bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Investigation of Semisolid Aluminum A356 Alloy Prepared by the Combination of Electromagnetic Stirring and Gas Induction
Authors: Nafari Nora , Yekani Farnoush , Aashuri Hossein
Published: January 2019

A three phase electromagnetic stirrer was used to agitate aluminum A356 slurry and a dry and oxygen free argon gas was introduced in to the slurry by a porous graphite core at a same time. The prepared semi-solid slurry was then transferred into a metallic mold and was compacted by a drop weight. Results demonstrated a favorable increase in shape factor, decrease in aspect ratio and average diameter size at different intensities of stirring. The intensity of stirring was changed by altering the current passed through the magnetic coil and also bubbling intensity via the porous graphite diffuser. Different time intervals for electromagnetic stirring and gas induction were applied. Agitating the slurry for 90 Sec. separately by electromagnetic stirrer and GISS method, gave better results in terms of shape factor, decrease in average diameter of the globules and aspect ratio.
Microstructural Development of Aluminum A201 Alloy Semi-Solid Processing Feedstock Produced by Different Routes
Authors: Kapranos Plato
Published: January 2019

Thixoforming or Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) forming is a manufacturing route that relies on a non-dendritic microstructure, a structure that is retained after processing resulting in components of fine and uniform microstructures with enhanced mechanical properties as compared to conventional cast products. In this project, an investigation is conducted on the microstructural development of Aluminium A201 alloy in the semi-solid range, through a combination of variable time and temperature conditions. Using equilibrium and non-equilibrium (Scheil) curves, the solidus and the liquidus temperatures as well as the melting behaviour of this alloy are estimated. The temperature range for the thixoforming process typically lies within the 40-60% fraction liquid and this is found to be between 620oC to 637oC for this particular alloy. The aim is to heat treat specimens of this alloy within the semi-solid range (the process window) and observe the resulting microstructures to establish if they comprise of near-spheroidal solid phase particles surrounded by a liquid phase. This microstructure gives the material its thixotropic properties; i.e. the material flows like a liquid when sheared but thickens and behaves like a solid when it is allowed to stand. Three different routes for obtaining the non-dendritic microstructure necessary for thixoforming are investigated in this work: Magneto-Hydrodynamic (MHD) stirring, Strain Induced Melt Activated (SIMA) and Semi-Solid Rheocasting via Cooling Slope (SSR+CS) route. These routes are compared and their potential for future thixoforming applications studied.
Slurry Preparation and Hot Tearing Susceptibility of A201 Aluminum Alloy in Rheological Die Casting
Authors: Gao Jun Zhen , Zhu Qiang , Li Da Quan , Hu Xiao Gang , Luo Min , Kang Yong Lin
Published: January 2019

A201 alloy is the strongest cast aluminum alloy, but it is considered one of the most difficult aluminum alloys to cast due to its susceptibility to hot tearing during solidification. Semi-solid casting, which characterizes fine near-globular or non-dendritic grains and relatively narrow solidification range, is potential to reduce hot cracking tendency of alloys. In this present work, semi-solid slurries of A201 alloy were prepared using Swirled Enthalpy Equilibrium Device (SEED) technique and then injected into a self-designed high pressure hot tearing mold. The microstructures of A201 semi-solid slurries with different pouring temperatures were examined. Effects of different casting pressures on the hot tearing sensitivity of A201 have been investigated. This study finds that SEED is capable of producing satisfying A201 semi-solid slurries. Lower pouring temperatures produce A201 semi-solid slurries with finer and rounder grains as well as more uniform microstructure distribution. Increasing the intensification pressure significantly decreases the hot treating tendency of A201 alloy. When the pressure reaches to 90 MPa and the mold temperature of about 250 °C, the hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) index value is nearly zero, which means almost no surface cracks are found in the semi-solid A201 die casting parts.
Metallurgical Interface of 7075/6061 Bimetallic Composite Ingot Casted by Semi-Solid Slurry and Molten Metal Pouring
Authors: Zheng Xiao Ping , Jiang Long , Li Hong Bin , Tian Ya Qiang , Chen Lian Sheng
Published: January 2019

The 7075/6061 bimetallic composite ingots were prepared by semi-solid/liquid method. The microstructure characteristics of composite ingots were studied, and the diffusion law of interface components was analyzed. The results show that the semi-solid/liquid composite of 7075 and 6061 can be realized under the conditions of casting temperature of 983 K, semi-solid heating temperature of 918 K, holding time of 1h, and rapid water cooling. The obtained composite ingot has a layered distribution characteristic of "semi-solid microstructure/dendritic structure". The interface is clear, continuous, and free of impurities. From the interface to the semi-solid side, it shows such a pattern of change: “Dendritic structure” →”Semidendritic and hemispherical” → “Globularization”. Through the observation of the microstructure and the analysis of the components, the semi-solid/liquid composite mechanism is discovered to be a combination of fusion bonding and diffusion bonding.
Modelling Semi-Solid Behaviour and Brittle Temperature Range
Authors: Traidi Khalil , Favier Véronique , Lestriez Philippe , Debray Karl , Langlois Laurent , Balan Tudor
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a new elastic viscoplastic micromechanical modelling is proposed to represent the semi-solid behaviour and predict the ductile-brittle transition of the C38LTT near the solidus. It is based on a viscoplastic modelling previously presented in [1]. The originality of the new model comes from three main enhancements: the transition between the solid state and the semi-solid state was included meaning that the material properties were taken temperature-dependent, the elastic properties was taken into account similarly as [2] and the evolution of the internal variable describing the degree of agglomeration of the solid phase was enhanced. The model was implemented in the commercial software FORGE©. Tensile tests representing the experimental thermal conditions and obtained using a GLEEBLE© machine were simulated. The comparison of the predicted and experimental results shows that, for the first time to our knowledge, the three steps of the load-displacement response and ductile-brittle transition were successfully described.
Using the Phase Field Method to Investigate Microstructural Evolution of Semi-Solid 357.0 Slurries
Authors: Qu Wen Ying , Li Da Quan , Guo Zhi Peng , Luo Min , Zhang Fan , Midson Stephen P. , Hu Xiao Gang , Zhang Yong Zhong
Published: January 2019

Semi-solid aluminum slurries have globular grains, different from traditional dendritic solidification microstructures. The mechanism responsible for the formation of these globular grains is still in dispute. Some researchers suggest that the globular grains are formed by fractured dendrites, while others report it is due to copious nucleation. This study will model the growth of the α-Al phase during the production of semi-solid slurries using the swirled equilibrium enthalpy device (SEED) process, where liquid alloy with a low superheat is poured into a steel crucible and swirled within the semi-solid region. Experimental observations have shown that the final microstructure of the slurry produced by the SEED process is relatively non-uniform, with large dendrites at surface and fine spherical particles at the center. Open source code for the phase field method has been adopted to simulate the different microstructural evolution for semi-solid alloy 357.0. The effect of localized temperatures under isothermal condition on the morphology of the α-Al particles has been investigated according to the special conditions of the SEED process. In addition, suggestions for modifying the slurry production to achieve more uniform microstructure are discussed.
Apparent Viscosity and Rheological Behavior of Aluminum-Alloy Slurry Containing Nano-Sized SiC Particles
Authors: Lu Kang , Wu Shu Sen , Lü Shu Lin , Lin Chong
Published: January 2019

The apparent viscosity and rheological behavior of nanoSiCP/Al-5Cu composites were studied by using a high temperature coaxial rotating cylinder viscometer. The results show that mass fraction of nanoSiCP is an important factor for apparent viscosity of the nanoSiCP/Al-5Cu composites, and there is a great enhancement of apparent viscosity of the slurry with the increase of nanoSiCp content. It can attribute to the viscous force between nanoSiCp and matrix alloy melt above the liquidus. The increased amplitude of apparent viscosity in semi-solid state is far less than those in liquid state with the increase of mass fraction of nanoSiCp. The apparent viscosities of the composites reinforced with 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% nanoSiCp at 700°C were 24.78%, 95.25%, 160.29% and 228.62% higher than that of Al-5Cu alloy, respectively. Besides, the rheological model of nanoSiCP/Al-5Cu composites was established based on the fitting curve, which can precisely describe the relationship between the apparent viscosity of nanocomposites slurry and nanoSiCp mass fraction.
Microstructural Evolution of SKD11 Tool Steel during Multi-Stage Thixoforming and Subsequent Heat Treatments
Authors: Meng Yi , Zhou Hui Min , Gan Jia Lin , Sugiyama Sumio
Published: January 2019

The application of semisolid forming (SSF) is inhibited significantly by the inhomogeneous distributions of microstructure and mechanical properties in the products manufactured by SSF. Beside of forming parameters including forming temperature, isothermal holding time, and forming speed, post heat treatments of SSF is one of the most important facts affecting the microstructure and mechanical properties of the SSF-manufactured products. In this study, heat treatments including annealing, quenching, and tempering different experimental conditions were conducted on the SKD11 tool steel samples manufactured by multi-stage thixoforming with different forming parameters. The microstructures in different regions of specimen processed by different experimental conditions were investigated by using a field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Base on the results of microstructural analyses, the microstructural evolution of SKD11 tool steel during multi-stage thixoforming and subsequent heat treatments with varies experimental parameters were discussed and summarized. Meanwhile, the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of SKD11 tool steel processed by multi-stage thixoforming and subsequent heat treatment was also discussed.
Kératite ulcéreuse non exsudative persistante et anomalie dentaire correspondante
Authors: Basset Jean
Published: January 2019

Une anomalie dentaire congénitale (canine à racine «barrée») qui s’était éveillée seulement depuis une huitaine de mois s’accompagna, vers la même époque, d’une kératite ulcéreuse non exsudative persistante. Aussitôt que 1’«épine» irritative, l’anomalie dentaire fut extraite chirurgicalement, aussitôt régressa la kératite — qui n’avait pas cédé au traitement local. Cette observation prouve le rôle nosogène des excitations parties de la mâchoire sur l’œil correspondant.
Purpura hémorragique du Bœuf
Authors: Basset Jean
Published: January 2019

Le purpura hémorragique du Bœuf est un syndrome hémo-philique. Comme toutes les hémophilies, le purpura est la conséquence d’une gène plus ou moins accentuée de la coagulation sanguine. Plusieurs mécanismes peuvent être à l’origine de ces troubles : aplasie médullaire, carences diverses (avitaminose K en particulier), insuffisance hépatique. Deux mécanismes peuvent être à coup sur décelés : l'aplasie médullaire, par examen cytologique du sang (comme le firent Guilhon et Julou) ; la carence en vitamine K, par la mesure du taux de la prothrombine (comme Basset propose de le faire). La cause efficiente pourra ensuite être identifiée. Il ne s’agit certainement pas d’une cause infectieuse. Il n’est pas prouvé qu’il s’agisse d’un empoi- sonnement par la Fougère aigle. Il se pourrait qu’il s’agisse d’une avitaminose K, beaucoup d’herbages étant très pauvres en légumineuses et la luzerne n’entrant pas toujours dans la ration ; la fréquence relative de la maladie chez les jeunes serait en faveur de cette hypothèse. Le seul traitement pratique, rationnel du purpura hémorragique du Bœuf, est un traitement causal préventif.
Physical and Virtual Testing Synergic Approach to ADAS Radar Performance Verification and Optimization
Authors: De Langhe Koen , Dom Steven , Bandinelli Mauro , Guidoni Antonio , Bercigli Mirko , DeMauro Giacomo
Published: January 2019

Radars based ADAS solutions are growing at a substantial rate in the automotive market since they play a fundamental role in increasing passengers and pedestrian safety.

To support radar designers in reducing time and design cost, to meet the stringent vehicle safety norms, to reduce risks about final installed radar performance etc., more effective and efficient industrial approach have to be devised both in terms of simulation (working at 77 GHz poses several numerical challenges) and testing.

This paper presents IDS/Siemens PLM Software technical approach and CAE tools, based on a synergic use of high-fidelity simulation models and measurement set-up’s to support the whole design, optimization and verification cycle, starting from the stand-alone radar antenna performance up to on-car installed radar operational performance verification.
Electric Camshaft Phasing System to Meet Euro 6/BS-VI Emission Norms for Gasoline Engine
Authors: Sheikh Shabbir , Thoelke Andreas , Mlinaric Andrew , Deshmukh Uday , Rathore Krishna Kumar
Published: January 2019

In today’s ever-changing scenario, gasoline engine is going to be more acceptable passenger vehicle prime mover, as it meets Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standard and need less cost of up-gradation. Variable cam phasing (VCP) system is well known & proven advanced technology in automotive world, which already used by many OEMs globally to improve fuel consumption and reduce engine emissions. Electric Cam Phasing (ECP) is an integration of electro-mechanical system. In ECP, angle shifting is independent of engine oil pressure, which allows a more aggressive engine calibration of valve timing to minimize active intervention in the ignition and fuel injection sequences. Early advance timing makes it possible for the combustion engine to build up torque more quickly during acceleration, which means that ECP not only helps to achieve high operating efficiency, but also good driving performance. This paper will describe use of advanced features of ECP over Hydraulic Cam Phaser (HCP) in achieving improved fuel consumption & reduction in HC & CO emissions to meet BS-VI standard by precise controlling of valve timing at engine start condition and to enhance driving comfort, low engine vibrations during engine stop condition.
Stabilizer Foot Optimization for Backhoe Loader
Authors: D Dhotre Sandeep , Singh Gurwinder
Published: January 2019

Continuous improvement and weight reduction are key contributors to success of most of the Product Engineering Organizations. This helps to keep the product competitive in market from cost, weight and performance stand point. It needs to be ensured to have enough strength in the structures to support the external loads along with quality requirements. This can be ensured by removing material from redundant zones and provide it at necessary areas carrying loads.

In current paper, author covers information about utilization of topology optimization tool to achieve the weight reduction and in turn cost reduction to contribute in the organizations Value Improvement efforts.

Stabilizer foot optimization is an opportunity explored in construction vehicle (Backhoe). Current stabilizer foot is a common design across multiple models that range in performance and weight capability. The stabilizer foot function is to stabilize the machine transferring the load from the backhoe through to the ground surface. The foot is also used as a primary vehicle lifting point. Machine performance varies 40% from the largest to smallest models which presents an opportunity to develop an optimized solution targeting the smaller machine performance requirements.

This paper covers information about confirming opportunity from existing FEA and physical testing reports. It is followed by providing envelope geometry to optimization tool to get optimized geometry. The geometry from optimizer is further used for development of stabilizer foot geometry from manufacturing, strength (FEA) and design mistake proofing point of view. Topology optimization methodology helped to offer new design with following advantages 1. Target weight reduction (12%), 2. Design with required strength and functionality, 3. Reduction in FEA iterations time.

Author recommend to perform physical test of Stabilizer foot to increase confidence to go to production and use of this methodology on projects of similar nature.
Lightweighting of Automobile Hood Using Multistep Optimization for Composite Material
Authors: Sathaye Ashish , Bhattacharyya Indranil
Published: January 2019

Emission norms across the world are getting more and more stringent day by day, in pursuit of saving the mother Earth. Automotive industry is quick to respond to this huge challenge. One solution lies in making the vehicles lighter. That's why scope of the lightweight materials is more and more realized and explored during the last decade. One of the front runners in the lightweight material is Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). CFRP comes with own challenges in its understanding, designing and engineering. For effective use of the CFRP material, from a design and mass point of view, it has to be optimized in such a way that every section and layup is utilized to its maximum potential. Current paper demonstrates the multi-step optimization approach used in a design and development of car hood. Initial assessment of the hood showed that few attributes were falling short of the requirement targets, and could only be achieved with a mass penalty. After interaction with respective teams, scope for the optimization is realized. Topology optimization is utilized to derive the right structure from available design space, the reinforcer patterns and sections are worked out accordingly. Next step followed is the free-size optimization. Basic composite learnings are implemented in the development process. Results are used to decide the ply layups in different hood frame regions. Finally, hood model with the derived sections and ply information is updated for the manufacturing considerations and assessed for multiple domain performance.
Gearshift Quality Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Patel Hiral , Tendulkar Vishveshvar , Baid Himanshi , Bhosale Vikas , Bhavikatti Gururaj
Published: January 2019

Gearshift quality is a perceived quality parameter. Hence, is getting much importance because of the increased awareness about comfortable and refined driving experience, especially in the case of passenger cars. When the topic of gearshift feeling is broached in manual transmission vehicles, synchronizer pack (shifter sleeve, engaging gear, strut, synchronizer and gear synchro ring assembly) have been the focus point for optimization. Synchronizer type (single, double or triple cone), lining material, datch chamfer angle of shifter sleeve/synchro ring of gear/synchronizer, all of these have been extensively studied in the past to improve the gearshift quality. With stringent timelines for vehicle development, OEMs prefer to use off-the-shelf powertrain systems developed by powertrain manufacturers. Due to this, avenues to refine gearshift feel gets reduced to a large extent and hence refinement becomes difficult. The scope of this paper is to discuss gearshift quality parameters used to assess the gearshift feel of a vehicle. It primarily examines ways to refine the gearshift quality by optimizing the external gearshift mechanism and other powertrain aggregates. It also extends to a sensitivity analysis of gearshift cables, gear shifter, dead weights and driveshaft on gearshift quality. Objective parameters were evaluated on vehicle level to understand the aspects of the gearshift, which when tweaked, resulted in an improved shift feel. Different proposals with regard to possible avenues were worked out for possible fine-tuning of the selected parameters. These were then validated on the vehicle. During the evaluation and optimization of gearshift quality, GSQA kit from M/s Ricardo was used to evaluate the gearshift quality.
Novel Technique to Simulate Hood Closing Effort under Quasi-Static Condition and Its Strategic Correlation
Authors: Sivakrishna Masani , Evans Jon
Published: January 2019

Hood closing effort under quasi-static conditions, known as static latching, is an event where the hood latch moves from secondary position to primary latched position due to external force applied by the customer to the hood. When customers close the hood slowly, it may not get latched due to insufficient force transfer to the latch thus requiring additional effort. Recent vehicle designs have the hood latch mounted further rearward than typical from the hood leading edge due to architectural challenges. Pedestrian protection (PedPro) requirements drive hood designs with reduced stiffness above the latch resulting in poor load transfer from the customer to the latch. This often results in high customer effort during quasi-static hood closing events. This additional effort may cause undesirable permanent deformation on the hood outer panel. In absence of proper simulation procedures, design engineers must adjust the latch and hood bumper interfaces on a trial basis during vehicle builds, leading to potential gap and flushness issues on the vehicle. Poor closing effort can result in costly engineering changes late in the vehicle development cycle. To shorten the hood development time and avoid late design changes, it is critical to develop a virtual simulation procedure that can reproduce the hood quasi-static closing event. This paper proposes a strategy to sense hood latching by calculating the force at the latch striker wire through simulation. The proposed strategy was validated with hardware measurements on multiple vehicles. The proposed method was able to achieve excellent correlation with the test in predicting hood latching for a specific customer effort. This paper also examines the sensitivity of various other parameters like seal stiffness, bumper interference (pre-load), latch connection type, non-linearity and loading direction in order to identify significant parameters contributing to hood latching effort.
Experimental Investigation and Optimization of SiC Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Rahul R. , Sreenivash S. , Renuka K. , Sathish S. , Anandakrishnan V.
Published: January 2019

Investigation of the parameters variation over the abrasive water jet machining of aluminium 2014 alloy was studied using the Taguchi technique. Traverse speed, standoff distance, pressure and mass flow rate were considered as the process parameters and were varied at three levels. The depth of cut was taken as the response, and it was measured and analysed statistically. The optimal parameters to achieve the maximum depth of cut were identified with the main effect plot. Most influencing parameters over the depth of cut were identified with the analysis of variance and response table. A mathematical relationship was developed to predict the depth of cut.
Thermal Characteristics of a Cylindrical Heat Pipe using Multi-Layer Screen Mesh Wick
Authors: Sankar Rao R. , Bhanu Prakash S.
Published: January 2019

Heat pipe is the most widely used heat exchanging device in removal of heat from any given system at a faster rate. The thermal characteristics of heat pipe with single and multi-layered screen mesh wicks have been observed with two working fluids water and acetone. Heat pipe of length 250 mm and 12.7 mm outer diameter, made of copper material is used in all the trials of with and without wick structure. A 100 mesh stainless steel screen wire mesh is chosen as wick structure. Experiments were conducted at different heat loads and various inclinations with 100% fill ratio in evaporator. The performance is measured based on total thermal resistance and overall heat transfer coefficient. The heat pipe is found effective at 60o inclination with acetone as a working fluid and with four layered screen mesh wick. Uncertainty in thermal resistance and heat transfer coefficient is calculated for a heat input of 10W at 0ï‚° and 60ï‚° inclinations.
Modelling of Cavitation and Aeration Effects on a Gerotor Pump of a Lubricating System in Automobiles
Authors: Raghunadh M.V. , Koundinya Sandeep
Published: January 2019

In an internal combustion engine, lubrication system acts as an auxiliary system, proper operation of it is essential for optimal performance of an engine. Mostly, positive displacement pumps are used for pumping the lubricating oil at constant flow rate at a given speed. In that, Gerotor pump is a commonly used pump. Cavitation affects the volumetric efficiency of the pump, which in turn influenced by operating conditions like speed of the pump, suction pressure etc. The current study using 3D pump flow simulation tool, Simerics-MP+ revealed that the cavitation bubbles form near the teeth of the rotors on the suction side. The location at which the bubbles expand, and collapse are correctly predicted at two different configurations and its effect on the performance is validated with the experimental data.
Robust Model Reference Fault Detection and Identification System for Fixed Wing Aircrafts
Authors: Jaganraj R. , Velu R.
Published: January 2019

Fault Detection and Identification system (FDI) and Fault Tolerant Flight Control (FTFC) system are used to correct the faulty operation of an aircraft. Both FDIs and FTFCs have operational disadvantages due to their inherent limitation of fault source identification. This paper presents the design and implementation of a robust model reference fault detection and identification (MRFDI) system on a fixed-wing aircraft for identifying actuator fault, instrument fault and presence of any uncertainties. The proposed MRDFI fuses the real-time parameters and actuator feedback to combine the advantages of data driven and model reference FDI that makes robust fault estimation. The MRFDI system is implemented on a typical aircraft altitude hold autopilot simulation environment with a predefined fault scenario. The fault scenario includes a faulty elevator, a faulty skin-implantable sensor and wind gust as environmental uncertainty. The MRFDI performs logical analysis to detect fault using state-dependent real-time parameters and state-independent skin implantable sensor. This two-step fault detection method makes MRFDI robust to any type of fault identification. The results show that the MRFDI detects and distinguishes faults in actuator, instrument and any of the listed uncertainties thrown by the environment accurately.
Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Walnut/Polyester Composites
Authors: Sharma Vipul , Kumar Rajiv , Vohra Karan , Chopra Kapil
Published: January 2019

Use of natural fibres as reinforcement in polymeric composites has been increased during last few decades. They are potential alternatives to synthetic fibres due to their excellent properties like light in weight, biodegradable, abundant, satisfactory strength etc. Various parts of automobiles are being made by natural fibres that improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The present study focuses on developing new polymer composites by reinforcing walnut shell particulate on the basis of different weight fractions. Mechanical characterization was done for the developed composites which include evaluation of tensile strength, impact strength and hardness. Different weight fractions of walnut shell particulate were used including 0%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Maximum tensile strength was achieved in case of 10% walnut shell reinforced composites. Maximum impact strength and hardness were achieved in case of 20% and 15% reinforcement respectively.
New substitutions of mitochondrial DNA in Iranian autistic children
Authors: Akouchekian Mansoureh , Shooshtari Mitra Hakim , Heidary Hamed , Moeinian Parisa
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmentally complex diseases with causative de-novo and inherited genetic factors. They contain a range of cognitive and behavioral conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder and autism. Our study subjects were children with autistic behaviors (15–60 CARS Score).

Material and methods

The DNA extraction process was done using a GeNet Bio DNA extraction kit, and the region of interest was amplified using independent PCR runs. After purification of PCR products, both strands were sequenced by the Big Dye Termination system. The automated sequencing on an ABI 3700 was directly determined with a capillary sequencer machine. Both primers’ sequencing results were analyzed using a bioinformatics tool, Sequencher Software 5.

Results

In the population we studied, the variant G9055A (located at ATP6) was reported to be pathogenic (CAAD > 20 and PolyPhen shows it to be probably damaging). In this variant amino acid alanine converts to threonine. A to T substitutions induce accumulation of amyloid fibril in the brain because threonine prefers to form a  sheet as a necessary stage in the amyloidogenic process.

Conclusions

In our study of patients with autism, we found one case having an interesting association with amyloidosis. It is hoped that by finding such markers, the children will be treated with more certainty.
The Essence of Politics
Authors: Eijk Cees
Published: January 2019

What is politics about? At its core, politics is about resolving matters that are contested in a society or group. It exists not only within and between states, but also within religious institutions, sports organisations, commercial enterprises, schools and social organisations. Politics is driven by conflict, but also by cooperation. To understand politics, we must ask specific ('key') questions about the nature of political conflict, about persons, groups and institutions that are involved, about their resources, and about the wider context that both constrains and provides opportunities for all. It also requires an understanding of concepts such as power, influence and political community, and, of course, of the terms politics, conflict and cooperation.

This book is about the 'essence' of politics, which is introduced by way of key questions and concepts that are indispensable for understanding politics in many different settings.
Satellite and Ground-based Measurements of XCO2 in a Remote Semi-Arid Region of Australia
Authors: Velazco Voltaire A. , Deutscher Nicholas M. , Morino Isamu , Uchino Osamu , Bukosa Beata , Ajiro Masataka , Kamei Akihide , Jones Nicholas B. , Paton-Walsh Clare , Griffith David W. T.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. In this study, we present ground-based measurements of column-averaged dry-air mole fractions (DMFs) of CO2 (or XCO2) from an EM27/SUN portable spectrometer, equipped with an automated clam shell cover, taken in a semi-arid region of Australia. We compared these measurements to space-based XCO2 retrievals from the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT). Side-by-side measurements of EM27/SUN with the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) instrument at the University of Wollongong were conducted in 2015–2016 to derive an XCO2 calibration factor of 0.9954 relative to TCCON. Although we found a slight drift of .0125 % per month in the calibration curve of the EM27/SUN vs TCCON XCO2, the alignment of the EM27/SUN proved stable enough for a campaign, keeping the retrieved Xair values, a measure of stability, to within 0.5 % and the modulation efficiency to within 2 %. From the measurements in Alice Springs, we confirm a small bias of around 2 ppm in the GOSAT M-gain to H-gain XCO2 retrievals, as reported by the NIES GOSAT validation team. Based on the reported random errors from GOSAT, we estimate the required duration of a future campaign in order to improve the estimated bias between the EM27/SUN and GOSAT. The dataset from the Alice Springs measurements is accessible at http://dx.doi.org/10.4225/48/5b21f16ce69bc (Velazco et al., 2018).
Investigating the Needs and Drawbacks of L1 in L2 Education: Students’ Perception
Authors: Ibrahim AbdulMahmoud Idrees
Published: January 2019

This paper aims at exploring the EFL Students’ Perspective of the Use of the Arabic (L1) in English language (L2) learning. The relevant literature reviewed concerning the development of some fundamental issues in L1 usage shows that this technique plays a vital role in breaking the language barriers, promoting better communication, and contributing to linguistic competence. The statistical analysis and evaluation of the responses of the questionnaire exhibited that the need for (L1) in L2 was rated higher. The students claimed that their mother tongue is effective since it increases their awareness of similarities and differences between (L1) and (L2) and helps in explaining the difficult areas in the foreign language. Likewise, they confessed that L1 has drawbacks. It could be said that (L1) is a helpful technique in (L2) learning process, but it should be handled with care.
Undervisning i förskolan – Om möjligheter att integrera förskolans bildningsideal med nya uppdrag
Authors: Thulin Susanne , Jonsson Agneta
Published: January 2019

Syftet med denna artikel är att mot bakgrund av förskolans bildningsideal och betydelsen av att göra bruk av barns perspektiv bidra till diskussionen om undervisningsbegreppets innebörd i ett förskoleperspektiv. Forskningsfrågan är hur undervisning i förskolan kan förstås i såväl spontant uppkomna som planerade undervisningssituationer, då barns perspektiv beaktas i relation till lärandets innehåll. Med utgångspunkt i empiri synliggörs och diskuteras didaktiska förhållningssätt som rör förskollärarens roll i relation till barns perspektiv och aktuellt objekt för lärande. Förskollärare i Sverige har som uppdrag att hantera såväl spontant uppkomna som planerade lek- och lärandetillfällen där barns erfarenheter och kunnande integreras, stöds och utmanas i ett undervisande syfte. Diskussionen belyser beaktande av barns perspektiv som en utgångspunkt för undervisningsbegreppets definition samt väcker frågor kring utveckling och förändring av såväl förskollärares kompetens som förskolans verksamhet. Artikeln avslutas med reflektioner kring den svenska förskolans bildningstradition relaterat till nya uppdrag och möjliga vägar.
English abstract
Teaching in preschool – Possibilities of integrating culture with new assignment
The purpose of this article is to contribute to the discussion of the definition of concept of teaching in preschool in view of the preschool’s educational ideal and the importance of using children’s perspective. The research question is how education in preschool can be understood in spontaneous and planned education situations, considering the child’s perspective related to the content of learning. From empirical evidence, didactic approaches concerning the role of the preschool teacher in relation to the child’s perspective and an object of learning are visualized and discussed. Preschool teachers have to deal with spontaneous, planned play and learning situations where children’s experiences and skills are integrated, supported and challenged. The discussion highlights the consideration of children’s perspective as a starting point for the definition of the teaching concept. The article concludes with reflections on how the preschool’s culture can be related to new assignments and possible ways forward.
Seed Bags and Storytelling: Modes of Living and Writing after the End in Wanuri Kahiu's Pumzi
Authors: Sides Kirk Bryan
Published: January 2019

This article argues that the 2010 short film Pumzi is an exploration of post-crisis, ecological rehabilitation that asks for a rethinking of narratives modes for representing climate change. Employing seeds and sowing as ecological tropes, Pumzi explores how we create and carry narrative in relation to a rapidly changing earth. Both the multi-scalar geographical expanses as well as the deep geological timelines of Anthropocene discourse mean that placing the human in relation to its post-crisis environment requires more collective notions of what narrative production and world (re-)building mean. This article argues that Pumzi cultivates a sympoietic—making together—mode of storytelling in an age of environmental crisis and planet-death as a well to both tell new stories and to think future worlds. In this way, Pumzi offers us a vision of an afrofuturist eco-ethics based in narrative practice.
Menstrual disorders necessitating counseling among students in Beni-Suef University
Authors: Hassan Hanan Elzeblawy , Gamel Wafaa Mostafa Ahmed , Sheha Eman Ali Abd El Moaty , Sayed Mervat Amin , Arafa Ahmed Emad Eldin
Published: January 2019

Objective: Menstrual disorders are highly prevalent among women. The need for counseling for different menstrual disorders is not well-documented.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of menstrual problems amongst Beni-Suef University students during the previous 6 months and detect what menstrual disorders required counseling more often. Methods: A total of 1,519 students representing 28 different faculties of Beni-Suef University were included. To assess their menstrual disorders during the previous 6 months, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the university student. The questionnaire included questions about the most common complaints before and during menstruation. Other demographic and gynecological characters and the need for counseling were also investigated.Results: The mean age of the participating university students was 20.9 ± 1.7 years. The mean age of their first menarche was 12.9 ± 1.4 years while their average menstrual flow days was 5.1 ± 1.4. Throughout the previous 6 months, 22.1% of the investigated university students reported counseling due to at least 1 menstrual disorder. Before the menstruation, irritation (48.8%) and fatigue (40.9%) were the most reported symptoms and associated with high rates of counseling while dysmenorrhea (94.1%) and acne flare (49.2%) were very common during menses. Students with menstrual cycles exceeding 28 days and those who experienced breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, and insomnia were statistically more likely to resort to counseling (p < .05).Conclusions: Menstrual disorders, especially dysmenorrhea, are very common among students in Beni-Suef University, however, the necessity of counseling varied widely according to the complaint.Recommendations: Further studies should focus on the barriers to counseling for menstrual disorders.
Opioid usage trends in treatment – Trends from the field
Authors: Wheeler Jeri , Morse Siobhan , Bride Brian
Published: January 2019

Objective: As legislative changes limiting access to prescription opioids were enacted, the population of opioid use disorder patients seeking private residential treatment also changed. This study is designed to examine some of the specific changes that were observed between opioid used disorder patients entering treatment before and after the legislative restrictions were enacted.Study design: Retrospective cross-sectional cohort design.Results: Significant changes from Group 1 (patients presenting for treatment in 2009-2011) to Group 2 (patients presenting for treatment in 2014) include a substantial decrease in the usage of prescription opiates. Alongside this reduction, a significant increase was shown in reported heroin abuse with concurrent polysubstance abuse (Cannabis, Amphetamines, and Sedatives), as well as noted employment and family issues.Conclusions: The identified patient presenting to treatment for Opioid Use Disorder has changed over the last several years and treatment should reflect those changes. Not only has this disease become one of opioid usage but of polysubstance abuse and disruption in other areas of life as heroin usage becomes more prominent in patients.
Determination of Preschool Teachers’ Preference Reasons for Children’s Books Used by Them in Their Classes
Authors: Bartan Murat
Published: January 2019

Teachers are the people performing the most important role in the educational process. In particular, in preschooleducation, teacher qualifications have become more crucial since the preschool period is a critical year in terms of allaspects of the child’s development. It is the most important period in which children’s attitudes towards bookdevelop. In the preschool period, books that teachers choose for children have been seen to affect the attitudes andviewpoints of children towards books in their later ages. In this context, the research was conducted with the aim ofrevealing what criteria preschool teachers choose for children’s book that they use in their classes. A situational studyis a qualitative study in which a situation is investigated in depth. 26 preschool teachers working at kindergartens andnursery classes in elementary schools which are affiliated to Kütahya Provincial Directorate of National Educationparticipated in the research. Research data were collected with semi-structured interview questions. The data werecategorized by content analysis. According to the results of the research, preschool teachers pay attention to the factthat the textbook is robust physically in the selection of the books they use in the classroom, that the content issimple to understand and that the language used is plain and that the known writers and publishing houses are alsoconsidered when choosing books.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Applied Physics Research, Vol. 10, No. 6
Authors: Chen William
Published: January 2019

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Applied Physics Research, Vol. 10, No. 6, 2018
Non-Forest Woody Vegetation (Scattered Greenery) Case Study of the Samopse Settlement, Czech Republic
Authors: Krupkova Zuzana Vondra
Published: January 2019

The development and management of the Czech landscape has been influenced by several key factors in the past. One important factor is the development of society, particularly political changes and ecological development. Others include the level of knowledge and understanding of technologies, scientific knowledge and the non-productive importance of the landscape, as well as the attitude of society and individuals towards the landscape. In the past, non-forest woody vegetation was a standard part of the European agricultural landscape and formed its typical appearance. The onset of collective farming during the second half of the twentieth century resulted in transforming the landscape into open fields without permanent vegetation. The landscape became everyone’s and no-one’s and was subject to orders, tasks and plans. The key goal of this article is to evaluate non-forest woody vegetation from a landscape-ecological aspect and compare the occurrence of non-forest woody vegetation in four landscape types. The submitted study presents various types of non-forest woody vegetation, the species present in elements of scattered greenery and the spatial arrangement depending on the method of management and use of the territory.
Physical and Physiological Quality of Safflower Seed Stored in Different Packages and Temperatures
Authors: Claudio Aguinaldo Antonio , Polizel Analy Castilho , Bonfim-Silva Edna Maria , Alves Niedja Marizze Cezar , Silva Tonny José Araújo da , Damasceno Ana Paula Alves Barreto
Published: January 2019

Seed storage is one of the oldest techniques that, besides protecting against attacks of microorganisms and insects, has as main goal to preserve the product, with minimum losses, ensuring vigor and viability of the seeds. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorium L.) is a crop with great agricultural potential due to the high content of oil in its seed and can be a viable alternative in the production of biofuel. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of packaging and storage temperatures on the physical and physiological quality of safflower seeds. The experiment was conducted in the soil and plant production and bromatology laboratories of the Institute of Agrarian and Technological Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso Campus of Rondonópolis, in the period of July to September 2014. The experiment was a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, corresponding to five temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C) and two packages (cotton and paper) with five replicates. The physical quality parameters (water content in the seed, mass of one thousand seeds, hectolitre weight) and physiological parameters (percent germination, Seed viability (Tetrazolium), accelerated aging and electric conductivity) of the seeds were evaluated. The physical quality of the safflower seed was not influenced by, the types of packaging and storage temperature. The physiological parameters of safflower seeds were significantly altered by the the type of containers and storage temperatures conditions. The paper packaging, at temperatures of 20 and 25 °C, provided greater conservation of the seed.
Giberellic Acid in the Expansion of the Thermal Range of Lettuce Seeds
Authors: Nunes Luma R. L. , Pinheiro Paloma R. , Pinheiro Charles L. , Silva Wendson M. , Cabral Felipe A. S. , Dutra Alek S.
Published: January 2019

Lettuce presents an increasing demand, which makes necessary the expansion of the areas destined to its planting. Temperature is a limiting factor, because it acts directly on germination, where changes and adjustments in the hormonal balance, mainly of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA), occur. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the treatment of seeds with gibberellic acid is capable of mitigating the damages caused by high temperatures. The seeds were submitted to germination test, first count, percentage of abnormal seedlings and analysis of shoot and root growth. The treatments consisted of seven concentrations of gibberellic acid (control—not treated with GA, 25 mg L-1, 50 mg L-1, 75 mg L-1, 100 mg L-1, 125 mg L-1, 150 mg L-1) and three constant temperatures (25, 30 and 35 °C). The germination and first count, when submitted at 25 and 30 °C presented an increase up to 50 mg L-1 of GA, while at 35 °C the growth was constant up to 125 mg L-1 of GA. Treatment with GA increased root and shoot length. Giberelic acid mitigated the damage caused to lettuce seeds when subjected to temperatures above the optimum.