bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Equality Policy, Elites and Women Empowerment in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Mugambwa Joshua , Mwebaza Susan , Namubiru Bridget
Published: March 2017

Gender equality, and its resultant empowerment of women, is a recent phenomenon in Africa. This study examined two questions; 1) To what extent do the elites in Institutions of Higher Education practise gender equality to women empowerment? 2) What are the inhibitions of the contribution of higher education towards women empowerment? The study was qualitative and cross-sectional. Data was obtained from reports and semi-structured interviews, as well as 5 focus group discussions. Semi-structured interviews respondents included 20 academic and 20 support staff. Findings showed that there is still a gap to enable women participate on the same footing as men. Women empowerment in Education takes leadership interest, networks, meritocracy as well as women assertiveness. Limitations to gender equality policy implementation among elites in higher education are individual, social-cultural and economic. Higher education is characterised by stereotypes and retrogressive cultural beliefs which are subtly reproduced throughout the education system. The gender equality policy (2009) has been implemented in favour of men; therefore, the situation has to be improved with concerted efforts by the various stakeholders. Gender disaggregated data should be used in Higher Education to assess women empowerment as well as tracking both quantitative and qualitative women empowerment outcomes in higher education.
Enhancing the Australian Doctoral Experience
Authors: Bunda Tracey , Qi Jing , Manathunga Catherine , Singh Michael J.
Published: March 2017

Culture and identity play a significant role in the education of Indigenous and non-Western doctoral students. While a substantial body of literature explores interpersonal communication in doctoral supervision, it remains largely silent about how history impacts on doctoral students' identities and their potential for unique knowledge creation. This book chapter draws upon postcolonial/decolonial theories and life history methodologies in order to more effectively contextualise Indigenous and non-Western doctoral students' identities in Australia. These life histories include those outlined by the Indigenous and Chinese members of this team of authors as well as one life history interview with a migrant Asian student. Through careful theorisation of the interconnections between the life histories of our participants and their supervision experience, an inventory of supervision strategies will be distilled to improve intercultural supervision.
Institutional Culture and Identity
Authors: Otte Suzanne Carol , Best M. J.
Published: March 2017

Our Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership aims to develop leaders whose fundamental leadership identity is grounded in the Catholic, Dominican tradition. The values, studium, and COR questions are detailed as part of the Dominican ethos. The chapter describes a process by which the comprehensive exams were replaced with a qualitative program assessment focused on building three identities: academic writer, scholarly researcher, and an Edgewood Leader. The Edgewood Leader identity is built upon the Dominican ethos and is the focus of this study. Three models of assessment and the literature on leadership development were used to implement this assessment system. The findings related to leadership identity growth are detailed. Conclusions regarding program themes, strengths and weaknesses are described. The discussion connects the Dominican culture and heritage operating at the institution and the leadership development literature to the program assessment system currently in place.
Omani Women's Experiences as Second Language Writers
Authors: Jabur Zainab
Published: March 2017

This chapter explores the extent and the ways Omani Muslim women's identity is affected when writing in English as a second language. It seeks to gain insight into the relationship between these women's current lives and views and writing in ESL. The results confirm the hypothesis of the study, which is that the Omani women's identity/s and experiences are affected by learning English and writing in English as a second language, though some were reluctant to express this directly. These variations ranged from some participants' view that they had been forced to develop a second identity for the English world, to the view that their experience with English had only modified and changed aspects of their identity. Still, no matter which position they took, all participants acknowledged the existence of two worlds, the Arabic and the English.
Culture, Communication, and Identity in Anglophone Study Abroad English Language Provision
Authors: Kirkham Deak
Published: March 2017

Under the assumption of sociocultural theory (e.g. Lantolf 2005), language learning is both a highly individual and contextual phenomenon. In the specific case of English as a global language, the complexities are compounded. Recent insights from identity studies (e.g. Mercer 2011) further enrich the domain. This chapter offers a novel framework, the SCERT model, for conceptualising the interactions between learner identity and sociocultural interaction in specifically Anglophone contexts. The model provides a framework for constructing workable curricula which will support HE learners' language learning journey in Anglophone study contexts.
Research Status and Development of CuInTe2 Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Chao , Liu Ke Gao , Jing Ming Xing
Published: March 2017

Thin film solar cell is the best alternative to replace Si solar cell, which has the advantages of low cost, no pollution and so on. It has been developing rapidly in recent years. CuInTe2 thin-film battery which is similar to CIS thin-film battery belongs to Cu-AⅢ-BVI2 sulfur compounds. The energy gap of CuInTe2 are about 1.06eV, and it is a kind of good absorbing layer material. In this paper, the research history of the CuInTe2 thin film materials is briefly introduced. It only stays at the stage of preparation and performance testing, and has not been prepared for the finished battery at present. The feasibility and advantages of CuInTe2 as photoelectric material are explained from it’s structure characteristics. The advantages and disadvantages of various methods of preparing thin film materials are analyzed and impurities in the process are found in the progress. The optical properties and electrical properties of the CuInTe2 thin-film cells can be tested without the preparation of a battery due to the complexity of thin film solar cell structure.
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing of Thin DP Steel Electron Beam Weld Joints
Authors: Šimeková Beáta , Hodúlová Erika , Kovaříková Ingrid
Published: March 2017

Duplex steels are an important group of materials which are generally used for applications where resistance to corrosion, or high strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures, are required. They are used extensively in nuclear plant. Although ultrasonic inspection methods have been routinely used in industry for some three decades, it is well known that cast or welded austenitic components can be difficult, or even impossible, to examine ultrasonically. Development of ultrasonic techniques is therefore in progress in several countries to provide improvements which are being sought on safety and economic grounds.The aim of this paper is a brief description of the relevant metallurgical characteristics given before a consideration of the physical properties of the weld metal and the current theoretical models used to describe ultrasound propagation in it. The paper deals with the steps taken to improve the capabilities of ultrasonic inspection and includes a discussion of the problems of flaw location and sizing.
The Effect of Air Gap between Casting and Water-Cooled Mold on Interface Heat Transfer Coefficient
Authors: Zeng Yi Dan , Yao Qing Hu , Wang Xia
Published: March 2017

Water-cooled casting is a new casting process. It allows even large castings to solidify rapidly, thereby reducing segregation and grain refinement. It has drawn the attention of both domestic and foreign businesses. Heat transfer at the casting/water-cooled mold interface controls the cooling rate of the casting. During the solidification process, because of the contraction that takes place during casting, an air gap can form between the casting and the water-cooled mold. This air gap hinders heat transfer between the casting and the mold, leading to a rapid drop in the interface heat transfer coefficient (IHTC). The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of the width of the air gap and the duration of gap formation on IHTC. During the experiment, the casting temperature curve was determined in the presence of the interface air gap, and then inverse calculation was performed using PROCAST software to determine the IHTC of casting/water-cooled mold. Results showed that, after the formation of the air gap, IHTC first exhibited a rapid decrease, followed by an increase and then another decrease; IHTC was found to decrease as gap width increased and as the duration of gap formation increased.
Effect of Rare Earth Er on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cast Al-Si-Mg Alloy
Authors: Li Qing Lin , Li Bin Qiang , Li Jin Bao , Zhang Chao Fen , Lan Ye Feng
Published: March 2017

It is well known that Al-Si-Mg alloy can form Chinese script eutectic Mg2Si and large blocky primary Mg2Si phases. In this paper, the microstructures and mechanical properties of cast Al-18Si-10Mg-xEr (x=0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 wt.%) alloy were investigated. The as-cast samples were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) with wavelength dispersive spectroscopic (WDS). The results show that the morphology of primary Mg2Si changed from large block or Chinese script-like to fine block with increasing of Er contents from 0.3% to 1.0%., and the morphology of eutectic Si phases transformed into fine coral-like fibrous structure and the size of eutectic Si dramatically decrease. The mechanical properties were researched by tester with different concentration of rare earth Er. It was found that the ultimate tensile strength and hardness increased by 32.1% and 21.4%, respectively.
Effect of Fiber Orientation on the Wrinkling Behavior of Thermoplastic Composite
Authors: Chen Lu , Kalyanasundaram Shankar
Published: March 2017

In this work, experiments were conducted to examine the impact of fiber orientation of self-reinforced polypropylene on wrinkling phenomenon. Defects due to wrinkling are major quality issues in rapid forming of sheet materials. This article examines the influence of two fiber orientations [0°/90° and 45°/-45°] on wrinkling initiation of a self-reinforced polypropylene composite (Curv®) material system. It was found that 45°/-45° specimen wrinkles at smaller axial displacement compared to 0°/90° specimen. In both specimens, there was an abrupt change in strain increment ratio that corresponded to the onset of wrinkling. This phenomenon validates the robustness of the wrinkling indictor based on strain increment ratio concept.
Creep Behavior of a Ru-Free Nickel-Based Single Crystal Superalloy at Medium Temperatures
Authors: Liang Shuang , Liu Zhi Xin
Published: March 2017

By means of creep curves measurement and diffraction contrast analysis of dislocation configurations, the creep behavior and effect factors of a Ru-free nickel-based single crystal superalloy within the temperature range of 740~780°C are investigated. Results indicated that, the cubical γ′ phase transformed into the bunch-like structure. During creep at 760°C/750Mpa, no rafted features of γ′ phase is detected, but the degree of distortion of the cubic γ′ phase near fracture regions is increased. During creep, more super-dislocations shearing into γ′ phase of Ru-free alloy are decomposed on {111} plane to form the partials plus stacking fault, which is attributed to the interaction of the elements to decrease the stacking fault energy of the alloy. Moreover, the screw dislocations shearing into γ' phase of Ru-free alloy during creep at 760 °C may cross-slip from {111} to {100} planes for decomposing to form the configuration of the K-W locks, which is attributed to the higher alloying extent for decreasing the diffusion rate of elements. And the dislocation configuration may restrain the slipping of them to improve the creep resistance of alloy due to the non-plane core structure of them.
Fractal Geometry in Metallurgy of Welding and Coatings
Authors: Krivonosova Ekaterina A. , Krivonosova Ekaterina K. , Trushnikov Dmitriy
Published: March 2017

Application of new methods for the description of structure of metals and alloys, the identification of new quantitative structure-morphology tours are especially important to establish the relationship "structure - property" and predicting the properties of weld metal on the basis of mathematical modeling. In our work we applied a fractal approach to the analysis of following objects: structure of metal during welding, fatigue fracture surface of metal of welded joints, structure of coatings in microarc oxidation, macrostructure of the heat-resistant steels during electron beam welding
Wrinkling Behavior of a Woven Thermoplastic Composite Material
Authors: Chen Lu , Kalyanasundaram Shankar
Published: March 2017

This article examines the prediction of wrinkling initiation in self-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials for potential application in rapid forming of this class of materials. Whilst most of recent researches concentrate on examining metallic wrinkling behavior, this article aims to introduce a wrinkling indicator for composite sheet. The material system involved in the study is a self-reinforced polypropylene woven composite with a fiber orientation of 0°/90° along the warp and weft directions. Square specimens were stretched uniaxially along diagonal direction until the onset of wrinkling. It is observed that when the wrinkling occurs, strain increment ratio exhibits an abrupt change. This fundamental observation leads to the prediction of onset of wrinkling by using abrupt changes in strain increment ratio as a metric.
Mathematical Simulation of Flux Film State in Gap between Mould and Solidified Shell
Authors: Cao Li Jun
Published: March 2017

The mathematical model for heat transfer during solidification of steel in the mould of slab caster was established in this paper. The temperature distribution of slab surface was described. Based on the work which was described above, the model of flux film state was developed in present paper. Lubrication function of mould flux and the effects of main factors on lubrication had been discussed. The simulation results provided theory foundation for appraising lubrication function of flux and optimizing casting production.
Gravity Casting of Al-30vol%SiCp Plate
Authors: Haga Toshio , Takahiro Kazunobu , Wada Shota , Fuse Hiroshi
Published: March 2017

A model heat-spreader of Al-30vol%SiCp was cast by gravity casting. The plate size of the model was length 120 mm, width 90 mm, and thickness 6 mm. The effects of the metal head and die temperature on the metal filling in the die were investigated. A sound model heat-spreader of Al-30vol%SiCp was cast with a metal head of 150 mm at a die temperature of 300°C, and an ingot clad was cast. This study proposes the die to cast the ingot clad of Al-30vol%SiCp and 1070 aluminum alloy.
Electrodeposition and Corrosion Resistance of Cu/Zn/Cu Multilayer Coatings
Authors: Sun Jin Hu , Li Hui , Zhong Qing Dong , Xiao Chen , Huang Zhe Rui , Li Yu Lin
Published: March 2017

Cu/Zn/Cu multilayer coatings were prepared on mild steel substrates by dual bath technique in order to improve the corrosion resistance of mild steel in seawater. The microstructures of the coated substrates and its resistance to corrosion in simulated seawater were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the brine immersion test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Salt water immersion test results show that the Cu/Zn/Cu multilayer coatings exhibited the highest corrosion resistance. The red rust spot appeared on the coating surface for the first time when the time of the coating soaked in salt water reached 2520h. The trend of the impedance variation reflected by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was the same as the change tendency of corrosion resistance was analyzed by the salt water immersion test. The results of SEM showed that the layer of copper were deposited by round cell structure, the middle layer of zinc coating was flat and compact.
Influence of Ta Strengthening on Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Laser Cladding Ni45 Coating
Authors: Deng Qi Lin , Fu Wei , Fang Hong Yuan
Published: March 2017

The experiment is to gain laser cladding complex Ni-based coating with excellent wear resistance and without defects, by adding 5wt.% Ta into laser cladding Ni45 coating. This paper researches the influence of Ta on microstructure and wear resistance of laser cladding Ni45 coating. The results of the experiment show that strong carbide forming element Ta preferentially react with element C to generate the TaC hard phase, which restrains the growth of coarse primary carbide M7C3 and the eutectic structure of γ-Ni+M23C6, refines microstructure of the coating, reduces the cracking susceptibility and then gain the laser cladding coating without defects. The mircrohardness of Ni45+5%Ta complex laser cladding coating improves by about 18% compared to Ni45 coating; and its abrasive wear resistance improves by about 20% in dry friction environment. The solid solution strengthening formed by Ta improves the resistance to plastic deformation of Ni matrix. The refined crystalline grains restrain the nucleation and expansion of micro cracks on grain boundary, which prevents materials from falling off in form of grain. In addition, the primary generated TaC has higher mircrohardness than M7C3 and it disperses in matrix, which in some extent impedes the cutting motion of abrasive, consequently, being conductive to improve the mircrohardness and wear resistance of laser cladding coating.
Study on the Interfacial Binding Energy of Plasma Sprayed FeSi Nano-Composite Coating
Authors: Xiao Chen , Huang Zhe Rui , Zhong Qing Dong , Li Yu Lin , Sun Jin Hu , Li Hui
Published: March 2017

Plasma sprayed FeSi nanocomposite coating is used more and more widely, yet the cohesive force in nanocomposite coating on mild steel is still a problem to solve. This paper aimed to use MM simulation to estimate the cohesive strength. To simulate the interfacial binding energy in plasma sprayed FeSi nanocomposite coating on mild steel, different kinds of FeSi-Fe molecular models were built. The simulation results indicated that the mild steel supporting plasma sprayed FeSi nanocomposite coating showed a higher cohesive strength with moderate thickness and thermal treated of FeSi. In the system of FeSi-Fe, the separation will take place between FeSi and Fe layer, the best thickness of plasma sprayed FeSi nanocomposite coating is about 6μm, and thermal treated under hydrogen atmosphere is about 1400K. The results of MM simulation provide some theoretical basis for preparation of plasma sprayed FeSi nanocomposite coating on mild steel with advanced cohesive strength.
Investigation in the Influence of Surface Treatment on Mechanical and Electrochemical Corrosion Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Huang Zhe Rui , Li Yu Lin , Zhong Qing Dong , Xiao Chen , Li Hui , Sun Jin Hu
Published: March 2017

Potential difference between two phases in the Ti-6Al-4V alloy results in the galvanic cell reaction and corrosion. In order to improve the properties of Ti-6Al-4V, it was treated under different temperature with the atmosphere of 5vol. % oxygen and 95 vol. % nitrogen. The results showed that the titanium alloy surface is formed a layer of oxide and nitride compound layer. Sample treated at the temperature of 800°C had the most outstanding corrosion resistance and mechanical property.
The Measurement of SVOC Emission Rates from Building Materials
Authors: Kim Hyun Tae , Kim Tae Woo , Hong Won Hwa , Lee Kang Guk , Min Kim Kang
Published: March 2017

Recent studies have reported that indoor house dust contains a large volume of SVOC chemical substances such as phthalates. This study measured the SVOC emission rate from various types of building materials and conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses on the emitted substances. DBP and DEHP were detected in all building materials based on the result obtained from measuring the building materials produced in Japan, South Korea, and China. The DBP and DEHP emission rates (95 percentile) from the building materials used for the measurement in this study were 2.56 [μg/m2・h] and 11.63[μg/m2・h] respectively. Larger DBP and DEHP emission rate from building materials are believed to be the reason why a high level of DBP and DEHP is detected in house dust found in residential homes compared to other substances.
Cementitious Activity Evaluation of Steel Slag by EDTA-NaOH Solution Extraction Method
Authors: Li Zai Bo , He Tu Sheng , Zhao Xu Guang , Zhao San Yin
Published: March 2017

In order to establish a rapid evaluation method of steel slag cementitious activity, extraction test of steel slag in EDTA-NaOH solution have been investigated and the relationship between extraction characteristics and cementitious activity expressed as mortar strength has been analyzed. Results show that the linear relationship between the quantity extracted from steel slag and the mortar compressive strength is significant. According to the analysis results of mineral composition and microscopic morphologies, EDTA-NaOH solution can selectively extract the silicate and aluminate minerals of steel slag, which could be used as a rapid evaluation method of steel slag cementitious activity.
Study on Fracture Properties of Mortar Based on Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry
Authors: Chen Hong Niao , Su Ray Kai Leung , Chen Jia Jian
Published: March 2017

With high resolution, electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) technique can be useful in measuring full-filed deformation of laboratory specimens. In this study, ESPI was applied to measure the full-field displacements of mortar beam subjected to three-point bend. Load-displacement curves measured by ESPI were compared to that measured by clip gauge and LVDTs. Satisfactory agreement was observed in all the comparisons, demonstrating the effectiveness and accuracy of ESPI measurement. Furthermore, load versus crack tip opening displacement curve was obtained from ESPI results. Finally, extent of the fracture process zone and neutral axis of the mortar beam were analyzed based on full-filed displacement contour measured by ESPI.
Crack Control in Reinforced Concrete Liquid Retaining Structures
Authors: Navrátil Jaroslav , Čajka Radim
Published: March 2017

The paper deals with the calculation and assessment of the crack width and crack resistance of reinforced concrete tanks for liquids and containers according to Eurocode. Detailed analysis of the provisions of EN 1992-3 related to the calculation of cracks is made. The interpretation of code provisions used in IDEA StatiCa software is explained. Comparative calculations are executed for standard reinforced concrete and fiber concrete cross-sections.
Application of Chitosan as Scaffold Material of Construction In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Peng Song , Chen Dao Yu , Dong Hai Chao , Zhang Jing Jing , Zhuang Mei Ling , Song Ke Dong , Liu Tian Qing
Published: March 2017

Tissue engineering has the potential to regenerate tissue which regeneration capacity is limited. Nowadays, three-dimensional scaffold has become an excellent scaffold in tissue engineering. Chitosan as a scaffold material in tissue engineering is known for emerging techniques for treating some tissue damage, but there are questions that need to be answered, including application of chitosan and other materials, to provide growth factors, mechanical support and other micro environment, as well as the application at all levels, including conducive to an optimal and suitable cell source, the usability of growth factor, the selectivity of optimal biomaterial scaffolds as well as the technology for improving partial reconstruction of meniscus tears. This review focuses on current research on application of chitosan as scaffold material of construction In Vitro.
Use Discolor Spectrophotometry to Characterize Chelate Property of Nanoparticle
Authors: Chen Fang , Deng Yao , Chen Sheng Jie , Gao Lin , Yao Jun Long
Published: March 2017

An evaluation method for characterizing the chelate property of modified nanoparticles were described, the chelate ability of modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticle with metal ions was evaluated by using simple discolor spectrophotometry in NaCl solution, and the highest sensitivity was used for quantitative depicting the chelate ability with Pb ions after modified. The present method provided a simple and facile method for evaluating the chelate ability of modified nanoparticles which played an important role for fabricating nanocomposites.
La comunicazione con il paziente e tra professionisti nella gestione del paziente complesso in Medicina Interna
Authors: Lenti S. , Felici M. , Campanini M. , Fontanella A. , Nardi R. , Gussoni G.
Published: March 2017

Introduzione
M. Campanini

La comunicazione tra professionisti
A. Fontanella

Il valore della comunicazione in medicina interna
A. Greco, M. Greco, G. D’Onofrio, D. Sancarlo

Le Communication Skills come Evidence Based Medicine
M. Felici, S. Lenti

La procedura comunicativa Calgary-Cambridge
L. Sammicheli, C. Nozzoli

La procedura comunicativa Macy Model
V. De Crescenzo, M. Manini

La Medicina e la Ricerca disease, patient e person-oriented
G. Gussoni, L. Bellesia, S. Frasson, A. Valerio, E. Zagarrì

I contesti clinici e comunicativi della medicina
M. Felici, S. Lenti

L’illness del paziente: una Evidence Based Medicine nella medicina della complessità
L. Occhini, A. Pulerà, M. Felici

Illness e comportamento di malattia
L. Occhini, A. Pulerà, M. Felici

Il paradosso della prognosi: il dilemma della comunicazione nella prognosi in medicina interna
R. Ruggeri, L. Magnani, M. Murolo, G. Colombo, F. Colombo

Il terzo incomodo, ovvero, come la tecnologia informatica ha influenzato la relazioni medico-paziente
S. De Carli, M. Rondana, V. Moretti

La comunicazione efficace come strumento per aumentare l’aderenza alla terapia ovvero l’alleanza terapeutica
A. Galanti, L. S. Martin Martin, M. Semprini, D. Terracina

Il valore della comunicazione nei sistemi sanitari
M. Sandroni
A Pediatric Case of Meckel Diverticulum with Uncommon Presentation Showing No Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Mehrabani Sanaz , Osia Soheil
Published: March 2017

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract. Painless intestinal hemorrhage is a frequently occurring complication that relates to MD in children. Bowel obstruction is a rare complication of MD in children. We report on the case of a fouryear old male child who presented with abdominal pain and hematemesis. Finally, bowel obstruction due to MD was confirmed at surgery.
Acknowledgement to reviewers
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: March 2017

No abstract available.
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia: What every radiologist needs to know
Authors: Mittal Disha , Anand Rama , Sisodia Neha , Singh Smita , Biswas Ratna
Published: March 2017

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is an uncommon vascular anomaly of the placenta characterized by placentomegaly with multicystic placental lesion on ultrasonography and mesenchymal stem villous hyperplasia on histopathology. Placental mesenchymal dysplasia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cases of multicystic placental lesion such as molar pregnancy, chorioangioma, subchorionic hematoma, and spontaneous abortion with hydropic placental changes. However, lack of high-velocity signals inside the lesion and a normal karyotype favor a diagnosis of PMD. PMD must be differentiated from gestational trophoblastic disease because management and outcomes differ. We report the case of an 18-year-old female at 15 weeks of gestation with sonographic findings suggestive of placental mesenchymal dysplasia. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology.
Inguinoscrotal hernia in infants: Three case reports in ultrasound diagnosis
Authors: Meena Dharmraj , Jhuria Richa , Saxena Sangeeta , Saini Umesh
Published: March 2017

An inguinal hernia occurs when an intestinal loop or part of the omentum or genital organs passes into the scrotal cavity or labia through an incompletely obliterated processus vaginalis. Inguinal hernias are most common in preterm neonates, especially at 32-weeks gestation. Content of hernia is mostly bowel and ovary/testicles. Presence of uterus in herniated sac is rare, and only few cases are reported in literature. Hernia is more frequently located on the right side because the right processus vaginalis closes later than the left. Physical examination is sufficient to enable diagnosis in most cases. Ultrasound examination is indicated in patients with inconclusive physical findings, in patients with acute scrotum, and to investigate contralateral involvement in patients in whom only a unilateral hernia is clinically evident. Routinely, color or power Doppler imaging is used in inguinal-scrotal hernia to investigate intestinal and testicular/ovarian perfusion. Urgent surgery is indicated in patients with an akinetic dilated bowel loop (a sign of strangulation) or impaired testicular/ovarian perfusion.
Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma in common and technically challenging locations in pediatric population
Authors: Garge Shaileshkumar , Keshava Shyamkumar N , Moses Vinu , Chiramel George K , Ahmed Munawwar , Mammen Suraj , Madhuri Vrisha
Published: March 2017

Context: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of osteoid osteoma has a high technical and clinical success rate. However, there is limited data on its use in the pediatric population, especially in technically challenging locations. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous RFA of osteoid osteoma in pediatric population. Patients and Methods: From June 2009 to May 2014, 30 patients with osteoid osteoma were treated with CT-guided RFA in common (25 cases) and technically challenging (five cases: four near articular surface and one in sacrum) locations. Therapy was performed under general anesthesia with a three-array expandable RF probe for 6 min at 90°C and power of 60–100 W. The patients were discharged next day under instruction. The treatment success was evaluated in terms of pain relief before and after (1 day, 1 month, and 6 months) treatment. Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). Primary clinical success was 96.66% (29 of total 30 patients), despite the pediatric population and atypical location. One patient had persistent pain after 1 month and was treated successfully with a second procedure (secondary success rate was 100%). One patient had immediate complication of weakness of right hand and fingers extension. No delayed complications were observed. Conclusions: CT-guided RFA is relatively safe and highly effective for treatment of osteoid osteoma in pediatric population, even in technically difficult locations.
Multimodality imaging of adult gastric emergencies: A pictorial review
Authors: Sunnapwar Abhijit , Ojili Vijayanadh , Katre Rashmi , Shah Hardik , Nagar Arpit
Published: March 2017

Acute gastric emergencies require urgent surgical or nonsurgical intervention because they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis since the clinical symptoms are often nonspecific and radiologist may be the first one to suggest a diagnosis as the imaging findings are often characteristic. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of multimodality imaging (plain radiograph, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography) of various life threatening gastric emergencies.
Prenatal diagnosis of a rare aortic arch anomaly with left aortic arch and right ductus arteriosus: Cross ribbon sign
Authors: Vijayaraghavan S Boopathy , Senthil Sathiya , Latha K
Published: March 2017

Here, we report a fetus with a rare aortic arch anomaly with left aortic arch and right ductus arteriosus, which has not been reported so far. In this condition, the aorta extends to the left of the trachea as in normal, while the ductus arteriosus extends to the right of the trachea and joins the descending aorta posterior to the trachea, with a cross-ribbon sign.
The current status of pediatric radiology in India: A conference-based survey
Authors: Therakathu Jacob , Yadav Vikas K , Keshava Shyamkumar N , Gibikote Sridhar , Chavan Govind B , Shroff Manohar
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Like most other developing countries, India has a large proportion of children among its population. However, the facilities for adequate treatment of this large population is inadequate. The development of pediatric radiology as a subspecialty is still at an infant stage in India. The goal of our study was to assess the awareness about the current status of pediatric radiology in India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was handed over to all attendees of a pediatric radiology conference to assess their opinion regarding the adequacy of pediatric training and practice in India. The questionnaire consisted of 10 multiple-choice and two descriptive questions. Descriptive statistical methods were used for analyzing the results. Results: Eighty-one out of 400 delegates responded to the questionnaire. Among these 81 respondents, 50 (61.7%) felt that exposure to pediatric cases during postgraduate course was inadequate. Sixty-three out of 81 (77.7%) respondents thought that specialized training is required for practicing pediatric radiology, and 79 respondents (97%) felt that the number of such training programmes should increase. Forty-five out of 81 respondents (55.5%) were interested in pursuing pediatric radiology as a career. Conclusion: According to the opinion of the respondents of our survey, pediatric radiology remains an underdeveloped speciality in India. Considering the proportion of the population in the pediatric age and the poor health indicators in this age group, elaborate measures, as suggested, need to be implemented to improve pediatric radiology training and the care of sick children in India.
Cavernous sinus melanoma: A rare tumor
Authors: Garge Shaileshkumar , Mani Sunithi , Inbaraj Alfred , Rajshekhar Vedantam , Mohapatra Priyanka
Published: March 2017

Primay melanoma of the cavernous sinus is very rare with only few cases reported in the literature. We present the cross-sectional imaging findings of this rare tumor. The differential diagnosis for cavernous sinus mass lesion is wide as it contains vital neurovascular structures that may be affected by vascular, neoplastic, infective, and infiltrative lesions arising in the cavernous sinus proper or via extension from adjacent intra and/or extracranial regions. Radiologic imaging can narrow the differential diagnosis, however, imaging cannot definitely reach single diagnosis if they present in atypical form with hemorrage and cystic degeneration. This case report illustrates that primary cavernous sinus melanoma may present as a atypical tumor with diagnostic dilemma.
Frontal sinus osteoma with pneumocephalus: A rare cause of progressive hemiparesis
Authors: Umredkar Ashwini Bakde , Disawal Amit , Anand Aarti , Gaur Prajwalit
Published: March 2017

Osteomas of paranasal sinuses are common benign tumors and are diagnosed incidentally. However, osteomas complicated by pneumocephalus with air fluid level presenting with progressive hemiparesis is rare. Here, we present a case report of a 22-year-old male who presented with left-sided progressive hemiparesis with history of generalized headache since 2 years.
Initial experience in the use of technetium-99 metastable hydroxymethylene diphosphonate as an alternative ventilation agent during periods of interim shortage
Authors: Young Colin , Prasad Kalpna
Published: March 2017

Sporadic supply interruptions of select radiopharmaceuticals on the global market require consideration of alternative agents to support continuity of essential nuclear medicine examinations. During an acute shortage of Xenon-133 and technetium-99 metastable (Tc-99m) diethylene-triamine-pentaacetate (DTPA), our institution used aerosolized Tc-99m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HDP), a radiopharmaceutical traditionally used in bone scintigraphy, in lieu of traditional ventilation agents, for two cases of suspected pulmonary embolism. Similar to Tc-99m-DTPA, Tc-99m-HDP was readily available and easily compounded in our pharmacy, and tolerated well by patients. Identical delivery equipment was used for administration of Tc-99m-HDP as that used in Tc-99m-DTPA, and thus, there was no requirement for a negative pressure room. Similar to Tc-99m-DTPA and unlike Xenon-133, Tc-99m-HDP allowed direct comparison of all 8 ventilation-perfusion images. In addition, the cost per dose of Tc-99m-HDP proved to be less than Tc-99m-DTPA. Despite these favorable characteristics of Tc-99m-HDP, our experience identified an important challenge in obtaining an optimal flux override ratio of > 3 in a reasonable time frame while obtaining ventilation and perfusion images sequentially despite reversing the imaging order in an attempt to overcome this limitation. Although our experience with Tc-99m-HDP in these two cases was favorable, more clinical experience and investigation are warranted before Tc-99m-HDP can be incorporated as a standard alternative ventilation agent.

Disclaimers: The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, nor the United States Government. The identification of specific products or scientific instrumentation does not constitute endorsement or implied endorsement on the part of the author, DoD, or any component agency. While we generally excise references to products, companies, manufacturers, organizations, etc. in government produced works, the abstracts produced and other similarly situated researcher presents a special circumstance when such product inclusions become an integral part of the scientific endeavor.

Copyright Statement: The first author is a military service member. This work was prepared as part of the authors official duties. Title 17 U.S.C 105 provides that 'Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States Government.' Title 17 U.S.C. 101 defines a U.S. Government work as a work prepared by a member or employee of the U.S. Government as a part of that person's official duties.
Specific absorbed fractions of internal photon and electron emitters in a human voxel-based phantom: A monte carlo study
Authors: Ghahraman Asl Ruhollah , Parach Ali , Nasseri Shahrokh , Momennezhad Mehdi , Zakavi Seyed , Sadoughi Hamid
Published: March 2017

The specific absorbed fraction (SAF) of energy is an essential element of internal dose assessment. Here reported a set of SAFs calculated for selected organs of a human voxel-based phantom. The Monte Carlo transport code GATE version 6.1 was used to simulate monoenergetic photons and electrons with energies ranging from 10 keV to 2 MeV. The particles were emitted from three source organs: kidneys, liver, and spleen. SAFs were calculated for three target regions in the body (kidneys, liver, and spleen) and compared with the results obtained using the MCNP4B and GATE/GEANT4 Monte Carlo codes. For most photon energies, the self-irradiation is higher, and the cross-irradiation is lower in the GATE results compared to the MCNP4B. The results show generally good agreement for photons and high-energy electrons with discrepancies within − 2% ±3%. Nevertheless, significant differences were found for cross-irradiation of photons of lower energy and electrons of higher energy due to statistical uncertainties larger than 10%. The comparisons of the SAF values for the human voxel phantom do not show significant differences, and the results also demonstrated the usefulness and applicability of GATE Monte Carlo package for voxel level dose calculations in nonuniform media. The present SAFs calculation for the Zubal voxel phantom is validated by the intercomparison of the results obtained by other Monte Carlo codes.
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis presenting as a “Cold” rib in a child
Authors: Annen Michael , Johnston Mickaila , Gormley Joe , Silverman Eugene
Published: March 2017

A “cold” defect or an area of decreased radiotracer deposition is the less common appearance of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) on a Tc99 m-methylene disphosphonate (Tc99 m-MDP) bone scan. Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) is a significantly less common cause of AHO than Staphylococcus aureus, particularly when the infection involves the pelvis or flat bones such as the ribs. Here, we present a case report of isolated acute “cold” hematogenous osteomyelitis in a rib of a child with GABHS bacteremia that was detected on 99Tc-MDP bone scan, with magnetic resonance imaging correlation, and pathologic confirmation after rib resection.

Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Navy, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE for metastatic neuroendocrine tumor occurring in association with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and cushing's syndrome
Authors: Naik Chinna , Basu Sandip
Published: March 2017

Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) occurring in association with other endocrine syndromes forms a distinct entity. The aim was to assess the therapy response profile of the routine peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in this relatively uncommon but clinically challenging subgroup of patients. A retrospective analysis was undertaken from the case records from those who were treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE for metastatic NET. In addition to assessing the therapeutic efficacy, emphasis was also given to study lesional sites and scan pattern. A total of 5 cases were found: In this series of five cases, four belonged to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome; in these four MEN1 syndrome patients, the primary site of NET was thymic region (n = 1), duodenum (n = 1), and pancreas (n = 2). The fifth case was of Cushing's syndrome with the primary site of NET in the thymus. A good symptomatic response was observed in all MEN1 syndrome cases (100%) and progression of symptoms in the patient with Cushing's syndrome. The biochemical response (assessed by measurement of tumor marker serum chromogranin A) demonstrated very good partial response (defined by more than 75% reduction of tumor marker) in 2 MEN1 cases and Cushing's syndrome, good partial response (25–75% reduction of tumor marker) in the remaining 2 MEN1 cases. Scan wise (assessed by technetium [99mTc]-hydrazinonicotinamide [HYNIC]-tektrotyd [TOC]/68Ga-DOTA-NOC/TATE positron emission tomography-computed tomography [PET-CT] and fluorodeoxyglucose [FDG] PET-CT) partial response was observed in 3 MEN1 cases, stable disease was noted in one MEN1 case and disease progression was noted in the patient with Cushing's syndrome. The change in FDG uptake was found to be an important sensitive scan parameter in the treatment evaluation of NETs compared to somatostatin receptor-based imaging in the cases with low MiB1 index. In our series, good palliative response to 177Lu-DOTA-octreotate (DOTATATE) PRRT was observed in most NET patients associated with MEN1 syndrome without any major hematological or renal toxicity.
The role of bone scintigraphy with single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography in the diagnosis and evaluation of calciphylaxis
Authors: Martineau Patrick , Pelletier-Galarneau Matthieu , Bazarjani Sadri
Published: March 2017

Calciphylaxis, also known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy, is an uncommon disease, typically found in patients with the end-stage renal disease. Pathophysiological features include small vessel vasculopathy with mural calcification, fibrosis, and thrombosis. The clinical presentation varies but often consists of the necrosis of skin and subcutaneous tissues, with or without visceral organ involvement due to small vessel vasculopathy. This condition has a significant morbidity and mortality, making accurate diagnosis imperative. We present a case of calciphylaxis investigated using planar bone scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT). This case stresses the value of SPECT-CT to accurately localize the abnormal uptake in subcutaneous soft tissue microcalcifications and confirms the exact location and extent of pathology.
Cadmium telluride semiconductor detector for improved spatial and energy resolution radioisotopic imaging
Authors: Abbaspour Samira , Mahmoudian Babak , Islamian Jalil
Published: March 2017

The detector in single-photon emission computed tomography has played a key role in the quality of the images. Over the past few decades, developments in semiconductor detector technology provided an appropriate substitution for scintillation detectors in terms of high sensitivity, better energy resolution, and also high spatial resolution. One of the considered detectors is cadmium telluride (CdTe). The purpose of this paper is to review the CdTe semiconductor detector used in preclinical studies, small organ and small animal imaging, also research in nuclear medicine and other medical imaging modalities by a complete inspect on the material characteristics, irradiation principles, applications, and epitaxial growth method.
The Gradient of a Solution of the Poisson Equation in the Unit Ball and Related Operators
Authors: Kalaj David , Vujadinovic Djordjije
Published: March 2017

In this paper we determine the L1 ⟶ L1 and L∞ ⟶ L∞ norms of an integral operator N related to the gradient of the solution of Poisson equation in the unit ball with vanishing boundary data in sense of distributions.
An Explicit Hermite-Taylor Method for the Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Appelö Daniel , Kreiss Gunilla , Wang Siyang
Published: March 2017

An explicit spectrally accurate order-adaptive Hermite-Taylor method for the Schrödinger equation is developed. Numerical experiments illustrating the properties of the method are presented. The method, which is able to use very coarse grids while still retaining high accuracy, compares favorably to an existing exponential integrator – high order summation-by-parts finite difference method.
Combined MPM-DEM for Simulating the Interaction Between Solid Elements and Fluid Particles
Authors: Yang Youqing , Sun Pengtao , Chen Zhen
Published: March 2017

How to effectively simulate the interaction between fluid and solid elements of different sizes remains to be challenging. The discrete element method (DEM) has been used to deal with the interactions between solid elements of various shapes and sizes, while the material point method (MPM) has been developed to handle the multiphase (solid-liquid-gas) interactions involving failure evolution. A combined MPM-DEM procedure is proposed to take advantage of both methods so that the interaction between solid elements and fluid particles in a container could be better simulated. In the proposed procedure, large solid elements are discretized by the DEM, while the fluid motion is computed using the MPM. The contact forces between solid elements and rigid walls are calculated using the DEM. The interaction between solid elements and fluid particles are calculated via an interfacial scheme within the MPM framework. With a focus on the boundary condition effect, the proposed procedure is illustrated by representative examples, which demonstrates its potential for a certain type of engineering problems.