bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quand « l’exception » confirme la règle. L’encadrement juridique de la liberté de la presse écrite au Maroc
Authors: Hidass Ahmed
Published: January 2017

Le paysage médiatique marocain est d’un pluralisme organisé et obéit à une double règle : juridique et infra-juridique : la liberté d’expression est octroyée par la Constitution et délimitée par des « lignes rouges ». Média de masse, longtemps monopole d’État et sélectivement ouvert au privé depuis 2005, l’audiovisuel subit la règle plus que les autres médias. Organe du Makhzen, il est sans intérêt académique si ce n’est que les chaines satellitaires lui disputent l’audience. La presse écrite fait exception. Elle est privée, partisane et occasionnellement en conflit avec le pouvoir En dépit de sa faible diffusion, elle est donc un terrain de choix pour l’étude de la liberté d’expression au Maroc. Sa marge de liberté est définie par la Constitution et réglementée par le Code de la presse et de l’édition. Soumise à « autorisation », subventionnée par l’Etat et concurrencée par le web, les quelques titres critiques ont disparu suite au harcèlement judiciaire et boycott publicitaire. Exception par sa diversité, ses éditeurs et son ton, par rapport à la radio et à la télévision, elle confirme toutefois la règle au Maroc : la liberté d’expression est octroyée, son exercice est sous conditions.
Journaliste dans la guerre civile algérienne : Une profession intellectuelle entre littérature et politique
Authors: Leperlier Tristan
Published: January 2017

Cet article analyse l’évolution du statut social du journaliste algérien au sein du champ intellectuel algérien pendant la « décennie noire » des années 1990, à travers le prisme du champ littéraire. L’approche statistique couplée à l’analyse de trajectoires individuelles permet de montrer que le journalisme est une profession intellectuelle intermédiaire en voie de déclassement (en particulier par rapport aux métiers de l’enseignement primaire et supérieur). La libéralisation de la presse après Octobre 1988 permet toutefois à la profession de gagner un grand prestige, et de concurrencer la figure de l’écrivain, jusque-là parangon de l’intellectuel engagé, sur le terrain politique.
Humoriste, journaliste et artiste engagé
Authors: Souiah Farida
Published: January 2017

Cet article met en lumière la pluralité de la caricature : acte humoristique, journalistique et artistique. Il analyse l’engagement de ceux qui exercent le métier de caricaturiste dans un contexte politique non démocratique. Tout d’abord, cette contribution explore l’histoire de la caricature en Algérie et son développement en lien direct avec celui de la bande dessinée et celui de la presse. Elle traite notamment des contraintes auxquelles font face les caricaturistes depuis l’indépendance du pays jusqu’à nos jours. La deuxième partie de cette contribution révèle les ressorts et l’enjeu critique des caricatures à partir de l’étude d’un corpus d’œuvres de Dilem et Hic consacrées à la harga (la migration « irrégulière »).
Être correspondant régional en Tunisie : De l’aliénation au pouvoir à la liberté totale
Authors: Bour Hamida El
Published: January 2017

Les soulèvements qui se sont déroulés en Tunisie du 17 décembre 2010 au 14 janvier 2011 montrent combien les media tunisiens ont occulté l’information à l’intérieur du pays. Sous l’ancien régime de Ben Ali, les media se tenaient loin des préoccupations et des réalités locales des citoyens. Cet article compare la couverture médiatique tunisienne pour les informations locales avant et après la révolution à travers le vécu de 16 correspondants locaux. La Tunisie compte 27 correspondants locaux employés par l’Agence de Presse de Tunis, seule agence publique ayant un réseau dans le pays depuis les années 1960. À travers une enquête qualitative menée auprès de ces correspondants, nous verrons comment les pratiques, les comportements et les discours ont évolué depuis janvier 2011.
L’information médicale au Maroc : Le journalisme face à ses contraintes
Authors: Lemaizi Salaheddine
Published: January 2017

Entre des communicants aux moyens conséquents, déployés pour influencer les professionnels de l’information en leur faveur, et des rédactions en situation de sous-effectif et de sous-investissement dans un journalisme de qualité, le journaliste se trouve moteur « de la circulation circulaire de l’information ». En décortiquant les mécanismes de contact et d’influence des communicants du secteur pharmaceutique au Maroc, l’objectif est de comprendre les stratégies opposées d’acteurs appartenant au monde des médias. Chaque acteur tente d’imposer son agenda et ses priorités. Malgré ces contraintes, externes et internes, les journalistes disposent de marges de manœuvre qu’ils utilisent pour échapper au façonnage de l’information par les communicants.
Effect of Carbon Nanotube Content on Properties of Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber/CaCO3/ Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Su Jun , Li Cai Hong
Published: January 2017

This paper studies how the addition and various content of Carbon nanotube (CNT) affecting the properties, especially the color difference of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM)/ CaCO3 composites. The results show that the increased content of CNT can turn EPDM/CaCO3 composites from lighter, greener, and bluer to darker, redder and yellower, respectively. The total color change (ΔE) of EPDM/CaCO3 composites is acceptable, when the content of CNT is less than 2wt%. The optimum tensile strength of EPDM composites can be gained, when the content of CNT is 3%.
Optimization of NDV Encapsulated in N-2-HFCC/CMC Nanoparticles Preparation Conditions
Authors: Li Dan , Dai Chun Xiao , Cheng Guo Gang , Wang Xiao Hua , Jin Zheng , Zhao Kai
Published: January 2017

The weak solubility of chitosan is the main disadvantage as a delivery carrier for drug application. In this study, a novel soluble in water chitosan derivative N-2-hydroxypropyl dimethyl ethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (N-2-HFCC) was successfully synthesized with low toxicity, a high safety level and used to make nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for live attenuated Newcastle disease vaccine. In addition, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) La Sota encapsulated in the N-2-HFCC/CMC nanoparticles (NDV/La Sota-N-2-HFCC/CMC-NPs) was prepared by a polyelectrolyte complexation method. The preparation technology of NDV/La Sota-N-2-HFCC/CMC-NPs was optimized by single factor and orthogonal test. The results of this study demonstrated that the optimal conditions for the preparation of NDV/La Sota-N-2-HFCC/CMC-NPs is stirring speed and stirring time of 1200 r/min and 40 min, NDV dosage of 2.0 ml, the N-2-HFCC concentration of 1.25 mg/ml and the CMC concentration of 2.0 mg/ml.
Core-Shell Au-Pt Nanoparticles and Nanodendrites for Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Liu Hui , Feng Yan , Yang Jun
Published: January 2017

Controlling the morphology of platinum (Pt)-based nanomaterials is an effective strategy to enhance their catalytic performance for a given reaction. Here we report the syntheses of bimetallic Au-Pt nanomaterials with spherical or dendritic morphologies by a seed-mediated growth method. In this route, the gold (Au) nanoparticles are firstly prepared as seeds in oleylamine, which are subsequently seeded the growth of regular or dendritic Pt shells at different Au/Pt molar ratios. The electrochemical measurements show that the core-shell Au-Pt nanodendrites have better catalytic activity than that of core-shell Au-Pt nanoparticles for methanol oxidation reaction due to their abundant atomic steps, edges, and corner atoms in the branched Pt shells.
Preparation of Polyaniline/Cotton Composite for Cr (VI) Removal in Solution
Authors: Hao Tian Qi , Zhan Yi Zhen , Liu Bao Jiang , Wang Wei , Yu Dan
Published: January 2017

In this work, polyaniline (PANI)/cotton composite was prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization and applied to remove Cr (VI) in solution. The as-prepared composite shows a high Cr (VI) removal rate (93.81%) at pH=2. Meanwhile, the adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order rate equation and the adsorption isotherm data fits well to the Langmuir isothermal model.
Research on Material Damage Modes of Escalator Drive Chain
Authors: Li Bo , Liang Xiao
Published: January 2017

The use crowd of escalators involves a wide range of people. Therefore, the safety research of escalator is concerned and should be pay more attention to continuously. In the present paper, the multiple material damage modes of escalator drive chain were analyzed. The material damage modes mainly contain the micro cracking, the wear damage and the decarburization defect. The tensile tests and friction&wear experiments were performed to investigate the influence of the material damage modes on the performance of the escalator drive chains in service. The tensile properties of the new drive chains without material damages were superior to those with decarburization defect and wear damage. The friction&wear experimental results indicated that the decarburization defects reduced the wear resistance of the escalator drive chain. The research results implied that the strict quality control and improved maintenance of the escalator drive chain was meaningful for the escalator using security.
Synthesis and Study of Structure Silver Nanoparticles by Polyethyleneglycol - Gum Arabic Polymers
Authors: Humbatova Seadet , Tapdiqov Shamo Zokhrab , Zeynalov Nizami A. , Taghiyev Dilgam , Mammadova Samira
Published: January 2017

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized at 293÷353 K temperature range by NaBH4 and HCOOH solutions with low concentration at polyethyleneglycol having average molecular weight of 40000 and 200 kDa gum arabic medium. Obtained silver nanoparticles were studied using methods of X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope. It was determined that sizes of silver nanoparticles which stabilize at polymer medium vary from 12 to 26 nm range depending on mole ratio, temperature and reduction medium of initial substances. It was shown by FTIR-spectroscopy that -OH and -COOH groups in polymer take an active part in stabilization of silver nanoparticles. It was determinated by UV-Vis study of silver nanoparticles containing polymer composition in aqueous condition that 412 nm which is specific to silver atoms do not change sharply for 4-5 days.
The Effect of Point Defects Induced by Fast Neutron Irradiation on the Thermal Conductivity of Boron Carbide
Authors: Du Ai Bing , Qu Zhi Xue , Su Xi Ping , Xiao Xiao
Published: January 2017

The thermal conduction behavior of the neutron absorbing ceramic boron carbide in the initial stage of the irradiation was analyzed and a classical thermal conduction model was used to estimate the variation of the thermal conductivity in this paper. The calculated thermal conductivity using the model shows a large degration in the initial stage of irradiation. As the burnup increases, the thermal conductivity turns to be free of temperature dependence. These calculated results are consistent well with the expermental data of thermal conductivity of the irradiated boron carbide, which may suggest that the variation of the thermal conductivity of boron carbide is predominantly determined by the point defects scattering in the initial stage of irradiation.
Boron Carbide Hollow Microspheres Prepared by Polymer Derived Method
Authors: Wang Jin Long , Gou Yan Zi , Ren Wu Rong , Jian Ke , Wang Hao
Published: January 2017

Polycarborane, as a kind of boron carbide polymeric precursor, was synthesized by hydroboration reaction with styrene, divinylbenzene as the carbon resource and borane as the boron resource in this work. The polymer precursor which had good solubility and film-forming ability was soluble in most organic solvents. Furthermore, polycarborane was used to fabricate hollow polymer microspheres by emulsion technique. The compact boron carbide ceramic hollow microspheres were prepared by ceramization of the polymer microspheres. Ceramic microspheres with diameters ranging from 1 to 1.5 mm and shell thicknesses from 15 to 30 μm were easily prepared by changing emulsion composition and curing conditions. Micrographs of SEM showed that the hollow microspheres had smooth surface and good sphericity. These boron carbide ceramic hollow microspheres are of significant importance for application in the field of neutron moderator in nuclear reactors, power generation in deep space flight, etc.
Mechanism of Controlled Pore Structure of Quartz Pore Gradient Materials
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Xiu Qin , Li Yao Qi , Li Xin , Song Jie Guang , Li Shi Bin , Yu Si Yuan , Cao Gui Lian , Dong Shuang
Published: January 2017

Pore gradient material has obvious uneven, making the material porosity, pore size and strength changes with the thickness of the material exhibits a special distribution, pore gradient material is therefore in the chemical industry, environmental protection, metallurgy, food, biotechnology and other industries widely used, it is a very promising new material. In this paper, low-grade quartz sand as the main raw material, by adding auxiliary ingredients, using foam deposition method, the pore graded material were prepared. Through experimental results and analysis, the conclusions can be obtained, quartz pore gradient material body after sintering at 1300¡æ posing obvious gradient structure. When the ratio of water to 1.4 and 1.5, the sample can be observed that there is a clear gradient structure. Considering the combination of price, quality quartz pore gradient material should be water feed ratio of 1.4, the sintering temperature is 1300 ¡æ more appropriate, the porosity of prepared quartz graded materials was 32.45%.
Synthesis and Characterization of Pd/Ag/SiO2 Nano-Composite Materials
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Bao Song , Tong Zhi , Mu Rui Hua
Published: January 2017

Pd/Ag/SiO2 sols and powder materials were prepared by adding AgNO3 and Pd (NO3)2·2H2O into a methyl-modified silica sol. Tetraethylorthosilicate and methyltriethoxysilane were used as the silica precursor for the sol-gel reaction. The obtained SiO2 sols and powder materials were characterized by sol particle size distribution, zeta potential analysis, UV-Vis spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. It was found that most of the particle sizes of the prepared Pd/Ag/SiO2 sols are about 2~10 nm with narrow size distribution. The zeta potential of Pd/Ag/SiO2 sol with Pd/Ag molar ratio of 7.5/2.5 presents the highest value. The FTIR analysis substantiates that the Si-CH3 groups exist in the silica network and the formed Pd/Ag/SiO2 sol particles possess linear structure. XRD characterization indicates that the Pd2+ and Ag+ in the Pd/Ag/SiO2 materials had be reduced to Pd0 and Ag0, respectively, after annealed in a nitrogen atmosphere at 350°C.
Effect of Pore Size on Partial Discharge in Ultra-High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors
Authors: Chen J.J. , Zhuang Jian Yong , Hong Ying Lun , Huang Jin Tao
Published: January 2017

Effect of pore size on partial discharge in ultra-high voltage ceramic capacitors was investigated. Nondestructive ultrasonic detection was used to measure pore size in ceramics while the partial discharge characteristics were evaluated by a discharge detector. It is found that the partial discharge quantity and discharge inception voltage greatly depend on the size of the biggest pore in the ceramic. The partial discharge characteristics become worse when the inner pore is bigger. Possible explanation is discussed based on an equivalent circuit simulating the capacitor with one large pore.
Heterojunction Structure ZnO/TiO2 Nanorods with Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Properties
Authors: Feng Wen Jian , Lin Liang You , Li Hai Jin , Gong Ying Peng , Chi Bo
Published: January 2017

This paper describes a simple two-step hydrothermal method for the design of heterojunction structure combined with TiO2 nanorods coated with ZnO nanoparticles. TiO2 nanorods on F-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass are synthesized by hydrothermal method and ZnO coating is prepared through a two-step procedure. The XRD patterns confirm that the nanostructure consists of rutile TiO2 and wurtzite ZnO without any other impure phase. The FE-SEM results show that ZnO is uniformly distributing on the surface of TiO2 nanorods, forming a well-connecting heterojunction. PL studies and UV-vis absorption spectra present the enhanced optical performance of ZnO/TiO2 heterojunction. The heterojunction structure ZnO/TiO2 nanorods show excellent photoelectrochemical performance. The performance and the preparation parameters are also optimized accordingly.
Preparation of Hollow Fiber Membrane Precursor from Glass and PVDF by Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Xu Jia Wei , Zhang Ya Bin , Lu Qin , Huang Qing Lin , Xiao Chang Fa
Published: January 2017

Glass hollow fiber membrane precursor was well prepared using glass and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as starting materials by non-solvent-induced phase separation. The spinning dope including glass powders and PVDF was obtained firstly. Then the hollow fiber membrane precursors were spinning via dry-wet spinning method. The parameters about preparation process were listed. The viscosity of spinning dope were also measured. The results showed that the viscosity increased with a function of the content of PVDF. The suitable viscosity for spinning technology was selected. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the glass powders with the diameter of several micrometer were connected by PVDF binder. The water flux was also tested, and it decreased with the time. The preparation technology of glass hollow fiber membrane precursor could provide support for the glass hollow fiber membrane via sintering process.
Laser Induced Damage in Fused Silica for 248 nm
Authors: Wang Hui , Fu Bo , Nie Lan Jian , Shao Zhu Feng , Jia Ya Nan , Wang Hong Jie
Published: January 2017

For the key-optical material, the laser induced damage character of fused silica is crucial for the application among the optical laser fitting. As the defect of each point of the silica sample is diverse, and the lasers focus point by point, we divided the sample block into three-dimensional structure for each laser-point to discuss the relationship between the LIDT of each points and the OH-content. The result shows that the LIDT of the center of the sample block is up to 10-11J/cm2 which is consistent after the treatment while the LIDT of border pieces is 9-10 J/cm2. The different temperature and the aggradation during the fusing process and the machine process caused the different OH content of different location of the sample.
Properties Characterization of MgO-Cr2O3-ZrO2  Brick Prepared by Vacuum Impregnation
Authors: Yang Wei Bo , Peng Chao , Li Gui Qiang , Liu Ying Zhuo , Zhang Hui Meng , Sui Cheng Xin , Deng Yu
Published: January 2017

MgO-Cr2O3-ZrO2 bricks were prepared by impregnated MgO-Cr2O3 refractory into ZrOC12·8H2O solution in vacuum condition. Then the properties of MgO-Cr2O3-ZrO2 bricks were researched in this study. The results showed that the properties of the MgO-Cr2O3-ZrO2 bricks, such as bulk density, cold crushing strength, pore distribution, are superior to those of the MgO-Cr2O3 refractory. The ZrO2 introduced to MgO-Cr2O3-ZrO2 bricks by vacuum impregnation method were distributed in reunion in the aggregate and matrix combining site and cracks and pores of the matrix of MgO-Cr2O3-ZrO2 bricks, which can significantly refine internal stomatal aperture of the bricks.
Effects of Sintering Temperature on Phases, Microstructures and Properties of Fused Silica Ceramics
Authors: Liu Shi Hua , Chen Peng , Xu Dan Hua , Yuan Qing Dan
Published: January 2017

Fused silica ceramics, named fused silica articles by means of ceramics fabrication processes, had been widely used in metallurgy, refractory, aviation and many other areas. How to get fused silica ceramics with high density and less cristobalite is on the focus. In this paper, effects of sintering temperature (1150°C, 1200°C, 1250°C, 1300°C, 1350°C) on phases, microstructures and properties of fused silica ceramics were investigated. The results showed that the bulk density of samples increased and the apparent porosity of samples minished gradually, with the increase of sintering temperature. However, the bending strength increased to maximum firstly and then decreased because the emergency of cristobalite at 1300°C. When the sintering temperature was 1250°C, the bulk density, apparent porosity and bending strength was 1.71g·cm-3, 17.6% and 38.87MPa, respectively.
Flame Temperature Distribution and SiO2 Particles Distribution in Oxyhydrogen Flame
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Hong Jie , Wang Hui , Nei Lan Jian , Lui Fei Xiang , Yang Xiao Hui
Published: January 2017

In the production process of synthetic silica glass, SiCl4 as precursor is imported in oxyhydrogen flame, SiO2 particles generate and distribute with different states along the flame. The flame temperature and the distance above the burner are important factors to affect the particle diameters and morphologies. The 2D distribution of flame temperature was measured using sodium line-reversal method. The diameters and morphologies of SiO2 particles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at 50mm, 100mm, 200mm, and 300mm above the burner. The results show that the flame temperature ranges from 2130°C to 2320°C, and the average diameter of SiO2 spherical particles increases from 50nm to 105nm as the distance increasing from 50mm to 200mm. The optimum deposition distance was discussed.
Determination of Phthalate Esters in Plastic Track Surface Layer Material by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Chen Peng , Xu Dan Hua , Yuan Qing Dan , Liu Shi Hua
Published: January 2017

A method was proposed to simultaneously and rapidly determine the content of five kinds of phthalate esters (DMP, DBP, BBP, DnHP, DOP) in plastic track surface layer material by gas chromatography (GC) with the external standard,and the method was first proposed. The sample pretreatment method was microwave-assisted extracted using ethyl acetate as the solvent. Discussed the effects of extraction conditions on the extraction efficiency, microwave extraction time was 30 minutes, microwave extraction temperature was 100°C,the volume of ethyl acetate was 15mL. The results showed that there was a good linear relationship in range of 0.040 to 50 mg/L(R2 was 0.9987-0.9994). The average recoveries of standard addition for five kinds of phthalate esters were between 83.83% and 101.02%, and the relative standard derivations (RSDs (n=6)) ranged from 0.95% to 4.73%. The three times of signal to noise ratio (3 S/N) was used to calculate the detection limit of the method , and the detection limit was 2.5-3.0 mg/kg. The ten times of signal to noise ratio (10 S/N) was used to calculate the quantitation limit of the method, and the limit of quantitation was 8.5-10 mg/kg. This method is simple, effective and suitable for the determination of phthalate esters in plastic track surface layer material.
Effect of Additives and Carbon Resources on Thermal Shock Resistance of Spinel-C Material
Authors: Wei Zheng , Liu Guo Qi , Yang Jin Song
Published: January 2017

Spinel-C material is important for monolithic stopper and submerged nozzle, which usually determine the application effects. Spinel-C specimens with 8% flake graphite is characterized by good corrosion resistance but poor thermal shock resistance. The effects of additives (Al-Si alloy, silicon powder, B4C and SiC), flake graphite (+199/-199), ultrafine flake graphite, expanded graphite and nickel nitrate + pitch powder on thermal shock resistance of spinel-C material were investigated by using water-quenching method. The results show that: (1) The addition of Al-Si alloy and B4C can significantly decrease the residual strength ratios (RSR) of the specimens. The addition of SiC and silicon powder can improve the RSR obviously. (2) The flake graphite of different particle sizes has little effect on the RSR of the specimens. With the increasing of the expanded graphite content, the RSR of the specimens increases. (3) The addition of mesophase pitch and Carboresâ P can receive the RSR rise of 74% and 59% respectively.
Application of Electromagnetic Field Theory in the Study of Iron-Rich Slag Resistance Mechanism of Low Carbon MgO-C Refractories
Authors: Chai Yan , Zhang Mei Jie , Li Xiang Cheng
Published: January 2017

Electromagnetic field (EMF) can promote the reaction between the Fe/Mn ion in slag and MgO-C refractories to form Mn-doped MgFe2O4 spinel. In order to further study the morphology and characteristics of Mn-doped MgFe2O4 spinel, the experiments were respectively carried out in medium-frequency induction furnace and resistance furnace. MgO-C refractories containing 6 wt.% carbon and iron-rich slag containing 53.62 wt.% Fe2O3 were used. The results show that the penetration layer in the slag line under EMF is obvious and the reduced Fe from FexO is distributed homogeneously in this layer. However in the resistance furnace having no EMF, there is not MgFe2O4 spinel but MgAl2O4 spinel formed. The iron content in Mn-doped MgFe2O4 spinels decrease dramatically from the erosion layer to penetration layer, while the manganese content in the spinel remains unchangeable.
The Restoration of Compressive Strength of Self-Healing Mortar
Authors: Geng Hai Ning , An Na , Fang Rui , Li Qiu
Published: January 2017

Self-healing mortar with various healing agent was prepared by sealing the healing agent in glass capsules. Waterglass, metakaolin slurry, and metakaolin slurry and waterglass were used as healing agent. The restoration of compressive strength of self-healing mortar was characterized by damaging the mortar at 7 and 28 days and curing for another 1, 7 and 28 days. The compressive strength of mortar with healing agent of waterglass was restored after curing for another 7 days under the condition of damaging at 7 or 28 days, and developed with a similar trend to that of the control specimen when damaged at 7 days but was not fully restored in the long term when damaged at 28 days. The compressive strength of mortar with healing agent of metakaolin or metakaolin and waterglass was restored after curing for another 7 days when damaged at 7 or 28 days, and developed with a similar trend to that of the control specimen in the long term under the condition of damaging at 7 or 28 days. Metakaolin slurry can restore the compressive strength of mortar at both early and later age damage. The combination of metakaolin and waterglass restored and further improved the compressive strength of self-healing mortar.
Identification of Fe-Containing Phase in Oxidation Process of BOF Slag
Authors: Chen Yu Hong , Liang Jiang , Yang Qi Xing , Han Feng Lan
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the Fe-containing phases in BOF slag were identified before and after oxidized with atmospheric air. XRD and SEM with EDS results showed that The element Fe existed in slag in the form of calcium ferrite, wustite solid solution and hematite. Mg solid solute in wustite. After oxidized, magnetite became the major mineral phase in slag and Mg + replace the Fe2+ of magnetite crystal to form spinel.
Component Attachment with Pressureless Ag Sintering for 300°C Applications
Authors: Yu Fang , Cui Jinzi , Zhou Zhangming , Johnson R. Wayne , Hamilton Michael C.
Published: January 2017

With an increased demand for high-power and high-temperature electronics, Ag sintering paste has been considered a promising Pb-free die-attach material candidate for these applications. Extensive research has been carried out investigating pressure and pressureless Ag sintering for die attach. In this work, passive component (chip resistor) attachment with Ag sintering was explored. Due to termination geometry differences between resistors and dies, different processing procedures and parameters were developed. For PtAu terminated resistors, the mean shear force of as-built samples on thick-film Ag metallized substrates was 90 N, but dropped to 18.6 N after 1,500 h at 300°C. Formation of a dense Ag layer near the PtAu resistor termination and a void region near the thick-film metallization was observed in cross sections after 1,000 h at 300°C. For PdAg terminated resistors with a plated Ni/Au finish, the initial shear force results were low due to Ag diffusion along Au metallization surface. For PdAg terminated resistors with Ag thick-film substrates, the initial shear force was ~60 N and remained in the range of 50–70 N during aging at 300°C for 1,500 h. A new thick-film metallization (Au + Ag) was developed to enable the use of thick-film Au interconnect metallization.
Between‐case standardized mean difference effect sizes for single‐case designs: a primer and tutorial using the scdhlm web application
Authors: Valentine Jeffrey C. , Tanner‐Smith Emily E. , Pustejovsky James E. , Lau T. S.
Published: January 2017

Executive summary

Single‐case research designs are critically important for understanding the effectiveness of interventions that target individuals with low incidence disabilities (e.g., physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorders). These designs comprise an important part of the evidence base in fields such as special education and school psychology, and can provide credible and persuasive evidence for guiding practice and policy decisions. In this paper we discuss the development and use of between‐case standardized mean difference effect sizes for two popular single‐case research designs (the treatment reversal design and the multiple baseline design), and discuss how they might be used in meta‐analyses either with other single‐case research designs or in conjunction with between‐group research designs. Effect size computation is carried out using a user‐friendly web application, scdhlm, powered by the free statistical program R; no knowledge of R programming is needed to use this web application.
The African predicament and a case for Singer’s ‘Samaritanism’: an existentialist interpretation
Authors: Okeregbe Anthony
Published: January 2017

Africa has always been viewed as a land of the world’s greatest potential. It has been described ad nauseam as a land of abundant natural and human resources, the cradle of civilization and the bastion of man’s natural spirituality. In spite of this apparent superlative richness, the present African condition is also well documented as a paradox. If Africa is this resource rich, why is it so backward and economically poor? In line with the existentialist notion of solicitude and care, this paper argues for a case of global ‘Samaritanism’, that is, an unsolicited care for the other that is nonetheless morally obligatory by virtue of a shared world and common existence. Drawing insight from the submission of Peter Singer, this paper posits that, if we have the capacity to intervene and prevent something bad from happening, without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we ought morally to do it. This paper’s contribution to existing knowledge rests on the extension of Singer’s principle of ‘Samaritanism’ (hitherto restricted to doling out goods and money) to include solicitude and actionable intervention on life-threatening human conditions of whatever kind.Key words: Africa, Cultural Menaces, Singer, Samaritanism, Existentialism, Fursorge
Intraseasonal to interannual variability of Kelvin wave momentum fluxes as derived from high-resolution radiosonde data
Authors: Sjoberg Jeremiah P. , Birner Thomas , Johnson Richard H.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Observational estimates of Kelvin wave momentum fluxes in the tropical lower stratosphere remains challenging. Here we extend a method based on linear wave theory to estimate time series of these momentum fluxes from high-resolution radiosonde data. Testing the sensitivity to vertical resolution, our estimated momentum fluxes are found to be most sensitive to vertical resolution greater than 1 km, largely due to overestimation of the vertical wavelength. Estimates of momentum fluxes derived from reanalyses and coarse-resolution satellite data are notably larger. Daily time series are produced for sounding sites operated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and from the recent Dynamics of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) field campaign. Our momentum flux estimates are found to be robust to different data sources and processing, and in quantitative agreement with estimates from prior studies. Climatological analysis is performed over the selected 11 year span of data from the ARM sites. Analyses for the available 11-year span of data reveal the expected seasonal cycle of momentum flux maxima in boreal winter and minima in boreal summer and variability associated with the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) of maxima during easterly phase and minima during westerly phase. Analysis of Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) active periods suggests that the MJO provides a nontrivial increase in lowermost stratospheric momentum fluxes, though statistical significance is not found due to the small number of events observed in the available time series.
Emission factors and light absorption properties of brown carbon
from household coal combustion in China
Authors: Sun Jianzhong , Zhi Guorui , Hitzenberger Regina , Chen Yingjun , Tian Chongguo , Zhang Yayun , Feng Yanli , Cheng Miaomiao , Zhang Yuzhe , Chen Feng , Qiu Yiqin , Jiang Zhiming , Li Jun , Zhang Gan , Mo Yangzhi
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Brown carbon (BrC) draws increasing attention due to its effects on climate and other fields. In China, household coal burned for heating/cooking purposes releases huge amounts of carbonaceous particles every year; however, BrC emissions have rarely been estimated in a persuasive manner due to the unavailable emission characteristics. Here 7 coals jointly covering geological maturity from low to high were burned in 4 typical stoves at both chunk and briquette styles. The optical integrating sphere (IS) method was applied to measure the emission factors (EFs) of BrC and BC via an iterative process using the different spectral dependence of light absorption for BrC and BC. It is found that (i) the average EFs of BrC for anthracite coal chunks and briquettes are (1.08 ± 0.80) g kg−1 and (1.52 ± 0.16) g kg−1, respectively, and those for bituminous coal chunks and briquettes are (8.59 ± 2.70) g kg−1 and (4.01 ± 2.19) g kg−1, respectively, reflecting a more significant decline of BrC EFs for bituminous coals than for anthracites due to briquetting, (ii) the BrC EF peaks at the middle of coal's geological maturity, displaying a bell shaped curve between EF and volatile matter (Vdaf), (iii) the calculated BrC emissions from China's residential coal burning amounted to 592 Gg (1 Gg = 109 g) in 2013, which is nearly half of China's total BC emissions, (iv) absorption Ångström exponent (AAEs) of all coal briquettes are higher than those of coal chunks, indicating that the measure of coal briquetting increases the BrC / BC emission ratio and thus offsets some of the climate cooling effect of briquetting, and (v) in the scenario of current household coal burning in China, solar light absorption by BrC (350–850 nm in this study) accounts for more than a quarter (0.265) of the total absorption. This implies the significance of BrC to climate modeling.
Technical note: An experimental setup to measure latent and sensible heat fluxes from (artificial) plant leaves
Authors: Schymanski Stanislaus J. , Breitenstein Daniel , Or Dani
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Leaf transpiration and energy exchange are coupled processes that operate at small scales yet exert a significant influence on terrestrial hydrological cycle and climate. Surprisingly, experimental capabilities required for quantifying the energy-transpiration coupling at the leaf scale are lacking, challenging our ability to test basic questions of importance for resolving large scale processes. The present study describes an experimental setup for the simultaneous observation of transpiration rates and all leaf energy balance components under controlled conditions, using an insulated closed-loop miniature wind tunnel and artificial leaves with pre-defined and constant diffusive conductance for water vapour. A range of tests documents the above capabilities of the experimental setup and points to potential improvements. The tests reveal a conceptual flaw in the assumption that leaf temperature can be characterised by a single value, suggesting that even for thin, planar leaves, a temperature gradient between the irradiated and shaded or transpiring and non-transpiring leaf side can lead to bias when using observed leaf temperatures and fluxes to deduce effective conductances to sensible heat or water vapour transfer. However, comparison of experimental results with an explicit leaf energy balance model revealed only minor effect on simulated leaf energy exchange rates by the neglect of cross-sectional leaf temperature gradients, lending experimental support to our current understanding of leaf gas and energy exchange processes.
Technical note: Update on response times, in-air measurements, and in situ drift for oxygen optodes on profiling platforms
Authors: Bittig Henry C. , Körtzinger Arne
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Oxygen optode measurements on floats and gliders suffer from a slow time response and various sources of drift in the calibration coefficients. Based on two dual-O2 Argo floats, we show how to post-correct for the effect of the optode's time response and give an update on optode in situ drift stability and in-air calibration. Both floats are equipped with an unpumped Aanderaa 4330 optode and a pumped Sea-Bird SBE63 optode. Response times for the pumped SBE63 were derived following Bittig et al. (2014) and the same methods were used to correct the time response bias. Using both optodes on each float, the time response regime of the unpumped Aanderaa optode was characterized more accurately than previously possible. Response times for the pumped SBE63 on profiling floats are in the range of 25–40 s, while they are between 60 and 95 s for the unpumped 4330 optode. Our parameterization can be employed to post-correct the slow optode time response on floats and gliders. After correction, both sensors agree to within 2–3 µmol kg−1 (median difference) in the strongest gradients (120 µmol kg−1 change over 8 min or 20 dbar) and better elsewhere. However, time response correction is only possible if measurement times are known, i.e., provided by the platform as well as transmitted and stored with the data. The O2 in-air measurements show a significant in situ optode drift of −0.40 and −0.27 % yr−1 over the available 2 and 3 years of deployment, respectively. Optode in-air measurements are systematically biased high during midday surfacings compared to dusk, dawn, and nighttime. While preference can be given to nighttime surfacings to avoid this in-air calibration bias, we suggest a parameterization of the daytime effect as a function of the Sun's elevation to be able to use all data and to better constrain the result. Taking all effects into account, calibration factors have an uncertainty of 0.1 %. In addition, in-air calibration factors vary by 0.1–0.2 % when using different reanalysis models as a reference. The overall accuracy that can be achieved following the proposed correction routines is better than 1 µmol kg−1.
Observability of fine-scale ocean dynamics in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Morrow Rosemary , Carret Alice , Birol Florence , Nino Fernando , Valladeau Guillaume , Boy Francois , Bachelier Celine , Zakardjian Bruno
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Technological advances in the recent satellite altimeter missions of Jason-2, SARAL/AltiKa and CryoSat-2 have improved their signal-to-noise ratio, allowing us to observe finer-scale ocean processes with along-track data. Here, we analyse the noise levels and observable ocean scales in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea, using spectral analyses of along-track sea surface height from the three missions. Jason-2 has a higher mean noise level with strong seasonal variations, with higher noise in winter due to the rougher sea state. SARAL/AltiKa has the lowest noise, again with strong seasonal variations. CryoSat-2 is in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mode in the Mediterranean Sea but with lower-resolution ocean corrections; its statistical noise level is moderate with little seasonal variation. These noise levels impact on the ocean scales we can observe. In winter, when the mixed layers are deepest and the submesoscale is energetic, all of the altimeter missions can observe wavelengths down to 40–50 km (individual feature diameters of 20–25 km). In summer when the submesoscales are weaker, SARAL can detect ocean scales down to 35 km wavelength, whereas the higher noise from Jason-2 and CryoSat-2 blocks the observation of scales less than 50–55 km wavelength. This statistical analysis is completed by individual case studies, where filtered along-track altimeter data are compared with co-located glider and high-frequency (HF) radar data. The glider comparisons work well for larger ocean structures, but observations of the smaller, rapidly moving dynamics are difficult to co-locate in space and time (gliders cover 200 km in a few days, altimetry in 30 s). HF radar surface currents at Toulon measure the meandering Northern Current, and their good temporal sampling shows promising results in comparison to co-located SARAL altimetric currents. Techniques to separate the geostrophic component from the wind-driven ageostrophic flow need further development in this coastal band.
Impact of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Intolerance on Driveline Infection during Chronic Heartmate II Left Ventricular Assist Device Support
Authors: Son Andre Y. , Stein Louis H. , DeAnda Abe , Katz Stuart D. , Smith Deane E. , Reyentovich Alex , Balsam Leora B.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Driveline exit site (DLES) management following left ventricular assist device implantation is important for preventing driveline infection (DLI). While chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is generally recommended for DLES antisepsis, CHG intolerance can develop, resulting in a need for alternative antiseptics. We reviewed our institutional experience with DLES antisepsis methods in HeartMate II patients, comparing outcomes of patients with and without CHG intolerance.

Methods

Between October 2011 and March 2016, 44 patients underwent primary HeartMate II implantation. CHG was used for DLES antisepsis and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) was used in patients with CHG intolerance. DLI was defined by Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) criteria.

Results

Of 44 patients, 37 (84%) received CHG and 7 (16%) received PVP-I antisepsis due to CHG intolerance. Five patients (11.4%) developed a DLI, with an event per patient-year rate of 0.07. Median length of support was 521 days (interquartile range 202–881 days). Characteristics were similar between patients with and without DLI. However, a larger proportion of patients with DLI had CHG intolerance compared to patients without DLI (60.0% vs. 10.3%, p<0.05). Causative organisms were Staphylococcus aureus in CHG-intolerant patients and Stenotrophomonas and Acinetobacter in CHG-tolerant patients. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test demonstrated decreased infection-free days in patients using PVP-I rather than CHG (p<0.01).

Conclusions

While the etiology of DLI is multifactorial, CHG intolerance appears to be a risk factor. Our findings highlight the need for larger studies comparing the efficacy of antiseptics for DLES care, particularly for patients with CHG contraindications.
Assessment of the Optimal Operating Parameters during Extracorporeal CO2 Removal with the Abylcap® System
Authors: Eloot Sunny , Peperstraete Harlinde , De Somer Filip , Hoste Eric
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Lung protective ventilation is recommended in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) needing mechanical ventilation. This can however be associated with hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis, such that extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) can be applied. The aim of this study was to derive optimal operating parameters for the ECCO2R Abylcap® system (Bellco, Italy).

Methods

We included 4 ARDS patients with a partial arterial oxygen tension over the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) lower than 150 mmHg, receiving lung-protective ventilation and treated with the Abylcap® via a double lumen 13.5-Fr dialysis catheter in the femoral vein. Every 24 hours during 5 consecutive days, blood was sampled at the Abylcap® inlet and outlet for different blood flows (QB:200-300-400 mL/min) with 100% O2 gas flow (QG) of 7 L/min, and for different QG (QG: 0.5-1-1.5-3-6-8 L/min) with QB400 mL/min. CO2 and O2 transfer remained constant over 5 days for a fixed QB.

Results

We found that, for a fixed QG of 7 L/min, CO2 transfer linearly and significantly increased with QB (i.e. from 58 ± 8 to 98 ± 16 mL/min for QB 200 to 400 mL/min). For a fixed QB of 400 mL/min, CO2 transfer non-linearly increased with QG (i.e. from 39 ± 9 to 98 ± 16 mL/min for QG 0.5 to 8 L/min) reaching a plateau at QG of 6 L/min.

Conclusions

Hence, when using the Abylcap® ECCO2R in the treatment of ARDS patients the O2 flow should be at least 6 L/min while QB should be set at its maximum.
Idiopathic Infantile Arterial Calcification: A Case Report of Successful Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: Deshpande Shriprasad R. , Kasniya Gangajal , Cuadrado Angel R. , Maher Kevin O.
Published: January 2017

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification is a rare cause of infantile ischemic cardiac failure with extremely poor prognosis. We present the first case report of successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and outcome in a child with idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (MAC). This 6-week-old infant presented with cardiogenic shock and circulatory collapse. The patient underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, allowing stabilization, diagnosis, and treatment with etidronate, followed by successful discharge to home.
Surgery of locally advanced and metastatic kidney cancer after tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy: single institute experience
Authors: De Gobbi Alberto , Biasoni Davide , Catanzaro Mario , Nicolai Nicola , Piva Luigi , Stagni Silvia , Torelli Tullio , Procopio Giuseppe , Verzoni Elena , Grassi Paolo , Colecchia Maurizio , Paolini Biagio , Spreafico Carlo , Marchianò Alfonso , Salvioni Roberto
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common tumor of the kidney. Considering the TNM classification of 2009, locally advanced and metastatic diseases are included in the groups stage III and IV. The surgical treatment of these tumors could be divided into 3 categories: (1) curative (nephrectomy and/or metastasectomy), (2) cytoreductive, and (3) palliative. Targeted agents showed impressive antitumor efficacy and prolongation of progression-free survival. The integration between target therapy and surgery in patients with locally advanced or metastatic RCC has sometimes facilitated surgery. We aimed to evaluate patients’ response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and the feasibility of surgery after that and to observe complications related to surgery.

Methods:

From February 2007 to September 2014 in the Istituto Tumori of Milan, IRCCS, we selected patients with locally advanced or metastatic diseases, treated with target therapy before surgery (which comprised nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy, cytoreductive surgery, and metastasectomy) and cryoablation.

Results:

We selected 33 patients who underwent surgery after TKI therapy. As for response to TKIs, 20 patients (60%) had stable disease, 9 patients (28%) had a partial response, and 4 patients (12%) had progressive disease. A total of 17 patients (51%) presented complications directly or indirectly related to surgery and most of those were classified as grade II Clavien-Dindo score.

Conclusions:

The association between TKI and surgery seems to have no contraindications. Our dataset provides an example of how surgery after TKI is possible in locally advanced metastatic tumor and does not have an excessive rate of postoperative complications.