bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing a Reported Correlation between Arrival Directions of Ultra-high-energy Cosmic Rays and a Flux Pattern from nearby Starburst Galaxies using Telescope Array Data
Authors: Abbasi R. U. , Abe M. , Abu-Zayyad T. , Allen M. , Azuma R. , Barcikowski E. , Belz J. W. , Bergman D. R. , Blake S. A. , Cady R. , Cheon B. G. , Chiba J. , Chikawa M. , Matteo A. di , Fujii T. , Fujita K. , Fukushima M. , Furlich G. , Goto T. , Hanlon W. , Hayashi M. , Hayashi Y. , Hayashida N. , Hibino K. , Honda K. , Ikeda D. , Inoue N. , Ishii T. , Ishimori R. , Ito H. , Ivanov D. , Jeong H. M. , Jeong S. , Jui C. C. H. , Kadota K. , Kakimoto F. , Kalashev O. , Kasahara K. , Kawai H. , Kawakami S. , Kawana S. , Kawata K. , Kido E. , Kim H. B. , Kim J. H. , Kim J. H. , Kishigami S. , Kitamura S. , Kitamura Y. , Kuzmin V. , Kuznetsov M. , Kwon Y. J. , Lee K. H. , Lubsandorzhiev B. , Lundquist J. P. , Machida K. , Martens K. , Matsuyama T. , Matthews J. N. , Mayta R. , Minamino M. , Mukai K. , Myers I. , Nagasawa K. , Nagataki S. , Nakamura R. , Nakamura T. , Nonaka T. , Oda H. , Ogio S. , Ogura J. , Ohnishi M. , Ohoka H. , Okuda T. , Omura Y. , Ono M. , Onogi R. , Oshima A. , Ozawa S. , Park I. H. , Pshirkov M. S. , Remington J. , Rodriguez D. C. , Rubtsov G. , Ryu D. , Sagawa H. , Sahara R. , Saito K. , Saito Y. , Sakaki N. , Sakurai N. , Scott L. M. , Seki T. , Sekino K. , Shah P. D. , Shibata F. , Shibata T. , Shimodaira H. , Shin B. K. , Shin H. S. , Smith J. D. , Sokolsky P. , Stokes B. T. , Stratton S. R. , Stroman T. A. , Suzawa T. , Takagi Y. , Takahashi Y. , Takamura M. , Takeda M. , Takeishi R. , Taketa A. , Takita M. , Tameda Y. , Tanaka H. , Tanaka K. , Tanaka M. , Thomas S. B. , Thomson G. B. , Tinyakov P. , Tkachev I. , Tokuno H. , Tomida T. , Troitsky S. , Tsunesada Y. , Tsutsumi K. , Uchihori Y. , Udo S. , Urban F. , Wong T. , Yamamoto M. , Yamane R. , Yamaoka H. , Yamazaki K. , Yang J. , Yashiro K. , Yoneda Y. , Yoshida S. , Yoshii H. , Zhezher Y. , Zundel Z.
Published: November 2018

The Pierre Auger Collaboration (Auger) recently reported a correlation between the arrival directions of cosmic rays with energies above 39 EeV and the flux pattern of 23 nearby starburst galaxies (SBGs). In this Letter, we tested the same hypothesis using cosmic rays detected by the Telescope Array experiment (TA) in the 9 yr period from 2008 May to 2017 May. Unlike the Auger analysis, we did not optimize the parameter values but kept them fixed to the best-fit values found by Auger, namely 9.7% for the anisotropic fraction of cosmic rays assumed to originate from the SBGs in the list and 12.°9 for the angular scale of the correlations. The energy threshold that we adopted is 43 EeV, corresponding to 39 EeV in Auger when taking into account the energy-scale difference between two experiments. We find that the TA data is compatible with isotropy to within 1.1σ and with the Auger result to within 1.4σ, meaning that it is not capable to discriminate between these two hypotheses.
Aerobic bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of pus isolates from tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Sudhaharan Sukanya , Kanne Padmaja , Chavali Padmasri , Vemu Lakshmi
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Pyogenic infections are an important cause of sepsis. These infections are difficult to treat because of the pathogens with increasing antibiotic resistance. It is important to know the pathogens causing the infections and its antibiotic susceptibility for proper management of the patients.

Methodology: A retrospective analysis of 1428 culture positive pus and tissue samples received in the department of microbiology from various departments in the hospital between January 2012 to 2017 was performed. Data regarding the pathogen isolated and its antimicrobial susceptibility were collected and analyzed. The specimens were primarily processed, as per standard methods. Identification and susceptibility testing was done using the Vitek-2C system.

Results: Among the samples males outnumbered females (M: F-2.5:1) and the median age was 47 years. The total number of patients were 1428 with total number of isolates being 1525 as in our study monomicrobial infections were seen in 93.2% (1331/1428) patients whereas combined infections with growth of two pathogens in 6.8% (97/1428). Gram-negative bacilli were isolated in 68.3% (1042/1525). Among the Gram-negative bacilli Escherichia coli was the major pathogen isolated (38.6%, 403/1042). Gram positive organisms were isolated in 31.6% (483/1525) of cases and Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism isolated (91.7%, 443/483). Rare pathogens like Burkholderia pseudomallei in 3 patients and Nocardia in one patient were also isolated.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes to understand the common organisms isolated from wound infections and it helps in empirical treatment of patients based on antibiotic susceptibility patterns.
Neutrophil phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation
Authors: Žekić-Stošić Marina , Kanački Zdenko , Stojanović Dragica , Bugarski Dejan , Lazarević Miodrag , Milovanovic Aleksandar , Masic Aleksandar
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Hormonal and metabolic changes, as well as energy imbalance, can affect health, production and reproductive performance of dairy cows. In the present study, we evaluated phagocytosis and respiratory burst neutrophil activity during the transition period and early lactation and compared it with biochemical and hematological parameters in dairy cows.

Methodology: Simmental cows (n = 21) were enrolled in the study. Whole blood samples were collected weekly from 3 weeks pre- calving until 6 weeks post calving. Basic metabolic and blood parameters were assessed by routine laboratory analyses, while neutrophil functions were analyzed by commercial test kits.

Results: Optimal neutrophil response was observed pre and post calving. The highest value was recorded in the 6th week after calving (89.54 ± 7.61%) and being significantly higher (p < 0.01) as compared to values recorded at two and one week before and one week after calving. The percentage of activated neutrophils was high during the entire study period: from 70.80 ± 5.22% at the beginning of the study to 89.54 ± 7.61% at the end of the study. During the study period, production of Reactive Oxidative Species by neutrophils was positively correlated with β-hydroxybutyrat and non-esterified fatty acids values (0.454** and 0.423**, respectively) and calcium levels (0.164* and 0.212**, respectively).

Conclusions: The most prominent changes in all parameters had no influence on phagocytic and respiratory burst activity of neutrophils. Neutrophil function is preserved at the optimal level during the transition period and early lactation in Simmental cows.
À la recherche de l’homme normal
Authors: Angélopoulos Anna
Published: November 2018

« Créer le conte de l’homme normal » : ce texte présente mon travail pendant un an et demi, avec un groupe de patients de l’hôpital de jour du centre Artaud, qui souhaitaient créer un conte sur « l’homme normal ». Sujet foncièrement radical s’il en est, que nous avons élaboré tous ensemble, patients et soignants, dans le cadre du gem La locomotive. Ce conte collectif a été riche en surprises et en événements psychiques pour nous tous, et d’abord pour les patients – qui se sont surpris par moments à reproduire leur propre histoire, et aussi pour le personnel soignant qui les encadrait. La psychanalyste que je suis a tenu le fil du vivant dans l’élaboration d’un récit en commun, alors que la cocréation des personnages et l’invention de leurs épreuves pouvaient faire surgir chez chacun de grandes angoisses. C’est avec l’amour du conte, objet transitionnel qui mène vers la vie, que j’ai pu soutenir l’épreuve psychique et thérapeutique qu’a représentée l’entreprise de l’écriture à plusieurs de ce conte, afin de donner continuité à l’existence du héros choisi et au parcours de chacun de nous.
« Il y avait des petits bouts de trous et ça a fini par casser »
Authors: Forveille Élisabeth , Spatz Laure
Published: November 2018

Nous exposons un travail de psychothérapie de groupe à médiation terre, avec des enfants atteints de pathologies sévères du lien et de la relation. En nous appuyant, notamment, sur la notion de médium malléable conceptualisée par René Roussillon, ou de transferts diffractés, notion chère à Jean Oury, nous modelons avec les enfants des figurines de terre pour les mettre en scène selon les principes du psychodrame, et favoriser ainsi un travail de subjectivation et de relance des processus de symbolisation.
L’enfant parfait
Authors: Peraldi Nicolas
Published: November 2018

Le passage de l’adolescence à l’âge adulte est loin d’être aussi simple qu’il n’y paraît. Les études universitaires peuvent devenir le révélateur de problématiques majeures jusque-là enfouies sous les réussites scolaires. À partir de sa pratique dans un bureau d’aide psychologique universitaire ( bapu ) et à l’aune d’un cas clinique, l’auteur tente de comprendre certains des mécanismes psychiques qui œuvrent parfois dans les difficultés que les étudiants peuvent rencontrer au cours de leur formation.
Signer , un film de Nurith Aviv
Authors: Guy Claude
Published: November 2018

Dans son film Signer , Nurith Aviv s’aventure dans le champ des langues des signes, langues diverses, chacune ayant sa grammaire, sa syntaxe, complexe et riche. Trois générations de protagonistes, sourds et entendants, mais aussi les chercheuses du Laboratoire de recherche de langue des signes de l’université de Haïfa, s’expriment sur des langues qui ont émergé en Israël au siècle dernier, rejoignant les questions chères à Nurith Aviv de la langue maternelle, la traduction, la transmission. Une invitation à élargir notre perception des langues humaines.
Santé mentale et dévitalisation du fait psychique
Authors: Bellahsen Mathieu
Published: November 2018

Le fait psychique ne peut être travaillé s’il n’y a pas d’intérêt pour l’autre et son altérité, pour notre altération en face de cette altérité. Je reprends ici le sens donné par Castoriadis : l’altérité est du côté de la création radicale, elle ne se situe pas dans les logiques préexistantes comme la notion de « différence ». L’altération réciproque est l’une des composantes de la danse du transfert, qu’elle soit altération de nos théories, de nos pratiques de vie, ou autre. Pour rester vivant en tant que psychiste, il y a un enjeu à combattre politiquement sur le terrain de la clinique, et cliniquement sur le terrain politique. Ces deux plans, bien qu’enchevêtrés, sont bien trop souvent étanches. Il nous appartient de trouver les formes permettant une altération suffisamment grande pour instituer autrement les rapports humains, les collectifs de soin et la société.
Regulatory T cells and Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 mRNA expression in infants with colic treated with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938
Authors: Savino F. , Galliano I. , Garro M. , Savino A. , Daprà V. , Montanari P. , Bergallo M.
Published: November 2018

Regulatory T cells induce immune homeostasis and the expression of Toll like receptors (TLRs); subsequent inflammatory cytokine release may be involved. Recent studies have shown a microbial imbalance in the gut of colicky infants (with a prevalence of gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli), and accumulating evidence has shown the efficacy of a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) in breastfed subjects, but the underlying mechanism remains undefined. The study enrolled 59 infants younger than 60 days, of whom 34 subjects had colic and 25 were healthy controls. With a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study performed in our unit from October 2016 to July 2017, infants with colic were randomly assigned to receive oral daily L. reuteri DSM17938 (1×108 cfu) or placebo for 28 days. Peripheral blood was collected to assess the expression of FoxP3, TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA using real-time TaqMan RT-PCR at baseline and after the study period. Our findings showed increased mRNA expression of the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) in infants treated with L. reuteri DSM 17938 for 28 days (P<0.009) and increased TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression in both treated and placebo subjects. After L. reuteri administration for 28 days in infants with colic, we observed a significant decrease in daily crying time (302.3±19.86 min/day on day 0 vs 76.75±22.15 min/day on day 28, P=0.001). This study provides evidence that the observed increase in FoxP3 expression and reduction in crying time might be responses to probiotic treatment, while the increase in TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression might be related to age. Exploiting these new findings may lead to an unprecedented level of therapeutic control over immune tolerance using probiotics.
Proximate composition andin vitro protein digestibility of extruded aquafeeds containingAcheta domesticus andHermetia illucens fractions
Authors: Irungu F.G. , Mutungi C.M. , Faraj A.K. , Affognon H. , Ekesi S. , Nakimbugwe D. , Fiaboe K.K.M.
Published: November 2018

Major protein sources for feed manufacture have become costly, and this has led to increased cost of products such as aquafeeds. This has dampening effect on fish production especially in developing countries, and has necessitated a search for alternative protein sources in processed feeds. The effects of extrusion on aquafeed blends containing fractions of adult cricket (Acheta domesticus) meal (ACM) or black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) pre-pupae meal (BSFM) on proximate composition andin vitro protein digestibility were investigated. Extrusion resulted in higher contents of protein and nitrogen free extract, and lower contents of ether extract and crude fibre as compared to the non-extruded feed. These observations were mainly associated with denaturation of proteins leading to increase in solubility, solubilisation of fibre due to the shearing forces at high temperature resulting in higher nitrogen free extract, and formation of starch-lipid complexes leading to lower ether extract. Our findings indicate that ACM or BSFM can be used to substitute fresh water shrimp meal up to 75 g/100 g level and still achieve highly nutritious processed fish feed.
Las estructuras sociales en el marco de la globalización
Authors: Entrena Duran Francisco
Published: November 2018

Las estructuras sociales son vistas en este trabajo como realidades socialmente construidas, que están sujetas a la reflexividad y a la historicidad, cuya producción y reproducción se hallan cada vez más insertas en los procesos de globalización. Como consecuencia de esta situación, se experimenta una notable intensificación de la reflexividad de tales estructuras y, consiguientemente, un progresivo aumento de su grado de complejidad y de las dificultades para describirlas y explicarlas. Con el propósito de llevar a cabo dicha tarea desde una perspectiva bolista, se proponen en el artículo unos criterios analíticos cuyo marco teórico pretende ser adecuado para el estudio de las relaciones de naturaleza dialéctica que se establecen, entre de una parte, la que se concibe como naturaleza reflexiva de las estructuras microsociales locales donde se desarrolla la vida cotidiana de la mayoría de la gente, y, de otra, la lógica, que aquí se considera como autopoiética o autoreferente, mediante la que se desenvuelven las estructuras macrosociales a escala global.
La medida de la percepción social del medio ambiente. Una revisión de las aportaciones realizadas por la sociología
Authors: Tabara J. David
Published: November 2018

El presente artículo revisa las metodologías y los resultados de medición de la percepción ambiental por parte de la sociología. En primer lugar, examina cómo esta disciplina ha resuelto en el ámbito internacional un conjunto de cuestiones entrelazadas respecto al qué medir, quién medir, cómo medir y para qué medir En segundo lugar, hace un repaso de las aportaciones realizadas en España hasta el momento, detectándose cinco características que, en opinión del autor, suponen importantes escollos para el pleno desarrollo de este campo de investigación: (a) fragmentación e incomparabilidad; (b) falta de síntesis y debilidad teórica; (c) preferencia cuantitativa; (d) irregularidad; y (e) falta de integración. Finalmente, se enmarcan los principales argumentos expuestos dentro de una discusión más amplia respecto a las tensiones que padecen actualmente las ciencias sociales ambientales en general. El objetivo es contribuir a la consolidación de este campo de investigación y estimar algunos criterios que ayuden a evaluar la relevancia de lo que se ha medido.
Acción colectiva y cooperativismo en la agricultura cubana
Authors: Burchardt Hans-Jurgen
Published: November 2018

A partir de la información recogida en una investigación realizada entre universidades alemanas y cubanas, se analiza en este artículo la introducción del modelo cooperativista en la agricultura cubana en 1993, y se hace balance del desarrollo de las UBPC (unidades básicas de producción cooperativa). En primer lugar, analiza los problemas estructurales de la agricultura cubana y la dependencia alimentaria heredada de la época anterior a la revolución castrista. En segundo lugar, analiza las causas del fracaso del Programa Alimentario de 1989, como precedente de las reformas introducidas en 1993 en lo que algunos autores han denominado la "nueva reforma agraria". Finalmente, el autor expone una serie de reflexiones personales sobre las posibilidades de consolidación de estas nuevas formas de cooperativismo en Cuba, y plantea las actuaciones de política agraria que serían necesarias para que las UBPC se conviertan en un elemento fundamental del desarrollo rural en Cuba.
An Integrated Approach to Neuro-development, Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Improvement
Authors: Drigas Athanasios S. , Karyotaki Maria , Skianis Charalabos
Published: November 2018

Plasticity is a basic process that underlies neural and cognitive functioning, unraveling thus the former’s pervasive role in development and learning. Plasticity processes operate in both normal development and in the development following early injury. However, as the neural system matures, there is a gradual commitment of neural resources to, maturationally defined functions and a concomitant loss in flexibility and in the capacity of the system to reorganize. Brain plasticity has been intertwined with induced reorganization of local patterns of connectivity in the neural system, whose specification and stabilization relies on dynamic processes that are the product of the multidirectional interaction of genetic processes, contingencies of input and the demands of the learning environment. Moreover, bioenergetic challenges - exercise, diet and activity in neuronal circuits - synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, are innately connected to cognitive function, such as learning, memory, attention, emotion regulation and human behavior.  
An IoT Smart Broiler Farming Model for Low Income Farmers
Authors: Phiri Hazael , Kunda Douglas , Phiri Jackson
Published: November 2018

The coming of Internet of things (IoT) brings opportunities for the deploying of wireless sensor networks. One area of deployment is smart poultry farming to improve the quality and security of chicken varieties that include broilers. The quality of broilers produced is dependent on the environment in which the broilers are kept. In addition, the revenue of the farmer is guaranteed if theft of stock is prevented. The current methods farmers use are labour intensive and time consuming as they are manual. Leveraging the features of IoT and sensors can help to monitor the environment and ensure adverse conditions are reported for farmers to take action before they harm the livestock. Incorporating intruder detection when monitoring conditions in the environment can also prevent stock theft and that can increase the income obtained by farmers. For such a system to be widely adopted by low income farmers, the cost should be low compared commercially available climate control systems that are meant for commercial farmers. The system should also provide ease of use for less technically skilled farmers, reduce the time taken by farmers to take action in controlling theft and conditions in the environment and be accessible from any location other than the broiler house. In this paper, we propose a low-cost model that can be used to monitor conditions in the environment of a broiler house and send the values to the farmer in real-time. The proposed model is based on open source microcontrollers, ZigBee protocol, GSM network, mobile applications and cloud computing.
WSDL/WADL Conversion in MaaS to Ensure Interoperability in Heterogeneous Environment
Authors: Elhozmari Majda , Ettalbi Ahmed
Published: November 2018

Web services refer to a paradigm consisting on communication between applications interfaces. They are the main key to communicate between different environments, such as Cloud Computing based architectures, and constrained environment. SOAP web services are more used then REST web services in education and industrial environment; contrariwise, Media data in web applications used REST web services. The main aim of this paper is to make alive and complete a previously proposed middleware SaaS solution, to enable unattached WSDL and WADL file translation. The Maas architecture is strengthen by developing Converter component and mapping rules component used in our previous work.
Development of Virtual Pulse Simulation for Pulse Diagnosis Studies
Authors: Kandee Moragot , Boonbrahm Poonpong , Tantayotai Valla
Published: November 2018

Pulse signals can be used to observe the early sign of patients' health problems. From medical researches, monitoring the characteristic of arterial pulse waveform shows some risk indicator of specific diseases, e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular and heart failure diseases. A simple way to get arterial pulse wave is by using fingers to touch the radial artery position on the wrist. In the traditional Chinese medicine, a physician can use the information of arterial pulse wave-form to identify diseases based on the physician’s ability and experience. The improvement of the skill in pulse measurement can be improved by training using various kinds of pulses that represent each disease. This paper proposes a development of the virtual pulse simulation using Augmented Reality (AR) and haptic device for pulse diagnosis studies under various situations. The pulse simulation generates arterial pulse waveforms based on Sine and Gaussian functions. In this study, the mathematical model can generate the pulse wave like human pulse by setting up specific parameters. We can generate pulse waveform which representing different kinds and states of diseases by varying the mathematical model and parameters such as pulse rate or pulse pressure. The features of this work include how to generate force feedback from the mathematical models using the haptic device and how the virtual 3D can display visual feedback. The pulse simulation is useful for the health sciences students, especially the nursing students in training to identify some diseases. The evaluation of the system was carried out by first-year nursing students regarding usability, satisfaction, and performance.
Serious Game Attributes for the Construction of a Hazard Identification Framework
Authors: Mohd Norhazren Izatie , Ali Kherun Nita , Ahmad Fauzi Ahmad Faiz Azizi , Ebrahimi Shirin Shafiei
Published: November 2018

In recent years gaming products have increasingly been used to enhance learning and training development in the academic and commercial sectors.  Gaming is an approach that applies technology to provide an almost real experience with interactive field training.  It is an approach that supports the theory of learning by doing with a real case scenario.  The purpose of this paper is to determine serious game attributes to support effective training using serious game approach.  Through systematic literature review on eleven selected articles, nineteen game attributes were identified.  Hence, based on the definition and description from the articles, text analyses were conducted to determine categories of attributes based on educational theories' perspectives.  This study adopted the deductive content analysis approach which 14 relevant research articles between 1994 and 2016 were identified from the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases.  It appears that serious game attributes according to the educational perspectives are being practised using various ideas, terms and concepts.   Hence, the findings can be justified that serious game attributes are important to enhance the effectiveness of training modules.  All these attributes will become part of the serious game framework for hazard identification training modules.  The target is to deliver effective and active training module to construction-related workers.
An Analysis on Adult Learners’ Satisfaction in Online Education Programmes
Authors: Ng Hueyzher , Baharom Sakina Sofia
Published: November 2018

The demand for online programmes is continuously increasing at varying degrees, with the major appeal coming from adult learners whom are managing with the numerous demands from other work and life domains. These adult learners have their own varied expectations from the online learning process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the degree to which other predictors contribute to adult learners’ satisfaction in online learning environment. A mixed-methods design was used, selecting both quantitative methods (utilizing survey research) and qualitative methods (employing open-ended questionnaire items), gathering the feedback of 200 adult learners whom comprises of secondary school teachers and college level teachers, enrolled in professional online courses. The online courses were designed using a problem-centered and case-based approach to learning and utilized technologies including learning management system (LMS) such as Moodle as well as functions from the LMS.  The results showed that the items such as learner-content interaction, self-regulated learning design, and Internet self-efficacy were good predictors of students’ satisfaction. Implications of these findings for higher education in providing blended or online programmes for adult learners are also discussed.
Performance Optimization of Pressure Sensor Based on Suspended Gate MOSFET
Authors: Salah Kemouche , Fouad Kerrour
Published: November 2018

This paper examines the modeling, simulation and optimization of CMOS–MEMS integrated pressure sensor based on suspended gate MOSFET. The pressure Sensor consists of a square poly silicone suspended membrane, which is the movable gate of the NMOS. This NMOS is designed using 2 μm CMOS technology. The mathematical model describing the complete behaviour of the PSFET pressure sensor has been described. Finite element method (FEA) based COMSOL Multiphysics is utilized for the simulation of pressure sensor. The simulation results show that, the output current of the pressure sensor varied from 355 to 3624 μA as the pressure changed from zero to 180 kPa and high pressure sensitivity of 15,18μA/kPa. Furthermore, this study emphasizes on the influence of the channel geometric parameters on the aforementioned characteristics to optimize the sensor performance.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Correlation Effects in a Random SC Alloy via Interstitialcy Mechanisms
Authors: Hergemöller Fabian , Stolwijk Nicolaas A.
Published: November 2018

In this paper some recent progress in the area of Monte Carlo simulation of diffusion via the interstitialcy mechanism in a randomly ordered binary alloy is reviewed. Topics discussed include the calculation of tracer correlation factorsfA and fBas a function of composition and jump frequency ratiowA/wBand interstitialcy correlation factors fI; which play a crucial role in the interpretation of ion-conductivity data. The percolation behavior of fI when wA ≪ wB is analysed in detail and limits of the tracer diffusivity ratios bD A/bD B for alloy compositions below thepercolation threshold are presented. Allowance for non-collinear jumps (partly) replacing concurrent collinear site exchanges leads to a reduction of diffusion correlation effects.This goes along with a shift of the diffusion percolation threshold to lower concentrations of the (more) mobile component B. Even stronger changes of mass and charge transport compared to an exclusively collinear interstitialcy scheme are observed for additional contributions of direct interstitial jumps. It is remarkable that for both extensions of interstitialcy-mediated diffusion the Haven ratio appears to be greater than unity in certain compositionranges poor in B.
Diffusion and Equilibration of Site-Preferences Following Transmutation of Tracer Atoms
Authors: Collins Gary S.
Published: November 2018

Using the method of perturbed angular correlation of gamma rays, diffusional jump-frequencies of probe atoms can be measured through relaxation of the nuclear quadrupole interaction. This was first shown in 2004 for jumps of tracer atoms that lead to reorientation of the local electric field-gradient, such as jumps on the connected a-sublattice in the L12 crystal structure. Studies on many such phases using the 111In/Cd PAC probe are reviewed in this paper. A major finding from a 2009 study of indides of rare-earth elements, In3R, was the apparent observation of two diffusional regimes: one dominant for heavy-lanthanide phases, R= Lu, Tm, Er, Dy, Tb, Gd, that was consistent with a simple model of vacancy diffusion on the In a-sublattice, and another for light-lanthanides, R= La, Ce, Pr, Nd, that had no obvious explanation but for which several alternative diffusion mechanisms were suggested. It is herein proposed that the latter regime arises not from a diffusion mechanism but from transfer of Cd-probes from In-sites where they originate to R-sites as a consequence of a change in site-preference of 111Cd-daughter atoms from In-sites to R-sites following transmutation of 111In. Support for this transfer mechanism comes from a study of site-preferences and jump-frequencies of 111In/Cd probes in Pd3R phases. Possible mechanisms for transfer are described, with the most likely mechanism identified as one in which Cd-probes on a-sites transfer to interstitial sites, diffuse interstitially, and then react with vacancies on b-sites. Implications of this proposal are discussed. For indides of heavy-lanthanide elements, the Cd-tracer remains on the In-sublattice and relaxation gives the diffusional jump-frequency.
Transport-Optimized Nanoporous Materials for Mass Separation and Conversion as Designed by Microscopic Diffusion Measurement
Authors: Kärger Jörg , Valiullin Rustem
Published: November 2018

Nanoporous materials find widespread application in material upgrading by separation (“molecular sieving”) and catalytic conversion. Mass transfer in these materials is a key phenomenon deciding about their technological performance. This chapter deals with the application of measurement techniques which are able to follow the diffusive fluxes of the guest molecules in such materials over “microscopic” distances, including the pulsed field gradient (PFG) technique of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and the techniques of microimaging by interference microscopy (IFM) and by IR microscopy (IRM). Microscopic measurement is a prerequisite for attaining unbiased information about the elementary steps of mass transfer and about their role within the overall process of technological exploitation. We dedicate this treatise to the memory of our dear and highly esteemed colleague Nicolaas Augustinus Stolwijk, notably in recognition of his manifold activities in the field of diffusion, distinguished by their impressively high standard in connecting the message of various techniques of measurement and in combining them to comprehensive views on quite intricate subjects.
Simulator of Foetal Phonocardiographic Recordings and Foetal Heart Rate Calculator
Authors: Joseph Anthony , Martinek Radek , Kahankova Radana , Jaros René , Nedoma Jan , Fajkus Marcel
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, the classic diagnostic method to monitor general foetus well-being using the foetal heart rate conditions, ultrasonic cardiotography, is called into question. A valuable alternative is foetal phonocardiography, a passive and low-cost recording of foetal heart sounds. This paper presents a software which generates synthetic foetal phonocardiographic recordings simulating different recording conditions (by modifying noise level). From a real foetal phonocardiographic recording this software calculates the foetal heart rate. The software was developed using information picked from the literature especially for identifying the waveforms and characteristics of foetal and maternal heart sounds, and the different noises involved in real phonocardiographic recordings. Considering the possibility to simulate different recording situations and physiological or pathological foetal conditions just by modifying some parameters, this simulator software can be useful for testing different foetal-heart-rate extraction algorithms, like the authors’ one. In this paper are presented the different postulates used for developing this software.
Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Amniotic Membrane in Patients with Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Suroto Heri , Pribadi Ameria , Utomo Dwikora Novembri , Ferdiansyah Mahyudin , Widhiyanto Lukas
Published: November 2018

Rotator cuff disorders are the most common source of shoulder problems, ranging from mild strain to massive tears. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous blood with platelets concentration above baseline values represents a source of multiple growth factors that promotes tissue repair. This review examines the potential of using PRP to augment rotator cuff repair. Reporting 4 patients with impingement syndrome and supraspinatus tear who underwent decompression acromioplasty and supraspinatus repair augmented with platelet-rich plasma and amniotic membrane. An evaluation was made 3-24 months postoperative using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Average preoperative pain score is 64%, disability score 54.58%, and total score 58.19%. Average postoperative pain score is 0%, disability score 0.42%, and total score 0.26% (Minimum Detectable Change at 90% confidence for pain score is 18%, disability score 13%, and total score 11%). This result is consequent with research by Luoay Fallouh, stating that improvement is caused by growth factor effects in platelet-rich plasma which promotes soft tissue healing. It can be concluded that platelet-rich plasma and amniotic membrane have promising effects to enhance soft tissue healing in patients with rotator cuff syndrome. Shoulder function is restored with no limitation on daily activity and pain is no longer present.
Simulation of Two Phase Flow Dynamics in Flexible Riser Exit Geometries for Oil and Gas Applications
Authors: Aniekan Ikpe E. , Ikechukwu Owunna , Paul Satope
Published: November 2018

Four different riser pipe exit configurations were modelled and the flow across them analysed using STAR CCM+ CFD codes. The analysis was limited to exit configurations because of the length to diameter ratio of riser pipes and the limitations of CFD codes available. Two phase flow analysis of the flow through each of the exit configurations was attempted. The various parameters required for detailed study of the flow were computed. The maximum velocity within the pipe in a two phase flow were determined to 3.42 m/s for an 8 (eight) inch riser pipe. After thorough analysis of the two phase flow regime in each of the individual exit configurations, the third and the fourth exit configurations were seen to have flow properties that ensures easy flow within the production system as well as ensure lower computational cost. Convergence (Iterations), total pressure, static pressure, velocity and pressure drop were used as criteria matrix for selecting ideal riser exit geometry, and the third exit geometry was adjudged the ideal exit geometry of all the geometries. The flow in the third riser exit configuration was modelled as a two phase flow. From the results of the two phase flow analysis, it was concluded that the third riser configuration be used in industrial applications to ensure free flow of crude oil and gas from the oil well during oil production.
Joint Scheduling of Jobs and Variable Maintenance Activities in the Flowshop Sequencing Problems: Review, Classification and Opportunities
Authors: Sadiqi Assia , El Abbassi Ikram , El Barkany Abdellah , El Biyaali Ahmed
Published: November 2018

Much of the scheduling theory assumes that machines are always available to process jobs at any time during the scheduling horizon. However, machines may be unavailable for various reasons in realistic practices, such as unexpected failures or variable maintenance activities. This article discusses in depth the works published in the literature of joint scheduling of jobs and variable maintenance activities in the flowshop sequencing problems. Our literature review focuses first on the basic concepts of scheduling problems, and more specifically, the scheduling strategies of production and maintenance that have been identified in the literature. Subsequently, we focus our attention on the principal methods for solving scheduling problems, while presenting in the following the main published works for the aforementioned systems. Lastly, a comparative analysis is carried out to highlight the fundamental ideas leading to the adoption of an effective approach capable of producing an optimal solution in a reasonable calculation time.
Investigation of Temporary Overvoltage on Microgrid with Emphasis on Ferroresonance
Authors: Akinrinde Ajibola O. , Swanson Andrew , Tiako Remy
Published: November 2018

Temporary overvoltages caused by primary and secondary islanding due to a fault on a hybrid microgrid of a wind energy and PV system that was connected to the grid, was considered in this study. Symmetry opening of three poles opening and nuisance opening of circuit breaker leading to ferroresonance were investigated using ATP/EMTP. The findings show that during primary islanding an overvoltage of 5.60 P.U. was observed and 7.05 P.U. during secondary islanding. An overvoltage of 3.43 P.U. was experienced during an event of ferroresonance, which could be suppressed by transposing the cable and by connecting a resistive load which is 1% of rated transformer. The effect of the length of the cable on the ferroresonant overvoltage was also studied and found to decrease with the increase of the length of cable.
An Ultra-Sensitive Optical Ring-Based Micro-Resonator Model towards Nanoparticle and Protein Detection
Authors: Ahmeti Faruk , Teker Kasif
Published: November 2018

Optical resonator biosensors have emerged as one of the most sensitive and practical microsystem biodetection technology. Here, we have developed a model for an optical microring resonator to be used as an ultrasensitive biosensor. A linear correlation between increasing the radius of the microring and the red shift in the resonance wavelengths has been observed. In fact, resonance shifts for very small changes in microring radius, as low as 10 nm, have been detected. Furthermore, sensing capability of the resonator has been simulated by introducing TiDO2 nanoparticles and protein molecules to the resonator surface by varying both thickness and effective refractive index of the attached layer such that the layer size has been changed from 10 nm to 100 nm with an increment of 10 nm. We have observed readily detectable unique resonance shifts for both TiDO2 nanoparticles and protein molecules. Moreover, effective medium approach has been implemented in order to account for refractive index fluctuations in sensing medium. As a consequence, combination of optical resonators with microfluidics could produce a simple-to-operate, portable and robust diagnostic tool enabling new insights into biomolecular function and recognition.
Analytical Drain Current Model for Fully Depleted Surrounding Gate TFET
Authors: Usha C. , Vimala Palanichamy
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we propose the analytical modeling for fully depleted surrounding gate TFET surrounding gate tunneling field effect transistor with single metal gate. This model comprises the surface potential using 2-D Poisson’s equation and drain current with the effects of oxide thickness, silicon thickness as radius, drain voltage, gate metal work function, and assuming channel is fully depleted. The model is tested using TCAD Simulation Tool.
In Situ Reactive Interfacial Compatibilization of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate)/Metallocene Polyethylene Blends
Authors: He He Zhi , Xue Feng , Liu Shi Ming , Xue Bin , Huang Zhao Xia , Zhu Zhi Wen , Liu Bi Da , Wang Guo Zhen , Zhan Zhi Ming , Chen Ming , Chen Qing Hua , Chen Deng Long
Published: November 2018

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was melt blended with metallocene polyethylene (m-PE) with an effort to achieve excellent mechanical properties, a terpolymer elastomer, ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (E-MA-GMA), was loaded as compatibilizer through in situ reacting with the end groups of PET to bond two immiscible phases. In order to investigate the in situ effects of the compatibilizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical analysis was applied to investigate PET/m-PE blends’ properties along with the variation of compatibilizer content. Statistics of particle size were applied to demonstrate the variation of the blends’ properties along with morphology. The results revealed that an appropriate loading of compatibilizer can obtain stiffness-toughness balanced blends.
Effect of Rotating Tool Geometry on Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Aluminum Alloy 2195
Authors: Lee Ho Sung , Yoon Jong Hoon , Yoo Joon Tae
Published: November 2018

It is known that Al-Li alloys show high specific strength and have been used in space vehicles with Friction stir welding (FSW). FSW has many advantages including the absence of porosity, low distortion and reduced residual stresses which are typical defects of the fusion welding processes. The process uses a rotating tool with a profiled pin that penetrates the parts to be welded. The tool starts to travel along the welding line and the softened material due to the frictional heat is stirred and mechanically mixed together by the rotating pin forming a weld in solid state without melting. Welding parameters such as tool rotational speed, travelling speed, and tool geometry are the main parameters which affect the material flow and the heat generation rate. The important tool geometry includes pin size and shape, pin tread and pitch, tool materials, and shoulder size and shape. The present work is to study the effect of tool geometry on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded aluminum alloy 2195. Five different tool profiles have been used to investigate the effects of tool geometry on mechanical properties. The experimental results show that aluminum alloy 2195-T8 can be welded using FSW process with maximum welding efficiency of 75% using threaded cylindrical with concave shoulder at rotation speed, 600 RPM and welding speed, 300 mm/min.
Wear Characteristics of Self-Damping Conductors for Large Crossing
Authors: Zhang Xue Song , Liu Sheng Chun , Zhou Li Xian , Qi Yi , Bian Rong , Wang Yi Feng , Xu Shize
Published: November 2018

The Aeolian vibration wear test of the self-damping conductors for large crossing was carried on a fretting fatigue wear test-bed. This test has been finished in three different vibration times under 25% ultimate tensile strength (UTS). The morphology observations and dimension measurement of aluminum wire wear scar has been analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and DMR multifunctional microscope. By observing the surface morphology and composition of the conductors, the influence law on the wire wear has been analyzed, and the analysis results reveal the contact wear mechanism, which is basically in accord with the working wires. The result shows the worn spots of the transmission line is an elliptic shape. The test result has important guiding meaning in further study on wear characteristics of self-damping conductors for large crossing under aeolian vibration.
Effect of Copper on Formability and Weldability of SUS 430J 1L Steel for Bead Forming of Drum
Authors: Joy Jithin Ambarayil , Sajjad Muhammad , Jung Dong Won
Published: November 2018

Washing machine has greatly influenced people’s life styles by providing easy means of washing clothes and drying them out to a considerable extent. This not only saves time and amount of water used but also helps the user to wash and dry clothes with a lot of ease due to its fully automatic nature. But taking advantage of fully automated technology have some limitation, we have to take extra care during modeling of washing machine components and there selection of materials. In this paper we are studying about the change in formability and weldability properties of SUS 430J 1L steel sheet, by changing the amount of alloying elements for the manufacturing of washing machine drum beads. Two standard tests ASTM A751 - 14a and ASTM E8 / E8M – 16a is use for two types of samples, there comparison between mechanical and chemical properties and its effect on weldability and formability are discussed. From the results of the test, we find out that the formability is increased by increasing the amount of copper content in the steel sheet. Also by addition of more copper after some considerable amount negatively affect the weldability of the steel sheet.
Preparation, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of PLA/PBAT/EGMA Blends
Authors: He He Zhi , Liu Bi Da , Xue Bin , Zhu Zhi Wen , Xue Feng , Liu Shi Ming , Chen Ming , Wang Guo Zhen , Zhan Zhi Ming , Chen Qing Hua , Chen Deng Long
Published: November 2018

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/Poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends were prepared through corotating tri-screw extruder. Ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (EGMA) was used as a reacting compatibilizer to increase the interface bonding force. The effect of EMGA on the mechanical properties, thermal properties and chemical structure of PLA/PBAT blends were researched respectively through multi-use mechanical testing machine, differential scanning calorimeter and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that the compatibility between PLA and PBAT could be enhanced by incorporating EGMA, and all of the blends with EGMA showed increase in impact strength and elongation at break. PLA/PBAT blends showed optimum elongation at break with 6% of EGMA. DSC study also indicated the greatest crystallinity when adding 6% of EGMA. Excessive addition of EGMA instead reduced the crystallinity and elongation at break.
Material Modelling in Multi-Physics FEM Simulation
Authors: de Bona Francesco , Benasciutti Denis , Moro Luciano , Srnec Novak Jelena
Published: November 2018

Nowadays virtual prototyping has a great impact in the design process of an industrial component. Numerical techniques based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) are mature to provide computational tools that permit complex phenomena to be accurately simulated, even when dealing with multi-physical problems. This work puts in evidence that an inaccurate assessment of the material properties may compromise the benefit of such complex modelling techniques. For this purpose, firstly the case of thermo-mechanically loaded structures will be presented. Considering fire walls for naval applications, the influence of the rock wool elastic modulus in the safety behavior will be emphasized. In the case of steel making component, the paper proofs that only a correct cyclic plasticity model of the material (copper alloy) permits a durability analysis to be accurately performed. Finally, in the case of an energy-harvesting device, the importance of taking into account the orthotropic properties of the material will be highlighted.