bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Superorbital Modulation in SMC X-1 Caused by Absorption in a Warped Precessing Accretion Disk?
Authors: Pradhan Pragati , Maitra Chandreyee , Paul Biswajit
Published: May 2020

We present a broadband spectral-timing analysis of SMC X-1 at different intensity states of its superorbital variation using 10 Suzaku and 6 Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observations. The spectrum in all the states can be described by an absorbed power law with a high-energy cutoff and a blackbody component along with an iron emission line. Compared to other supergiant high-mass X-ray binaries, the Fe Kα line equivalent width is low in SMC X-1—from less than 10 eV in the high state to up to ∼270 eV in the low states. The spectral shape is dependent on flux, with the hard X-ray spectrum steepening with increasing flux. We also report a highly variable normalization of the power-law component across these 16 superorbital states. Pulsations in the hard X-rays for both the instruments were detected in all but two observations. The pulse profiles are near sinusoidal, with two peaks and the relative intensity of the second peak decreasing with decreasing luminosity. These findings suggest that the superorbital modulation in SMC X-1 is not caused by absorption in precessing warped accretion disk alone and there are intrinsic changes in X-rays emanating from the neutron star at different superorbital states. We also note a putative cyclotron line at ∼50 keV in the NuSTAR spectra of three bright states, indicating a possible magnetic field of ∼4.2 × 1012 G. Finally, with the new pulse period measurements reported here, the time base for the secular spin-up of SMC X-1  is increased by thirteen years and the complete pulse period history shows a sudden change in the spin-up trend around 1995.
HAZMAT VI: The Evolution of Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation Emitted from Early M Stars
Authors: Peacock Sarah , Barman Travis , Shkolnik Evgenya L. , Loyd R. O. Parke , Schneider Adam C. , Pagano Isabella , Meadows Victoria S.
Published: May 2020

Quantifying the evolution of stellar extreme ultraviolet (EUV, 100–1000 Å) emission is critical for assessing the evolution of planetary atmospheres and the habitability of M dwarf systems. Previous studies from the HAbitable Zones and M dwarf Activity across Time (HAZMAT) program showed the far- and near-UV (FUV, NUV) emission from M stars at various stages of a stellar lifetime through photometric measurements from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX). The results revealed increased levels of short-wavelength emission that remain elevated for hundreds of millions of years. The trend for EUV flux as a function of age could not be determined empirically because absorption by the interstellar medium prevents access to the EUV wavelengths for the vast majority of stars. In this paper, we model the evolution of EUV flux from early M stars to address this observational gap. We present synthetic spectra spanning EUV to infrared wavelengths of 0.4 ± 0.05 M
☉ stars at five distinct ages between 10 and 5000 Myr, computed with the PHOENIX atmosphere code and guided by the GALEX photometry. We model a range of EUV fluxes spanning two orders of magnitude, consistent with the observed spread in X-ray, FUV, and NUV flux at each epoch. Our results show that the stellar EUV emission from young M stars is 100 times stronger than field age M stars, and decreases as t
−1 after remaining constant for a few hundred million years. This decline stems from changes in the chromospheric temperature structure, which steadily shifts outward with time. Our models reconstruct the full spectrally and temporally resolved history of an M star’s UV radiation, including the unobservable EUV radiation, which drives planetary atmospheric escape, directly impacting a planet’s potential for habitability.
La vision RH de dirigeants de PME
Authors: Phanuel Dominique , Vilette Marc-André
Published: May 2020

Cet article vise à apporter un éclairage conceptuel et empirique sur la vision RH de dirigeants de PME. La problématique de la recherche est la suivante : quel est le contenu de la vision RH des dirigeants de PME ? Pour y accéder, l’approche S.P.I.NS (« Souhaitables, Possibles, Impossibles, Non Souhaitables et Incontournables ») est mobilisée auprès de 21 dirigeants. Les résultats font émerger une vision centrale, composée de cinq dimensions et d’une vision périphérique d’une dizaine de dimensions secondaires. En outre, on distingue au sein de cette vision d’ensemble des thèmes relevant des politiques et outils RH et d’autres plus proches du management.
Transition numérique et engagement RSE en PME : une lecture par la gestion des paradoxes ?
Authors: Berger-Douce Sandrine
Published: May 2020

L’existence de multiples tensions est certes inhérente à la vie des organisations, mais les défis actuels exacerbent encore cette situation. Les entreprises sont confrontées à des défis sociétaux majeurs comme l’engagement en faveur de la Responsabilité Sociétale des Entreprises (RSE) et plus récemment la transformation digitale. Les spécificités des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (PME) rendent ces défis encore plus complexes à relever pour ces organisations. Autrement dit, comment concilier les exigences de la transformation digitale avec celles issues d’un engagement RSE ? La perspective du paradoxe développée depuis les années 80 vise à répondre simultanément à des exigences concurrentes (Smith et Lewis, 2011). Au-delà de la décision de déployer une gestion de ces paradoxes se pose la question des pratiques organisationnelles à mettre en place pour implémenter ce type de stratégie dans les entreprises. Une étude de cas longitudinale (2014-2018) dans une PME industrielle est menée pour apporter des éléments de réponse à cette question. Les résultats mettent l’accent sur des pratiques managériales RH centrées sur les compétences, la reconnaissance des salariés et la redéfinition des métiers.
Les enjeux de la mise à disposition des salariés des groupements d’employeurs pour les TPE/PME
Authors: Lethielleux Laëtitia , André Caroline
Published: May 2020

Créés en 1985, les groupements d’employeurs (GE) ont pour activité principale la mise à disposition (MAD) de salariés en temps partagé auprès de leurs entreprises adhérentes. Or, il s’est avéré dans le cadre d’une recherche-action longitudinale commencée en 2015 auprès d’un réseau de GE, que la MAD était gérée de façon différente d’un groupement à un autre en termes de règles de facturation mais aussi d’encadrement juridique. L’objectif de cet article est d’interroger les enjeux de la mise à disposition des salariés de ces groupements pour les PME et structures associatives adhérentes. Plus précisément, il s’agit de mettre en perspective la complexité de la gestion de ces salariés en MAD, tant sur le plan juridique que managérial. L’approche retenue dans cette recherche se veut pluridisciplinaire, de façon à traduire le plus fidèlement possible la réalité du terrain. À notre connaissance, les recherches menées portent principalement sur le statut du salarié en MAD mais n’interrogent pas ou peu la relation avec les entreprises utilisatrices (ou adhérentes, dans le cas d’un GE) et le GE lui-même. À partir de 20 entretiens semi-directifs menés auprès des directions, présidences et salariés en MAD de onze GE, cette recherche présente un double apport. Premièrement, elle souligne l’importance de la convention de MAD qui, au-delà de la sécurisation de la relation entre le GE et la PME adhérente, présente le mérite de placer le salarié au cœur de la démarche. Deuxièmement, elle conforte la pertinence de l’approche contingente et collaborative pour qualifier la GRH des PME.
De la mise en jeu du corps au déploiement du jeu symbolique en psychothérapie psychanalytique de l’enfant : une illustration clinique
Authors: Plard Valérie
Published: May 2020

Dans la pratique de la psychothérapie psychanalytique d’enfants, il n’est pas rare de recevoir des enfants qui, entravés dans leurs capacités de symbolisation, ne jouent pas en séance. Le matériel accueilli s’exprime alors dans les registres sensoriel, corporel et émotionnel. Si les jeux contiennent les fantasmes et sont une ressource pour le moi de l’enfant, développer une capacité à jouer semble dans un premier temps l’objectif de certains traitements. Une revue de la littérature psychanalytique donne un aperçu des différentes considérations, théoriques et techniques, sur le jeu de l’enfant en séance, mais également sur la question de son absence et la présence d’autres modalités expressives. L’ancrage précoce du développement des symbolisations, primaire et secondaire, est abordé afin de donner des repères de compréhension et un éclairage théorique à notre clinique. La question du passage des activités sensorielles, corporelles et motrices au déploiement de jeu en séance est illustrée par une vignette clinique reprenant de façon chronologique des séquences d’une psychothérapie psychanalytique. L’analyse clinique est centrée sur les activités expressives, du sensoriel au jeu symbolique, en prenant en compte la dynamique du transfert-contre-transfert.
Incompréhension partagée et éclosion psychique dans la psychose infantile
Authors: Pacheco Carlos
Published: May 2020

L’auteur s’appuie sur la psychanalyse pour témoigner d’une expérience clinique éprouvante construite avec un enfant psychotique resté longtemps dans l’« Infans ». Il développe la temporalité de son cadre dans cette rencontre avec la psychose où l’infra-verbal reste un fil conducteur de la vie psycho-affective. Tout en s’interrogeant sur l’impact de ses modalités d’intervention, d’interprétation pour une construction psychanalytique, il soulève la question de l’engagement et de la fin du traitement soumis aux affres de la relation transférentielle. Un accès à un processus analytique incite la transformation par les identifications grâce aux jeux vidéo pour devenir un sujet pensant et parlant.
Le handicap : un concept complexe. Réflexions médicales et socio-anthropologiques
Authors: Golse Bernard , Querre Madina
Published: May 2020

Après avoir redonné l’étymologie du terme de handicap, les auteurs mettent en perspective les deux grandes classifications internationales du handicap pour en montrer les différences, soit la Classification internationale du handicap (la CIH) et la Classification internationale du fonctionnement, du handicap et de la santé (CIF). Après quoi, ils envisagent le concept de handicap en pédopsychiatrie en évoquant le cas particulier de l’autisme, et ils présentent ensuite les approches socio-anthropologiques du handicap. Le travail se conclut sur l’importance de la dialectisation des points de vue dans la perspective de la notion « d’écart » ou « d’entre » de F. Jullien.
Atelier d’écriture et troubles du comportement à l’adolescence : fonction contenante des cadres en thérapie à médiation avec un adolescent placé
Authors: Boulay Corentin , Demogeot Nadine , Lighezzolo-Alnot Joëlle
Published: May 2020

La littérature psychanalytique nous indique que les troubles du comportement à l’adolescence sont souvent liés à un défaut de la fonction contenante du psychisme. À cet égard, la proposition thérapeutique doit pouvoir agir en contrepoint de ces organisations du psychisme pour favoriser la reprise des processus de contenance. L’objectif de cet article vise à étudier le fonctionnement d’une médiation thérapeutique par l’écriture auprès d’un adolescent en situation de placement. À l’appui de données cliniques recueillies dans le cadre d’une psychothérapie d’adolescent, nous avons procédé à une analyse des processus de symbolisation mobilisés dans le cadre d’un atelier à médiation par l’écriture. Les résultats nous indiquent que la médiation favorise l’émergence de la fonction contenante à l’appui de la multiplicité des cadres qui prennent place dans la médiation écriture, et qu’à partir de cette fonction peut s’étayer l’amorce d’un travail de représentation. Les médiations par l’écriture semblent ainsi adaptées au travail thérapeutique avec des adolescents placés, et il serait pertinent de développer des recherches centrées sur l’évaluation de leurs effets.
A proposal standard methodology for the characterization of edible oil organogelation with waxes
Authors: Canizares D. , Angers P. , Ratti C.
Published: May 2020

Saturated and trans fatty acids play a significant role in the plastic properties of food. However, health recommendations suggest limiting their intake. One approach which got the attention of researchers was to decrease the amount of saturated and trans fatty acids in food by the structuring of edible oils through the crystallization of waxes. The underlying mechanisms that lead to organogelation and the properties that characterize well-structured edible oil have been slow to fully understand due in part to a lack of standardiza­tion in their analysis which often makes the comparison between research results from different laboratories difficult. The aim of this work was to review previously reported methods for the characterization of organo­gelation using vegetable and animal waxes, and to propose a minimal standardization for an organogelation analysis.
Protection of Indian Traditional Rice Varieties
Authors: G. Moghanraj Yadhav , Balakrishnan Balaguru , N. Nagamurugan
Published: May 2020

The crop genetic diversity has been sustainably maintained by the farmers of different regions for generations through cross-breeding. Competition among commercial ventures has placed these traditional varieties under severe exploitation and pilferage. The Indian government, to preserve these traditional varieties, has established PPV and FRA (Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act), which are on par with Intellectual Patent Rights (IPR). This gives the rights and ownership of the crop breed and its characterization to the traditional farmers who developed it. The researchers along with VAANGHAI, an NGO, have represented the traditional farmers, who are growing and maintaining traditional crops in Cauvery River's coastal delta region in Tamil Nadu to characterize and register their varieties under PPV and FRA. This study has identified around 69 rice varieties and characterized them based on their uniqueness, distinctiveness, stability, uniformity, test trials, and adaptability potential. Most potential rice varieties were registered under this act.
Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
Authors: Vakeel Sana , Kaushik Rashmi
Published: May 2020

Rising awareness among consumers about reducing, recycling, and re-using garments has given birth to the concepts of reverse commerce (re-commerce) and re-fashioning in the apparel industry. Re-commerce in the fashion industry is booming just like any other re-selling business, which sells electronic items, furniture, and vehicles. The trend of fashion re-commerce is quite popular not just online, but also among the offline retail stores across the globe. Factors that have contributed to the growth of the re-commerce fashion industry include tough economic times, budget constraints, and increased awareness among consumers about keeping the planet green by reducing waste. Re-fashioning helps consumers in saving a lot of money while encouraging them for conscious consumption. Based on secondary sources data, the study focuses on motivation and barriers to fashion re-commerce. Sustainability is also an upcoming concept in the fashion industry. The authors discusses sustainability in the fashion industry with the help of a review of literature available for the same.
Self-Construals Theory Applications for an Effective Communication of Sustainable Luxury
Authors: Gallo Ludovica , De Angelis Matteo , Amatulli Cesare
Published: May 2020

The next generations of luxury buyers will be increasingly involved in social and environmental issues, gradually asking for more CSR accountability. Luxury maisons, despite recognizing sustainability as a business imperative, seldom communicate their initiatives due to the apparent incompatibility of the two worlds. Past research has demonstrated how the concurrent elicitation of conflicting concepts of self-enhancement and self-transcendence typical of sustainable luxury communication negatively impact brand evaluation. This study investigates how self-construal manipulation plays a role in mitigating the cognitive disfluency phenomenon arising from CSR communication by luxury brands. On a sample of Americans and Italians, three different priming conditions are tested: an independent prime, an interdependent (collective) prime, and a neutral prime. The results of the experiment reveal that eliciting the interdependent self-construal by emphasizing collective concepts prior to the CSR message exposure positively affects brand evaluation via an increase in information fluency.
Recommercing Luxury Goods
Authors: Iannone Floriana
Published: May 2020

The aim of the work is to show that, in the luxury segment, retail operators are called to greater challenges imposed by the expansion of new competitive pressures especially driven by the dynamics of the demand trends increasingly oriented towards sustainability. The work provides a picture of the omnichannel strategies and of the practices adopted by the most important re-commerce players worldwide currently influencing the luxury brand choices in reassessing the opportunity offered by the re-commerce of the so-called ‘gently-used' personal goods. The ultimate goal is to underline the need for new collaborative strategies for luxury brands in order to better organize the retailing activities in an omnichannel perspective, especially considering the opportunities opened by the theme of sustainability.
Women Empowerment Vis-a-Vis Late Parenting
Authors: Roy Maitreyee Bardhan
Published: May 2020

The author of the chapter, while focusing on the neo-family ethos in India, indicates how women empowerment has overhauled the traditional family culture in 20th century India in the aftermath of the partition of Bengal and independence. The post-partition empowered women, with their economic independence, gave birth to an inherently empowered and educated women group (as their offspring) propagating late marriage and late parenting through their own practices and also through their fellow Indian citizens located in various urban centres of the country. The post-1990 globalization and liberalization policies have enabled the educated women group to procure skilled jobs with lucrative salaries and attractive service conditions in MNCs and IT sectors. The author of the chapter, through field surveys, tries to display the reality scenario through interaction with those women located in the modern employment sectors in the Kolkata metropolis.
Recounting Major State Policies That Promote the Male Breadwinner Model
Authors: Appalla Shruti , Pellissery Sony
Published: May 2020

The male breadwinner model is a system of family organization where the male adult is the primary earning member while the wife is considered to be a stay-at-home mother responsible for managing the household and child rearing. It is particularly seen to be prevalent in India where it is reinforced by traditional norms separating women from public spaces. While cultural and religious norms perpetuate this stereotype of an ideal family, the model has also received a lot of support in state policies and laws. This chapter attempts to focus on policies in fields like identity, inheritance, maintenance, labour, and property law that have until recently or continue to relegate women to the position of an invisible supporting wage earner in the family. It specifically focuses on deficits in childcare policies. It traces the consequence of these policies in reducing labour force participation rates and perpetuating patriarchal norms in society. In the process, the chapter explains the rise of the model from industrial Europe, its manifestation in a non-Western society like India, and its hopeful decline.
Paradigm Shifts in the Theory and Praxis of Mental Health Counseling
Authors: Kuruvilla Moly
Published: May 2020

Clinical psychology used to view women's distress as biological and men's distress as externally induced. The psychology of gender relations has progressed to view gender as a principle of the social structure, but counselling practices continue to have an uncritical focus on the unequal gender relations existing in the society. Feminist psychology recognizes that the pattern of women's mental disorders is role related rather than organic/biological and that many gender differences are shaped by differing socialization of males and females. While addressing the mental health needs of the women population, the “subjective distress” in the context of their “subjective realities” is to be explored. Silencing the oppressed is the feudalistic way of resolving issues, but it fails to recognise the storm inside the oppressed minds. From outside, the family may seem to be calm and cool, but the turbulence inside the feminine minds may break out any time either in the form of a suicide attempt or in the form of a complaint to the police or the women's commission.
Reproductive Mental Health and the Indian Criminal Legal System
Authors: Behl Ritika
Published: May 2020

The intricate relationship between reproductive mental health and the criminal legal system has not been explored or understood yet in India. A mother might be suffering from reproductive mental disorders while committing crimes like infanticide or neonaticide, which are still understudied. It is vital to develop an understanding of their symptoms and risk factors, which will be enlisted in the chapter. The author aims to highlight the limited approach of the Indian criminal legal system towards perinatal depression and perinatal psychosis and analyze how understanding of such mental disorders can effectively help in the justice delivery system. There are various inconsistencies in the infanticide laws worldwide, which shall also be covered in this chapter. There are certain recommendations presented here that can be utilized to ensure that the infanticide laws are not only punitive but are also reformative and rehabilitative. The author would like to bring to limelight how the education and training of clinical professionals and would-be parents is extremely vital.
Communication Through Classics
Authors: S. Punitha
Published: May 2020

This chapter describes how in a globalized world, the need for learning a new language becomes inevitable. If a speaker speaks in his native tongue, he will be able to address his language community only. Whereas, if the same speaker speaks in fluent English, his speech gathers him more attention and audience. From the period of development in language and various trades, the need for knowing other's language created the necessity for learning another language. Various tasks based on the level of the learners were propounded to exhibit their innate nature in learning. One such task-based strategy in teaching the communicative skills is through literature – storytelling, narrating lifetime incidents, cracking jokes, sharing the day-to-day news in the classroom. Teaching Greek myths in an Indian classroom is an interesting task. It makes the learner to enter a new world, creating a new scenario of pleasant learning. The teacher undertakes various roles as analyst, counselor, and group process manager.
The Demand of Employable Soft Skills for the IT Industry
Authors: Sreenivasulu Yadamala , Jha Akhil Kumar
Published: May 2020

The present empirical research has been carried out in response to the e-mails received from reputed IT industry HR personnel with regard to the behaviour and soft skills issues of the newly recruited students from the working institution of the author. The present research aimed to identify the employable soft skills through survey questionnaire which again gives the opportunity to know the gaps between the soft skills taught in various engineering institutions of Andhra Pradesh and skills required for the IT jobs. Further, a structured questionnaire was administered to HR personnel of select reputed IT companies who take part in campus drives. The data has been statistically analyzed based on which the viable suggestions are provided to the engineering institutions to train students in soft skills for better employability prospects in IT Industry.
A Derivative Approach Towards Activity-Centred Language Teaching
Authors: Shepherd Ritu , Varghese Susmi Mariam
Published: May 2020

A whole language approach is an educational philosophy, different activities and strategies create meaning to learning. Theoretical view of teaching in a classroom has helped to partially target on formal and informal styles of learning. E-learning has overtaken the traditional to be the best source. Thus, in this chapter, is described the different aspects, which when incorporated, makes learning not only easy but focused. It teaches the teachers and students to be engaged in the process of learning without stress and prepares the personality involved in the process of teaching and learning to be aware of certain remedies so that the platform may be conducive for education. Active and passive learning, cognitive, psychological, and biological aspects taken into consideration show how they are involved to create serious understanding to make the teaching process valuable.
Social and Cultural Factors Influence on English Speaking Abilities
Authors: Kakita Ramappadu , Palukuri Vijaya Babu
Published: May 2020

Social and cultural factors assume a huge job in learning climate. The speaker foundation assumes an indispensable job in English speaking skills, and it could be a dialect capacity that is horrifying by social and cultural segments. The researcher utilized the technique to hold the majority of the improvement occurred inside the class in regular settings and conjointly to gauge the speaking troubles experienced by technical course aspirants. This examination focuses on the impact of socio-cultural factors on the English-speaking abilities and it comprises observations, interviews, unstructured meetings, and surveys. The combination of different culture foundation students took part and accepted the need for social air and cultural support, which can empower the dimension of English expressive knowledge because they feel unsure while communicating. This examination is to discover useful inputs for learners, parents, and educationists to upgrade the procedures of instruction and figuring out ways to improve speaking abilities in English.
Theories of Social Media and Learning
Authors: Ignacimuthu Lourduraj , Kumar Mallika Vijaya
Published: May 2020

The objective of the study is to find out how students use social media for learning. Theories of social media and learning: social constructivism, heutagogy, activity theory, connectivism, cognitive development, peer learning, and peer tutoring, Cooperative learning is discussed and connected to learning. Social media is used at the college and university level for formal learning. The research methodology was survey research by a questionnaire, personal interviews, and focus group discussion. Youth in general are interested in using the technologies and it is found that they adopt technologies faster than the respondents in the age group of 45 and above. Learning takes place in their own habitats as opposed to formal classroom learning. The study also proves that the social media learners find new web portals to extend their learning and find answers for their questions from quora.com, edx.org, scribd.com, libgen.io, etc.
A Study on the Application of Technology for Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in Language Research
Authors: Shiny K. G.  , Karthikeyan J.  , Barman Binoy
Published: May 2020

A number of statistical packages were developed by software developers and companies to assist English language teaching (ELT) researchers. This chapter focuses on the role of technology in assisting ELT researchers in the form of online survey tools and data analysis software packages, and it provides an introduction to the application of widely used software packages. Analysis of the research over the past five years, and the role of technology to frame its findings, shows the vital and unavoidable significance of technology for the promotion of English language teaching research. The present analysis revealed the significant role of SPSS software for enhancing the quality of ELT research in a scientific manner. The study analyses various statistical techniques used and the various software that offers these techniques according to need. It also suggests the best software for ELT research and explains the features of these software packages.
Imagery of Assert and Valor With Reference to Amitav Ghosh's The Glass Palace
Authors: Vijay B. Arokia Lawrence
Published: May 2020

Amitav Ghosh' contribution for the welfare of women in literature is notable. He has given a multifaceted picture of women in all his works. His women characters have occupied a unique position in the literary arena. He was able to picture a typical ground reality of women in different location and situations. He has given a wide experience to all his readers to explore different women characters from an ordinary woman to a woman who meet all challenges and succeed in life. He has typically pictured women with challenges and struggles they face in their day today life. This chapter aims to picture the strength and courage of women positive and progressive in the novel The Glass Place.
A Neurology Clinical History Management System
Authors: Sarasa Antonio
Published: May 2020

The information management applications of medical centers do not adapt well to the needs of neurology consultations. The main problems refer to the structure of the reports that they generate, the limitations they offer to perform data analysis, and the limitations to export the information to different formats than the one managed by the application. Taking into account these problems and others, this work presents an information management system for neurological clinical records. The objective is to facilitate the completion of consultations of the specialist in neurology. The system consists of two applications, a web application and an Android app that communicate through a MongoDB database.
Progress in Creation of a New Constant Medium for Hyperpolarized MRI
Authors: Tanaka Masayoshi , Makino Seiji , Fujimura Hisako , Ohta Takeshi , Yosoi Masaru , Fujiwara Mamoru , Frossati Georgio , de Waard Arlette , Rouillé Gérard , Ueda Kunihiro
Published: May 2020

The MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) has been used as one of the powerful tools for medical diagnoses. Its usefulness is, however, still restricted because of the low spatial resolution and long measuring time mainly due to the low NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) signals relative to the noise levels. To overcome these restrictions, we started developing a method to remarkably enlarge the NMR signals about 10 years ago. We employ a method to hyperpolarize the nuclei, where the “hyperpolarize” means to artificially generate the nuclear polarization by many orders (102~106) of magnitude higher than the ordinary NMR signals currently in use. The hyperpolarized MRI would enable us to provide images with much higher spatial resolution and shorter measuring time than ever. Several techniques for hyperpolarization have been put into practical use; the BF (Brute Force) method, PHIP (Parahydrogen Induced Polarization) method, Laser optical pumping, DNP (Dynamic Nuclear Polarization), and so on. The experimental study on the hyperpolarization of 3He by the BF method, and that of 19F in PFC (Perfluorocarbon, known as an artificial blood) by the PHIP method has gotten started. In the former method, we use an extremely low temperature realized by the Pomeranchuk cooling in combination with 3He/4He dilution refrigerator and high magnetic field. In the latter method, we use the hydrogenation of the parahydrogen in the unsaturated hydrocarbon substrate at room temperature. Very recently, we started developing a novel type of the hyperpolarized MRI named HMM (Hyperpolarized Metabolic MRI) hoping for the cancer diagnosis.
3D Printed Titanium Dioxide Thin Films for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Charoensopa Krairop , Hansuebsai Aran , Manseki Kazuhiro
Published: May 2020

This work focused on the printing of semiconductor TiO2 thin films for solar cell applications by 3D printing system. We demonstrate a Liquid Deposition Modeling (LDM) type for controlling the pattern of TiO2 electrode. The advantage of this type of printer is able to vary the numbers of printed layer as well as different levelling pattern of TiO2 thin films by one time operation. Our aim was to study the effects of operating parameters of the 3D printer, such as nozzle size, speed and pressure on the thickness and uniformity of the printed TiO2 films. Using a commercial TiO2 paste, TiO2 precursor films were deposited on a conductive F-doped SnO2 glass by adjusting nozzle size, speed and pressure. The precursor films with different printed layers and levelling pattern were sintered using oven to produce porous TiO2 electrodes. The thickness and surface roughness of obtained TiO2 electrodes were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and 3D Measuring Laser Microscope. The printed TiO2 substrates were applied to dye-sensitized solar cells as electrodes. Our LDM type 3D printing will provide a new way of levelling design of device components for versatile optoelectronic applications.
Epitaxially Grown Hexagonal Boron Nitride Films on Sapphire and Silicon Substrates
Authors: Chen Xi , Tan Chun Bo , Luan Kai Ran , Wang Shuai , Li Fang Ye , Liu Xiu Huan , Zhao Ji Hong , Gao Yan Jun , Chen Zhan Guo
Published: May 2020

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) films were epitaxially grown on (100)-Oriented silicon and c-plane sapphire (α-Al2O3) substrates via a low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) method with boron trichloride (BCl3) and ammonia (NH3) as the boron source and nitrogen source. Crystalline quality differences between hBN films grown on different substrates are studied and discussed by XPS, Raman spectroscopy, XRD and SEM characterizations. All the characterization results indicate that the sapphire substrate is more suitable for epitaxial growth of hBN films than silicon substrates.
Numerical Study of Fracture Behavior of Gradient Nano-Grained Metals by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Liu Ya Ping , Yang Fan
Published: May 2020

Benefit from the gradient distribution of microstructure, gradient nanograined (GNG) metals have broad application prospect owing to their advantages of both high strength and good tensile ductility. Meanwhile, the fracture behavior of gradient nanograined metals is different from that of traditional homogeneous materials. Using molecular dynamics (MD) method, we simulated the propagation of a crack in a pre-cracked GNG Cu. Voronoi method was adopted to generate the polycrystalline topology with gradient grain size, and FCC copper atoms were filled into the topological structure. The crack was introduced by removing three layers of atoms. Then, the MD specimen was loaded to simulate the crack growth and/or blunting. The micro-defects were identified by the common neighbor analysis parameter. The effects of the grain size gradient and the crack tip initial position on the crack growth were also investigated.
Multiscale Simulation of the Stress-Strain State of Low Carbon Steel Strip Processed by Asymmetric Rolling
Authors: Konstantinov Dmitriy , Pesin Alexander , Pustovoytov D.O.
Published: May 2020

Asymmetric rolling with different work roll circumferential speeds is a process that can be used for improvement of mechanical properties of the processed metals and alloys. Development of the model, which allow to calculate the stress-strain state occurring in the microstructure of the ferritic-pearlitic steels during asymmetric rolling, was the main objective of this paper. Macro level models do not take into account the complicated behavior of the ferritic-pearlitic microstructure in the micro scale. Therefore, development of modelling methods, which allow predicting the properties distribution in the metal volume with the behavioral features of the microstructure under the influence of the deformation, was needed. Representative Volume Element (RVE), representing ferritic-pearlitic steel microstructure, was developed. Simulations of the asymmetric rolling process were performed and local deformation of each structural component was predicted. Selected results, as well as discussion of the effect of microstructure on obtained stress and strain distributions, are presented in the paper. Results of multiscale simulation analysis of the deformation characteristics, presented in this study, can be used for optimization of the asymmetric rolling process.
Impact Resistance and Fracture Surface of Al6061 Hybrid Composites Reinforced by Fly Ash and Calcium Oxide
Authors: Kosasang Onthida , Kummoo Autsadawooth , Konghakot Ratchapol , Talangkun Sukangkana
Published: May 2020

Phase formation, impact resistance, and fracture surface were investigated in unreinforced Al6061, Al6061-5wt% fly ash and Al6061 hybrid composites containing 5wt% fly ash and 1,3 wt% CaO. The Al6061 composites were fabricated the stir casting process. The XRD patterns reveal the formation of second phases (MgAl2O4, CaAl4O7 and MgSiO3), which were found in the Al6061 hybrid composites. The average grain size of Al6061 hybrid composite are much smaller than that of unreinforced Al6061.The impact resistance was enhanced by approximately 67% in Al6061 hybrid composite as compared to unreinforced Al6061 alloy. Brittle fracture indicting brittle fracture was observed in unreinforced Al6061 alloy while evidence of a mixture of brittle and ductile fracture was found in the Al6061 hybrid composites.
Bioleaching Solutions Used for the Nanoparticles Biosynthesis for Uranium and Arsenic Immobilization
Authors: Pawlowska Agnieszka , Sadowski Zygmunt
Published: May 2020

Bioleaching solutions from uranium and arsenic solid waste served as a source of U(VI) and As (V) ions, while plant extract from green tea (Camellia sinensis) – as a reductor for nanoparticle synthesis. Uranium dioxide and As (III) nanoparticles were formed as a product of bioreduction on the hematite and schwertmannite surfaces respectively, which resulted in an increase in the negative zeta potential with an increase in pH. It suggests, that the electrical potential depends on the presence of nanoparticles. The SEM microphotographs revealed the UO2 nanoparticles on the hematite surface.
COVID-19 and coagulative axis: review of emerging aspects in a novel disease
Authors: Boccia Matilde , Aronne Luigi , Celia Benito , Mazzeo Grazia , Ceparano Maria , D'Agnano Vito , Parrella Roberto , Valente Tullio , Bianco Andrea , Perrotta Fabio
Published: May 2020

Latest evidences from literature suggest that SARS-CoV-2 disease 2019 (COVID-19) is commonly complicated with coagulopathy and that disseminated intravascular coagulation is present in the majority of deceased patients. Particularly, conventional coagulation parameters appear to be significantly altered in patients with poor prognosis. A wide-ranging cross- talk between coagulative haemostasis and inflammation, as well as the activation of coagulation cascade during viral infections, are well established. Another important evidence which may explain coagulation disorders in COVID-19 is the increase of thrombus formation under conditions of hypoxia. Despite the exact pathophysiological mechanism of coronavirus-induced thromboembolism needs to be further investigated, this finding suggests that it is good practice to assess the risk of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients to improvethe clinical management in terms of anticoagulation therapy. Anticoagulants, mainly low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), should be tailored in patients meeting sepsis induced coagulopathy (SIC) criteria or with markedly elevated D-dimer. In this context, further studies are needed to optimise the decision making in therapeutic approach.
The Italian registry of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria - IRENE: the study protocol
Authors: Aliberti Stefano , Ruffo Codecasa Luigi , Gori Andrea , Sotgiu Giovanni , Spotti Maura , Di Biagio Antonio , Calcagno Andrea , Nardini Stefano , Assael Baroukh Maurice , Tortoli Enrico , Besozzi Giorgio , Ferrarese Maurizio , Matteelli Alberto , Girardi Enrico , De Lorenzo Saverio , Seia Manuela , Gramegna Andrea , Del Prato Bruno , Terranova Leonardo , Oriano Martina , Sverzellati Nicola , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Chalmers James D. , Haworth Charles S. , Loebinger Michael R. , Aksamit Timothy , Winthrop Kevin , Ringshausen Felix C. , Previdi Giuliana , Blasi Francesco
Published: May 2020

Background: A substantial increase in pulmonary and extra-pulmonary diseases due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been documented worldwide, especially among subjects suffering from chronic respiratory diseases and immunocompromised patients. Many questions remain regarding the epidemiology of pulmonary disease due to NTM (NTM-PD) mainly because reporting of NTM-PD to health authorities is not mandated in several countries, including Italy. This manuscript describes the protocol of the first Italian registry of adult patients with respiratory infections caused by NTM (IRENE). Methods: IRENE is an observational, multicenter, prospective, cohort study enrolling consecutive adult patients with either a NTM respiratory isolate or those with NTM-PD. A total of 41 centers, including mainly pulmonary and infectious disease departments, joined the registry so far. Adult patients with all of the following are included in the registry: 1) at least one positive culture for any NTM species from any respiratory sample; 2) at least one positive culture for NTM isolated in the year prior the enrolment and/or prescribed NTM treatment in the year prior the enrolment; 3) given consent to inclusion in the study. No exclusion criteria are applied to the study. Patients are managed according to standard operating procedures implemented in each IRENE clinical center. An online case report form has been developed to collect patients’ demographics, comorbidities, microbiological, laboratory, functional, radiological, clinical, treatment and outcome data at baseline and on an annual basis. An IRENE biobank has also been developed within the network and linked to the clinical data of the registry. Conclusions: IRENE has been developed to inform the clinical and scientific community on the current management of adult patients with NTM respiratory infections in Italy and acts as a national network to increase the disease’s awareness. Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT03339063.
The Eagle jugular syndrome
Authors: Scerrati Alba , Zamboni Paolo , Menegatti Erica , Galeotti Roberto , Lapparelli Marcello , Traina Luca , Tessari Mirko , Ciorba Andrea , De Bonis Pasquale , Pelucchi Stefano
Published: May 2020

Not available
Brain perfusion patterns: consistency and similarity with fMRI resting state networks and arterial vascular territories
Authors: Pirastru Alice , Pelizzari Laura , Bergsland Niels , Clerici Mario , Cecconi Pietro , Nemni Raffaello , Baglio Francesca , Laganà Maria Marcella
Published: May 2020

Not available
Restless legs syndrome, anxiety, and depression in phlebology practice
Authors: Mazayshvili Konstantin , Kiyan Kseniya , Sukhanov Alexey , Gustelev Yury
Published: May 2020

The aim was to analyze the prevalence and overlapping of chronic venous disorders, restless legs syndrome, anxiety and depressive conditions. There were 582 subjects enroll; 450 (77.5%) women and 132 (22.5%) men (mean age 45.0). The examination included a physical exam with ultrasound scanning, restless legs syndrome questionnaire, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). The prevalence of chronic venous disorders was in 82.6% subjects, restless legs syndrome - 13.9%, anxiety - 28% and depression - 8.6%. Chronic venous disorders were more frequent in anxious patients (34%; P<0.05) vs non-anxious (25%; P<0.05). Significant interrelations between chronic venous disorders and depression were not found (P>0.05). Anxiety and depression were significantly more frequent in patients with restless leg syndrome (anxiety 54.3% vs non-anxiety 23.8%, P<0.001; depression 24.7% vs non-depression 6%, P<0.001). There were not relevant interrelations between chronic venous disorders and restless leg syndrome or anxiety/depression. Anxiety and depressive were significantly correlated with restless legs syndrome.
The Effect of Intra-articular versus Intravenous Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Experimentally-Induced Knee Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Mostafa Aya , Korayem Horeya E. , Fekry Ereny , Hosny Somaya
Published: May 2020

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative debilitating disease, primarily affects joints, particularly weight-bearing areas. The surface layer of the articular cartilage breaks down and wears away leading to rubbing of bones, pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.

Aim and Objectives:

This study investigates the possible therapeutic effects of intra-articular versus intravenous injection of umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) against mono-iodoacetate-induced OA of the knee joints in male albino rats, using histological and immunohistochemical techniques.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty male adult albino rats were randomized into five groups as follows: Group (I) and (II): Served as control. Group (III): Osteoarthritic group. Group IV: Osteoarthritic and intraarticularly-injected MSCs. Group V: Osteoarthritic and intravenously-injected MSCs. Animals were sacrificed 1 month after stem cell injection, the right knee was prepared for histological techniques (Hematoxylin and Eosin and Toluidine blue stains) and immunohistochemical technique (Bax stain). Prussian blue stain was used to assess homing of MSCs in Groups IV and V.

Results:

Knee joint surface was irregular, fissured, and fragmented in Group III. In Groups IV and V, affected area was filled with newly formed tissue. Toluidine blue showed a decrease in matrix staining in Group III compared to both control and MSCs-treated groups. Chondrocytes in Group III showed strong Bax immunoreactivity and this reaction decreased in Group IV and V; however, Group V immunoreactivity was more than Group IV. Prussian blue stain showed labeled UCB-MSCs in many chondrocytes in Group IV and few chondrocytes in Group V.

Conclusion:

Intraarticularly-injected UCB-MSCs showed better healing of knee OA than intravenously-injected UCB-MSCs.
Categorification via blocks of modular representations for
Authors: Nandakumar Vinoth , Zhao Gufang
Published: May 2020

Bernstein, Frenkel, and Khovanov have constructed a categorification of tensor products of the standard representation of

$\mathfrak {sl}_2$
, where they use singular blocks of category

$\mathcal {O}$
for

$\mathfrak {sl}_n$
and translation functors. Here we construct a positive characteristic analogue using blocks of representations of

$\mathfrak {s}\mathfrak {l}_n$
over a field

$\mathbf {k}$
of characteristic p with zero Frobenius character, and singular Harish-Chandra character. We show that the aforementioned categorification admits a Koszul graded lift, which is equivalent to a geometric categorification constructed by Cautis, Kamnitzer, and Licata using coherent sheaves on cotangent bundles to Grassmanians. In particular, the latter admits an abelian refinement. With respect to this abelian refinement, the stratified Mukai flop induces a perverse equivalence on the derived categories for complementary Grassmanians. This is part of a larger project to give a combinatorial approach to Lusztig’s conjectures for representations of Lie algebras in positive characteristic.