). The prevalence of QAV was 0.005%. During a median follow-up of 52 months (interquartile range 16–88), there were no deaths. Seven patients (88%) had pure AR (three severe, one moderate, and three mild) and one patient (12%) had moderate AR and moderate aortic stenosis. Three patients (38%) with severe AR underwent valve surgery (two replacements and one repair). Analysis of predictors of severe AR was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

QAV is a rare congenital cardiac defect, with a prevalence of 0.005% in our study. Its predominant functional abnormality was regurgitation and about one-third of the patients required aortic valve surgery. Multimodality imaging may play a pivotal role in assessing patients with QAV with significant valve dysfunction or associated congenital heart disease and improve their treatment strategy.
Diabetes mellitus and outcomes of lower extremity revascularization for peripheral artery disease
Authors: Bhandari Nipun , Newman Jonathan D , Berger Jeffrey S , Smilowitz Nathaniel R
Published: December 2020

Aims

The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes of lower extremity revascularization (LER) for peripheral artery disease (PAD) is uncertain. We characterized associations between DM and post-procedural outcomes in PAD patients undergoing LER.

Methods and results

Adults undergoing surgical or endovascular LER were identified from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database. DM was defined by ICD-9 diagnosis codes and sub-classified based on the presence or absence of complications (poor glycaemic control or end-organ damage). Major adverse cardiovascular and limb events (MACLEs) were defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, or major limb amputation during the index hospitalization for LER. For survivors, all-cause 6-month hospital readmission was determined. Among 39 441 patients with PAD hospitalized for LER, 50.8% had DM. The composite of MACLE after LER was not different in patients with and without DM after covariate adjustment, but patients with DM were more likely to require major limb amputation [5.5% vs. 3.2%, P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.44] and hospital readmission (59.2% vs. 41.3%, P < 0.001; aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.34–1.55). Of 20 039 patients with DM hospitalized for LER, 55.7% had DM with complications. These patients were more likely to have MACLE after LER (11.1% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.001; aOR 1.56 95% CI 1.28–1.89) and require hospital readmission (61.1% vs. 47.2%, P < 0.001; aOR 1.41 95% CI 1.27–1.57) than patients with uncomplicated DM.

Conclusions

DM is present in ≈50% of patients undergoing LER for PAD and is an independent risk factor for major limb amputation and 6-month hospital readmission.
Primary care providers’ perspectives on initiating childhood obesity conversations: a qualitative study
Authors: Hersch Derek E , Uy Marc James A , Ngaw Samantha M , Loth Katie A
Published: December 2020

Background

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are in a critical position for identifying, preventing and treating childhood obesity. However, a one-size-fits-all approach does not exist for having conversations about weight with families. A better understanding of how PCPs can address paediatric patients’ weight concerns is needed in order to develop effective guidelines and trainings.

Objective

To describe PCPs preferences and behaviours regarding weight-related conversations with paediatric patients’ and their families.

Methods

Twenty PCPs affiliated with the University of Minnesota, USA, were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

PCP’s identified well-child visits as the most appropriate time for weight-related discussions with families. Physicians described what approaches/elements they perceived to work best during conversations: collaboration, empathy, health-focused and objective measures.

Conclusions

Overall, PCPs were more comfortable with weight-related discussions during annual well-child visits and rarely initiated them during an acute visit or the first encounter with a patient. Objective measures, such as growth charts, were often utilized to start discussions. Considering a large proportion of well-child visits are missed, alternative opportunities to have discussions about healthy lifestyle behaviours should be explored. The integral role PCPs play in paediatric obesity warrants further research.