bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of the spatial characteristics technique with the view of estimating the explosion wave impact on the stuck drilling string zone / Wykorzystanie techniki charakterystyk przestrzennych do określania wpływu fali uderzeniowej na przychwyconą kolumnę przewodów wiertniczych
Authors: Moisyshyn Vasyl , Yacyshyn Vasyl , Vytyaz Oleg
Published: February 2013

Studied here are the results of the asymmetric problem solution of the thick walled circular cylinder elasticity using the spatial characteristics technique. The practical implementation of the solution of the problem is based on the calculation of the stress-caused deformation state of the stuck drilling string zone affected by the explosion wave action upon the inner wall of the pipe.

Suggested here is the technique for determining axual σz and circular σθ stress on the drill pipe wall as well as the radial displacements ur of the stuck drill pipe outer surface under the action of the explosion shock wave. The above technique enables to make a sound selection of the cylindrical explosive charge weight in order to avoid the residual strain during the drilling string shaping off and uncoupling the threaded joints or to prevent them from exceeding the admissible level.
Determination of the exponent n in the equation describing a constant-resistance anemometer / Wyznaczenie wykładnika n w równaniu opisującym pracę anemometru stałorezystancyjnego
Authors: Kiełbasa Jan
Published: February 2013

In order to measure the velocity of gas flow with a constant-resistance thermoanemometer, prior calibration of anemometer sensor wires is required. In this process three sensor-specific parameters of King’s equation are estimated. In the original form of the equation the parameters are not independent from each other. As has been demonstrated by Ligęza, it is possible to rewrite the equation in a dimensionless form, in which the parameters become independent. Here we provide an algorithm to derive the parameters from thermoanemometer measurements.
The distribution of air bubble size in the pneumo-mechanical flotation machine . Rozkład wielkości pęcherzyków powietrza w pneumo-mechanicznej maszynie flotacyjnej
Authors: Brożek Marian , Młynarczykowska Anna
Published: February 2013

The flotation rate constant is the value characterizing the kinetics of cyclic flotation. In the statistical theory of flotation its value is the function of probabilities of collision, adhesion and detachment of particle from the air bubble. The particle - air bubble collision plays a key role since there must be a prior collision before the particle - air bubble adhesion happens. The probability of such an event to occur is proportional to the ratio of the particle diameter to the bubble diameter. When the particle size is given, it is possible to control the value of collision probability by means of the size of air bubble. Consequently, it is significant to find the effect of physical and physicochemical factors upon the diameter of air bubbles in the form of a mathematical dependence.

In the pneumo-mechanical flotation machine the air bubbles are generated by the blades of the rotor. The dispergation rate is affected by, among others, rotational speed of the rotor, the air flow rate and the liquid surface tension, depending on the type and concentration of applied flotation reagents.

In the proposed paper the authors will present the distribution of air bubble diameters on the grounds of the above factors, according to the laws of thermodynamics. The correctness of the derived dependences will be verified empirically.
Changes of Selected Structural and Mechanical Properties of the Strzelin Granites As Induced By Thermal Loads / Wpływ Obciążeń Termicznych Na Zmiany Niektórych Strukturalnych I Mechanicznych Właściwości Granitów Strzelińskich
Authors: Nowakowski Andrzej , Młynarczuk Mariusz
Published: February 2013

Temperature is one of the basic factors influencing physical and structural properties of rocks. A quantitative and qualitative description of this influence becomes essential in underground construction and, in particular, in the construction of various underground storage facilities, including nuclear waste repositories. The present paper discusses the effects of temperature changes on selected mechanical and structural parameters of the Strzelin granites. Its authors focused on analyzing the changes of granite properties that accompany rapid temperature changes, for temperatures lower than 573ºC, which is the value at which the β - α phase transition in quartz occurs. Some of the criteria for selecting the temperature range were the results of measurements carried out at nuclear waste repositories. It was demonstrated that, as a result of the adopted procedure of heating and cooling of samples, the examined rock starts to reveal measurable structural changes, which, in turn, induces vital changes of its selected mechanical properties. In particular, it was shown that one of the quantities describing the structure of the rock - namely, the fracture network - grew significantly. As a consequence, vital changes could be observed in the following physical quantities characterizing the rock: primary wave velocity (vp), permeability coefficient (k), total porosity (n) and fracture porosity (η), limit of compressive strength (Rσ1) and the accompanying deformation (Rε1), Young’s modulus (E), and Poisson’s ratio (ν).
Reduction of Forces Transmitted to the Foundation by the Conveyor or Feeder Operating on the Basis of the Frahm’S Eliminator, at a Significant Loading with Feed / Redukcja Sił Przekazywanych Przez Przenośnik Lub Podajnik Wibracyjny Działający Na Zasadzie Eliminatora Frahm’A, Przy Znacznym Obciężeniu Nadawą
Authors: Czubak Piotr
Published: February 2013

Conveyors operating on the basis of the Frahm’s eliminator were compared to the classic constructions - in this study. The influence of the feed material mass on their operations was also investigated. The obtained results indicate the possibility of utilizing this type of conveyors for transporting feed material of a considerable mass, which is needed in the mining industry. The proper tuning of the excitation frequency of conveyors or feeders operating on the basis of the Frahm’s eliminator was presented - in detail - in the paper, as well as the optimal values of the coefficient of throw were given.

The force transmitted by the conveyors and feeders of this type to the foundation is at its minimum when they are not loaded. When the load increases this force also increases. The author proved, by means of the numerical simulation, that by the proper selection of the excitation frequency, in dependence of the amount of the feed material, this force can be minimized. Thus, when the mass of the feed increases, the excitation frequency should be decreased according to the equation derived by the author in this paper.
Use of fly-ash for the production of hydraulic binding agents and for soil stabilisation / Zastosowanie Popiołów Lotnych Do Produkcji Spoiw Hydraulicznych I Wzmacniania Gruntu
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Urszula , Ćwiąkała Michał , Widuch Aleksander
Published: February 2013

Streszczenie

Popiół lotny j est odpadem produkcyjnym, wytwarzanym w wyniku spalania węgla w kotłach energetycznych. Rocznie na świecie wytwarza się miliony ton tego odpadu, stąd niezwykle ważne jest umiejętne jego zagospodarowanie, w tym - uzyskanie materiału o wyższej jakości niż zastosowany produkt wyjściowy.

Celem pracy jest określenie przydatności przetworzonych popiołów lotnych z węgla brunatnego do wzmocnienia (stabilizacji) gruntów stosowanych w budowie nasypów drogowych oraz podbudowy dróg. Wyniki pracy są sposobem na utylizację odpadów, a jednocześnie - uzyskanie nowych materiałów i technologii w budowie obiektów liniowych. Jest to zagadnienie istotne zarówno z punktu widzenia ochrony środowiska przyrodniczego, jak i pozytywnego wpływu przetworzonych popiołów lotnych na trwałość obiektów drogowych.

W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań przeprowadzonych na popiołach lotnych z węgla brunatnego wytwarzanych w Elektrowni Pątnów. Popioły te zostały najpierw zmodyfikowane (aktywowane) za pomocą „aktywatora magnetycznego Wapeco”, a następnie - użyte do wytworzenia spoiw hydraulicznych (z dodatkiem cementu) oraz mieszanek gruntowo-spoiwowych. Poszczególne mieszanki sporządzono na bazie surowców mineralnych zalegających w siedmiu różnych złożach regionu lubuskiego (zachodnia Polska). Zastabilizowano je dwoma spoiwami hydraulicznymi (o wytrzymałości 3 i 9 MPa), przy zróżnicowanym dodatku spoiwa hydraulicznego (6% i 8% w stosunku do masy gruntu). Podczas badań określono przyrost wytrzymałości badanych próbek (po upływie czasu: 14,28 i 42 dni) orazprzyrostwskaźnikanośności (bezpośrednio po zagęszczeniuipo 7 dniach).

Interpretacja wyników badań pozwoliła na ocenę dynamiki wzrostu wytrzymałości na ściskanie i nośności różnych gruntów zastabilizowanych spoiwami hydraulicznymi, wytworzonymi na bazie popiołu lotnego z węgla brunatnego, oraz - wskazanie możliwości zastosowania tych materiałów.

Przeprowadzona analiza wykazała, że istnieje możliwość wzmocnienia gruntów za pomocą tych spoiw, a następnie - zaliczenia gruntów uznawanych dotychczas za słabonośne (tj. piaski gliniaste, pospółki gliniaste, gliny) do materiałów w pełni przydatnych w budownictwie drogowym.
Our experience in surgical treatment of Chiari Type 1 malformations
Authors: Bălaşa Adrian , Gherasim Dorin Nicolae
Published: February 2013

Introduction: There are four types of Chiari malformations described in the literature. Due to the fact that it is a common finding in the general population (true Chiari being present in 0,75% of the population), Chiari 1 malformation was also called Chiari anomaly.

Material and methods: In the last 5 years 17 patients with Chiari I malformation have been treated in our clinic. There were 12 women and 5 men. The mean age was 43 years (between 21 and 60 years). The symptoms were grouped in 6 syndromes: brain stem and bulbar palsy syndrome, cerebellar syndrome, central cord syndrome, paroxysmal intracranial hypertension, scoliosis, pyramidal syndrome.

Surgical treatment: According to recent literature patients respond best when operated within 2 years from the onset of symptoms. We recommend early surgery for symptomatic patients. Surgical treatment of Chiari I malformation should accomplish several golds. First of all, there is the obvious need to decompress the lower part of the cerebellum. Chiari I malformation being related to a small posterior fossa, the surgical treatment should realise enlargement of the total volume of the posterior fossa(7, 12). In the author’s opinion the key point in surgical treatment of Chiari 1 malformation should be to reestablish the CSF flow at the level of the foramen of Magendie and foramen magnum. Various approaches were used in the last five years in our clinic for the treatment of symptomatic patients: only osseous decompression in 2 patients; osseus decompression with dural grafting and intradural dissection of adhesions in 4 patients; osseous decompression with dural grafting, intradural dissection, and tonsillar coagulation in 11 patients

Results: The long-term (6 months postoperative) surgery-related result was considered excellent if symptoms resolved (7 patients). The result was considered good if the patient experienced significant improvement but also residual symptoms (8 patients). A poor result indicated no change in symptoms (2 patients). As for the surgical technique used, the vast majority of patients with good or excellent outcome at 6 months underwent osseous decompression with dural grafting, intradural dissection, and tonsillar coagulation

Conclusions: Regarding Chiari I malformations, the author considers that a proper patient selection is critical to prevent unnecessary procedures and maximize the outcome. In light of this study results and recent literature, the author considers that the surgical gold standard consists in three key steps: posterior fossa craniectomy followed by durotomy and subarachnoid decompression of CSF flow and last duroplasty.
Ontology merging in the context of concept maps
Authors: Graudina Vita , Grundspenkis Janis , Milasevica Sigita
Published: February 2013

- This paper proposes the approach to a concept map merging using methods and tools developed for the same task in the domain of ontologies. The developed method is based on ideas that concept maps and ontologies have structural similarities, and mutual transformations between them are possible therefore tools and methods suitable for ontologies can be applied to concept maps. Concept map merging is necessary to extend the functionality of intelligent concept map-based knowledge assessment system IKAS for reuse of captured concept maps.
Usage of graph patterns for concept map extension
Authors: Strautmane Maija
Published: February 2013

In concept map-based assessment an expert’s concept map can be expanded using graph patterns to add hidden and inverse relations. This helps to avoid forcing a learner to use certain structures and names. Graph patterns are subgraphs that describe combinations of concept map elements, from which extra relations can be inferred. In this paper an enriched set of graph patterns is described along with their respective IF...THEN rules which can be used for automated knowledge assessment. Some of them are already implemented in the intelligent and adaptive knowledge assessment system IKAS.
Interpretation of Subgroup Effects in Published Trials
Authors: Hancock Mark J. , Kjaer Per , Korsholm Lars , Kent Peter
Published: February 2013

With the rapidly expanding number of studies reporting on treatment subgroups come new challenges in analyzing and interpreting this sometimes complex area of the literature. This article discusses 3 important issues regarding the analysis and interpretation of existing trials or systematic reviews that report on treatment effect modifiers (subgroups) for specific physical therapy interventions. The key messages are: (1) point estimates of treatment modifier effect size (interaction effect) and their confidence intervals can be calculated using group-level data when individual patient-level data are not available; (2) interaction effects do not define the total effect size of the intervention in the subgroup but rather how much more effective it is in the subgroup than in those not in the subgroup; (3) recommendations regarding the use of an intervention in a subgroup need to consider the size and direction of the main effect and the interaction effect; and (4) rather than simply judging whether a treatment modifier effect is clinically important based only on the interaction effect size, a better criterion is to determine whether the combined effect of the interaction effect and main effect makes the difference between an overall effect that is clinically important and one that is not clinically important.
Dynamic changes in magnetic resonance imaging appearance of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor with or without malignant transformation
Authors: Mano Yui , Kumabe Toshihiro , Shibahara Ichiyo , Saito Ryuta , Sonoda Yukihiko , Watanabe Mika , Tominaga Teiji
Published: February 2013

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) have conventionally been regarded as benign and stable tumors and considered curable with surgery without adjunctive therapy. Recently, recurrent DNETs with or without malignant transformation have been described. The authors report 2 unusual cases of DNET: 1) an enlarging lesion that developed an enhancing component over the natural course of 4 years, and 2) a recurrent DNET that developed an enhancing component 10–11 years after gross-total resection. The patient in the first case was treated with subtotal resection and adjuvant radiochemotherapy; histological examination of the tumor led to the diagnosis of DNET, WHO Grade I, for the nonenhancing component and anaplastic oligodendroglioma, WHO Grade III, for the enhancing component. The patient in the second case was treated with repeat gross-total resection; the original tumor had been histologically diagnosed as DNET, and the nonenhancing and enhancing components of the recurrent tumor were diagnosed as simple and complex forms of DNET, respectively. These and previous reports suggest an aggressive subtype of DNETs. If follow-up MRI reveals progressive behavior, resection should be performed without delay. Additional radiochemotherapy is needed if the histological diagnosis demonstrates malignant transformation.
A Comparative Study on the Homo-, Co- and Ter-Polymerization Using Ethylene, 1-Decene and p-Methylstyrene
Authors: Yang Dong , Kim Hyun , Kim Dong
Published: February 2013

We synthesized polyethylene (PE), poly(ethylene-co-1-decene), poly(ethylene-co-p-methylstyrene) and poly(ethylene-ter-1-decene-ter-p-methystyrene) using a rac-Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 metallocene catalyst and a methylaluminoxane cocatalyst system. The materials were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We compared and studied the kinetics, thermal properties and mechanical ones of these polymers. Tg was related to the amorphous phase of the polymers, whereas the tensile strength and storage modulus (E’) were related to the crystalline phase. We also found that PE has the highest crystallinity through differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis. The polymerization rates of poly(ethylene-co-1-decene) and poly(ethylene-ter-1-decene-ter-p-methystyrene) were always higher than that of polyethylene.
IS TAIWAN'S R&D PRODUCTIVITY IN DECLINE? A MICROECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Yang Chih-Hai , Huang Chia-Hui
Published: February 2013

Innovation is widely recognized as the main stimulus of economic growth. Considering that Taiwan has devoted increasingly more efforts to R&D since the late 1980s, a crucial question is posed: did the R&D productivity of firms begin to decline in Taiwan during the post-Asian Financial Crisis period when Taiwan's economic growth began to decelerate? This study investigates changes in R&D productivity for Taiwan's manufacturing firms from 1990 to 2003. By employing various approaches to obtain robust results, findings from firm-level microeconometric analysis suggests that overall R&D productivity in Taiwan appears to have been ascendant, particularly during the post-crisis period. This result is also evidenced by segmenting the sample into industry groups, whereby electronics firms have a significantly high R&D productivity growth relative to firms outside the electronics industry. Therefore, the slowdown of Taiwan's economic growth in the past decade is attributed to other influences rather than a slowdown in R&D productivity.
Les dispositions françaises en faveur du jeu vidéo
Authors: Bourgoin Valérie
Published: February 2013

Résumé Dans le domaine du jeu vidéo, l’action du CNC vise à soutenir la diversité de la création, en accordant des aides à la conception ou à la production via des aides sélectives et un dispositif de défiscalisation : le crédit d’impôt, complétés par un soutien à la recherche et au développement, enjeu particulièrement important pour le secteur. Il s’agit d’encourager les entreprises à développer des créations originales qui trouveront leur place sur un marché en pleine mutation.
¿De la institución total a la extitución?. Debate sobre el futuro de la vida monástica en los monasterios benedictinos de mujeres en Cataluña (España)
Authors: Collet-Sabé Jordi
Published: February 2013

En motivo del 50 aniversario de la creación de la Federación de Monasterios Benedictinos de Cataluña, los cinco monasterios miembros se plantean la siguiente pregunta: ¿cómo será la vida monacal en el futuro? Esta cuestión se enmarca en los debates sobre las “nuevas formas de monaquismo”, “monaquismo urbano”, y, de forma más general en la puesta al día de los preceptos y las practicas de la vida monástica hoy. Ante la ambiciosa pregunta de los monasterios, el autor responde con cinco debates que se desarrollan partiendo de la Regla de San Benito. Estos cinco debates propuestos a las comunidades monásticas en una metodología cercana a la investigación —acción, desembocan a modo de resumen, en la propuesta de tres modelos ideales de vida monástica en relación con los procesos de desinstitucionalización y extitucionalización que viven los mismos. Estos tres modelos ideales representan la respuesta provisional a los debates y a la vez son un nuevo punto de partida del debate con los monasterios sobre su realidad.
Assessment of Nuclear Energy Competiveness Using a Multi-Criteria Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Cavallaro Fausto
Published: February 2013

In Italy, nuclear power is currently on the agenda of the national government. After abandoning nuclear energy 20 years ago, Italy has not had any direct experience since. Besides its social acceptance and the problem of handling radioactive waste, the economic appraisal of nuclear energy compared to coal and gas is the most controversial item in the current debate on energy resources. Unfortunately, the figures published in the literature comparing the competitiveness of nuclear energy against fossil fuels differ wildly. This inconsistency demonstrates the uncertainties in the evaluation process. This paper develops an approach based on fuzzy-sets to handle the uncertainty of nuclear power costs. The underlying aim is to appraise the economic advantages of nuclear power compared with other traditional energy sources, namely coal and natural gas. Having illustrated the general state of the art of nuclear power in terms of production, installed power and economics, a more detailed evaluation follows to select the most important economic and financial parameters involved in calculating the industrial cost (overnight cost, O&M, fuel, etc.) to then build the fuzzy functions and process them using the fuzzy TOPSIS method in order to obtain a final ranking of alternatives analyzed.
Did U Get My Txt Msg?
Authors: Sowa Cathy Marie Quast , Marshall Rodney K.
Published: February 2013

The digital communication revolution has conquered the college campus. Digitally enabled interaction allows users to share experiences regardless of physical distance through mediated relationships across various communication platforms and channels. Although cell phones have become a necessity for many people, research on text messaging use and gratifications is still emerging. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the frequency of text message use among graduate students and the gratifications achieved through communications transmitted via text messaging. Thirty-four graduate students at a Midwestern university participated in the study by recording the purpose of each text message they sent over the course of one week. Analysis of 3,082 text messages indicated that there were no significant differences between males and females in text message frequency or the gratifications obtained. However, half of the participants reported sending communications fitting more than one gratification for digital media use: the gratifications of socializing, coordination of schedules, information exchange, professional communications, and escape.
Collaborative and Educational Crowdsourcing of Spaceflight Software using SPHERES Zero Robotics
Authors: Nag Sreeja , Hoffman Jeffrey A. , de Weck Olivier L.
Published: February 2013

Crowdsourcing is being researched as a problem-solving technique by issuing open calls for solutions to large crowds of people with the incentive of prizes. This paper tackles the dual objectives of building cluster flight software and educating students using collaborative competition, both in virtual simulation environments and on real hardware in space. The concept is demonstrated using the SPHERES Zero Robotics Program, a robotics programming competition where the robots are nano-satellites called SPHERES onboard the International Space Station (ISS), traditionally used as a Guidance, Navigation and Control testbed in microgravity. Zero Robotics allows students to program SPHERES to play a game through a web-based interface and the most robust projects are evaluated on the ISS hardware, supervised by astronauts. The apparatus to investigate the influence of collaboration was developed by (1) building new web infrastructure where intensive inter-participant collaboration is possible, (2) designing a game that incentivizes collaboration with opponents, to solve a relevant formation flight problem and (3) structuring a tournament such that inter-team collaboration is mandated. The web infrastructure was also built using collaborative competitions, to demonstrate feasibility of building space software end-to-end by crowdsourcing.
An Asteroid Starship Proposal
Authors: Gaviraghi Giorgio , Marzocca Pier
Published: February 2013

The instant asteroid starship is a reference plan for a manned interstellar mission, developed in the wake of the 100YSS program sponsored by DARPA and NASA. This plan consists of a full conceptual design that considers most of the requirements for a manned interstellar mission, including systems and subsystems, strategies, and motivation. For resource utilization, safety considerations, and immediate start of activities, a captured asteroid is engineered as a space settlement. In this article, basic aspects of this plan are summarized; the development is part of a larger effort, sponsored by the group Star Voyager, which should culminate in a reference starship design.
Social Networking in Education
Authors: McCarroll Niall , Curran Kevin
Published: February 2013

Social networking has become one of the most popular communication tools to have evolved over the past decade, making it a powerful new information sharing resource in society. To date realising the potential of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) beyond their leisure uses has been severely restricted in a number of areas. This paper focuses on the application of SNSs in a learning environment and the impact this could have on academic practices. While undoubtedly, due to the very casual nature of social networking, there are serious concerns over how it could be integrated in a learning environment; the potential positive outcomes are many and varied. As a communication tool, its effectiveness is already manifesting in the millions who use these networks to communicate on a daily basis. So it is conceivable that educators should be able to create a learnscape - an environment for formal and informal learning - that adheres to educational guidelines, but also harnesses the social support system of these on-line communities. This paper examines the risks involved in the creation of this new learning ecology, and explores the challenges faced by both technology experts and teachers in delivering a truly innovative and effective new approach to education.
Improving Student Engagement in Meaningful Learning at Tertiary Level Experiences from a New Zealand Faculty of Law
Authors: Tappenden Sue
Published: February 2013

In my experience there has been a decline in recent years of students’ willingly engaging with educational experiences unless there is some element of ensuing gain, for example marks towards a final grade. Small group law teaching in a tutorial setting has long been accepted as being the best opportunity afforded to students where they can interact with their peers under the guidance of a tutor in an effort to learn problem-solving techniques. However tutorial attendance figures show that the students who are in the most need of the experience are less and less willing to participate in these activities. The traditional methods of tertiary teaching are not encouraging this group of students to wholly engage with the learning process. This paper describes how online activities such as quizzes were introduced to increase student engagement and lead them towards achieving success in analysis and critical thinking.
Cyanobacterial calcification in modern microbialites at the submicrometer-scale
Authors: Couradeau E. , Benzerara K. , Gérard E. , Estève I. , Moreira D. , Tavera R. , López-García P.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The search for microfossils in the geological record has been a long-term challenge. Part of the problem comes from the difficulty of identifying such microfossils unambiguously, since they can be morphologically confused with abiotic biomorphs. One route to improve our ability to correctly identify microfossils consists in studying fossilization processes affecting bacteria in modern settings. We studied the initial stages of fossilization of cyanobacterial cells in modern microbialites from Lake Alchichica (Mexico), a Mg-rich hyperalkaline crater lake (pH 8.9) hosting currently growing stromatolites composed of aragonite [CaCO3] and hydromagnesite [Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 × 4(H2O)]. Most of the biomass associated with the microbialites is composed of cyanobacteria. Scanning electron microscopy analyses coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy observations were conducted to co-localize cyanobacterial cells and associated minerals. These observations showed that cyanobacterial cells affiliating to the order Pleurocapsales become specifically encrusted within aragonite with an apparent preservation of cell morphology. Encrustation gradients from non-encrusted to totally encrusted cells spanning distances of a few hundred micrometers were observed. Cells exhibiting increased levels of encrustation along this gradient were studied down to the nm-scale using a combination of focused ion beam (FIB) milling, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) at the C, O and N K-edges. Two different types of aragonite crystals were observed: one type was composed of needle-shaped nano-crystals growing outward from the cell body with a crystallographic orientation perpendicular to the cell wall, and another type was composed of larger crystals that progressively filled the cell interior. Organic matter (OM), initially co-localized with the cell, decreased in concentration and dispersed away from the cell while crystal growth occurred. As encrustation developed, OM progressively disappeared, but remaining OM showed the same spectroscopic signature. In the most advanced stages of fossilization, only the textural organization of the two types of aragonite recorded the initial cell morphology and spatial distribution.
A Bayesian joint probability post-processor for reducing errors and quantifying uncertainty in monthly streamflow predictions
Authors: Pokhrel P. , Robertson D. E. , Wang Q. J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Hydrologic model predictions are often biased and subject to heteroscedastic errors originating from various sources including data, model structure and parameter calibration. Statistical post-processors are applied to reduce such errors and quantify uncertainty in the predictions. In this study, we investigate the use of a statistical post-processor based on the Bayesian joint probability (BJP) modelling approach to reduce errors and quantify uncertainty in streamflow predictions generated from a monthly water balance model. The BJP post-processor reduces errors through elimination of systematic bias and through transient errors updating. It uses a parametric transformation to normalize data and stabilize variance and allows for parameter uncertainty in the post-processor. We apply the BJP post-processor to 18 catchments located in eastern Australia and demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing prediction errors and quantifying prediction uncertainty.
Cumulative Interarrival Time Distributions of Freeway Entrance Ramp Traffic for Traffic Simulations
Authors: Öner Erdinç
Published: February 2013

Cumulative interarrival time (IAT) distributions for signalized and non-signalized freeway entrance ramps were developed to be used in digital computer traffic simulation models. The data from four different non-signalized entrance ramps (three ramps with a single lane, one ramp with two lanes) and two different signalized entrance ramps (both with a single lane) were used for developing the cumulative IAT distributions. The cumulative IAT distributions for the signalized and non-signalized entrance ramps were compared with each other and with the cumulative IAT distributions of the lanes for freeways. The comparative results showed that the cumulative IAT distributions for non-signalized entrance ramps are very close to the leftmost lane of a 3-lane freeway where the maximum absolute difference between the cumulative IAT distribution of the leftmost lane of a 3-lane freeway and the entrance ramps cumulative IAT distribution was 3%. The cumulative IAT distribution for the signalized entrance ramps was found to be different from the non-signalized entrance ramp cumulative IAT distribution. The approximated cumulative IAT distributions for signalized and non-signalized entrance ramp traffic for any hourly traffic volume from a few vehicles/hour up to 2,500 vehicles/hour can be obtained at http://www.ohio.edu/orite/research/uitds.cfm.
Tuberculous Mastitis
Authors: Boland-Rodríguez Estefania , Parra-Herrera José Luis , Romero-González Irasema
Published: July 2024

This case report describes induration of the right breast with multiple painful ulcers, draining nodules, and fistulae.
The Global Prevalence of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Authors: Polaskey Meredith Tyree , Chang Christy H. , Daftary Karishma , Fakhraie Sheiva , Miller Corinne H. , Chovatiya Raj
Published: July 2024

Importance

Seborrheic dermatitis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease, yet its global prevalence, pathogenesis, and epidemiology remain inadequately defined.

Objective

To provide a detailed estimation of the global prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis, analyze demographic variations, and explore differences in various settings.

Data Sources

Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from inception through October 2023.

Study Selection

Original investigations on seborrheic dermatitis prevalence were included after duplicate screening of titles, abstracts, and full articles, including only studies with clinician-diagnosed cases.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Following PRISMA guidelines, data were extracted and quality was assessed independently by multiple reviewers. A random-effects model using restricted maximum likelihood was used for meta-analysis and subgroup analyses.

Main Outcome and Measure

The primary outcome was the pooled estimate of global seborrheic dermatitis prevalence.

Results

From 1574 identified articles, 121 studies were included, encompassing 1 260 163 individuals and revealing a pooled global seborrheic dermatitis prevalence of 4.38% (95% CI, 3.58%-5.17%), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.94%). Subgroup analyses showed variations by age, with a higher prevalence in adults (5.64% [95% CI, 4.01%-7.27%]) compared to children (3.70% [95% CI, 2.69%-4.80%]) and neonates (0.23% [95% CI, 0.04%-0.43%]). Geographic analyses indicated variability, with the highest prevalence in South Africa (8.82% [95% CI, 3.00%-14.64%]) and the lowest in India (2.62% [95% CI, 1.33%-3.92%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This comprehensive meta-analysis provides a detailed estimation of the global prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis, highlighting significant variability across different demographics and settings.
Tax Policy—An Understudied Approach to Reducing Cannabis Use
Authors: Grossman Elyse R. , Deeds Bethany , Blanco Carlos
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the potential of state taxation of cannabis products to curb use and raise revenue for public services.
Experimental study of occupants' situational awareness during a fire by sounding of wireless, interconnected alarm smoke detectors at a small‐scale hostel that was originally a single‐family house
Authors: Minegishi Yoshikazu , Takahashi Wataru , Ikehata Yuka
Published: July 2024

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for small‐scale hostels, such as vacation rentals, known as “minpaku” in Japanese, which were originally single‐family houses. To convert these buildings for use as accommodation facilities, improvements must be made to fire evacuation safety measures. An effective and reasonable measure for this improvement is the installation of wireless, interconnected alarm smoke detectors. We conducted experiments to examine how sleeping guests recognize these alarms when they are activated. Eleven participants experienced the alarm sounding while sleeping at night and while awake during the daytime at a wooden cottage. They were exposed to three different sounding patterns. In the sleeping experiment, 9 of 11 participants were woken up by alarms sounding in other rooms, while the remaining two were woken up by alarms in their own rooms. However, those two participants had difficulty understanding the meaning of the voice alarm clearly. The voice stated, “Other detector was activated,” indicating a fire in another room and urging evacuation, even though there was no smoke in their room. Comprehension of the alarm system is essential for guests to understand its intentions accurately and make proper decisions regarding evacuation.
Understanding the moral cognition of aggression: Longitudinal serial effects of personal relative deprivation and hostility on within‐person changes in civic moral disengagement
Authors: Li Xiong , Li Zuo‐Shan , Xia Ling‐Xiang
Published: July 2024

Moral disengagement is an important aggressive and moral cognition. The mechanisms of changes in moral disengagement remain unclear, especially at the within‐person level. We attempted to clarify this by exploring the serial effects of personal relative deprivation and hostility on civic moral disengagement. We conducted a three‐wave longitudinal survey with 1058 undergraduates (63.61% women; mean age = 20.97). The results of the random intercept cross‐lagged panel model showed that personal relative deprivation at Wave 1 and hostility at Wave 2 formed a serial effect on the within‐person changes in civic moral disengagement at Wave 3, and the longitudinal indirect effect test showed that the within‐person dynamics in hostility at Wave 2 acted as a mediator. The results of multiple group analysis across genders further showed that the longitudinal indirect role of hostility at Wave 2 was only observed for men, but not for women, which indicates the moderating effect of gender. These findings facilitate an understanding of the mechanisms of aggressive cognitions at the within‐person level and offer implications for the prevention and intervention of aggression from the perspective of moral cognition.
High‐Performance Self‐Driven Polarization‐Sensitive Imaging Photodetectors based on Fully Depleted T‐MoSe2/GeSe/B‐MoSe2 Van der Waals Dual‐Heterojunction
Authors: An Kang , Pan Yuan , Rong Ximing , Zheng Tao , Li Ling , Sun Huiru , Zeng Jiang , Sang Yuheng , Huang Feiyong , Yue Dewu , Yoo Won Jong , Chen Hongyu
Published: July 2024

New 2D materials with low‐symmetry structures aroused great interest in developing monolithic polarization‐sensitive photodetectors with small volumes, which can provide a new degree of freedom for more information in night, fog, and smoke environments. However, at least half of them presented a small anisotropy with an anisotropic factor (≈2) of photocurrent up to now. Herein, after systematic investigation of the optical anisotropies of GeSe nanosheets, a novel self‐driven polarization‐sensitive imaging photodetector with excellent performance based on a Top‐MoSe2/GeSe/Bottom‐MoSe2 (T‐MoSe2/GeSe/B‐MoSe2) van der Waals dual‐heterojunction is proposed. Benefitting from the effective separation and shortening transmission distance of photocarriers by fully depleted Van der Waals dual‐heterojunction on both sides of in‐plane anisotropy of GeSe, the anisotropic photocurrent ratio (Imax/Imin) of T‐MoSe2/GeSe/B‐MoSe2 photodetector can reach as high as 12.5 (635 nm, 0 V). This value is 3.5‐fold higher than that of MoSe2/GeSe photodetector, and 7‐fold higher than that of the pristine GeSe photodetector in this work. The responsivity of the T‐MoSe2/GeSe/B‐MoSe2 photodetector (206 mA W−1, 0 V) is 5 times higher than that of the MoSe2/GeSe photodetector. In addition, the T‐MoSe2/GeSe/B‐MoSe2 photodetector exhibited a high light on/off ratio of 4 × 104 at 0 V. This work provides novel insights for developing high‐performance polarization‐sensitive imaging photodetectors.
Performance and Relative Humidity Impact of Cellulose‐Derivative Networks in All‐Day Passive Radiative Cooling
Authors: Manzano Cristina V. , Díaz‐Lobo Alba , Gil‐García Marta , Rodríguez de la Fuente Óscar , Morales‐Sabio Ángel , Martin‐Gonzalez Marisol
Published: July 2024

All‐day passive daytime radiative coolers (PDRC) offer a promising solution for energy‐free cooling of buildings and devices. This study investigates the use of various cellulose‐derivative networks to achieve optimal and stable cooling performance. These results showed that the mixed cellulose ester network has a maximum solar reflectance of 97%. While cellulose acetate network has a maximum infrared emissivity of 96% in the atmospheric transparency window band, which is a near‐perfect infrared emitter, the nitrocellulose network shows the highest cooling temperature, with a significant reduction of 14 °C from the ambient temperature and a power of 124 W·m−2 during the daytime and at night of 7.7 °C and 72.8 W·m−2. This study also analyzes the dampness's effect on the cooling performance of cellulose‐derivative networks. The cooling performance of the nitrocellulose network drops ≈ 3 °C (from 14 to 11.3 °C) when the relative humidity of the day exceeds ≈ 30% is observed. These findings indicate that the capacity of a material to absorb water from the surrounding air significantly influences its performance as a passive cooler, primarily due to changes in its optical properties. This is an important insight, as it highlights the need to consider environmental factors like relative humidity and sample hydrophobicity for PDRC systems.
In Situ Growth of Lead‐Free Double Perovskite Micron Sheets in Polymethyl Methacrylate for X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Shi Jindou , Wang Zeyu , Xu Luxia , Wang Junnan , Da Zheyuan , Zhang Chen , Ji Yongqiang , Yao Qing , Xu Youlong , Gaponenko Nikolai V. , Tian Jinshou , Wang Minqiang
Published: July 2024

Pb‐free double‐perovskite (DP) scintillators are highly promising candidates for X‐ray imaging because of their superior optoelectronic properties, low toxicity, and high stability. However, practical applications require Pb‐free DP crystals to be ground and mixed with polymers to produce scintillator films. Grinding can compromise film uniformity and optical properties, thereby affecting imaging resolution. In this study, an in situ fabrication strategy is proposed to facilitate the crystalline growth of Pb‐free Cs2AgInxBi1‐xCl6 micron sheets in polymethyl methacrylate in a single step. By adjusting the In3+/Bi3+ ratio, Cs2AgIn0.9Bi0.1Cl6/PMMA composite films (CFs) with excellent scintillation properties are obtained, including a light yield of up to 32000 photons per MeV and an X‐ray detection limit of 87 nGyairs−1. This strategy also enabled the production of large Cs2AgIn0.9Bi0.1Cl6/PMMA CFs, which demonstrated favorable flexibility and stability, fabricating products with advanced eligibility for commercial applications. The CFs exhibited outstanding performances in X‐ray imaging, producing high‐resolution structures and providing a new avenue for the development of Pb‐free DP materials in fields such as medical imaging and safety detection.
2D Janus TeMoZAZ’ (A = Si,Ge; Z,Z’ = N, P, As; Z ≠ Z'): First‐Principles Insight into the Electronics, and Piezoelectric Properties
Authors: Gao Zhen , Wu Hongbo , He Yao , Xiong Kai
Published: July 2024

Janus materials possess a diverse array of properties resulting from the breaking of mirror and inversion symmetries, holding significant potential for nanodevices. This study explores the novel TeMoZAZ' (A = Si,Ge; Z,Z' = N, P, As; Z ≠ Z') monolayers derived from the MoA2Z4 monolayer. Utilizing first‐principles calculations, the stability, electronic, transport, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties of the TeMoZAZ' monolayers are investigated. Among the 12 investigated structures, only five‐ TeMoNSiP, TeMoNSiAs, TeMoPSiAs, TeMoAsSiP and TeMoAsGeP monolayers‐ are found to be stable. The electronic properties analysis reveals metallic behavior in the TeMoNSiAs monolayer, while the remaining structures exhibit indirect or direct band gap semiconductor properties. Futher examination of the semiconducting monolayers indentifies the TeMoAsSiP monolayer with notably high hole carrier mobility along the y‐direction, reaching up to 3622.33 cm2 s−1 V−1. Moreover, investigation into the piezoelectric properties of these four semiconductor structures suggests their suitability for diverse applications in piezoelectric devices. Additionally, the effects of biaxial strain on the electronic and piezoelectric properties of these four semiconductor structures are explored. These findings propose a novel approach for designing 2D Janus materials, expanding the repertoire of 2D MA2Z4‐based Janus family and offering promising candidates for optoelectronic devices, wearable devices, and electromechanical systems.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of α‐halo Alkylboronic Esters
Authors: Zhao Yunyi , Yang Zekun , Wang Xin , Kang Qinchun , Wang Bobo , Wu Tianle , Lei Hao , Ma Peile , Su Wenqiang , Wang Siyuan , Wu Zhiqiang , Huang Xinsong , Fan Chunying , Wei Xiaofeng
Published: July 2024

α‐halo alkylboronic esters, acting as ambiphilic synthons, play a pivotal role as versatile intermediates in fields like pharmaceutical science and organic chemistry. The sequential transformation of carbon–boron and carbon–halogen bonds into a broad range of carbon–X bonds allows for programmable bond formation, facilitating the incorporation of multiple substituents at a single position and streamlining the synthesis of complex molecules. Nevertheless, the synthetic potential of these compounds is constrained by limited reaction patterns. Additionally, the conventional methods often necessitate the use of bulk toxic solvents, exhibit sensitivity to air/moisture, rely on expensive metal catalysts, and involve extended reaction times. In this report, a ball milling technique is introduced that overcomes these limitations, enabling the external catalyst‐free multicomponent coupling of aryl diazonium salts, alkenes, and simple metal halides. This approach offers a general and straightforward method for obtaining a diverse array of α‐halo alkylboronic esters, thereby paving the way for the extensive utilization of these synthons in the synthesis of fine chemicals.