bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OpTrak
Authors: Zhang Peng , Stodghill Breck , Pitt Cory , Briody Cavin , Schmidt Douglas C. , White Jules , Pitt Alan , Aldrich Kelly
Published: February 2019

This article describes the structure and functionality of OpTrak, a decentralized app implemented using the Ethereum blockchain that targets the opioid epidemic currently plaguing the United States. Over-prescription and distribution of opioids cost the national healthcare system over $78 billion every year. Problems persist in every stage of the process, from doctors prescribing the medication to the pharmacists fulfilling prescriptions. These problems arise from a combination of factors, including lack of accountability, transparency, and reliability in the current prescription drug monitoring programs. This work provides three key contributions to research on a technical approach to mitigate the opioid epidemic. First, the authors pinpoint key problems in the current opioid prescription system. Second, they propose an integrated approach for addressing the problems by leveraging distributed ledgers, focusing on blockchain technology. Third, the authors describe the structure and functionality of OpTrak that allows a consortium of care providers to exchange patient prescription data securely.
Measurement of Complex Dielectric Permittivity of Quartz Systems
Authors: Smolko Vitaly , Antoshkina Elizaveta
Published: February 2019

The article describes the problem of the experimental determination of complex dielectric permittivity for natural, activated, and modified quartz systems. The results of determination of specific surface, complex dielectric permittivity, sands porosity are presented in this article. The authors obtained the empirical equation of complex dielectric permittivity calculation for natural, activated, and modified quartz sands, taking into account the effect of moisture, specific surface, porosity, impurities content into consideration. The modification of the sand surface by means of mechanical beneficiation and ultrasonic treatment leads to reduction of complex dielectric permittivity and specific surface, thus contributing to the increase of the active centers quantity on the sands surface. The modification of the sand surface by polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution leads to increase of complex dielectric permittivity. Polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution modification envisages the creation of new active centers by oligomers inoculation to the surface and blocking the clay component and authigenous film ingredients. Among the considered methods, ultrasonic treatment in aqueous solution and mechanical beneficiation are the most efficient and technologically acceptable ways of activation.
Influence of Surface Energy on Ni-Fe Thin Films Formation Process
Authors: Zubar T.I. , Trukhanov A.V. , Vinnik D.A.
Published: February 2019

The Ni-Fe thin films were produced via electrodeposition in four different modes - direct current, and three types of pulse-modes with different pulse duration onto Au sublayer. The correlation between technological parameters of the electrodeposition and microstructure was demonstrated. Analysis of microstructure evolution revealed an un-expected changing of the film growth mechanism from “island” to “layer-by-layer” with the decreasing of the grain size less than 10 nm. Explanation was found in binding energies competition, that has been defined using the unique AFM method, based on recording the angle of the cantilever twist, when scanning in contact with the surface.
Template Assisted Ni Nanowires Fabrication
Authors: Tishkevich D.I. , Vorobjova A.I. , Vinnik D.A.
Published: February 2019

Through-pores alumina membranes of 50 μm thickness and 70 × 70 mm size have been fabricated to deposit Ni nanowires by electrochemical processing. Due to highly ordered microstructure of the membranes, the pores were filled by nanowires almost to 100%. The membrane nanowires composite morphology; structure and chemical features have been studied by scanning electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy and X-ray structural analysis. To measure the specific magnetization σ as a function of temperature in the range of 77–1400 K, the pondero-motive method was used.
Characterization of Ti-xNb (x = 25 – 35) Alloys in as Melt and Annealed States
Authors: Thoemmes Alexander , Ivanov Ivan V. , Ruktuev Alexey
Published: February 2019

The effect of Nb content on microstructure, mechanical properties and phase formation in as-melt and annealed binary Ti-Nb alloys were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The content of Nb varied in the range 25-35 mass % leading to significant changes in the microstructure. The annealed and furnace-cooled binary Ti-Nb samples exhibited HCP martensitic α` phase at a Nb content below 27.5 mass % and metastable BCC β phase at higher contents of Nb. The mechanical properties of alloys depended strongly on the Nb content and type of the dominating phase.
Features of Martensitic Transformation in Steel during Quenching in a Constant Magnetic Field
Authors: Pustovoit Viktor N. , Dolgachev Yuri V. , Aref'eva L.P.
Published: February 2019

The data on the occurrence of martensitic transformation in steel under the action of a magnetic field were obtained by the electric resistivity method. The obtained data indicate the possibility of stress-assisted martensite formation in the temperature range of Ms-Md (in which superplasticity of austenite is observed). This possibility is due to the magnetic heterogeneity of austenite. Nanosized regions with a ferromagnetic order are present in the paramagnetic matrix. They can perceive the energy of the external magnetic field through the magnetostrictive stresses and change the fields of the elastic forces in the crystal lattice. All this leads to a decrease in the energy of formation of the nucleation center.
Effect of the Quenching Temperature on the Phase Composition and Youngʹs Modulus of Corrosion-Resistant and Biocompatible Titanium Alloys
Authors: Illarionov Anatoly G. , Grib S.V. , Huppeev A.V.
Published: February 2019

The relationship between the phase composition and the Young’s modulus in quenched PT-7M, Ti-6Al-7Nb, BT16 titanium alloys has been studied using the structural analysis, thermodynamic calculations in the Thermo-Calc software and micro-indentation. It is found that the nature of the change in the Young’s modulus in the investigated titanium alloys after quenching from the two-phase α+β-region depends on the chemical composition of the alloy, which determines the nature of the observed metastable phases (α', α", ω, β). The correlation between the extreme change in the Young’s modulus from the quenching temperature and the so-called interatomic bonding force (Fb) calculated from the electronic structure parameters of the α, α', β phases was shown for the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy. The relationship between the limits of the Young’s modulus of the investigated alloys during quenching with the level of their alloying with α-and β-stabilizers is shown.
Hardenability of Medium Carbon Cr-Mn-Mo Alloyed Steels
Authors: Maisuradze Mikhail V. , Ryzhkov Maksim A.
Published: February 2019

Three medium carbon Cr-Mn-Mo structural steels with different content of alloying elements were studied. The austenite transformation during continuous cooling was investigated using dilatometer and metallographic analysis. The CCT diagrams were plotted showing the effect of the increased alloying elements content and B and Nb micro-alloying on the hardenability of the studied steels. The hardness dependences on the cooling rate were obtained.
Efficiency of Application of Evaporative Cooling of Graphite Electrodes to Reduce their Consumption in Arc Furnaces
Authors: Yachikov Igor M. , Portnova Irina V. , Bystrov Mikhail V.
Published: February 2019

A significant part of the cost of released products in the smelting of steel is the cost of graphite electrodes, so reducing their specific consumption is an urgent task. The aim of the work is to study on a computer model and analyze the efficiency of using evaporative cooling to reduce the consumption of graphite electrodes in electric arc furnaces of three-phase alternating and direct current of small capacity. A computer simulation of the thermal state and fame of graphite electrodes for arc furnaces of three-phase and direct current with the capacity of 12 tons was performed. The efficiency of using evaporative cooling of graphite electrodes was revealed. It is established that for arc furnaces operating on direct and three-phase alternating current, the use of electrodes water cooling allows to reduce the consumption of graphite by about one and a half times. It is established that the water supply to the evaporative cooling system is the most rational during 1–2 minutes after the current is turned on. The use of evaporative cooling of graphite electrodes in arc furnaces can be recommended to reduce their consumption on operating and designed small capacity alternating and direct current arc furnaces.
Development of the Process for Obtaining Iron-Ore Pellets with Required Metallurgical Properties
Authors: Yur'ev Boris , Dudko Vyacheslav
Published: February 2019

We have studied the influence of oxidation-reduction reactions on the structure and strength behavior of the Kachkanar fluxed pellets both in their initial condition and during reduction. It has been discovered that at heating rates and temperatures found in industrial units the roasted pellets that are not oxidized to a full extent and are characterized by zonal structure do not meet the requirements imposed for the blast-furnace smelting raw materials. To develop a process that would ensure high metallurgical properties, we have analyzed the hematite dissociation reaction. It was found that the temperature and the content of slag-forming oxides influence this reaction. A sinter pot was used to carry out the research and determine metallurgical properties of partially dissociated pellets. The obtained results helped to develop a process to dissociate hematite at lower temperatures with calcium ferrosilicate melt. Such pellets are reduced at the temperatures of over 700оС, which prevents their destruction in blast furnaces.
Zinc Ferrite Decomposition by Sodium Carbonate and Calcium Oxide at Roasting of Steelmaking Dust
Authors: Ryazanov A.G. , Senin A.V. , Khmeleva O.V.
Published: February 2019

When re-melting scrap in electric arc furnaces (EAF), dust is formed. This dust is a rich zinc-containing raw material. The composition of the EAF-dust from JSC “Pervouralsk New Pipe Plant” was investigated. Dust contains 18 wt.% of zinc, more than 1/3 of zinc is a part of the slightly soluble in acids and alkalis of zinc ferrite ZnFe2O4. The aim of the work is to study the effect of roasting temperatures of 700, 850 and 1000 °C and the effect of CaO and Na2CO3 additives on the decomposition of zinc ferrite. Thermodynamic analysis of chemical transformations in dust during roasting showed that the additions of CaO and Na2CO3 provide destruction of zinc ferrite and promote the transfer of zinc into the acid-soluble form of ZnO. The effect of the roasting temperature, the duration of roasting and the amount of calcium oxide and sodium carbonate additions on the degree of zinc transition into acid-soluble form was studied experimentally. The best results were obtained at 1000 oС. The increase in the roasting time in the interval from 1 to 3 hours promotes an increase in the concentration of acid-soluble zinc in the cinder. The combined additions of 36 wt.% of Na2CO3 and 19 wt.% of CaO above the dust mass are optimal. The proportion of acid-soluble zinc in the cinder increased to 97–99 %, as a result of roasting under optimal conditions.
Particular Oxydation Features of Various Mechanical Strength Cokes
Authors: Matyukhin V.I. , Zhuravlev S.Ya. , Khandoshka A.V.
Published: February 2019

Lump solid fuel is one of the most important charge material components in layered cupola units. It determines layer gas permeability, conditions development for heat exchange with gasses in it, heat generation process rate and intensity. In present-day conditions of material shaft melting charge materials of boosted fractional makeup are used, as well as oxygen, carbon and hydrogen enriched air. In the circumstances the issue of ensuring the best gas dynamic conditions become particularly vital, both for the furnace low and high temperature zones, at the charge component oxidation and recovery processes development. Under conditions of continuous charge component movement in the layered unit workspace they are subjected to abrasive action of charge components with the result, which may be described by mechanical properties based on mass yield of certain fractions after disruption in a closed drum М10 and М40. Coke lump behavior at relatively high temperature (below 1100°С) in the presence of complete fuel combustion products СО2 and Н2О may be implicitly evaluated by coke strength after reaction (CSR) and coke reactivity index (CRI). When studying, particular combustion features of coal coke in conditions close to shaft cupola unit operation data of the total differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve were used. Temperature ranges of intensive heat generation were determined from the beginning of active coke sample oxidation to completion of the burnout period, as well as apparent heating capacity and coke combustion thermal effect.
SiAlON-TiN Ceramic Composites by Electric Current Assisted Sintering
Authors: Smirnov Konstantin L. , Grigoryev E.G. , Nefedova E.V.
Published: February 2019

Electric current assisted sintering of β-Si5AlON7-TiN ceramic composites from raw materials prepared by combustion synthesis was investigated. A high level of relative density (92% and higher) was achieved by using of two types of electric current assisted sintering technique: high voltage electric discharge consolidation, as well as spark plasma sintering. While only spark plasma sintering, it may be considered as promising technique for obtaining ceramic composites and items with high level of strength properties.
Study of Influence of Parameters of Leaching Fluorine from Spent Pot Lining
Authors: Nemchinova Nina V. , Tyutrin Andrey A. , Somov Vladimir V.
Published: February 2019

In aluminium preparation by means of electrolysis of alumina-cryolite melts one of the largest-scale type of industrial waste is spent pot lining (SPL). Chemical composition of SPL carbon part consists of various elements with fluorine as the main one. One of the solutions of the problem of reducing environmental load by means of storage of waste of this type is extraction of valuable components (such as fluorine), that can be used further for preparation of fluorine entities (cryolite, calcium fluoride), that are brought back to electrolytic process. We have held experiments on extracting fluorine from SPL by caustic liquor leaching under effect of ultrasonic oscillations on a pulp, increasing the degree of fluorine solubilization. By means of mathematical planning method of a factor experiment cross impact of three leaching parameters was stated, maximum concentration of fluorine ions in the solution (20.21 gr/dm3) was achieved in following conditions: NaOH concentration - 2%, solid-liquid ration - 6:1, process length - 90 min. The degree of fluorine extraction from SPL is 69.87%.
Leaching of Non-Ferrous Metals from Galvanic Sludges
Authors: Makovskaya O.Yu. , Kostromin K.S.
Published: February 2019

The problem of processing slimes of galvanic production, formed as a result of neutralization of technological solutions and wastewater containing heavy non-ferrous metals is considered. At present, sludges are transported to disposal area and are not used in any way. Typically, such sludges contain significant amounts of chromium and nickel, which creates environmental hazard. Investigated sludge of Dimitrovgrad Automobile Units Plant (Russia) contains up to 6.6% Ni and up to 7,4% Cr. The hydrometallurgical process is proposed to treatment of these sludges. Solutions of sulfuric acid, ammoniaс chloride and Trilon B were used as lixiviants. It is shown that when using a solution of sulfuric acid with pH=1,5, extraction of up to 93,3% Cu, 70,2 Ni, 90,3 Zn is achieved.
Perspective Methods of Graphite Quality Improving
Authors: Illarionov I.E. , Gilmanshina T.R. , Kovaleva A.A.
Published: February 2019

The influence of various methods of activation on the graphite particles average size and micro-relief of particles have been studied. It has been experimentally proved that the size of graphite particles decreases after the process of mechano-activation, however graphite particles don’t change significantly after being processed by chemical activation. It should be noted that in the course of chemical activation the state of particles surface varies on shearing cuts. Particles’ surface can be described as a poly stratified system, comprising separate complex-structured buildups of the “rosette” type, where the graphite petals are located around the reinforcing rod. Moreover, the graphite petals are placed at different angles to each other, and they are of different thickness. The empty space between these buildups is filled with graphite particles, their petals being orientated freely. The particles size decrease and the change in the particles surface state are followed by their porosity increase, which, in its turn, leads to the fact that graphite particles’ surface becomes “super-hydrophobic” and helps the capillary forces resist the filtration of the melt into the pores of graphite particles.
Study of the Tubular Billets Geometric Characteristics during Computer Simulation of the Rotary Piercing Process
Authors: Toporov Vladimir A. , Bogatov Aleksandr , Nukhov Danis
Published: February 2019

The results of the computer simulation of the tubular billet rotary piercing process are presented. The research methodology of the deformation zone geometric ratios with due regard for the tubular billet change of shape at each helical curve step was developed .The changes pattern of the helical curve step length (li), quotient reduction (Δr/r0), ratio of the tubular billet radius to the contact surface width (r/b), contact surface length of the tubular billet (l0) with a roll, depending on the feed angle (β), roll rotation frequency (N) and plug nose extension at the gorge (Сg) was established.
Conditions of Possible Application of Vibration Processing in the Course of Welding
Authors: Zaripov M.Z. , Fairushin A.M. , Karetnikov D.V.
Published: February 2019

Enough works in which positive action of the vibration fluctuations imposed both in the course of welding of a design and after it is specified are known. In the article features of influence of low-frequency vibration fluctuations in the course of a welding cycle on properties of welded connections from steel A 516-55 are considered. The conducted pilot studies of influence of vibration influence of a welding bathtub in the course of welding on structure and physico-mechanical properties of metal of welded connections have allowed to prove positive action of this technology which leads to increase in durability and fatigue endurance of welded connections. This fact will allow to expand using of technology of vibration processing in the course of welding for production of the welded equipment of various type.
Structure and Characteristics of the Metal of the Cr-Ni-Mo-Mn-Si-Ti-Nb System Obtained by Surfacing with a Flux-Cored Wire Alloyed by Boron Carbide
Authors: Eremin E.N. , Losev A.S. , Borodikhin S.A.
Published: February 2019

This study explores structure and characteristics of the nickel-chrome steel of the Cr-Ni-Mo-Mn-Si-Ti-Nb-B doping system obtained by surfacing with a flux-cored wire alloyed by boron carbide. It has shown that the deposited metal has a composite structure consisting of a supersaturated with alloyed elements solid solution with an austenite-martensitic matrix and a eutectic component (Mo, Cr, Fe, Nb)2B in the form of sections along the boundaries of former austenite grains. Because of the significant content of ferrite-forming elements in the process of crystallization, a metastable δ-ferrite is formed in the weld metal in the form of differently oriented interlayers between the martensite rails. As a result of aging of such a deposited metal at 500 °C for 2 hours, the metastable ferrite undergoes decay at the interphase boundaries α/δ with the formation of the σ phase, which represents sharpened plates with the size of 300÷550 nm. Moreover, aging leads to hardening of the matrix by finely dispersed carboboride and intermetallic phases (Cr, Mo, Fe, Nb, Ti)23(С,В)6, (Fe, Cr, Si)2(Mo, Ti) и (Ni, Fe)3Ti, causing high levels of hardness and wear resistance. The usage of this wire as a surfacing material allows to increase significantly the operability and reliability of the stop valve parts, which work on abrasion in contact with corrosive medium.
Austenite Decomposition Kinetics in Laser-Hybrid Welding of Steel of Strength Class K52
Authors: Romantsov A.I. , Fedorov M.A. , Lodkov D.G.
Published: February 2019

A modern technology for joining materials welding is commonly used in various industries. It is a process of interaction of thermal, mechanical and metallurgical properties and behaviors. Complex phenomena, such as solidification, microstructural changes and defect formation, have a great impact on the quality of welded joints. This article presents the results of studying the features of the austenite decomposition kinetics in the application of laser-hybrid welding technology, in a combination with multi-arc automatic submerged arc welding. The cooling rates are determined, affecting the change in properties of HAZ of welded joints on pipe steel of strength class K52. Using the dilatometric method, studies were conducted and thermo-kinetic and structural diagrams were constructed. Analysis of diagrams and microstructures showed that, as a result of the impact of the laser-hybrid welding process in the area of HAZ, the decomposition of austenite occurs mainly in the martensitic zone, followed by the formation of a bainite-perlite structure, due to recrystallization from the heat generated by the facing seams.
The Energy Density as a Reliable Parameter for Characterization of Selective Laser Melting of Various Alloys
Authors: Lykov P.A.
Published: February 2019

Various "energy density" parameters are used very often for comparison of fabrication modes for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology. Each SLM mode is determined by a number of process parameters. In this paper the energy density was considered critically as a reliable parameter for characterization of Selective Laser Melting of four various alloys on one SLM machine, on the example of fabrication of cubic specimen. The results obtained show that the energy density can be used for approximate comparison of SLM modes.
Cyst Volume Changes Measured with a 3D Reconstruction after Decompression of a Mandibular Dentigerous Cyst with an Impacted Third Molar
Authors: Riachi Faouzi , Khairallah Carla Maria , Ghosn Nabil , Berberi Antoine Nicolas
Published: February 2019

The aim of this article is to describe a large mandibular cyst treated with decompression followed by surgical enucleation. Furthermore, we described the utility of cyst volume measurements by using a 3D reconstruction on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The dentigerous cyst is the most common cyst type of epithelial origin, arising from remnants of odontogenic epithelium, asymptomatic and associated with the crown of an unerupted or partially or completely impacted tooth. However, after a long duration and extension of the cyst volume it may provoke significant bone resorption, cortical expansion, tooth displacement and the vitality of neighboring teeth may be affected. The regular treatment of this lesion is enucleation and extraction of the involved tooth. Marsupialization and decompression are proposed when the volume of the cyst is well developed to release the cystic pressure and allow the bone cavity to progressively decrease in volume with the gradual apposition of bone. This report presents a large dentigerous cyst related to impacted mandibular third molar of a 21-year-old male patient. The cyst was treated successfully by decompression and later by surgical enucleation with surgical extraction of the related molar. In conclusion, the combination of decompression and surgical approach showed on the three-dimensional CBCT investigation a significant correlation between the treatment and volume reduction of the cyst. The clinical case described allows us to observe bone formation after decompression and surgical enucleation was performed with less risk on vital anatomic elements.
Determining the type locality and collector of Nylander’s South African lichens
Authors: Medeiros Ian D.
Published: February 2019

Background: In 1868, Nylander described 15 new lichen taxa from collections made near Durban, South Africa. The locality was not specified and the collector was identified only as ‘Miss Armstrong’.Objectives: To identify the collector and type locality of Nylander’s species.Method: Scientific literature, maps, letters, notebooks and genealogical sources were consulted to reconstruct the provenance of the specimens.Results: ‘Miss Armstrong’ was likely Olivia Armstrong; she collected in the Karkloof area of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.Conclusion: This investigation facilitates future work to determine whether the species described and reported by Nylander are still extant in the same locality.
Aspects of the population biology, life history and threats to Aloe ortholopha Christian and Milne-Redh.: A serpentine endemic from the northern Great Dyke of Zimbabwe
Authors: Kunonga Ngoni I. , Nhiwatiwa Tamuka , Tembani Mduduzi , Kativu Shakkie
Published: February 2019

Background: Aloe ortholopha is a rare endemic confined to serpentine soils of the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe. Its International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status is listed as Vulnerable; however, its population biology and life history are poorly documented.Objectives: The aim of this article is to provide information on the population biology and life history of A. ortholopha through assessment of its size-class distribution, population size and density, reproductive output and fitness, and threats related to fire and mining.Method: Circumference of A. ortholopha leaf rosette was used to ascertain size-class distribution. Population size and density were determined by enumerating flowering individuals. Per-capita reproductive output was determined as mean number of flowers per plant, fruit set and mean number of seeds per fruit. Fitness was determined from seed germination capacity. Impact of fire and mining were recorded photographically.Results: Determination of size-class distribution of A. ortholopha from three study sites (southern region [SR], central region [CR] and northern region [NR]) revealed a bell-shaped curve dominated by intermediate size classes. Population size (number of flowering individuals) ranged from 36 to 66 per site. This translated to a density of 4.0–7.3 flowering plants per hectare. Per-capita reproductive output, measured as mean number of flowers per plant, was significantly different in SR and CR compared to that in the NR region. Mean number of fruits per plant did not significantly differ across the three regions. Mean seed set per plant in CR and NR was significantly different to that in the SR region. Species fitness, as determined from in vitro germination assays, showed that seeds harvested from fire-damaged capsules have the lowest cumulative germination percentage. It was also observed that leaf rosettes curled up to form a ball that protects the apical centre of plants from fire damage.Conclusion: A. ortholopha occurs in small population clusters of low density. The species has a low per-capita reproductive output characterised by production of many flowers, but with very low percentage fruit and seed set. The species has low fitness as evidenced by nominal recruitment of saplings and juveniles. Conspecific mates are frequently lost owing to fire and mining activities.
Filamentous rods in the cerebrospinal fluid of a child with ventriculoperitoneal shunt: “Separation Anxiety” at the microscopic level!
Authors: Buckley Kaila , Feldman Alex , Kahwash Samir
Published: February 2019

Certain bacteria and antibiotic combinations can result in unusual morphologic transformations such as the creation of septate filamentous bacterial rods, where division is preserved, but separation is inhibited. This is often seen when subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics are administered. Herein, we describe this phenomenon in the case of a teenage boy with an infected ventriculoperitoneal shunt, whose culture-proven Pseudomonas aeruginosa took on a filamentous appearance following antibiotic treatment. This transformation is important to recognize, so it is not misconstrued as fungal hyphae, committing the patient to unnecessary treatment.
Reliability of Ultrasound for the Detection of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hassan Rabia , Hussain Sobia , Bacha Raham , Gillani Syed Amir , Malik Sajid Shaheen
Published: February 2019

The aim of this review article was to investigate the pooled sensitivity and specificity of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) for the detection of synovitis and early bone erosion in the small joint in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, investigate the pooled sensitivity and specificity of Power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) for the detection of synovial hypervascularity in small joints in RA. A systematic literature search of PubMed, Wiley online library, Google Scholar, Research gate, E-book, BioMed Central, the Journal of Rheumatology and Springer Link were investigated from 2001 to 2017. Original researches related to the article written in English including RA, synovitis, bone erosion, grayscale, and PDUS were included in this study. The sample size, study design, sensitivity, and specificity were analyzed. The review summarizes the value of MSUS for the detection of RA as it is the first choice of modality. Results show the acceptable reliability of US for the diagnosis of early bone erosions, synovitis, and synovial hypervascularity.
Genotyping of Cytomegalovirus from Symptomatic Infected Neonates in Iraq
Authors: Alwan Sevan N. , Shamran Haidar A. , Ghaib Avan H. , Kadhim Haider S. , Al-Mayah Qasim S. , AL-Saffar Atheer J. , Bayati Ali H. , Arif Hala S. , Fu Jianmin , Wickes Brian L.
Published: February 2019

Among all other viruses, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection worldwide. Strain variation in HCMV may predict severity or outcome of congenital HCMV disease. Previous studies have associated a particular genotype with specific sequelae or more severe illness, but the results were contradictory. There are no previous studies addressing the genotype of HCMV in Iraq. Therefore, the present study is aimed at molecular detection and genotyping of HCMV isolated from symptomatic congenitally/perinatally infected neonates. This prospective study comprised 24 serum samples from symptomatic neonates with congenital/perinatal infection. Viral DNA was extracted from these serum samples; nested polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the HCMV gB (UL55) gene. Polymerase chain reaction products of the second round of amplification were subjected to direct Sanger sequencing. Bioedit and MEGA5 software (EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK) were used for alignment and construction of a phylogenetic tree. Human cytomegalovirus DNA was detected in 23 of 24 samples (95.8%). According to the phylogenetic analysis, three genotypes of the virus were identified; gB1, gB2, and gB3 genotypes. However, the gB4 genotype was not detected. Human cytomegalovirus gB3 was the most frequent genotype: 14 of 24 (58.33%) among symptomatic infected infants, followed by gB1 (6/24; 25%) and gB2 (4/24; 16.67%). A mixed HCMV infection with gB3/gB1 was detected in only one case. Human cytomegalovirus gB3 was the most predominant genotype among symptomatic congenitally/perinatally HCMV-infected neonates. No association was found between B3 genotype and specific clinical presentation. Jaundice was the most common clinical feature among symptomatically infected neonates, followed by hepatosplenomegaly.
Control de Acceso al Medio basado en Entropía para S-ALOHA en Redes Inalámbricas Ad-Hoc
Authors: González-Ambriz Sergio Jesús , Rivero Angeles Mario Eduardo , Menchaca-Méndez Rolando , Menchaca-Méndez Ricardo
Published: February 2019

En este artículo presentamos un nuevo enfoque de acceso al medio de capa cruzada que utiliza información topológica de la red para seleccionar la probabilidad de transmisión de cada nodo. En el esquema propuesto, la probabilidad de acceder al canal es asignada en función tanto de la entropía topológica de la red, como de la probabilidad individual de cada nodo de ser elegido por el algoritmo de enrutamiento como retransmisor en un flujo de datos de extremo-a-extremo. La entropía topológica de la red mide la capacidad de dicha red para distribuir el tráfico entre los nodos que la componen. Valores de entropía baja indican que el tráfico tenderá a concentrarse en regiones particulares de la red y que por lo tanto la probabilidad de que los nodos localizados en dichas regiones experimenten contención, es alta. En este caso, la probabilidad de acceso al medio de los nodos que se encuentran en esas regiones deberá ser seleccionada de forma tal que se reduzca la probabilidad de que experimenten contención. Experimentos de simulación muestran que el esquema propuesto logra ganancias de desempeño en términos del caudal, la probabilidad de experimentar colisiones y el retardo extremo-a-extremo.
Modelado y Análisis de Sintonización de Velocidad de un MSIP con Presencia de Fisura Mediante Algoritmos Genéticos
Authors: Manilla Garcia A. , Rivas Cambero I. , Monroy Anieva J.A.
Published: February 2019

En el presente artículo se propone el modelado del sistema continuo correspondiente al motor síncrono de imanes permanentes (MSIP) con presencia de degradación en la inercia rotacional del rotor, mediante el mecanismo de fisura, lo cual permite la estimación de parámetros físicos, en el caso de análisis, el diámetro de la grieta presente en el rotor, disminuyendo con ello la incertidumbre en el modelado del MSIP. Se lleva a cabo la identificación en bucle cerrado de las ganancias mediante un análisis de sensibilidad, donde mediante el método computacional de optimización de búsqueda por algoritmos genéticos se obtienen las ganancias que logran converger el modelo propuesto al modelo de referencia.
SysGpr: Sistema de generación de señales sintéticas pseudo-realistas
Authors: León F. , Rodríguez-Lozano Fco. J. , Cubero-Fernández A. , Palomares José M. , Olivares. J.
Published: February 2019

Las señales obtenidas desde sensores son ampliamente utilizadas en diferentes campos científicos. Sin embargo, no siempre se dispone de los recursos necesarios para obtener dichos datos, debido a limitaciones estructurales, físicas, económicas, ambientales, fallos en la recolección de los datos, etc. Es en este escenario limitante, donde se erige la generación de datos sintéticos. La generación de datos sintéticos tiene la característica de reducir tiempos de espera frente a los largos periodos temporales que necesitan algunos sensores para obtener grandes volúmenes de muestras. Además, los datos generados pueden llegar a ser todo lo robustos que los usuarios necesiten. Por ello este trabajo presenta un sistema de generación de señales sintéticas con carácter pseudo-realista para su uso aplicado a la validación de métodos y diseño de experimentos. El método de la generación de señales propuesto, hace uso de modelos estadísticos y el comportamiento del gradiente de la señal para ir generando nuevos datos. El sistema desarrollado se encuentra disponible públicamente como herramienta web.
Labour contracts and the stepping-stone effect in Emilia-Romagna: A multinomial analysis
Authors: Bosco Maria Giovanna , Valeriani Elisa
Published: February 2019

Do short-term contracts facilitate the transition into permanent contracts? We use a rich administrative database for the Emilia-Romagna northern region in Italy from 2008 to 2012 to run a stepping-stone analysis and evaluate which contractual agreement is more likely to lead to a permanent working position. We find that individual specific characteristics make it more likely for a worker to be employed with a specific contractual agreement and that the contribution towards more working stability varies with the previous contract. We conclude that fixed-term positions act more as stumbling blocks than building blocks for open-ended contracts.
The Story of a Village: A Case Study in Strategic Planning at Enyinndakurom, Ankaful, Central Region, Ghana
Authors: Redington Wynette
Published: February 2019

The development of a strategic plan for an African village can seem a daunting task, especially if the village is one created from diverse beginnings and different cultural origins, where ethnicity, language and custom are not homogenous.  In this article the authors explore the outcomes of the traditional top down approach.  They contrast this with a collaborative approach, bottom up, and propose the use of management strategies more commonly found in an industrial environment.  Deploying a case study approach the development and implementation of a strategic plan for a post-leprosy rehabilitation village near Elmina in Ghana, West Africa is described and evaluated. Learned helplessness is often an outcome of intervention aid.  By approaching a project with a top down approach, the dependency of a community can become ingrained.  However a partnership approach with the villagers is hoped to engender a sense of ownership in the community, motivating optimism.  The authors believe that the possibility of engagement with the village is greatly strengthened using collaborative approach, and that this is key to a successful outcome. The concept, strategy and initial results as well as the ongoing sustainability of the strategy are described.  The underlying hypothesis is that by empowering an impoverished and disenfranchised community with tried and trusted, modern management methods, engagement as well as success can be achieved.
Loose, fragmented project arrangements – Some implications for practitioners
Authors: Cullen Christopher
Published: February 2019

This paper aims to contribute to our understanding of the project by considering an alternative type of project taken from the world of practice but which appears to be over-looked within much of the existing PM research.  The paper draws from two recent project experiences and describes a project reality as messy, ambiguous and fragmented.  How this messiness affect the project structure and the implications in terms of how we manage projects are drawn out and discussed.
Simulations of black carbon (BC) aerosol impact over Hindu Kush Himalayan sites: validation, sources, and implications on glacier runoff
Authors: Santra Sauvik , Verma Shubha , Fujita Koji , Chakraborty Indrajit , Boucher Olivier , Takemura Toshihiko , Burkhart John F. , Matt Felix , Sharma Mukesh
Published: February 2019

Abstract. We estimated the black carbon (BC) concentration over the Hindu Kush Himalayan region (HKH), its impact on snow albedo reduction, and sensitivity
on annual glacier runoff over the identified glaciers. These estimates were
based on free-running aerosol simulations (freesimu) and constrained
aerosol simulations (constrsimu) from an atmospheric general circulation
model, combined with numerical simulations of a glacial mass balance model. BC
concentration estimated from freesimu performed better over higher altitude
(HA) HKH stations than that over lower altitude (LA) stations. The estimates
from constrsimu mirrored the measurements well when implemented for LA
stations. Estimates of the spatial distribution of BC concentration in the
snowpack (BCc) over the HKH region led to identifying a hot-spot zone
located around Manora Peak. Among glaciers over this zone, BCc
(>60 µg kg−1) and BC-induced snow albedo reduction (≈5 %)
were estimated explicitly being high during the pre-monsoon for Pindari,
Poting, Chorabari, and Gangotri glaciers (which are major sources of fresh
water for the Indian subcontinent). The rate of increase of BCc in
recent years (i.e., over the period 1961–2010) was, however, estimated to be
the highest for the Zemu Glacier. Sensitivity analysis with a glacial mass
balance model indicated the increase in annual runoff from debris-free
glacier areas due to BC-induced snow albedo reduction (SAR) corresponding to
the BCc estimated for the HKH glaciers was 4 %–18 %, with the highest
being for the Milam and Pindari glaciers. The rate of increase in annual
glacier runoff per unit BC-induced percentage SAR was specifically high for
Milam, Pindari, and Sankalpa glaciers. The source-specific contribution to
atmospheric BC aerosols by emission sources led to identifying the potential
emission source being primarily from the biofuel combustion in the
Indo-Gangetic Plain south of 30∘ N, but also from open burning in a
more remote region north of 30∘ N.
Mixing layer transport flux of particulate matter in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Yusi , Tang Guiqian , Zhou Libo , Hu Bo , Liu Baoxian , Li Yunting , Liu Shu , Wang Yuesi
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Quantifying the transport flux of atmospheric pollutants plays an important role in understanding the causes of atmospheric pollution and in making decisions regarding the prevention and control of atmospheric pollution. In this study, the mixing layer height and wind profile of the mixing layer were measured by ceilometer and doppler wind radar, respectively. The variation characteristics of atmospheric transport capacity (TC) were analyzed using these two datasets. The research showed that the TC appears to be strongest in spring (3940 ± 2110 m2 s−1) and weakens in summer (2953 ± 1322 m2 s−1), autumn (2580 ± 1601 m2 s−1) and winter (2913 ± 3323 m2 s−1). Combined with the near-surface fine particle concentration data, the TC influence on the PM2.5 concentration was studied, and there is a strong inverse correlation between the PM2.5 and TC in spring, autumn and winter (R = −0.66, −0.65 and −0.80, respectively) and a weak positive correlation in summer (R = 0.33). By calculating the transport flux of fine particles (TF), the TF in Beijing was found to be the highest in spring at 226 ± 294 mg m−1 s−1 and lower in the other three seasons at approximately 140 mg m−1 s−1. Transport occurs between 14:00 and 18:00 LT. Except for during spring, the TF was large in the pollution transition period (summer: 328 ± 280 mg m−1 s−1, autumn: 280 ± 336 mg m−1 s−1 and winter: 240 ± 297 mg m−1 s−1) and decreased during the heavy pollution period (summer: 295 ± 215 mg m−1 s−1, autumn: 243 ± 238 mg m−1 s−1 and winter: 212 ± 209 mg m−1 s−1). Our results indicate that the transportation influence in southern regions should receive more focus in the transition period of pollution, while local emissions should receive more focus in the heavy pollution period.
Revisiting the differential freezing nucleus spectra derived from drop-freezing experiments: methods of calculation, applications, and confidence limits
Authors: Vali Gabor
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The differential nucleus concentration defined in Vali (1971) is re-examined
and methods are given for its application. The purpose of this document is to
facilitate the use of differential spectra in describing the results of
drop freezing, or similar, experiments and to thereby provide additional
insights into the significance of the measurements. The additive nature of
differential concentrations is used to show how the background contribution
can be accounted for in the measurements. A method is presented to evaluate
the confidence limits of the spectra derived from given sets of measurements.
Examining the evidence for decoupling between photosynthesis and transpiration during heat extremes
Authors: De Kauwe Martin G. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Pitman Andrew J. , Drake John E. , Ukkola Anna , Griebel Anne , Pendall Elise , Prober Suzanne , Roderick Michael
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Recent experimental evidence suggests that during heat extremes, wooded
ecosystems may decouple photosynthesis and transpiration, reducing
photosynthesis to near zero but increasing transpiration into the boundary
layer. This feedback may act to dampen, rather than amplify, heat extremes in
wooded ecosystems. We examined eddy covariance databases (OzFlux and
FLUXNET2015) to identify whether there was field-based evidence to support
these experimental findings. We focused on two types of heat extremes:
(i) the 3 days leading up to a temperature extreme, defined as including
a daily maximum temperature >37 ∘C (similar to the widely used
TXx metric), and (ii) heatwaves, defined as 3 or more consecutive days
above 35 ∘C. When focusing on (i), we found some evidence of
reduced photosynthesis and sustained or increased latent heat fluxes at seven
Australian evergreen wooded flux sites. However, when considering the role of
vapour pressure deficit and focusing on (ii), we were unable to conclusively
disentangle the decoupling between photosynthesis and latent heat flux from
the effect of increasing the vapour pressure deficit. Outside of Australia, the
Tier-1 FLUXNET2015 database provided limited scope to tackle this issue as it
does not sample sufficient high temperature events with which to probe the
physiological response of trees to extreme heat. Thus, further work is
required to determine whether this photosynthetic decoupling occurs widely,
ideally by matching experimental species with those found at eddy covariance
tower sites. Such measurements would allow this decoupling mechanism to be
probed experimentally and at the ecosystem scale. Transpiration during
heatwaves remains a key issue to resolve, as no land surface model includes a
decoupling mechanism, and any potential dampening of the land–atmosphere
amplification is thus not included in climate model projections.
Millennial-scale denudation rates in the Himalaya of Far Western Nepal
Authors: Ojha Lujendra , Ferrier Ken L. , Ojha Tank
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Over the past two decades, rates and patterns of Himalayan denudation have been documented through numerous cosmogenic nuclide measurements in central and eastern Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India. To date, however, few denudation rates have been measured in Far Western Nepal – a ~ 300-km-wide region near the center of the Himalayan arc – which presents a significant gap in our understanding of Himalayan denudation. Here we report new catchment-averaged millennial-scale denudation rates inferred from cosmogenic 10Be in fluvial quartz at seven sites in Far Western Nepal. The inferred denudation rates range from 385 ± 31 t km−2 yr−1 (0.15 ± 0.01 mm yr −1) to 8737 ± 2908 t km−2 yr−1 (3.3 ± 1.1 mm yr−1), and, in combination with our analyses of channel topography, are broadly consistent with previously published relationships between catchment-averaged denudation rates and normalized channel steepness across the Himalaya. These data show a weak correlation with catchment-averaged specific stream power, consistent with a Himalaya-wide compilation of previously published stream power values. Together, these observations are consistent with a dependence of denudation rate on both tectonic and climatic forcings, and represent a first step toward filling an important gap in denudation rate measurements in Far Western Nepal.