bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sorption Characteristics of Mixed Molecules of Glutaraldehyde from Water on Mesoporous Acid-Amine Modified Low-Cost Activated Carbon: Mechanism, Isotherm, and Kinetics
Authors: Lloyd Mukosha , Maurice Onyango S. , Aoyi Ochieng , Leswifi Taile Y.
Published: January 2015

The environmental discharge of inefficiently treated waste solutions of the strong biocide glutaraldehyde (GA) from hospitals has potential toxic impact on aquatic organisms. The adsorption characteristics of mixed polarized monomeric and polymeric molecules of GA from water on mesoporous acid-amine modified low-cost activated carbon (AC) were investigated. It was found that the adsorption strongly depended on pH and surface chemistry. In acidic pH, the adsorption mechanism was elaborated to involve chemical sorption of mainly hydroxyl GA monomeric molecules on acidic surface groups, while in alkaline pH, the adsorption was elaborated to involve both chemical and physical sorption of GA polymeric forms having mixed functional groups (aldehyde, carboxyl, and hydroxyl) on acidic and amine surface groups. The optimum pH of adsorption was about 12 with significant contribution by cooperative adsorption, elucidated in terms of hydrogen bonding and aldol condensation. Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models were fitted to isotherm data. The adsorption kinetics was dependent on initial concentration and temperature and described by the Elovich model. The adsorption was endothermic, while the intraparticle diffusion model suggested significant contribution by film diffusion. The developed low-cost AC could be used to supplement the GA alkaline deactivation process for efficient removal of residual GA aquatic toxicity.
Clinical Outcomes of Treatment by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Index Revascularization in Ontario
Authors: Chan William , Ivanov Joan , Ko Dennis , Fremes Stephen , Rao Vivek , Jolly Sanjit , Cantor Warren J. , Lavi Shahar , Overgaard Christopher B. , Ruel Marc , Tu Jack V. , Džavík Vladimír
Published: January 2015

Background—

There is a paucity of data on the comparative effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention using contemporary drug-eluting stent (DES) compared with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods and Results—

A population-based study was performed using the Cardiac Care Network, a provincial registry of all patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in Ontario, to evaluate patients treated with either percutaneous coronary intervention using DES or CABG between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011. Chronic kidney disease was defined as creatinine clearance <60 mL/min. A total of 1786 propensity-matched patients from 4006 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing index revascularization for multivessel disease with either DES or isolated CABG (n=893 each group) were analyzed. Baseline and procedural characteristics between percutaneous coronary intervention and CABG groups were well-balanced, including urgent revascularization priority, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular function, and 3-vessel disease. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year Kaplan–Meier survival analyses in propensity-matched patients favored CABG (93.2% versus 89.3%; 86.6% versus 80.3%; 80.8% versus 71.5%, respectively;
P
<0.001). The CABG cohort had greater 1-, 2-, and 3-year freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (89.4% versus 71.2%; 81.9% versus 60.5%; 75.2% versus 51.8%, respectively;
P
<0.001). Cox regression analysis identified DES use to be associated with greater hazard for late mortality (hazard ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–1.90) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (2.62; 2.28–3.01; all
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

In this large provincial registry, CABG was associated with improved early and late clinical outcomes when compared with percutaneous coronary intervention using DES in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing index revascularization.
Characterisation of cereal cyst nematodes in Egypt based on morphometrics, RFLP and rDNA-ITS sequence analyses
Authors: Baklawa Mohamed , Niere Björn , Heuer Holger , Massoud Samia
Published: January 2015

Morphological and molecular diversity among populations of cereal cyst nematodes (CCN) from wheat production areas in Ismailia province, Egypt, was investigated using light microscopy, ITS-RFLP and sequencing of the rDNA-ITS. CCN were found in five out of seven regions in Ismailia, the highest incidence being found in El Shark (West Sinai). The Egyptian populations were identified as H. avenae according to morphometrics of cyst vulval cone and second-stage juveniles. No differences in ITS-RFLP patterns generated by 17 restriction enzymes were detected among the Egyptian populations although the Egyptian populations could be distinguished from German populations of H. avenae and H. filipjevi. The analyses of ITS region sequences confirmed the species identification of the Egyptian populations as they clustered with H. avenae populations from Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, Israel and China.
Taxonomy of the freshwater crabs of Costa Rica, with a revision of the genus Ptychophallus Smalley, 1964 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae)
Authors: MAGALHÃES CÉLIO , WEHRTMANN INGO S. , LARA LUIS RÓLIER , MANTELATTO FERNANDO L.
Published: January 2015

The taxonomy and geographic distribution of the freshwater crabs of the family Pseudothelphusidae Ortmann, 1893, of Costa Rica, Central America, particularly of the genus Ptychophallus Smalley, 1964, are revised. Historical materials deposited in major collections of several institutions were examined, as well as valuable collections in the Zoological Museum of the University of Costa Rica that include abundant specimens obtained recently (2007–2010) in the southern region of the country. The pseudothelphusids of Costa Rica consists of 15 currently valid species belonging to Achlidon Smalley, 1964 (two species), Allacanthos Smalley, 1964 (two species), Potamocarcinus H. Milne Edwards, 1853 (three species), and Ptychophallus (eight species). Two species seem to be restricted to the Atlantic drainage, while seven are known only from the Pacific drainage; six species occur in both drainages. Ptychophallus comprises 13 valid species; four new synonymies are proposed: P. osaensis Rodríguez, 2001, P. campylus Pretzmann, 1968, P. tumimanus ingae            Pretzmann, 1978, and P. barbillaensis Rodríguez & Hedström, 2001, as junior synonyms of P. paraxantusi (Bott, 1968), P. tristani (Rathbum 1896), P. tumimanus (Rathbun, 1898), and P. uncinatus Campos & Lemaitre, 1999, respectively. Two species, P. colombianus (Rathbun, 1896) and P. exilipes (Rathbun, 1898), are considered species inquerendae. Lectotype designations are made for P. montanus and P. colombianus. Three species of Ptychophallus are known exclusively from Costa Rica, five exclusively from Panama, and five species occur in both countries; one species appears to be exclusive of the Atlantic drainage, whereas five are known only from the Pacific drainage and seven occur in both drainages. The gonopod morphology of all species is redescribed and illustrated, and maps of their geographic distribution are furnished. A key to the species of Pseudothelphusidae from Costa Rica and to all species of Ptychophallus is provided.
A new species of Yola Gozis, 1886 from the Western Cape of South Africa (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Bidessini)
Authors: BILTON DAVID T.
Published: January 2015

Yola matsikammae sp. nov. is described from the Matsikammaberg, an inselberg on the northern edge of the fynbos biome of the Western Cape, South Africa. A key is provided to separate the new species from other southern African members of the Yola bicarinata group. Y. matsikammae sp. nov. bears a superficial resemblance to Sharphydrus species, particularly Sharphydrus brincki Bilton, 2013 with which it was found to co-occur. Comparative notes to separate these taxa are also included.
Two new species of the genus Proboscidopirates (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Enicocephalidae) from Madagascar with a list of the species
Authors: Baňař PETR , Štys Pavel , RAHANITRINIAINA SAHONDRA LALAO , RABOTOSON MARIE ESTHERINE
Published: January 2015

Two new species Proboscidopirates ericguilberti sp. nov. Baňař & Štys and Proboscidopirates rugulosus sp. nov. Baňař & Štys are described from central-east Madagascar. A list of Proboscidopirates species is given. Potential thelytoky of this endemic Madagascan genus, some of its generic and species-specific dignostic characters and its distribution relative to that of Oncylocotis Stål species are discussed.
Unaspis lansivora sp. n. (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), a new pest of Lansium domesticum (Meliaceae), and a key to Unaspis species
Authors: WATSON GILLIAN W.
Published: January 2015

Since 2004, an undescribed species of Unaspis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) has become a damaging pest on Lansium domesticum Corrêa in the Philippines. Its attack on the leaves causes premature senescence and defoliation, resulting in the production of few, underdeveloped, sour fruit and sometimes killing the trees. The scale was misidentified initially as Lepidosaphes ulmi (Linnaeus) and then as Unaspis citri (Comstock), but further study indicated that it was an undescribed species of potential plant quarantine significance. The pest is described as U. lansivora sp. n. and an identification key to all 19 species of Unaspis is provided. Its distribution, host range and prospects for its biological control are discussed.
A language that forgot itself (Essay on the curious non-existence of German as a recognized minority language in today’s Poland)
Authors: Kamusella Tomasz
Published: January 2015

A language that forgot itself  (Essay on the curious non-existence of German as a recognized minority language in today’s Poland)This essay draws on my almost three decades worth of research on the multiethnic and multilingual history of Upper Silesia during the last two centuries, when various ethnolinguistic nationalisms have radically altered the ethnic, political, demographic and linguistic shape of the region. I focus on the German minority that was recognized in Poland in the early 1990s. This recognition was extended to the German language. However, though in official statistics there are hundreds of schools with German, and bilingual signage amply dots the Upper Silesian landscape, neither in the region nor elsewhere in Poland is there a single, however small, locality where German would be the language of everyday communication. With this essay I attempt to explicate this irony of official recognition on the one hand, and the tacitly enforced non-existence on the ground, on the other hand.
Status gazety „Politika” w Jugosławii Karađorđeviciów (1918–1941)
Authors: Morawski Konrad Sebastian
Published: January 2015

Status of the newspaper “Politika” in Karađorđevićs’ Yugoslavia (1918-1941)The newspaper Politika was founded on 25 January 1904 by Vladislav F. Ribnikar. Since that time the Serbian Press market has begun to develop, and the Politika permanently has taken the important role up to this day. The newspaper witnessed important events in the Balkans in the twentieth century and the early twenty-first century but at the same time it was also under strong influence of Serbian centers of political authority. One example of such an influence was the status of the Politika in the period during the reign of Karađorđević dynasty in Yugoslavia, in 1918-1941. The newspaper then served a propaganda function for the royal court, particularly in 1929-1934. Then king Aleksander ruled in an authoritarian way and Politika played an important part in the country. The mechanism of functioning of the newspaper in the period of the royal authoritarianism, as well as in the remaining years of the interwar Yugoslavia was thus discussed in the article to help clarify the status of Politika under the rule of Karađorđevićs. Status gazety „Politika” w Jugosławii Karađorđeviciów (1918–1941)Gazeta pod nazwą „Politika” została założona 25 stycznia 1904 roku przez Vladislava F. Ribnikara. Od tego czasu zaczął kształtować się serbski rynek prasowy, w którym „Politika” trwale zajmuje istotne miejsce do dzisiejszego dnia. Gazeta była świadkiem ważnych i doniosłych wydarzeń na Bałkanach w XX wieku i na początku XXI wieku, ale zarazem znajdowała się również w strefie ścisłych wpływów politycznych serbskich ośrodków władzy. Jednym z przykładów takiego wpływu był status „Politiki” w okresie panowania dynastii Karađorđeviciów w Jugosławii w latach 1918–1941. Gazeta pełniła wtedy funkcję propagandową dworu królewskiego, co dało się szczególnie zauważyć w latach 1929–1934. Wtedy bowiem król Aleksander I sprawował autorytarne rządy w państwie, których ważną częścią stała się „Politika”. Mechanizm funkcjonowania gazety zarówno w okresie autorytaryzmu królewskiego, jak i w pozostałych latach międzywojennej Jugosławii został więc poddany omówieniu, które umożliwiło wyjaśnienie statusu „Politiki” pod panowaniem Karađorđeviciów.
Fire-Modified Meteorology in a Coupled Fire–Atmosphere Model
Authors: Peace Mika , Mattner Trent , Mills Graham , Kepert Jeffrey , McCaw Lachlan
Published: January 2015

The coupled fire–atmosphere model consisting of the Weather and Forecasting (WRF) Model coupled with the fire-spread model (SFIRE) module has been used to simulate a bushfire at D’Estrees Bay on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, in December 2007. Initial conditions for the simulations were provided by two global analyses: the GFS operational analysis and ERA-Interim. For each NWP initialization, the simulations were run with and without feedback from the fire to the atmospheric model. The focus of this study was examining how the energy fluxes from the simulated fire modified the local meteorological environment. With feedback enabled, the propagation speed of the sea-breeze frontal line was faster and vertical motion in the frontal zone was enhanced. For one of the initial conditions with feedback on, a vortex developed adjacent to the head fire and remained present for over 5 h of simulation time. The vortex was not present without fire–atmosphere feedback. The results show that the energy fluxes released by a fire can effect significant changes on the surrounding mesoscale atmosphere. This has implications for the appropriate use of weather parameters extracted from NWP and used in prediction for fire operations. These meteorological modifications also have implications for anticipating likely fire behavior.
Impacts of Phased-Array Radar Data on Forecaster Performance during Severe Hail and Wind Events
Authors: Bowden Katie A. , Heinselman Pamela L. , Kingfield Darrel M. , Thomas Rick P.
Published: January 2015

The ongoing Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment (PARISE) investigates the impacts of higher-temporal-resolution radar data on the warning decision process of NWS forecasters. Twelve NWS forecasters participated in the 2013 PARISE and were assigned to either a control (5-min updates) or an experimental (1-min updates) group. Participants worked two case studies in simulated real time. The first case presented a marginally severe hail event, and the second case presented a severe hail and wind event. While working each event, participants made decisions regarding the detection, identification, and reidentification of severe weather. These three levels compose what has now been termed the compound warning decision process. Decisions were verified with respect to the three levels of the compound warning decision process and the experimental group obtained a lower mean false alarm ratio than the control group throughout both cases. The experimental group also obtained a higher mean probability of detection than the control group throughout the first case and at the detection level in the second case. Statistical significance (p value = 0.0252) was established for the difference in median lead times obtained by the experimental (21.5 min) and control (17.3 min) groups. A confidence-based assessment was used to categorize decisions into four types: doubtful, uninformed, misinformed, and mastery. Although mastery (i.e., confident and correct) decisions formed the largest category in both groups, the experimental group had a larger proportion of mastery decisions, possibly because of their enhanced ability to observe and track individual storm characteristics through the use of 1-min updates.
Dissimilar joining between aluminium alloy (AA 6111) and thermoplastics using friction stir welding
Authors: Ratanathavorn W. , Melander A.
Published: January 2015

In this work, friction stir welding was used to produce shear overlap joints between aluminium and a thermoplastic (AA 6111 to polyphenylene sulphide). The process uses the friction stir welding tool to create metallic chips which merge with the molten thermoplastic to form a joint. No special surface pretreatment is required before joining. Cross-sections show mechanical locking between the chipped polymer filled zone and the surrounding aluminium sheet. The effects of joining parameters such as rotational speed, translational speed and distance to backing were investigated in relation to the joint strength and failure mode. Optimum speeds and backing distances could be idetified. The joint strength is dominated by mechanical interlocking between the chip and polymer filled zone and the aluminium sheet.
Dense pure binderless WC bulk material prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Li S. K. , Li J. Q. , Li Y. , Liu F. S. , Ao W. Q.
Published: January 2015

The phases, microstructures and mechanical properties of binderless WC bulk materials prepared by the spark plasma sintering technique were investigated systematically. The addition of carbon was added to eliminate the impurity phase W2C. The relative density, Vickers hardness and grain size increase obviously with increasing sintering temperature, but increase weakly with increasing pressure or sintering time. The high relative density of 99·1, HV30 of 27·5 GPa and fracture toughness KIC of 4·5 MPa m1/2 of pure binderless WC bulk with a grain size of 400 nm was obtained by sintering the WC powders with a particle size of 200 nm and the addition of 0·63 wt-C at 1800°C for 6 min under 70 MPa.
Evidence of CO Oxidation–Chemisorption Process on Sodium Zirconate (Na2ZrO3)
Authors: Alcántar-Vázquez Brenda , Vera Elizabeth , Buitron-Cabrera Frida , Lara-García Hugo A , Pfeiffer Heriberto
Published: January 2015

CO catalytic oxidation and its consecutive chemisorption were evaluated using Na2ZrO3 as a possible bifunctional catalyst. The CO oxidation–chemisorption processes were compared with the CO2 chemisorption on sodium zirconate. The results clearly showed that CO can be oxidized, at T ≥ 200 °C, and then chemisorbed as CO2 in Na2ZrO3. These results may be of great interest for the development of high-temperature gas-separation systems, such as syngas among others.
Kinetic Analysis of the Adsorption of Polar and Nonpolar Molecules onto Ordered Mesoporous Silica Using the Pressure-feedback Method
Authors: Ito Hiromitsu , Asakura Keisuke , Ogino Tomohiro , Iiyama Taku , Ozeki Sumio , Nakai Kazuyuki
Published: January 2015

The rate constants for the adsorption of water and nitrogen onto ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15 were determined at 298 and 77 K, respectively, using the novel pressure-feedback method (PFM) that measures the rate of adsorption directly. The rate constant for the adsorption of water is smaller than that of nitrogen, even though the adsorption of water was measured at a higher temperature (298 K) than that of nitrogen (77 K).
Periprosthetic joint infection in total hip arthroplasty: prevention and management
Authors: George David A , Khan Mohsin , Haddad Fares S
Published: January 2015

Periprosthetic joint infection is a devastating complication. Orthopaedic surgeons must prevent, anticipate, rapidly diagnose and effectively manage such patients in the multidisciplinary setting. This review discusses current strategies in the management of these patients following total hip arthroplasty.
Premixed combustion of coconut oil in a hele-shaw cell
Authors: Saroso Hadi , Wardana I.N.G. , Soenoko Rudy , Hamidi Nurkholis
Published: January 2015

Coconut oil combustion characteristic is observed experimentally by evaporating oil in the boiler then mix it with air before being burned at various equivalence ratios in the Hele-shaw cell. The result shows that, coconut oil tends to break into glycerol and fatty acid due to hydrolysis reaction producing the flame propagation, where the fatty acid flame propagates first then glycerol flame. Micro-explosion occurs when moisture from fatty acid combustion is absorbed by glycerol and higher heating due to higher flame speed produces more micro-explosion.
Thermal effects investigation on electrical properties of silicon solar cells treated by laser irradiation
Authors: Pourakbar Saffar Ali , Deldadeh Barani Bahman
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we were investigated electrical properties of monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar cells due to laser irradiation with 650 nm wavelength in two states, proximate irradiation and via optics setup. Thermal effect on the cell surface due to laser irradiation was investigated on electrical properties too. Electrical parameters investigation of solar cells illustrates cell excitement via laser irradiation and efficiency decreases due to cell surface temperature increase. Monocrystalline parameters change with uniform shape due to thermal effect and laser irradiation toward polycrystalline cells.
Synthesis of Trimethylolpropane Esters of Calophyllum Methyl Esters : Effect of Temperature and Molar Ratio
Authors: Widyawati Yeti , Suryani Ani , Romli Muhammad , Sukardi Sukardi
Published: January 2015

Trimethylolpropane esters were synthesized by transesterification of calophyllum methyl esters and trimethylolpropane using a calcium oxide as the catalyst. The results showed that the optimal reaction conditions (temperature: 130 0C, reaction time: 5 h, reactant molar ratio: 3.9:1, catalyst amount 3%w/w, and formed  trimethylolpropane ester of 79.0% were obtained. The basic physicochemical properties of the trimethylolpropane esters were the following : kinematic viscosities of 56.40 cSt and 8.8 cSt at 40 0C and 100 0C,  viscosity index 193, flash point 218 0C and pour point -3 0C. So Methyl esters of fatty acids of would callophylum  methyl ester is good raw material for the synthesis of lubricating oils.
Solmap: Project In India's Solar Resource Assessment
Authors: Mitra Indradip , Chhatbar Kaushal , Kumar Ashvini , Giridhar Godugunur , Vashistha Ramdhan , Meyer Richard , Schwandt Marko
Published: January 2015

India launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in 2009, which aims to set up 20 000 MW of grid connected solar power, besides 2 000 MW equivalent of off-grid applications and cumulative growth of solar thermal collector area to 20 million m2 by 2022. Availability of reliable and accurate solar radiation data is crucial to achieve the targets. As a result of this initiative, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of Government of India (GoI) has awarded a project to Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai in the year 2011 to set up 51 Solar Radiation Resource Assessment (SRRA) stations using the state-of-the-art equipment in various parts of the country, especially the sites with high potential for solar power. The GoI project has synergy with SolMap project, which is implemented by the Deutsche GesellschaftfürInternationaleZusammenarbeit (GIZ) in cooperation with the MNRE. SolMap project is contributing to SRRA project in establishing quality checks on the data obtained as per International protocols and helping data processing to generate investment grade data. The paper highlights the details of SRRA stations and an attempt has been made to present some of the important results of quality control and data analysis with respect to GHI and DNI. While our analysis of the data over one year finds that intensity and profile of the insolation are not uniform across the geographic regions, the variability in DNI is particularly high. Strong influence of monsoon is also identified. SRRA infrastructure aims to develop investment grade solar radiation resource information to assist project activities under the National Solar Mission of India.
Epidemiology of Infant Meningococcal Disease in the United States, 2006-2012
Authors: MacNeil Jessica R. , Bennett Nancy , Farley Monica M. , Harrison Lee H. , Lynfield Ruth , Nichols Megin , Petit Sue , Reingold Arthur , Schaffner William , Thomas Ann , Pondo Tracy , Mayer Leonard W. , Clark Thomas A. , Cohn Amanda C.
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND:

The incidence of meningococcal disease is currently at historic lows in the United States; however, incidence remains highest among infants aged <1 year. With routine use of Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal vaccines in infants and children in the United States, Neisseria meningitidis remains an important cause of bacterial meningitis in young children.

METHODS:

Data were collected from active, population- and laboratory-based surveillance for N meningitidis conducted through Active Bacterial Core surveillance during 2006 through 2012. Expanded data collection forms were completed for infant cases identified in the surveillance area during 2006 through 2010.

RESULTS:

An estimated 113 cases of culture-confirmed meningococcal disease occurred annually among infants aged <1 year in the United States from 2006 through 2012, for an overall incidence of 2.74 per 100 000 infants. Among these cases, an estimated 6 deaths occurred. Serogroup B was responsible for 64%, serogroup C for 12%, and serogroup Y for 16% of infant cases. Based on the expanded data collection forms, a high proportion of infant cases (36/58, 62%) had a smoker in the household and the socioeconomic status of the census tracts where infant meningococcal cases resided was lower compared with the other Active Bacterial Core surveillance areas and the United States as a whole.

CONCLUSIONS:

The burden of meningococcal disease remains highest in young infants and serogroup B predominates. Vaccines that provide long-term protection early in life have the potential to reduce the burden of meningococcal disease, especially if they provide protection against serogroup B meningococcal disease.
Effect of Ti addition on density and microstructure development of MoSiBTiC alloy
Authors: Kim Joung Wook , Yoshimi Kyosuke , Katsui Hirokazu , Goto Takashi
Published: January 2015

The effect of Ti addition on the density and microstructure development of MoSiBTiC alloy was investigated. Two kinds of MoSiBTiC alloys with the composition of Mo-5Si-10B-10Ti-10C (10Ti alloy) and Mo-5Si-10B-15Ti-10C (15Ti alloy) (at. %) were prepared by conventional arc-melting. The primary phase of as-cast 10Ti and 15Ti alloys was (Ti,Mo)C, and there were two eutectic phases of Moss + (Ti,Mo)C and Moss + T2 + (Ti,Mo)C in the alloys. In addition, 10Ti alloy had a Moss + T2 + (Mo,Ti)2C eutectic. There was no Moss + T2 + (Mo,Ti)2C eutectic in the 15Ti alloy, and thus it is apparent that the (Mo,Ti)2C formation was suppressed by 5 at. % Ti addition. The volume fraction of (Ti,Mo)C increased and thus the density reduced from 8.78 to 8.43 g/cm3 with the Ti addition. In all constituent phases, Ti concentration increased while Mo concentration decreased. In spite of the changes, hardness, Young’s modulus and shear modulus were hardly changed. Therefore, Ti addition seems to be effective to further lower the density without deteriorating mechanical properties of the MoSiBTiC alloy.
A Quantitative Analysis Determining the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Leather Footwear Production in Selected Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (COMESA) Countries
Authors: H. Mekonnen , N. Mudungwe , M. Mwinyihija
Published: January 2015

A study using quantitative analysis determined the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) involved in the production of leather footwear and other leather products. The study was carried out in February 2014 in selected countries with no previous baseline studies related to SME’s associated with the leather sector. Therefore, the study covered Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The main objective was to identify critical factors that undermine the growth of these SMEs’ with regard to turnover, employment, exports and profitability. Seventy-six SMEs were interviewed during the study period with data collection using a semi-structured questionnaire, visits to production units, discussion with key informants and involving a consultative review which encompassed different documents and reports. The outcome of the interview was then expressed as numerical attributes depicting various results of measured variables. For example, the demographic trends indicated average number of employees per SME ranged from 2.68 ±1.16 persons for Zimbabwe to 11.38 ±12.26 persons for Kenya with an overall average for all the sample countries standing at 5.5± 6.18 persons. The study further showed that Females represented more than one third of the employees in all the countries sampled. Production wise on average, SMEs produced 18.9 ±22.7 and 27.8 ±43.3 pairs per day for men and ladies shoes respectively. On the other hand the average output for School shoes and Sandals stood at, 26.5 ±33.5 and 25.5 ±21.3 respectively. The labour productivity per day was 3.4 pairs for men shoes, 5 pairs for ladies shoes, 4.8 pairs for school shoes and 4.6 pairs for sandals. Thus, the study demonstrated that based on average productivity of above ten pairs per person observed in India and China, the performance of the selected countries SMEs were dismal with respect to productivity. The lowered productivity meant the SMEs were uncompetitive and unable to meet market demand at the national and regional level. Mostly, their shortcomings were related to a plethora of challenges being faced by these SMEs where overall citations in decreasing order were lack of machineries, raw material problem (availability, cost and quality), financial problem (working capital) and market problem among others. Therefore, interventions that promote SMEs development need to address the stated challenges that the sector is currently facing in a holistic manner.
Investigation of Major Factors That Cause Skin and Hide Rejection in Ethiopia: The Case of Tanneries in Addis Ababa and Modjo Towns
Authors: U. Bisrat
Published: January 2015

A study was conducted from May 2013 to September 2013 with the objective of identifying the major causes of skin and hide rejection on wet blue skins and hides in AA and Modjo tanneries. A total of 769 rejected skins and hides out of which 272 wet blue sheep skins, 275 goat wet blue skins and 222 cattle hides were examined for the major defects that cause rejection. For sheep skins ekek 110(40.3%), scratch 54(19.9%), wound 54(19.4%), scar 23(8.3%), flay cut, machine defect, and pox each 11(4.2% and putrefaction4(1.4%)) were major causes of sheep skin rejection.. In goats skin, scratch 95(34.7%) was the dominant cause of rejection followed by scar 62(22.7%), ekek 49(18.1%),, flying defect 22(8%) and pox14(5.3%). In cattle hide, putrefaction 98(44.2%), flying cuts 58(26.2%), ekek 33(14.8%),Scratch 20(9%), branding 6(2.5%)were major causes of hide rejection. In sheep skin diseases such as Ekek and scratch caused high rejection of skin and entailed serious economic loss in terms of foreign exchange earning to Ethiopia. Therefore, this main cause of sheep skin rejection and factors that cause rejections should be controlled. where as in goat skins serious issue is scratch responsible for rejection. This study revealed that ekek, scratch, wound and scar, putrefaction and flay cuts were major causes of skin and hide rejection and this suggests out of six major defects four (67%) are pre-slaughter defects and there need to be integrated efforts towards improved livestock extension and husbandry and better health care which are vital issues for production of better quality hide and skin.
Fluid Flow Within a Porous Medium Near a Diamond Core Bit
Authors: Jenks L.H. , Huppler J.D. , Morrow N.R. , Salathiel R.A.
Published: January 2015

A laboratory coring program using diamond microbits and water-based mud to core in sandstone samples was carried out to investigate pressure and fluid flow behaviour in the rock near a working bit. The work was specifically designed to answer the questions:What effects do borehole-to-formation differential pressure (overbalance) and associated filtrate invasion have on reservoir fluid saturations during the coring process?Under what conditions is it feasible to core for residual oil saturations?

The results of the study indicate that over a considerable range of normally encountered conditions, residual oil values within the core will be reduced during the coring operation. In the system employed, this oil stripping varied directly with overbalance, filtrate production rate, core diameter and core permeability; it varied inversely with penetration rate and was affected by mud properties. Up to 60 per cent of the residual oil was stripped from the rock under severe coring conditions. Pressure gradients and permeability damage were high near the bit and diminished rapidly with distance from the bit.

Trends observed in the laboratory suggest that overbalance pressure is the prime factor in oil-stripping behaviour and should be kept low to minimize stripping in the field. Mud composition, especially particle size control, and penetration rate also appear to be important variables.
Geological Study of the Middle Devonian Gilwood Arkoses in the Nipisi Area, Alberta
Authors: Thachuk N.M.
Published: January 2015

This paper is a compendium of a geological study of the Devonian Watt Mountain sedimentary sequence in the Nipisi field. An understanding of the genesis and distribution of the Gilwood sandstones is of prime importance in feasibility considerations with regard to secondary recovery.

The Gilwood sandstone member of the Watt Mountain formation was deposited as a complex of interbedded arkoses and shales along the shoreline of a broad, shallow sea that bordered the eastern flank of the Peace River Precambrian High; this positive element was the source of arkosic detritus deposited in Nipisi. A shallow salt-created depression localized this shoreline, resulting in the deposition of a thin clastic dump or fan-like delta, containing about 50 feet of sandstone.

The Nipisi clastics were divided, on the basis of shale units, into four zones, each zone containing one or more individual sandstone beds. The shale units were deposited during repeated periods of delta inundation and/or as clay drape on the upper deltaic plain. The alluvial sandstones were deposited as sheet-like sand bodies by anastomosing streams flowing over a flat delta surface. The sheet-like nature of these deposits is significant from a waterflooding point of view, since lateral reservoir communication is interpreted to occur in most of the alluvial sandstone zones which form the major portion of the reservoir. Small prodeltaic bars occur along the eastern side of the field; these deposits, unlike the alluvial sands, appear to be small in areal extent and could be isolated reservoir elements having no significant lateral reservoir communicability.
Boolean differential equations: A common model for classes, lattices, and arbitrary sets of Boolean functions
Authors: Steinbach Bernd , Posthoff Christian
Published: January 2015

The Boolean Differential Calculus (BDC) significantly extends the Boolean
Algebra because not only Boolean values 0 and 1, but also changes of Boolean
values or Boolean functions can be described. A Boolean Differential Equation
(BDe) is a Boolean equation that includes derivative operations of the
Boolean Differential Calculus. This paper aims at the classification of BDEs,
the characterization of the respective solutions, algorithms to calculate the
solution of a BDe, and selected applications. We will show that not only
classes and arbitrary sets of Boolean functions but also lattices of Boolean
functions can be expressed by Boolean Differential equations. In order to
reach this aim, we give a short introduction into the BDC, emphasize the
general difference between the solutions of a Boolean equation and a BDE,
explain the core algorithms to solve a BDe that is restricted to all
vectorial derivatives of f (x) and optionally contains Boolean variables. We
explain formulas for transforming other derivative operations to vectorial
derivatives in order to solve more general BDEs. New fields of applications
for BDEs are simple and generalized lattices of Boolean functions. We
describe the construction, simplification and solution. The basic operations
of XBOOLE are sufficient to solve BDEs. We demonstrate how a XBooLe-problem
program (PRP) of the freely available XBooLe-Monitor quickly solves some
BDes.
The use of fractional calculus for the optimal placement of electronic components on a linear array
Authors: de Mey , Felczak Mariusz , Więcek Bogusław
Published: January 2015

Cooling of heat dissipating components has become an important topic in the
last decades. Sometimes a simple solution is possible, such as placing the
critical component closer to the fan outlet. On the other hand this
component will heat the air which has to cool the other components further
away from the fan outlet. If a substrate bearing a one dimensional array of
heat dissipating components, is cooled by forced convection only, an
integral equation relating temperature and power is obtained. The forced
convection will be modelled by a simple analytical wake function. It will be
demonstrated that the integral equation can be solved analytically using
fractional calculus.
A MIM capacitor study of dielectric charging for RF MEMS capacitive switches
Authors: Michalas Loukas , Koutsoureli Matroni , Papandreou Eleni , Gantis Anestis , Papaioannou George
Published: January 2015

MIM capacitors are considered equally important devices for the assessment of
dielectric charging in RF MEMS capacitive switches. Beside the obvious
similarities between the down state condition of RF MEMS and MIM capacitors
there are also some important differences. The paper aims to introduce a
novel approach to the study of dielectric charging in MEMS with the aid of
MIM capacitors by combining experimental results obtained by the application
of DC, Charging Transient and Kelvin Probe techniques. The strengths and
weaknesses are discussed in conjunction with experimental results obtained on
SiNx based MIM capacitors and MEMS capacitive switches fabricated under the
same conditions.
Microwave annealing, a promising step in the roll-to-roll processing of organic electronics
Authors: Gilissen Koen , Stryckers Jeroen , Moons Wouter , Manca Jean , Deferme Wim
Published: January 2015

In recent years, organic printable electronics has gained more and more
attention. The development and characterization of new printing techniques
and functional inks is vital to accomplish solution processable, large area
organic electronic devices e.g.: organic photovoltaics (OPV), organic
light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this study a systematic comparison is made
between hotplate annealing and microwave annealing of (screen) printed
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layers.
PEDOT:PSS films treated with both techniques were characterized and compared
by their thin film morphology, their electronic properties and their
annealing time. It is shown that no difference in the thin film morphology
and final sheet resistance was observed for microwave annealed compared to
the hotplate annealed samples. Above that the annealing time is decreased up
to a factor 6. These results show that microwave annealing is a feasible fast
annealing technique for PEDOT:PSS thin films and can therefor reduce the
total processing time of organic and PEDOT:PSS based electronic applications.
Directional solidification of Zn-Al-Cu eutectic alloy by the vertical Bridgman method
Authors: Büyük U. , Engin S. , Maraşlı N.
Published: January 2015

In the present work, the effect of growth rate and temperature gradient on
microstructure and mechanical properties of Zn-7wt.%Al-4wt.%Cu eutectic alloy
has been investigated. Alloys prepared under steady-state conditions by
vacuumed hot filing furnace. Then, the alloys were directionally solidified
upward with different growth rates (V=11.62-230.77 mm/s) at a constant
temperature gradient (G=7.17 K/mm) and with different temperature gradients
(G=7.17-11.04 K/mm) at a constant growth rate (V=11.62 mm/s) by a Bridgman
furnace. The microstructures were observed to be lamellae of Zn, Al and
broken lamellae CuZn4 phases from quenched samples. The values of eutectic
spacing, microhardness and ultimate tensile strength of alloys were measured.
The dependency of the microstructure and mechanical properties on growth rate
and temperature gradient were investigated using regression analysis.
Contact angle of water on iron ore fines: Measurement and analysis
Authors: Huang X.B. , X.W. X , Song J.J. , Bai C.G. , Zhang R.D. , Zhou M.J.
Published: January 2015

The relative contact angle (?RCA) for seven iron ore fines was measured by
using Washburn Osmotic Pressure method under laboratory conditions. By
choosing cyclohexane as the reference that can perfectly wet iron ore
particles, the relative contact angles were measured and varied from 57? to
73?. With the volume % of goethite (?G) as the variable, a new model for
relative contact angle was developed. The expected relative contact angle for
pure goethite is about 56?, while that for goethite free samples is about
77?. Physical properties, such as surface morphology (SMI) and pore volume
(Vpore) can influence the relative contact angle. The ?G can be expressed as
a function of SMI and VPore. Thus, we inferred that the relative contact
angle is a function of ?G for the iron ores used. The measured relative
contact angles were found to be in good agreement (Radj 2 >0.97) with the
calculated ones based on the research from Iveson, et al. (2004). Comparing
with the model developed by Iveson et al.(2004), the new model for contact
angle proposed in this paper is similar, but more detailed with two
meaningful physical parameters. The modification of physicochemical
properties on iron ores would be another topic in the further study on
granulation.
Anismus as a cause of functional constipation: Experience from Serbia
Authors: Jovanovic Igor , Jovanovic Dragana , Ugljesic Milenko , Milinic Nikola , Cvetkovic Mirjana , Brankovic Marija , Nikolic Goran
Published: January 2015

Backround/Aim. Anismus is paradoxal pressure increase or pressure decrease
less than 20% of external anal sphincter during defecation straining. This
study analyzed the presence of anismus as within a group of patients with the
positive Rome III criteria for functional constipation. We used anorectal
manometry as the determination method for anismus. Methods. We used anorectal
waterperfused manometry in 60 patients with obstructive defecation defined by
the Rome III criteria for functional constipation. We also analyzed anorectal
function in 30 healthy subjects. Results. The presence of anismus is more
frequent in the group of patients with obstructive defecation compared to the
control group (a highly statistically significant difference, p < 0.01).
Furthermore, we found that the Rome III criteria for functional constipation
showed 90% accuracy in predicting obstructive defecation. We analyzed the
correlation of anismus with the presence of weak external anal sphincter,
rectal sensibility disorders, enlarged piles, diverticular disease and
anatomic variations of colon. We found no correlation between them in any of
these cases. Conclusion. There is a significant correlation between anismus
and positive Rome III criteria for functional constipation. Anorectal
manometry should be performed in all patients with the positive Rome III
criteria for functional constipation.
Influence of disease activity on functional capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jovanovic Jelena , Stojanovic Miodrag , Jovanovic Vladimir , Dimic Aleksandar , Bozilov Sladjana , Stamenkovic Bojana , Milenkovic Sasa
Published: January 2015

Background/Aim. Progressive erosive changes in cartilage and bone in
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ultimately lead to joint deformities and disability
which may be early, severe and permanent. Consequently, there is the
reduction of functional ability and changes in the quality of life. The aim
of this study was to estimate the impact of disease activity on functional
status of patients with RA. Methods. A prospective investigation included 74
patients with RA who were treated in the Rheumatology Clinic of the ?Niska
Banja? Institute. Assessment of functional status (capacity) was measured by
the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) with the values from 0 to 3 that
patients fill out on their own. The patients were then divided into three
groups: the group I with the HAQ values from 0.125 to 1.000, the group II
with the values from 1.125 to 2.000 and the group III with the values from
2.125 to 3.000. Disease activity was measured by Disease Activity Score
(DAS28). The assessment also included sedimentation rate (SE) influence, IgM
rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) positivity, age, and
disease duration. Results. The patients with the most severe functional
damage estimated by the HAQ - the group III, had the highest values of DAS28
SE (7.4 ? 0.8) compared to the group II (6.5 ? 1.2) and the group I (3.4 ?
1.2). The group III also showed the highest values of DAS28 CRP (7.1 ? 0.8)
compared to the group II (6.7 ? 0.8) and the group I (3.6 ? 0.4). Compared
with the patients with small and moderate functional damage, the patients in
the group III had positive IgM RF and CRP as well as higher SE values more
frequently and the difference was statistically significant. In the
univariate logistic model, the tested parameters of DAS28 SE, DAS 28 CRP, SE,
RF and CRP represent significant predictors of functional disability. The
most significant factors that increase the odds of patient having the most
severe functional damage include DAS28 SE which increases the odds by 5.5
times (OR = 5.450, 95% CI = 3.211-7.690, p = 0.001), DAS28 CRP by 5.1 times
(OR = 5.111, 95% CI = 2.123-10.636, p < 0.01), and the presence of increased
CRP (OR = 5.219, 95% CI = 1.305-18.231, p = 0.019) by 5.2 times. Conclusion.
Functional status evaluated by the HAQ is a standard for assessment of RA due
to its convenience and good correlation with parameters of disease activity.
The most significant factors that increase the odds that the patient has the
greatest functional damage are DAS28 SE, DAS28 CRP and the presence of CRP.
Small bowel incarceration as a complication of port site drainage following laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Ljustina Sasa , Sparic Radmila , Novakovic Sanja , Buzadzic Snezana
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Indication for surgical drainage may be prophylactic or
therapeutic. However, surgical drains may cause complications. These
complications can arise either following laparoscopic or open surgery. One of
the rare complications resulting from drainage includes herniation of
abdominal viscera at the drain site. The most common herniated abdominal
organ is the small bowel. Case report. A 75-year-old woman underwent
laparoscopic hysterectomy for atypical endometrial hyperplasia. After the
operation, she developed small bowel herniation in the abdominal wall at the
drain site, which was confirmed by multislice computed tomography. The
patient underwent emergency relaparotomy that identified drain site
incarceration of an ileal loop. Following resection of the incarcerated
bowel, her postoperative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion. This case
presents rare causative mechanism of intestinal obstruction. The possible
occurrence of hernias following surgical drainage must be kept in mind.
Moral responsibility of healthcare personnel
Authors: Tomic-Petrovic Natasa
Published: January 2015

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