bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk Factors for the Development of Glaucoma in Patients With Aniridia
Authors: Balekudaru Shantha , Sankaranarayanan Nandhini , Agarkar Sumita
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To assess the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for the development of glaucoma in patients with aniridia.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of case records of patients diagnosed as having congenital aniridia between January 1986 and December 2011 was performed. Patients with a follow-up of more than 12 months were included.

Results:

Ninety-one patients (180 eyes) with the diagnosis of aniridia were identified from the case records. Two eyes were excluded from the final analysis; one had developed phthisis and the other had been enucleated. Seventy-four patients (81.3%) were younger than 18 years at initial presentation. The prevalence of glaucoma at presentation was 28.8%, which could be further categorized as ocular hypertension in 19 eyes (10.5%) and glaucoma in 33 eyes (18.3%). Thirty-one eyes (28.4%) developed elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up period: ocular hypertension in 23 eyes (17.9%) and glaucoma in 8 eyes (6.25%). The mean IOP at the time of diagnosis was 33.9 ± 8.6 mm Hg (range: 24 to 60 mm Hg). The mean duration of follow-up was 8.1 ± 5.7 years (range: 1 to 28 years). The cumulative probability of developing elevated IOP was 4% at the end of 8 years of follow-up; this increased to 88% at the end of 28 years of follow-up. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified higher baseline IOP (odds ratio [OR]: 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2 to 1.4) and limbal stem cell deficiency (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.4 to 5.6) as significant risk factors for the development of elevated IOP. Higher baseline IOP remained significant on multivariate analysis (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.4).

Conclusions:

Glaucoma occurs in a substantial proportion of patients with aniridia. Eyes with increased IOP at baseline are at a higher risk.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(4):250–255.]
Inability of Open-Field Autorefraction to Eliminate Accommodation in Preschoolers
Authors: Kara Caner , Petriçli İkbal Seza
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Shin-Nippon NVision-K 5001 autorefractometer (Rexxam Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan) (also branded as the Grand Seiko WR-5100K; Grand Seiko Co. Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan) based on the open-field refractometry principle in refractive measurements of preschool children and to determine its ability to eliminate accommodation adequately.

Methods:

The refractive results of 114 preschool children who presented to the ophthalmology outpatient department for screening were evaluated. The measurements were obtained before and after cycloplegia with the Shin-Nippon NVision-K 5001 autorefractometer and after cycloplegia with retinoscopy, which is the gold standard. The results underwent vectorial transformation to produce the spherical equivalent (M) and two Jackson cross-cylinder (J0 and J45) values. All results were then subjected to statistical analysis. The difference between the measurements was evaluated with repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results:

Included in the study were 106 preschool children (51 boys and 55 girls). The mean age was 5.3 ± 0.9 years (range: 3 to 6 years). Although statistically significantly more myopic results were obtained with non-cycloplegic measurements using the Shin-Nippon NVision-K 5001 autorefractometer (
P
< .001), no difference was observed in cylindrical values (
P
> .05). Cycloplegic J0 measurements were significantly lower (
P
< .001), but no difference was found between J45 values before and after cycloplegia (
P
> .05).

Conclusions:

The Shin-Nippon NVision-K 5001/Grand Seiko WR-5100K open-field autorefractometer seems to be inadequate in eliminating accommodation in childhood. Measurements under cycloplegia continue to be the best method to ensure accurate results.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(5):311–318.]
Mobile Nurse Practitioner: A Pilot Program to Address Service Gaps Experienced by Homeless Individuals
Authors: Fraino Joan Alviar
Published: May 2017

An estimated 2.3 to 3.5 million individuals are homeless in the United States, many of whom have chronic medical and mental illnesses. Underserved individuals who are homeless experience gaps in services, resulting in poor health care outcomes and readmission to the hospital setting, often presenting in crisis through the emergency department. The financial state of hospitals is negatively impacted by the burden of patients returning to the hospital due to unresolved issues. The current article presents the role of a psychiatric–mental health nurse practitioner as part of a pilot program, Opportunity Village Mobile Health, that provides a comprehensive approach to meet the physical and mental health challenges of homeless individuals who are discharged from inpatient to outpatient services. Continuity of health care services are made available to this unique patient population to reduce hospital readmission rates and provide much needed transitional care. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53
(7), 38–43.]
Primera cita del género Neuroterus Hartig (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae, Cynipini) para América Central, con descripción de tres especies nuevas de Panamá y Costa Rica
Authors: Medianero E. , Nieves-Aldrey J. L.
Published: May 2017

Se describen tres nuevas especies del género Neuroterus Hartig, 1840 (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) de Panamá y Costa Rica: Neuroterus elvisi sp. n., Neuroterus pulchrigalla sp. n. y Neuroterus glandiphilus sp. n.. Las nuevas especies representan el primer registro del género Neuroterus para América Central y la región neotropical. Se presenta también evidencia adicional de la presencia de otras especies de Neuroterus no identificadas. Las nuevas especies inducen agallas en Quercus bumelioides Liebm. (Fagaceae, sect. Quercus , robles blancos). Se aportan caracteres diagnósticos, descripciones de las agallas, datos de su distribución, de las plantas hospedadoras y otros datos de biología de las nuevas especies.
Effect of Drying Methods on Yield and Quality of the Avocado Oil
Authors: Chimsook Thitiphan , Assawarachan Rittichai
Published: May 2017

This experimental study was carried out to verify the quality enhancement of avocado oil production by different drying methods. During this study, samples of green avocado cake were obtained from Tak Province, Thailand. The small size of fresh green avocados was the raw material to prepare the high quality of avocado oil. The drying methods composed of air drying, hot air drying and vacuum drying, respectively. The dried avocado pulp was evaluated the moisture contents and then pressed avocado oil using the extraction machine. All avocado oil were determined the physical and chemical properties. The current study revealed that hot air drying and air drying had the highest and lowest yield, respectively. The unsaturated fatty acids in avocado oil were higher than the saturated fatty acids in all avocado oils from the three drying methods. The costs of drying methods were considered and the present study revealed that the best method for drying green avocado cake was hot air drying with the desired oven.
A Study of Promoters Effect on Fe on Reduced Graphene Oxide Catalyst Performance in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis System
Authors: Nasser AL-Hassan Mohammed , Elbery Haitham M. , Anwar Hasan N. , Basha Islam K. , Elnaggar Hamada A. , Nakamura Koichi , El-Moneim Ahmed Abd
Published: May 2017

In this work the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction was catalyzed by reduced graphene oxide supported Fe nanoparticles catalysts in a fixed bed reactor. Also the influence of promotion by K and Mn on the catalytic activity of Fe nanoparticles was investigated. The systems showed acceptable CO conversions reaching as high as 96.2%. The selectivities of the C1-5 ranged from 38 to 62%. There was a very high CO2 selectivity which was explained by incomplete reduction of the catalysts. The Anderson-Schultz-Flory parameter was calculated and varied between 0.25 and 0.3. The strongest promoting effect was achieved by the K promoter which tended to reduce light product selectivities and CO2 production the most.
Influence of Oxidant on Electrical Properties of the Polypyrrole-Coated Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Lu Ming , Zhao Zhen Yun , Liu Zu Lan , Mao Zhi Ping
Published: May 2017

The polypyrrole-coated cotton fabrics were prepared via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The polymerization time of 120 min and reaction temperature of 25 °C were employed in this study. The major factors on electricities of the fabrics, including types of oxidants and molar ratio of pyrrole monomer to oxidant, were studied. Ferric trichloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O), ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8) and sodium periodate (NaIO4) were selected to carry out the synthesis of polypyrrole. When FeCl3·6H2O acted as oxidant, the optimum conductivity of 4×10-3 S·cm-1 could be obtained by changing molar ratio of Py to FeCl3·6H2O. By contrast, the highest conductivity of fabrics which used (NH4)2S2O8 as oxidant was 1.8 ×10-4 S·cm-1. The evolution of resistivities, morphology, surface chemistry and mechanical strength were characterized by a four-points probe resistivity system, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mechanical test instrument.
Water Structure in Proteins in Solid State Studied by Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Soonthonhut Siraporn , Christy Alfred A.
Published: May 2017

Water adsorption in proteins is the crucial process of protein folding and structure stabilizing. Adsorption of water on proteins can be evaluated by near-infrared spectroscopy, a useful technique for observing combination frequency of a water molecule. In this work, albumin, lysozyme, and silk, were used as models for α-helix and β-pleated sheet proteins. Their NIR spectra during water adsorption process were measured by using an NIR spectrometer equipped with a transflectance accessory. Moreover, the quantitative adsorption of water was determined by gravimetric technique. The results indicate that, there are five different NIR absorptions arise from the OH combination frequencies of water adsorbed by albumin in the 5300-5100 cm-1 region. But there are only four absorptions for lysozyme and silk. The OH combination frequencies arising from water molecules in albumin indicate that it acquires free water molecules (5280 cm-1) and adsorbed water molecules through carbonyl-water interactions (5248 and 5160 cm-1) and amino-water interactions (5200 and 5120 cm-1). Interestingly, there is no indication for the presence of free water molecules in lysozyme and silk. Furthermore, the gravimetric results indicate that the rate of water adsorbed follows the order RW.Alb<RW.Lys<RW.Sil and total mass of water adsorbed per gram solid follows the order WAlb<WLys=WSil.
Research on Sensitization Effect of Ceria Nanoparticles on Tin Oxide Wire-in-Tube Nanofibers
Authors: Gong Ye Li , Wu Jin Jin , Zeng Da Wen
Published: May 2017

To elaborate the effect of CeO2 nanoparticles on the sensing properties of SnO2, CeO2-functionalized SnO2 wire-in-tube nanofibers (WITN) was prepared by electrospinning and subsequently impregnating treatment. The gas sensing studies revealed that the CeO2 loaded SnO2 WITN exhibited enhanced sensitivity to ethanol compared to the pristine SnO2. With increasing amount of CeO2, the response of nanocomposites increases firstly and then decreases. And the response of nanocomposites to ethanol reach maximum when the concentration of impregnated Ce (NO3)3·6H2O is 0.03 mol·L-1. To detail the sensing mechanism, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was firstly employed to detect the variation in oxygen species corresponding to different amounts of CeO2, but no obviously changes in oxygen species was detected. Subsequently, it was found that the initial resistance of CeO2@SnO2 WITN was higher than pristine SnO2, which could be beneficial to the improvement of sensing properties. More importantly, oxygen vacancy (mainly offered by CeO2 nanoparticles) was proved to be positively correlated to their gas-sensing performance. In this work, the electronic sensitization mechanism based on CeO2 loaded SnO2 was detailed, which could help for the better understanding the sensitization effect of rare earth element on semiconductor oxides.
Twin Roll Casting of Aluminium Alloy ADC12, A3003, A7075
Authors: Kashitani Yuta , Nishida Shinichi , Ichikawa Junshi , Ohashi Hiroto , Ozawa Naoshi , Okushima Ryosuke , Suzuki Tomoya , Takigawa Yuto , Harada Hideto
Published: May 2017

This paper describes a vertical type twin roll strip casting process for producing aluminum alloy strip of ADC12, A3003 and A7075. Twin roll casting process is able to produce a strip from molten metal directly. Thus this process has a possibility to reduce total cost of sheet making comparing to conventional rolling process. Aluminum alloy ADC12 is a casting material that is used for die casting. A3003 is known as a wrought aluminum alloy for aluminum can body sheet. The A3003 sheet is generally produced by rolling, so it is effective for reducing a process cost to produce the strip by twin roll casting process. Aluminum alloy A7075 has high tensile strength, and it is known as a material for aerospace application. The sheet is manufactured in small quantities comparing to the other sheet aluminum alloy. It is supposed that the demand of high tensile strength aluminum sheet such as A7075 is going to increase for weight saving of structural material. In this study, twin roll casting experiment was performed to produce these three aluminum alloy strip in same experimental conditions. Castability, surface conditions and strip thickness were estimated. It was possible to cast these aluminum alloy strip.
Engineering the Surface Structure of MoS2 Nanosheets by Carbon-Doping with Rich Defects to Tune UV-Visible Light Absorption Property
Authors: Hai Zhen Yin , Du Jian Gong , Xue Chen Yang , Cui Dan Feng , Akbari Mohammad Karbalaei , Zhuiykov Serge
Published: May 2017

A facile doping method utilizing inexpensive raw materials was proposed to achieve variation in optical bandgap and UV-visible light absorption property of MoS2 nanosheets. Carbon-assistant heating with degreasing cotton has demonstrated the development of carbon-doped MoS2 nanosheets with enhanced rich defects. The results obtained shown that modified MoS2 nanosheets with the lateral width of ~600 nm are exhibited shift of the intensively blue peaks of photo-luminescence (PL) comparing to those MoS2 nanosheets with a lateral dimension of larger than 1 μm. Optical bandgap of the carbon-doped MoS2 nanosheets was found to be broader than that of the pure MoS2 nanosheets and the prepared samples also exhibited a broadband UV-visible light absorption property.
Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Energy Storage - An Overview
Authors: Tamiasso-Martinhon Priscila , Célia Sousa
Published: May 2017

Energy storage and conversion are major problems of our modern society. In the last decades, in order to minimize these problems, a growing research activity was dedicated to the development of new systems involved in this energy field. The fabrication of supercapacitors based on new materials, such as electrochemical double layer capacitor, can offer attractive potentialities. Indeed, these supercapacitors are able to provide a power density ten times higher than that supplied by batteries, and allow a larger number of charge and discharge cycles. The performance of supercapacitors highly depends on the properties of electrode materials. Ternary composites combining both capacitive and faradaic reactions can address the improvement necessary for relatively cost effective and performance of supercapacitors. Particularly, ternary nanocomposites systems of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), conducting polymer (CPs) films and metal oxide/hydroxide; CNT:CP:Metal oxide; has been proposed as potential electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors, as alternatives to overcome the drawbacks associated with single component electrodes for the construction of high performance supercapacitors.
Novel Technique for Producing Porous Carbon Nanofiber Mate for Supercapacitors Application
Authors: El-Shafei M.H. , Ghoniem Engy , Hassanin Ahmed , El-Moneim Ahmed Abd
Published: May 2017

In this work, Carbon Nanofiber mates (CNF) were fabricated by carbonization of electrospun non-conducting PolyAcryloNitrile (PAN) and PAN/PolyvinylAlcohol (PVA) nanofiber mates at 1100°C. PAN acts as a carbon source while PVA acts as a scarifying material to create porosity which leads to increase the accessible surface area. Two types of samples have been produced, carbon nanofiber mate (CNF) and Porous carbon nanofiber mate (P-CNF). The samples were first characterized by XRD, FTIR and SEM then examined as novel electrodes for supercapacitor applications. The specific capacitance (SC) results of the CNFs based on electrospun PAN mate and P-CNF based on electrospun PAN/PVA mate precursors, were 170 and 202 Fgm-1 respectively. The porous structure of P-CNF mate not only increased SC but also increased the capacitive retention and cyclic stability at discharging current density three times higher than that applied in case of CNFs. These results confirm that the tailored P-CNFs have potential for lightweight and durable flexible supercapacitor applications.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Ultra-Thin Oxide Semiconductors: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zhuiykov Serge , Hai Zhen Yin , Kats Eugene , Akbari Mohammad Karbalaei , Xue Chen Yang
Published: May 2017

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is an enabling technology which provides coating and material features with significant advantages compared to other existing techniques for depositing precise ultra-thin two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures. ALD provides digital thickness control to the atomic level by depositing film one atomic layer at a time, as well as pinhole-free films even across large and complex areas. The technique’s capabilities are presented on the example of ALD-developed ultra-thin 2D tungsten oxide (WO3) over the large area of standard 4” Si substrates. The discussed advantages of ALD enable and endorse the employment of this technique for the development of hetero-nanostructure 2D semiconductors with unique properties.
Nanoindentation Evaluation of Suspension Thermal Sprayed Nanocomposite WC-Co Coatings
Authors: Ali Omar , Ahmed Rehan , Faisal Nadimul H. , Al-Anazi Nayef M. , Elakwah Youssef O. , Goosen Matheus F.A.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the microstructural and nanohardness characteristics of tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) cermet coatings deposited by liquid suspension spraying. Commercially available WC-Co coating powder was milled and water based suspension was produced as feedstock for the thermal spray coating process. Microstructural evaluations of WC-Co cermet coatings included XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Post spraying nanomechanical evaluations were conducted using a Berkovich nanoindenter. Results indicated relatively higher modulus but lower hardness of suspension coatings. The load displacement curves during nanoindentation were characteristic of the complex coating microstructure showing signs of microcracking and pile-up.
In Situ Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid/Hydroxyapatite Functionalized Graphene Nanocomposite
Authors: Sriboonrung Aekkapan , Tangbunsuk Siree , Sinthuvanich Chomdao , Keawwattana Wirunya
Published: May 2017

The hydroxyapatite functionalized graphene (HAp-GnP) was prepared by precipitation method. It was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Polylactic acid (PLA)/HAp-GnP and PLA/HAp-GnP composites were prepared in film by solution casting. The amount of HAp-GnP and HAp/GnP filled in PLA was fixed at 5% (by weight). The influence of HAp-GnP in the mechanical properties including tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (E) and elongation at break (EB) of composites was investigated. It was found that tensile strength (TS) and tensile modulus (E) of the PLA/HAp-GnP composite were higher than those of PLA/HAp/GnP composite as a result of HAp making the interfacing with graphene leading to the greater distribution of HAp-GnP in PLA matrix. The PLA/HAp-GnP composite is applicable to be applied as bone substitute in the future.
Comparison of Water Adsorption Properties of Cellulose and Cellulose Nanocrystals Studied by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Gravimetry
Authors: Angkuratipakorn Thamonwan , Singkhonrat Jirada , Christy Alfred A.
Published: May 2017

The adsorption properties of water molecules on cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), isolated from defatted rice bran (DRB) by 55% sulfuric acid hydrolysis under sonication were investigated. The powdered samples of cellulose and CNCs were analysed by using near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and gravimetry at 38% and 55% humidities. Small amounts of samples were dried under vacuum at 120°C and the NIR spectra of the dry samples and their spectra during the adsorption water molecules were measured by using an NIR spectrometer equipped with a transflectance accessory and a DTGS detector. The quantitative adsorption of water molecules by the samples was determined by gravimetry. Second and fourth derivative profiles of the NIR spectra were used in understanding the chemistry of adsorption of water molecules and the adsorption processes by the samples. The results show that the adsorption of water molecules by the cellulose samples gives rise to three prominent peaks that can be related to the water molecules engaged in hydrogen bonding with C2, C3 and C6-OH groups on the glucose units of the cellulose polymers. Furthermore, the cellulose nanocrystals adsorb twice as much of water as the cellulose polymer. It is also clear from the results that C2 and C3-OH groups in the glucose units adsorb water molecules at a faster rate than the C6-OH group and responsible for nearly 50% of the water adsorption.
Power Rating and Tools Wear in Milling of Hardened SAE 4340 Steel with Minimum Quantity of Fluid (MQF)
Authors: Callisaya Emanuele Schneider , de Sampaio Alves Manoel Cléber , Faus Salussolia Giovanni , Ribas de Lima Larissa
Published: May 2017

Currently, many industries are seeking to lower the use of lubricating fluids in machining processes without losing the quality of the workpieces, as an affordable alternative arises the possibility to applicate the minimal quantity of fluid technique (MQF). This study is focused on interpretation and evaluation of hardened SAE 4340 steel milling process using the MQF at different flow rates compared to conventional lubrication. With the implementation of a data acquisition system to measure the milling dynamic, it was possible to know all the present variations on the power rating during the process. After the tests, an appropriate statistical analysis of results was applied in order to better understand the effects of the MQF and correlate the output variables. Moreover, this project allows us to have an applicable vision of cutting process costs and study an important industrial material. As a result, the measurement and validation of the use of MQF in tangential and frontal milling process of hardened steels show good correlation with the dimension of carbide cutters wears and influence on the level of power rating, as it is detailed in this paper.
Process Planning for the Lateral Extrusion of a Pipe with a Lost Core
Authors: Ohashi Takahiro , Kimura Wataru
Published: May 2017

In this paper, the authors discuss process planning for the lateral extrusion of a pipe with a lost core. In this process, maximum longitudinal length of the bulged part is restricted by the balance of the extrusion speed of the material and the lost core. In the free bulging condition, longitudinal length is limited to the pipe radius, because the extrusion speed of the core is slower than that of the pipe material when the longitudinal length of the bulged part is longer. The authors designed a two-stage forming process using the transit shape of a truncated cone to solve this problem. The dimensions of the truncated cone were estimated through trial-and-error using a commercial FEM simulator and considering the stretch effect for wrinkles of the pipe by deformation and traveling of the lost core. Finally, the authors conducted experiments to confirm the design’s validity. As a result, a longer longitudinal length of the bulged part than the pipe radius was successfully obtained.
Effect of Welding Heat Input on Microstructure and Softening Behavior of 5CrMoV Steel
Authors: Zheng Yi , Liu Yao Hui , Song Yu Lai , Liu Jia’an , Kong Ling Nan , Liang Yan
Published: May 2017

Three different heat input combinations for the medium carbon alloy steels 5CrMoV are compared in terms of the heat affected zone of microstructures, hardness, and tensile properties. The microstructures in the heat affected zone are predominately ferrite and bainite, with grain size variation in different sub-zones and different heat input. Analyses of the micro-hardness profiles indicated that softening phenomenon occurs in the entire heat affected zone, and high heat input resulted in the greatest decrease in hardness. The results of the tensile tests reveal tensile properties of the heat affected zone deteriorate with the increase of heat input, and the region at temperatures near Ac1 is the weakest part of heat affected zone.
Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of WC and Cr-C Coatings on Plain Carbon P/M Steel Substrates Using HVOF Coating Method
Authors: Shanmugasundaram D. , Gunasekaran K. , Chandramouli R. , Natarajan N.
Published: May 2017

The present research paper covers statistical analysis of the major tribological factors affecting the dry sliding wear behavior of Tungsten Carbide (WC) and Chromium Carbide (Cr-C) coatings on plain carbon P/M steel substrate using High Velocity Oxy Flame (HVOF) Coating Technique. Experiments were conducted on pin-on-disc wear testing equipment. The various parameters related to wear such as wear rate, Coefficientof Friction of the coated Disc, Hardness and Surface Roughness were measured.In comparison, WC and Cr-C coating, WC coating has comparably good effect.
Effects of Macro and Microstructure of Aluminum Alloy AA 6063-T6 with TIG-AC Welding Process with Unbalanced Rectangular Wave
Authors: Catarino Jonny Max , Celestino Valter Roberto Brito , Bueno M.A.P. , Valarelli I.D.D. , Alves Manoel Cléber de Sampaio , Pereira L.E.R.
Published: May 2017

The use of the rectangular wave in the TIG-CA welding process for aluminum alloys allows numerous possibilities of frequency control, wave amplitude variation and positive or negative current for the same wave cycle. The configuration selected is decisive for the effect and final property of the weld bead, where alternating current variation in aluminum alloy welding is widely used and is intended to promote surface oxide layer cleanliness while promoting penetration of the joint. In the literature it is common to find statements that the cleaning of the oxide layer at the welding time is connected to the positive wave cycle and the penetration is connected to the negative wave cycle time. For the research proposal, TIG-AC welding of the aluminum alloy AA 6063-T6 was performed by simple plate deposition with rectangular wave with variation both in the current and in the time of positive polarity of the electrode in the cycle in the current welding wave 140 A, For balance conditions at 50% of the positive polarity at a waveform time period of 20 ms, followed by wave unbalance to 32.5% and 15% of the positive polarity acting time maintaining a constant frequency of 50 Hz for all settings. The results for the selected settings show that the decrease in the positive wave time decreases the penetration and the width of the weld bead and this may be related to the selection of time and frequency used.
Characteristics of Aluminum Chromium Nitride, and Aluminum Chromium Oxynitride Coating through Cathodic Arc Deposition
Authors: Ho Wei Yu , Hsu Pin Hua , Lin Chien Liang
Published: May 2017

Aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) coatings and aluminum chromium oxynitride (AlCrON) coatings were successfully fabricated through cathodic arc deposition with pulsed bias. The results indicated that both AlCrN and AlCrON coatings had a lower coefficient of friction against AISI 52100 bearing ball under dry conditions than CrN coating. The hardness of the AlCrN coating was in the range of 30 GPa, two times higher than that of the AlCrON coating. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyzer (TGA/DSC) confirmed the best thermal stability of the AlCrON coating during the test.
Thermal Cycle Simulation of Welding Process in INC 738 LC Superalloy
Authors: Boumerzoug Zakaria , Cherif Saib
Published: May 2017

This paper is a contribution to the study of the microstructure in welded joint of INC 738 LC. It presents the microstructures obtained after real welding and also after thermal cycle simulation of welding by rapid heating and cooling treatments in specific simulation equipment. We were focusing on the temperature range [900°C, 1100°C] which is the temperature range of main phases occurrence, as coarse γ’primary, fine γ’ secondary and carbides. Optical microscopy and microhardness measurements were used as characterization techniques. We have found that the obtained microstructures by thermal cycle simulation of welding correspond to those observed in the same zone of the real welded joint performed by real welding.
Assessment of Effectiveness of Date Palm Fibers in Foam Filled CFRP Energy Absorption Devices
Authors: Sebaey Tamer A. , Mahdi Elsadig
Published: May 2017

The effectiveness of date palm fibers as a second order filler was assessed in octagonal/hexagonal hybrid energy absorption devices.. The cells inside the device were made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastics CFRP whereas; the outer skin was of Aramid/epoxy. The energy absorption devices were filled by date palm fibers and then the liquid foam was applied. The idea is to use the fibers to absorb the energy in various damage mechanisms and use the foam as a binder. The comparison showed higher peak load and average crushing load (for some cases) for the specimens filled with date palm and foam together. On the other hand, the specimens filled with foam only showed higher stroke efficiency and lower weight which led to a higher specific energy absorption.
Influence of Material Structural Inhomogeneity on Fracture Strength of Constructional Elements
Authors: Mironov Vladimir I. , Lukashuk Olga A.
Published: May 2017

The issue of material and construction fracture is one of unresolved problems in mechanics. The phenomenological approach used by mechanics of softening materials is taken by the authors for the purposes of solving that problem. Deformation of the “machine – model specimen” system is analyzed in the article using catastrophe theory for various boundary conditions. Computer simulations using a material’s calculation model allowed to establish nonlocal character of fracture criteria and correlation between static and cyclic properties of the model material. It is shown that the fracture scenario for a mechanical system depends on the degree of structural inhomogeneity of the material and the loading conditions. Regarding the fracture as a loss of deformation stability leads to a new understanding of the mechanical system’s ultimate state. The obtained results could be used to improve methodologies for calculating life and durability of constructions.
The Bending Singularity at the Apex of V-Notch in an Anisotropic Thick Plate
Authors: Chen Chung De
Published: May 2017

In this paper, the bending singularity at the apex of V-notch in an anisotropic thick plate is investigated. The Stroh-like formalism is used to model the anisotropy of the material. Based on the Ressiner-Mindlin plate theory and the eigenfunction expansion method, the characteristic equation for bending singularity order is derived and the order can be determined numerically. The numerical results show that the singularity orders strongly depend on the plate angle a. In addition, the singularity orders also depend on the principal orientation of the anisotropic material. The singularity orders for the case of are stronger than for that of. In the case of, to reduce the anisotropy is helpful to release the singularity at the notch tip. For the other case of, it is preferable to increase the anisotropy to reduce the singularity. The disappearance conditions of the bending singularity can be found based on the numerical results.
Anesthetics considerations in peritonitis
Authors: Brambillasca Pietro , Benigni Alberto , Maffioletti Micol , Sonzogni Valter , Lorini Luca Ferdinando , Corbella Davide
Published: May 2017

Peritonitis remains an illness with a significant mortality rate in surgery. Age, male sex, and the inability to control the source are associated with greater mortality. Anesthesia and perioperative medicine should aim to stop the increase in metabolic debt in the pre-surgical phase and to provide metabolic steering during surgery. Early goal directed therapy (EGDT) is still the mandatory cornerstone of management, presented here in several different versions, depending on the monitoring system available in the local clinical environment. The discharge from the operating room to a proper clinical setting must be based on a suitable scoring system, such as APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation). Clinical surveillance, when the patient is on the ward, has to be governed for a period using a nursing score like the modified early warning score. Antimicrobial therapy, as well as appropriate timing of administration is both important. Analgesia, locoregional whenever possible, is also an important tool for preventing complications, which occur mainly during the postoperative period, and most frequently in the first month.
Editorial: Mobilities
Authors: Healy Chris , Schlunke Katrina
Published: May 2017

Editorial by Chris Healy and Katrina Schlunke.
Media, Mobilities and Identity in East and Southeast Asia: Introduction
Authors: Edwards Dan , Ho Louis , Choi Seokhun
Published: May 2017

This collection for Cultural Studies Review aims to address gaps in existing mobilities scholarship from two perspectives. First, while several articles here discuss the physical movement of various groups, the overarching focus is the complex interplay of mobile technologies and information on the one hand, and rapidly evolving formations of culture and identity on the other. Geographically, our focus is outside the ‘global north’, on a region that has perhaps been more dramatically transformed by physical, cultural and informational mobility than any other: East and Southeast Asia. Rather than taking ‘Asia’ as a category of cultural identity, this collection conceptualises the geographic region as a zone of cultural and political plurality, in which a vast array of migrations, imaginings, representations and discourses are constantly bumping up against political and cultural borders, as well as various state-sponsored and state-sanctioned ideas and images, in fascinating and often highly volatile ways. Topic covered in this collection include Hong Kong working holidaymakers in Australia (Louis Ho), literary narratives of overseas adoptees who have returned to South Korea (Ethan Waddell), online debates and conflicts between Chinese migrants and local Chinese-Singaporeans (Sylvia Ang), the politics of representing urban demolition and relocation in independent Chinese documentaries (Dan Edwards), the ‘glocalisation’ of Japanese anime culture in the online space in China (Asako Saito) and the representation of migrant worker experience in South Korean cinema (Sina Kim).
Toward Cultural Policy Studies on Mobility: Reflections on a Study of the Hong Kong Working Holiday Scheme
Authors: Ho Louis
Published: May 2017

Cultural policy is predominantly, and practically, considered the sum of a government’s activities with respect to the arts, humanities and heritage. Thus, cultural policy encompasses a much broader range of activities than was traditionally associated with an arts policy. Critical cultural policy studies, then, sees a distinction between ‘explicit’ cultural policies that are manifestly labelled as ‘cultural’, and ‘implicit’ cultural policies that are not labelled as such, but that work to shape cultural experiences. This article considers this explicit/implicit cultural policy distinction through John Urry’s idea of ‘social as mobility’, suggesting that some public policies regarding mobility (such as immigration, international trade and labour policy) have led to specific cultural consequences and therefore qualify as implicit cultural policy. Using Hong Kong’s working holiday scheme as a case study, this article explores how an economic policy on temporary immigrant labour involves a deliberate cultural agenda as well as ‘unintentional’ cultural consequences and problematises the fact that cultural policy studies are largely framed by the idea of ‘social as society’.
Connecting the Plots: The Extension of Return and Korean Ethnic Nationalism in Jane Jeong Trenka’s 'Fugitive Visions'
Authors: Waddell Ethan
Published: May 2017

Thousands of overseas Korean adoptees return to Korea temporarily each year in search of their true origin, but few choose to stay permanently. A prominent member of this small community is Jane Jeong Trenka, author of two memoirs: The Language of Blood (2003) and Fugitive Visions: An Adoptee’s Return to Korea (2009). This article analyses Trenka’s literary struggle for permanence in Fugitive Visions through theories on Korean ethnic national identity. Using Marshall McLuhan’s idea of media as the ‘extension of man’, it explores the symbiotic relationship between literary media and identity, connecting colonial-era writings on Korean ethnic nationalism to Trenka’s portrayal of transnational return.
An Ageless Vision: Ngaanyatjarra Late-Life Art and Country
Authors: Kneebone Sue
Published: May 2017

A review of  David Brooks and Darren Jorgensen, Wanarn Painters of Place and Time: Old Age Travels in the Tjukurrpa, UWA Publishing, Perth, 2015.
Suicide and Disciplinarity
Authors: Cover Rob
Published: May 2017

A review of  Marzio Barbagli, Farewell to the World: A History of Suicide, trans. Lucinda Byatt, Polity Press, Cambridge, 2015.
Indigenous Radio and the Cultural Politics of Voice
Authors: Ottosson Åse
Published: May 2017

Daniel Fisher. The Voice and Its Doubles: Media and Music in Northern Australia, Duke University Press, Durham and London, 2016.
Migrants, Media and Cultural Politics in China
Authors: Woronov Terry
Published: May 2017

A review of Wanning Sun, Subaltern China: Rural Migrants, Media, and Cultural Practices, Rowman and Littlefield, Lanham, Boulder, New York and London, 2014.
Assessment of cloud-related fine-mode AOD enhancements based on AERONET SDA product
Authors: Arola Antti , Eck Thomas F. , Kokkola Harri , Pitkänen Mikko R. A. , Romakkaniemi Sami
Published: May 2017

Abstract. AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork), which is a network of ground-based sun photometers, produces a data product called the aerosol spectral deconvolution algorithm (SDA) that utilizes spectral total aerosol optical depth (AOD) data to infer the component fine- and coarse-mode optical depths at 500 nm. Based on its assumptions, SDA identifies cloud optical depth as the coarse-mode AOD component and therefore effectively computes the fine-mode AOD also in mixed cloud–aerosol observations. Therefore, it can be argued that the more representative AOD for fine-mode fraction should be based on all direct sun measurements and not only on those cloud screened for clear-sky conditions, i.e., on those from level 1 (L1) instead of level 2 (L2) in AERONET. The objective of our study was to assess, including all the available AERONET sites, how the fine-mode AOD is enhanced in cloudy conditions, contrasting SDA L1 and L2 in our analysis. Assuming that the cloud screening correctly separates the cloudy and clear-sky conditions, then the increases in fine-mode AOD can be due to various cloud-related processes, mainly by the strong hygroscopic growth of particles in the vicinity of clouds and in-cloud processing leading to growth of accumulation mode particles. We estimated these cloud-related enhancements in fine-mode AOD seasonally and found, for instance, that in June–August season the average over all the AERONET sites was 0.011, when total fine-mode AOD from L2 data was 0.154; therefore, the relative enhancement was 7 %. The enhancements were largest, both absolutely and relatively, in East Asia; for example, in June–August season the absolute and relative differences in fine-mode AOD, between L1 and L2 measurements, were 0.022 and 10 %, respectively. Corresponding values in North America and Europe were about 0.01 and 6–7 %. In some highly polluted areas, the enhancement is greater than these regional averages, e.g., in Beijing region and in June–July–August (JJA) season the corresponding absolute values were about 0.1. It is difficult to separate the fine-mode AOD enhancements due to in-cloud processing and hygroscopic growth, but we attempted to get some understanding by conducting a similar analysis for SDA-based fine-mode Ångström exponent (AE) patterns. Moreover, we exploited a cloud parcel model, in order to understand in detail the relative role of different processes. We found that in marine conditions, were aerosol concentration are low and cloud scavenging is efficient, the AE changes in opposite direction than in the more polluted conditions, were hygroscopic growth of particles leads to a negative AE change.
Sensitivity of black carbon concentrations and climate impact to aging and scavenging in OsloCTM2–M7
Authors: Lund Marianne T. , Berntsen Terje K. , Samset Bjørn H.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Accurate representation of black carbon (BC) concentrations in climate models is a key prerequisite for understanding its net climate impact. BC aging and scavenging are treated very differently in current models. Here, we examine the sensitivity of three-dimensional (3-D), temporally resolved BC concentrations to perturbations to individual model processes in the chemistry transport model OsloCTM2–M7. The main goals are to identify processes related to aerosol aging and scavenging where additional observational constraints may most effectively improve model performance, in particular for BC vertical profiles, and to give an indication of how model uncertainties in the BC life cycle propagate into uncertainties in climate impacts. Coupling OsloCTM2 with the microphysical aerosol module M7 allows us to investigate aging processes in more detail than possible with a simpler bulk parameterization. Here we include, for the first time in this model, a treatment of condensation of nitric acid on BC. Using kernels, we also estimate the range of radiative forcing and global surface temperature responses that may result from perturbations to key tunable parameters in the model. We find that BC concentrations in OsloCTM2–M7 are particularly sensitive to convective scavenging and the inclusion of condensation by nitric acid. The largest changes are found at higher altitudes around the Equator and at low altitudes over the Arctic. Convective scavenging of hydrophobic BC, and the amount of sulfate required for BC aging, are found to be key parameters, potentially reducing bias against HIAPER Pole-to-Pole Observations (HIPPO) flight-based measurements by 60 to 90  %. Even for extensive tuning, however, the total impact on global-mean surface temperature is estimated to less than 0.04 K. Similar results are found when nitric acid is allowed to condense on the BC aerosols. We conclude, in line with previous studies, that a shorter atmospheric BC lifetime broadly improves the comparison with measurements over the Pacific. However, we also find that the model–measurement discrepancies can not be uniquely attributed to uncertainties in a single process or parameter. Model development therefore needs to be focused on improvements to individual processes, supported by a broad range of observational and experimental data, rather than tuning of individual, effective parameters such as the global BC lifetime.
Ozone and haze pollution weakens net primary productivity in China
Authors: Yue Xu , Unger Nadine , Harper Kandice , Xia Xiangao , Liao Hong , Zhu Tong , Xiao Jingfeng , Feng Zhaozhong , Li Jing
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Atmospheric pollutants have both beneficial and detrimental effects on carbon uptake by land ecosystems. Surface ozone (O3) damages leaf photosynthesis by oxidizing plant cells, while aerosols promote carbon uptake by increasing diffuse radiation and exert additional influences through concomitant perturbations to meteorology and hydrology. China is currently the world's largest emitter of both carbon dioxide and short-lived air pollutants. The land ecosystems of China are estimated to provide a carbon sink, but it remains unclear whether air pollution acts to inhibit or promote carbon uptake. Here, we employ Earth system modeling and multiple measurement datasets to assess the separate and combined effects of anthropogenic O3 and aerosol pollution on net primary productivity (NPP) in China. In the present day, O3 reduces annual NPP by 0.6 Pg C (14 %) with a range from 0.4 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 0.8 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). In contrast, aerosol direct effects increase NPP by 0.2 Pg C (5 %) through the combination of diffuse radiation fertilization, reduced canopy temperatures, and reduced evaporation leading to higher soil moisture. Consequently, the net effects of O3 and aerosols decrease NPP by 0.4 Pg C (9 %) with a range from 0.2 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 0.6 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). However, precipitation inhibition from combined aerosol direct and indirect effects reduces annual NPP by 0.2 Pg C (4 %), leading to a net air pollution suppression of 0.8 Pg C (16 %) with a range from 0.6 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 1.0 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). Our results reveal strong dampening effects of air pollution on the land carbon uptake in China today. Following the current legislation emission scenario, this suppression will be further increased by the year 2030, mainly due to a continuing increase in surface O3. However, the maximum technically feasible reduction scenario could drastically relieve the current level of NPP damage by 70 % in 2030, offering protection of this critical ecosystem service and the mitigation of long-term global warming.