bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New map of tsunami-hazard for the south Kuril Islands
Authors: Shevchenko Georgy , Loskutov Artyom , Kaystrenko Victor
Published: January 2019

The tsunami-zoning map (possible tsunami heights of a frequency of 1 event within 50 and 100 years) for the coast of the South Kuril Islands have been updated (former map have been developed in 2006). The update is based on the development of the tsunami-activity model, mainly due to the increase of the number of basic coastal locations (from 18 to 62) for which the parameters of the recurrence function were estimated, as well as on the modernization of the numerical model. Serious progress in simulations was achieved in setting the initial conditions, using the seismic tsunami source model. Field surveys on the coast to search for traces of historical and paleotsunami, as well as qualitative documentation of the Tohoku tsunami manifestations allowed to clarify the model of tsunami-activity in Southern Kuril Islands. The sufficiently large amount of data in this case (which is generally untypical for the tsunami) allowed authors, to apply the statistical approach for evaluation of the tsunami hazard distribution along the coast. Estimates of tsunami heights were spread from the basic coastal locations to adjacent parts of the coast using detailed simulation of all significant tsunamis and calculating wave heights at the shoreline. The detailed maps of tsunami-hazard at scale 1:100,000 have been made for the settlements of Yuzhno-Kurilsk, Kurilsk, Malokurilskoe, and Krabozavodskoe.
Sakhalin real-time shaking map tool for industrial and civil facilities safety
Authors: Stepnov Andrey , Konovalov Alexey , Klachkov Vitaliy , Dmitrienko Roman , Gavrilov Alexander , Bogdanov Evgeny , Manaychev Konstantin
Published: January 2019

Regional shaking map tool for rapid characterization of the strong ground motion following the significant earthquake has been developed. New tool is based on state-of-the-art data processing technologies and regional seismological data. The earthquake data processing system uses regional and global seismic stations. The technologies for generating shaking maps is mostly automatic. Public information on recent and past earthquakes is freely available on the eqalert.ru website. Internet users can also submit the felt report through the eqalert.ru using “Did you feel the earthquake?” questioner, unified in accordance with the U.S. Geological Survey DYFI. Automatic earthquake notification is freely available in the form of PUSH-notification for Android and iOS mobile applications and Telegram messenger bot.
Seismic risk assessment of the Middle Amur lowland
Authors: Shabalin Viktor , Zhuravlev Aleksandr , Sheetz Jaroslav , Gilmutdinov Stanislav
Published: January 2019

This article presents the results of seismic process studies in the territories adjacent to the essential facilities of the Far East. It shows the possibility for a reasonable description of the epicenter vector during prediction seismic impacts on extended objects.
Geodiagnostics of lithogydrogenic systems for forecasting exoggeodynamic processes
Authors: Yamashkin Anatoliy , Yamashkin Stanislav , Erofeev Vladimir , Piksaykina Anna
Published: January 2019

The landscape indication, based on the automated analysis of remote sensing data, is one of the key methods of research and mapping of lithohydrogene geosystems. The article describes a set of methods for effective detection of types of lithohydrogene systems, including a set of modules for identifying dynamic and invariant descriptors of the territory; assessment of geophysical diversity of landscapes; analysis of the geophysical shell through the calculation of the descriptors of the neighborhood; ensemble-analysis of remote sensing data for monitoring the state of geosystems and forecasting of natural processes. The system of methods for detecting types of landscapes made it possible to conduct geodiagnostics of lithohydrogene systems of the Privolzhskaya Upland and the marginal part of the Oka-Don lowland reservoir within the boundaries of the Republic of Mordovia in order to predict the development of exogeodynamic processes.
The frozen grounds processing with a bucketless bottom rotor
Authors: Nurakov Serik , Awwad Talal
Published: January 2019

The analysis of special conditions of buildings construction and transport constructions in difficult geotechnical and severe climatic conditions has been given. It is necessary to have a special working facility for earth excavation implementation. The bucketless bottom rotor with destructive elements in the form of oblique wedges meets these requirements. It allows destroying frozen and strong grounds with the least power-intensive way. The calculation method of ground separation force by angular teeth on the basis of spatial representation of ground failure forces has been given. The calculations have been confirmed with natural experiments of an excavator on frozen grounds.
Landslide protection of the ski resort “Mountain Air” on the Sakhalin Island
Authors: Matsiy Sergey , Matsiy Vladimir
Published: January 2019

This article contains the results of engineering and geological surveys and geotechnical calculations made for the development of the sports complex STK "Mountain Air" in the south-eastern part of Sakhalin Island. Design and survey work is performed, as well as reconstruction and setup of the associated infrastructure of the complex, including the construction of ski slopes and cable-ways. The description of the designed supporting and retaining structures is given.
Effect of surface layer freeze to soil-pile interaction
Authors: Sato Takashi , Konagai Kazuo , Ikeda Takaaki , Nishi Hiroaki
Published: January 2019

To assess earthquake resistance of new or existing structures and predict earthquake damage of structures, it is important to properly evaluate the response of the structure at the time of the earthquake. In cold regions however, where the ground can freeze in winter, the dynamic soil-foundation interaction can change with the change in the density and stiffness of the frozen side soil. This paper examines in a quantitative manner, the influence of freezing of ground on the dynamic soil grouped piles interaction., It is shown herein that the grouped piles in the frozen ground tend to follow the motion of the ground over a wider range of frequency. Furthermore, it is shown that even when the freezing depth is much thinner than the characteristic length of piles determined by the stiffness ratio of the ground and the group pile, the pile cap stiffness at the time of freezing becomes noticeably large. It is confirmed that the freezing of the ground can greatly affect the interaction between the ground and the piles.
Geotechnical and ecological foundations of the sustainable life cycle of the long-operated unique underground structures of the water disposal system in difficult ground conditions
Authors: Perminov Nicolay
Published: January 2019

Intensive development of megacities causes the need for sustainable operation of underground urban infrastructure facilities. In the special protection against man-made impact, long-operated unique underground structures of the water disposal system, which are related to facilities with an increased level of responsibility and danger, are needed. In the report, based on the experience of studying the operation of underground wastewater facilities in conditions of weak soils and intensive external static and dynamic impacts, there are proposed new methods for diagnosing their technical condition, modeling and monitoring of the joint work of the "underground structures aggregate of soil" system are implemented, forecasting and shaping conditions for its sustainable life cycle. Point and linear objects of the water canal of St. Petersburg are developed and implemented at unique (to a depth of 70 m.) geotechnology, providing simultaneous increase of bearing capacity, operational reliability and ecological safety of longoperated underground drainage facilities in difficult ground conditions with increasing man-caused impacts.
Advantages of immersed tunnels for long water crossings
Authors: Kurbatcky Evgeny , Pestriakova Ekaterina
Published: January 2019

In the article there is considered foreign experience of immersed tunnels within transport crossovers construction through continuous river and marine obstacles. There are found out peculiarities, advantages and disadvantages of their construction as analysis result of immersed tunnels already operated worldwide. A large number of transport crossovers built and operated worldwide including the immersed tunnels demonstrate the benefits of such projects in comparison with other types of transport crossovers – bridges and bored tunnels.
On the optimization of the construction of ventilation systems during the construction of metro by underground method
Authors: Vartanov Alexander , Markova Irina , Fedash Anatoly
Published: January 2019

The article discusses optimal versions for placement of ventilation systems for deep-laid underground lines, performed in a closed way, with the removal of the ventilation chamber from the ventilation output and placing it either in the ventilation shaft or in a specially constructed ventilation chamber located near the trunk, which significantly simplifies the design of excavation, and as a result, speed up its construction. To reduce the construction time, it is proposed to perform parallel work on the vent development and the ventilation chamber, including the possible installation of process equipment in parallel with the mining operations during the construction of the metro by the underground method.
Analysis of the economic efficiency of major repairs of the tank foundation by the displacement method
Authors: Tarasenko Aleksandr , Chepur Petr , Tikhanov Evgeniy , Krivorotov Vadim , Gruchenkova Alesya
Published: January 2019

The article features the application of a method of displacement during major repairs of vertical steel tank bases. Premises on the effectiveness of the application of the displacement method for repairing the bases of vertical steel tanks in comparison with the traditional method of repair are put forward. The comparative characteristics of the displacement method and the traditional method of major repairs of the bases of vertical steel tanks are given. The authors proposed a method of temporary displacement of vertical steel tanks, which is new for Russian practice of major repairs. An algorithm for calculating the cost-effectiveness of repairing the bases of VSTs is developed both by the traditional method and by the displacement method proposed by the authors. Technical solutions are substantiated considering calculating the stress-strain state of tank structures under nonaxisymmetric loading. A model is formed and basic parameters of the economic efficiency evaluation of major repairs of the vertical steel tank base are determined. Evaluation of the economic efficiency of major repair procedures and further maintenance of the repaired tank bases is carried out. A high economic efficiency of the new technological method of displacement is proved in comparison with the traditional method.
Assessment of organizational and technological reliability of the construction company in the construction of foundations
Authors: Mikhaylova Elena
Published: January 2019

When choosing a construction company, it is important for the investor to assess its organizational and technological reliability, which affects the duration and cost of construction. It is proposed to use as a source of information about the reliability of the data on the development of capital investments by the construction organization for a fixed period of time. The purpose of the study – to offer a mechanism for assessing the organizational and technological reliability of the construction company in the construction of the Foundation. On the basis of the method of variant design all possible alternatives of simple technological processes in the construction of pile foundations were considered. Using the method of statistical testing of simulation models on each process flow, the most probable duration and cost of design work were determined. All the options for the development of capital investments were reduced to a statistical series, on the basis of which the curve of accumulated probabilities was constructed. On the curve of accumulated probabilities it is possible to determine the probability of building foundations at the right time with the required value of the index of development of capital investments. Variant design of the construction process allows to develop simulation models of construction of any foundations, on the basis of which the curves of the accumulated probabilities of the indices of development of capital investments for each type of foundations are formed. These curves serve as the basis for the investor in determining the organizational and technological reliability of construction organizations.
Problems of improving the management of socio-economic subsystems in smart cities
Authors: Plotnikov Vladimir , Vertakova Yulia , Treshchevsky Yuri , Firsova Natalia
Published: January 2019

The development of technologies (especially information and communication technologies) has led to changes in economic processes and social life in general. One of the consequences of the information technology revolution is the emergence of the phenomenon of smart cities. There is a large number of publications on the problems of their formation and development. In practice, projects for their creation are being implemented. However, due to the novelty of the phenomenon being studied, its further scientific analysis is required. The main problem in this area, according to the authors, is the development of an effective management system for smart cities. The purpose of the article is to investigate the problems that are associated with the development of smart city management systems. A three-level model for managing their development is proposed. The first level of the model is the management of the development of the urban historical center. At the second level, the city as a whole is managed. The third level is aimed at the formation of an integrated urban agglomeration management system. The main emphasis was made not on the formation and development of digital services, but on the development of traditional urban systems. The authors propose to make them more intelligent, by introducing new technologies. The main measures to develop smart city management systems are organizational.
Sustainability analysis of transformable low-rise buildings production and construction integration zones
Authors: Pleshivcev Alexander
Published: January 2019

One of the main issues of organizational and technological solutions progress of transformable low-rise buildings with sandwich panels walls (TLB) rapid construction is the improvement of industrial production methods based on the using of high-performance mechanization tools. The working capital efficiency improving makes pre-fabricated transformable buildings the most attractive technical solution for investor and allows you to quickly recoup investments. The traditional measures of the organization processes improvement and specific development directions of the TLB construction production organization in modern conditions are given. The technological component of sustainability has been highlighted. The specifics of its provision in the modern conditions of technical development and increasing innovation have been disclosed. The article defines the prerequisites for main components strengthening of the integration zones elements sustainability in the process of transformable low-rise buildings erection. The tendencies of sustainability concept expanding at different levels of the TLB construction production management are substantiated. Evaluation of its effectiveness determines the relevance of the study. The aim of the work is the development of scientific and methodological foundations for the formation of a regional strategy for prefabricated low-rise construction.
Complex security problems of the internet of things
Authors: Shiler Alexander , Stepanova Elizaveta
Published: January 2019

At present, the Internet market of things is constantly expanding; it has covered almost all the most important areas: transport, housing and communal services, industry, agriculture, telecommunications and information technology. In connection with the constant increase in the number of attacks on IoT-devices, the issue of standardization of this technology is quite acute. The features of the of existing solutions and the new proposed Russian NB-Fi standard for IoT are presented in this article from the point of view of information security.
Construction of large dams: problems and development trends
Authors: Akhmetshin Elvir , Kovalenko Kseniya
Published: January 2019

In this article, the authors consider the problems of using large dams, and analyze environmental and economic indicators. Reducing climate pollution and eradicating poverty are two of the most serious challenges facing the world today. More than 50,000 large dams block at least 60% of the world's rivers. The consequences of this massive engineering program are devastating. Large dams destroy species; flood vast areas of wetlands, forests, and agricultural land; moving tens of millions of people, and influencing half a billion people living downstream.
Using artificial intelligence to analyse businesses in agriculture industry
Authors: Horák Jakub
Published: January 2019

Artificial intelligence is largely used in many technical applications and allows you to provide various solutions in problem estimation, regression, or optimization. Artificial intelligence, specifically artificial neural networks, extend to the area of economics and finance. They are used primarily for operations that can´t be identified analytically. Neural networks are suitable for modelling very complex strategic decisions, for large sets of data, and so on. The main advantage is the ability to learn and then to capture hidden and strongly non-linear dependencies. In this paper they are used for the analysis of agricultural businesses. The aim is to analyse the state of the agricultural sector through the use of Kohonen networks and then to assess its future development. On the basis of the analysis, significant and large clusters of businesses are depicted, and the most significant clusters are analysed. It is possible to estimate the number of businesses that will be successful, those that will stagnate and those that will fail in the following period. Application of Kohonen networks is rather complex, but they have great potential and the results are very interesting.
Comparison of exponential time series alignment and time series alignment using artificial neural networks by example of prediction of future development of stock prices of a specific company
Authors: Horák Jakub , Krulický Tomáš
Published: January 2019

Accurate stock price prediction is very difficult in today's economy. Accurate prediction plays an important role in helping investors improve return on equity. As a result, a number of new approaches and technologies have logically evolved in recent years to predict stock prices. One is also the method of artificial neural networks, which have many advantages over conventional methods. The aim of this paper is to compare a method of exponential time series alignment and time series alignment using artificial neural networks as tools for predicting future stock price developments on the example of the company Unipetrol. Time series alignment is performed using artificial neural networks, exponential alignment of time series, and then a comparison of time series of predictions of future stock price trends predicted using the most successful neural network and price prediction calculated by exponential time series alignment is performed. Predictions for 62 business days were obtained. The realistic picture of further possible development is surprisingly given based on the exponential alignment of time series.
Real estate as an investment asset
Authors: Krulický Tomáš , Horák Jakub
Published: January 2019

The present text focuses on perceiving real estate property as an investment asset that generates a certain amount of revenue to its owner, assuming expected risk and the expected level of liquidity. The first step is to determine the open market value of the selected property, which represent the expected expenses of the investment costs incurred (taking into account other acquisition costs), then we determine the open market rent value, which is the expected return on the selected property, then identify possible business risk associated with the commercial use of real estate and finally, the liquidity of the entire investment is estimated. In conclusion, methods for evaluating investments are applied to assess the realization of the investment – acquisition of the selected real estate for commercial purposes, the estimated return time and the percentage of the return on investment is calculated of the paper.
Estimation of the development of Czech Koruna to Chinese Yuan exchange rate using artificial neural networks
Authors: Machová Veronika , Mareček Jan
Published: January 2019

Through time series analysis, it is possible to obtain significant statistics and other necessary data characteristics. Prediction of time series allows predicting future values based on previously observed values. The exact prognosis of the time series is very important for a number of different areas, such as transport, energy, finance, economics, etc. It is within the topic of economy that the analysis and prediction of time series can also be used for exchange rates. The exchange rate itself can greatly affect the whole foreign trade. The aim of this article is therefore to analyze the exchange rate development of two currencies by analyzing time series through artificial neural networks. Experimental results show that neural networks are potentially usable and effective for exchange rate prediction.
Innovative Business Model of the Cluster as an Ecosystem
Authors: Masyuk Natalya , Bushueva Marina , Bragina Zinaida
Published: January 2019

Business modeling is an innovative form of representation of inter-firm interactions of enterprises and organizations, united by formal and informal economic relations. The business model is a graphic illustration of the structure of these relations, helping to understand their logic and complexity in the context of globalization. Networking and clustering are the responses to the global challenges of the external environment. In these conditions, new variants of an interaction of economic agents arise in conditions of uncertainty and risk. The most common form of intrafirm interaction in the conditions of one territory is clustering, which, as practice shows, have network structures. In our opinion, the purpose of the regional cluster as a network is to implement the key competencies of the territory and improve the quality of the economic situation in the region by improving the business climate of the environment. There are many efforts of scientists and business practitioners to design and make configurations for illustration of the cluster's relations and interactions. The main goal of this article is to show a new way of graphic design of clusters from the position of ecological approach instead of the UML. The article describes the configuration of the cluster business model in its interpretation as an innovative network ecosystem. Theoretical views about the cluster were extended in the direction of the configuration of its business model and the definition of its main structural elements. Particular attention is paid to the partnership interaction of the main groups of economic agents in the cluster, which include: key business structures, key educational organizations, key research organizations, and the state.
Estimation of the development of the Euro to Chinese Yuan exchange rate using artificial neural networks
Authors: Vochozka Marek , Vrbka Jaromír
Published: January 2019

The exchange rate is one of the most monitored economic variables, from the position of individual citizens or economists, financial institutions or entrepreneurs. In the long run, it is a reflection of the condition of the economy, and in the short and medium term it has a significant impact on the economy. The time series of currency development maps past developments, current status, and is also able to predict future developments. This article analyzes the time series of the development of EUR to Yuan exchange rate using artificial intelligence. It aims to evaluate this development and to indicate the prediction of the future development of EUR to Yuan.
Evaluation of an overnight non-culture test for detection of viable Gram-negative bacteria in endoscope channels
Authors: Singh Harminder , Duerksen Donald , Schultz Gale , Reidy Carol , DeGagne Pat , Olson Nancy , Nugent Zoann , Alfa Michelle
Published: January 2019

Background and study aims Prevention of infection transmission from contaminated endoscopes would benefit from a rapid test that could detect low levels of viable bacteria after high level disinfection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rapid NOW! (RN) test’s ability to detect endoscope contamination.

Materials and methods The RN test kit and the accompanying fluorometer were evaluated. The manufacturer states that a fluorometer signal > 300 units is indicative of viable Gram-negative bacteria. Suspension testing of varying concentrations of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis were used to determine the RN test limit of detection. Simulated-use testing was done using a duodenoscope inoculated with 10 % blood containing approximately 35 CFU E. coli per channel. Samples were extracted from the duodenoscope instrument channel and tested using the manufacturer’s instructions.

Results The RN test could consistently detect 10 CFU of E. coli and P. aeruginosa (fluorescent signal of 9,000 to 11,000 units) but not E. faecalis. Sensitivity and specificity for Gram-negative bacteria were 93 % and 90 %, respectively, using all of the suspensions in the study. Extraction of E. coli from an inoculated duodenoscope instrument channel repeatedly provided a positive signal (i. e. > 2,000 units).

Conclusions The RN test can reliably detect low levels of Gram-negative bacteria in suspension as well as from samples extracted from endoscope channels. These preliminary findings are encouraging but further assessment of extraction efficacy, impact of organic residuals and clinical workflow are still needed.
A suitable marking method to achieve lateral margin negative in endoscopic submucosal dissection for undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer
Authors: Yoshimizu Shoichi , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Horiuchi Yusuke , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Tsuchida Tomohiro , Fujisaki Junko
Published: January 2019

Background and study aims Delineating undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer (UD-type EGC) from noncancerous areas is difficult. Therefore, the lateral margin negative (LM−) resection rate of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is lower for UD-type EGC than for differentiated-type EGC. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the marking methods with circumferential biopsies in ESD for UD-type EGC.

Patients and methods We analyzed the clinical outcomes of ESD in 127 patients with UD-type EGC between April 2013 and 2017. We performed diagnostic delineation of cancerous areas using magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging, and four or more circumferential biopsies approximately 5 mm apart from the estimated lesion border were obtained to confirm noncancerous areas. The markings were placed on the circumferential biopsy scars, and a mucosal incision line was made outside the markings.

Results Median size of the tumors and ESD specimens was 12 and 35 mm, respectively. En-bloc resection rate was 100 % (127/127), and LM− and curative resection rates were 97.6 % (124/127) and 80.3 % (102/127), respectively. Circumferential biopsy in preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy has successfully identified the misdiagnosis of cancerous areas of four patients (3.2 %), with three (2.4%) achieving LM− resection. LM + resection was pathologically identified in three patients (2.4 %), with all undergoing non-curative resection due to > 20-mm tumor. The proportion of patients with the shortest distance ≥ 5 mm from the lesion edge to the specimen edge was 88.2 % (112/127).

Conclusion Our marking methods with circumferential biopsies may reduce LM + resections in ESD for UD-type EGC.
Teilnahmebereitschaft und Adhärenz von Teilnehmern an „Trittsicher“-Bewegungskursen
Authors: Roigk Patrick , Kampe Karin , Rapp Kilian , Rupp Karin , Pfeiffer Klaus
Published: January 2019

Hintergrund Stürze und sturzbedingte Verletzungen gehören zu den großen Herausforderungen heutiger industrieller Gesellschaften. Die bekanntermaßen effektiven gruppenbasierten Trainingsprogramme sind jedoch gerade in ländlichen Gebieten unzureichend verfügbar.

Ziel Nach erfolgreicher Implementation der Trittsicher-Bewegungskurse in ausgewählten ländlichen Regionen Deutschlands war das Ziel der Analyse, die Gründe der Teilnahme und Adhärenz durch 6 Fokusgruppeninterviews zu identifizieren.

Methode Die Daten wurden mittels inhaltlich-strukturierender Analyse nach Mayring 1 analysiert und einem deduktiv gebildeten Kategoriensystem zugeordnet. Zusätzlich wurden quantitative Daten deskriptiv analysiert.

Ergebnisse In den Kategorien erwarteter und wahrgenommener Nutzen, Merkmale der Kursleitung, sozialer Zusammenhang, Empowerment sowie Motivation und Design des Programms fanden sich Kriterien, die eine Teilnahmewahrscheinlichkeit und Adhärenz erhöhten.

Schlussfolgerung Die hier analysierten Kriterien sollten bereits bei der Planung von neuen Bewegungsprogrammen mit den Erwartungen der Zielgruppe abgeglichen werden.
A Copper Halide Promoted Regioselective Halogenation of Coumarins Using N-Halosuccinimide as Halide Source
Authors: Zhang Min , Su Jinling , Zhang Yan , Chen Mingren , Li Weiming , Qin Xuewei , Xie Yanping , Qin Lixiao , Huang Shihua
Published: January 2019

A safe, convenient, and regioselective synthesis of 3-halo coumarins using a metal halide (CuX2 alone or with ZnX2) promoted halogenation with N-halosuccinimide (NXS) as halide source is reported. The synthesis involved the steady in situ generation of highly reactive positive halogen (X+) by the coordination of copper or zinc with the N-halosuccinimide and subsequent electrophilic aromatic substitution of the electron-deficient coumarins. This procedure works well also for the halogenation of less electron-rich naphthoquinones, flavones, and methoxypsoralen in moderate to quantitative yields. This protocol features simple experimental conditions using readily available inexpensive reagents and provides a convenient approach to the chlorination or bromination of some useful heteroaromatic compounds.
Chondroid Tumors as Incidental Findings and Differential Diagnosis between Enchondromas and Low-grade Chondrosarcomas
Authors: Isaac Amanda , Villagrán José , Afonso P.
Published: January 2019

Chondroid tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that all share the production of chondroid matrix. This ranges from a fetal type to mature hyaline cartilage and mirrors its imaging characteristics.

The benign chondroid tumors represent some of the most encountered incidental bone lesions, with osteochondroma the most frequent benign bone tumor. Enchondroma is mostly asymptomatic, and yet it is probably the second most common primary bone tumor. Similarly, its malignant counterpart, chondrosarcoma, is the second most common malignant primary bone tumor.

The 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) updated this group of tumors, and grade 1 chondrosarcoma was renamed “atypical cartilage tumor” and classified as an intermediate type of tumor, not a malignancy, which better describes its clinical behavior.

In this article we summarize changes made in the updated 2013 WHO classification and highlight the diagnostic features differentiating an enchondroma from a low-grade chondrosarcoma. We also describe practical imaging aspects of the remaining chondroid tumors.
Reduced Verification of Medication Alerts Increases Prescribing Errors
Authors: Lyell David , Magrabi Farah , Coiera Enrico
Published: January 2019

Objective Clinicians using clinical decision support (CDS) to prescribe medications have an obligation to ensure that prescriptions are safe. One option is to verify the safety of prescriptions if there is uncertainty, for example, by using drug references. Supervisory control experiments in aviation and process control have associated errors, with reduced verification arising from overreliance on decision support. However, it is unknown whether this relationship extends to clinical decision-making. Therefore, we examine whether there is a relationship between verification behaviors and prescribing errors, with and without CDS medication alerts, and whether task complexity mediates this.

Methods A total of 120 students in the final 2 years of a medical degree prescribed medicines for patient scenarios using a simulated electronic prescribing system. CDS (correct, incorrect, and no CDS) and task complexity (low and high) were varied. Outcomes were omission (missed prescribing errors) and commission errors (accepted false-positive alerts). Verification measures were access of drug references and view time percentage of task time.

Results Failure to access references for medicines with prescribing errors increased omission errors with no CDS (high-complexity: χ
2(1) = 12.716; p < 0.001) and incorrect CDS (Fisher's exact; low-complexity: p = 0.002; high-complexity: p = 0.001). Failure to access references for false-positive alerts increased commission errors (low-complexity: χ
2(1) = 16.673, p < 0.001; high-complexity: χ
2(1) = 18.690, p < 0.001). Fewer participants accessed relevant references with incorrect CDS compared with no CDS (McNemar; low-complexity: p < 0.001; high-complexity: p < 0.001). Lower view time percentages increased omission (F(3, 361.914) = 4.498; p = 0.035) and commission errors (F(1, 346.223) = 2.712; p = 0.045). View time percentages were lower in CDS-assisted conditions compared with unassisted conditions (F(2, 335.743) = 10.443; p < 0.001).

Discussion The presence of CDS reduced verification of prescription safety. When CDS was incorrect, reduced verification was associated with increased prescribing errors.

Conclusion CDS can be incorrect, and verification provides one mechanism to detect errors. System designers need to facilitate verification without increasing workload or eliminating the benefits of correct CDS.
Postnatal Paraclinical Parameters Associated to Occurrence of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants
Authors: Turova Varvara , Botkin Nikolai , Eckardt Laura , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Rieger-Fackeldey Esther , Alves-Pinto Ana , Kovtanyuk Andrey , Sidorenko Irina , Lampe Renée
Published: January 2019

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most frequent complication in postnatal development of preterm infants. The purpose of the present work is the statistical evaluation of seven standard paraclinical parameters and their association to the development of ICH. Clinical records of 265 preterm infants with gestational age (GA) 23 to 30 weeks were analyzed. According to ICH status, patients were divided into control (without ICH) and affected (with ICH) groups. Mean values of paraclinical parameters at each week of gestation were compared. Different ICH grades, periods before and after ICH were considered separately. Lower hematocrit, SaO2, and pH were statistically significant for preterm infants with 23 to 30 weeks GA and diagnosis of ICH relative to infants without ICH. Additionally, for preterm infants with 27 to 30 weeks GA, higher C-reactive protein, as well as lower values of thrombocytes were associated with the occurrence of ICH. Preterm infants with 23 to 26 weeks GA showed C-reactive protein values similar to those in the group without ICH and lower levels of thrombocytes after bleeding. Significant differences in paraclinical parameters between preterm infants with and without ICH may constitute useful indicators for closer clinical observation of preterm infants at risk of ICH.
Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Anemic Subjects from Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Tripathi Poonam , Agarwal Sarita , Muthuswamy Srinivasan
Published: January 2019

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is caused by one or more mutations in the G6PD gene on chromosome X. It affects approximately 400 million people worldwide. The purpose of this study was to detect the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and G6PD gene mutations in the hospital-based settings in patients referred for suspected G6PD deficiency. A qualitative fluorescent spot test and dichlorophenol-indolphenol (DCIP) test were performed. G6PD-deficient, positive samples were further processed for mutation analysis by Sanger sequencing. Out of 1,069 cases, 95 (8.8%) were detected as G6PD deficient (by DCIP test) and were sent for molecular analysis. The G6PD Mediterranean mutation (563C > T) is the most common variant among G6PD-deficient individuals followed by the Coimbra (592C→T) and Orissa (131C→G) variants. We concluded that all symptomatic patients (anemic or jaundiced) should be investigated for G6PD deficiency. Our findings will inform our population screening approach and help provide better management for G6PD-deficient patients.
Obstetrical Outcomes of Head and Neck (Nonthyroid) Cancers: A 27-Year Retrospective Series and Literature Review
Authors: Figueiró-Filho Ernesto , Horgan Richard , Muhanna Nidal , Parrish Jacqueline , Irish Jonathan , Maxwell Cynthia
Published: January 2019

Objective To describe the clinical presentation and obstetrical outcomes of nonthyroid head and neck cancers (HNCs), and to review literature on this rare condition in pregnancy.

Study Design Pregnant women with nonthyroid HNC were identified retrospectively from 1990 to 2017. Maternal, neonatal, pregnancy, and demographic data were collected. A review of the literature from January 1980 to May 2018 was performed.

Results Over the 27-year time period, 16 women with history of nonthyroid HNC were identified (9 diagnosed during and 7 diagnosed before current pregnancy). The cases were analyzed in detail and the most updated review of management of each type of HNC was provided.

Conclusions HNCs are rare with diagnosis and management challenges during pregnancy. In this series, the cases diagnosed and managed previously to pregnancy presented better perinatal outcomes than the cases presented during pregnancy. The maternal outcomes appeared similar for HNC diagnosed before or after pregnancy.
The qPlus sensor, a powerful core for the atomic force microscope
Authors: Giessibl Franz J.
Published: January 2019

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was introduced in 1986 and has since made its way into surface science, nanoscience, chemistry, biology, and material science as an imaging and manipulating tool with a rising number of applications. AFM can be employed in ambient and liquid environments as well as in vacuum and at low and ultralow temperatures. The technique is an offspring of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), where the tunneling tip of the STM is replaced by using a force sensor with an attached tip. Measuring the tiny chemical forces that act between the tip and the sample is more difficult than measuring the tunneling current in STM. Therefore, even 30 years after the introduction of AFM, progress in instrumentation is substantial. Here, we focus on the core of the AFM, the force sensor with its tip and detection mechanism. Initially, force sensors were mainly micro-machined silicon cantilevers, mainly using optical methods to detect their deflection. The qPlus sensor, originally based on a quartz tuning fork and now custom built from quartz, is self-sensing by utilizing the piezoelectricity of quartz. The qPlus sensor allows us to perform STM and AFM in parallel, and the spatial resolution of its AFM channel has reached the subatomic level, exceeding the resolution of STM. Frequency modulation AFM (FM-AFM), where the frequency of an oscillating cantilever is altered by the gradient of the force that acts between the tip and the sample, has emerged over the years as the method that provides atomic and subatomic spatial resolution as well as force spectroscopy with sub-piconewton sensitivity. FM-AFM is precise; because of all physical observables, time and frequency can be measured by far with the greatest accuracy. By design, FM-AFM clearly separates conservative and dissipative interactions where conservative forces induce a frequency shift and dissipative interactions alter the power needed to maintain a constant oscillation amplitude of the cantilever. As it operates in a noncontact mode, it enables simultaneous AFM and STM measurements. The frequency stability of quartz and the small oscillation amplitudes that are possible with stiff quartz sensors optimize the signal to noise ratio. Here, we discuss the operating principles, the assembly of qPlus sensors, amplifiers, limiting factors, and applications. Applications encompass unprecedented subatomic spatial resolution, the measurement of forces that act in atomic manipulation, imaging and spectroscopy of spin-dependent forces, and atomic resolution of organic molecules, graphite, graphene, and oxides.
Evaporation induced self-assembly of different shapes and sizes of nanoparticles: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Katiyar Parul , Singh Jayant K.
Published: January 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations of Lennard-Jones particles have been performed to study the self-assembled structure of nanoparticles (NPs) formed upon evaporation of nanofluid droplets on a heated surface. Different shapes of NPs such as a sphere, cube, triangle, and rod are considered in this work for the nanofluid. The influence of solvent−surface and NP–surface interaction strengths, size, and shape of NPs is analyzed on the structure of the NP deposit formed upon evaporation. The solvophilic substrate leads to the formation of different structures such as the hemispherical clump, monolayer, and ring depending on the size, shape, and interaction between other pairs of atoms. On the other hand, the solvophobic substrate always leads to a clump of NPs. Structural and thermodynamic properties are calculated to characterize the self-assembled structures. The low pair energy and high excess entropy are the characteristics of a ring structure. Furthermore, the mean square displacement of NPs is found to be lower for the ring structure compared to the hemispherical clump structure, and this observation is independent of the shape and size of the NP. The change in arrangement from disorder to order is observed for rod shaped NPs during evaporation.
Shell-ferromagnetism and decomposition in off-stoichiometric Ni50Mn50–xSbx Heuslers
Authors: Wanjiku Z. , Çakır A. , Scheibel F. , Wiedwald U. , Farle M. , Acet M.
Published: January 2019

Off stoichiometric Heuslers in the form Ni50Mn50−xZx, where Z can be a group 13–15 element of the periodic system, decompose at about 650 K into a ferromagnetic full Heusler Ni50Mn25Z25 and an antiferromagnetic Ni50Mn50 component. We study here the case for Z as Sb and report on shell-ferromagnetic properties as well as thermal instabilities. Unlike the case for other Z-elements, in Ni50Mn50−xSbx, the minimum decomposition temperature corresponds to a temperature lying within the austenite state so that it is possible to observe the change in the martensitic transition temperature while annealing, thus providing further information on the change of composition during annealing. Scherrer analysis performed on emerging peaks related to the cubic full-Heusler shows that the precipitate size for shell-FM properties to become observable is around 5-10 nm. Other than vertical shifts in the field-dependence of the magnetization, which are also observed in compounds with Z other than Sb, concurrent exchange-bias effects are observed in the case with Z as Sb.
Power battery state of charge estimation based on extended Kalman filter
Authors: Wang Qi , Feng Xiaoyi , Zhang Bo , Gao Tian , Yang Yan
Published: January 2019

State of Charge (SOC) is one of the main parameters to characterize the power battery state. The accurate SOC estimation has a great impact on predicting the mileage of vehicles, prolonging the battery life, and improving the efficiency of electric vehicles. At present, the common SOC estimation methods have some shortcomings in accuracy, real time, and operability. In this paper, a new SOC estimation method based on Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), combined with the current integration method and the open circuit voltage method, is proposed. Taking lead-acid power batteries as the research object, the Thevenin equivalent circuit model of battery is established. The model parameters are identified by Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC), then, the new algorithm based on EKF is used to estimate the state of the power battery, and the experimental verification is carried out. The experimental results show that the algorithm has high accuracy and good robustness, and the estimated error of SOC of the power battery is less than 4%, which can meet the practical requirements of engineering application.
A novel phase-shifted pulse width amplitude modulation for extended-boost quasi-Z source cascaded multilevel inverter based on photovoltaic power system
Authors: Yi Lingzhi , Gui Qingzhong , Wang Zhen
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a single-phase extended-boost quasi-Z source (EqZS) cascaded multilevel inverter (CMI) for photovoltaic power systems is proposed. A phase-shifted pulse width amplitude modulation strategy based on dual switching frequency modulation (DFM-PWAM) for the inverter is also presented. Compared to the traditional quasi-Z source inverter, the EqZS network can significantly increase the dc-link voltage and achieve a higher voltage gain. Due to the inherent double-line-frequency (2ω) voltage and current ripples in the single-phase EqZS inverter (EqZSI), an accurate equivalent model based on the EqZSI module is established to design rational parameters of the EqZS network, which can limit the 2ω ripples in the required range. However, large capacitance and inductance are needed to restrain 2ω ripples through this method, which results in a bulky impedance-source network. Higher switching frequency can reduce the size of the impedance-source network but will increase the switching losses due to hard-switching. The proposed DFM-PWAM technique can not only keep a compact impedance-source network but also mitigate the switching frequency effect on the switching losses. Finally, simulation and experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed topology and modulation technique and the correctness of theory.