bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallax in microlensing toward the Magellanic Clouds: Effect on detection efficiency and detectability
Authors: Blaineau T. , Moniez M.
Published: April 2020

Aims. We study the effect of the parallax on the search for microlensing events on very long timescales towards the Magellanic Clouds caused by dark massive compact objects within the past MACHO and EROS, the on-going MOA and OGLE, and the future LSST surveys. We quantify what neglecting this effect means in the classical event selection process and also quantify the parallax detectability without the help of follow-up observations.

Methods. We defined the distance between true events affected by parallax and the closest events without parallax. This distance was used to estimate the probability of missing the preselection of events because of parallax for any survey characterised by its time sampling and photometric performance. We also defined another distance to quantify the detectability of the parallax effect in order to trigger complementary observations.

Results. We find that the preselection of year-long timescale events is marginally affected by parallax for all surveys if the criteria are reasonably tight. We also show that the parallax should be detectable in most of the events found by the LSST survey without follow-up observations.
Economic Aspects Analysis in Calculation and Application of the Urban Environment Quality Index
Authors: Suvorov D M , Suvorova L. A. , Baibakova T V
Published: April 2020

The goal of the study is to make a comparative analysis of the dynamics of indices of economic indicators and sufficiency indicators used to calculate an urban environment quality index of a Russian municipality. The city of Kirov, Russia, was taken as a sample for the study, which went on from 2012 through 2018. The analysis demonstrated practically no statistically significant correlations in the dynamics of indices of individual subgroups of indicators, as well as in the dynamics of indices of individual indicators, although with a few exceptions. The results of the study confirm the need to improve the methodology of calculating the integral indices of cities and regions. These indices are related to urban ecology, quality of life, and sustainable development issues. The results also demonstrated the inadequacy of such tools for systematic and comprehensive international analysis of today urbanization problems.
The food trade in the Baltic region: the place and role of Russia, 2013-2018
Authors: Kornekova Svetlana Yurievna , Makhnovsky Dmitry Evgenievich
Published: April 2020

The article discusses the dynamics of export and import of food products of the Baltic region in 2013-2018. It is stated that the introduction of a ban on the import of agricultural and food products to Russia in August 2014 had a negative impact on trade and economic relations between the Russian Federation and other countries of the Baltic region. It is hoped that the crisis period in the relationship will end, and as in the days of the Hanseatic League, countries will be able to establish a dialogue and resume mutually beneficial trade relations.
General assessment of the environmental status and environmental risks in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation
Authors: Vorontsova E V , Vorontsov A L
Published: April 2020

The article presents an assessment of the current ecological status of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation as a promising area of active industrial development. Acknowledging the current negative environmental consequences of human activities in the Arctic, the authors raise the issue of environmental risks in the Arctic region, which inevitably arise due to the intensification of resource extraction in these areas. From the standpoint of a risk-based approach, the authors insist on the need to take into account the environmental safety requirements in the Arctic region when conducting any kind of business and other activities, taking into account the particular vulnerability of the Arctic ecosystems and the climate-forming significance of this region for the entire planet. In their opinion, at present, the problem of environmental safety in the Russian Arctic is aggravated by several unfavorable factors: environmental damage accumulated over a long period of previous economic and military activities; the lack of the necessary legal framework to regulate resource extraction activities in the region, taking into account new environmental requirements; Russia’s lack of the latest eco-friendly technologies for offshore hydrocarbon production. Each of these factors is capable of provoking irreversible environmental consequences, and, accordingly, each of them should be subjected to in-depth scientific evaluation in the framework of strategic and project-economic planning.
New educational technologies as a means of cross - regional cooperation in the field of food raw material and product safety control
Authors: Bazarnova J G , Zhilinskaya N T , Pilipenko T V , Belokurova E S , Ivanchenko O B , Loboda V V
Published: April 2020

International e-learning resource in the field of food product quality and veterinary disease control based on Government requirements of the European Union and Eurasian Economic Union has been created and tested. This resource consists of the one general professional cycle and five professional modules, about 60% of them are in distance e-learning format. The modularity of the educational resource allows the employer or students to choose a training program format, as well as the amount of distance learning or classroom training hours for different groups of specialists in the field of food quality and veterinary control: chiefs of quality control center or laboratories, veterinarians, microbiologists, specialists of veterinary diagnostics laboratories, chemical engineers. The involvement of participants from EU and EEU-countries in the educational process is important for the development of interregional and international activities, the creation of the unified legal framework in the field of food security in many countries.
Conditions for the Russian Federation Arctic zone innovative development
Authors: Guzov I N , Polyakov N. A. , Titov V. O. , Vashchuk A. E.
Published: April 2020

The article is devoted to the questions concerning the formation of conditions for the implementation of innovative potential of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. A comprehensive solution to the problems of development of the Arctic should be associated with the creation of reference zones of advanced development in the Arctic regions, in which a number of tasks need to be performed. It is necessary to determine the markets of scientific and technical products and technologies as priorities for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. It is necessary to develop innovative territorial clusters and to create favorable conditions for the development of innovative activities, both large companies and small businesses; to stimulate private investment in the economy of the Arctic regions; to create special economic zones in the Administrative centers of the regions.
Recording of relaxation characteristics in molding of polyvinylchloride
Authors: Solovyova Ekaterina V.
Published: April 2020

The article presents the basic physical and chemical characteristics of polymers affecting the molding process of products for various purposes, the relaxation curves of polyvinyl chloride in a wide range of temperatures and strains.
Toxicity assessment of meat-processing wastewater
Authors: Ivanchenko Olga , Khabibullin Rustem , Le Huong Thao , Balanov Petr , Smotraeva Irina
Published: April 2020

The development of industrial waste treatment and disposal technologies requires the use of rapid analyses for quick and accurate assessment of the properties of waste and wastewater. Biotests allows quickly define the integral toxicity and can be attractive for screening studies. The purpose of this paper was to study the toxicity of samples of wastewater from a meat-processing plant at various test sites for a comprehensive assessment of their danger to surrounding ecosystems and the biocenosis of biological treatment facilities. The study of meat-processing wastewater, as well as its fractions, did not reveal signs of their strong toxic potential. The optimal method for studying the total toxicity of complex mixtures is to evaluate the properties of the water-soluble fraction, since it is a real threat if it enters the human body. Biotests on representatives of various trophic levels made it possible to estimate the safety of the studied wastewater in a short time, therefore were recommended as test systems for monitoring the environmental safety of wastewater in order to identify a number of individual chemical compounds, integral toxic potential, and long-term consequences for natural and artificial ecosystems.
An enhanced technology of pear compote production through direct blanching with sugar syrup in glass jars and a device for its implementation
Authors: Akhmetov Magomed , Demirova Amiiat , Abdulkhalikov Zaurbek , Daudova Tatiana , Daudova Leila
Published: April 2020

In this article we review and propose new technical solutions to improve the production technology of pear compote with the use of a new method of advanced preparation of fruits through blanching them with sugar syrup in glass jars and accelerated pasteurization modes. The effectiveness of the use of blanching fruits in sugar syrup directly in jars after packing and before filling with syrup, as opposed to blanching them in various technological liquids, is scientifically substantiated. To implement this method, a device for heating fruits in jars in heat transfer fluid has been developed and used. The use of blanching fruit in sugar syrup in jars and accelerated heat treatment regimes intensifies the thermal processing and, as a result, reduces the duration of pasteurization regimes and improves the product quality from the point of view of biologically active components contents. It was revealed that blanching the fruit in jars with 5% sugar syrup at a temperature of 95 °C followed by a syrup with a temperature of 98 °C provides the initial temperature of the product in a jar of 75–76 °C, while according to traditional technology the temperature of the product before sealing is within 45–48 °C. Based on the experimental studies, new modes of pasteurization of pear compote have been developed, taking into account the increased temperature of the product in the jars before sealing. Comprehensive evaluation of the results of the studies allows us to conclude that the implementation of the proposed technical solutions in the production of pear compote, as ensuring the safety of the finished product and improving its quality, is effective.
Comparison of the Phenolic Complex of Crimean Autochthonous and Classic White- Berry Grape Cultivars
Authors: Ostroukhova Elena , Levchenko Svetlana , Vasylyk Irina , Volynkin Vladimir , Lutkova Natalia , Boyko Vladimir
Published: April 2020

The profile of the phenolic components and features at the beginning of ripening (12.0 - 14.5 °Bx) and at the end of the observation (20.0-22.0 °Bx) of Crimean autochthonous white-berry grape cultivars are studied. The total content of identified phenolic compounds at the beginning of ripening differed depending on the cultivar from 669 mg kg-1(Sauvignon Blanc) to 2411 mg kg-1(Kokur Belyi). During the ripening period the content of components in berries of autochthonous grape cultivars decreased on average by 3.5 times of initial values (Kokur Belyi – by 4.1 times). In classic cultivars, this parameter did not change. The lowest concentration of phenolic components was observed in Shabash (256 mg kg-1) at 20.0-22.0 °Bx, the highest - in Riesling (1006 mg kg-1) and Chardonnay (827 mg kg-1). The hierarchical analysis of a cluster on a subject of total phenolic components revealed the similarity of autochthone Kokur Belyi to classic cultivars Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Autochthonous grape cultivars Sary Pandas and Shabash are closely related and form a separate cluster.
Nitrate content in vegetables and fruits in Russia and Mongolia
Authors: Smyatskay Yulia , Pankina Ilona , Kulikova Larisa , Sobgaida Daria
Published: April 2020

This article deals with the actual problem of high nitrate content in vegetables and fruits. The literature review describes the consequences of increased nitrate concentration in the human body and the diseases associated with it. Different countries have different standards for the content of nitrates in agricultural products and the maximum permissible daily doses. The increased content of nitrates negatively affects human health, so it is necessary to maintain strict control over compliance with the concentration standards to the maximum permissible concentrations. Research was carried out on the content of nitrates in vegetables and fruits purchased in the trade networks of the two countries in Russia and Mongolia. The measurements were performed using a portable nitrate - tester SOEKS. As a result of the study, it was found that agricultural products purchased in the trade network of Ulan Bator (Mongolia) meet the established standards, in fruits purchased in St. Petersburg (Russia) in excess of tangerines 1.5 times and 1.6 times. The products that were found to contain excess nitrates were imported from China.
Study of the Designed Washing Machine for Canning Industry
Authors: Mayorov Andrey V.
Published: April 2020

Nowadays industry uses special washing machines to wash the outer surface of cans, which can be jet, submersible and combined-type. These washing machines are quite energy-intensive and metal-consuming. A washing machine was designed in Mari State University, in which the objects cleaned gain eccentric motion and bubbling is created from the side of cylindrical cans. In order to identify the dependence of the cleaning quality on liquid activation using the air bubbling method, a number of factor-at-a-time experiments with a three-fold repeatability were performed at the outside of the washed objects. Special theoretical calculations were carried out to identify the limits of the drive wheel speed values aimed at studying kinematic parameters. The type of hyperbolic dependence of the wheel diameter on its rotation frequency is also determined.
Development of electro-biochemical technology for processing secondary fish raw materials and new types of products based on minced fish
Authors: Chikisheva M.E. , Kuprina E.A. , Manuilov A.N. , Yakkola A.N. , Naumov I.A. , Kabysh O.
Published: April 2020

A new complex low-waste electro-biochemical technology has been developed for processing waste from cutting fish raw materials in the North-Western region (Atlantic cod, mackerel, herring and artificially grown trout) to produce nutrients with high yield and low degree of destruction - protein hydrolysates, as well as mineral precipitates, fat. The composition of the waste from cutting fish used for complex processing by the electro-biochemical method was investigated. The influence of the fishing season on the parameters of processing waste obtained from it was determined. The fractional composition of protein hydrolysates was studied. A comparative assessment of traditional enzyme preparations and preparations obtained by the electro-biochemical method as protein hydrolyzing components has been carried out. The process of obtaining an enzyme preparation from the insides of fish using catholyte and the process of enzymatic hydrolysis of secondary fish raw materials upon receipt of a protein hydrolyzate are investigated. The characteristics of waste processing equipment are given. The properties of nutrients were investigated and the feasibility of their use in the composition of fish products based on minced fish and mixtures for injecting fish fillets was shown. A formulation was developed and the organoleptic evaluation of minced products using the obtained protein hydrolysates was carried out.
Research of structure formation of the dairy products containing functional ingredients
Authors: Golubev Evgeny Leonidovich , Moliboga Elena Alexandrovna , Trofimov Ivan Evgenievich
Published: April 2020

The objective of the research work is studying the process of structure formation of the cheese products containing functional ingredients. On the basis of conducted research it was found that the developed model mediums made it possible to recommend Carrageenan-C100 in the proportion of 1.5% of the weight of the cream for stabilizing and structure formation of the new product with the use of fermented cream. Combined use of an emulsifying salt and a thickener allows manufacturing a product having a stabile plastic consistency on the basis of a mixture of two basic ingredients (a solid and a liquid ones).
Defining Key Determinants of the Strategic Economic Security of the Agro-Industrial Complex in Terms of Stabilizing Political Course
Authors: Melnikova Yulia V. , Posnaya Elena A. , Bukach Boris A. , Shokhnekh Anna V. , Tarasenko Sergey V.
Published: April 2020

The key determinants of the strategic economic security of the agro-industrial complex in the conditions of a stabilizing political course on food security ensure the state of the facility in which it is possible to carry out conceptual and functional actions built on goals and principles. The composition and structure of the agro-industrial complex of the state is multicomponent and systemic, it contains many internal connecting blocks and interdependent structures. The uneven development of some agricultural systems occures in the lag of technologies and assortment content. Disruptions in supply and marketing, as well as emergency circumstances cause crop failure, cattle death, which significantly affects the systemic component of economic security. A decrease in food security leads to a decrease in the country’s food security due to the decline in the development of an entire industry.
Synthesis and surface modification of light emitting silicon nanoparticles using non-thermal plasma techniques
Authors: Müller Martin , Galář Pavel , Stuchlík Jiří , Kočka Jan , Kupka Jonáš , Kůsová Kateřina
Published: April 2020

We have synthesised silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) with photoluminescence ranging from blue to IR spectral region using a low-pressure RF plasma in a flow-through glass tube reactor. The spectral position of photoluminescence band of Si-NPs is controlled by the synthesis parameters such as plasma power, silane and hydrogen concentration and pressure in the working area. Modification of Si-NPs surface both on air after the synthesis and in the vacuum chamber by second plasma in methylsilane atmosphere causes a blue spectral shift of the photoluminescence band.
Fall für Vier – Voll motiviert
Authors: Ganahl Patricia , Schlick Simon , Recke Elena , Lamprecht Ann-Kathrin , Falkenberg Sven
Published: April 2020

Nach einer intrazerebralen Blutung im Oktober 2018 leidet die 27-jährige Emma Schneider an einer Hemiparese und einer Aphasie. Zwei Physiotherapeuten, eine Ergotherapeutin, eine Logopädin und ein Orthopädietechniker behandeln die Patientin seit fast einem Jahr weiter.
Das Aufstehen trainieren – Die Backward-Chaining-Methode
Authors: Leonhardt Rebekka , Groß Michaela
Published: April 2020

Nicht alleine vom Boden aufstehen zu können, hat für ältere Menschen nach einem Sturz schwere Folgen: Gesundheitliche und funktionelle Einschränkungen verschlechtern sich bis hin zur erhöhten Mortalität. Die Backward-Chaining-Methode hilft in der Therapie dabei, das sichere und unabhängige Aufstehen zu erlernen und Sturzangst zu mindern.
Glücksgefühle – Musikalisches Feedback-Training
Authors: Schwencke Silja
Published: April 2020

Glücksgefühle, vergleichbar mit dem Runner's High, eine gesteigerte Compliance der Patienten und ein niedrigeres Schmerzlevel – das verspricht Jymmin, das musikalische Trainingskonzept, das herkömmliche Geräte aufrüstet, sodass Bewegung Musik erzeugt. Was mit einem Forschungsprojekt begann, könnte in vielen Rehakliniken zukünftig Alltag werden.
Einsatz gegen Unwohlsein – Physiotherapie bei Motion Sickness
Authors: Schädler Stefan
Published: April 2020

Schwindel, Übelkeit, Erbrechen im Auto, im öffentlichen Verkehr oder auf dem Schiff – die Bewegungs- oder Reisekrankheit ist verbreitet und kann auch beim Skifahren oder bei anderen Bewegungen vorkommen. Spezialisierte Physiotherapeuten können die Ursache mit standardisierten Assessments ermitteln und effektiv helfen.
Isolation, Characterization and Targeted Metabolic Evaluation of Endophytic Fungi Harbored in 14 Seed-Derived Hypericum Species
Authors: Henzelyová Jana , Antalová Michaela , Nigutová Katarína , Logoida Mariia , Schreiberová Andrea , Kusari Souvik , Čellárová Eva
Published: April 2020

Medicinal plants of the genus Hypericum are rich sources of bioactive naphthodianthrones, which are unique in the plant kingdom, but quite common in fungal endophytes. Cultivable endophytic fungi were isolated from 14 different Hypericum spp. originating from seeds grown under in vitro conditions and further acclimated to outdoor conditions. Among 37 fungal isolates yielded from the aerial and underground plant organs, 25 were identified at the species level by the fungal barcode marker internal transcribed spacer rDNA and protein-coding gene region of tef1α. Ten of them were isolated from Hypericum spp. for the first time. The axenic cultures of the isolated endophytes were screened for the production of extracellular enzymes, as well as bioactive naphthodianthrones and their putative precursors by Bornträgerʼs test and HPLC-HRMS. Traces of naphthodianthrones and their intermediates, emodin, emodin anthrone, skyrin, or pseudohypericin, were detected in the fungal mycelia of Acremonium sclerotigenum and Plectosphaerella cucumerina isolated from Hypericum perforatum and Hypericum maculatum, respectively. Traces of emodin, hypericin, and pseudohypericin were released in the broth by Scedosporium apiospermum, P. cucumerina, and Fusarium oxysporum during submerged fermentation. These endophytes were isolated from several hypericin-producing Hypericum spp. Taken together, our results reveal the biosynthetic potential of cultivable endophytic fungi harbored in Hypericum plants as well as evidence of the existence of remarkable plant-endophyte relationships in selected non-native ecological niches. A possible role of the extracellular enzymes in plant secondary metabolism is discussed.
Antinociceptive Activity of Asiaticoside in Mouse Models of Induced Nociception
Authors: Ayumi Rasyidah Ryta , Shaik Mossadeq Wan Mastura , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Bakhtiar Muhammad Taher , Kamarudin Nadhirah , Hisamuddin Nadia , Talib Madihah , Sabar Aina Mardhiah
Published: April 2020

The antinociceptive property of Centella asiatica extracts is known but the analgesic activity of its bioactive constituent asiaticoside has not been reported. We evaluated the antinociceptive activity of orally (p. o.) administered asiaticoside (1, 3, 5, and 10 mg/kg) in mice using the 0.6% acetic acid-induced writhing test, the 2.5% formalin-induced paw licking test, and the hot plate test. The capsaicin- and glutamate-induced paw licking tests were employed to evaluate the involvement of the vanilloid and glutamatergic systems, respectively. Asiaticoside (3, 5, and 10 mg/kg, p. o.) reduced the rate of writhing (p < 0.0001) by 25.3, 47.8, and 53.9%, respectively, and increased the latency period (p < 0.05) on the hot plate at 60 min post-treatment until the end of the experiment. Moreover, asiaticoside (3, 5, and 10 mg/kg, p. o.) shortened the time spent in licking/biting the injected paw (p < 0.0001) in the early phase of the formalin test by 45.7, 51.4, and 52.7%, respectively, and in the late phase (p < 0.01) by 23.6, 40.5, and 50.6%, respectively. Antinociception induced by asiaticoside (10 mg/kg) was not antagonized by naloxone in both the 2.5% formalin-induced nociception and the hot plate test, indicating a nonparticipation of the opioidergic system. Asiaticoside (1, 3, 5, and 10 mg/kg, p. o.) reduced the duration of biting/licking the capsaicin-injected paw (p < 0.0001) by 40.5, 48.2, 59.5, and 63.5%, respectively. Moreover, asiaticoside (5 and 10 mg/kg) shortened the time spent in biting/licking the glutamate-injected paw (p < 0.01) by 29.9 and 48.6%, respectively. Therefore, asiaticoside (5 and 10 mg/kg, p. o.) induces antinociception possibly through the vanilloid and glutamatergic systems.
Network Pharmacological Screening of the Active Ingredients and Hypoglycemic Effect of Isodon rubescens in the Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Jintao Xue , Shasha Yu , Jincai Wang , Chunyan Li , Mengya Yang , Yongli Shi
Published: April 2020

This study was firstly to study the relationship of “ingredient-target-pathway” and the pharmacological effects of Isodon rubescens for the treatment of diabetes. Based on a network pharmacology method, 138 active ingredients of Isodon rubescens were screened from the relative literatures, and their targets were confirmed by comparing these with the hypoglycemic targets in the DrugBank database. Results showed that Isodon rubescens contained 25 hypoglycemic ingredients, such as rabdoternin A, rabdoternin B, and epinodosinol. These ingredients could activate 6 hypoglycemic targets, including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), integrin α-L (ITGAL), integrin β-2 (ITGB2), progesterone receptor (PGR), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), and nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 2 (NR1I2). These targets were involved in 94 signaling pathways, such as the Rap1, PI3K-Akt, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. The cell viability showed that the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with alcohol extract (1.00 g/L) and the water extract (0.13 – 0.50 g/L) exhibited high viability compared to the model group (p < 0.05), respectively. 0In animal experiments, the rats treated with water extract of Isodon rubescens showed significant hypoglycemic effects compared to rats in the model group (p < 0.05). Overall, this approach provides an efficient strategy to explore hypoglycemic ingredients of Isodon rubescens and other traditional Chinese medicine.
Design, Construction, and Early Results of a Formal Local Revision Knee Arthroplasty Registry
Authors: Visvanathan Aravinthan , Wilson Christopher , Jackman Emma , Wong Geraldine , Krishnan Jegan
Published: April 2020

National registries for primary and revision knee arthroplasty in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe have been successful in ensuring quality control and providing information to drive crucial research. However, they face challenges in delivering the granularity of data useful at a local hospital level. Our aim was to address these challenges by designing and initiating a local revision knee arthroplasty registry and combining the data with national figures to better evaluate the types of revisions undertaken, and improve patient outcomes and care. All revision knee arthroplasty cases in our center were analyzed from April 2014 to December 2015 using our standardized diagnostic algorithm. Information such as reason and type of revision was collected. Results were compared with Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) data. Primary outcome was comparison against our center's historical data between January 1999 and December 2013 and secondary outcome was comparison against national data prior to and after our intervention. Between April 2014 and December 2015, our center performed 35 revision knee arthroplasties. When compared with our center's historical data, we observed lower rates of revision knee arthroplasties due to “pain” (14.2 vs. 36.7%) with corresponding lower rates of patella button only revision (8.6 vs. 39.2%). Compared with national data before our intervention, we had lower revision rates from infection (14.2 vs. 22.3%) and loosening/lysis (11.4 vs. 29.2%). We undertook more minor revisions (45.7 vs. 30.5%) and similar total revisions (25.7 vs. 25.3%). Similar trends were seen in comparison to national data after our intervention. Our study shows that a local registry can be designed and successfully implemented for revision knee arthroplasty surgery. Data can be easily compared with historic and current hospital and national registry data trends to assess quality and robustness of revision arthroplasty programs. Our early results suggest our center has succeeded in reducing incidences of major revisions, complications, and the risk of re-revision surgery. This will improve the quality of our service with a significant cost reduction for our local health care budget.
Preventing Diagnostic Errors in Ambulatory Care: An Electronic Notification Tool for Incomplete Radiology Tests
Authors: Weingart Saul N. , Yaghi Omar , Barnhart Liz , Kher Sucharita , Mazzullo John , Roberts Kari , Lominac Eric , Gittelson Nancy , Argyris Philip , Harvey William
Published: April 2020

Background Failure to complete recommended diagnostic tests may increase the risk of diagnostic errors.

Objectives The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate an electronic monitoring tool that notifies the responsible clinician of incomplete imaging tests for their ambulatory patients.

Methods A results notification workflow engine was created at an academic medical center. It identified future appointments for imaging studies and notified the ordering physician of incomplete tests by secure email. To assess the impact of the intervention, the project team surveyed participating physicians and measured test completion rates within 90 days of the scheduled appointment. Analyses compared test completion rates among patients of intervention and usual care clinicians at baseline and follow-up. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to control for secular trends and differences between cohorts.

Results A total of 725 patients of 16 intervention physicians had 1,016 delayed imaging studies; 2,023 patients of 42 usual care clinicians had 2,697 delayed studies. In the first month, physicians indicated in 23/30 cases that they were unaware of the missed test prior to notification. The 90-day test completion rate was lower in the usual care than intervention group in the 6-month baseline period (18.8 vs. 22.1%, p = 0.119). During the 12-month follow-up period, there was a significant improvement favoring the intervention group (20.9 vs. 25.5%, p = 0.027). The change was driven by improved completion rates among patients referred for mammography (21.0 vs. 30.1%, p = 0.003). Multivariate analyses showed no significant impact of the intervention.

Conclusion There was a temporal association between email alerts to physicians about missed imaging tests and improved test completion at 90 days, although baseline differences in intervention and usual care groups limited the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Research is needed to understand the potential benefits and limitations of missed test notifications to reduce the risk of delayed diagnoses, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis Trials in Obstetrics: A Call for Pediatric Collaboration
Authors: McLaren Rodney A. , Atallah Fouad , Minkoff Howard
Published: April 2020

Surgical site infections are common complications of cesarean delivery. Many recent studies, including meta-analyses, have assessed the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis. Those articles have demonstrated that preincision antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the incidence of surgical site infections postcesarean, and that the use of adjunctive azithromycin further reduces infection after nonelective cesarean deliveries. However, long-term effects of fetal exposure to antibiotic prophylaxis—including asthma, obesity, and alterations in microbiota—have also been demonstrated. We suggest that while studies of optimal antibiotic regimens proceed, considerations of the potential risks to the neonate should be factored into discussions of benefits and burdens.
DIGITAL-FÖRDERPROGRAMM: Nudging für den digitalen Wandel
Authors: Augurzky Boris , Beivers Andreas
Published: April 2020

Nicht nur der demografische Wandel stellt unser Gesundheitswesen vor große Herausforderungen. Auch der Strukturwandel, welcher mit „Industrie 4.0“ einhergehen wird, erfordert Anpassungen an der Finanzierungslogik des Bismarckschen Sozialversicherungssystems.
SPRECHSTUNDE IN DER PR-AMBULANZ: Ist jede Krise eine Katastrophe?
Authors: Endele Kerstin
Published: April 2020

Kirsten Endele ist zur Hälfte Journalistin …
Comparison of Rocuronium and Vecuronium in Patients Undergoing Elective Ultrafast-Track Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Shah Kalpana S. , Kulshrestha Aayush
Published: April 2020

Background Neuromuscular blocking drugs are necessary in cardiac surgery to facilitate smooth intubation and ventilation conditions, avoid patient movement, reduce oxygen consumption, and prevent shivering. Hemodynamic stability is very essential in cardiac surgery because the coronary reserve is below normal in such patients.

Aims This study was conducted with the objective of comparing rocuronium, the “near-ideal” muscle relaxant with vecuronium, an already established neuromuscular blocking agent in patients undergoing elective ultrafast-track off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Settings and Design This prospective, randomized comparative study included 60 patients scheduled for elective off-pump CABG procedures under general anesthesia in the period between May 2015 and March 2016.

Materials and Methods Patients were randomized in equal numbers to either the rocuronium group or the vecuronium group, and intubating conditions and various hemodynamic parameters were observed at different time points.

Statistical Analysis Used Categorical variables were evaluated using the chi-square test, whereas the Student t-test or Mann–Whitney test were used for continuous variables.

Results Pulse rate in the rocuronium group was lesser (79.97 ± 7.42) (p < 0.05) at the time of intubation as compared with the vecuronium group (92.33 ± 8.93). Systolic blood pressure was higher in the vecuronium group (150.70 ± 14.05) at the time of intubation as compared with the rocuronium group (130.27 ± 9.95) (p < 0.05). Intubating conditions, mean arterial pressure, and diastolic blood pressure changes were similar in both groups.

Conclusions Rocuronium provides good-to-excellent intubating conditions and is devoid of any significant cardiovascular changes causing hemodynamic instability when compared with vecuronium in patients undergoing elective ultrafast-track off-pump CABG.
Editorial
Authors: Schiller Udo
Published: April 2020

„Think Medical. Act Digital“ – so lautet das Motto der DMEA 2020.
INFORMATIONSAUSTAUSCH LEICHT GEMACHT: Smart Health Services für Patienten und Leistungserbringer
Authors: Schindler Carola
Published: April 2020

Informationen bereitstellen, verfügbar machen, austauschen – das ist einer der wesentlichen Pfeiler für eine gute und effiziente Patientenversorgung. Seit Anfang 2019 arbeiten die Thieme Gruppe und die m.Doc GmbH gemeinsam an innovativen Lösungen, um patientenzentrierte Informationsprozesse nachhaltig zu gestalten. Die Integration der App „Anamnese mobil“ von Thieme Compliance in die Anwendung Smart Clinic von m.Doc trägt ganz konkret zur Verbesserung des Informationsaustausches zwischen Versorgern und Patienten bei.
Direct refractive index retrieval from interferometry measurements
Authors: Galletti Mario , Künzel Swen , Alves Joana , Hariton Victor , Pires Hugo , João Celso Paiva , Figueira Gonçalo , Dias João Mendanha
Published: April 2020

We present an alternative numerical method to the Abel inversion technique, which can be applied to complex non-symmetrical systems. A comparison with the Abel inversion algorithm was conducted. For benchmarking, the method was applied to a synthetic trace representing a plasma waveguide characterized by a constant parabolic density profile. Furthermore, the temperature and refractive index of a plume of hot air surrounding a non-cylindrical soldering iron were retrieved. Temperatures between 50 °C and 200 °C were successfully retrieved within the instrument precision. The proposed method allows robust and fast data retrieval while maintaining the accuracy and resolution of well-known methods, as Abel inversion.
The staged Z-pinch as a potential fusion energy source
Authors: Ruskov E. , Ney P. , Rahman H. U.
Published: April 2020

A staged Z-pinch is a fusion concept where a high atomic number liner compresses a fusion fuel (deuterium–deuterium or deuterium–tritium) target. Here, we report new results from Lagrangian, Eulerian, and Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian simulations, which confirm that, with proper treatment of the vacuum region outside from the pinch, fusion energy production >1 MJ can be expected without alpha heating and significantly higher if alpha heating is included. It is shown that shock waves play an important role in preheating the target plasma and in piling up liner mass at the liner/target interface. This results in higher ram pressure just before the pinch stagnation time and ultimately in higher energy density target plasma.
Enhancement of the optical gain in GaAs nanocylinders for nanophotonic applications
Authors: Tapar Jinal , Kishen Saurabh , Prashant Kumar , Nayak Kaushik , Emani Naresh Kumar
Published: April 2020

Semiconductor nanolasers based on microdisks, photonic crystal cavities, and metallo-dielectric nanocavities have been studied during the last few decades for on-chip light source applications. However, practical realization of low threshold, room temperature semiconductor nanolasers is still a challenge due to the large surface-to-volume ratio of the nanostructures, which results in low optical gain and hence higher lasing threshold. Furthermore, the gain in nanostructures is an important parameter for designing all-dielectric metamaterial-based active applications. Here, we investigate the impact of p-type doping, compressive strain, and surface recombination on the gain spectrum and the spatial distribution of carriers in GaAs nanocylinders. Our analysis reveals that the lasing threshold can be lowered by choosing the right doping concentration in the active III–V material combined with compressive strain. This combination of strain and p-type doping shows 100× improvement in gain and approximately five times increase in modulation bandwidth for high-speed operation.
Low-dimensional thermoelectricity in aperiodic gated graphene superlattices
Authors: Molina-Valdovinos S. , Guzmán E. J. , Rodríguez-Vargas I.
Published: April 2020

We investigate numerically the thermoelectric properties of aperiodic graphene superlattices generated by applying an external electric field following the Fibonacci and Thue–Morse sequences. We find that aperiodicity reduces and fragments the transmission bands natural in periodic superlattices as well as redistributes the density of states of the system. We also find an overall reduction of the conductance in aperiodic graphene superlattices with respect to periodic ones. Furthermore, as the generation of the aperiodic structure increases, the conductance decreases and a series of peaks arise on it. This behavior is more pronounced in Thue–Morse superlattices than in Fibonacci ones. In the case of the thermoelectric properties, we obtain that Fibonacci graphene superlattices present similar values for the Seebeck coefficient and the power factor as in periodic superlattices, while Thue–Morse graphene superlattices show an enhancement of the thermoelectric properties, in particular the power factor is two times larger than the corresponding one to periodic and Fibonacci graphene superlattices. So, according to our findings, aperiodicity can be used as a tuning parameter to improve the thermoelectric properties of graphene superlattices.
Variational method of energy level calculation in pyramidal quantum dots
Authors: Nenashev A. V. , Dvurechenskii A. V.
Published: April 2020

We suggest a variational method for finding the ground state energy in pyramidal quantum dots. The method is based on using a Gaussian trial wavefunction. We developed an analytical expression for the expectation value of the carrier energy in quantum dots with a constant confining potential (within a single-band model). The problem of finding the ground state energy was reduced to the minimization of an analytical function of three trial function parameters. The proposed variational approach is much faster than the direct approach when solving the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation, does not demand any special software, and produces quite accurate values of the carrier ground state energy (an error does not exceed 2% of the potential well depth). Generalization of the method to multi-band models, spatially inhomogeneous potentials, effective mass discontinuity, and excited states is discussed. Applicability of the method to different quantum dot systems is considered.
Calibration point distribution study of a four-wheel alignment optimization device based on a blanket technology algorithm
Authors: Shao Cheng-Hui , Zhang Zhong-Yuan , Xu Shuang-Shuang , Zhang Qi-Xun
Published: April 2020

Optimal wheel alignment improves fuel efficiency, safety, and driver comfort. An explicit formula for determining kingpin parameters, namely, caster and kingpin inclination angle (KIA), in four-wheel alignment is lacking. Currently, caster and KIA values are estimated by repetitive large-scale computing with a mathematical model aimed at obtaining values infinitely close to real solutions. In this study, a four-wheel aligner calibration device was used to collect large amounts of data for a variety of four-wheel aligner measurements with a short data interval. The data were subjected to the local fractal dimension analysis with fractional dimension-based blanket technology (BT) to optimize the number of measurement points. Dramatic changes in data were attributable to local areas with a large fractional number dimension. Appropriate increase in the number of calibration measuring points in areas with a relatively low fractional number dimension can reduce the overall quantity of measuring points. The results provide a scientific basis for the development of alignment calibration standards and demonstrate that these parameters can be assessed based on a small number of measurements. Our BT-based methodology can facilitate factory inspection and performance testing of four-wheel aligners and may improve the accuracy of wheel positioning parameter assessments.
Aerodynamic performance of a free-flying dragonfly—A span-resolved investigation
Authors: Hefler C. , Noda R. , Qiu H. H. , Shyy W.
Published: April 2020

We present a quantitative characterization of the unsteady aerodynamic features of a live, free-flying dragonfly under a well-established flight condition. In particular, our investigations cover the span-wise features of vortex interactions between the fore- and hind-pairs of wings that could be a distinctive feature of a high aspect ratio tandem flapping wing pair. Flapping kinematics and dynamic wing-shape deformation of a dragonfly were measured by tracking painted landmarks on the wings. Using it as the input, computational fluid dynamics analyses were conducted, complemented with time-resolved particle image velocimetry flow measurements to better understand the aerodynamics associated with a dragonfly. The results show that the flow structures around hindwing’s inner region are influenced by forewing’s leading edge vortex, while those around hindwing’s outer region are more influenced by forewing’s shed trailing edge vortex. Using a span-resolved approach, we found that the forewing–hindwing interactions affect the horizontal force (thrust) generation of the hindwing most prominently and the modulation of the force generation is distributed evenly around the midspan. Compared to operating in isolation, the thrust of the hindwing is largely increased during upstroke, albeit the drag is also slightly increased during the downstroke. The vertical force generation is moderately affected by the forewing–hindwing interactions and the modulation takes place in the outer 40% of the hindwing span during the downstroke and in the inner 60% of the span during the upstroke.
Pseudo-fermionic coherent states with time-dependent metric
Authors: Koussa W. , Attia M. , Maamache M.
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we construct time-dependent pseudo-fermionic coherent states for non-Hermitian Hamiltonian systems. Our construction of pseudo-fermionic coherent states is based on an introduction of time-dependent pseudo-fermionic creation and annihilation operators subjected to time-dependent metrics such that the latter are integrals of motion. As an illustration, we study a time-dependent non-Hermitian two-level system.
Enhancement of ferroelectric performance in PVDF:Fe3O4 nanocomposite based organic multiferroic tunnel junctions
Authors: Gao Xue , Liang Shiheng , Ferri Anthony , Huang Weichuan , Rouxel Didier , Devaux Xavier , Li Xiao-Guang , Yang Hongxin , Chshiev Mairbek , Desfeux Rachel , Da Costa Antonio , Hu Guichao , Stoffel Mathieu , Nachawaty Abir , Jiang Chunping , Zeng Zhongming , Liu Jian-Ping , Yang Hui , Lu Yuan
Published: April 2020

We report on the fabrication of an organic multiferroic tunnel junction (OMFTJ) based on an organic barrier of the Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF):Fe3O4 nanocomposite. By adding Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the PVDF barrier, we found that the ferroelectric properties of the OMFTJ are considerably improved compared to those with a pure PVDF barrier. This can lead to tunneling electroresistances of about 450% at 10 K and 100% at room temperature (RT), which are much higher than those of the pure PVDF based device (70% at 10 K and 7% at RT). OMFTJs based on the PVDF:Fe3O4 nanocomposite could open new functionalities in smart multiferroic devices via the interplay of the magnetism of nanoparticles with the ferroelectricity of the organic barrier.
Improved transition metal surface energies from a generalized gradient approximation developed for quasi two-dimensional systems
Authors: Patra Abhilash , Jana Subrata , Constantin Lucian A. , Chiodo Letizia , Samal Prasanjit
Published: April 2020

Nonuniform density scaling in the quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) regime is an important and challenging aspect of the density functional theory. Semilocal exchange-correlation energy functionals, developed by solving the dimensional crossover criterion in the quasi-2D regime, have great theoretical and practical importance. However, the only semilocal generalized gradient approximation (GGA) that has been designed to satisfy this criterion is the Q2D-GGA [L. Chiodo et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 126402 (2012)]. Here, we establish the applicability, broadness, and accuracy of the Q2D-GGA functional by performing an extensive assessment of this functional for transition metal surface energies. The important characteristic of the surface density localization and oscillation due to the rearrangement of the d electrons is also shown for different metal surfaces.
Modification of Shubnikov–de Haas oscillation and quantum Hall effect for Bi2Se3 crystals by Fe
Authors: Zhao T. , Zhao K. , Liu Q. Y. , Yang X. S. , Zhao Y.
Published: April 2020

Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations and the quantum Hall effect (QHE) can give insights into quantum oscillations of charge carriers. We report the SdH oscillations and QHE of magnetically doped topological insulator FexBi2−xSe3 crystals, in which the lattice constant c decreases with the increasing dopant concentration but increases when x is greater than 0.08. From the fitting of low-temperature magnetoresistance data to the Lifshitz–Kosevich formula, the effective mass of the carriers and the Dingle temperature of the samples were extracted and show a similar trend of change as the lattice constant. A constant step size of 1/Rxy observed during Hall measurements at low temperatures implies two-dimensional-like transport behavior associated with the layered structure of the doped Bi2Se3 samples. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional charge carrier densities were calculated, and the latter had a similar trend of change as the lattice constant. A systematic study of the changes in all these properties with increasing dopant concentration suggests that they are highly correlated.