bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using OES to measurement of electron temperature of SF6/Ar gas mixture of ICP discharges
Authors: Osipov Artem A , Osipov Armenak A , Berezenko Vladimir I , Alexandrov Sergey E
Published: November 2020

Optical emission spectroscopy was used to study the properties of the inductively coupled plasma of SF6/Ar gas mixture. In particular, the effect of RF power supplied to the discharge on the temperature of electrons in the plasma was studied. It was found that the electron temperature gradually decreases with an increase in the RF power. An increase in the RF power from 500 to 750 W leads to a decrease in the electron temperature (Te) of the plasma by about 1.5 times. A qualitative substantiation of the discovered pattern is given.
Longitudinally oscillating ultrasonic emitter for influencing gas-dispersed systems
Authors: Khmelev V N , Nesterov V A , Shalunov A V , Barsukov R V , Tsyganok S N
Published: November 2020

The article describes the design of an ultrasonic emitter for exposure to gas-dispersed media. A longitudinally oscillating cylindrical body of half-wave length, connected to a piezoelectric transducer, serves as the basis for the design of an ultrasonic emitter. The optimization of the geometric dimensions of the radiator made it possible to ensure the uniformity of the distribution of the vibration amplitudes of the radiating end surfaces. The execution of the connecting plane for excitation of vibrations, deepened relative to the end radiating surface, made it possible to increase the amplitude of vibrations by 2 times. Optimization of the design using the finite method made it possible to create a longitudinally oscillating ultrasonic emitter capable of providing exposure to gaseous media with an intensity of at least 145 dB at a power consumption of no more than 90 W.
Ytterbium porphyrins complexes for NIR-luminescent diagnostics and magneto-luminescent theranostics of tumours
Authors: Shilov I P , Ivanov A V , Rumyantseva V D , Alekseev Yu V , Ryabov M V , Gorshkova A S
Published: November 2020

Promising ytterbium porphyrins complexes (YbPC) and nanocomposites on its base for NIR-luminescent diagnostics and magneto-luminescent cancer theranostics are presented. The considered complexes are very promising substances for the cancer luminescent diagnostics (LD) in the NIR spectrum region (800–1100 nm). For LD of malignant tumors of the skin and mucous membranes, a pharmaceutical composition of the «Fluroscan» type was developed. It has been established that YbPC can also be used as one of the main components of the nanocomposites created for cancer theranostics, including magneto-luminescent theranostics (MLT). For the purposes of MLT, a 3-component nanocomposite was developed, consisting of a polymer matrix (Lexan type), a diagnostic substance based on the ytterbium complex of hematoporphyrin IX tetramethyl ester, and a therapeutic FeOx component.
Influence of the interface internal energy on monotone disturbances of a creeping stationary flow with a velocity field of the Hiemenz type
Authors: Andreev V K , Lemeshkova E N
Published: November 2020

The stability of a creeping stationary flow, which arises as a result of the interface internal energy, is studied. It is shown that the system of amplitude equations allows exact integration. Complex decrement as a solution to the transcendental equation is found. It was found that long-wave perturbations decay with increasing time. Neutral curves for the transformer oil - formic acid system were constructed.
Conditions for ultrashort pulse decomposition in multi-cascade protection devices based on meander microstrip lines
Authors: Kim G Y , Nosov A V , Surovtsev R S , Gazizov T T , Maximov A E
Published: November 2020

The research presents universal conditions which allow the complete splitting of a dangerous pulse (DP) in a meander microstrip line (MMSL) of any number of cascades. The verification of the conditions was performed on the example of an MMSL of two, three, four and five cascades. Attenuation (times) of a DP in the MMSL of three turns was 8.1, of four turns – 19.9 and of five turns – 33.16.
Using 3D printing technologies for micromechanical sensors production
Authors: Tirtichny A
Published: November 2020

The paper examines the use of modern technologies of high-temperature multilayer 3D printing (including metal printing) for the production of micromechanical sensors for control and navigation systems. An overview of metal 3D printing technologies is given in this paper. The technologies that can be used for the production of inertial sensors are considered taking into account the requirements for the dimensions of traditional micromechanical devices.
Application of orthogonal coding in conjunction with discrete amplitude modulation
Authors: Rabin A V
Published: November 2020

Most works on coding theory are devoted to the analysis of systems in that part of the bandwidth curve, which corresponds to low spectral efficiency or low signal-to-noise ratio. The reason for this factor is the fact that most of the applications using coding theory used in satellite systems are limited in terms of the used power, but with a wide bandwidth. Thus, to date, none of the coding schemes used can provide noise immunity and significant energy gain with high spectral efficiency. The research of ways to increase noise immunity at a fixed transmission rate through the development of special mathematical methods is an urgent task.
Information security control as a task of control a dynamic system
Authors: Masaev S N , Minkin A N , Bezborodov Yu N , Edimichev D A , Salal Y K
Published: November 2020

The area of research includes control theory, dynamic systems, parameters of the external environment, mode, integral indicators, British standards. The main idea of the article is information security. The activity of a large-scale object (enterprise) is considered. The activity of the enterprise is presented as a multidimensional dynamic system and is displayed as a digital copy of 1.2 million parameters. A British digital copy-based information security standard is being introduced. Information security equipment and software were purchased. The training of the company’s personnel was completed. Evaluation of implementation (activities) is done as an integral indicator. The dynamics of the integral indicator assesses the implementation of the British standard.
Assessment of the synergetic efficiency of industrial companies reengineering processes
Authors: Shirinkina E V , Romansky R
Published: November 2020

The relevance of the research topic is due to the fact that in the conditions of increasing global hypercompetition, it is necessary to modernize production processes on the basis of synergetic reengineering of business processes, production, technological and organizational systems. The purpose of the research is to develop practical recommendations for evaluating the effectiveness of project-synergetic reengineering processes in the system of industrial transformation of industrial companies. In this regard, the author puts forward the concept of development of industrial companies on the basis of project-synergetic reengineering of production and technological systems and business processes, and also offers a methodological assessment of the synergetic efficiency of reengineering projects, taking into account the receipt of synergetic effects. The information and empirical basis of the research is based on legislative and regulatory acts of the Russian Federation, materials of Rosstat, regional statistical services, as well as the results of the author’s original research. The practical significance of the results of this study is that the proposed program-target methodology for designing reengineering processes will cover all the links of creating innovations from generating ideas to their implementation in mass production, eliminate gaps and institutional traps, overcome barriers and reduce transaction costs in industry.
Modeling and forecasting the parameters of a railroad transport system
Authors: Rebrin O I , Zakharov L A , Derksen L A , Eremenko V I
Published: November 2020

The article describes an algorithm for constructing a mathematical model to predict the demand for railway passenger transportation. The model based on the SARIMAX methodology, considering the influence of seasonality and external variables on demand. The average absolute error of prediction result of the created model with the calculated parameters is 8%. The created model can be used as a decision support system in the field of passenger transportation.
Neural network classification of aviation personnel as an element of the information and control space for the security of a transport infrastructure object
Authors: Elisov L N , Ovchenkov N I , Gorbachenko V I , Abramov I A
Published: November 2020

The following article considers the development of a neural network assessment program for the level of readiness of aviation security personnel to carry out professional activities. The collection and preparation of initial data for training a neural network were carried out, a neural network was studied in the MATLAB system to assess the level of readiness of aviation security personnel to perform professional activities. As a result of the study, it was found out that the neural network provided precision 100%, recall — 97.4%, specificity — 95.9%. The dialogue program for assessing the competencies of aviation security personnel has been developed, based on the neural network parameters obtained in the MATLAB system in C++.
The smart city technology in the super-intellectual Society 5.0
Authors: Gurjanov A V , Zakoldaev D A , Shukalov A V , Zharinov I O
Published: November 2020

The actual base for the social sector reforms is life preserving innovations propagating cyber-possibilities into population day to day life. The global trend to create an advanced social model postulated by Japanese researchers and associated today only yet with the Industry 4.0 requires to create a super-intellectual Society 5.0. The point for close attention for the Society 5.0 could be simultaneously the problems of social and economic ways, which require solutions to make the humanity humane. The Society 5.0 reaching is provided by digital services penetration in all spheres of human activity based on the Internet of Everything. The most important problems to justify the current State ways digitalizing are chosen to be economy segments where the social inequality symbols are still yet in domination. The Smart City net scheme using the Internet of Everything to realize the main statements of the Society 5.0 megaproject is proposed.
Multi-apartment building indoor areas temperature regime optimization algorithm efficiency improvement
Authors: Shuravin A P , Vologdin S V , Gorokhov M M , Blagodatsky G A
Published: November 2020

The relevance of solving energy-saving problems using mathematical optimization methods is approved. An overview of Russian and foreign works on the topic of energy conservation and energy optimization is given. The need for solving the problems of optimizing the thermos-hydraulic regimes of buildings as part of the Smart City project is explained. The article presents the mathematical formulation of the problem of optimizing the temperature regime of rooms using adjustable devices, as well as two methods for solving the problem: the directed search method and the genetic algorithm. The above algorithms are described, including the mathematical apparatus used. The objective function is described as the standard deviation of the temperature of the heated rooms. A method for calculating air temperature in a heated room is presented by solving the heat balance equation, including a method for calculating incoming heat flows from a radiator and outgoing heat flows through building envelopes. Calculation formulas are given. The idea of improving these methods through preliminary measures, which will consist in installing additional sections of radiators in “cold” rooms, is considered. An algorithm for the automated issuing of recommendations for installing additional sections of radiators in the required rooms is described. The results of a numerical experiment for the considered optimization methods are presented. The calculations were carried out for a typical building under average design conditions of the city of Izhevsk, taking into account the actual condition of the building envelope, the heating system of the building, including heating appliances premises. A comparative analysis of the convergence of the iterative process of the directed search method and the genetic algorithm is carried out. In conclusion, it was concluded that the introduction of preliminary measures improves the convergence of the iterative process of the optimization problem.
External environment modelling in the control system of the regional socio-economic system
Authors: Averchenkova E E , Averchenkov A V , Sheptunov S A
Published: November 2020

The concept and methods of describing the external environment of a regional socioeconomic system from the perspective of control theory are considered. The position and relations of the external environment with other elements of the control system of the regional socio-economic system are also determined. It is shown that the external environment is set by factors that determine the linguistic composition of external influence on the object of management; the main disturbances that determine the dynamic nature of the influence; interferences. A structural-functional and mathematical model of the external environment of a regional socio-economic system is proposed which is characterized by the author’s classification of environmental factors, formalization of its main components and information flows. It is also shown that for describing disturbances of the external environment and their interferences fuzzy logic is applicable; the description of fuzzy dynamic characteristics of the external environment is provided. The general model of using measuring devices for determining the influence of the external environment on the object of control– the regional socio-economic system - is presented.
Voice communication system according to the principle of mobile radio
Authors: Kyarimova Sh D , Tynchenko V S , Khramkov V V , Markevich E A , Ponomareva K A , Leonteva A A
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the problem of instant remote communication with people at a remote distance. The main task was the creation of an information system that provides confidential instant radio communication of all employees and partners of the company without additional devices. Use schemes and interface circuits were used. To justify the feasibility of developing a system, a comparative analysis of analogues was carried out and the distinctive advantages of the proposed method were highlighted. The article described the system requirements and the use of software for its implementation. In addition, the article discusses the principle of emergency SOS channel, with which you can call for help if you are in trouble. GPS capabilities and the principle of tracking the location of users are considered.
Algorithm for obtaining palindromes of the binary number system
Authors: Lyubimov V V , Melikdzhanyan R V
Published: November 2020

The aim of this paper is to describe a new method for searching all binary palindromes that have a given number of the binary digits. The main result is presented in the form of an algorithm. The obtained algorithm is based on the use of the regularity revealed in the course of the study, based on the application of basic arithmetic operations with palindromes that have a various number of the binary digits. The paper also provides examples of using this algorithm to obtain binary palindromes with different number of the binary digits. The algorithm formulated here can be applied to analyse computer data written in the form of a binary code.
Downlink and uplink MIMO-SCMA System
Authors: Kanatbekuli I , Pokamestov D , Kryukov Y , Rogozhnikov E
Published: November 2020

Sparse code multiple access is a promising multiple access technology capable of increasing the spectral efficiency of communication systems. Another technology that can improve the spectral or power efficiency is multiple input multiple output. Combining both technologies offers an advantage over classic approaches. This paper presents downlink and uplink multiple input multiple output sparse code multiple access with spatial diversity to improve performance of classic systems. It considers full rate full diversity of space-time block codes. We propose maximum likelihood multiple input multiple output detection scheme without using message passing algorithm for scenario with 2 and 4 transmitting and one receiving antenna. We also propose maximum ratio combining message passing algorithm detector for uplink model with multiple receiving antenna. Numerical results demonstrate better bit error rate performance compared to classic approaches.
Development of distributed cloud video conferencing service
Authors: Perepelkin D , Saprykin A , Ivanchikova M , Kosorukov S
Published: November 2020

Currently, many companies are actively switching to various types of cloud services for operational interaction of employees. Among cloud services video conferencing services are becoming increasingly popular. Cloud video conferencing services available in the public use have several drawbacks: charging, limiting the time to use the free version, the lack of flexibility in managing groups, the difficulty of recording and storing video data, and many other factors. The purpose of this work is to develop a distributed cloud video conferencing service in the higher education system. The paper describes in detail the architecture and operational scheme of the developed cloud service, presents the structure of the main directories and class diagram for organizing video streaming. For flexible management of video data flows, the network infrastructure of the cloud video service is based on the principles of software defined networks technology. The prototype of the cloud video conferencing service proposed in the work has a wide potential for use in various areas of activity.
Brain temperature measurement using MR tomography images
Authors: Bogatov N , Voloshin M , Grigoryan L , Sinitsyn A , Shapovalov S
Published: November 2020

Volumetric MRI thermometry is undergoing active development. The measurement bases on the resonance response of protons insidemolecules (i.e., water, fat, methylene, lipids) of the examined body. The difference between resonance frequencies gives information about the temperature of the tissue. Various MR thermal image construction methods exist because temperature influences the state of a living object in numerous ways. As a result of this, contrast characteristics of MR images of tissue depend on the value of the magnetic field induction, tissue characteristics itself, and temperature. This paper deals with brain temperature measurement based on digital analysis of T
2-weighted MR images. MR images of homogenous and inhomogeneous phantoms at different temperatures were analyzed. The relationship between image brightness, temperature, and phantom composition was determined. The temperature of the cerebrospinal fluid was calculated.
Application of the autofocusing algorithm for the synthesis of X and L band radar images
Authors: Leukhin A N , Voronin A A , Merzlyakov A S , Parsaev N V
Published: November 2020

An approach to the formation of radar images of various frequency ranges is presented. The process of forming a radar image from a radio hologram in the case with a range migration is described. An approach to autofocusing a radar image by minimizing the entropy of a radar image is considered. The results of the operation of the described algorithms on real radio holograms are discussed.
Research of multiclass fuzzy classification of traffic for attacks identification in the networks
Authors: Parfenov D , Zabrodina L , Zhigalov A , Bolodurina I
Published: November 2020

Currently, data mining methods such as neural networks, decision trees, genetic algorithms, restricted search algorithms, evolutionary programming, reasoning systems based on similar cases, rule induction, analysis with selective action, logical regression, algorithms for determining associations and sequences, data visualization, combined methods are actively used in various specialized areas. The introduction of analytical methods of data mining is primarily aimed at adapting existing solutions to solve new problems related to the informatization of business processes. One of the actively developing areas that use data mining and artificial intelligence methods is network security. To identify and detect anomalies in networks, it is most effective to create profiles of data flow behavior depending on current conditions. In this work, we developed a method that allows us to identify Exploits, Fuzzers, and Generic attacks based on multiclass fuzzy classification. In the experimental part of the study, it was found that the proposed solution is comparable in accuracy to the Naïve Bayes, SVM, and KNN methods, but it has higher performance and less resource consumption for large data flows. This is quite effective for networks with many devices.
Selecting the main modes of the diffusion welding process of polymeric materials
Authors: Lavrishchev A V , Tynchenko V S , Murygin A V , Kurashkin S O , Seregin Yu N , Petrenko V E
Published: November 2020

The article describes the development of the software system for selecting the main modes of the diffusion welding technological process, with the implementation of the antifriction coatings based on fluoroplastics. The description of the algorithms for determining the main technological regimes from the entered necessary values of the tensile strength and wear rate, working conditions, operating temperature range, and the required composition of the material is given. The choice of the main parameters values of the technological process is made according to the maximum value of the tensile strength and the calculated value of the wear rate. According to the developed algorithm, the current values of the main parameters of the technological process are calculated. In case of insufficient strength of the joint or exceeding the value of the wear rate, the technological parameters are adjusted within the established limits or the coating material is replaced. For the decision support system in the design of technological processes, information bases were developed on the existing modes of polymeric materials diffusion welding to substrates of various types, and a database of tribotechnical information. The information database is implemented in a three-purpose software shell: 1) for entering and searching information in the database by fields, 2) for the work of an expert technologist, for linking information fields on topics, technologies, materials, 3) for work in the information mode, and in the mode of issuing an information array for process control. The constructed models and databases made it possible to create an algorithm for automating the diffusion welding process with the definition of the main modes. An algorithm for automating the selection of the diffusion welding main modes has also been developed. For the implementation of the “query generation” unit of the enlarged search algorithm, a production model of knowledge representation was used. As a result of the algorithm, an array of information is transmitted to the following modules of the algorithm. Databases were filled and logical connections of knowledge representation were established.
Technological support for the accuracy of the assembly of mechanisms
Authors: Apazhev A K , Shekikhachev Y A , Batyrov V I
Published: November 2020

The technological process of ensuring the accuracy of assembly of mechanisms is formally a sequential summation of primary production errors and an analysis of the obtained generalized values in order to develop and implement specific technological methods aimed at meeting the technological requirements for the accuracy of the relative position of parts. When ensuring the accuracy of the crank mechanisms for the misalignments of the axes of the piston and cylinder, assembled from specific, randomly received component parts, production personnel deal with strictly defined crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, cylinder blocks, and, consequently, with one or another manufacturing errors. Ensuring the accuracy of the assembly of these parts in a mathematical sense with such a sequence will be nothing more than an algebraic summation of the primary errors and the compilation of their numerical values with the maximum permissible values. A different situation arises in the implementation of assembly technological processes with the automatic achievement of precision parameters by varying individual parts from their total number, which are at the disposal of designers and entered into computers as initial information. Since in this case one has to deal with fairly representative aggregates, the final result of combining parts into nodes will be satisfied with a greater or lesser probability, especially when the sum of the maximum deviations of the constituent links (parts) is not equal and not less than the maximum permissible total values. Obviously, the probability of release from the assembly site of high-quality products with automatic support and the accuracy will be determined both by the modules of individual deviations and by the distribution laws of actual deviations within the tolerance field.
Random Ag mesh transparent heater obtained with a cracked template technique
Authors: Voronin A S , Fadeev Y V , Dobrosmyslov S S , Simunin M M , Khartov S V
Published: November 2020

The results of a study of thin-film transparent heater based on silver micromesh coatings obtained using a self-organized template are presented. Ag mesh with sheet resistance of 1.6 Ω/sq and integral transparency in the visible range of ∼84 % was obtained. The influence of the filling factor (FF) and the thickness of the Ag mesh on the uniformity of heating of a transparent heater and the response time was studied by the method of thermal imaging analysis. We have shown a stable, reproducible operation of the crack templated Ag mesh transparent heater on glass and PET in static heating and cycling mode.
CCP maneuverability increasing algorithm realized on DCS with the metal allowable thermo-stressed state provision
Authors: Efimova A R , Vasilenko S A , Bychkova V V
Published: November 2020

Power generating companies’ main task today is to obtain the highest possible profit. To accomplish this task, it is necessary to have maneuverable equipment that able to reach the maximum power value in minimal time and maintain metal acceptable working conditions. Metal high thermo-stressed state can lead to premature ageing and emergency situations that require investment in overhaul or replacement of units. The authors describe the method of increasing maneuverability of combined-cycle power plant. The main considered input parameter is thermo-stressed state of ‘critical’ elements of waste heat recovery boiler and steam turbine. Based on calculated thermo-stressed values, the algorithm informs the operator of the most optimal steam turbine loading speed. The algorithm does not require any outside software and is performed in the distributed control system installed at the power plant. Also, the authors present the power plant start-up trends with thermo-stressed state calculated values to show the stress reserve, which should be reduced, thus making the start-up faster and increasing the economic performance of the power unit.
Applying the least square method to calculate the non-simultaneous errors of ship’s position determined by global positioning system (GPS)
Authors: Duong Nguyen Thai
Published: November 2020

Global Positioning System – GPS can determine accurately a specified position on the earth surface, in the sky and in the space. Ship’s position is determined on the true horizontal plane which is considered approximately as sea surface. Satellite equation is created basing on the pseudo distances to satellite in the system. Set of satellite equations which is corresponding to a specified set of satellites is able to determine ship’s position. Similar as taking measurements to celestial and terrestial objects, measuring distance to satellites is unable to carried out at the same time. Therefore, non-simultaneous errors that depends on ship’s speed and duration of observation are created by ship’s motion in the mentioned methods. In the traditional methods of determining ship’s position, navigation officers often use some methods to minimize the non-simulataneous errors in determining ship’s position and to evaluate effects of other errors. However, in the method of determining ship’s position by GPS, the error minimizing methods which are applied in the traditional methods are not suitable to be used because the direct distance to satellite is not measured and the line of position is not drawn on nautical chart. In this article, the author introduces the method to determine and to elimate non-simultaneous errors by applying the least square method.
Energy modes of a three-section inductor for heating aluminum
Authors: Kinev E S , Tyapin A A , Litovchenko A V , Efimov S N , Bezhitskiy S S
Published: November 2020

The article proposes a method for single-phase power supply of a three-section induction heater for aluminum ingots before extrusion. The solution allows you to flexibly control the heating mode of each section. The peculiarity of the synthesized mode is to increase the uniformity of heating the methodical load at the joints of the sections when replacing the three-phase winding circuit with a single-phase one. Changing the circuitry reduces the phase shifts of currents in adjacent sections. Uneven power distribution between the coils is proposed to be realized by local resonances in the windings. The resulting power factor of the inductor, close to unity, is provided by a common capacitor bank. The set of established modes of an induction heater was investigated using a simulation system built on the basis of a hybrid analysis. The numerical experiment was carried out in a specialized software environment based on a macromodel created using controlled sources. The achieved positive result from the modification of the device is evaluated by comparing the vector diagrams of the operating parameters for the initial and corrected states.
Assessment of risks and opportunities of metrological support of the laboratory
Authors: Sorochkina O Y , Romanova L A , Fedchenko A S
Published: November 2020

The article provides identification, analysis and evaluation of risks of metrological support of the laboratory. The authors used the SWIFT method to determine such characteristics as the causes, consequences of the occurrence of risk situations, as well as recommendation for risk management. Five risks were identified as a result of questioning the laboratory experts. The authors used FMEA analysis to determine the significance of each risk. For this, the authors additionally compiled scales of probabilities and severity of the consequences of risk events for the laboratory. The results of the assessment were formalized in the Risk Register and the Risk Management Action Plan. The consequences / probabilities matrix compiled from laboratory statistics was used as the evaluation criteria. As a result of the risk treatment taken, the level of significance of some risks decreased.
Mathematical model of heat transfer in the reactor of a biogas plant
Authors: Fiapshev A G , Khamokov M M , Kilchukova O Kh
Published: November 2020

The use of technical means for the production of biomethane, as a source of alternative energy, is mainly characterized by design and technological parameters, as well as operating modes of biogas plants. This study was carried out in order to obtain data on the main parameters of a biogas plant and the effect of a heat exchanger-mixer on performance indicators. The convenience of performing mathematical modeling is that it is expensive to carry out experiments on real objects, just as conducting experiments on a real installation is associated with high material costs, as well as high time costs, due to the high inertia of heat exchange processes, and the significant overall dimensions of the biogas plant. The results of mathematical modeling of thermal processes occurring in a biogas plant are presented. The data on the influence of the main parameters of the biogas plant and the heat exchanger-mixer on the quality indicators of its operation were obtained. It is shown that the theoretical temperature homogeneity of the mixed medium is achieved by combining the heat exchanger and the mixing device into one unit, the design and technological parameters characterizing the intensity of the forced movement of the fermented mass, with a change in thermal conductivity.
Micromycetes in ampelocenosis soil under different keeping system
Authors: Lukyanov A A
Published: November 2020

As a result of 2019 research it was found that the largest number of micromycetes colony-forming units in the soil was observed in the variant with sod formation. The number of CFU in 1 gram of absolutely dry soil in the variant with sod formation in May exceeded the variant with black fallow fivefold and in August twofold. Species diversity was represented by 11 species belonging to 8 genera: Mucor, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Vertecillium. In the complex of isolated micromycetes in the variant with sod formation during spring period the p. Trichoderma species predominated. Its occurrence frequency was 80%. On the black fallow in this period the dominant position was occupied by r. Penicillium species (30.4%). During summer period in sod formation variant the genera species Fusarium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Vertecillium were isolated with a higher occurrence frequency, while the dominant position was occupied by p. Penicillium species (27.4%). In the variant with black fallow soil keeping system p. Penicillium and Aspergillus species predominated.
Montaigne’s life: a sketch
Authors: Hamlin William M.
Published: November 2020

“Montaigne’s life—a sketch” covers Montaigne’s culturally rich childhood and his profound friendship with the poet Étienne de La Boétie in early adulthood, which was curtailed by La Boétie’s early death. Montaigne took an active part in political life. His early “retirement” to the country, where he wrote the Essays, was not final. Having gained a reputation as a mediator between warring Catholic and Protestant factions, he retired again at fifty-two. Montaigne’s hopes that his writings might lead to another deep friendship were partly realized in his mentorship of Marie de Gournay, one of his first editors, who spent many years promoting his work after his death at fifty-nine.
Learning for living
Authors: Hamlin William M.
Published: November 2020

“Learning for living” explores Montaigne’s thoughts on education. While he was a voracious reader who believed in absolute truths, for Montaigne the greatest victories were found in conversation, debate, and changing one’s mind. Montaigne arrived at the idea of a forme maistresse, one translation of which is “ruling pattern” or “essential pattern”—a core of selfhood that is not immune to change, but secure enough to encourage some long-term traits while discouraging others. Montaigne would not have argued that this essential pattern rendered education useless, but he saw the limits of pedagogy while championing its virtues.
Free and sociable solitude
Authors: Hamlin William M.
Published: November 2020

How does Montaigne’s early essay “On Solitude” fit with his sociable nature and public profile? “Free and sociable solitude” describes the qualities of Montaigne’s ideal solitude. He argued that some withdrawal is a service that not only restores us to ourselves but improves us for our return to our colleagues and loved ones. Returning to the theme of an essential or ruling pattern, Montaigne proposed that being fully ourselves was a duty and that improving our self-knowledge and self-reliance could be an effective defense against loss or even death, as well as a welcome relief from the bureaucracy of political life and the war raging outside.
America
Authors: Hamlin William M.
Published: November 2020

What did Montaigne think of the New World? “America” looks at two of his essays, “On Coaches” and “On Cruelty.” Montaigne saw virtue as a sliding scale, seeing natural goodness, including his own, as less evolved, whereas a man overcoming dark urges carried more weight. Montaigne abhorred cruelty, and while he did not see the New World’s inhabitants as innocent, he mourned the lost opportunities for brotherhood in the Old World’s razing of the New for “pearls and pepper” and found in the tribes a useful rhetorical device for contrasting their “savage” behavior, such as cannibalism, with the more calculated cruelties of the Old World.
Providential diversity
Authors: Hamlin William M.
Published: November 2020

Montaigne delighted in diversity, but did he prioritize it over sameness? “Providential diversity” covers his writings that warn against the human tendency to judge what is unfamiliar as inferior and barbaric, a tendency Montaigne tried to avoid in life and which he returns to throughout the Essays. He did not advocate that we return to the innocent state of children but that we recognize that our thoughts could be as flexible as a child’s. His conclusion that we should conform in public life was based partly on conservatism and partly on a belief in divine providence, that God put us in positions that are not for us to question.
Death and the good life
Authors: Hamlin William M.
Published: November 2020

For Montaigne death forms part of any life that is worth living. “Death and the good life” considers Montaigne’s writing and thought on the end of life and on living life. Montaigne is optimistic in his earlier essays about the freeing effects of inspecting and accepting mortality. Later, less confident that we can detach ourselves from the constraints of earthly existence, he is firmly convicted that death is inextricably bound up with life. In fact, he states, we rub shoulders with death every day. However, no writer can please everyone and Montaigne is no exception and this is arguably the most evident in his writing on these two weighty topics.
Global Islam: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Green Nile
Published: November 2020

Global Islam—A Very Short Introduction looks at the methods used by individuals, organizations, and states to spread multiple versions of Islam around the world. Since the late nineteenth century, publications, missions, congresses, and pilgrimages have contributed to the communication and evolution of Islam. At the start of the twentieth century, the infrastructure of European empire allowed for the widespread communication of Islamic beliefs. During a period of secularism in the mid-twentieth century, global Islam became more accessible and, in some cases, more political. How have today’s broadcasting and smartphone technologies changed the face of global Islam? Will communication technologies reconcile the contradictions between variations of the faith, or will they create new ones?
Islam in the age of empire, steam, and print
Authors: Green Nile
Published: November 2020

Where did global Islam come from? “Islam in the Age of Empire, Steam, and Print” looks at the period between 1870 and 1920, when the infrastructure of empire combined with technology to create the conditions needed for global Islam. Starting with the Ottoman Empire’s call for worldwide Muslim unity against European colonizers, journals and magazines with worldwide subscriptions spread messages of Islam. Salafism, developed by Rashid Rida (d. 1935), rejected ritual and miracles, combining modern science with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Global Islam lost some of its focus when the Ottoman Empire collapsed shortly after the First World War.
From Islamic revolutions to the Internet
Authors: Green Nile
Published: November 2020

“From Islamic Revolutions to the Internet” traces the development of global Islam from the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the war in Afghanistan to today, via the post-Soviet opening of multiple borders and the growth of Islam in China, Central Asia, and rural Africa. This period was characterized by competition between rival organizations, some violent such as ISIS. What happened when the states were no longer able to control the beliefs they sponsored? Today’s nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have returned to a message of Muslim unity. Smartphone technology has enabled individual religious activists to communicate their beliefs in a more vibrant and arresting way than state-sponsored televised debates.
Conclusions
Authors: Green Nile
Published: November 2020

“Conclusions” focuses on the past and future of global Islam, beginning with the move away from Sufi leadership and ending with today’s diverse and fragmentary representations of Islam. The spread of global Islam was underpinned by a variety of technological structures often created by non-Muslim societies, finding expression in genres with little or no precedent in Islamic tradition. Islam has changed during these globalizing transfers, and what we see and hear in today’s global Islam is by no means representative of the entire faith. In some ways, the story of global Islam is the story of how some of its versions have crossed borders more effectively than others.
Serologic Testing of US Blood Donations to Identify Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–Reactive Antibodies: December 2019–January 2020
Authors: Basavaraju Sridhar V , Patton Monica E , Grimm Kacie , Rasheed Mohammed Ata Ur , Lester Sandra , Mills Lisa , Stumpf Megan , Freeman Brandi , Tamin Azaibi , Harcourt Jennifer , Schiffer Jarad , Semenova Vera , Li Han , Alston Bailey , Ategbole Muyiwa , Bolcen Shanna , Boulay Darbi , Browning Peter , Cronin Li , David Ebenezer , Desai Rita , Epperson Monica , Gorantla Yamini , Jia Tao , Maniatis Panagiotis , Moss Kimberly , Ortiz Kristina , Park So Hee , Patel Palak , Qin Yunlong , Steward-Clark Evelene , Tatum Heather , Vogan Andrew , Zellner Briana , Drobeniuc Jan , Sapiano Matthew R P , Havers Fiona , Reed Carrie , Gerber Susan , Thornburg Natalie J , Stramer Susan L
Published: November 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, with subsequent worldwide spread. The first US cases were identified in January 2020.

Methods

To determine if SARS-CoV-2–reactive antibodies were present in sera prior to the first identified case in the United States on 19 January 2020, residual archived samples from 7389 routine blood donations collected by the American Red Cross from 13 December 2019 to 17 January 2020 from donors resident in 9 states (California, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin) were tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Specimens reactive by pan-immunoglobulin (pan-Ig) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against the full spike protein were tested by IgG and IgM ELISAs, microneutralization test, Ortho total Ig S1 ELISA, and receptor-binding domain/ACE2 blocking activity assay.

Results

Of the 7389 samples, 106 were reactive by pan-Ig. Of these 106 specimens, 90 were available for further testing. Eighty-four of 90 had neutralizing activity, 1 had S1 binding activity, and 1 had receptor-binding domain/ACE2 blocking activity >50%, suggesting the presence of anti–SARS-CoV-2–reactive antibodies. Donations with reactivity occurred in all 9 states.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may have been introduced into the United States prior to 19 January 2020.
Robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy: first clinical experiences and review of the literature
Authors: Chiu Philip Wai-yan , de Groot Eline Marieke , Yip Hon-chi , Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Grimminger Peter , Seto Yasuyuki , Uyama Ichiro , van der Sluis Pieter Christiaan , Stein Hubert , Sallum Rubens , Ruurda Jelle P , van Hillegersberg Richard
Published: November 2020

Pulmonary complications, and especially pneumonia, remain one of the most common complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. These complications are reduced by minimally invasive techniques or by avoiding thoracic access through a transhiatal approach. However, a transhiatal approach does not allow for a full mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A transcervical mediastinal esophagectomy avoids thoracic access, which may contribute to a decrease in pulmonary complications after esophagectomy. In addition, this technique allows for a full mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A number of pioneering studies have been published on this topic. Here, the initial experience is presented as well as a review of the current literature concerning transcervical esophagectomy, with a focus on the robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy procedure.
Robotic McKeown esophagectomy with recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection: how I do it
Authors: Chao Yin-Kai
Published: November 2020

We describe our standardized approach to robotic esophagectomy with special emphasis on the technical aspects pertaining to bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection.
Technical details of the hand-sewn and circular-stapled anastomosis in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: de Groot Eline M , Möller Thorben , Kingma B Feike , Grimminger Peter P , Becker Thomas , van Hillegersberg Richard , Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Ruurda Jelle P
Published: November 2020

The circular mechanical and hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis are most often used in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). The aim of this study was to describe the technical details of both techniques that were pioneered in two high volume centers for RAMIE. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with esophageal cancer who underwent RAMIE with intrathoracic anastomosis. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage, which was analyzed using a moving average curve. For the hand-sewn anastomosis, video recordings were reviewed to evaluate number of sutures and distances between the anastomosis and the longitudinal staple line or gastric conduit tip. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 68 patients with a hand-sewn anastomosis and 60 patients with a circular-stapled anastomosis were included in the study. For the hand-sewn anastomosis, the moving average curve for anastomotic leakage (including grade 1–3) started at a rate of 40% (cases 1–10) and ended at 10% (cases 59–68). For the circular-stapled anastomosis, the moving average started at 10% (cases 1–10) and ended at 20% (cases 51–60). This study showed the technical details and refinements that were applied in developing two different anastomotic techniques for RAMIE. Results markedly improved during the period of development with specific changes in technique for the hand-sewn anastomosis. The circular-stapled anastomosis showed a more stable rate of performance.
Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE): tips and tricks from the bedside assistant view—expert experiences
Authors: van der Horst S , Voli C , Polanco I A , van Hillegersberg R , Ruurda J P , Park B , Molena D
Published: November 2020

The role of bedside assistants in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy is important. It includes knowledge of the procedure, knowledge of the da Vinci Surgical System, skills in laparoscopy, and good communicative skills. An experienced bedside assistant will likely improve efficiency and safety of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy.