bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymerization during melting of ortho- and meta-silicates: Effects on Q species stability, heats of fusion, and redox state of mid-ocean range basalts (MORBs)
Authors: Nesbitt H. Wayne , Bancroft G. Michael , Henderson Grant S.
Published: January 2020

29Si NMR and Raman spectroscopic studies demonstrate that fusion of crystalline orthosilicates and metasilicates produces melts more polymerized than their precursor crystals. Forsterite, for example, consists of 100% Q0 species, whereas its melt consists of ~50 mol% of Q1 species (Q = a Si tetrahedron and the superscript indicates the number of bridging oxygen atoms in the tetrahedron). Polymerization during melting can be rationalized from an energetics perspective. Si-NBO-M moieties of Q species are more susceptible to librational, rotational, and vibrational modes than are Si-BO-Si moieties (NBO = non-bridging oxygen; BO = bridging oxygen; M = counter cation). Thermal agitation activates these additional modes, thus increasing the CP and free energy of melts. The reaction of Qn to Qn+1 species during melting eliminates Si-NBO-M moieties and produces Si-O-Si moieties that are less susceptible to the additional modes, thereby minimizing the CP of melts. By decreasing the abundances of Q0, Q1, and Q2 species in favor of Q3 and Q4 species, melts become more stable. In the absence of polymerization, melting temperatures of minerals would be appreciably greater than observed.

Polymerization involves formation of Si-O bonds, which are strongly endothermic (Si-O bond dissociation is ~798 kJ/mol). The large heats of fusion (ΔHf) of orthosilicates result primarily from polymerization reactions during melting (ΔHf of forsterite, fayalite, and tephroite are ~142, ~92, and ~90 kJ/mol). The fusion of metasilicates and sorosilicates (e.g., pyroxenes and melilites) involves endothermic polymerization and exothermic depolymerization reactions, although the former dominates. These reactions tend to negate each other during melting, yielding less positive ΔHf values than observed for orthosilicate fusion (e.g., ΔHf of enstatite, diopside, pseudowollastonite, and åkermanite are ~73, ~69, ~57, and ~62 kJ/mol). Where polymerization and depolymerization reactions are absent ΔHf is low and is due mostly to disordering during melting (e.g., ΔHf of cristobalite iŝ8.9 kJ/mol).

Experimental evidence indicates that ferric iron is present as a negatively charged oxy-anionic complex in melts (e.g., [FeO2]1–) so that oxidation of Fe2+ should proceed according to: 4Femelt2+ + 1O2 + 6Omelt2−→4[FeO2]melt1−.

Free oxygen (O2–), a by-product of polymerization reactions, drives the reaction to the right. Midocean ridge basalts (MORBs) consequently should be more oxidized than their source (e.g., lherzolites) or their residues (e.g., harzburgites). Extraction of melt from the upper mantle and deposition in the crust should produce a crust more oxidized than its upper mantle source. Production of O2– during melting and its presence in alkali-rich magmas also explains the alkali-ferric iron effect.
Formation of native arsenic in hydrothermal base metal deposits and related supergene U6+ enrichment: The Michael vein near Lahr, SW Germany
Authors: Scharrer Manuel , Sandritter Katharina , Walter Benjamin F. , Neumann Udo , Markl Gregor
Published: January 2020

Native arsenic is an occasional ore mineral in some hydrothermal base metal deposits. Its rarity (compared to pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, sphalerite, or chalcopyrite, for example) is surprising, as arsenic is a common constituent of upper crustal fluids. Hence, the conditions of formation must be quite special to precipitate native arsenic. An ideal location to investigate the formation of native As and to explore the parameters constraining its crystallization is the Michael vein near Lahr, Schwarzwald, southwest (SW) Germany. Here, galena, sphalerite, and native arsenic are the most abundant ore minerals. The two important ore stages comprise (1) galena-barite and (2) sphalerite-native arsenic-quartz, the latter with a general mineral succession of pyrite → sphalerite ± jordanite-gratonite solid solution → galena → native As. The native arsenic-bearing mineralization formed by cooling of an at least 130 °C hot saline fluid accompanied by a reduction due to the admixing of a sulfide-bearing fluid.

Thermodynamic calculations reveal that for the formation of native arsenic, reduced conditions in combination with very low concentrations of the transition metals Fe, Co, and Ni, as well as low sulfide concentrations, are essential. “Typical” hydrothermal fluids do not fulfill these criteria, as they typically can contain significant amounts of Fe and sulfide. This results in the formation of arsenides, sulfarsenides, or As-bearing sulfides instead of native arsenic. Very minor amounts of pyrite, sulfarsenides, and arsenides record the very low concentrations of Fe, Co, and Ni present in the ore-forming fluid. High concentrations of aqueous Zn and Pb lead to early saturation of sphalerite and galena that promoted native arsenic precipitation by decreasing the availability of sulfide and hence suppressing realgar formation.

Interestingly, native arsenic in the Michael vein acted as a trap for uranium during supergene weathering processes. Infiltrating oxidizing, U+VI-bearing fluids from the host lithologies reacted under ambient conditions with galena and native arsenic, forming a variety of U+VI (±Pb)-bearing arsenates such as hügelite, hallimondite, zeunerite, heinrichite, or novacekite together with U-free minerals like mimetite or anglesite. Some parts of the vein were enriched to U concentrations of up to 1 wt% by this supergene process. Reduced (hypogene) uranium phases like uraninite were never observed.
Impact of LULC Changes on LST in Rajshahi District of Bangladesh: A Remote Sensing Approach
Authors: Al Kafy Abdulla , Al-Faisal Abdullah , Mahmudul Hasan Mohammad , Sikdar Md. Soumik , Hasan Khan Mohammad Hasib , Rahman Mahbubur , Islam Rahatul
Published: January 2020

Urbanization has been contributing more in global climate warming, with more than 50% of the population living in cities. Rapid population growth and change in land use / land cover (LULC) are closely linked. The transformation of LULC due to rapid urban expansion significantly affects the functions of biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as local and regional climates. Improper planning and uncontrolled management of LULC changes profoundly contribute to the rise of urban land surface temperature (LST). This study evaluates the impact of LULC changes on LST for 1997, 2007 and 2017 in the Rajshahi district (Bangladesh) using multi-temporal and multi-spectral Landsat 8 OLI and Landsat 5 TM satellite data sets. The analysis of LULC changes exposed a remarkable increase in the built-up areas and a significant decrease in the vegetation and agricultural land. The built-up area was increased almost double in last 20 years in the study area. The distribution of changes in LST shows that built-up areas recorded the highest temperature followed by bare land, vegetation and agricultural land and water bodies. The LULC-LST profiles also revealed the highest temperature in built-up areas and the lowest temperature in water bodies. In the last 20 years, LST was increased about 13ºC. The study demonstrates decrease in vegetation cover and increase in non-evaporating surfaces with significantly increases the surface temperature in the study area. Remote-sensing techniques were found one of the suitable techniques for rapid analysis of urban expansions and to identify the impact of urbanization on LST.
Evaluation of the Drug Utilization Pattern of Pre and Post Operative Medicines used in Surgical Department: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Kumar Anoop
Published: January 2020

Background:

Surgery is the art of treating lesions and malformations of the human body which involves various surgical techniques. Various classes of drugs are being used in the surgery but unfortunately, the drug utilization pattern of these drugs particularly in developing countries like India is still unsatisfactory. Thus, there is a need to conduct drug utilization studies of various medicines used in the surgical department.

Objective:

The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the drug utilization pattern of pre and post- operative medicines used in surgery to promote the rational use of medicines.

Material and Methods:

A prospective observational study was carried out over a period of 6 months (November 2017 to April 2018) from in Global Hospital, Jalandhar, Punjab, India. A consent form has been designed and filled by the patients after explaining the aims and objectives of the study. The case record form (CRF) has been designed to collect all the relevant information from the surgery patients.

Results:

A total of 271 cases have been reported and evaluated. 58.0% of patients were female and 42.0% of patients were male. The most common surgery was nailing, plating and knee replacement. In pre and post-operative procedures, the most common medicines prescribed were a combination of antimicrobials and antacids followed by anti-emetics, analgesics.

Conclusion:

The prescribed medicines were less from the National Essential Medical List (EML) which should be increase in future.
Investigation of Uplift Capacity of Deep Foundation in Various Geometry Conditions
Authors: Armaghani Danial Jahed , Sohaei Houman , Namazi Eshagh , Marto Aminaton
Published: January 2020

Background:

Uplift resistance of deep foundations or piles is a critical factor for deep foundation design in several civil engineering applications such as electric transmission towers, communication towers and wind power generators. Therefore, the behavior of the pile under uplift load, together with its influential parameters, should be studied to provide a proper design.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of pile geometry, including diameter and embedment depth on the Maximum Uplift Resistance (MUR) of the small-scale piles.

Methods:

To achieve the aims of this study, a total of nine laboratory experiments having various pile diameters (i.e. 9 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm) and embedment depths (i.e., 10 cm, 15 cm and 20 cm) were planned, designed and conducted.

Results:

Generally, the results indicated that both diameter and embedment depth have a significant effect on the MUR of piles. The values of the MUR of piles were increased by increasing the pile diameters in all conducted tests. Furthermore, a significant increase in the MUR results was observed when the embedment depths are increased from 10 cm to 20 cm. Moreover, in all cases, small-scale piles were failed in embedment depths ranging from 5 mm to 10 mm.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that pile geometry has a deep impact on the MUR of the piles. Future research can be done to investigate the effects of other influential factors on the MUR.
Integrative management of infrastructure and traction equipment at the railway area
Authors: Sirina N. F. , Yushkova S. S.
Published: January 2020

Railway transport is in condition of preparation for fulfillment of the forecast increase of transportation. The level of effectiveness and quality of the railways operation is assessed by the period of delivery to the point of destination of required volume of transported freight, which growth increases intensity of infrastructure wear and tear, which requires breaks in trains movement for providing “gaps” for the track repair operations and inevitably results in the delivery time increase.

The use of the best speed path of trains is an important component of ensuring energy effectiveness. Transition to the ground process of trains’ movement control allows JSC “RZD” to arrange rhythmic movement of the car traffic movement providing “gaps” in the single opening for the entire ground.

Conducted SWOT-analysis determined the risks and potential results of use of the single infrastructure of the railway area in terms of possible additional expenses in the future. Control mechanism of operation costs was proposed, which allows analyzing actual direct expenses and comparing deviations with regard to the set values. Overall algorithm of the model of integrative control of infrastructure and traction resources was formalized, which is illustrated by the example of participants of transportation process at the railway area. The basis of their interaction is the results of integral assessment that generalized various quantity of indicators and assessment factors of transportation process.

Mathematical support of procedures of establishing the cost price is implemented in the Intellectual system of control and handling of the locomotive fleet at the area of the railway production infrastructure. Obtained results are integrated in the Automated control system of operation of the single center of infrastructure control and are set for transformation, effective use of the industrial companies potential.

Key trends of the geo-economic condition having direct relation to the transportation and logistic operation in Russia determine necessity of effective management of traction resources by means of arrangement of the uniform process of transportation operation of JSC “RZD”, which results in the best use of transportation infrastructure, balanced increase of the volumes of loading and attraction of investments to the railways.
Clearance of obstructions of high passenger platforms
Authors: Lazarenko Yu. M. , Semerkhanov V. V. , Smirnov D. I. , Smelyanskiy I. V.
Published: January 2020

The article examines the issues of justification of the norms of clearance of obstructions of high passenger platforms of the railways 1520 mm wide. The authors conducted analysis of the valid regulatory documents establishing the clearance requirements to passenger platforms and developed the double-criteria method of assessment of the relevance of these requirements. Examinations were conducted by the scientists of JSC “VNIIZhT” together with the experts of Moscow directorate of infrastructure in order to make correct selection of the clearance of obstructions when constructing new high passenger platforms. Experts of JSC “VNIIZhT” developed explanation of the relevance of the clearance norms stated in GOST 9238–2013 and in the Standard code in the Russian Federation approved by the order of the Ministry of Transportation dated 21.12.2010 no. 286, as well as performed inspection of compliance of high passenger platforms recently constructed or being constructed now with the requirements of these regulatory documents.

Analysis of actual clearance to obstructions of the used platforms by means of the double-criteria method of justification of the clearance of high passenger platforms allowed assessing compliance of the actual clearance to obstructions of the platforms with the passenger comfort requirements, as well as with GOST 9238–2013. Examinations confirmed that actual clearance to obstructions with regard to the tolerances in general comply with the standard. Requirements of GOST 9238–2013, which shall be followed for selection of the clearance to obstructions of high passenger platforms, are the primary requirements of the valid regulatory documents specifying the norms of the platform clearance to obstructions.
Use of rating assessment of financial and economic operation effectiveness of the JSC “RZD” branches
Authors: Shanchenko P. A. , Vinnikova K. O. , Ershova E. V. , Lenskaya I. N.
Published: January 2020

Rating is one of the methods of economic analysis used for comparative assessment of effectiveness of production and economic operation of the organizational structures in different branches of economy. Rating assessment of railways is used in JSC “RZD” since 2018 for objective assessment of economic and financial sustainability and effectiveness of management of structural divisions (branches). Methods of rating assessment adapted for structural divisions of JSC “RZD” with regard to the specificity of their operation are examined in the work.

Main objectives of establishing the rating assessment system of financial and economic operation of the JSC “RZD” branches are examined, detailed rating classification is presented.

Basic principles are developed for establishing the rating assessment system of operation effectiveness of the deputies of the JSC “RZD” branches heads in terms of financial and economic operation, as well as classification of indicators of financial and economic operation of the JSC “RZD” branches by types of operation with definition of their vector orientation.

The following conclusions are made:

 1. Presented rating assessment is an indicator of the quality of financial and economic operation management of the JSC “RZD” branches.

 2. Use of rating assessment for results analysis is relevant for motivation of the management in charge for economic operations.

 3. Further development of the rating assessment system consists in establishing the events classifier and optimization of the current expenses.
Ultra-precision measurement of hydrogen storage capacity in metal nanoparticles using quartz crystal at low temperature and high hydrogen pressure
Authors: Inagaki Yuji
Published: January 2020

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the known universe, and in a climate where the scarcity of resources is at the forefront of our minds, its value as an energy source that produces zero carbon emissions cannot be overestimated. The potential of hydrogen has caught the attention
of scientists worldwide, with several candidates so far being uncovered to fulfil the role of supplying or storing hydrogen as a compressed or liquified gas. Of these candidates, metal alloys have proven to be promising options, although there is still much work to be carried out in this area
in terms of operability and economic value. At Kyushu University's Department of Applied Quantum Physics, Assistant Professor Yuji Inagaki and Associate Professor Tatsuya Kawae are focused on detecting and measuring hydrogen absorption in metals. In doing so, they are also investigating fundamental
properties of hydrogen-related phenomena, such as superconductivity with potential high-Tc in hydrogen-rich materials and quantum tunneling of hydrogen in metals. Their research has prompted the development of novel techniques and real-time measurement of hydrogen absorption, resulting in
very real progress towards realising a world in which the metal-hydrogen system plays an essential role in reducing environmental loading.
EU-Japan collaboration: Two powerhouses, one mission
Authors: Sharp Lucy
Published: January 2020

As we well know by now, collaboration is an invaluable tool for researchers, irrespective of their field. Cross-disciplinary and multi-country partnerships can yield a world of benefits, as pooling expertise accelerates scientific discovery, enabling breakthroughs to be made at a quicker
pace. One important collaboration that has blossomed in recent years is that between the European Union (EU) and Japan. This alliance makes a lot of sense given that the two face many of the same challenges. From rapidly ageing populations and the challenges they present, to the urgent need
to curtail climate change, the EU and Japan can work together to achieve common goals. But what are the logistics and how is this executed?
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF DETERMINING SILTATION VOLUMES OF WATER RESERVOIR STORAGE ON THE AKSAY RIVER
Authors: Magomedova M. R. , Kurbanova Z. A. , Shangereeva B. A.
Published: January 2020

Objectives. The development of a mathematical model for the increased turbidity zones of the Aksay river in order to determine the siltation volumes of the Aksay water reservoir storage.

Method. The mathematical model is developed using the theory of probability and the theory of random process outliers. The model takes the normal distribution of the horizontal and vertical components of the instantaneous flow velocities into account, as well as the Rayleigh law of the distribution of their maxima. The proposed model is used to calculate the “turbidity tail” of the Aksay river.

Result. Due to the multifactorial nature of the continuously associated processes of siltation and deposition of suspended and bottom sediments in the upper pounds of the Aksay reservoir storage hydrological system, a mathematical model of the reservoir accretion process is developed. This model provides the reliability of accretion forecasting with spatial and temporal correlation with the siltation process model, which is actually feasible on the basis of computer simulation.

Conclusion. The developed model, which is based on a probabilistic approach and the theory of random process outliers, reflects the overall process of sediment transport in open channels. The development and execution of simulation programmes is carried out using the Microsoft Developer Studio (MDS) and the Fortran Power Station algorithmic language, which comprises not only a programming system, but also a set of tools for supporting large software projects integrated into MDS.
PROCESSING IMAGES OF SALES RECEIPTS FOR ISOLATING AND RECOGNISING TEXT INFORMATION
Authors: Nazdryukhin A. S. , Khramtsov I. N. , Tushev A. N.
Published: January 2020

Objectives. This article presents an application for the processing of scanned images of sales receipts for subsequent extraction of text information using the Tesseract OCR Engine. Such an application is useful for maintaining a family budget or for accounting in small companies. The main problem of receipt recognition is the low quality of ink and printing paper, which results in creasing and tears, as well as the rapid fading of printed characters.

Methods. The study is based on a number of algorithms based on mathematical morphology methods for opening, closing and morphological gradient operations, as well as image conversion, which can significantly improve the final recognition of characters by Tesseract.

Results. In order to solve this problem, a special image normalisation algorithm is proposed, which includes locating a receipt on an image, processing the received image section, removing image capture and carrier defects, as well as point processing for restoring missing characters. The developed application supports increased recognition accuracy of text information when using Tesseract OCR.

Conclusion. The developed system recognises characters with fairly high accuracy, demonstrates a result that is better than that obtained when using the unmodified Tesseract method, but which is still inferior to the recognition accuracy of ABBY FineReader. Methods are also been proposed aimed at improving the developed algorithm.
CALCULATION AND DESIGN OF CELLULAR CARRYING LAYERS OF AIRFIELD RUNWAY PAVEMENTS
Authors: Murtazaliev G. M. , Batdalov M. M. , Akayev A. I. , Bulgakov A. I. , Payzulaev M. M.
Published: January 2020

Objectives. The need to ensure the reliable functioning of expensive airfield structures poses great challenges for surveyors, designers, builders and operators of these structures. These tasks are complicated by the continuous development of aircraft, an increase in the intensity of their movement, an increase in mass, take-off and landing characteristics of aircraft and the degree of operational impact of aircraft on airfield structures. The aim of the study is the technological solution model proposed by the authors for the carrier layer of artificial runway pavement in the form of a honeycomb structure of closed steel sheets filled with concrete along with a method for assessing the strength and determining the rigidity of its aggregate.

Method. A method is proposed for assessing the ultimate strength and determining the real stiffness parameters of structural layers of a runway with a constructive solution to the question of concrete work in cramped conditions (“cage effect”) from the impact of manifold repeated operational aircraft loads. This method is based on the fundamental principles of the deformation theory of reinforced concrete, developed by V.M. Bondarenko and elaborated in relation to the volumetric stress state of reinforced concrete structures in the works by G.A. Geniev, K.L. Surov and V.I. Rimshin.

Result. An analytical dependency is obtained for establishing a discrete value, a generalised (integral) parameter of the material deformation of the carrier layer, i.e. the equation of the mechanical state of steel-reinforced concrete in a complex stress state, as well as the repeated application of an operational aircraft load at an arbitrary stress point of the artificial runway pavement taking into account the influence of changes in strength, reinforcement, temperature, humidity and rheological factors.

Conclusion. The introduction of new technological principles for reinforcing and concrete laying into the design solutions of the bearing layers of artificial runway pavement allows their bearing capacity and rigidity to be significantly increased due to the redistribution of impact energy and the efficient use of the properties of structural materials during loading.
INTERLEAVING BURST ERROR ELEMENTS IN INFORMATION ARRAYS USING THE METHOD OF INDEX STRUCTURISATION
Authors: Kadiev I. P. , Kadiev P. A. , Kudaev B. R.
Published: January 2020

Objectives. “Burst errors” representing groups of accidentally or intentionally distorted or “erased” characters in blocks of information arrays violate the integrity of their content. However, the use of special codes for detecting and correcting such errors significantly reduces the speed of information transfer due to the need to introduce redundancy in the form of a large number of control characters. Therefore, this study sets out to develop a method for correcting burst errors.

Method. A possible approach for correcting burst errors consists in interleaving preliminary permutations of information array elements between different array blocks. After eliminating the results of element permutations, these procedures cause the interleaving of distorted elements occurring during the transfer or storage of the information array between its various blocks, causing single or minor fold errors.

Result. For solving problems of this class, a new method of permuting elements of an nxnset of finite sets is proposed based on the index structuring of the formed configurations. These sets are interpreted as information arrays of the same configuration, and the permutation – interleaving – of their elements is carried out according to the method of configuration formed by the index structuring of their location.

Conclusion. Three methods for interleaving elements of the original information in arrays are proposed: between rows, between columns and combined – between rows and columns. The proposed interleaving methods based on the preliminary conversion of information arrays by permuting elements according to given algorithms allow their distortions under the influence of burst errors to be corrected. Thus, the task of combating the burst errors leading to the destruction of individual groups of characters can be reduced to solving a simpler problem of minor fold error correction.
MODELING HEAT EXCHANGE DEPENDING ON THE PRANDTL NUMBER FOR VARIOUS GEOMETRIC AND REGIME PARAMETERS
Authors: Lobanov I. E.
Published: January 2020

Objectives. The aim is to study the dependency of the distribution of integral heat transfer during turbulent convective heat transfer in a pipe with a sequence of periodic protrusions of semicircular geometry on the Prandtl number using the calculation method based on a numerical solution of the system of Reynolds equations closed using the Menter’s shear stress transport model and the energy equation on different-sized intersecting structured grids.

Method. A calculation was carried out on the basis of a theoretical method based on the solution of the Reynolds equations by factored finite-volume method closed with the help of the Menter shear stress transport model, as well as the energy equation on different-scaled intersecting structured grids (fast composite mesh method (FCOM)).

Results. The calculations performed in the work showed that with an increase in the Prandtl number at small Reynolds numbers, there is an initial noticeable increase in the relative heat transfer. With additional increase in the Prandtl number, the relative heat transfer changes less: for small steps, it increases; for median steps it is almost stabilised, while for large steps it declines insignificantly. At large Reynolds numbers, the relative heat transfer decreases with an increase in the Prandtl number followed by its further stabilisation.

Conclusion. The study analyses the calculated dependencies of the relative heat transfer on the Pr Prandtl number for various values of the relative h/D height of the turbulator, the relative t/D pitch between the turbulators and for various values of the Re Reynolds number. Qualitative and quantitative changes in calculated parameters are described all other things being equal. The analytical substantiation of the obtained calculation laws is that the height of the turbuliser is less for small Reynolds numbers, while for large Reynolds numbers, it is less than the height of the wall layer. Consequently, only the core of the flow is turbulised, which results in an increase in hydroresistance and a decrease in heat transfer. In the work on the basis of limited calculation material, a tangible decrease in the level of heat transfer intensification for small Prandtl numbers is theoretically confirmed. The obtained results of intensified heat transfer in the region of low Prandtl numbers substantiate the promising development of research in this direction. The theoretical data obtained in the work have determined the laws of relative heat transfer across a wide range of Prandtl numbers, including in those areas where experimental material does not currently exist.
Web-Based Technology to Improve Disease Knowledge Among Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Saulsberry Anjelica C , Hodges Jason R , Cole Audrey , Porter Jerlym S , Hankins Jane
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Advancements in treatment have contributed to increased survivorship among children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Increased transition readiness, encompassing disease knowledge and self-management skills before transfer to adult care, is necessary to ensure optimal health outcomes. The Sickle Cell Transition E-Learning Program (STEP) is a public, Web-based, 6-module tool designed to increase transition readiness for youth with SCD.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to investigate the participation rate of youth with SCD in STEP and its association with transition readiness.

METHODS

This was a single-center, Institution Review Board–approved, retrospective cohort review. A total of 183 youths with SCD, aged between 12 and 15 years, were offered STEP as an adjunct to in-clinic disease education sessions. Participation rate (number of patients who used at least one STEP module divided by those approached) was calculated. The association among the number of STEP modules completed, disease knowledge, and self-management was explored.

RESULTS

Overall, 53 of the 183 approached adolescents completed at least one STEP module, yielding a participation rate in STEP of 29.0%. Of the 53 participants, 37 and 39 adolescents had disease knowledge and self-management confidence rating available, respectively. A positive correlation (r=0.47) was found between the number of STEP modules completed and disease knowledge scores (P=.003). No association was found between the number of modules completed and self-management confidence ratings. Disease knowledge scores were significantly higher among participants who completed ≥3 STEP modules compared with those who completed <3 STEP modules (U=149.00; P=.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in disease knowledge in adolescence is critical to ensure the youth’s ability to self-care during the period of transition to adult care. Despite low participation, the cumulative exposure to the STEP program suggested greater promotion of disease knowledge among adolescents with SCD before transfer to adult care.
SOLUBILITY AND DISSOLUTION RATE ENHANCEMENT OF TELMISARTAN BY SOLID DISPERSION AND PELLETIZATION TECHNIQUES USING SOLUPLUS AS CARRIER
Authors: KUNAM VISWANADH , GARIKAPATI DEVALA RAO , SURYADEVARA VIDYADHARA , MANDAVA VENKATA BASAVESWARA RAO , JANGA RAMESH BABU , SUNKARA SIVA PRASAD
Published: January 2020

Objective: In the present investigation, an attempt was made to improve the surface characters and solubility of the drug by solid dispersion and coating it on the nonpareil sugar beads as pellets.

Methods: Telmisartan solid dispersions were prepared by kneading method using soluplus. Crospovidone was added as disintegrant in pellets. Telmisartan pellets were prepared by dissolving soluplus and crospovidone in ethanol in different ratios and coated on nonpareil sugar beads as a drug layer by pan coating technique. Various physicochemical parameters like particle size, friability, angle of repose and drug content were evaluated for the prepared solid dispersions and pellet formulations. In vitro dissolution studies were carried out in pH 7.5 phosphate buffer using USP apparatus II. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis were performed for solid dispersions, pellet formulations and its polymers to determine the interactions and surface characteristics.

Results: The physicochemical parameters were within the specified I. P limits. It was observed that the solid dispersion formulation TS5 containing 1:5 ratio of telmisartan to soluplus showed better dissolution rate to the extent of 1.143 folds and 2.033 folds when compared to a marketed formulation and the pure drug, respectively. Similarly, pellet formulation TP3 containing 1:3 ratio of telmisartan to soluplus showed an improved dissolution rate to the extent of 1.221 folds and 2.170 folds when compared to the marketed formulation and the pure drug, respectively. FTIR and DSC analysis revealed that there was no major interaction between the drug and the excipients. 

Conclusion: From the present study, it was observed that the solubility of telmisartan was enhanced by soluplus in pellet formulations when compared to solid dispersions.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF LAMOTRIGINE SOYA LECITHIN SOLID DISPERSION: IN VITRO AND PHARMACODYNAMIC INVESTIGATION
Authors: GAUTAM SURESH , NIKALAJE YOGESH , BHADRE DARSHANA , TRIVEDI RASHMI , UMEKAR MILIND , TAKSANDE JAYSHREE
Published: January 2020

Objective: Epilepsy is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by spontaneous and repeated attacks of convulsions. It requires immediate pharmacotherapy to prevent its progression to status epilepticus. However, most of the anticonvulsant drugs are poorly water-soluble and demonstrate the delayed onset of action. Thus there is a need to improve its solubility for the better pharmaceutical profile. The objective of the present investigation was to enhance the solubility of lamotrigine incorporating soya lecithin as a phospholipid carrier by solid dispersion technique

Methods: Solid dispersions of lamotrigine were prepared with soya lecithin by the solvent method. The effect of concentration of phospholipid and solvents on aqueous solubility and dissolution profile of lamotrigine was analyzed.

Results: Ethanol increased lamotrigine solubility with soya lecithin in ratio 5:1. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron micrograph indicated a smaller crystallite size of lamotrigine with fairly uniform size distribution in the lamotrigine-soya lecithin solid dispersion. The resultant solid dispersion also significantly delayed the onset of clonic convulsion (875.8 s) as compared to control (85.5 s) and offered complete protection (100%) against the pentylenetetrazole induced seizures in the rat as compared to control (33.33%). Also, solid dispersion with maximum drug content (77.68%) and dissolution rate (91.40%) was formulated as an orodispersible tablet and characterized for its pharmaceutical properties.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the solid dispersion of lamotrigine incorporated with soya lecithin demonstrated enhanced solubility and dissolution rate may have potential clinical application.
ALTERATION OF PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS OF PENTOXIFYLLINE USING NATURAL MUCOADHESIVE POLYMERS
Authors: SELVARAJ GNANASEKARAN JOHN , BALASUBRAMANIAN ARUL , RAMALINGAM KOTHAI
Published: January 2020

Objective: The present study was aimed to alter the pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug pentoxifylline using a novel natural mucoadhesive polymer from two different plants, Manilkara zapotta Linn and Ocimum basilicum Linn.

Methods: The polymer was isolated and six batches of mucoadhesive tablets of pentoxifylline was formulated with 3 different concentrations of each polymer. The best formulation from each of the polymer was selected and administered to rabbits and the plasma drug concentration was compared with the marketed formulation. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as such as Cmax, tmax, AUC, AUMC, λz, t1/2, and MRT were determined.

Results: The plasma drug concentration vs time curve shows the extended-release of pentoxifylline when compared with the conventional marketed formulation. The results show that there is no change in the peak plasma concentration, but the significant difference was observed in t½, which showed approximately 2.5 fold increase from 2.44 to 6.87 h and the AUC showed five-fold increase from 22.40 to 117.19 μg*h/ml, and other pharmacokinetic parameters, when compared with the marketed formulation.

Conclusion: The isolated polymer from the plants Manilkara zapotta Linn. and Ocimum basilicum Linn can be used as a carrier for developing mucoadhesive formulations and it alter the pharmacokinetic of pentoxifylline positively.
Comparative analysis of PD-PWM technique in the set: Multilevel Inverter-Induction motor
Authors: Reyes Severiano Yesenia , Aguayo Alquicira Jesús , De León Aldaco Susana Estefany , Carrillo Santos Luis Mauricio
Published: January 2020

Currently, induction motors are widely used in industry because have a high potential for the efficiency improvement. Therefore, a topic of interest to the industry is to reduce the energy consumption of induction motors, as they represent almost half of the total electrical energy consumption in the world. The energy consumption of electric motors can be reduced by using motors that are more efficient and by using power converters to feed the motors, thereby enabling accurate control according to the load. The function of the power converter is to modify the intrinsic characteristics of the induction motor (speed and torque). There are different topologies of the power converter commonly called inverter for induction motors. An inverter requires a modulation strategy for its operation, there are several modulation strategies that are used in the induction converter-motor assembly. This paper presents the comparative analysis of the influence of the phase disposition modulation (PD-PWM) strategy with different modulation indices, on parameters related to the output signal of a seven-level cascaded multilevel inverter as well as on the nominal working conditions of a three-phase induction motor.
Sistema de sincronización óptica espacial para comunicaciones ópticas en satélites pequeños operando en órbita baja
Authors: Arvizu Mondragón Arturo , Santos Aguilar Joel , Domínguez Retamoza Efrén Antonio , Muraoka Espirítu Ramón , Núñez  Alfonso Juan Manuel , Meza  Pérez Jacobo , Gutiérrez Martínez Celso , López  Leyva Josué Aarón
Published: January 2020

En este trabajo reportamos el desarrollo de un sistema de sincronización óptica espacial para satélites pequeños operando en órbita baja (LEO). Este sistema es requerido para un enlace de comunicaciones ópticas satélite - estación terrena. Como parte fundamental, se diseñó e implementó una montura de precisión gimbal con dos grados de libertad controlada por tornillos de ajuste fino y un algoritmo ad-hoc. Generamos en laboratorio una estrella artificial utilizando una fuente láser, fibra monomodo y un telescopio astronómico. Utilizando dicha estrella es posible, sin lanzar el satélite, certificar el buen desempeño de nuestro gimbal con respecto al seguimiento de un faro láser artificial en pruebas de laboratorio. Reportamos asimismo la caracterización del desempeño del subsistema Gimbal en enlaces ópticos atmosféricos. Por otro lado, como base para este diseño, se considera que previamente a la adquisición del faro se llevaría a cabo mediante las etapas de RF, GPS y sistema de actitud, los cuales formarían parte de la plataforma del satélite bajo diseño. Así, las efemérides de la trayectoria satelital son parte fundamental en la etapa de apuntamiento, rastreo y seguimiento inicial del sistema. Debido a la complejidad del sistema reportado en este escrito, se requirió la participación de especialistas de diversas instituciones tales como el CICESE, el INAOE, Cetys-Universidad Ensenada y el Observatorio Astronómico Nacional de la UNAM. Los subsistemas reportados en este trabajo se desarrollaron dentro del marco de un proyecto con Fondos de la Agencia Espacial Mexicana.
ANALYSIS OF RELIGIOUS SATIRE IN PBITEKS SONG OF LAWINO
Authors: Adetuyi Chris Ajibade , Alex Patrick Charles
Published: January 2020

This paper focuses on the analysis of religious satire in Song of Lawino. The study occasionally refers to Okots life history and ideological inclinations and the review of related literature giveng background information that clarifies Okot pBiteks writing as a product of a rich Acholi oral tradition. While a lot has been written on Okots creative works, little attention has been given to the use of satire. The study therefore, identifies and evaluates Okots use of satire in Song of Lawino determines the use of language to achieve satire in the text, and discusses how the author uses satire as a tool to share ideas and opinions on religious perspectives in the society. This study treats satire as the humorous criticism of human weaknesses and foibles and uses this parameter to identify it in the Song of Lawino. This is to throw light on the creative works of Okots and highlight circumstances that may have shaped him into a satirist. The upshot of all these is that the songs are appropriately contextualized with the ultimate finding that satire is an indigenous African phenomenon amply and ably deployed in Okots art.
WHO ARE AMERICANS? ANALYSIS OF OBAMA AND TRUMP’S POLITICAL SPEECHES ON IMMIGRATION
Authors: Tinshe Sonia , Junaidi Junaidi
Published: January 2020

Immigration has been a crucial discussion in the American politics ever since the nation was still writing its constitution. Seeing how immigrants have shaped the American society, it is important to see how they are perceived, as minorities, by significant political figures, such as the president. The objective of this paper is to understand the ideology behind Obama and Trump’s political speeches about immigration, as well as its relevance to the political discourse and social context in America. Five political speeches from Obama (2009-2014), as well as two political speeches from Trump (2016-2017) are analyzed, as the primary data, using Critical Discourse Analysis, particularly Fairclough’s (1993) three-dimensional framework. The finding shows that Obama’s and Trump’s ideology on immigration is related with their idea of the immigrant’s identity in American society. It is shown through their word choice, such as pejorative adjective, and the theme related with the issue of immigration. Seen from the political discourse, the speeches are showing perceived superiority that the presidents have over immigrants. Moreover, from the social perspective, it dehumanizes and reduces the identity of immigrants.
EFFECT OF SELF-EFFICACY, MOTIVATION ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION, AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AGAINST INTEREST IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES BUSINESSES IN SERANG REGENCY
Authors: Nuryanto Uli Wildan , Purnamasari Ratih , Djamil Mz Masyhudzulhak , Sutawidjaya Ahmad Hidayat , Saluy Ahmad Badawi
Published: January 2020

The high population growth rate in Serang Regency in the last five years which reached an average rate of 0.77% made Serang Regency one of the Regencies that contributed to the high rate of population growth in Banten Province which in the last five years reached an average lift of 2,14%. This figure is inversely proportional to the amount of adequate employment, making Serang Regency the Regency with the highest open un-employment rate in Banten Province which reached 12.78%, this causes Banten Province to become the Province with the highest open un-employment rate in Indonesia with number 8,52% (BPS, 2018). Various efforts were made by the government to tackle un-employment in Serang Regency, one of which was the development of independent community enterprises in the form of entrepreneurship. For this reason, the study seeks to examine indicators that can influence each exogenous and endogenous variable, as well as the influence on the interest in entrepreneurship in Serang regency. Factors that influence the interest in entrepreneurship in this study are divided into two, including internal factors consisting of self-efficacy and motivation for entrepreneurship as well as external factors consisting of entrepreneurship education and social environment. From the outer test results found all indicators of each variable have high validity and reliability in describing each of the latent variables while the results of the inner test obtained four hypotheses which showed a significant effect of each predictor variable on the interest in entrepreneurship, with the magnitude the influence of the four variables is 79.8%.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KEPATUHAN WAJIB PAJAK DI KPP PRATAMA PAMEKASAN
Authors: Famami Anniza Hidayana
Published: January 2020

Pendapatan Indonesia di sektor pajak menjadi penyumbang terbesar APBN. Penerimaan negara dari sektor pajak masih meninggalkan masalah karena rasio pajak Indonesia relatif rendah. Hal ini merupakan indikasi bahwa adanya kesadaran akan pajak yang masih kurang di masyarakat. Tujuan penelitian menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kepatuhan wajib pajak di KPP Pratama Pamekasan.Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif. Tempat penelitian di KPP Pratama Pamekasan selama satu bulan mulai bulan Mei-Juni 2019. Populasi penelitian adalah jumlah wajib pajak terdaftar di KPP Pratama Pamekasan sebanyak 11.703. Sampel adalah 100 orang wajib pajak. Uji analisis regeresi linear berganda.Hasil uji t pada variabel pengetahuan diperoleh nilai p value (0,014) < 0,05 dan persepsi (0,026) < 0,05 yang bermakna ada pengaruh pengetahuan dan persepsi terhadap kepatuhan pajak di KPP Pratama Pamekasan. Pada variabel tax amnesty diperoleh nilai p value (0,516) > 0,05, sanksi (0,620) > 0,05, pemeriksaan (0,815) > 0,05, kesadaran (0,154) > 0,05, dan pelayanan pajak (0,147) > 0,05 yang bermakna tax amnesty, sanksi, pemeriksaan, kesadaran, dan pelayanan tidak berpengaruh terhadap kepatuhan pajak di KPP Pratama Pamekasan. Hasil uji F diperoleh nilai a (0,005) < 0,05 yang bermakna tax amnesty, sanksi, pemeriksaan, kesadaran, pengetahuan, persepsi, dan pelayanan secara serentak dan signifikan mempengaruhi kepatuhan pajak di KPP Pratama Pamekasan