bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole blood mRNA expression-based targets to discriminate active tuberculosis from latent infection and other pulmonary diseases
Authors: Petrilli Jéssica D. , Araújo Luana E. , da Silva Luciane Sussuchi , Laus Ana Carolina , Müller Igor , Reis Rui Manuel , Netto Eduardo Martins , Riley Lee W. , Arruda Sérgio , Queiroz Adriano
Published: December 2020

Current diagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB) are not able to predict reactivation disease progression from latent TB infection (LTBI). The main barrier to predicting reactivation disease is the lack of our understanding of host biomarkers associated with progression from latent infection to active disease. Here, we applied an immune-based gene expression profile by NanoString platform to identify whole blood markers that can distinguish active TB from other lung diseases (OPD), and that could be further evaluated as a reactivation TB predictor. Among 23 candidate genes that differentiated patients with active TB from those with OPD, nine genes (CD274, CEACAM1, CR1, FCGR1A/B, IFITM1, IRAK3, LILRA6, MAPK14, PDCD1LG2) demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Seven genes (C1QB, C2, CCR2, CCRL2, LILRB4, MAPK14, MSR1) distinguished TB from LTBI with sensitivity and specificity between 82 and 100%. This study identified single gene candidates that distinguished TB from OPD and LTBI with high sensitivity and specificity (both > 82%), which may be further evaluated as diagnostic for disease and as predictive markers for reactivation TB.
Author Correction: Developmental and reproductive response of Brachmia macroscopa (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) to three host plants
Authors: Ma Li , Li Ni , Wang Xing , Liu Yan , Su Ming-Zhu , Huang Guo-Hua
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A relook into plant wilting: observational evidence based on unsaturated soil–plant-photosynthesis interaction
Authors: Garg Ankit , Bordoloi Sanandam , Ganesan Suriya Prakash , Sekharan Sreedeep , Sahoo Lingaraj
Published: December 2020

Permanent wilting point (PWP) is generally used to ascertain plant resistance against abiotic drought stress and designated as the soil water content (θ) corresponding to soil suction (ψ) at 1500 kPa obtained from the soil water retention curve. Determination of PWP based on only pre-assumed ψ may not represent true wilting condition for soils with contrasting water retention abilities. In addition to ψ, there is a need to explore significance of additional plant parameters (i.e., stomatal conductance and photosynthetic status) in determining PWP. This study introduces a new framework for determining PWP by integrating plant leaf response and ψ during drought.Axonopus compressuswere grown in two distinct textured soils (clayey loam and silty sand), after which drought was initiated till wilting. Thereafter, ψ and θ within the root zone were measured along with corresponding leaf stomatal conductance and photosynthetic status. It was found that coarse textured silty sand causes wilting at much lower ψ (≈ 300 kPa) than clayey loam (≈ 1600 kPa). Plant response to drought was dependent on the relative porosity and mineralogy of the soil, which governs the ease at which roots can grow, assimilate soil O2, and uptake water. For clay loam, the held water within the soil matrix does not facilitate easy root water uptake by relatively coarse root morphology. Contrastingly, fine root hair formation in silty sand facilitated higher plant water uptake and doubled the plant survival time.
Glutamatergic projections from homeostatic to hedonic brain nuclei regulate intake of highly palatable food
Authors: Smith Ashley E. , Ogunseye Kehinde O. , DeBenedictis Julia N. , Peris Joanna , Kasper James M. , Hommel Jonathan D.
Published: December 2020

Food intake is a complex behavior regulated by discrete brain nuclei that integrate homeostatic nutritional requirements with the hedonic properties of food. Homeostatic feeding (i.e. titration of caloric intake), is typically associated with hypothalamic brain nuclei, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Hedonic feeding is driven, in part, by the reinforcing properties of highly palatable food (HPF), which is mediated by the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Dysregulation of homeostatic and hedonic brain nuclei can lead to pathological feeding behaviors, namely overconsumption of highly palatable food (HPF), that may drive obesity. Both homeostatic and hedonic mechanisms of food intake have been attributed to several brain regions, but the integration of homeostatic and hedonic signaling to drive food intake is less clear, therefore we aimed to identify the neuroanatomical, functional, and behavioral features of a novel PVN → NAc circuit. Using viral tracing techniques, we determined that PVN → NAc has origins in the parvocellular PVN, and that PVN → NAc neurons express VGLUT1, a marker of glutamatergic signaling. Next, we pharmacogenetically stimulated PVN → NAc neurons and quantified both gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate release and phospho-cFos expression in the NAc and observed a robust and significant increase in extracellular glutamate and phospho-cFos expression. Finally, we pharmacogenetically stimulated PVN → NAc which decreased intake of highly palatable food, demonstrating that this glutamatergic circuitry regulates aspects of feeding.
Reduced lifespan of erythrocytes in Dahl/Salt sensitive rats is the cause of the renal proximal tubule damage
Authors: Manabe Eri , Ito Satoyasu , Ohno Yoshiya , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Naito Yoshiro , Sasaki Naoko , Asakura Masanori , Masuyama Tohru , Ishihara Masaharu , Tsujino Takeshi
Published: December 2020

We studied the mechanisms of anemia and the influence of anemia on renal pathology in Dahl/Salt Sensitive (Dahl/SS) rat, a model of cardio-renal-anemia syndrome. Erythrocyte lifespan was shortened and associated with decreased hemoglobin level in the Dahl/SS rats given high-salt diet. Serum haptoglobin decreased, reticulocytes increased, and erythropoiesis in the bone marrow and extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen was markedly stimulated by increased serum erythropoietin in them. As a mechanism of hemolysis, we investigated the incidence of eryptosis, suicidal death of erythrocytes. Eryptosis was increased, and red blood cell-derived microparticles, small particle which are generated in hemolytic disease, were also increased in Dahl/SS rats fed with high-salt diet. Deposition of hemosiderin and mitochondrial morphologic abnormality, a sign of ferroptosis, in proximal renal tubules was associated with intravascular hemolysis. Treatment with deferasirox, an oral iron chelator, reduced the renal proximal tubular injury and the glomerular sclerosis in Dahl/SS rats fed with high-salt diet. In conclusion, reduced half-life of erythrocytes induced by hemolysis is the major cause of anemia in Dahl/SS rat. Iron accumulation induced by hemolysis causes renal proximal tubule injury and accelerates renal damage in this model.
National burden of cancer in Italy, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2017
Authors: Bosetti Cristina , Traini Eugenio , Alam Tahiya , Allen Christine A. , Carreras Giulia , Compton Kelly , Fitzmaurice Christina , Force Lisa M. , Gallus Silvano , Gorini Giuseppe , Harvey James D. , Kocarnik Jonathan M. , La Vecchia Carlo , Lugo Alessandra , Naghavi Mohsen , Pennini Alyssa , Piccinelli Cristiano , Ronfani Luca , Xu Rixing , Monasta Lorenzo
Published: December 2020

We monitored the burden of cancer in Italy and its trends over the last three decades, providing estimates of cancer incidence, mortality, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), for cancer overall and 30 cancer sites using data from the Global Burden of Disease study 2017. An overview of mortality trends between 1990 and 2017 was also provided. In 2017, there were 254,336 new cancer cases in men and 214,994 in women, corresponding to an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 438 and 330/100,000, respectively. Between 1990 and 2017, incident cancer cases, and, to a lesser extent, ASIRs significantly increased overall and for almost all cancer sites, but ASIRs significantly declined for lung and other tobacco-related neoplasms. In 2017, there were 101,659 cancer deaths in men (age-standardized death rate, ASDR, 158.5/100,000) and 78,918 in women (ASDR 93.9/100,000). Cancer deaths significantly increased between 1990 and 2017 (+ 18%), but ASDR significantly decreased (− 28%). Deaths significantly increased for many cancer sites, but decreased for stomach, esophageal, laryngeal, Hodgkin lymphoma, and testicular cancer. ASDRs significantly decreased for most neoplasms, with the main exceptions of cancer of the pancreas and uterus, and multiple myeloma. In 2017, cancer caused 3,204,000 DALYs. Between 1990 and 2017, DALYs and age-standardized DALY rates significantly declined (-3.4% and -33%, respectively). Age-standardized mortality rates in Italy showed favorable patterns over the last few decades. However, the absolute number of cancer cases and, to a lower extent, of cancer deaths increased likely due to the progressive ageing of the population, this calling for a continuous effort in cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
Midterm surgical results of the lamina with spinous process in treating one-level thoracic or lumbar tuberculosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhong Weiyang , Liang Xinjie , Tang Ke , Huang Tianji , Luo Xiaoji , Quan Zhengxue
Published: December 2020

A retrospective study investigated the results of the lamina with spinous process (LSP) as a bone graft in one-level thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis with the one-stage posterior approach of debridement, fusion and internal instrumentation. Data from 35 patients from January 2013 to December 2015 were analysed. Surgery time, blood loss, hospitalization time, drainage volume, and follow-up (FU) duration were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, segmental angle, and bone fusion were compared between preoperative and final FU. All of the patients were followed up for a mean 43.90 ± 10.39 months. The mean age, surgery time, blood loss, hospitalization time, hospital cost and drainage volume were 33.65 ± 11.06 years, 182.40 ± 23.82 min, 280.80 ± 76.82 mL, 14.05 ± 3.58 days, 74,382.00 ± 11,938.00 yuan, and 340.00 ± 167.20 mL, respectively. VAS and ODI were significantly improved at the final FU. The ESR and CRP recovered to normal. The mean angle of 24.35 ± 5.74°preoperatively showed a significant difference between 1 week, postoperatively and final FU. Although there were the loss of angle at final FU comparing with the 1 week postoperatively, it still maintain the good alignment and the segmental stability. All patients achieved bony fusion with a mean time of 12.90 ± 3.91 months. In conclusion, the LSP as a structural bone graft is reliable, safe and effective for segmental stability reconstruction, which could be one choice for surgical management of thoracic or lumbar spinal TB.
Dominance style only partially predicts differences in neophobia and social tolerance over food in four macaque species
Authors: Amici Federica , Widdig Anja , MacIntosh Andrew J. J. , Francés Victor Beltrán , Castellano-Navarro Alba , Caicoya Alvaro Lopez , Karimullah Karimullah , Maulany Risma Illa , Ngakan Putu Oka , Hamzah Andi Siady , Majolo Bonaventura
Published: December 2020

Primates live in complex social systems with social structures ranging from more to less despotic. In less despotic species, dominance might impose fewer constraints on social choices, tolerance is greater than in despotic species and subordinates may have little need to include novel food items in the diet (i.e. neophilia), as contest food competition is lower and resources more equally distributed across group members. Here, we used macaques as a model to assess whether different dominance styles predict differences in neophilia and social tolerance over food. We provided familiar and novel food to 4 groups of wild macaques (N = 131) with different dominance styles (Macaca fuscata,M. fascicularis,M. sylvanus,M. maura). Our study revealed inter- and intra-specific differences in individuals’ access to food, which only partially reflected the dominance styles of the study subjects. Contrary to our prediction, social tolerance over food was higher in more despotic species than in less despotic species. Individuals with a higher dominance rank and being better socially integrated (i.e. higher Eigenvector centrality) were more likely to retrieve food in all species, regardless of their dominance style. Partially in line with our predictions, less integrated individuals more likely overcame neophobia (as compared to more integrated ones), but only in species with more tolerance over food. Our study suggests that individual characteristics (e.g. social integration or personality) other than dominance rank may have a stronger effect on an individual’s access to resources.
Comparative study of four greenness assessment tools for selection of greenest analytical method for assay of hyoscine N-butyl bromide
Authors: Gamal Mohammed , Naguib Ibrahim A. , Panda Dibya Sundar , Abdallah Fatma F.
Published: December 2020

The competencies of four greenness assessment tools were tested. AGREE is the best greenness tool while NEMI is the poorest one. AGREE, GAPI, and ESA are reliable greenness tools.
Sensibilization of p-NiO with ZnSe/CdS and CdS/ZnSe quantum dots for photoelectrochemical water reduction
Authors: Lu Can , Drichel Andreas , Chen Jianhong , Enders Florian , Rokicińska Anna , Kuśtrowski Piotr , Dronskowski Richard , Boldt Klaus , Slabon Adam
Published: December 2020

Pairing ZnSe/CdS and CdS/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots with NiO thin film photocathodes enhances the photoelectrochemical water reduction.
Facile construction of self-supported Fe-doped Ni3S2 nanoparticle arrays for the ultralow-overpotential oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xie Ning , Ma Dong-Dong , Wu Xin-Tao , Zhu Qi-Long
Published: December 2020

A three-dimensional nanostructure with uniform Fe-doped Ni3S2 nanoparticle arrays enables ultralow-overpotential oxygen evolution.
The coherent motion of Cen A dwarf satellite galaxies remains a challenge for ΛCDM cosmology
Authors: Müller Oliver , Pawlowski Marcel S. , Lelli Federico , Fahrion Katja , Rejkuba Marina , Hilker Michael , Kanehisa Jamie , Libeskind Noam , Jerjen Helmut
Published: December 2020

The plane-of-satellites problem is one of the most severe small-scale challenges for the standard Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmological model: Several dwarf galaxies around the Milky Way and Andromeda co-orbit in thin, planar structures. A similar case has been identified around the nearby elliptical galaxy Centaurus A (Cen A). In this Letter, we study the satellite system of Cen A, adding twelve new galaxies with line-of-sight velocities from VLT/MUSE observations. We find that 21 out of 28 dwarf galaxies with measured velocities share a coherent motion. Similarly, flattened and coherently moving structures are found only in 0.2% of Cen A analogs in the Illustris-TNG100 cosmological simulation, independently of whether we use its dark-matter-only or hydrodynamical run. These analogs are not co-orbiting, and they arise only by chance projection, thus they are short-lived structures in such simulations. Our findings indicate that the observed co-rotating planes of satellites are a persistent challenge for ΛCDM, which is largely independent from baryon physics.
Features of Foreign Trade Between Russia and China and Prospects for its Development
Authors: Yakushev Nikolay , Khusainova Ekaterina , Maksimova Tatiana , Badalov Lazar
Published: December 2020

Trade and economic relations are the main basis for partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China. This paper examines the place of Russia and China in global trade. The main strategic priority in the development of trade and economic relations between Russia and China is indicated. The analysis of Russian-Chinese foreign trade turnover for the period from 2001 to 2018 is presented. The main product groups in Russian-Chinese foreign trade are analyzed and promising areas for further development are identified.
Computer Modeling of Pumping Station with Unregulated Electric Drive
Authors: Dadabaev Shakhboz , Gracheva Elena
Published: December 2020

The results of the analysis of transient and technological processes of the irrigation pumping station of the first lift, taking into account the negative starting effects on the synchronous electric drive, are considered. The analysis and review of the ways of regulating the performance of the units of the irrigation pumping station of the first lift are made, and the main difficulties of the existing methods of regulating the pump supply are revealed. Computer simulation of starting modes of high-voltage synchronous electric motors with direct and soft start, where soft starter was used for soft start, was carried out. The simulation took into account the changes in the currents of all phases of the electric motor, the electromagnetic torque, the motor speed, the effective value of the current, as well as the static torque. The introduction of semiconductor soft starters for electric drives of high-power pumping units has been substantiated.
The impact of digitalization of the economy on the development of enterprises in the Arctic
Authors: Plakhotnikova Maria , Anisimov Alexander , Kulachinskaya Anastasia , Mukhametova Liliya
Published: December 2020

The peculiarities of the development of the regions belonging to the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) are determined by geopolitical, climatic and other factors. Currently, the issues of digital transformation of national economies are paramount for all countries. However, the existing crisis phenomena caused by the economic crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic have made their own adjustments to this process. The current conditions require both the creation of an appropriate digital infrastructure at the federal and regional levels, and the adjustment of existing development strategies at the enterprise level. However, the benefits of the digital economy will only benefit those enterprises that can adapt their development strategy in accordance with external conditions. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of digitalization of the economy on the development of enterprises in the Arctic, as well as to form a list of the main problems in this area and search for possible ways to solve them. As a result of the study, the authors obtained the following results: (1) identified both positive and negative factors affecting the digitalization of the Russian Arctic; (2) a profile of the directions of digitalization of the Russian Arctic was created and the priority areas of digitalization were determined; (3) it was concluded that the digitalization of national economies opens up great opportunities for the further development of enterprises. However, to achieve this goal, it is necessary to timely adjust the development strategies of enterprises, taking into account the national and regional characteristics of digitalization.
High speed power generator for low power steam turbine
Authors: Kolpakhchyan Pavel , Shaikhiev Aleksey , Lobov Boris , Ivanov Ivan , Safin Alfred
Published: December 2020

The paper discusses the issues of creating a high-speed power generator for a low-power steam turbine. A 50 kW power generator with a rated speed of 12,000 rpm was developed. The influence of control parameters on the power generator performance was analyzed. The electromagnetic processes in the power generator were mathematically modeled. For the single-pulse control algorithm used in the generation mode, rational ratios of the angles of the beginning and end of the voltage pulse were established. The analysis of the obtained results shows that the developed power generator meets the set requirements for joint operation with a steam turbine. The choice of a valve-inductor machine for this purpose makes it possible to significantly simplify the design, reduce the costs of production and improves the reliability of the system as a whole. The peculiarities of the implementation of control algorithms make it possible to use a minimum number of sensors and not to use the rotor position sensor.
Mechanisms of stimulating activities in banking participation in the development of construction industry and national economy at all
Authors: Altukhova Elena , Markov Maxim , Perepelitsa Denis , Badalov Lazar
Published: December 2020

The development of the real sector is crucial to ensure the growth of the national economy of any state. The main institution working with money in the economy are banks. They serve the cash flows of companies in real sector, and also serve as one of the sources of investment for them, which are provided in the form of bank loans. Given that the task of stimulating the growth of the real sector is not only facing the banking system, but also the economy as a whole, the approach to solving it should be comprehensive and systemic. In this regard, it is especially important to develop a list of measures that provide a differentiated approach to the support system for companies in the real sector of the economy. The implementation of such measures should include the active participation of development institutions, and therefore the active participation of banks in the system of implementation of national projects. Particularly important in this regard is the improvement of legislative regulation of issues of interaction between banks and business entities, as well as the development of new financial instruments that contribute to building up the financial potential of the real sector of the economy. The article analyzes the participation of banks in lending to the real sector of the Russian economy, considers the key features of lending to the construction industry. A number of measures are proposed, both at the macro and the micro level, ensuring not only the coherence of the economic interests of companies and banks, but also significantly reducing costs.
Experimental study of the operating modes of the resonant current-limiting device
Authors: Mikheev Dmitry V. , Ryzhkova Yelena N. , Udaratin Alex V. , Salikhova Regina
Published: December 2020

Decreasing of short-circuit currents in power supply systems enables the usage of less expensive switching-protective devices with a lower breaking capacity and reduction of damage from the consequences of emergency events. In electrical networks of low, medium and high voltage classes, resonant current-limiting devices are used to solve this problem, along with other technical solutions. However, these devices have unsatisfactory weight and dimensions, high cost and other disadvantages. The technical and economic indicators of such devices can be improved through the use of a coil-capacitor (coilcap). Coilcap is a passive element of an electric circuit, which simultaneously possesses inductivecapacitive properties and performs the functions of a reactor and a capacitor in a single technical object. This paper presents a functional diagram of the implementation, design, operating principle and mathematical description of a resonant current-limiting device based on a coilcap. Physical modeling of the steady-state modes of the device (normal mode and current limiting mode) was carried out, and the possibility of limiting short-circuit currents due to the use of a coilcap was confirmed. The practical application of a resonant current-limiting device based on a coilcap can be effectively combined with switching-protective and current-limiting disconnecting devices, relay protection, and automation equipment.
Analysis of the number of switches of on-load tap changer of a power transformer for field substation, taking into account discrete time and voltage level sampling
Authors: Tabachnikova T.V. , Shvetskova L.V. , Yumalin A.V.
Published: December 2020

The introduction of “smart grids” technologies poses the problems of multi-criteria determination of the optimum voltage in the main substation of the object under study. In this study the busbar sections of the field substation of the oil and gas company is considered as the main substation. This paper studies regulation of voltage level in an electrical network using on-load tap changer (OLTC) of a power transformer for field substation of an oil and gas enterprise. Considered are approaches for voltage regulation taking into account the development of smart grid technologies. The authors have developed a universal method for determining the optimal voltage level on the busbar sections of a field substation, which allows for selection of the optimum voltage in accordance with certain parameters: loss of active, reactive power, voltage, electricity consumption, specific consumption or efficiency factor of artificial oil lift. The actual daily graphs of consumption of active, reactive power and voltage level at one of the field substations of PJSC Tatneft were studied. The operation mode of on-load tap-changer drive of the field transformer was modeled, taking into account the calculated optimal values of voltage and the dead zone. The paper presents the results of study of automatic voltage regulation on busbar sections of a field substation, taking into account the constraints for tap changer switches of a power transformer.
Chemical composition determination of impurities and effect on the toxicity degree of solar panel components
Authors: Vezhenkova Irina , Semenova Margarita , Kovalevskaya Alla , Gryaznov Artem , Rodríguez-Barroso M. Rocio , Jimenez Castañeda Rafael
Published: December 2020

By 2050, according to the conclusion of the European Commission, the amount of solar panels waste will reach 78 million tons. 85% of all solar panels produced today belong to polycrystalline solar panels. The subject of this paper is the polymer components of polycrystalline solar panels EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) and Tedlar® (polyvinyl fluoride). The paper reflects studies to determine the chemical composition of impurities of the solar panel components, and the degree of impurities influence on the toxicity of polymer components.
Improvement of the Technique for Predicting the Temperature Modes of Low-Potential Geothermal Wells
Authors: Iakovlev P.V. , Churkin I.S. , Andreev V.V.
Published: December 2020

The experience of operating geothermal thermal power plants shows that during the first 5 years, their economic performance deteriorates, because there is a change in the temperature field of the soil. It is also important to consider: seasonal cyclical changes in the heat load and possible reversal of the heat flow when switching from heating to air conditioning and vice versa. An option is considered, which, when the coolant fills the well, directly contacting the surface of the casing. During well operation, seasonal or technological changes in well load are taken into account. The well is operating in reverse mode. The conditions for calculation are determined by the alternation of the periods of turning on the heat pump with the cyclical periods of stopping, determined by the season. Research have shown that as a result of longterm operation of a geothermal well in a cyclic mode of thermal loading, there are changes of a temperature field of the rock surrounding a well, with effect of interference of thermal waves, leading to accumulation of heat. Based on the processing of the results obtained criterion equations for calculating the dimensionless temperature of the well at the time of completion of the cycle of heat supply or removal, as the corresponding largest temperature difference heat pump. The received equations allow to specify calculation of technical and economic indicators taking into account duration of geothermal well operation and its mode.
Study of the influence of chemical anti-icing materials on frost heaving of the roadbed soils
Authors: Velsovskij A. Y. , Shorin V. A. , Akhmetov T.R.
Published: December 2020

This work examines the influence of chemical anti-icing materials on the frost resistance of the road pavement. Methods and technologies for introducing salt additives into the soil are considered. The preparation of soil with salt additives for testing for frost heaving is described. The kinetics of frost heaving processes of the reference soil sample and soil treated with salt additives was investigated. The influence of type and concentration of the salt additive on the degree of frost heaving of soils was investigated. The negative impact of chemical anti-icing additives on the indicators of frost heaving of soils, especially with uneven salinity, was registered.
Temperature modes of the contactor contacts during the test for the limiting breaking capacity
Authors: Egorov E.G. , Kulagina A.G , Luiya N.Yu. , Fedorov R.V. , Pichugin V.N.
Published: December 2020

The processes of electric arc quenching of an electromagnetic contactor during testing for ultimate breaking capacity are considered. The conditions for facilitating the successful arc quenching when turning off the limiting currents are shown: by reducing the phase shift between current and voltage, by reducing the amplitude of the restriking and recovery voltages. The processes of anode heating during arcing (heat saturation mode), after the change of polarity and transition of the current through zero, processes on the cathode in the temperature equalization mode are considered. The mathematical models of cathode thermal processes adressed the heat fluxes of the ionic component and evaporation. The mathematical models of anode thermal processes in the temperature equalization mode took into account the heat fluxes of the ionic component, thermionic emission, and evaporation. The calculations were carried out for the averaged values of thermophysical coefficients for copper, since the arc base moves from the contacts to the contact holders, which are made of copper or its alloys. The calculation results showed that the used mathematical models of thermal processes are appropriate both for the cathode and for the anode. This was confirmed by the results of previously performed and published experimental and theoretical studies of thermal processes at the switching contacts of electrical devices.
Optimization the shape of the Francis hydraulic turbine
Authors: Kurir Valerij
Published: December 2020

The article presents one of the possible methods for optimizing the blade shape of a Francis radial-axial hydraulic turbine. The method for optimizing the shape of the turbine blade is based on the criterion of the maximum mechanical moment developed by the turbine. The blade shape optimization operation is conventionally divided into two stages. At the first stage of optimization of the blade shape, the analytical expression of the moment developed by the turbine is presented in a Taylor series by variable parameters − the coordinates of the vertices of the characteristic polyhedron of the median surface of the turbine blade. Adding the boundary conditions in the formulation of the optimization problem in the form of equalities − the contact of the median surface of the turbine blade with the turbine hub and rim, as well as conditions in the form of inequalities − the concavity of the greater part the median surface allows to reduce the problem of optimizing the blade shape to a standard linear programming problem. It is proposed to carry out 50−60 similar operations with small steps in the variables − the coordinates of the vertices of the characteristic polyhedron. Thus, it is necessary to move into the zone of optimal values of the coordinates of the vertices of the characteristic polyhedron of the median surface of the blade. At the second stage, it is proposed to continue the search for the optimal values of the coordinates of the vertices of the characteristic polyhedron of the median surface of the blade, applying for this purpose one of the most effective algorithms of genetic optimization.
Designing and 3-D Modelling of a Sustainable Cable Stayed Bridge-A Case Study
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Jahangir Baig Mirza , Pandey Bhumika , Papreja Kartik
Published: December 2020

In the world of Civil Engineering, bridges are an example of structural art expressing how much the structures have evolved till present times. The concept and design of bridges has been evolved over the past years, having numerous amounts of different geometrical models and methods to construct bridges. As the development and innovation has reached so far, the concept of bridges has made a great impact on global infrastructure by creating sustainable, effective, and aesthetical bridges around the world. development of the finest aesthetical and sustainable designs for bridges which are known as Cable Stayed BridgesThe bridge form in which the weight of the deck is supported by a number of nearly straight diagonal cables in tension running directly to one or more vertical towers. The towers transfer the cable forces to the foundations through vertical compression. The tensile forces in the cables also put the deck into horizontal compression. Cable stayed bridges are the types of bridges those are best suited for connecting wide-span crossings. Construction of cable stayed bridge is widely promoted all over the world and construction of more than 600 cable stayed bridges are recorded till date. This type of bridge is preferred over any other type due to its possible construction to the indefinite length, availability of multiple design options with the possibility of symmetrical design and excellent strength. In this paper we shall discuss numerous case studies of the cable stayed bridges, compile all the beneficial data for most of the cable stayed bridges located in India.
The application of the technology of sensor networks for the intellectualization of the overhead power transmission lines
Authors: Ivanov Dmitry , Sadykov Marat , Golenishchev-Kutuzov Aleksandr , Yaroslavsky Danil , Galieva Tatyana , Arslanov Amir
Published: December 2020

The length of overhead power transmission lines in the Russian Federation is over 2.8 million kilometers. Power grids are rapidly becoming obsolete. The level of deterioration of the equipment achieves 70% [1]. This leads to breakdowns on overhead power transmission lines and reduce the quality of electricity supply. One of the focus areas towards improving the situation is a deep modernization of the power grid with an orientation on energy efficiency. The purpose of this work is the creation a system for operative monitoring of the technical condition of high-voltage power-transmission lines based on modular devices. The modular device is configured depending on the issues at hand: control of ice formation; control of ice melting; localization of the place of short circuit, breakage, lightning strike; determination of electrical loads on the wire or control of the load of overhead power transmission lines; determination of mechanical loads at the wire suspension point; determination of conditions for the occurrence of ice formation, determination of defects in insulators. This will equip the overhead line diagnostic systems without serious financial costs by simple installation on the wire of the developed device which design allows to change the configuration of the equipment and solve a wide range of tasks.
Optimal model for additional operation of the storage system for photovoltaic wind power plants
Authors: Saitov E.B.
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses methods for modeling and optimizing photovoltaic and wind power plants for the integrated use of solar and wind energy. The results of modeling the dependence of the characteristics of the solar battery and wind power plants on the input parameters are presented. Changes in the output volt-ampere and power parameters depending on environmental conditions are considered. Various programming methods for mathematical modeling of power plants are presented. Methods for optimizing the output characteristics of solar cells by connecting shunt diodes are presented. The operation of solar panels is analyzed on the basis of mathematical modeling of processes. The influence of weather conditions, temperature, and light on the output parameters of solar installations was studied. The advantages of integrated use of solar and wind installations with an energy storage system are also considered. We consider the prediction of wind speeds based on various distribution functions.
Geometrical transformations of reticulated pavilion canopies as a method for structural optimization
Authors: Stefańska Anna , Mikos Anna , Zientała Ewelina
Published: December 2020

The growing need for rational use of natural resources becomes crucial in all sectors of the current economy. Minimizing the use of materials in construction is becoming an important design aspect. One of the interdisciplinary design methods is geometry optimization, which, thanks to modern computational methods, brings the desired material reduction in constructions. The article examines the impact of using the form-finding method on the example of preliminary geometrical optimization of the reticulated structures. The influence of the dynamic relaxation and geometrical transformations in structure optimization and natural resource minimization is examined. The article aims to indicate the impact of optimization aspects on obtaining efficient load-bearing structures. The research was carried out on the example of a small-scale canopy. Case-studies compare fifteen different geometries generated with the use of mathematical and parametric formulas. The study’s conclusions indicate that interdisciplinary tools supporting the process of the initial design phase help in architectural design.
A short history of climate change
Authors: Notz Dirk
Published: December 2020

The flux of energy through the climate system determines the living conditions of our planet. In this contribution, I outline the main processes regulating this flux of energy, how these processes have changed throughout Earth history, and how today they are changing by human activities, in particular by activities related to energy production. The changes in the climate state of our planet, which have been ongoing ever since the formation of the Earth some 5 billion years ago, have shaped the world we live in today. Yet, today’s climate change is special in two overarching ways. First, it is the first time that a major climate change is globally affecting a civilisation that is perfectly adapted to thousands of years of stable climate conditions. Second, today’s climate change is occurring at a rate much faster than preceding natural climate changes. In combination, these two factors make today’s climate change a unique challenge to humankind, with direct consequences of future energy production as outlined in the other contributions to this volume.
The challenge of discussing energy facts and climate change
Authors: Buchal Christoph
Published: December 2020

The experiences of numerous lectures about the present situation of the global energy supply and the possible future developments are presented in the form of 10 statements. Although the physics of the atmosphere, climate history and climate change are relatively easy to present, it becomes very difficult or even emotional, if the far-reaching economic curtailments and the proposed laws to limit the emissions are discussed. The subject of an efficient and constructive global energy policy is strongly controversial even within the scientific community and the best pathways into a peaceful emission-free global energy future are passionately disputed. In general, the technical and financial dimensions of the proposed global change to renewable energies turn out to be hardly conceivable. Most frequently, the spirit of the presentation, for instance optimistic, pessimistic or even cynical, creates a stronger impression on the audience than the bare facts beyond comprehension.
Photovoltaics
Authors: Di Carlo Aldo , Lamanna Enrico , Yaghoobi Nia Narges
Published: December 2020

The conversion of solar energy into electricity via the photovoltaic (PV) effect has been rapidly developing in the last decades due to its potential for transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy based economies. In particular, the advances in PV technology and on the economy of scale permitted to reduce the cost of the energy produced with solar cells down to the energy cost of conventional fossil fuel. Thus, PV will play an important role to address the biggest challenges of our planet including global warming, climate change and air pollution. In this paper, we will introduce the photovoltaic technology recalling the working principle of the photovoltaic conversion and describing the different PV available on the market and under development. In the last section, we will focus more on the emerging technology of the halide perovskite, which is the research subject of the authors.
Predicting band gaps of semiconductors with quantum chemistry
Authors: Dittmer Anneke
Published: December 2020

The following article gives a brief introduction to quantum chemistry and its application to the prediction of band gaps of inorganic and organic semiconductors. Two important quantum chemistry concepts —Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Coupled Cluster Theory (CC)— are shortly explained. These two concepts are used to calculate the optical and the transport band gap of a set of semiconductors modelled with an electrostatic embedding approach.
Air pollution and health: Evidence from epidemiological studies and population impact
Authors: Forastiere Francesco , Ancona Carla
Published: December 2020

Outdoor air pollution —in particular particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone— can exert its effects on health after acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) exposures. Short-term exposures increase the probability of the onset of acute diseases within a few days, such as myocardial infarction or stroke, or even death in the case of susceptible individuals. Long-term exposures are associated with decreased survival and incidence of several non-communicable diseases, including cardiorespiratory conditions and lung cancer. In Europe, the large ESCAPE project (European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects — www.escapeproject.eu) evaluated the chronic effects of air pollution in the cohorts of adult subjects. The results of ESCAPE show an association between chronic exposure to air pollutants and natural mortality, cardiovascular events, lung, brain, breast and digestive tract cancer. The recent joint statement of the European Respiratory Society and the American Respiratory Society clarifies the wide spectrum of adverse effects of pollution, including “new” diseases such as neurological and metabolic syndrome previously not studied. The estimates by the Global Burden of Disease provide nowadays indications that air pollution causes illness and mortality, just after diet, smoking, hypertension and diabetes: 4.2 million premature deaths a year worldwide. Ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lower respiratory infections are the main conditions associated with air-pollution–related mortality.
An introduction to electrochemical energy conversion
Authors: Auer Alexander A.
Published: December 2020

This paper is meant to provide a basic introduction to electrochemical energy conversion. It should be a low-barrier entry point for reading the relevant literature and understanding the basic phenomena, approaches and techniques. Starting with some basics of electrochemistry to establish the most important techniques, I will touch upon established electrochemical processes which are carried out today on industrial scale to finish with an outline of state-of-the art research on proton exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolysers for water splitting.
Le Square Kilometre Array (SKA) : un radiotélescope géant pour étudier l’aube et l’évolution du cosmos
Authors: Ferrari Chiara
Published: December 2020

La radioastronomie à basse fréquence vit aujourd’hui sa renaissance à travers la construction du Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Deux réseaux de milliers d’antennes, opérant dans les domaines de longueur d’onde métriques et centimétriques, permettront de cartographier les différentes phases de l’histoire de l’Univers, de l’apparition des premières sources lumineuses jusqu’aux systèmes d’astres évolués que nous observons aujourd’hui.

Mais SKA n’est pas seulement un grand observatoire astronomique : il s’agit d’un projet international qui fait face à des défis considérables, en bénéficiant de la plus grande variété de cultures et de compétences du monde entier.
Den Mangel überleben: Natürliche Anpassungen bei Neugeborenen
Authors: Singer Dominique
Published: December 2020

Neugeborene sind mit einer Reihe natürlicher Anpassungsmechanismen ausgestattet, die sie trotz ihres (körpergrößenabhängig) hohen Energiebedarfs vor Mangelversorgung schützen. Hierzu gehört der aus einer bradykarden Kreislaufzentralisation mit begleitender Apnoe bestehende, von wasserlebenden Säugetieren bekannte Tauchreflex, der einen sparsamen Umgang mit den O2-Reserven gewährleistet und sich in einer nachlaufenden Laktateinschwemmung aus der Körperperipherie äußert. Metabolisch verhalten sich Säugetierfeten „wie ein Organ der Mutter“ und zeigen damit eine Winterschlaf-artige Abweichung von der üblichen Körpergröße-Energieumsatz-Beziehung, durch die sie an das limitierte intrauterine O2-/Substratangebot angepasst sind. Im Falle einer Mangelversorgung können sie ihren Energiebedarf weiter drosseln, indem sie auf Wachstum verzichten, wobei der Plazenta eine Gatekeeper-Funktion zukommt. Ein postnataler O2-Mangel hat nicht nur eine Suppression der zitterfreien Thermogenese, sondern auch einen hypoxischen Hypometabolismus zur Folge, wie er sonst nur von poikilothermen Tierarten bekannt ist. Nach prolongierter Apnoe setzen Schnappatemzüge ein, die durch kurze pO2-Anstiege eine rudimentäre Herzaktion aufrechterhalten (Selbstwiederbelebung). Insgesamt verzögern diese Mechanismen ein kritisches O2-Defizit und bedingen so eher eine „Resistenz“ als eine „Toleranz“ gegenüber einer Hypoxie. Da sie auf einer (aktiven) Drosselung des Energiebedarfs beruhen, sind sie nicht leicht von dem (passiven) Zusammenbruch des Stoffwechsels aufgrund einer Hypoxie zu unterscheiden.
Prüfungsthema: Häufige Fragen
Authors: Schmid Eva C.
Published: December 2020

In diesem HPA-Prüfungstrainer beschäftigen sich alle Fragen mit häufigen Fragen in der mündlichen Heilpraktikerüberprüfung.