bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drainage Performance of a Novel Catheter Designed to Reduce Drainage Catheter Failure
Authors: Bishawi Muath , Feiger Bradley , Kurupassery Neel , Economopoulos Konstantinos , Suhocki Paul , Pappas Theodore , Truskey George , Randles Amanda
Published: April 2020

Objective Efficient flow of fluids through drainage/infusion catheters is affected by surrounding tissue, organ compression, and scar tissue development, limiting or completely obstructing flow through drainage holes. In this work, we introduce a novel three-dimensional (3D) drainage catheter with protected side holes to reduce flow blockages. We then compare its drainage performance to standard straight and pigtail catheters using computer-generated catheter designs and flow analysis software.

Methods Drainage performance was computed as flow rate through the catheter for a given pressure differential. Each catheter contained drainage holes on the distal (insertion) end and a single outlet (hub) hole open to atmosphere. Computational fluid dynamics using ANSYS AIM 18.2 was used to simulate flow through the catheter and examine drainage performance based on variations to the following parameters: (1) side hole shape, (2) cross-sectional area of the catheters, (3) number of side holes, and (4) cross-sectional area of the side holes.

Results Drainage through the newly introduced catheter in all simulations was nearly identical to standard pigtail and straight catheters. While working to optimize the 3D catheter design, we found that the changes in side hole shape and side hole cross-sectional area had little effect on the total flow rate through the catheters but had a large impact on flow rate through the side hole nearest to the hub (proximal hole). Additionally, the majority of flow in all catheters occurred at the most proximal 1 to 3 side holes closest to hub, with relatively little flow occurring at side holes more distally located (closest to insertion end). The 3D catheter demonstrated no changes in flow characteristics when the coiled segment was occluded, giving it an advantage over other catheter types when the catheter is compressed by surrounding tissue or other external obstruction.

Conclusions The majority of fluid flow in catheters with a diameter of 4.67 mm (14 Fr) or smaller occurred at the most proximal 1 to 3 side holes. A novel 3D coiled catheter design can protect these proximal holes from external blockage while maintaining drainage performance compared with standard straight and pigtail catheters.
Rare Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Choudhari Amitkumar , Kembhavi Pooja , Ramadwar Mukta , Katdare Aparna , Smriti Vasundhara , Baheti Akshay D.
Published: April 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor, and cystic pancreatic neoplasms are the common pancreatic tumors most radiologists are familiar with. In this article we review the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and radiology of rare pancreatic neoplasms. While the imaging features are usually nonspecific and diagnosis is based on pathology, the radiology along with patient demographics, history, and laboratory parameters can often help indicate the diagnosis of an uncommon pancreatic neoplasm and guide appropriate management in these cases.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric and Adolescent Obesity Enrolled in a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Del Ciampo Luiz Antonio , Marciano Willian Coelho , Del Ciampo Ieda Regina Lopes , Bettiol Heloisa
Published: April 2020

Objective To describe some demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of obese children and adolescents admitted in an obesity ambulatory of a referral center located in the southeastern region of Brazil.

Methods This is a cross-sectional and observational study and the data (age, gender, type of delivery, birthweight, age of birth, breastfeeding, laboratory tests and maternal body mass index [BMI]) were collected from medical records.

Results The study included 89 patients, of which 45 (50.6%) were male. The mean age was 68.9 months, 50 (55.6%) were first-born, 51 (57.3%) were exclusively breastfed during the 1st 6 months of life, and 18 (20.1%) did not receive breast milk. The mean age of the mothers was 29 years old, 87 (98%) did prenatal assistance, and 69 (77.6%) had a BMI > 25 kg/m2. The results also showed that cesarean delivery (42.6%), low birthweight (6.7%), prematurity (8.7%) and early introduction of artificial food (20.1%) was not predominant among the patients. A total of 25 (28%) subjects had total cholesterol > 170 mg/dL, 35 (39.3%) with LDL-cholesterol > 110 mg/dL, 34 (38.2%) had HDL-cholesterol < 40 mg/dL, and 6 (6.7%) with triglycerides > 130 mg/dL. All of the patients had at least one altered biochemical test.

Conclusion Healthy lifestyle promotion should be included in every pediatric primary care program, and all children should receive counseling about healthy nutrition and physical activity since birth. Reducing childhood obesity is a major public health priority and primary prevention programs are a critical part to address the problem.
Comparison of Reliability of Norberg Angle and Distraction Index as Measurements for Hip Laxity in Dogs
Authors: Klever Julius , Brühschwein Andreas , Wagner Silvia , Reese Sven , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea
Published: April 2020

Objective The main purpose of the study was to compare reliability of measurements for the evaluation of hip joint laxity in 59 dogs.

Materials and Methods Measurement of the distraction index (DI) of the PennHIP method and the Norberg angle (NA) of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring scheme as well as scoring according to the FCI scheme and the Swiss scoring scheme were performed by three observers at different level of experience. For each dog, two radiographs were acquired with each method by the same operator to evaluate intraoperator-reliability.

Results Intraoperator-reliability was slightly better for the NA compared with the DI with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.962 and 0.892 respectively. The ICC showed excellent results in intraobserver-reliability and interobserver-reliability for both the NA (ICC 0.975; 0.969) and the DI (ICC 0.986; 0.972). Thus, the NA as well as the DI can be considered as reliable measurements. The FCI scheme and the Swiss scoring scheme provide similar reliability. While the FCI scheme seems to be slightly more reliable in experienced observers (Kappa FCI 0.687; Kappa Swiss 0.681), the Swiss scoring scheme had a noticeable better reliability for the unexperienced observer (Kappa FCI 0.465; Kappa Swiss 0.514).

Clinical Significance The Swiss scoring scheme provides a structured guideline for the interpretation of hip radiographs and can thus be recommended to unexperienced observers.
Hypoxemia without Respiratory Distress: Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia in a Child
Authors: McCann Michael D. , Newlon Claire , Krawiec Conrad
Published: April 2020

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an underrecognized genetic disorder of vascular development in pediatric patients. Its presentation can range from mild cutaneous findings to life-threatening hemorrhage from arteriovenous malformations. Clinical diagnosis can be challenging in the pediatric population as disease manifestations evolve over time and may be difficult to identify in younger patients. This case highlights how nonspecific symptoms and signs in the preanesthesia period can be misleading, potentially placing a patient with unrecognized HHT at risk for significant morbidity and mortality.
Gender equality work in preschools and early childhood education settings in the Nordic countries—an empirically based illustration
Authors: Heikkilä Mia
Published: April 2020

This article aims to describe and find ways to understand the practical gender equality work that is going on to promote gender equality in preschools in the Nordic countries. Gender equality in this article is broadly understood as a process of developing higher “gender awareness” (Lahelma, 2014 Educ Res 56(2): 171–183; Subrahmanian, 2005 Int J Educ Dev 25(4): 395–407) in a preschool organization and the analysis is performed through a poststructuralist understanding of gender. The material consists of 59 interviews, policy document analyses and preschool visits in the Nordic countries and autonomous territories. In order to address the work concerning gender equality in preschools, practices and processes have been analysed in order to achieve deeper understanding of what is done practically. The results are presented as an illustration of how to understand the work done and using this illustration further as a tool for reviewing existing work could be one way of developing gender equality.
Flow theory in the side chambers of the radial pumps: A review
Authors: Zhang Fan , Adu-Poku Kofi Asamoah , Hu Bo , Appiah Desmond , Chen Ke
Published: April 2020

With continuing demand for high and stable operational reliability of hydraulic pumps, it has become vital to take into account the effects of leakage flows in the side chambers in-between the rotating impeller and the stationary casing. Leakage flows have the potential to produce unsteady flow behavior that inherently leads to substantial vibration, undesirable noise, energy losses, and fatigue of pump components. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to discuss and review the various aspects of these harmful unsteady flow behaviors resulting from leakage flows. The first part deals with the theoretical studies on the boundary layers, core swirl, moment coefficient, and pressure and velocity distribution of rotor–stator flows. Then, a simplified model of the prediction of through-flow on moment coefficient Cm and thrust coefficient CF with good correctness has been extensively discussed. Finally, a summary of the experimental and numerical studies on rotor–stator cavities is presented in the second part of this study. This review concludes with a discussion of the calculation of axial thrust and moment coefficient during the design process of radial pumps in a more precise manner.
A case study of environmental offsets for the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris)
Authors: Richards Brooke , Sullivan Miriam , Mawson Peter R.
Published: April 2020

Environmental offsets are applied in Western Australia (WA) as a management tool to compensate for residual significant impacts of clearing and development of habitat for the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). In the past 20 years many offsets have been established for the species. This research investigated whether environmental offsets were effective for conserving Carnaby’s cockatoo habitat. The research was conducted as a case study describing offset implementation in WA based on 45 state-approved development proposals (2011–16) and 20 federally approved development proposals (2013–15). Land acquisition offsets were the most common type used for both WA- and federally approved developments. Only one offset that contributed to the 25364ha acquired has been vested as conservation estate. Land acquisition offsets allow development to occur without significant time delays, as developers have been able to use the transfer of funds for land purchase to fulfil most, or all, of their offset obligation(s). Those lands purchased by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (and its predecessors) in fulfilment of offset conditions have been strategically acquired to either extend existing conservation estate, or to create a significant contiguous corridor of habitat suitable for Carnaby’s cockatoos. Other offset types such as research and education were rarely used to fulfil offset obligations. There was free and easy access to online primary documentation associated with the granting of offsets, but secondary documentation was mostly unavailable and prevented in-depth investigation. Overall, mitigation of impacts on Carnaby’s cockatoos from development of key habitat through environmental offsets shows promise, but thus far has resulted in a net loss of habitat for Carnaby’s cockatoo.
The Great Oxidation Event expanded the genetic repertoire of arsenic metabolism and cycling
Authors: Chen Song-Can , Sun Guo-Xin , Yan Yu , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Zhang Si-Yu , Deng Ye , Li Xiao-Min , Cui Hui-Ling , Musat Florin , Popp Denny , Rosen Barry P. , Zhu Yong-Guan
Published: April 2020

The rise of oxygen on the early Earth about 2.4 billion years ago reorganized the redox cycle of harmful metal(loids), including that of arsenic, which doubtlessly imposed substantial barriers to the physiology and diversification of life. Evaluating the adaptive biological responses to these environmental challenges is inherently difficult because of the paucity of fossil records. Here we applied molecular clock analyses to 13 gene families participating in principal pathways of arsenic resistance and cycling, to explore the nature of early arsenic biogeocycles and decipher feedbacks associated with planetary oxygenation. Our results reveal the advent of nascent arsenic resistance systems under the anoxic environment predating the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), with the primary function of detoxifying reduced arsenic compounds that were abundant in Archean environments. To cope with the increased toxicity of oxidized arsenic species that occurred as oxygen built up in Earth’s atmosphere, we found that parts of preexisting detoxification systems for trivalent arsenicals were merged with newly emerged pathways that originated via convergent evolution. Further expansion of arsenic resistance systems was made feasible by incorporation of oxygen-dependent enzymatic pathways into the detoxification network. These genetic innovations, together with adaptive responses to other redox-sensitive metals, provided organisms with novel mechanisms for adaption to changes in global biogeocycles that emerged as a consequence of the GOE.
Inschriften auf Goldbrakteaten und Goldsolidi
Authors: Düwel Klaus
Published: April 2020

An je einem Beispiel möchte ich folgendes zeigen: Einmal, wie sich an einem erst jüngst aufgefundenen Goldstück binnen kurzem mehrere Deutungen anhängen und mit welchen Kriterien diese bewertet werden können. Zum anderen geht es um ein schon länger bekanntes Goldstück, insbesondere um eine neue Lesung seiner Runeninschrift, die, zügig von anderen gutgeheißen bzw. übernommen, hier erneut betrachtet werden soll, um die alte Lesung zu restituieren. Die dafür gewählten Beispiele, 1. der Goldbrakteat von IK 639 Trollhättan (II)-C und 2. der Goldsolidus von Schweindorf, haben in Vortrag und Diskussion auf dem Symposium in Odense am 14. März 2017 eine Rolle gespielt.
Südgermanische Runeninschriften
Authors: Nedoma Robert
Published: April 2020

This paper deals with three South Germanic runic inscriptions that are highly relevant to language history. 1. The Frienstedt comb, which dates to the second half of the 3rd century A.D., bears four runeskaba = WGmc.ka(m)bam. ‘comb’. The nominative sg. marker-a< PGmc. *-azrepresents the oldest attested West Germanic dialect feature (opposite PNorse-az, EGmc.-s). 2.noruon a neckring found near or in Aalen (ca. 500) renders a woman’s bynameNōru‘the little one’. Final-uis best interpreted as nominative sg. of anō-stem; it thus reflects the intermediate stage between PGmc. *-ōand Pre-OHG-Øin later 6th century inscriptions. 3. The inscription on the Wurmlingen spearhead (presumably early 7th century) readsdorih, representing a dithematic nameDōr(r)īχ(χ)m. (< PGmc. *-rīkaz). This is the first example of Second Consonant Shift /k/ > /x(x)/.
Effect of alloy elements on the weld of galvanised sheet studied by first-principles
Authors: Ma Guohong , Yu Xiaokang , Ye Jia , He Yinshui , Xiao Yong
Published: April 2020

To solve the problem of zinc to the weld quality of galvanised sheet, alloy elements (Cu, Nb, Y) have been added to combine with zinc to form stable compounds during welding. The structure and properties of CuZn, NbZn3 and YZn compounds were calculated by first-principles. The calculation results show that all three elements form a stable alloy with Zn. Among the alloys formed, CuZn has the best mechanical properties. MIG welding experiments of galvanised sheet were conducted to verify the effects of Cu addition on the weld seam formation. The experimental results show that the addition of Cu powder has little influence on the macro-morphology of the weld. In the centre of the weld, ferrite structure is refined and micro-hardness is improved.
The Associated Press Stylebook Changes and the use of Addiction-Related Stigmatizing Terms in News Media
Authors: Bessette Lily G. , Hauc Sacha C. , Danckers Heidi , Atayde Agata , Saitz Richard
Published: April 2020

Background

The May 2017 publication of the updated Associated Press (AP) Stylebook offered guidance that advised against stigmatizing. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of stigmatizing terms describing substance use and disorder in news articles before and after the update of the AP Stylebook.

Methods

We reviewed articles containing terms “opioid” or “addiction” from three major news outlets. We counted the number of AP Stylebook proscribed terms found in each article and compared the proportions of articles from each outlet with proscribed terms before and after AP Stylebook publication.

Results

In 2016, 56–94% of articles from each of the three news outlets contained a proscribed term. The use of proscribed terms in articles identified by searching “opioid” published in the New York Times decreased (72% vs. 94%, p = 0.01) after the AP Stylebook change. For other news outlets, there were no significant differences, though all proportions were lower after publication.

Conclusions

Evidence for a decrease in the use of stigmatizing terminology for substance use and disorders in news articles after publication of guidance was limited. Additional efforts should address use of such terminology to maximize implementation of effective addiction health policies and practices.
KIF14 controls ciliogenesis via regulation of Aurora A and is important for Hedgehog signaling
Authors: Pejskova Petra , Reilly Madeline Louise , Bino Lucia , Bernatik Ondrej , Dolanska Linda , Ganji Ranjani Sri , Zdrahal Zbynek , Benmerah Alexandre , Cajanek Lukas
Published: April 2020

Primary cilia play critical roles in development and disease. Their assembly and disassembly are tightly coupled to cell cycle progression. Here, we present data identifying KIF14 as a regulator of cilia formation and Hedgehog (HH) signaling. We show that RNAi depletion of KIF14 specifically leads to defects in ciliogenesis and basal body (BB) biogenesis, as its absence hampers the efficiency of primary cilium formation and the dynamics of primary cilium elongation, and disrupts the localization of the distal appendage proteins SCLT1 and FBF1 and components of the IFT-B complex. We identify deregulated Aurora A activity as a mechanism contributing to the primary cilium and BB formation defects seen after KIF14 depletion. In addition, we show that primary cilia in KIF14-depleted cells are defective in response to HH pathway activation, independently of the effects of Aurora A. In sum, our data point to KIF14 as a critical node connecting cell cycle machinery, effective ciliogenesis, and HH signaling.
Seipin and Nem1 establish discrete ER subdomains to initiate yeast lipid droplet biogenesis
Authors: Choudhary Vineet , El Atab Ola , Mizzon Giulia , Prinz William A. , Schneiter Roger
Published: April 2020

Lipid droplets (LDs) are fat storage organelles that originate from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Relatively little is known about how sites of LD formation are selected and which proteins/lipids are necessary for the process. Here, we show that LDs induced by the yeast triacylglycerol (TAG)-synthases Lro1 and Dga1 are formed at discrete ER subdomains defined by seipin (Fld1), and a regulator of diacylglycerol (DAG) production, Nem1. Fld1 and Nem1 colocalize to ER–LD contact sites. We find that Fld1 and Nem1 localize to ER subdomains independently of each other and of LDs, but both are required for the subdomains to recruit the TAG-synthases and additional LD biogenesis factors: Yft2, Pex30, Pet10, and Erg6. These subdomains become enriched in DAG. We conclude that Fld1 and Nem1 are both necessary to recruit proteins to ER subdomains where LD biogenesis occurs.
Fierljeppen: pole vaulting for distance
Authors: Heck André , Uylings Peter
Published: April 2020

Pole vaulting, the aim of which is to jump over a crossbar with the help of a long flexible pole, is considered to be one of the most complicated and technically demanding motions in track and field athletics. Pole vault performance is basically influenced by the energy exchange between the vaulter and pole. It depends on the sprinting, jumping and acrobatic abilities of the athlete. Less well-known, but just as exciting and fascinating, is pole vaulting for distance. The aim in this sports event, named fierljeppen in the Frisian language, is to jump as far as possible with the help of a long pole. Athletes reach heights of 11.5 m and the record jumping distance is currently 22.21 m. In this paper, we present a simplified mathematical model of the motion of vaulter and pole based on classical mechanics. This model helps us understand the dynamics of pole vaulting for distance and optimize the athlete’s performance by looking for the optimal speed of running-up toward the pole and the optimal release angle.
A Coulomb’s pendulum simulator
Authors: Gagnon Michel
Published: April 2020

At the end of the 18th-century, Charles Coulomb developed an apparatus to study
the force between two electrified beads which allowed him to obtain his famous
Coulomb’s law. Today, as one of the most fundamental outcomes in classical
electromagnetism, his result is revisited in most high school physics courses,
where students are asked to reproduce his formula, often relying on inaccurate
assemblies. As an alternative, we would like to bring to the reader’s
attention a realistic, yet simple computer-based simulator to replicate a
Coulomb’s pendulum. Using this software, students can obtain an accurate
set of data, allowing them to concentrate on the interpretation techniques, thus
leading them to a better understanding of the process. The software is available
as a free download.
Nonlinear Bloch-Zener oscillations for Bose-Einstein condensates in a Lieb optical lattice
Authors: He Peng , Li Zhi
Published: April 2020

We investigate Bloch–Zener oscillations and mean-field Bloch bands of a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) in a Lieb optical lattice. We find that the atomic interaction will break the point group symmetry of the system, leading to the destruction of the Dirac cone structure, while the flat band is preserved on the highly symmetric lines. Due to the nonlinear effect, a tubular band structure with a flat band will appear in the system. Furthermore, comparing with that the tight-binding (TB) model fails to describe the interacting bosonic systems in the honeycomb lattice, we show that the TB model is applicable to study the nonlinear energy band structures for the Lieb lattice. In addition, we show that the loop structure can be determined by the observation of the chaos of the state in the Bloch–Zener oscillations.
Combining steady-state photo-capacitance spectra with first-principles calculations: the case of Fe and Ti in β-Ga2O3
Authors: Zimmermann C , Kalmann Frodason Y , Rønning V , Varley J B , Vines L
Published: April 2020

In this study, we demonstrate an approach to identify defects in wide band gap semiconductors by comparing accumulatively-recorded derivative steady-state photo-capacitance (SSPC) spectra to simulations using results from first-principles calculations. Specifically, we present a method to simulate SSPC spectra which adopts inputs both from first-principles calculations and the experimental conditions. The applicability of the developed method is demonstrated using the cases of subsitutional Fe (FeGa) and Ti (TiGa) defects in β-Ga2O3. Using deep-level transient spectroscopy, we identify defect levels associated with

Fe

GaI

0
/
−

(E
A = 0.66 eV),

Fe

GaII

0
/
−

(E
A = 0.79 eV) and

Ti

GaII

+
/
0

(E
A = 1.03 eV) in the β-Ga2O3 samples studied here. Accumulatively-recorded SSPC spectra reveal several defect levels labeled

T

1

E
F
G

–

T

6

E
F
G

with onsets for optical absorption between 1.5 eV and 4.3 eV. The signature

T

1

E
F
G

consists of several overlapping defect signatures, and is identified as being related to

Fe

GaI

0
/
−

,

Fe

GaII

0
/
−

and

Ti

GaII

+
/
0

by comparing measured and simulated accumulatively-recorded derivative SSPC spectra.
Coherence in logical quantum channels
Authors: Iverson Joseph K , Preskill John
Published: April 2020

We study the effectiveness of quantum error correction against coherent noise. Coherent errors (for example, unitary noise) can interfere constructively, so that in some cases the average infidelity of a quantum circuit subjected to coherent errors may increase quadratically with the circuit size; in contrast, when errors are incoherent (for example, depolarizing noise), the average infidelity increases at worst linearly with circuit size. We consider the performance of quantum stabilizer codes against a noise model in which a unitary rotation is applied to each qubit, where the axes and angles of rotation are nearly the same for all qubits. In particular, we show that for the toric code subject to such independent coherent noise, and for minimal-weight decoding, the logical channel after error correction becomes increasingly incoherent as the length of the code increases, provided the noise strength decays inversely with the code distance. A similar conclusion holds for weakly correlated coherent noise. Our methods can also be used for analyzing the performance of other codes and fault-tolerant protocols against coherent noise. However, our result does not show that the coherence of the logical channel is suppressed in the more physically relevant case where the noise strength is held constant as the code block grows, and we recount the difficulties that prevented us from extending the result to that case. Nevertheless our work supports the idea that fault-tolerant quantum computing schemes will work effectively against coherent noise, providing encouraging news for quantum hardware builders who worry about the damaging effects of control errors and coherent interactions with the environment.
Decoding overt shifts of attention in depth through pupillary and cortical frequency tagging
Authors: de’Sperati Claudio , Roatta Silvestro , Zovetti Niccolò , Baroni Tatiana
Published: April 2020

Objective. We have recently developed a prototype of a novel human-computer interface for assistive communication based on voluntary shifts of attention (gaze) from a far target to a near target associated with a decrease of pupil size (Pupillary Accommodative Response, PAR), an automatic vegetative response that can be easily recorded. We report here an extension of that approach based on pupillary and cortical frequency tagging. Approach. In 18 healthy volunteers, we investigated the possibility of decoding attention shifts in depth by exploiting the evoked oscillatory responses of the pupil (Pupillary Oscillatory Response, POR, recorded through a low-cost device) and visual cortex (Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials, SSVEP, recorded from 4 scalp electrodes). With a simple binary communication protocol (focusing on a far target meaning ‘No’, focusing on the near target meaning ‘Yes’), we aimed at discriminating when observer’s overt attention (gaze) shifted from the far to the near target, which were flickering at different frequencies. Main results. By applying a binary linear classifier (Support Vector Machine, SVM, with leave-one-out cross validation) to POR and SSVEP signals, we found that, with only twenty trials and no subjects’ behavioural training, the offline median decoding accuracy was 75% and 80% with POR and SSVEP signals, respectively. When the two signals were combined together, accuracy reached 83%. The number of observers for whom accuracy was higher than 70% was 11/18, 12/18 and 14/18 with POR, SVVEP and combined features, respectively. A signal detection analysis confirmed these results. Significance. The present findings suggest that exploiting frequency tagging with pupillary or cortical responses during an attention shift in the depth plane, either separately or combined together, is a promising approach to realize a device for communicating with Complete Locked-In Syndrome (CLIS) patients when oculomotor control is unreliable and traditional assistive communication, even based on PAR, is unsuccessful.
Fatigue Research for Connecting Rod of Aero Piston Engine
Authors: Pan Zhong-jian , Zou Xiang-fu , Zhou Zhi-dong , Zhou Kai
Published: April 2020

General aviation has developed rapidly in recent years, and there is a strong demand for aviation piston engine. Aviation kerosene piston engine is the main power of general aviation in the future, with good fuel economy and high thermal efficiency. The reliability of the key parts of the engine is the key research under light weight conditions, such as the engine block, connecting rod and so on. This paper summarizes the fatigue problems in the development of lightweight aero kerosene engine, the methods were put forward to solve these problems, so as to provide ideas for the development of aviation piston engine.
Fault Diagnosis of Planetary Roller Screw Mechanism Based on Bird Swarm Algorithm and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Niu Maodong , Ma Shangjun , Cai Wei , Zhang Jianxin , Liu Geng
Published: April 2020

Intelligent fault diagnosis of rotating machinery has been widely developed in recent years due to the improvement of computing power, but how to identify the fault states of planetary roller screw mechanism is a difficult problem in practical industrial applications. A fault diagnosis method for planetary roller screw mechanism is proposed by combining with bird swarm algorithm (BSA) and support vector machine (SVM), which shows strong advantages in solving small sample, nonlinear and high-dimensional identification problems, and the bird swarm algorithm with high optimization accuracy and good robustness. In this paper, the vibration data of the planetary roller screw mechanism in two states with and without grease are collected, and features are extracted from the time domain, frequency domain and time- frequency domain, respectively. The predicted accuracy of SVM and BSA-SVM is compared, and the feasibility of the proposed method is verified.
Modelling of Tilting and Steering Control System for a Tadpole Three-Wheeled Vehicle
Authors: Sumarsono Danardono Agus , Jati Muhamad Kusuma , Muiz Mutqin Abdul
Published: April 2020

Three-Wheeled Vehicle with tadpole configuration is a vehicle which has one wheel at the back and two wheels at the front. This vehicle promotes and ensures safety as it does in a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the vehicle’s dynamics is much different compared to a four-wheeled vehicle. The objective of this research is to find the relationship between turning, steering, and tilting of this vehicle to ensure and determine the safety limit of it. Physics modelling and iteration is done to see how each of the three components (turning, steering, and tilting) could affect each other.
The Increase of Efficiency in Robusta Green Coffee Bean Size Sorting Machine by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chanpaka Watcharapong , Srisang Naruebodee , Dangwilailux Panya , Chungcharoen Thatchapol
Published: April 2020

One of the essential processes for producing the green coffee bean with Robusta variety is size sorting process because it is able to add the value of green coffee bean. The excellent size sorting can be done by using the size sorting machine. In this study, the size sorting machine with revolved sieve which provided the good distribution of green coffee bean was used and the three factors such as sorting angle, revolved speed and feed rate were investigated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Central Composite Design (CCD). The optimum conditions of size sorting efficiency were revolved speed of 8.35 rpm, sorting angle of 5.05 degree and feed rate of 26.59 kg/h. These provided the size sorting efficiency of 75.15% with high correlating coefficient (R2 = 97.65). This indicated that the data predicted with Response Surface Methodology was good agreement and adequacy of models.
Effectiveness of Corner Modification to Optimize Aerodynamic Responses of Square Cylinder
Authors: Naimul Haque Md.
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the effectiveness of a new technique to optimize aerodynamic responses of square cylinder by corner modification. The corner of the square cylinder was modified by introducing a small inclined opening which was measured in terms of corner point dislocation. Four specific opening widths (normalized with the depth of the cylinder) viz. 0.02, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.18 were considered. The normalized length of the inclined opening was 0.05 for all cases. The aerodynamic responses of these four modified square cylinders are compared with the unmodified square cylinder. Direct Numerical simulation was utilized to predict the aerodynamic responses and the flow filed. Second order accuracy was maintained both in space and time. The Reynolds number was kept constant at 100. The mean and RMS values of the force coefficients are calculated and compared. The flow filed is analyzed in terms of vorticity filed, mean flow streamlines and after-body wake characteristics. Due to corner modification, a drag reduction of approximately 5% is achieved for square cylinder with corner opening. Along with the separated flow, the corner opening affected the wake of the cylinder as well. Square cylinder with corner opening had different wake characteristics as compared to the unmodified cylinder.
Efficient Aerodynamic Optimization of Propeller using Hierarchical Kriging Models
Authors: Xu Jianhua , Han Zhonghua , Song Wenping , Li Kai
Published: April 2020

The number of aerodynamic analysis in the design optimization of propeller has been reduced significantly by using the surrogate model, such as kriging. In this paper, a more efficient aerodynamic design optimization method of propeller is proposed by using the HK (hierarchical kriging) model. The high-fidelity model is defined as a RANS (Reynolds- Averaged Navier-Stokes) simulation for propeller and the low-fidelity model is defined as the results by blade-element/vortex theory. Initial samples are selected for two levels of fidelity via LHS (Latin Hypercube Sampling). The aerodynamic performance of varying fidelity is used to build variable-fidelity surrogate models for functions of objective (e.g. thrust) and constraint (e.g. shaft power). Infill sampling criteria, including MSP (minimizing of surrogate prediction), EI (expected improvement), PI (probability of improvement), LCB (lower-confidence bounding) and MSE (mean-squared error) are used to obtain new samples, and the surrogate models are repetitively updated until a global optimum is found. High-altitude propellers are optimized by the kriging model and hierarchical kriging model, respectively. Compared to kriging model, the number of RANS solving by the hierarchical kriging model is reduced 37.5%, and the optimization time is reduced 24.3%. The results have shown that the proposed design method for propeller can significantly improve the optimization efficiency.
Development of High Speed and High Precision Stepping Scanning Platform in Ultra-High Flux Gene Sequencing Imaging System
Authors: Xiaoming Wang , Tongjian Guo , Wenda Niu
Published: April 2020

As a critical component of ultra-high flux gene sequencing imaging system, high speed and high precision stepping scanning platform is used to carrying the gene chips to be measured, and it is also the core component for ensuring the high flux and high accuracy of sequencing instrument. In this paper, taking the high speed and high precision stepping scanning platform in ultra-high flux gene sequencing imaging system as design objective, the research work is carried out from three aspects, i.e., the design of platform overall architecture, the design of dynamic response analysis on system-level structure, and the design of high precision positioning control system, utilizing the optimized design of coupling topology between continuum and discrete body, the high precision vibration test and modal analysis method, variable structure anti-saturation precision control, as well as other key techniques. Finally, a high speed and high precision stepping scanning platform of long-stroke is developed successfully, with stepping speed of 200mm/s, stepping acceleration of 9.8m/s2, stable stepping control precision of 150nm, stable stepping duration of 100ms, and the total stepping stroke of 200mm. It lays a solid foundation for the popularization and application of stepping scanning platform in ultra-high gene sequencing instrument.
Interactive and individual effects of multi-factor controls on water use efficiency in Central Asian ecosystems
Authors: Zhu Shihua , Zhang Chi , Fang Xia , Cao Liangzhong
Published: April 2020

Water use efficiency (WUE) characterizes the relationship between water dissipation and carbon sequestration. Knowledge of WUE dynamics and its responses to complex climate controls are prerequisites for addressing the challenges of future climate change and human disturbance of wild lands. Owing to a lack of experimental observations and the complexity of quantifying the individual and interactive effects of different environmental factors, the mechanism of WUE dynamics and the spatiotemporal characteristics of WUE in Central Asian ecosystems remain unclear. Here, a specific Arid Ecosystem Model was used to assess WUE dynamics under environmental stresses, specifically isolating and identifying proprietary features from complex coupling effects, across different ecosystems in Central Asia from 1980 to 2014. WUE declined in southern Xinjiang but exhibited an upward trend in the Tianshan Mountains and northern Kazakhstan. Precipitation and CO2 controlled WUE of 39% and 54% of Central Asia, respectively. The factor analysis showed that the negative effects of climate change were largely compensated by the CO2 fertilization effect, and their interaction produced negative feedback to WUE. This resulted in inhibition of the CO2 fertilization effect during long droughts. The negative effects of warming included increased water stress and enhanced evapotranspiration from vegetation. Based on variations in precipitation and net primary production, we determined that southern Xinjiang and the Turgay Plateau were environmentally vulnerable areas. Our study provides guidance regarding how ecologically fragile regions in Central Asia might cope with environmental pressures under extreme climate change in the future.
Ecological impact and restriction mechanism of urbanization on remote lakes in China’s Hubei Province
Authors: Huang Ying , Zhou Zhi
Published: April 2020

[Purpose/significance] In order to effectively control the ecological impact of urbanization construction on lake in remote urban areas of Hubei province in China, the characteristics of remote urban areas of Hubei province and some pollution governance experience of lakes in city center were considered. [Results/conclusion] Then the corresponding restriction mechanism on lake in remote urban areas of Hubei province in China are put forward: such as perfecting the far city lake management rules and regulations, establishing an effective governance mechanism of cross-domain, using the water environment monitoring system of keeping record lake down core magnetism characteristics, improving the town planning with paying equal attention to far city lake ecological protection and so on.
Effects of alginic acid on radish growth and osmotic adjustment substance content under cadmium stress
Authors: Wang Huaifeng , Wang Li , Yong Mao , Wang Shibin , Cheng Fang , Li Qing , Hu Jinxin
Published: April 2020

To study the effects of alginic acid on the growth of vegetables, a pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of spraying alginic acid at different dilution folds on the growth and osmotic adjustment substance content of radish under cadmium stress condition. The results showed that the biomass, leaf length and leaf width of radish with 600, 900, 1200 and 1500 dilution folds alginic acid were higher than those of the control, while the soluble protein content, relative conductivity and malondialdehyde content of the radish were lower than those of the control. When the dilution factor of alginic acid is 600 dilution folds, the biomass, leaf length and leaf width of radish’s roots, root tubers, leaves and edible parts all reach the maximum. Increased by 19.39%, 35.27%, 19.74%, 29.44%, 22.11% and 14.01% compared with the control, respectively; the soluble protein content, relative conductivity and MDA content of radish reached the lowest, which were 38.76%, 29.86% and 35.61% lower than the control, respectively. Sprayed diluted alginic acid can promote the growth of radish, and the best dilution factor is 600 dilution folds.
Study on dynamic characteristics of Karst Spring in Jinan
Authors: Cao Qianqian , Xing Liting , Lan Xiaoxun , Zhang Xinhui , Dong Yanan
Published: April 2020

In order to ensure the efficient and reasonable utilization of groundwater and the sustainable development of groundwater systems in Jinan City, a hydrogeological survey was conducted in the study area of the spring area, collecting groundwater dynamic observation data over the years, and sampling and testing the water chemistry of the spring water. The characteristics of spring water flow and spring water chemical dynamics comprehensively summarize the spring water dynamics. Research shows that besides the influence of precipitation, the water level of Baotu Spring is also affected by the discharge of Wohushan Reservoir and various recharges, especially artificial supplementary measures have played a certain role in maintaining the water level attenuation of Baotu Spring during the dry season; The change law of spring water flow and groundwater level is the result of the combined effects of direct recharge of atmospheric precipitation, indirect recharge of river leakage, and groundwater excretion; due to the influence of human activities, the conventional ion composition of spring water has an upward trend. The research results provide technical basis for spring water protection.
The development of international conventions on nuclear damage compensation liability and where should China go?
Authors: Jiu LIU , Jialun LI , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: April 2020

The research about establishing international nuclear damage liability legal regime never stops since the draft of the Paris Convention. The current international nuclear damage liability regime can be seen as two branches: the Paris Convention system and the Vienna Convention system. In spite of the similarity between the Paris and Vienna Conventions, their existences do not provide a uniform liability regime for all countries which are parties to either convention. Thus, there is a necessity to build a bridge between the two systems. Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage establishes a worldwide liability regime attracting more countries. Compared with the previous two systems, Convention on Supplementary Compensation is more open and tolerant, supplement and enhance kinds of measures to increase the amount of compensation for nuclear damage, and is also the most frontier international convention of nuclear damage liability. Becoming a party of this Convention with the USA and Japan, China can not only enjoy the benefits from the Convention, but also be pushed to establish and perfect our own nuclear liability legal system and merges into international regime. In order to join this Convention, China must make full preparations, establish nuclear damage liability legislation, increase the compensation amount of the operators and the supplement compensation of government, and strengthen the ability of managing nuclear damage accidents of the operators and national government.
Automatic monitoring method for the rotation efficiency of the transmission of heavy duty vehicle
Authors: Fang Xiaofen
Published: April 2020

When the conventional logistics distribution demand forecasting method was used to forecast the multi-region logistics distribution demand, there was a lack of low analysis accuracy. Therefore, a multi-region logistics distribution demand forecasting method based on big data analysis was proposed. Big data technology was introduced to build a multi-region logistics distribution demand forecasting framework and to build a multi-region logistics distribution model. Based on the determination of different demands of logistics distribution among regions, the model of demand forecasting was embedded to realize the prediction and analysis of multi-region logistics distribution demand. The experimental data showed that the big data prediction method proposed was 57.23% higher in accuracy than the conventional method, which was suitable for the prediction of logistics distribution demand in different regions and multiple regions.
Strobilanthes crispus (B.) leaf extract-assisted green synthesis of ZnO-La2O3 composite and preliminary study of its photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ashna R I , Yulizar Y , Apriandanu D O B
Published: April 2020

In this study, ZnO-La2O3 composite as photocatalyst was synthesized via facile sol-gel route using biomaterial as a weak base source and a capping agent. ZnO-La2O3 composite was successfully formed through the reaction of Zn(NO3)2 (aq), La(NO3)3 (aq) and Strobilanthes crispus (B.) aqueous leaf extract. Zn-O and La-O vibration modes of ZnO-La2O3 composite was analysed by Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) at 400 - 700 cm−1 wavenumber. Optical band gap of ZnO-La2O3 composite determined by using Tauc plot method was about 5.21 eV. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern of ZnO-La2O3 composite confirmed a combination of the diffraction patterns of ZnO particle and La2O3 particle. Photocatalytic activity of ZnO-La2O3 composite and ZnO particle were observed with methylene blue using UV light irradiation. The percentage of methylene blue degradation using ZnO-La2O3 composite and ZnO particle were 81.75 % and 74.87 %, respectively. This result shows that La2O3 was improving the activity and stability of the ZnO photocatalyst.
Synthesis and characterization of hydrogel NaCMC-g-poly(AA-co-AAm) modified by rice husk ash as macronutrient NPK slow-release fertilizer superabsorbent
Authors: Andani G , Helmiyati H
Published: April 2020

In this study, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) based hydrogel grafted by poly (acrylate-acrylamide) by addition of rice husk ash (RHA) and NPK fertilizer to the superabsorbent with in-situ polymerization was successfully synthesized. In this work, the effect of NaCMC concentration and mass of RHA was done. The best water swelling capacity with 3 % NaCMC, 15 % RHA is 480 g/g with percentage of water release capacity is 38 %. Then, the effect of NPK fertilizer concentration on in-situ polymerization was carried out and the best swelling capacity with 5 % NPK mass is 650.10 g/g and percentage of release capacity obtained is 25.20 % for 6 days. The successful of the synthesis of hydrogels NaCMC-g-poly(AA-co-AAm) modified by rice husk ash as macronutrient NPK slow-release fertilizer superabsorbent supported by functional group was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and surface morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The hydrogels based on NaCMC biopolymers and silica from rice husk ash as macronutrient NPK slow-release fertilizer superabsorbent produced slow release can be controlled and a promising material in the future and can be applied in agriculture field.