bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KUHN-TUCKER CONDITIONS IN SHAKEDOWN PROBLEMS
Authors: Atkočiūnas Juozas
Published: March 2019

An elastic perfectly plastic structure at shakedown to given cyclić loading is under consideration. The stress-strain field of dissipative system in general is related to the history of loading. And only in a particular case, i.e. at the moment prior to the failure of an elastic perfectly plastic structure the distribution of the actual residual forces is unique for each prescribed history of loading (the safety factor of shakedown approaches unity). Nevertheless, there exist some domains where the plastic strains are equal to zero. The residual forces in the statically indeterminate parts of the structure may be non-unique: the stress field is only determined by the equilibrium equations. The extremum energy principle of minimum complementary energy allows to derive the actual residual forces out of all statically admissible residual forces at the moment prior to cyclic plastic failure. Then the stress-strain field analysis problem at the moment prior to the cyclic plastic failure is formulated as a problem of non-linear mathematical programming. Formulating the dual pair of non-linear programming problem (statical and kinematic formulation of analysis problem) the differential constraints are neglected or replaced by algebraic conditions. When the safety factor is approching a unity, the degeneracy of the statical formulation of the analysis problem often can occur. In this case a mathematical model is proposed for obtaining an upper bounds for the displacement at shakedown. It is pointed out that the known Kuhn-Tucker conditions of mathematical programming theory (i.e. compatibility equations of residual strains) in concert with restriction, limiting the maximum value of total energy dissipation, make up the adaptation conditions of the structure to given cyclic loading. Kuhn-Tucker conditions used in above—mentioned problem allow to correctly interprete the physical aspect of the degeneracy problem at shakedown.
When the safety factor is larger than unity an artificial degeneracy situation for the statical formulation of analysis problem can be created. Then the mathematical models presented can be applied to the analysis of unloading elastoplastic structures. With this aim in view a fictitious equiplastic structure the behaviour of which is holonomic is derived. The displacements of the fictitious structure enclose the displacements of the actual structure subject to cyclic loading.
MULTI-PURPOSE SELECTONOVATION OF ALTERNATIVE VARIANTS OF TECHNOLOGICAL DECISIONS IN BUILDING
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas K.
Published: March 2019

The main methodological principles of multi-purpose selectonovation are discussed in the paper. These principles are applied to the development of methods for multi-purpose evaluation of alternative technological desicions in building. A common algorithm and two evaluation criteria are suggested: the relative concession criterion and the criterion of proximity to an ideal point. The values of criteria having been estimated, the rows of alternative variant priorities for the definite years of future period are arranged.
FUZZY TWO-PERSON GAMES FOR TECHNICAL DECISIONS/NERAIŠKIEJI DVIEJŲ ASMENŲ ŽAIDIMAI DĖL TECHNINIŲ SPRENDIMŲ PRIĖMIMO
Authors: Peldschus Friedel
Published: March 2019

Nagrinėjami neraiškieji dviejų asmenų žaidimai dėl techninių sprendimų priėmimo. Iš pradžių analizuojami klasikiniai matriciniai žaidimai, po to neraiškiosios aibės. Taip pat nagrinėjami neraiškieji matriciniai žaidimai. Atlikus šių metodų analizę, buvo pateiktos išvados. Pabrėžta, kad pasiūlytas metodas atveria naujas galimybes sprendžiant visą, eilç praktinių inžinerinių, ekonominių, investicinių ir kitų uždavinių.
ANALYSIS OF LIFE-TIME PROCESS OF A BUILDING/SUINTERESUOTŲ GRUPIŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Kaklauskas Artūras
Published: March 2019

Projektų efektyvumas labai priklauso nuo jame dalyvaujančių suinteresuotų grupių siekiamių tikslų sistemos. Keičiantis tikslams, keičiasi ir įsivaizduojamas to paties projekto naudingumo laipsnis. Todėl sudarant tikslų sistemą, suinteresuotos grupės labai tiksliai turi žinoti, ko jos siekia. Šiems poreikiams matematiškai aprašyti yra sudaroma kriterijų sistema pilnai atspindinti siekiamus tikslus bei apskaičiuojamos kriterijų reikšmes bei reikšmingumai. Šiame straipsnyje išnagrinėtos suinteresuotos grupės, jų tikslai bei projektų efektyvumą atspindinti kriterijų sistema.
BUILDING ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM'S SPECIALIZATION AND ITS MEASURING/SPEZIALISIERUNG DES LEITUNGSSYSTEMS DES BAUUNTERNEHMENS UND IHRE MESSUNG
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas
Published: March 2019

Management system's specialization is the main principle of its formation. If you want to define the specialization's influence on others dimensions of this system, it is necessary to express it quantitatively.

At this moment there are two types of management systems in building enterprises—functional and divisional.

By this reason all system specialization subscription can find all these types which are expressed quantitatively. In this connection management specialization generalization will be of these parts geometrical mean number.
REFRACTORY GUNITE AND REFRACTORY CONCRETES COMPACTED USING VARIOUS METHODS/KAITRAI ATSPARUS TORKRETBETONIS IR KITAIS BŪDAIS SUTANKINTI BETONAI
Authors: Goberis Stasys , Antonovič Valentinas
Published: March 2019

The aim of these investigations is to develop refractory gunite using local and waste materials available in Lithuania, to investigate its physical and mechanical properties and compare them with the same density and composition concrete compacted by vibration and ramming methods.

In this work light (vermiculite, expanded fire clay, diatomite) and heavy (shamotte) aggregates with aluminium cement as binding material were used.

The concrete samples (7×7×7 cm) were fired at various temperatures from 20°C to 1100°C.

Five types of refractory gunites with different dry mixtures having a bulk density from 850 to 1500 kg/m3 have been developed. It was shown that concrete cold crushing strength depends on dry mixture bulk density and firing temperature: heavy concrete samples compacted by vibration and ramming methods are stronger, while light concrete samples made by gunning are better. The influence of temperature decreases the strength characteristics, which was confirmed by ultrasonic impulse velocity measurement results. An estimation of water requirements for concrete sample production various compacting methods is given. It was found that gunite water requirements are substantially lower than for rammed or vibrated concrete.

Newly developed refractory gunite was used in furnaces as lining in an exhaust flue at Mažeikiai Oil Refinery.
DEVELOPMENT OF VILNIUS STREET NETWORK/VILNIAUS GATVIŲ TINKLO FORMAVIMAS
Authors: Juškevičius Pranciškus
Published: March 2019

The planning of city street network expansion faces a new problem in Lithuania—indetermination of the city development. The model of street network and its loading has demonstrated the possible variant of relatively balanced development of urban street network. But in spite of this it does not close the increasing gap between the need for street network capacities and possibilities available. The main strategic trend in street network development is gradual forming the street network subsystem of the highest category. It should be supplemented by the reconstruction of the existing crossings as well as by creating new regulation equipment of high quality. One of the components of street network development strategy is the restriction of traffic and parking in the city centre and old town.
A MEASUREMENT OF THE CONFIGURATION OF A BUILDING ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE/STATYBOS ĮMONĖS VALDYMO STRUKTŪROS KONFIGŪRACIJOS MATAVIMAS
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas
Published: March 2019

The configuration of a building enterprise management structure represents the outer form of a management system and is determined by two main principles of organizational formation, namely by specialization and coordination. The configuration may be measured by an organigram of an enterprise, i.e. by a graphical figure of a management system.

A management system can be quantitatively characterized by 2 values: an average number of hierarchical management level and an average number of institutions at one hierarchical level.

A generalized index of a building enterprise management structure configuration may be expressed by the product or ratio of the above-mentioned values. Which of them reflects better the real situation? Only an empirical investigation can reveal it.
KOMBINUOTŲJŲ STOGO KONSTRUKCIJŲ LENKIAMOJO STRYPO RACIONALUS PROJEKTAVIMAS/RATIONAL DESIGN OF FLEXURAL ROD IN COMBINED ROOF STRUCTURES
Authors: Juozapaitis Algirdas
Published: March 2019

The paper discusses a calculation of rational parameters of main flexural rod used in combined roof structures. Geometrical non-linearity can be discussed separately when the member is subjected either to tension or compression. It has been established that rational parameters for rods subjected to compression-bending or tension-bending have to be determined from the non-linear analysis calculation of the parameters using the slender- ness parameter, i.e. when kl ≤ 1.

Also combined roof structures with a non-continuous main member are discussed. The rational parameters were calculated from the geometrically non-linear analysis. Numerical testing has shown that the non-continuous main members of the combined structures are more effective than the continuous ones.
EVALUATION OF WALL-SLAB CONNECTION BEHAVIOUR UNDER EXTREME LATERAL ACTIONS/EKSTREMALIOMIS HORIZONTALIOMIS APKROVOMIS DEFORMUOJAMŲ SIENŲ IR PERDANGŲ SANDŪROS LAIKYSENOS ĮVERTINIMAS
Authors: Kudzys Algirdas
Published: March 2019

Darbe baigtinių elementų metodu modeliuojama gelžbetoninių sienų ir perdangos plokščių sandūrų laikysena ir gauti rezultatai sugretinti su eksperimentinių tyrimų duomenimis. Modeliavimui naudojami keturių tipų baigtiniai elementai (betono, armatūros, ryšio ir plyšio). Sienų ir plokščių sandūros geometriniai parametrai bei betono ir armatūros fizinės-mechaninės savybės gautos iš eksperimentinių duomenų. Penkių sandūrų modelių kraštinės sąlygos ir plyšių atsiradimo vietos parinktos iš šių duomenų.

Nagrinėjamų modelių pleišėjimo vystymasis ir irimo būdai visiškai atitiko eksperimentinių bandymų rezultatus. Svarbiausiųjų įtempių vystymosi analizė parodė, kad dominuoja sandūros zonoje įstriža gniuždomo betono prizmė. Išilginės armatūros didinimas perdangos plokštėse sukelia sandūros laikomosios galios praradimą, yrant betonui įstrižame pjūvyje.
STATYBOS ĮMONĖS VALDYMO KOORDINAVIMO SISTEMA/THE SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT COORDINATION AT BUILDING ENTERPRISES
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas
Published: March 2019

Co-ordination of a building enterprise activities alonside with division of labour represents the second essential organizational principle. Co-ordination is performed by four methods: by personal directives, self-managing, programmes and plans. The first two of them may be applied to the feed-back co-ordination and the preliminary one, others only to the preliminary co-ordination.

A system of a building enterprise activities co-ordination can be measured by a system of indices. Such system includes partial measures expressing the scale of combining the application of co-ordinating mechanisms and a generalized index which unites in a certain way the partial indices.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE RESONANT CEILING WITH THE RECTANGULARSHAPED SLITS ON THE HALL ACOUSTICS/KABAMŲJŲ REZONANSINIŲ LUBŲ SU STAČIAKAMPĖS FORMOS PLYŠIAIS ĮTAKA SALĖS AKUSTIKAI
Authors: Stauskis Vytautas
Published: March 2019

Pateikiami tyrimų rezultatai apie rezonansinių kabamųjų lubų su stačiakampės formos plyšiais tarp plokštumų įtaką salés reverberacijos laikui, garso absorbcijos koeficientams ir absorbcijai, akustiniam svorio centrai ir muzikos skambėjimo skaidrumo indeksui.

Tyrimai atlikti fiziniame salés modelyje (mastelis 1:25).

Rezonansinės lubos su 100 cm pločio stačiakampiais plyšiais tarp plokštumų, kurie yra 100 cm atstumu nuo standaus paviršiaus, reverberacijos laiką, esant rezonansiniams dažniams 200 ir 250 Hz, sumažina 1,8 sekundės, ir apie 1,2 sekundės esant žemesniems dažniams. Esant aukštiems dažniams šis sumažėjimas nedidelis ir siekia apie 0,5 s. Kabamųjų lubų aukščio didėjimas turi nedidelės įtakos tik esant žemiems dažniams.

Ankstyvas reverberacijos laikas EDT diapazone 50–200 Hz sumažėja 1,5–2,5 s, o esant aukštesniems dažniams jis yra nedidelis.

Garso absorbcijos koeficientai daugiausiai padidėja esant rezonansiniams dažniams 200 ir 250 Hz. Tada, kai kabaimųjų lubų aukštis yra 100 cm, salés garso absorbcija padidėja iki 140 m2. Kai lubų aukštis yra 400 cm, tai absorbcija ne padidėja, o sumažėja, nors turėtų būti atvirkščiai. Paaiškinamos šio reiškinio priežastys.

Dideliems reverberacijos laiko ir garso absorbcijos pokyčiams turi įtakos vien tik plyšiai tarp plokštumų. Jokių papildomų absorbuojančių medžiagų tam nėra naudojama.

Rezonansinės lubos su stačiakampės formos plyšiais turi įtakos akustiniam svorio centrai ir skaidrumo indeksui C 80.
“LITHUANIAN PROCEEDINGS IN MECHANICS” IN 1967–1994/“LIETUVOS MECHANIKOS RINKINYS” 1967–1994
Authors: Čižas Aleksandr
Published: March 2019

“Lietuvos mechanikos rinkinio” (LMR) daugiau kaip trisdešimties metų leidybos istorija yra verta apžvalgos, nes ji labai susijusi su visa Lietuvos mechanikos mokslo raida. Net ir tada, kai buvo reikalaujama kiekvienam mokslo darbų rinkiniui teikti teminį pavadinimą (1 lent), LMR serija nenutrūko. Dažniausiai dėl menkų poligrafinių galimybių LMR numeriai išeidavo vėliau negu buvo pažymėta tituliniuose lapuose (2 lent.), tačiau ir su pavėlavimu paskelbtos mokslinės idėjos bei tyrimų rezultatai buvo dėmesingai sutinkami ne tik Iietuvoje. Daugelis Lietuvos mokslininkų buvo nuolatiniai LMR autoriai (3 lent), jie aprėpė įvairias tyrimų šakas (4 lent).

Spausdintas ilgą laiką rusų kalba su lietuvişkomis ir angliškomis santraukomis, 1994 m. anglų kalba išleistas rinkinys (Nr.33) atspindėjo naują lietuvos mokslininkų bendradarbiavimo kryptį. Tačiau Lietuvos mokslo tarybai integravus mokslinių žumalų leidybą, “Lietuvos mechanikos rinkinys” nustojo ėjęs; dabar mechanikos krypties mokslinių tyrimų rezultatai skelbiami žurnaluose “Mechanika” ir “Staiyba”.
ENERGY INTERPRETATION OF COMPLEMENTARITY CONDITIONS IN SHAKEDOWN PROBLEMS/ENERGETINĖ GRIEŽTUMO SĄLYGŲ INTERPRETACIJA PRISITAIKYMO UŽDAVINIUOSE
Authors: Atkočiūnas Juozas
Published: March 2019

Straipsnis skirtas matematinio programavimo metodų taikymui prisitaikomumo teorijoje. Stiprėjant kompiuterinei technikai, atsiranda vis naujų statybinės mechanikos metodų skaičiuoti tampriųjų-plastinių konstrukcijų įtempimų ir deformacijų būvius. Viena iš naujausių krypčių—žinomų fizinių ir geometrinių duomenų konstrukcijos analizės uždavinių formulavimas, panaudojant matematinio programavimo teoriją. Ypač perspektyvu, jei analizės uždavinių matematiniai modeliai sudaromi kieto deformuojamo kūno mechanikos ekstreminių energetinių principų pagrindu. Tuo atveju matematinio programavimo teorija padeda formuluoti sudėtingų plastiškumo teorijos uždavinių matematinius modelius ir juos išspręsti.

Taikant matematinį programavimą, viena iš pagrindinių problemų yra korektiškas ǐeinančių į uždavinio dualius matematinius modelius sąlygų-apribojimų mechanistinis ir energetinis interpretavimas. Ta prasme sudėtingiausia atsižvelgti į matematinio programavimo teorijoje žnomas griežtumo sąlygas (jos yra kombinatorinųs). Sprendžiant ekstreminius disipatyvinių sistemų analizės uždavinius su galutinėmis išorinių poveikių reikšmėmis, minėtomis griežtumo sąlygomis neįmanoma tiesiogiai fiksuoti pjūvių nusikrovimo. Prarandama galimybų atsižvelgti į plastinio tekėjimo režimus, pasibaigiančius anksčiau, negu pasiektos galutinės išorinių poveikių reikšmės. Tokie dalykai dažni, kai apkrova yra kartotinė kintama.

Siūlomas būdas skaičiuoti energijos disipacijos reikšmei, kuri reikalinga konstrukcijos deformacijų būvio analizės uždavinių sprendimui. Būdas pagrįstas globalinėmis ir lokalinėmis griežtumo sąlygomis. Tuo tikslu išnagrinėti holonominės elgsenos konstrukcijų ekstreminių uždavinių matematiniai modeliai, dualumo teoremų bei globalinių griežtumo sąlygų energetinė interpretacija. Holonominės konstrukcijų elgsenos rėmuose suformuluoti ir atskirojo prisitaikymo būvio analizės uždavinio matematiniai modeliai, kai takumo sąlygose panaudojamos pseudotamprios ekstreminės įrąios. Sprendžiant šį uždavinį, apskaičiuojama minimali energijos, išsklaidomos siekiant prisitaikymo būvio, reikšmė. Įvedant fiktyvias ribines įrąžas, gaunama formulė skaičiuoti nusikraunančios sistemos energijos disipacijos reikšmei, panaudojant atskirojo prisitaikymo būvio analizės uždavinio sprendimo rezultatus.
ANALYSIS OF COMPLICATED FORM SECTIONS OF STEEL MEMBERS
Authors: Daniūnas Alfonsas
Published: March 2019

Strain-deformed state analysis of free form sections of steel members is defined in an elastic-plastic state while using the extremum energy principles of elastic-plastic systems [1], The solution is obtained by using finite elements with the constant distribution of stresses.
RELATIONS AND TRANSFORMATIONS OF EXTREMUM ENERGY PRINCIPLES FOR DEFORMABLE BODY/DEFORMUOJAMO KŪNO EKSTREMINIŲ ENERGINIŲ PRINCIPŲ RYŠIAI IR TRANSFORMACIJOS
Authors: Kalanta Stanislovas
Published: March 2019

Išnagrinėti tampraus plastiško kūno įtempimų ir deformacijų analizės ir ribinės pusiausvyros būvio ekstreminiai energiniai principai paprasto (vienkartinio) apkrovimo atveju. Suformuluotas pilnutinės papildomosios energijos minimumo principas (4) ir pilnutinės deformacijų energijos minimumo principas (14), atsižvelgiant į pradines deformacijas ir medžiagos stiprėjimą. Parodyta, kad Haro-Karmano, Kolonečio, Pragerio-Saimondso, Kastiljano bei Menabrea ekstreminiai principal gaunami iš pilnutinės papildomosios energijos minimumo principo, o Grinbergo ir Lagranžo principai—iš pilnutinės deformavimo energijos minimumo principo. Idealiai standaus plastiško kūno ribinio būvio analizės energiniai principai išvesti iš pilnutinės papildomosios energijos minimumo principo. Taip pat parodyta, kad kinematinės teoremos apie ribinę apkrovą ir apie paprastą plastinį suirimą gali būti gautos iš tampraus plastiško kūno pilnutinės deformavimo energijos minimumo principo.
Defining personnel marketing strategies
Authors: Gladka Olena , Fedorova Victoria
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the study is to develop methodological basis as to the justification and selection of personnel marketing strategy based on logical analysis and systematic approach. The strategy is suggested to be developed taking into consideration external personnel marketing strategy and internal one. The former is based on the capacity of an employer to meet expectations of potential personnel and is aimed at forming enterprise’s external attractiveness as an employer. The latter is based on the capacity of an employer to satisfy expectations of existing personnel and is aimed at forming enterprise’s internal attractiveness as an employer. The choice of strategy is based on the Matrix determining the generalized level of enterprise’s attractiveness as an employer. This Matrix allows identifying nine types of personnel marketing strategies. The content of each type of personnel marketing strategy was substantiated. The main actions contributing to the improvement of level of enterprise’s attractiveness as an employer internally and externally were developed based on the 7Ps personnel marketing mix. Results of this study have theoretical and practical significance. They can be used as basis for further studies, while developed recommendations can be used by a management team for implementation within an enterprise that seeks to develop its employer attractiveness.
A SWARA-COPRAS APPROACH TO THE ALLOCATION OF RISK IN WATER AND SEWERAGE PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Valipour Alireza , Yahaya Nordin , Noor Norhazilan MD , Valipour Iman , Tamošaitienė Jolanta
Published: March 2019

In a situation of growing water demand, inadequate public funding, poor asset condition and lack of maintenance in developing countries, public-private partnerships (PPPs) play an important role in the development of infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage services. The purpose of this study is to develop a quantitative approach to appropriate risk allocation, with attention directed to the impact of positive and negative factors in water and sewerage projects. The paper presents a hybrid SWARA-COPRAS approach to examine risk allocation, particularly for PPP water supply and sewerage projects in the context of Malaysia. In addition to PPP infrastructure projects, the approach has the potential to be adapted to other applications. The proposed method enables decision makers to utilise qualitative linguistic terms in the allocation of risk between the public and private sector, and to select the best strategy for risk allocation in a contract. Finally, 24 significant risks were identified: six risks would preferably be allocated to the public sector, while seven risks would be assigned to the private sector, and eleven risks would preferably be shared by both parties. The finding from this study can help the government of Malaysia to determine an attractive political strategy for private investors to support a PPP water and sewerage infrastructure project.
Changing-look Quasar Candidates: First Results from Follow-up Spectroscopy of Highly Optically Variable Quasars
Authors: MacLeod Chelsea L. , Green Paul J. , Anderson Scott F. , Bruce Alastair , Eracleous Michael , Graham Matthew , Homan David , Lawrence Andy , LeBleu Amy , Ross Nicholas P. , Ruan John J. , Runnoe Jessie , Stern Daniel , Burgett William , Chambers Kenneth C. , Kaiser Nick , Magnier Eugene , Metcalfe Nigel
Published: March 2019

Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that show strong rest-frame optical/UV variability in their blue continuum and broad line emission are classified as changing-look AGN, or at higher luminosities, changing-look quasars (CLQs). These surprisingly large and sometimes rapid transitions challenge accepted models of quasar physics and duty cycles, offer several new avenues for study of quasar host galaxies, and open a wider interpretation of the cause of differences between broad and narrow-line AGN. To better characterize extreme quasar variability, we present follow-up spectroscopy as part of a comprehensive search for CLQs across the full Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) footprint using spectroscopically confirmed quasars from the SDSS DR7 catalog. Our primary selection requires large-amplitude (

mag,

mag) variability over any of the available time baselines probed by the SDSS and Pan-STARRS 1 surveys. We employ photometry from the Catalina Sky Survey to verify variability behavior in CLQ candidates where available, and confirm CLQs using optical spectroscopy from the William Herschel, MMT, Magellan, and Palomar telescopes. For our adopted signal-to-noise ratio threshold on variability of broad Hβ emission, we find 17 new CLQs, yielding a confirmation rate of ≳20%. These candidates are at lower Eddington ratio relative to the overall quasar population, which supports a disk-wind model for the broad line region. Based on our sample, the CLQ fraction increases from 10% to roughly half as the continuum flux ratio between repeat spectra at 3420 Å increases from 1.5 to 6. We release a catalog of more than 200 highly variable candidates to facilitate future CLQ searches.
Magnetic Properties and Flow Angle of the Inverse Evershed Flow at Its Downflow Points
Authors: Beck C. , Choudhary D. P.
Published: March 2019

We determined the direction and strength of the photospheric and lower chromospheric magnetic field in the umbra and penumbra of a sunspot from inversions of spectropolarimetric observations of photospheric lines at 617 nm and 1565 nm and the chromospheric Ca ii IR line at 854 nm, respectively. We compare the magnetic field vector with the direction of 75 flow channels that harbor the chromospheric inverse Evershed effect (IEF) near their downflow points (DFPs) in the sunspot’s penumbra. The azimuth and inclination of the IEF channels to the line of sight (LOS) were derived from spatial maps of the LOS velocity and line–core intensity of the Ca ii IR line and a thermal inversion of the Ca ii IR spectra to obtain temperature cubes. We find that the flow direction of the IEF near the DFPs is aligned with the photospheric magnetic field to within about ±15°. The IEF flow fibrils make an angle of 30°–90° to the local vertical with an average value of about 65°. The average field strength at the DFPs is about 1.3 kG. Our findings suggest that the IEF in the lower chromosphere is a field-aligned siphon flow, where the larger field strength at the inner footpoints together with the lower temperature in the penumbra causes the necessary gas pressure difference relative to the outer footpoints in the hotter quiet Sun with lower magnetic field strength. The IEF connects to magnetic field lines that are not, like in the case of the regular Evershed flow, but which continue upward into the chromosphere, indicating an “uncombed” penumbral structure.
Assessing the environmental impacts of invasive alien plants: a review of assessment approaches
Authors: Bartz Robert , Kowarik Ingo
Published: March 2019

Assessing the impacts of alien plant species is a major task in invasion science and vitally important for supporting invasion-related policies. Since 1993, a range of assessment approaches have been developed to support decisions on the introduction or management of alien species. Here we review the extent to which assessments (27 approaches) appraised the following: (i) different types of environmental impacts, (ii) context dependence of environmental impacts, (iii) prospects for successful management, and (iv) transparency of assessment methods and criteria, underlying values and terminology. While nearly all approaches covered environmental effects, changes in genetic diversity and the incorporation of relevant impact parameters were less likely to be included. Many approaches considered context dependence by incorporating information about the actual or potential range of alien species. However, only a few went further and identified which resources of conservation concern might be affected by specific alien plant species. Only some approaches acknowledged underlying values by distinguishing negative from positive impacts or by considering the conservation value of affected resources. Several approaches directly addressed the feasibility of management, whereas relevant factors such as availability of suitable management methods were rarely considered. Finally, underlying values were rarely disclosed, and definitions of value-laden or controversial terms were often lacking. We conclude that despite important progress in assessing the manifold facets of invasion impacts, opportunities remain for further developing impact assessment approaches. These changes can improve assessment results and their acceptance in invasion-related environmental policies.
Effect on Cardiac Function of Longstanding Juvenile-onset Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: A Controlled Study
Authors: Witczak Birgit Nomeland , Hetlevik Siri Opsahl , Sanner Helga , Barth Zoltan , Schwartz Thomas , Flatø Berit , Lilleby Vibke , Sjaastad Ivar
Published: March 2019

Objective.

To assess cardiac function in patients with juvenile mixed connective tissue disease (JMCTD) compared to matched controls, and to investigate possible associations between cardiac impairment and disease variables and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods.

Fifty JMCTD patients (86% female) examined median 14.9 (6.6–23.0) years after disease onset were compared with 50 age- and sex-matched controls. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography [including e′ as a marker for diastolic dysfunction and long-axis strain (LAS) and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) as markers of systolic function] were performed. LV dysfunction (LVD) was defined as low EF, low LAS, or low e′. Right ventricular function was assessed with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Cardiovascular risk factors and disease variables were assessed.

Results.

LVD was found in 16% of patients and 4% of controls (p = 0.035). EF and LAS were lower in patients compared to controls (6% lower, p < 0.001, and 4% lower, p = 0.044, respectively). TAPSE was 8% lower in patients versus controls (p = 0.008). No patients had signs of pulmonary hypertension. Patients had longer corrected QT time than controls (p = 0.012). LVD was associated with higher levels of apolipoprotein B, higher disease activity measured by physician’s global assessment, longer prednisolone treatment, and more organ damage assessed with the Myositis Damage Index.

Conclusion.

Patients with JMCTD had impaired left and right ventricular function compared to matched controls after median 15 years disease duration. High disease activity and longer treatment with prednisolone were factors associated with LVD.
Assessing Associations of Synovial Perfusion, Cartilage Quality, and Outcome in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Sewerin Philipp , Schleich Christoph , Brinks Ralph , Müller-Lutz Anja , Fichter Florian , Eichner Markus , Schneider Matthias , Ostendorf Benedikt , Vordenbäumen Stefan
Published: March 2019

Objective.

To assess associations of synovial perfusion, cartilage quality, and outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Synovial perfusion and cartilage quality were assessed by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in metacarpophalangeal joints of 28 treatment-naive patients with RA at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after methotrexate. Analysis was by linear mixed modeling.

Results.

Synovial perfusion variables were associated with remission (p < 0.05) and cartilage quality (p < 0.004). Maximum synovial enhancement was associated to European League Against Rheumatism response (p < 0.05). Synovial perfusion improved in nonresponders over time (p < 0.05).

Conclusion.

Synovial perfusion relates to remission, response, and cartilage quality in a cohort of therapy-naive patients with early RA.
Effects of Sarilumab on Rheumatoid Arthritis as Reported by Patients Using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease Scale
Authors: Gossec Laure , Strand Vibeke , Proudfoot Clare , Chen Chieh-I , Guillonneau Sophie , Kimura Toshio , van Hoogstraten Hubert , Mangan Erin , Reaney Matthew
Published: March 2019

Objective.

We evaluated the effect of sarilumab on patient-perceived impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the 7-domain RA Impact of Disease (RAID) scale.

Methods.

Two phase III, randomized, controlled trials of sarilumab in patients with active, longstanding RA were analyzed: (1) sarilumab 150 mg and 200 mg every 2 weeks plus conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (+csDMARD) versus placebo + csDMARD [TARGET (NCT01709578)]; and (2) sarilumab 200 mg versus adalimumab (ADA) 40 mg monotherapy [MONARCH (NCT02332590)]. Least-squares mean (LSM) differences in RAID total score (range 0–10) and 7 key RA symptoms, including pain and fatigue (baseline to Weeks 12 and 24), were compared. “Responders” by RAID total score were defined by improvements from baseline ≥ minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and ≥ patient-acceptable symptom-state (PASS) at endpoint.

Results.

Sarilumab 150 mg and 200 mg + csDMARD were nominally superior (p < 0.05) versus placebo + csDMARD and 200 mg sarilumab versus ADA 40 mg in LSM differences for RAID total score at weeks 12 (−0.93 and −1.13; −0.49, respectively) and 24 (−0.75 and −1.01; −0.78), and all effects of RA (except functional impairment in MONARCH Week 12). Effects were greater in physical domains (e.g., pain) than mental domains (e.g., emotional well-being). More patients receiving sarilumab versus placebo or ADA reported improvements ≥ MCID and PASS in total RAID scores at both assessments.

Conclusion.

Based on the RAID, sarilumab + csDMARD or as monotherapy reduced the effect of RA on patients’ lives to a greater extent than placebo + csDMARD or ADA monotherapy. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01709578 and NCT02332590)
Localized Myofascial Inflammation Revealed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Recent-onset Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Effect of Tocilizumab Therapy
Authors: Laporte Jean-Patrick , Garrigues Florent , Huwart Anaïs , Jousse-Joulin Sandrine , Marhadour Thierry , Guellec Dewi , Cornec Divi , Devauchelle-Pensec Valérie , Saraux Alain
Published: March 2019

Objective.

To assess the prevalence of myofascial inflammatory lesions visible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their changes after tocilizumab (TCZ) therapy in active polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

Methods.

We conducted a posthoc analysis of data from the TENOR study of TCZ monotherapy in PMR. The 18 patients each received TCZ injections at weeks 0, 4, and 8. The shoulder and pelvic girdles were assessed at baseline then at weeks 2 and 12 using T1- and T2- short-tau inversion recovery–weighted MRI. Radiologists blinded to patient data assessed each muscle group for localized myofascial inflammation on baseline, Week 2, and Week 12 MRI. Reproducibility was estimated by having 2 radiologists assess the Week 2 MRI of 13 patients, then computing the κ coefficient.

Results.

For myofascial lesion detection, intraobserver reproducibility was almost perfect (κ = 0.890) and interobserver reproducibility was substantial (κ = 0.758). At baseline, all patients had at least 1 inflammatory myofascial lesion; sites involved were the shoulder in 10 (71.4%) patients, hip in 13 (86.7%), ischial tuberosity in 9 (60.0%), and pubic symphysis in 12 (80.0%). Sites involved at Week 12 were the shoulder in 8 patients (53.3%), hip in 5 (33.3%), ischial tuberosity in 1, and pubic symphysis in 3 (20.0%). At Week 12, of 103 muscle groups studied in all, 43 (41.7%) had no inflammatory lesions, compared to 33 at baseline (p = 0.002); improvements were noted in 66 (64.1%) muscle groups, worsening in 2 (1.9%), no change in 35 (34.0%; p = 0.034).

Conclusion.

Localized myofascial inflammatory lesions are common in recent-onset PMR and improve during TCZ therapy. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01713842).
Outcome Domains, Outcome Measures, and Characteristics of Randomized Controlled Trials Testing Nonsurgical Interventions for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Krsticevic Miso , Dosenovic Svjetlana , Dimcea Daiana Anne-Marie , Jedrzejewska Dominika , Marques Lameirão Ana Catarina , Almeida Eliana Santos , Jelicic Kadic Antonia , Jeric Kegalj Milka , Boric Krste , Puljak Livia
Published: March 2019

Objective.

Core outcome set (COS) is the minimum set of outcome domains that should be measured and reported in clinical trials. We analyzed outcome domains, prevalence of use of COS published by Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative, outcome measures for outcome domains recommended by OMERACT COS, duration and size of randomized controlled trials (RCT) testing nonsurgical interventions for osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods.

We searched PubMed and analyzed RCT about nonsurgical interventions for OA published from June 2012 to June 2017. We extracted data about trial type, use of OMERACT COS, efficacy outcome domains, safety outcome domains, outcome measures used for COS assessment, duration, and sample size.

Results.

Among 334 analyzed trials, complete OMERACT-recommended COS was used by 14% of trials. Higher median prevalence of using OMERACT COS was found in trials explicitly described as phase III, and trials of pharmacological interventions with followup ≥ 1 year, but both with wide range of COS usage. Trialists used numerous different outcome measures for analyzing core outcome domains: 50 different outcome measures for pain, 74 for physical function, 9 for patient’s global assessment, and 5 for imaging.

Conclusion.

Suboptimal use of recommended COS and heterogeneity of outcome measures is reducing quality and comparability of OA trials and hinders conclusions about efficacy and comparative efficacy of nonsurgical interventions. Interventions for improving study design of trials in this field would be beneficial.
Disease Activity Cutoff Values in Initiating Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Therapy in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A German GO-NICE Study Subanalysis
Authors: Braun Jürgen , Baraliakos Xenofon , Kiltz Uta , Krüger Klaus , Burmester Gerd R. , Wassenberg Siegfried , Thomas Matthias H.
Published: March 2019

Objective.

International recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) recommend a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) level of disease activity of ≥ 4 to initiate treatment with biologics. We aimed to evaluate the level of disease activity used to initiate tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment and the level of responses to treatment based on different BASDAI cutoffs.

Methods.

This is a posthoc analysis of the noninterventional, prospective, GO-NICE study in the subgroup of biologic-naive AS treated with golimumab (GOL) 50 mg subcutaneously once monthly.

Results.

Of the 244 biologic-naive AS patients at baseline, 70.5% had a BASDAI ≥ 4 (Group 1), 14.3% had 2.8 to < 4 (Group 2), and 15.2% had even < 2.8 (Group 3). A total of 134 patients (54.9%) completed the 24-month observational period. The mean BASDAI in Groups 1, 2, and 3 was initially 5.9 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 0.4, and 2.0 ± 0.8, decreased to 2.2 ± 2.0, 1.9 ± 1.2, and 1.0 ± 1.2 within 3 months (all p < 0.0001 vs baseline), and decreased significantly to 2.2 ± 1.7, 1.9 ± 1.7, and 1.4 ± 1.0 at Month 24 (all p < 0.005), respectively. BASDAI 50% improvement was noted in 68.8%, 44.8%, and 45.2% of patients at Month 3, and in 84.9%, 61.9%, and 55.0% at Month 24.

Conclusion.

TNFi treatment was initiated in almost a third of AS patients with lower disease activity states as assessed by BASDAI cutoff of ≥ 4. Patients with a BASDAI between 2.8 and < 4 appeared to benefit significantly from GOL treatment, while patients with BASDAI < 2.8 did not. This finding should lead to a reevaluation of the established BASDAI cutoff of ≥ 4.
The OMERACT Stepwise Approach to Select and Develop Imaging Outcome Measurement Instruments: The Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Example
Authors: Terslev Lene , Naredo Esperanza , Keen Helen I. , Bruyn George A.W. , Iagnocco Annamaria , Wakefield Richard J. , Conaghan Philip G. , Maxwell Lara J. , Beaton Dorcas E. , Boers Maarten , D’Agostino Maria-Antonietta
Published: March 2019

Objective.

To describe the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) stepwise approach to select and develop an imaging instrument with musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) as an example.

Methods.

The OMERACT US Working Group (WG) developed a 4-step process to select instruments based on imaging. Step 1 applies the OMERACT Framework Instrument Selection Algorithm (OFISA) to existing US outcome measurement instruments for a specific indication. This step requires a literature review focused on the truth, discrimination, and feasibility aspects of the instrument for the target pathology. When the evidence is completely unsatisfactory, Step 2 is a consensus process to define the US characteristics of the target pathology including one or more so-called “elementary lesions”. Step 3 applies the agreed definitions to the image, evaluates their reliability, develops a severity grading of the lesion(s) at a given anatomical site, and evaluates the effect of the acquisition technique on feasibility and lesion(s) detection. Step 4 applies and assesses the definition(s) and scoring system(s) in cross-sectional studies and multicenter trials. The imaging instrument is now ready to pass a final OFISA check.

Results.

With this process in place, the US WG now has 18 subgroups developing US instruments in 10 different diseases. Half of them have passed Step 3, and the groups for enthesitis (spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis), synovitis, and tenosynovitis (rheumatoid arthritis) have finished Step 4.

Conclusion.

The US WG approach to select and develop outcome measurement instruments based on imaging has been repeatedly and successfully applied in US, but is generic for imaging and fits with OMERACT Filter 2.1.
Application of fuzzy integrated FMEA with product lifetime consideration for new product development in flexible electronics industry
Authors: P.L.Pun Kelvin , Rotanson Jason , Chee-wah Cheung , H.S., Chan Alan
Published: March 2019

Purpose: the aim of this paper is to minimize the risks of new product development and shorten time-to-market, particularly for high-tech enterprise where the complexity of the product generate vast amount of failure mode.Design/methodology/approach: first, the concept of Critical Consideration Factor (CCF) is introduced based on product-specific technical characteristics, expected lifetime, and yield requirement to identify and prioritize the critical failure mode in the subsequent Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), followed by process characterization on the high risk failure mode and Critical Parameter Management (CPM) practice to realize a robust mass production system of the developed technology. The application on the development of advanced flexible substrate and surface finishes fabrication technique is presented.Findings: through the proposed methodology, the risk level of each potential failure mode can be accurately quantified to identify the critical variables. With process characterization, reliability of the product is ensured. Consequently, significant reduction in development resources and time-to-market can be achieved.Practical implications: the development strategy allows high tech enterprises to achieve a balanced ecosystem in which value created through adaption of new technology/product can be thoroughly captured through commercialization in a timely manner with no field failure.Originality/value: the proposed development strategy utilizes a unique approach with thorough considerations that enables high tech enterprise to deliver new product with rapid time-to-market without sacrificing product lifetime reliability, which is key to achieve competitive advantage in the highly dynamic market.
Exercise-Induced Dyspnea in Children and Adolescents: Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Bhatia Rajeev , Abu-Hasan Mutasim , Weinberger Miles
Published: March 2019

Exercise-induced dyspnea in children and adolescents can occur for many reasons. Although asthma is the common cause, failure to prevent exercise-induced asthma by pretreatment with a bronchodilator, such as albuterol, indicates that other etiologies should be considered. Other causes of exercise-induced dyspnea include exercise-induced vocal cord dysfunction, exercise-induced laryngomalacia, exercise-induced hyperventilation, chest wall restrictive abnormalities, cardiac causes, and normal physiologic limitation. When exercise-induced dyspnea is not from asthma, cardiopulmonary exercise testing with reproduction of the patient's dyspnea is the means to identify the other causes. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing monitors oxygen use, carbon-dioxide production, end-tidal pCO
2
(partial pressure of carbon dioxide), and electrocardiogram. Additional components to testing are measurement of blood pH and pCO
2
when symptoms are reproduced, and selective flexible laryngoscopy when upper airway obstruction is observed to specifically identify vocal cord dysfunction or laryngomalacia. This approach is a highly effective means to identify exercise-induced dyspnea that is not caused by asthma.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2019;48(3):e121–e127.]
Robust authentication for paper-based text documents based on text watermarking technology
Authors: Qi Wenfa ,   Institute of Computer Science and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China, Guo Wei , Zhang Tong , Liu Yuxin , Guo Zongming , Fang Xifeng ,   Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, 100176, China,   Citrix System Inc, 4988 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054, United States
Published: March 2019

Aiming at the problem of easy tampering and difficult integrity authentication of paper text documents, this paper proposes a robust content authentication method for printed documents based on text watermarking scheme resisting print-and-scan attack. Firstly, an authentication watermark signal sequence related to content of text document is generated based on the Logistic chaotic map model; then, the authentication watermark signal sequence is embedded into printed paper document by using a robust text watermarking scheme; finally, the watermark information is extracted from scanned image of paper document, and compared with the authentication watermark information calculated in real time by the text document content obtained by OCR technology, thereby performing content integrity authentication of the paper text documents. Experimental results show that our method can achieve the robust content integrity authentication of paper text documents, and can also accurately locate the tampering position. In addition, the document after embedding the watermark information has a good visual effect, and the text watermarking scheme has a large information capacity.
Fandom, the Filipino diaspora, and media convergence in the Philippine context
Authors: Ganzon Sarah Christina Villanueva
Published: March 2019

In an analysis of AlDub (the romantic pairing of actor Alden Richards and dubsmasher Maine Mendoza) and its fandom, I focus on the show's combined usage of old and new media, which has implications for media convergence in the Philippine context as well as the ways in which fandom in this context is used to negotiate identity and belonging in the context of diaspora and deterritorialization.
Enclaving and cultural resonance in Black "Game of Thrones" fandom
Authors: Florini Sarah
Published: March 2019

Because of the ways fandom is constructed as white, Black fans are often overlooked or marginalized. Black Game of Thrones (2011–) fans create a parallel culturally resonant fandom organized around an African American Vernacular English–inflected iteration of the show's title, Dem Thrones. Through podcast recaps and the use of nonstandard hashtags for live tweeting, these fans draw on the affordances of digital media to create enclaved fan spaces. In addition to creating parallel and sequestered fandoms, Dem Thrones fans also engage in culturally resonant fan practices that use Black cultural commonplaces and center Black experiences. Dem Thrones fans draw on vernaculars and Black cult media to interpret the show through Black cultural lenses. They also use strategies for reading otherwise absent Black cultural specificity into the text. Seizing on resemblances to Black linguistic, aesthetic, or social practices, Dem Thrones fan map Black culture onto a text, creating opportunities for identification despite a dearth of Black representation.
Latina fans agitate respectability: Rethinking antifans and antifandom
Authors: Garcia Hernandez Yessica
Published: March 2019

This piece proposes that the fields of ethnic studies, fat studies, and sexuality studies (with a focus on racialized sexualities) can help us think about antifans and antifandom from a different lens. I utilize identity hermeneutics to analyze some of my own fan sites that center fat women of color, nonnormative sexualities, and Latina deviance. I offer the heuristic of agitation and agitated discourse to think through the hater (antifan) comments that Latinas encounter online about their fat racialized flesh.
"Speculative blackness: The future of race in science fiction," by andré m. carrington
Authors: Morris Susana
Published: March 2019

Review of andré m. carrington. Speculative blackness: The future of race in science fiction. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2016. Hardcover, $87.50 (304p) ISBN 978-1452949758; paperback, $25 (292p) ISBN 978-0816678969; e-book, $14.50 (2717KB), ASIN B01CTOJSOI.