bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A descriptive comparative study of the strategies applied for the translation of the vernacular dialect of John
Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men as a sociolect into Farsi
Authors: Ala Mahsa , Salahshoor Farzad
Published: September 2019

This study aims to identify and compare the strategies applied by native Farsi Translators, Parviz Dariyush (1975) and Soroush Habibi (2009), in
rendering the vernacular dialect (Chicano English) of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men (1965) as a sociolect into
Farsi. One hundred samples which contained seven unique characteristics of vernacular dialect limited to the two main characters
of the novel, George and Lennie, were extracted from the novel with their Farsi equivalents. Sienkiewicz (1984, as cited in Berezowski 1997: 35) proposed
strategies for the translation of dialects are taken as the model for this study to investigate the way dialectal features are
dealt with in the selected parts and to check whether the procedure proposed by Sienkiewicz is sufficient and adequate for their
translation. Analysing these samples, the results showed that one-to-one transference of dialectal elements is not practically
possible into Farsi. However, both translators used phonological, syntactical, and morphological irregularities of Colloquial
Farsi to show that the language of the novel is not standard language. Approximate Variety Substitution is the most frequent
strategy used by Habibi and Dariyush. The aim of this strategy is to select a colloquial variety that has some dialectal features
such as lexical, phonological, and morphological specifics and at the same time does not present an obvious recognizable TL
dialect.
Le tournant sémiotique du début du XXème siècle
Authors: Haßler Gerda
Published: September 2019

Le centenaire de la publication du Cours de linguistique
générale (1916) de Ferdinand de Saussure nous a invité à
reconsidérer l’importance de cet ouvrage et le rôle de son auteur pour la
fondation d’une linguistique intégrée dans une sémiologie. Il n’y a aucun doute
que cet auteur fut extrêmement important pour le développement de la
linguistique structurale en Europe et qu’avec son concept du signe linguistique
il a fait œuvre de pionnier pour le tournant sémiologique. Mais l’accueil
favorable d’une théorie dans le milieu scientifique ne s’explique pas seulement
par sa qualité intérieure, mais par plusieurs conditions extérieures. Ces
conditions seront analysées sur trois plans: (1) l’arrivée de la méthode des
néogrammairiens à ses limites qui incitait alors à l’étude de l’unité du
signifiant et du signifié; (2) la simplification et l’outrance de la pensée
structurale dans le Cours, publié en 1916 par Charles Bally et
Albert Sechehaye et (3) la préparation de la réception de la pensée sémiologique
par plusieurs travaux parallèles.
Shakedown loading capacity prediction of metal-based nanocomposites
Authors: Soleimanian Sina , Chen Min , Tate Derrick , Zhang Shunqi
Published: September 2019

Nano reinforcement of metals cannot escape the attention of designers who seek to improve overall performance of engineering structures from automotive components to biomedical devices. Since many engineering structures are susceptible to variable cyclic load, presenting shakedown design of them is of the present research interest. So that, in the present research the shakedown loading capacity of metal based nanocomposite is estimated through finite element discretization and interior point optimization method. Finally, the results are obtained for plate structures subjected to two independent biaxial loads. A maximum improvement of 71.2% is achieved for shakedown load factor of the structure, which means a remarkable improvement in load bearing capacity of the structure.
Prediction of outlet air temperature of direct air condenser based on BP neural network
Authors: Bai Jianyun , Meng Xinyu , Qu Yan , Feng Geng
Published: September 2019

At present, the dynamic parameter monitoring technology of the direct air cooling system is relatively weak. According to the study of outlet air flow temperature characteristics, this paper proposes a direct air condensing unit outlet air flow temperature prediction model based on BP neural network for studying dynamic parameters of direct air cooling units. The historical data of each factor is collected from the on-site DCS system. After the data is preprocessed, the BP neural network is used to establish the air temperature prediction model of the air condenser. Finally, the model is validated by the data that does not participate in the training. The model can predict the outlet air temperature of the air condenser under different working conditions, providing a basis for the next step of developing dynamic parameter monitoring technology, and also provide a reference for the cleaning cycle of the air condenser.
Performance evaluation of constant hanger for in-service pipelines in power plant
Authors: Wan Yu , Yang Qingxu , Jin Chuanling , Liu Xubi , Yang Xianbiao , Yang Chao
Published: September 2019

Aiming at the in-service pipeline of thermal power plant, considering the impact of pipeline operation factors, the finite element method is used to calculate the static load and modal analysis of the pipeline system, under the method of selecting the constant hanger according to the risk size, the constant hanger with abnormal state is found accurately, realized the evaluation of the whole state of the constant hanger of the pipeline system. The results show that after a long period of operation or vibration, the output load of the constant hanger near the maximum thermal displacement point and the maximum response point of the low order natural frequency will decrease due to the relaxation of the spring, resulting in the deviation of the performance index of the constant hanger, which can still meets the standard requirements after correction by the performance test. It is feasible to evaluate the overall state of the pipeline constanthanger by selecting partial constant hanger, which has some reference value for the safety evaluation of the Steam Pipe branch hanger in power plant.
Design and research on optimization of single point mooring system
Authors: Wang Ying , Xie Haiyan , Zheng Enxi
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we establish a statics model to analyze the force balance of the buoys, four steel pipes and steel buckets, and we derive the relationship between the inclination angle of steel pipes and steel buckets and the draught depth and wind speed, which is solved by moment in mechanics. Next, by applying the catenary curve’s equation to per unit of anchor chain, we can obtain the vertical height of anchor chain, thus the total depth of sea water can be obtained. Finally, the variable step search algorithm is used to search the draught depth, and we can obtain each parameter of the optimization result.
Optimization on effects of design parameter on displacement amplification ratio of 2 DOF working platform employing Bridge-type compliant mechanism flexure hinge using Taguchi method
Authors: Wang Chia Nan , Truong Kim Phung , Huynh Ngoc Thai , Nguyen Ho
Published: September 2019

High precision positioning systems was usually utilized in industrial applications. But the systems have workspace limits. Therefore, a new design for 2-DOF working platform employing two bride-type compliant mechanism flexure hinge was suggested in this paper. The INVENTOR 2018 software was used to design the mechanism and the output displacement, output stress were obtained by Finite element method in ANSYS. The simulation results were achieved maximum value for output displacement of 0.61 mm according x axis direction and y direction, and maximum value for output stress of 120 MPa while input displacement of 0.01 mm, input body length of 5 mm, fillet of radius of 0.2 mm, incline angle of 1.2 degree, width of flexure hinge of 2 mm, thickness of flexure hinge changes from 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm. The simulation results of two remain cases was also presented and discussed. In three cases, thickness of flexure hinge has important effected on output displacement and output stress. The maximum value of displacement amplification ratio was achieved 61.13 by simulation for two x and y axis directions. The S/N analysis demonstrated the design parameters have important effects on output displacement and stress. The optimal total displacement amplification ratio was obtained 91.35 compared with the predicted value of 98.08 that was good agree with 6.86% deviation error and the optimal value of stress was obtained 73.3562 MPa compared with the predicted value of 80.0936 MPa that was good agree with deviation error 8.41%.
Optimizing operation of integrated energy system considering distribution network and natural gas network
Authors: Xuan Juqin , Zheng Jieyun , Shi Pengjia , Wang Jueying , Xie Shiwei , Kong Shunfei , Hu Zhijian
Published: September 2019

In this paper, an optimizing operation model of integrated energy system (IES) based on distribution network and natural gas network is proposed. While meeting the safety operation constraints of these two networks, the cost of energy for the integrated energy system is minimized at the same time. The proposed model is a comprehensive non-convex problem which is difficult to solve. In order to solve this problem, the incremental piecewise linearization as well as second order cone relaxation (SOCR) is applied to convert the original model into a convex problem. Therefore, the operational scheme of the integrated energy system can be obtained through solving the prosed model. Finally, the effectiveness of the prosed model was verified by simulation on an integrated energy system consisting of the 20-node natural gas network and IEEE 14 node system.
Application of quantum secure communication technology in the power grid services
Authors: Xing Mengmeng , Liu Guojun , Lu Xu
Published: September 2019

With the development of power communication networks, the demand of information security involved in power network services also increases. Traditional secure communication technology have not been able to guarantee the security of the information transmitted in absolute security. This paper focuses on the problem of secure transmission of power communication networks, and proposes a suitable quantum secure communication technology scheme to ensure the key rate of the long-distance quantum secure communication and the security of the power communication network.
Research on harmonic transfer between HVDC transmission and AC grid
Authors: He Dongshan , Wen Jun , Geng Xiaohong , Wang Sichao
Published: September 2019

Due to the reverse distribution of China’s economy and resources, HVDC transmission with great advantages in long-distance and large-capacity transmission has been greatly developed. At the same time, the diversity of harmonic sources in the AC power grid is increasing, such as new energy power generation, electrified railways, and electric vehicle charging piles. These all have led to the extensive use of high-power power electronic equipment. In addition, the interaction of harmonics between AC and DC systems may cause Harmonic amplification, harmonic cross-modulation, harmonic resonance and harmonic instability. These all threaten the stability of power grid. This paper first analyzes the harmonic characteristics of HVDC transmission, establishes the harmonic model of HVDC transmission, and analyzes the harmonic characteristics of various harmonic sources in AC system. On the basis of this, the transmission characteristics of the DC side harmonics to the AC side and the transmission characteristics of the AC side harmonics to the DC side are theoretically derived and analyzed, and derive the DC voltage characteristics corresponding to the AC positive sequence, negative sequence and zero sequence voltage. Then the harmonic transfer model of the AC and DC side is obtained.
Research on fault feeder detection with adaptive notch filter in non-effective neutral point to ground system’ single phase to ground fault
Authors: Shi Bei , Wang Qiang , Zhao Lihua , Yin Lijun , Zhang Zhixia
Published: September 2019

It is difficult to detect single-phase grounding fault in non-effective neutral point to ground system because of its weak current and unstable arc. In this paper, a kind of self-adaptive notch filter is used to extract the fundamental wave of current signals. This method is verified by Matlab/Simulink simulation. The result confirms that the method can realize fault line detection timely and accurately.
The study of equivalent circuit model of battery based on parameters identification multi-dimensional look-up table method
Authors: Yin Hui , Shi Changkai , Bai Xuefeng , Gu Lingyun , Li Pengcheng , Du Haijiang
Published: September 2019

Establishing reasonable and accurate battery model is important to battery energy storage system as well as parameter estimation for battery management system, such as SOC, SOH. In this paper, aiming at the equivalent circuit model, to improve its accuracy, the impact of the age, temperature, SOC, load current, self-discharge and other factors are considered, the experimental data is obtained under different conditions of reasonable experimental settings, using multiple linear regression method to get the model structure parameter off-line. Using the results establish an equivalent circuit model based on multi-dimensional look-up table, the model structure parameters can be interpolated lookup data based on conditions to suit the battery. Finally, design simulation examples verify the correctness and non-structural parameters of the model SOC, SOH implementation strategies.
Study on the superposition of multi-harmonic sources in electrified railway traction substations
Authors: Geng Xiaohong , Wen Jun , Wang Sichao , He Dongshan , Qian Yeniu
Published: September 2019

The harmonic current generated by electrified railway traction substation has stochastic volatility. Aiming at the superposition of multi-harmonic sources caused by electrified railway traction substations in a certain area, this paper establishes the harmonic sources model of electrified railway traction substation, and calculates to superpose harmonic sources with random amplitude and phase angle by the national standard method and Monte Carlo method in MATLAB. Then built the power grid model of the area to verify the above methods based on ETAP simulation software. The results show that Monte Carlo method has less calculation error in calculating random harmonic sources and is more suitable for evaluating the superposition of multi-harmonic sources in electrified railway traction substations.
Development and delay analysis of data acquisition gateway for train monitoring and control system
Authors: Yang Weifeng , Guo Songlin , Chen Tao , Yao Zikai
Published: September 2019

To solve data processing for the train multiple monitoring and control devices, a multi-protocol data acquisition gateway based on the embedded Linux system was designed. The principle of the gateway was proposed. The gateway’s communication abilities of RS485 network and Ethernet as well as RS485 network based on HDLC protocol and Ethernet were demonstrated by delay analysis for data propagation. The implementation of data acquisition and retransmission for the LKJ and TCMS provides support for achieving the aims of remote monitoring and fault diagnosis for rail transit train.
RGB-D visual odometry with point and line features in dynamic environment
Authors: Wang Shuai , Han Baoling
Published: September 2019

Vision-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology is the key to realize autonomous navigation of mobile robots. When the robot is in an unfamiliar environment, it usually uses the point features of the surrounding environment to estimate its pose. However, if the feature information in the environment is not rich and there are many dynamic objects, the camera trajectory cannot be accurately estimated. To this end, this paper proposed an RGB-D visual odometry that combines point features and line features simultaneously. The dynamic line features are eliminated by calculating the static weight of the line features, and the camera pose is estimated based on the point features and the remaining line features. Compared with other feature-based SLAM systems, the performance and accuracy of systematic pose estimation can be improved in the absence of feature points or dynamic environments.
Simulation and analysis of single-phase grounding fault in small current grounding system
Authors: Fu Jinwei , Shi Changkai , Fan Wenbo , Guan Shilei
Published: September 2019

The characteristics and distribution of single-phase grounding faults in small current grounding system are not easy to capture, and it is not easy to collect and cover all possible situations in operation site. This paper builds a fault simulation model of distribution network based on PSCAD. By changing the fault location, line type, transition resistance, fault time and other factors, and combining with the analysis of fault mechanism, the factors affecting single-phase grounding faults are obtained. The impacts of fault feature distribution provide theoretical guidance for fault identification equipment function detection and so on.
Coupling of El Niño events and long-term warming leads to pervasive climate extremes in the terrestrial tropics
Authors: Rifai Sami W , Li Sihan , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: September 2019

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a major driver of seasonal and interannual climatic variability across the tropics. The 2015/16 El Niño event was one of the strongest El Niño events of the past century. Here we characterize the meteorological impacts of the 2015/16 El Niño event upon the terrestrial tropics, and place the severity of this event into context of previous strong events in 1982/83 and 1997/98. Strong drought-inducing meteorological anomalies (≥2 s.d.) occurred across vast regions (20%) of the terrestrial tropics, where the wet tropics (≥1200 mm yr−1) were more severely affected (33%) than the drier tropics (6%). Central and eastern Amazonia experienced the most sustained and spatially extensive drought inducing anomalies, while parts of the Congo basin and Insular Southeast Asia also experienced severe drought. Surprisingly, some regions of the tropics (e.g. the Guiana Shield) with well known ENSO teleconnections were only briefly affected by the 2015/16 El Niño event. 2015/16 El Niño soil water drought impacts affected 29% of the terrestrial tropics, compared to 16% and 18% in 1982/83 and 1997/98, respectively. Maximum temperatures were particularly exacerbated compared to previous strong El Niños because they were amplified by the warming trend due to anthropogenic climate change. This also intensified positive anomalies of atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (the atmospheric demand for moisture), which had strongly negative consequences for vegetation productivity in the tropics. Even if El Niño events do not increase in intensity over coming decades, the pervasive long-term warming trend means that the atmospheric drought impact of each strong El Niño is becoming more severe, and many parts of the tropics will experience novel climate (temperature and VPD) conditions with each new strong El Niño event.
Circular Economy in the Built Environment: Supporting Emerging Concepts
Authors: Huovila P , Iyer-Raniga U , Maity S
Published: September 2019

This paper presents circular built environment case studies from Europe, Asia and Africa covering circular housing concepts, circular office refurbishment, circular construction and demolition waste management and circular building material production. One Planet Sustainable Buildings and Construction programme is developing a data base on pilots addressing different life cycle stages of circular buildings. Those cases can be exploited when developing sustainable solutions that meet local conditions. The intent of reporting the case studies is to support the building and construction sector to move towards a circular economy.
Promoting the energy refurbishment of social housing: the KlimaKit model
Authors: Penna P , Schweigkofler A , Brozzi R , Marcher C , Matt D T
Published: September 2019

Despite the well-known need of retrofitting the existing building stock and the availability of a wide range of energy efficient technologies, financial products and public incentives, the private as well as the public sector are struggling to invest in energy efficient solutions for buildings. Designers, companies, financers, and energy suppliers follow their own profit, instead of creating synergies to fulfil what should be the final goal of a retrofitting project: the client’s satisfaction. The aim of this paper is to present the methodology developed, within the KlimaKit project [1], to support both the refurbishment process of the buildings belonging to the social housing association of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and the energy refurbishment market of South Tyrol. The results presented in this paper are part of the ongoing research project “KlimaKit”, founded by operational programme European Fund for Regional Development of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano EFRD 2014-2020 – Investments in Growth and Employment.
Advancement of highly environmentally sustainable business management concepts with contexts embedded in construction markets
Authors: Huovinen P
Published: September 2019

Sustainable is defined to be capable of, relating to, or designating forms of human economic activity and culture that do not lead to environmental degradation, especially avoiding the long-term depletion of natural resources. Herein, the aim is to advance the design of business management (BM) concepts with contexts embedded in construction markets along the environmental sustainability dimension. The paper is part of the on-going reviewing of research on construction-related BM. The reviewing has resulted in the identification of 79 construction-related BM concepts published between 1990 and 2017. Thereof, only 16 (20%) authors have designed their concepts along the environmental sustainability dimension. There are 3 (4%) high-sustainability BM concepts including sustainable business goals, offerings, advantages, synergies, competitiveness, processes, organizations, and/or project portfolios, followed by 1 (1%) medium-sustainability and 12 (15%) low-sustainability BM concepts. In the future, the design of high-sustainability BM concepts could be advanced by (i) creating and distributing value in sustainability for all stakeholders, (ii) re-designing strategies and leveraging knowledge about and competences in sustainability through value chains, (iii) making sustainability a priority for decision makers, (iv) empowering middle managers, experts, and employee teams, and (v) redefining businesses and public services as well as collaborating inside and across borders.
Health & wellbeing in offices - A study of literature on the Nordic perspective
Authors: Forooraghi Melina , Wallbaum Holger , Ryd Nina
Published: September 2019

Aim: This review aims to explore the relation between the physical office environment and employee health as found in the Nordic literature. Background: The Nordic countries have a worldwide fame for their high living and working standards. Nevertheless, they have also been facing global challenges related to demographic changes, aging population, and a rise in long term conditions which require a creative way of thinking, and innovative approaches in the ways we deliver buildings and the built environment. The built environment is a health determinant and a resource for health and wellbeing of building users. In office sector, however, there is little known regarding the design implications of the physical environment for health outcomes. A review of the literature on the current state of the art in the Nordic context could offer an opportunity to rethink office design and support dialogue on how better design can improve employee health outcomes. Methods: An explorative document analysis of recent literature on workplace environment in the Nordic context was carried out. Results: Three main gaps in the literature were identified, including (1) limited understanding of health, (2) unrecognised role of the physical work environment and design professions in relation to health, and (3) diverse research orientations. The combination of results suggests the paucity of the studies relating the physical office environment to positive health approaches. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for more quantitative and qualitative methods to give relevant knowledge for complex questions regarding the physical office environment and health outcomes of employees. Future research should enable dialogue and collaboration between different actors such as managers, human resources, occupational health professionals and designers, which can benefit the users of office building.
Thermal comfort analysis of a representative multi-story social housing unit with wood as an alternative construction material in Brazil
Authors: Valdenebro Esaiy , Dietrich Udo , Ino Akemi
Published: September 2019

This research intends to link thermal comfort as an important part of achieving energy efficiency in the operational phase of a building with the use of wood as a low embodied energy and carbon efficient construction material. The thermal performance of a representative multi-story social housing unit with common construction materials is evaluated in contrast to wood-based construction systems in Brazil. A project located in São Carlos, Brazil was selected. The construction system for walls consists of concrete blocks while roofs are composed of a fiber cement sheet and a concrete slab ceiling. As alternative wood-based wall systems, plywood panels with an air chamber or three different insulation materials (expanded polystyrene, cellulose and mineralized wood fiber) were tested while two alternative roof systems were analyzed (plywood lining with air chamber or insulation material). The project with common construction materials as well as the wood-based alternatives were evaluated through the Brazilian standard NBR 15575 and the European Standard ISO 13786. Furthermore, a transient simulation was conducted following the procedure established by NBR 15575 and using the adaptive comfort model ASHRAE 55-2013. The analysis evidenced the neglection of the recommended passive design strategies according to the Brazilian Standard 15220 and the psychometric chart of Givoni. In regard to the wood-based constructions, results showed that insulation of mineralized wood fiber in panels performed better than cellulose and expanded polystyrene. The transient simulation also demonstrated better thermal comfort conditions with a hybrid wood-based model compared to the construction typology of the representative project.
Multi-criteria material selection for buildings in challenging environments
Authors: Domingos L , Rato V
Published: September 2019

Climate change and future weather conditions are likely to challenge the way buildings are designed because there will be an increase in extreme climatic conditions. What should architects change in their design process to produce human habitats able to withstand those extreme conditions to ensure adequate comfort conditions? This paper presents preliminary results within the scope of an on-going research that addresses one single key issue: what materials will be most suitable in extreme temperature conditions. A set of 52 materials is analysed through a multi-criteria decision process that includes thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal effusivity, linear thermal expansion, service temperature, fracture toughness, recycle potential and embodied carbon as criteria. The goals are to find the best-fit materials for each climate scenario within the scope of contradictory objectives and to develop a methodology for the selection of construction materials for buildings in challenging environments. Results show that the best possible material for extreme temperatures, whether it would be a very cold or a very hot environment, is one that could combine the properties of polymers with a very low environmental impact (at the level of the impact from materials such as natural fibres, wood or wood derivatives). The results thus suggest that further research may be directed at biomaterials development.
Assessment of sustainability of the built environment in Latin American neighbourhoods: five cases in southern Chile.
Authors: Zumelzu A , Gruehn D , Hosni J
Published: September 2019

This article aims to show the results of the evaluation of the sustainable potential of the built environment in five neighborhoods in Southern Chile, to deal with the complex agenda of urban transformations in intermediate cities. Five neighborhoods in Isla Teja district, in the city of Valdivia, are evaluated in this research. The methodology considers five dimensions widely discussed in scientific literature: Accessibility, Connectivity, Density, Diversity and Vitality. The results show that certain neighborhoods have greater degree of adaptability in their morphology to generate diversity of uses, which in turn promote greater sustainability of the urban form. Mixed-use development and graded densities in urban blocks show best response to promote social life and collective activity in urban space. The article concludes with respect to future challenges to promote the development of more sustainable urban conditions in Latin American cities.
The role of prosumers in supporting renewable energies sources
Authors: Moghadam Sara Torabi , Di Nicoli Maria Valentina , Giacomini Alessia , Lombardi Patrizia , Toniolo Jacopo
Published: September 2019

The present study is a part of an on-going Horizon 2020 project, named “SCORE” (Supporting Consumer Co-Ownership in Renewable Energies), which focuses on sustainable cities and communities developments goal. Particularly, this project aims at (1) overcoming usage of energy from fossil sources in favour of renewable sources, (2) increasing the energy efficiency and (3) reducing the energy consumption. Since the first project’s task was completed, i.e. identification and description of different case studies, the next one is to propose for each of them several retrofit alternatives, in order to address the above mentioned “SCORE” purposes. In this framework, the main goal of the present study is to select and rank the relevant evaluation criteria, with the aim at building an evaluative matrix, which later makes possible to analyse the feasibility of the different case studies and choice the best retrofit alternative through a Multi-Criteria analysis (MCA). The criteria were pre-selected through a literature reviews, while the final selection took place by organizing a specific working group composed by real stakeholders. The results show how the role of the working groups (one composed by energy experts and the other by evaluation experts) were fundamental since the application of the playing card method allowed to (i) select and rank the set of relevant evaluation criteria and (ii) associate a weight for each evaluation criteria. Finally, it was decided not to aggregate the results of the two expert groups in order to show and consider the difference in stakeholders’ point of view.
Analysis of spatial variability of river streamflow at the catchment area of the Kolyma reservoir
Authors: Lebedeva L , Makarieva O , Vinogradova T
Published: September 2019

Analysis of the streamflow characteristics of fourteen streams and rivers on the catchment area of the Kolyma reservoir showed that spatial variations of the annual total streamflow agree with the variability of precipitation. The maximum daily flow and duration of the flow period depend on the catchment area. The fraction of different landscapes of the watershed is indicator of such processes as the water discharge from the talik aquifers at the river valleys and the cryogenic redistribution of streamflow that affect the variation coefficient of streamflow, the maximum flow and the duration of the flow period.
Modern problems of water protection in Russia
Authors: Venitsianov E V
Published: September 2019

Actual current problems of regulating the protection of water bodies in Russia are presented: imperfect water quality standards associated with the use of MPCs, regulatory and methodological documents (standards for allowable discharges), gaps in the system of hydrochemical monitoring of water bodies, imperfect economic mechanism of water use, lack of incentives for business entities, not taking into account the sources of diffuse pollution and the group of the most important pollutants - xenobiotics. An additional factor is the lack of preparation of regulatory and procedural documents to ensure the transition to a regulatory system based on BAT.
Influence of natural factors and human impact on water quality in the river Kudma – small tributary of the Cheboksary reservoir
Authors: Erina O , Vilimovich E , Sokolov D , Tereshina M
Published: September 2019

In this paper we present the results of water quality studies in the Kudma River – a small tributary of the Cheboksary reservoir (Middle Volga). The water quality of the river is formed under the influence of karst processes, widespread in its catchment area, as well as heavily polluted wastewater discharge from municipal sewer systems without nutrient removal facilities. Geological features of the catchment cause a significant increase in total dissolved solids and changes in the major ions content from the headwaters to the confluence with the Volga. At the same time, there is a rapid increase in the phosphorus and especially nitrogen content in the water below the places of domestic sewage release into the river. As a result, the Kudma River contributes to the nutrient pollution of the Cheboksary reservoir – one of the most eutrophic lakes in the Volga basin.
Aspects of water use in Russia-Kazakhstan transboundary region
Authors: Sivohip Z T
Published: September 2019

The study addresses the specific features of the use of water resources in the Russia- Kazakhstan transboundary region. It was found that over the past twenty years the studied region faced a significant reconfiguration of water use. The water consumption for agricultural purposes noticeably reduced, primarily due to a reduction in areas that receive inundation irrigation and regular irrigation. The subregions with relatively low indicators of water availability were established, which owes to insufficient renewable river run-off in conditions of significant water withdrawal for industrial and utility needs. Given the current demographic situation, the problem of guaranteed water supply may be exacerbated in Kazakhstan with a steady population growth. The results indicate that the socio-economic transformations in the Russia-Kazakhstan transboundary region affect the structure of water consumption, the water availability and the water use efficiency. The integrated water resources management within the Rus- sian-Kazakhstan transboundary region should improve the water use efficiency in the water sector and take into account the hydroclimatic changes.
Plankton communities in various parts of the water area of the Volzhsko-Kamsky Reserve Sarali cluster (Kuibyshev Reservoir)
Authors: Unkovskaya E N , Tarasova N G , Mukhortova O V
Published: September 2019

The article presents the results of monitoring of hydrochemical composition and structure of plankton communities in the water area of the Saralinsky part of the Volzhsko- Kamsky Reserve. The maximum indicators of the species richness, abundance, and biomass of algae, as well as zooplankton biomass, are noted in the ducts. A reliable relationship between the indicators of the quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton and the content of dissolved oxygen is established. The statistic relationship between phyto- and zooplankton biomass is shown. In phytoplankton the massive development of Planktothrix agardii Gomont is noticed. This fact shows the changes in the complex of the dominant species of blue-green algae in the Kuibyshev reservoir.
Perspective on topological states of non-Hermitian lattices
Authors: Foa Torres Luis E F
Published: September 2019

The search of topological states in non-Hermitian systems has gained a strong momentum over the last two years climbing to the level of an emergent research front. In this perspective we give an overview with a focus on connecting this topic to others like Floquet systems. Furthermore, using a simple scattering picture we discuss an interpretation of concepts like the Hamiltonian’s defectiveness, i.e. the lack of a full basis of eigenstates, crucial in many discussions of topological phases of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians.
Effects of pharmacologically induced Leydig cell testosterone production on intratesticular testosterone and spermatogenesis†
Authors: Chung Jin-Yong , Brown Sean , Chen Haolin , Liu June , Papadopoulos Vassilios , Zirkin Barry
Published: September 2019

The Leydig cells of the mammalian testis produce testosterone (T) in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). In rats and men with reduced serum T levels, T replacement therapy (TRT) will raise T levels, but typically with suppressive effects on sperm formation. The rate-determining step in T formation is the translocation of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, mediated by protein–protein interactions of cytosolic and outer mitochondrial membrane proteins. Among the involved proteins is cholesterol-binding translocator protein (TSPO) (18 kDa TSPO). We hypothesized that in contrast to TRT, the administration of the TSPO agonist N,N-dihexyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)indole-3-acetamide (FGIN-1-27), by stimulating the ability of the Leydig cells to produce T, would result in the elevation of serum T levels while maintaining intratesticular T concentration and therefore without suppression of spermatogenesis. Age-related reductions in both serum and intratesticular T levels were seen in old Brown Norway rats. Both exogenous T and FGIN-1-27 increased serum T levels. With exogenous T, serum LH and Leydig cell T formation were suppressed, and intratesticular T was reduced to below the concentration required to maintain spermatogenesis quantitatively. In contrast, FGIN-1-27 stimulated Leydig cell T formation, resulting in increased serum T without reductions in intratesticular T concentrations or in testicular sperm numbers. FGIN-1-27 also significantly increased serum and intratesticular T levels in rats made LH-deficient by treatment with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix. These results point to a possible approach to increasing serum T without negative effects on spermatogenesis, based upon stimulating T production by the Leydig cells themselves rather than administering T exogenously.
Spectra of Sovereignty: Nationalism and International Relations
Authors: Heiskanen Jaakko
Published: September 2019

This article furthers our understanding of the ontology of modern international relations by foregrounding the neglected structuring role of nationalism. Most accounts of nationalism in international relations reduce the phenomenon to a peripheral threat, whereby nationalism only seems to become relevant in moments when the international order is in crisis. In contrast, I argue that the ontology of modern international relations is inherently parasitic on nationalism. Leveraging on Jacques Derrida's writings on “hauntology,” this article recasts nationalism as a spectral logic that silently structures the ontology of modern international relations, even when it seems to remain absent and ineffective. In particular, I explain how the contradictions of nationalism become embedded in the concept of sovereignty, which serves as the ontological cornerstone of modern international relations. Transgressions of sovereignty are therefore not reducible to a tension between normative and factual levels, or logics of appropriateness and logics of consequences, but stem from the structural impossibility of the nationalist project itself. Viewed this way, the aporetic form of sovereignty is not merely a logical conundrum but a vital and productive ontological opening that sets international relations in motion.
Analysis of rupture mode and acoustic emission characteristic of rock and coal samples with holes
Authors: Chen Dong , Wang Enyuan , Li Nan
Published: September 2019

In order to understand the rupture mechanism of rock and coal samples with holes, the acoustic emission (AE) tests of rock and coal samples with holes under uniaxial compression are done. Through the AE tests, the basic mechanical and AE variation rule of two samples in the total rupture process are obtained, the dynamic rupture process was observed and finally the spatial evolution and multi-fractal characteristic of AE are analyzed. The results show that the variation rule of AE events of two samples are coincident with the variation rule of stress. The uniaxial compressive strength of a rock sample with a hole is about five times than that of a coal sample with a hole, and the maximum AE pulsing counts (AEPC) of a rock sample with a hole is much larger than that of a coal sample with a hole. Due to the variation of lithology, the dynamic rupture process and the spatial evolution rule of AE events of rock and coal samples with holes are obviously different. But the distributions of the three-dimensional locations of the two samples are coincident with the macroscopic rupture morphology. Both of them have multi-fractal characteristic in the process of rupture, the multi-fractal spectrum width Δf(α) at the time of rupture is smaller than that before rupture and the Δf(α) before rupture is smaller than that after rupture. This indicates that the energy (E) before and after rupture is smaller than that at the time of rupture, the E after rupture is smaller than that before rupture and the E of a coal sample with a hole in each stage is less than that of the corresponding stages of a rock sample with a hole.
Frequency-domain elastic wavefield simulation with hybrid absorbing boundary conditions
Authors: Zhao Zhencong , Chen Jingyi , Liu Xiaobo , Chen Baorui
Published: September 2019

The frequency-domain seismic modeling has advantages over the time-domain modeling, including the efficient implementation of multiple sources and straightforward extension for adding attenuation factors. One of the most persistent challenges in the frequency domain as well as in the time domain is how to effectively suppress the unwanted seismic reflections from the truncated boundaries of the model. Here, we propose a 2D frequency-domain finite-difference wavefield simulation in elastic media with hybrid absorbing boundary conditions, which combine the perfectly matched layer (PML) boundary condition with the Clayton absorbing boundary conditions (first and second orders). The PML boundary condition is implemented in the damping zones of the model, while the Clayton absorbing boundary conditions are applied to the outer boundaries of the damping zones. To improve the absorbing performance of the hybrid absorbing boundary conditions in the frequency domain, we apply the complex coordinate stretching method to the spatial partial derivatives in the Clayton absorbing boundary conditions. To testify the validity of our proposed algorithm, we compare the calculated seismograms with an analytical solution. Numerical tests show the hybrid absorbing boundary condition (PML plus the stretched second-order Clayton absorbing condition) has the best absorbing performance over the other absorbing boundary conditions. In the model tests, we also successfully apply the complex coordinate stretching method to the free surface boundary condition when simulating seismic wave propagation in elastic media with a free surface.
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: Epidemiology and Birth Weight Impact on Risk Factors
Authors: Lalka Andy , Gralla Jane , Sibbel Sarah E.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is a condition in which the brachial plexus is thought to be damaged during the birth process. Studies have cited a varying incidence rate ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 per 1000 live births. The purpose of this study is to evaluate birth claims data over a 15-year period to identify risk and protective factors for BPBI in the state of Colorado.

Methods:

A data request was made to the state hospital association for birth claims data. We requested all birth claims from the years 2000 to 2014. ICD9 codes for variables of interest included: BPBI, shoulder dystocia, heavy-for-dates, macrosomia, breech delivery, instrumented birth, birth hypoxia, and gestational diabetes. A multivariable logistic regression model quantified both risk and protective factors for the development of BPBI as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

There were 966,447 birth records received from State Hospital Association. The BPBI incidence was 0.63/1000 live births. The mean (SD) birth weight was 3187 (572) g for the total population and 3808 (643) g for the BPBI births. Later admission year indicated a decrease in BPBI births (OR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.96/y). Asian, black, and Hispanic infants were more likely to have a BPBI than white infants. Shoulder dystocia (OR, 60.37; 95% CI: 47.90, 76.13) was the highest risk factor for BPBI followed by instrumented forceps birth (OR, 21.04; 95% CI: 12.22, 36.21), breech delivery (OR, 15.38; 95% CI: 5.60, 42.25), and gestational diabetes (OR, 4.46; 95% CI: 3.29, 6.57). Cesarean single births had the lowest risk for BPBI (0.27; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.37), whereas cesarean multiple births (2.33; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.94) and natural multiple births (3.20; 95% CI: 1.36, 7.55) were at higher risk when compared with natural single births and all were statistically significant at P<0.027. Colorado births had a decreased risk of BPBI compared with the United States each year from 2000 (0.82/1000 births vs. 1.6/1000 live births, P<0.001) to 2012 (0.56/1000 live births vs. 0.9/1000 live births, P=0.003).

Conclusions:

BPBI has decreased from 2000 to 2014. Historically Colorado has had a lower BPBI incidence than the United States. Shoulder dystocia, instrumented forceps birth, gestational diabetes, and breech delivery are the biggest predictors for BPBI. Increased awareness of shoulder dystocia and instrumented birth are hypothesized to have reduced these incidences. Nonwhites and Medicaid patients seem to be at higher risk for BPBI.

Level of Evidence:

Level II—Prognostic.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Targeted Anticancer Protein Kinase Inhibitors in Routine Clinical Use: A Critical Review
Authors: Cardoso Evelina , Guidi Monia , Blanchet Benoît , Schneider Marie Paule , Decosterd Laurent A. , Buclin Thierry , Csajka Chantal , Widmer Nicolas
Published: September 2019

Background:

Therapeutic response to oral targeted anticancer protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) varies widely between patients, with insufficient efficacy of some of them and unacceptable adverse reactions of others. There are several possible causes for this heterogeneity, such as pharmacokinetic (PK) variability affecting blood concentrations, fluctuating medication adherence, and constitutional or acquired drug resistance of cancer cells. The appropriate management of oncology patients with PKI treatments thus requires concerted efforts to optimize the utilization of these drug agents, which have probably not yet revealed their full potential.

Methods:

An extensive literature review was performed on MEDLINE on the PK, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of PKIs (up to April 2019).

Results:

This review provides the criteria for determining PKIs suitable candidates for TDM (eg, availability of analytical methods, observational PK studies, PK–pharmacodynamics relationship analysis, and randomized controlled studies). It reviews the major characteristics and limitations of PKIs, the expected benefits of TDM for cancer patients receiving them, and the prerequisites for the appropriate utilization of TDM. Finally, it discusses various important practical aspects and pitfalls of TDM for supporting better implementation in the field of cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

Adaptation of PKIs dosage regimens at the individual patient level, through a rational TDM approach, could prevent oncology patients from being exposed to ineffective or unnecessarily toxic drug concentrations in the era of personalized medicine.