bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nature et composition chimique des micas de deux lamprophyres
Authors: Métais Danielle , Ravier Jean , Phan Kieu-Duong
Published: October 2018

L'étude des compositions chimiques des micas de deux lamprophyres (une kersantite de Bretagne et une minette des Vosges) a montré qu'il s'agissait, dans les deux roches, de phlogopites.

Ces phlogopites sont, par ailleurs, zonées, comme il en est dans la plupart des roches lamprophyriques : elles présentent, en effet, une couronne sombre entourant complètement un centre plus clair. Des mesures qualitatives et quantitatives à la sonde de Castaing ont prouvé que cette zonation correspondait à une différence de composition chimique (voir fig. 7) : la partie centrale des micas est la seule à comporter du chrome ; elle est plus riche en magnésium que la couronne externe. Cette couronne, au contraire, est la seule à contenir du baryum et du manganèse ; elle est plus riche en fer, en titane et en cérium que la partie centrale.
La zunyite ; recherches expérimentales physico-chimiques en liaison avec l'étude du nouveau gisement de Beni-Embarek
Authors: Turco Guy
Published: October 2018

En liaison avec la description minéralogique et cristallographique des cristaux de zunyite provenant du nouveau gisement de Beni-Embarek (Algérie), nous avons entrepris une étude physico-chimique d'ensemble de la zunyite.

Les cristaux tétraédriques montrent la macle type cuivre gris ; le paramètre «a » de la maille cubique vaut : 13,93 ± 0,01 Â ; la densité est déterminée avec précision Djr-c = 2,873 ; la présence constante de quartz dans les cristaux est mise en évidence et discutée. La formule chimique établie est du type de celle donnée par L. Pauling : Al₁₃Si₅O₂₀ (OH₁₄F₂)F₂Cl. La décomposition thermique est étudiée par analyse thermique différentielle et analyse thermo-pondérale : la perte de masse est de l'ordre de 18 % entre 20 et 1 300° C ; les stades de la thermolyse sont suivis par les techniques de diffraction des rayons X et de microscopie électronique : les conclusions permettent d'interpréter les courbes obtenues (A. T. D. et A. T. P.) et de déduire le mécanisme chimique de la réaction.

La mullite qui prend naissance directement au cours de la thermolyse (sans phase intermédiaire) possède des relations d'orientation par rapport à la zunyite de départ : les rangées [110] et [100] de la zunyite coïncident respectivement avec les rangées [001] et [120] de la mullite ; l'explication envisagée pour justifier ce fait expérimental conduit à admettre un phénomène de topotaxie.

Les propriétés de la zunyite vis-à-vis des radiations infrarouges sont étudiées entre 2 et 25 µ par spectrographie d'absorption ; les pics d'absorption enregistrés sont en partie expliqués.

Des expériences de synthèse par voie hydrothermale permettent de préciser les conditions physico-chimiques de la formation de la zunyite au laboratoire ; le domaine de stabilité du minéral est délimité entre 4700 et 6oo° C ; le rôle fondamental du fluor est souligné.
Multi-epoch L-band Spectroscopy of the Be Star μ Centauri Prior to Outburst
Authors: Aguayo G. , Mennickent R. E. , Granada A. , Otero S.
Published: October 2018

With the aim of contributing to the understanding of the disk formation process in Be stars, we pursued a one-year spectroscopic observing campaign of the Be star μ Centauri in the L-band, using VLT/ISAAC. We present the nine near-IR spectra we obtained in an epoch of relative photometric quiescence prior to an outburst of ΔV = 0.4 magnitude. Visual estimates during the epoch of our L-band spectroscopy are also presented for the first time, together with the unpublished complete visual light curve between the years 1998 and 2014. We observe significant and monotonic changes in emission line strength of Bracket-α and Pfund-γ lines relative to Humphreys lines, and also in the continuum slope. We interpret these observed changes in terms of important changes to the column density of the line emitting regions, moving from an optically thin to an optically thick stage just prior to a major outburst. For each observing date, we provide estimates for the column density and relative extension of the line emitting region. If the changes observed toward the end of our observing campaign were related to mass-loss changes from the central star, they would correspond to an increase in a factor of two in the mass of the disk in the innermost region. If related to the visual outburst observed one month later, the variability observed in our spectra would be the first detection of the early disk formation process in the L-band.
A SEA BASS on the Exoplanet HD 209458b
Authors: Morello G.
Published: October 2018

We present here the first application of Stellar and Exoplanetary Atmospheres Bayesian Analysis Simultaneous Spectroscopy (SEA BASS) on real data sets. SEA BASS is a scheme that enables the simultaneous derivation of four-coefficient stellar limb-darkening profiles, transit depths, and orbital parameters from exoplanetary transits at multiple wavelengths. It relies on the wavelength independence of the system geometry and on the reduced limb-darkening effect in the infrared. This approach has been introduced by Morello et al. (without the SEA BASS acronym), who discuss several tests on synthetic data sets. Here, we (1) improve on the original algorithm using multiple Spitzer/InfraRed Array Camera passbands and a more effective set of geometric parameters, (2) demonstrate its ability with Hubble Space Telescope/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph data sets by (3) measuring the HD 209458 stellar limb-darkening profile over multiple passbands in the 290–570 nm range with sufficient precision to rule out some theoretical models that have been adopted previously in the literature, and (4) simultaneously extracting the transmission spectrum of the exoplanet atmosphere. The higher photometric precision of the next-generation instruments, such as those on board the James Webb Space Telescope, will enable modeling the star–planet systems with unprecedented detail, and increase the importance of SEA BASS for avoiding the potential biases introduced by inaccurate stellar limb-darkening models.
Constraining the Gap Size in the Disk around HD 100546 in the Mid-infrared
Authors: Jamialahmadi Narges , Ratzka Thorsten , Panić Olja , Fathivavsari Hassan , Boekel Roy van , Flement Sebastien , Henning Thomas , Jaffe Walter , Mulders Gijs D.
Published: October 2018

We refine the gap size measurements of the disk surrounding the Herbig Ae star HD 100546 in the N band. Our new mid-infrared interferometric (MIDI) data have been taken with the UT baselines and span the full range of orientations. The correlated fluxes show a wavy pattern in which the minima separation links to a geometrical structure in the disk. We fit each correlated flux measurement with a spline function, deriving the corresponding spatial scale, while assuming that the pattern arises interferometrically due to the bright emission from the inner disk and the opposing sides of the wall of the outer disk. We then fit an ellipse to the derived separations at their corresponding position angles, thereby using the observations to constrain the disk inclination to i = 47° ± 1° and the disk position angle to PA = 135.°0 ± 2.°5 east of north, both of which are consistent with the estimated values in previous studies. We also derive the radius of the ellipse to 15.7 ± 0.8 au. To confirm that the minima separations translate to a geometrical structure in the disk, we model the disk of HD 100546 using a semianalytical approach taking into account the temperature and optical depth gradients. Using this model, we simultaneously reproduce the level and the minima of the correlated fluxes and constrain the gap size of the disk for each observation. The values obtained for the projected gap size in different orientations are consistent with the separation found by the geometrical model.
Volans-Carina: A New 90 Myr Old Stellar Association at 85 pc
Authors: Gagné Jonathan , Faherty Jacqueline K. , Mamajek Eric E.
Published: October 2018

We present a characterization of the new Volans-Carina Association (VCA) of stars near the Galactic plane (b ≃ −10°) at a distance of ≃75–100 pc, previously identified as group 30 by Oh et al. We compile a list of 19 likely members from Gaia DR2 with spectral types B8–M2, and 46 additional candidate members from Gaia DR2, 2MASS, and AllWISE with spectral types A0–M9 that require further follow-up for confirmation. We find an isochronal age of

Myr based on MIST isochrones calibrated with Pleiades members. This new association of stars is slightly younger than the Pleiades, with less members but located at a closer distance, making its members ≃3 times as bright as those of the Pleiades on average. It is located further than members of the AB Doradus moving group, which have a similar age, but it is more compact on the sky, which makes it less prone to contamination from random field interlopers. Its members will be useful benchmarks to understand the fundamental properties of stars, brown dwarfs, and exoplanets at ≃90 Myr. We also provide an updated version of the BANYAN Σ Bayesian classification tool that includes the VCA.
Chemical Evolution of N2H+ in Six Massive Star-forming Regions
Authors: Yu Nai-Ping , Xu Jin-Long , Wang Jun-Jie , Liu Xiao-Lan
Published: October 2018

To investigate how the abundance of N2H+ varies as massive clumps evolve, here we present a multiwavelength study toward six molecular clouds. All of these clouds contain several massive clumps in different evolutionary stages of star formation. Using archival data of the Herschel infrared Galactic Plane Survey (Hi-GAL), we made H2 column density and dust temperature maps of these regions by the spectral energy distribution method. We found that all of the six clouds show distinct dust temperature gradients, ranging from ∼20 to ∼30 K. This makes them good candidates to study chemical evolution of molecules (such as N2H+) in different evolutionary stages of star formation. Our molecular line data comes from the Millimeter Astronomy Legacy Team Survey at 90 GHz (MALT90). We made column density and then abundance maps of N2H+. We found that when the dust temperature is above 27 K, the abundance of N2H+ begins to decrease or reaches a plateau. We regard that this is because in the photodissociation regions around classical H ii regions, N2H+ is heavily destroyed by free electrons. However, when the dust temperature is below 27 K, the abundance of N2H+ increases with the dust temperature. This seems to be inconsistent with previous chemical models made in low-mass star-forming regions. In order to investigate whether this inconsistency is caused by a different chemistry in high-mass star-forming clumps, higher angular resolution observations are necessary.
Detection of Prebiotic Molecules in Plasma and Photochemical Aerosol Analogs Using GC/MS/MS Techniques
Authors: Sebree Joshua A. , C. Roach Madeline , Shipley Emma R. , He Chao , Hörst Sarah M.
Published: October 2018

The formation and identification of prebiotic compounds in the organically rich atmospheres of Titan and Pluto are of great interest due to the potential implications such discoveries may have on theories of the origins of life on the early Earth. In past work, hindrances in detecting prebiotic molecules in lab-generated aerosol analogs have been the large number of products formed, often compounded by limited sample amounts. In this work, we detail a GC/MS/MS protocol that is highly selective (>30 simultaneously detectable compounds) and highly sensitive (limits of detection ∼1 picomole). Using this method to analyze aerosol analogs (tholins) generated by either cold plasma or photochemical irradiation of 1:1 mixtures of methane and carbon monoxide in nitrogen, this work has expanded the number of identifiable compounds in Titan/Pluto analog aerosols to include the nonbiological nucleobases xanthine and hypoxanthine in plasma aerosols and the first identification of glycine as a product in photochemical aerosols produced under reducing atmospheric conditions. Several species (glycine, guanidine, urea, and glycolic acid) were found to be present in both plasma and photochemical aerosols. Such parallel product pathways bring new understanding to the nature of plasma and photochemical aerosols and allow for new insights into the prebiotic chemistry of organically rich atmospheres including Pluto, Titan, and the early Earth.
Predicting the COSIE-C Signal from the Outer Corona up to 3 Solar Radii
Authors: Del Zanna Giulio , Raymond John , Andretta Vincenzo , Telloni Daniele , Golub Leon
Published: October 2018

We present estimates of the signal to be expected in quiescent solar conditions, as would be obtained with the COronal Spectrographic Imager in the EUV in its coronagraphic mode (COSIE-C). COSIE-C has been proposed to routinely observe the relatively unexplored outer corona, where we know that many fundamental processes affecting both the lower corona and the solar wind are taking place. The COSIE-C spectral band, 186–205 Å, is well-known as it has been observed with Hinode EIS. We present Hinode EIS observations that we obtained in 2007 out to 1.5 R
⊙, to show that this spectral band in quiescent streamers is dominated by Fe xii and Fe xi and that the ionization temperature is nearly constant. To estimate the COSIE-C signal in the 1.5–3.1 R
⊙ region we use a model based on CHIANTI atomic data and SoHO UVCS observations in the Si xii and Mg x coronal lines of two quiescent 1996 streamers. We reproduce the observed EUV radiances with a simple density model, photospheric abundances, and a constant temperature of 1.4 MK. We show that other theoretical or semi-empirical models fail to reproduce the observations. We find that the coronal COSIE-C signal at 3 R
⊙ should be about 5 counts/s per 3.″1 pixel in quiescent streamers. This is unprecedented and opens up a significant discovery space. We also briefly discuss stray light and the visibility of other solar features. In particular, we present UVCS observations of an active region streamer, indicating increased signal compared to the quiet Sun cases.
High-resolution ALMA Study of the Proto-brown-dwarf Candidate L328-IRS
Authors: Lee Chang Won , Kim Gwanjeong , Myers Philip C. , Saito Masao , Kim Shinyoung , Kwon Woojin , Lyo A-Ran , Soam Archana , Kim Mi-Ryang
Published: October 2018

This paper presents our observational attempts to precisely measure the central mass of a proto-brown dwarf candidate, L328-IRS, in order to investigate whether L328-IRS is in the substellar mass regime. Observations were made for the central region of L328-IRS with the dust continuum and CO isotopologue line emission at Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) band 6, discovering the detailed outflow activities and a deconvolved disk structure of a size of ∼87  × 37 au. We investigated the rotational velocities as a function of the disk radius, finding that its motions between 130 and 60 au are partially fitted with a Keplerian orbit by a stellar object of ∼0.30 M
⊙, while the motions within 60 au do not follow any Keplerian orbit at all. This makes it difficult to lead a reliable estimation of the mass of L328-IRS. Nonetheless, our ALMA observations were useful enough to well constrain the inclination angle of the outflow cavity of L328-IRS as ∼66°, enabling us to better determine the mass accretion rate of ∼8.9 × 10−7
M
⊙ yr−1. From assumptions that the internal luminosity of L328-IRS is mostly due to this mass accretion process in the disk, or that L328-IRS has mostly accumulated the mass through this constant accretion rate during its outflow activity, its mass was estimated to be ∼0.012–0.023 M
⊙, suggesting L328-IRS to be a substellar object. However, we leave our identification of L328-IRS as a proto-brown dwarf to be tentative because of various uncertainties, especially regarding the mass accretion rate.
The Carrier of 3.3 μm Aromatic Infrared Bands: Anharmonicity and Temperature Effects on Neutral PAHs
Authors: Chen Tao
Published: October 2018

Anharmonic infrared (IR) spectra are crucial for the study of interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules. This work aims to provide a comprehensive study of the features that may influence the accuracy of anharmonic IR spectra of PAHs so that a reliable spectrum that incorporates all necessary features for interpreting the observational IR spectra can be obtained. Six PAHs are investigated: naphthalene, anthracene, pyrene, chrysene, 9,10-dimethylanthracene, and 9,10-dihydroanthracene. The NIST spectra and high-resolution IR absorption spectra are utilized as the reference for the comparisons. The influences of different resonances and resonant thresholds are studied. Four methods for electronic structure calculations are tested. The quantitative comparisons indicate that for the NIST data, B3LYP/N07D provides the best agreement with measured spectra concerning band positions and B3LYP/cc-pVTZ is superior in the description of the relative intensities. The importance of 1–3 Darling–Dennison resonances, which are required for generating triple combination bands, is investigated through a comparison to a high-resolution experimental spectrum. For interpreting the bandwidths and profiles of the observational spectra, the temperature effects are included through the Wand-Landau random walk technique. The comparisons between calculated high-temperature anharmonic and observational spectra indicate that small and compact PAHs might be responsible for the 3.3 μm aromatic infrared bands.
HST STIS UV Spectroscopic Observations of the Protoplanetary Nebula Hen3-1475∗
†
Authors: Fang Xuan , Castro Ana I. Gómez de , Toalá Jesús A. , Riera Angels
Published: October 2018

We present UV spectra of the protoplanetary nebula (pPN) Hen 3-1475 obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Our deep, low-dispersion spectroscopy enables monochromatic imaging of Hen 3-1475 in ultraviolet (UV) nebular emission lines, the first of such attempt ever made for a pPN. The high spatial resolution of STIS imaging allows an unprecedentedly sharp view of the S-shaped jet, especially the inner NW1 knot, which is resolved into four components in Mg ii
λ2800. Through critical comparison with HST optical narrowband images, we found a negative radial velocity gradient in NW1, from −1550 km s−1 on its innermost component to ∼−300 km s−1 on the outermost. Despite their high radial velocities, these components of NW1 mostly show no obvious (or very small) proper motions, indicating that they might be quasi-stationary shocks near the tip of the conical flow along the collimated jet of Hen 3-1475.
Quadriceps Weakness and Risk of Knee Cartilage Loss Seen on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Population-based Cohort with Knee Pain
Authors: Chin Carson , Sayre Eric C. , Guermazi Ali , Nicolaou Savvas , Esdaile John M. , Kopec Jacek , Thorne Anona , Singer Joel , Wong Hubert , Cibere Jolanda
Published: October 2018

Objective.

To determine whether baseline quadriceps weakness predicts cartilage loss assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods.

Subjects aged 40–79 with knee pain (n = 163) were recruited from a random population sample and examined for quadriceps weakness with manual isometric strength testing, using a 3-point scoring system (0 = poor resistance, 1 = moderate resistance, 2 = full resistance), which was dichotomized as normal (grade 2) versus weak (grade 0/1). MRI of the more symptomatic knee was obtained at baseline and at mean of 3.3 years. Cartilage was graded 0–4 on MRI. Exponential regression analysis was used to evaluate whether quadriceps weakness was associated with whole knee cartilage loss, and in secondary analyses with compartment-specific cartilage loss, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Arthritis Index pain score, and baseline MRI cartilage score.

Results.

Of 163 subjects, 54% were female, with a mean age of 57.7 years. Quadriceps weakness was seen in 11.9% of the subjects. Weakness was a predictor of whole knee cartilage loss (HR 3.48, 95% CI 1.30–9.35). Quadriceps weakness was associated with cartilage loss in the medial tibiofemoral (TF) compartment (HR 4.60, 95% CI 1.25–17.02), while no significant association was found with lateral TF (HR 1.53, 95% CI 0.24–9.78) or patellofemoral compartment (HR 2.76, 95% CI 0.46–16.44).

Conclusion.

In this symptomatic, population-based cohort, quadriceps weakness predicted whole knee and medial TF cartilage loss after 3 years. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that a simple clinical examination of quadriceps strength can predict the risk of knee cartilage loss.
Performance of the Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Not Superior to the ACC/AHA Risk Calculator
Authors: Wahlin Bengt , Innala Lena , Magnusson Staffan , Möller Bozena , Smedby Torgny , Rantapää-Dahlqvist Solbritt , Wållberg-Jonsson Solveig
Published: October 2018

Objective.

Cardiovascular (CV) risk estimation calculators for the general population do not perform well in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An RA-specific risk calculator has been developed, but did not perform better than a risk calculator for the general population when validated in a heterogeneous multinational cohort.

Methods.

In a cohort of patients with new-onset RA from northern Sweden (n = 665), the risk of CV disease was estimated by the Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERS-RA) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association algorithm (ACC/AHA). The ACC/AHA estimation was analyzed, both as crude data and when adjusted according to the recommendations by the European League Against Rheumatism (ACC/AHA × 1.5). ERS-RA was calculated using 2 variants: 1 from patient and physician reports of hypertension (HTN) and hyperlipidemia [ERS-RA (reported)] and 1 from assessments of blood pressure (BP) and blood lipids [ERS-RA (measured)]. The estimations were compared with observed CV events.

Results.

All variants of risk calculators underestimated the CV risk. Discrimination was good for all risk calculators studied. Performance of all risk calculators was poorer in patients with a high grade of inflammation, whereas ACC/AHA × 1.5 performed best in the high-inflammatory patients. In those patients with an estimated risk of 5–15%, no risk calculator performed well.

Conclusion.

ERS-RA underestimated the risk of a CV event in our cohort of patients, especially when risk estimations were based on patient or physician reports of HTN and hyperlipidemia instead of assessment of BP and blood lipids. The performance of ERS-RA was no better than that of ACC/AHA × 1.5, and neither performed well in high-inflammatory patients.
Toward New Classification Criteria for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: First Steps, Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization International Consensus
Authors: Martini Alberto , Ravelli Angelo , Avcin Tadej , Beresford Michael W. , Burgos-Vargas Ruben , Cuttica Ruben , Ilowite Norman T. , Khubchandani Raju , Laxer Ronald M. , Lovell Daniel J. , Petty Ross E. , Wallace Carol A. , Wulffraat Nico M. , Pistorio Angela , Ruperto Nicolino ,   for the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO)
Published: October 2018

Objective.

To revise the current juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) classification criteria with an evidence-based approach, using clinical and routine laboratory measures available worldwide, to identify homogeneous clinical groups and to distinguish those forms of chronic arthritis typically seen only in children from the childhood counterpart of adult diseases.

Methods.

The overall project consists of 4 steps. This work represents Step 1, a Delphi Web-based consensus and Step 2, an international nominal group technique (NGT) consensus conference for the new provisional Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization JIA classification criteria. A future large data collection of at least 1000 new-onset JIA patients (Step 3) followed by analysis and NGT consensus (Step 4) will provide data for the evidence-based validation of the JIA classification criteria.

Results.

In Step 1, three Delphi rounds of interactions were implemented to revise the 7 ILAR JIA categories. In Step 2, forty-seven questions with electronic voting were implemented to derive the new proposed criteria. Four disorders were proposed: (a) systemic JIA; (b) rheumatoid factor–positive JIA; (c) enthesitis/spondylitis-related JIA; and (d) early-onset antinuclear antibody–positive JIA. The other forms were gathered under the term “others.” These will be analyzed during the prospective data collection using a list of descriptors to see whether the clustering of some of them could identify homogeneous entities.

Conclusion.

An international consensus was reached to identify different proposed homogeneous chronic disorders that fall under the historical termJIA. These preliminary criteria will be formally validated with a dedicated project.
Longterm Data on Sirolimus Treatment in Patients with Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Yap Desmond Y.H. , Tang Colin , Chan Gary C.W. , Kwan Lorraine P.Y. , Ma Maggie K.M. , Mok Maggie M.Y. , Chan Tak Mao
Published: October 2018

Objective.

To expand the limited longterm data on sirolimus treatment in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). Our pilot short-term data suggested efficacy of sirolimus treatment in these patients.

Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed 16 class III/IV/V patients with LN who have received prednisolone (PSL) and sirolimus either as initial or maintenance treatment.

Results.

Sixteen patients received sirolimus treatment (9 because of intolerance to standard immunosuppressants and 7 because of a history of malignancy) for 45.3 ± 36.5 months. In 5 patients, sirolimus and PSL were given as induction for active nephritis, and they showed improvements in proteinuria (2.8 ± 1.9 g/day at baseline, 0.1 ± 0.1 g/day after 36 mos, p = 0.011), anti-dsDNA (107.7 ± 91.9 IU/ml and 37.0 ± 55.4 IU/ml, respectively, p = 0.178), and C3 (54.8 ± 26.1 mg/dl and 86.3 ± 18.6 mg/dl, respectively, p = 0.081). Eleven patients received sirolimus and low-dose PSL as longterm maintenance, and they showed continued improvement in C3 (90.4 ± 18.1 mg/dl and 117.7 ± 25.1 mg/dl at commencement and after 36 mos, respectively, p = 0.025), stable renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate 58.6 ± 25.8 ml/min and 63.0 ± 29.6 ml/min, respectively, p = 0.239), and proteinuria (0.8 ± 0.7 g/day and 0.7 ± 0.7 g/day respectively, p = 0.252). Renal flare occurred in 1 patient, and another patient who had stage 4 chronic kidney disease when sirolimus was started developed endstage renal failure after 27 months. Sirolimus was discontinued in 5 patients, in 4 cases related to drug side effects. Deterioration of dyslipidemia occurred in 4 patients, but was adequately controlled with statin therapy.

Conclusion.

The preliminary evidence suggests that sirolimus may serve as an alternative treatment for patients with LN who do not tolerate standard treatment or who had a history of malignancy, and it has an acceptable longterm safety profile.
Relationship between new farming practices and chemical use and the consumption of giant cricket (Brachytrupes membranaceus Drury, 1770)
Authors: Miantsia F.O. , Meutchieye F. , Niassy S.
Published: October 2018

The current work is aimed at generating information on giant crickets and the impact of commonly used pesticides on the natural population of these crickets. Data was collected based on interviews and complemented with field observations. Out of 319 respondents surveyed, 290 were aware of the use of the giant cricket as a food source, and 161 were active consumers. Regarding the availability of the giant cricket, respondents reported that the crickets’ populations were diminishing because of farming practices. About 219 persons reported that commonly used herbicides harm giant crickets at different stages. This could be attributed to the scarcity of this species, as mentioned by 233 respondents. The results showed that 130 respondents were engaged in gathering giant crickets for consumption. This insect gathering is related to soil tilling. Chi-square test showed a significant dependence relationship between herbicides use and cricket scarcity. Although less than a majority (129) of respondents are making regular use of persistent pesticides (herbicides), it has been observed that intensive use of pesticides could become a popular practice in smallholder farming categories. This paper thus suggests the need for training and surveillance concerning the trade of pesticides in the region and proposes further investigations into pesticides residues or traces in collected giant crickets consumed in the study site and in all areas with similar conditions.
Mindfulness-Based Versus Health Promotion Group Therapy After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Bay Esther , Chan Roxane Raffin
Published: October 2018

The current pre- and posttest intervention study is designed for individuals with chronic symptoms and stress associated with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). The researchers' intent was to evaluate whether an 8-week mindfulness-based group therapy compared to health promotion active control group therapy reduces chronic stress, TBI symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Significant mean reductions in chronic stress and TBI depressive and general symptoms for individuals in the mindfulness group compared to the active control group were present, according to pairedttest analyses. Further, while controlling for baseline scores, the mindfulness-based intervention group change score was greater compared to the control group using regression analyses. Results suggest that mindfulness-based group intervention for individuals with chronic difficulties after TBI is feasible and effective. Further study of this cost-effective and self-management approach to stress and symptom management is warranted and has the potential to be a broad-based intervention for early therapy after injury. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(1), 26–33.]
Information Processing and Data Management Technology in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Yong , Liang Baohua , Jiang Jiabao
Published: October 2018

The wireless sensor network is essentially a data-centric network that processes the continuous stream of data, which is collected by different sensors. Therefore, the existing data management technologies regard the wireless sensor network, which is named WSN as a distributed database, and it is composed of continuous data streams from the physical world. Wireless sensor networks are emerging next-generation sensor networks, but their transmission of information is highly dependent. The wireless sensor network processes the continuous stream of data collected by the sensor. Based on the features of wireless sensor networks, this paper presents a topology-dependent model of cluster evolution with fault tolerance. Through the limited data management, resources have reasonably configured, while also saving energy. The model is based on the energy-aware routing protocol in its network layer protocols. The key point is the energy routing principle. According to its own local view, the cluster head node builds the inter-cluster topology to achieve fault-tolerant and energy-saving goals. Simulation results show that the model has good fault tolerance and energy efficiency.
Computer Network Simulation of Firewall and VoIP Performance Monitoring
Authors: Barznji Ammar O. , Rashid Tarik A. , Al-Salihi Nawzad K.
Published: October 2018

Fast growing in communication technology has influenced global changes and challenges appear in the field of network security issues. Security solutions must be efficient and operate in a way to deal with threats, reject and stop the network intruders and Trojans. The simulated network of Salahaddin university new campus is planned to build on an area of (3000X3000) meter square. The network consists of many main and secondary devices. The network is mainly consisted of one core switch that provides a very high data transfer through connecting all the collected positions by a variety of cable medias to the entire network switches which are installed in each college location. The department of academic administration (presidency) of the university design is similar to the network designed in each college. The mentioned switch obtains the services from a router that isolates the network from the cloud which supports the services of internet to the network. The firewall is connected to the switch that connects the main server and cloud together. This paper focuses on undertaking a simulation to analyze and examine the performance of the whole network when two scenarios are implemented, the first is if firewall devices is used, the second is when firewall is not used, since the project of building Salahaddin University new campus is at the initial stage, therefore, the researchers think that, it is very important to figure out the drawbacks and deadlocks of using firewall upon each branch of the network and overall network performance before the submitting the final networks design that going to be implemented and installed, because this will indicate many differences on the construction, for example, the network panels ways, the cable collecting locations, network channels and many other device fixing things depending on the media types in addition of the demand of future expansion capabilities. The results show that the using or adding of firewall device to the university campus computer network, will improve the overall network performance though increasing the data stream on many network sections and sectors, also better results are obtained.
Computer Laboratory Teaching Management System for Improving Teaching and Learning
Authors: Farag Siham Gaber
Published: October 2018

Rapid advancements in technology in today’s world have been accompanied by the need for equipping classrooms with the best educational technology. The biggest challenge in incorporating technology into learning is allowing students to take advantage of learning technology while ensuring that the class is productive and well managed. The main objective of this paper is to study the effects of using a classroom management system in computer lab sessions for smooth technology integration and effective computer lab management. The practice was evaluated through comparative analysis of the student performance, survey results and feedback from teachers, students, and IT management staff. Generally, the responses of participants were positive, more than 90% of them agreed that the system enhances the learning environment. The results analysis showed that there is a noticeable increase in student performance
Enhancement of Non-Holonomic Leader-Follower Formation Using Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Tutuko Bambang , Nurmaini Siti , Saparudin Saparudin , Fitriana Gita Fadila
Published: October 2018

Robotics control system with leader-follower approach has a weakness in the case of formation failure if the leader robot fails. To overcome such problem, this paper proposes the formation control using Interval Type-2-Fuzzy Logic controller (IT2FLC). To validate the performance of the controller, simulations were performed with various environmental systems such as open spaces, complexes, circles and ovals with several parameters. The performance of IT2FLC will be compared with Type-1 Fuzzy Logic (T1FL) and Proportional Integral and Derivative (PID) controller. As the results found using IT2FLC has advantages in environmental uncertainty, sensor imprecision and inaccurate actuator. Moreover, IT2FLC produce good performance compared to T1FLC and PID controller in the above environments, in terms of small data generated in the fuzzy process, the rapid response of the leader robot to avoid collisions and stable movements of the follower robot to follow the leader's posture to reach the target without a crash. Especially in some situations when a leader robot crashes or stops due to hardware failure, the follower robot still continue move to the target without a collision.
Clicker Supported Team-Based Learning Environment: A Qualitative Study
Authors: AÅŸıksoy Gülsüm
Published: October 2018

In recent years Clicker technology has been widely used at universities to provide interactive learning environments. It is used with suitable pedagogic approaches to obtain the expected learning outcome. The aim of the study is to specify student views about the environment developed as a result of the integration of Team-based learning strategy and clicker technology in education. The participants are 30 first-year engineering students taking Physics I at Near East University. A case study design was used in this research. After overviewing the literature, the researcher prepared a semi-structured interview form to collect the data. İnterviews at the voluntary base was given after a five-week application process. The data were analyzed through content analysis method. The findings indicated that student perception of clicker supported Team-Based learning was positive. The students admitted that this environment enhanced their learning and they even made suggestions. This study can help educationalists integrate clicker technology in Team-Based learning strategy.
An Analysis of a Web Service based Approach for Experimental Data Sharing
Authors: Kralev Velin Spasov , Kraleva Radoslava Stankova , Sinyagina Ninа , Koprinkova-Hristova Petia , Bocheva Nadejda
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the results obtained from a comparative analysis of two methods for experimental data sharing. Several works related to the topic and some approaches for processing data have been discussed. Different technolgoies related to the web services, ways of using them and the areas of their application are analyzed. For the purposes of the study, a web service for retrieving specific data from a behavioral experiments database was developed.The methodology and conditions for conducting the experiments are described. Two different indicators are analyzed, respectively: time to retrieve the data from a database and iteration time across all records through one loop. The results show that when retrieving thousands of records both web service based approach and an approach based on a remote database server can be used. However, when retrieving millions of records, the fastest approach was the one that uses remote database server. The obtainedresultsshow that the dynamic arrays (containing strings) iterated much faster across all data records than the dataset approach.
Energy Management using Optimal Fuzzy Logic Control in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Cao Chenglong , Zhu Xiaoling
Published: October 2018

Energy is a key factor that affects the lifetime of wireless sensor network (WSN). This paper proposes an adaptive energy management model to improve the energy efficiency in WSN. Unlike existing clustering routing protocols, the overall performance indicators are introduced as the inputs of fuzzy logic control (FLC). Meanwhile, the probability adjustment value, as the out of FLC, is fed back to the network for the generation of new clusters. Since the design of membership functions (MFs) of FLC has a signiﬁcant impact on system performance, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize MFs and its optimization goal is to reduce the number of dead nodes and increase the remaining energy level in WSN. Simulation experiments were conducted for the low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy protocol (LEACH), the conventional FLC, FLC using genetic algorithm (GA), and FLC using PSO. The results show that the proposed FLC-PSO has the best performance among the four protocols and it can be used efficiently in energy management of WSN.
A Social Robotic Obesity Management and Awareness System for Children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alotaibi Mohammed
Published: October 2018

The prevalence of obesity and overweight among children has increased significantly during last two decades in Saudi Arabia with overwhelming consequences to public health. Most recommended approaches to reduce obesity have paying attention on healthier diet and physical Activity (PA).  The recent research shows that the use of social robots can contribute in fulfilling all the needs to encourage children to improve their skills in self-management. As children need to be surprised and feel a sense of enjoyment when involving in any activity where they can spend time, effort and be dedicated to. Hereby, this paper presents an innovation social Robotic system to offer a set of activities to help obese children in improving their capabilities to manage their selves properly and increase their obesity knowledge.  The proposed system presented in this paper will be tested and evaluated extensively in a random controlled trial in Saudi Arabia.
Batch Processing of Remote Sensing Image Mosaic based on Python
Authors: Xiu Hongling , Yang Fengyun
Published: October 2018

In the process of remote sensing image processing, analysis and interpretation, it is usually necessary to combine several local images into a complete image. Aiming at the shortcoming of long and complicated process of conventional semi-automatic video stitching. In this paper, using the splicing method of pixels, based on the Python interface of ArcGIS 10.1 platform, the idea of programming language is introduced and batch mosaic of remote sensing images is realized. Through the comparison with the image processing software, it is found that this method can shorten the time of image mosaic and improve the efficiency of splicing, which is convenient for later image analysis and other work under the premise of ensuring the accuracy.
A MULTI-LAYER HYBRID MACHINE LEARNING MODEL FOR AUTOMATIC SLEEP STAGE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Wongsirichot Thakerng , Hanskunatai Anantaporn
Published: October 2018

Sleep Stage Classification (SSC) is a standard process in the Polysomnography (PSG) for studying sleep patterns and events. The SSC provides sleep stage information of a patient throughout an entire sleep test. A physician uses results from SSCs to diagnose sleep disorder symptoms. However, the SSC data processing is time-consuming and requires trained sleep technicians to complete the task. Over the years, researchers attempted to find alternative methods, which are known as Automatic Sleep Stage Classification (ASSC), to perform the task faster and more efficiently. Proposed ASSC techniques usually derived from existing statistical methods and machine learning (ML) techniques. The objective of this study is to develop a new hybrid ASSC technique, Multi-Layer Hybrid Machine Learning Model (MLHM), for classifying sleep stages. The MLHM blends two baseline ML techniques, Decision Tree (DT) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). It operates on a newly developed multi-layer architecture. The multi-layer architecture consists of three layers for classifying [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in different epoch lengths. Our experiment design compares MLHM and baseline ML techniques and other research works. The dataset used in this study was derived from the ISRUC-Sleep database comprising of 100 subjects. The classification performances were thoroughly reviewed using the hold-out and the 10-fold cross-validation method in both subject-specific and subject-independent classifications. The MLHM achieved a certain satisfactory classification results. It gained 0.694[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.22 of accuracy ([Formula: see text]) in subject-specific classification and 0.942[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.02 of accuracy ([Formula: see text]) in subject-independent classification. The pros and cons of the MLHM with the multi-layer architecture were thoroughly discussed. The effect of class imbalance was rationally discussed towards the classification results.
Distribuição espacial da produtividade da soja no Rio Grande do Sul: um estudo exploratório
Authors: Vidigal Vinícius Gonçalves , Vidigal Cláudia Bueno Rocha , Parré José Luiz
Published: October 2018

As culturas agrícolas dependem de recursos naturais concentrados no espaço geográfico, o que reforça a ideia de que a produção ocorre na forma de agrupamentos (clusters), espalhados pelo espaço econômico. Dada a relevância da cultura da soja, especialmente para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, assim como a importância de estudos que tratem do padrão de localização da produção agrícola, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a disposição espacial da produtividade da soja nos municípios do Rio Grande do Sul no período entre 1990 e 2013. Utilizou-se como instrumental metodológico a Análise Exploratória de Dados Espaciais (AEDE). Os principais resultados demonstram que, entre 1990 e 2013, as maiores produtividades médias se encontravam nos municípios da região Norte do estado, com exceção do ano de 2005, enquanto os municípios com maior produtividade se localizavam na região Sul. A análise dos mapas de clusters confirma tal resultado e, juntamente da estatística I de Moran, demonstra a existência de autocorrelação espacial positiva entre os municípios do Rio Grande do Sul.
Caracterização dos serviços de acolhimento institucional de crianças e adolescentes no território da Grande Aracaju, Sergipe, Brasil
Authors: Santos Priscila Cardoso dos , Maldonado Vargas Marlizete , Moura de Melo Cláudia
Published: October 2018

O Acolhimento Institucional é uma medida de proteção para crianças e adolescentes de caráter excepcional e provisório. A avaliação do funcionamento e dos funcionários dos SAI’s é um tema de relevância social, pela preocupação quanto ao tipo de serviços ofertados aos acolhidos institucionalmente. Neste cenário, esta pesquisa tem por objetivo identificar as características do funcionamento e dos funcionários dos serviços de acolhimento institucional no território da Grande Aracaju/Sergipe no período de 2013 a 2015. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, que utilizou formulários para esta caracterização. Foram pesquisados 13 SAI’s, todos dispunham de sala de TV, área de lazer e cozinha; 54,5% (6) sala de estudos; 27,3% (3) não tinham sala da equipe técnica; 90,9% (10) mantinham diálogo com o Ministério Público e programas municipais de diversas áreas; e todos SAI’s tinham diálogo com o Conselho Tutelar, poder judiciário e programas da assistência social. 63 funcionários foram entrevistados, sendo 93,7% (59) mulheres, 49,2% (31) entre 25 a 35 anos. As oito coordenadoras eram mulheres, 37,5% (3) recebiam entre 2 e 4 salários mínimos; 50% (4) eram casadas e tinham filhos. Identificou-se a necessidade de qualificação dos funcionários, visto o alto índice de desconhecimento das questões políticas e legais que perpassam o universo infanto-juvenil