bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of item size on choosing contrasted food quantities in angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
Authors: Gómez-Laplaza Luis M. , Romero Laura , Gerlai Robert
Published: October 2019

Comparative studies on quantity discrimination in animals are important for understanding potential evolutionary roots of numerical competence. A previous study with angelfish has shown that they discriminate numerically different sets of same-sized food items and prefer the larger set. However, variables that covary with number were not controlled and choice could have been influenced by variables such as size or density of the food items rather than numerical attributes. Here using a recently developed approach, we examined whether contour length of the food items affects choice in a spontaneous binary choice task. In Experiment 1, a contrast of 1 vs. 1 food item was presented, but the ratio between the size (diameter) of the food items was varied. In Experiment 2, numerically different food sets were equated in overall size by increasing the size (diameter) of the items in the numerically small sets. In both Experiments, subjects showed a preference for the larger sized food items with a discrimination limit. These results show that item size plays a prominent role in foraging decisions in angelfish. Experiment 3 placed numerical and size attributes of the sets in conflict by presenting one larger-sized food item in the numerically smaller set that also had smaller overall size (diameter) of food items. Angelfish showed no preference in any of the contrasts, suggesting that they could not make optimal foraging decisions when these attributes were in conflict. Maximization of energy return is central to optimal foraging. Accordingly, here item size was also found to be a key feature of the sets, although the numerical attributes of the sets also influenced the choice.
Small extracellular vesicles convey the stress-induced adaptive responses of melanoma cells
Authors: Harmati Maria , Gyukity-Sebestyen Edina , Dobra Gabriella , Janovak Laszlo , Dekany Imre , Saydam Okay , Hunyadi-Gulyas Eva , Nagy Istvan , Farkas Attila , Pankotai Tibor , Ujfaludi Zsuzsanna , Horvath Peter , Piccinini Filippo , Kovacs Maria , Biro Tamas , Buzas Krisztina
Published: October 2019

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), playing a crucial role in the intercellular communication in physiological as well as pathological processes. Here, we aimed to study whether the melanoma-derived sEV-mediated communication could adapt to microenvironmental stresses. We compared B16F1 cell-derived sEVs released under normal and stress conditions, including cytostatic, heat and oxidative stress. The miRNome and proteome showed substantial differences across the sEV groups and bioinformatics analysis of the obtained data by the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis also revealed significant functional differences. The in silico predicted functional alterations of sEVs were validated by in vitro assays. For instance, melanoma-derived sEVs elicited by oxidative stress increased Ki-67 expression of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); cytostatic stress-resulted sEVs facilitated melanoma cell migration; all sEV groups supported microtissue generation of MSC-B16F1 co-cultures in a 3D tumour matrix model. Based on this study, we concluded that (i) molecular patterns of tumour-derived sEVs, dictated by the microenvironmental conditions, resulted in specific response patterns in the recipient cells; (ii) in silico analyses could be useful tools to predict different stress responses; (iii) alteration of the sEV-mediated communication of tumour cells might be a therapy-induced host response, with a potential influence on treatment efficacy.
Environmental fungi and bacteria facilitate lecithin decomposition and the transformation of phosphorus to apatite
Authors: Li Chunkai , Li Qisheng , Wang Zhipeng , Ji Guanning , Zhao He , Gao Fei , Su Mu , Jiao Jiaguo , Li Zhen , Li Huixin
Published: October 2019

Organophosphorus compounds (OP) are stable P source in nature, and can increase eutrophication risk in waterbodies. Lecithin was the most difficult OP to be broken down. In this study, two typical phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, Aspergillus niger and Acinetobacter sp., were applied to evaluate their ability to decompose both inorganic phosphates and lecithin. A. niger and Acinetobacter sp. could solubilize calcium phosphates by secreting various organic acids, e.g., oxalic and formic acids. The fungus, A. niger, shows significantly higher ability of solubilizing these inorganic phosphates than Acinetobacter sp., primarily due to its secretion of abundant oxalic acid. However, the bacterium, Acinetobacter sp., could secrete more acid phosphatase than A. niger for lecithin decomposition, i.e., 9300 vs. 8500 μmol L−1 h−1. Moreover, after addition of CaCl2, the released P from lecithin was transformed to stable chlorapatite in the medium. To the contrast, Ca cations inclined to form calcium oxalate (rather than stable phosphate mineral) after the incubation of A. niger, as it induced relatively acidic environment after breaking down lecithin. Therefore, this work sheds light on the bright future of applying bacteria and Ca cations in OP pollutant management.
Peripheral Nerve Ligation Elicits Widespread Alterations in Cortical Sensory Evoked and Spontaneous Activity
Authors: Ashby Donovan M. , LeDue Jeffrey , Murphy Timothy H. , McGirr Alexander
Published: October 2019

Peripheral neuropathies result in adaptation in primary sensory and other regions of cortex, and provide a framework for understanding the localized and widespread adaptations that arise from altered sensation. Mesoscale cortical imaging achieves high temporal resolution of activity using optical sensors of neuronal activity to simultaneously image across a wide expanse of cortex and capture this adaptation using sensory-evoked and spontaneous cortical activity. Saphenous nerve ligation in mouse is an animal model of peripheral neuropathy that produces hyperalgesia circumscribed to the hindlimb. We performed saphenous nerve ligation or sham, followed by mesoscale cortical imaging using voltage sensitive dye (VSD) after ten days. We utilized subcutaneous electrical stimulation at multiple stimulus intensities to characterize sensory responses after ligation or sham, and acquired spontaneous activity to characterize functional connectivity and large scale cortical network reorganization. Relative to sham animals, the primary sensory-evoked response to hindlimb stimulation in ligated animals was unaffected in magnitude at all stimulus intensities. However, we observed a diminished propagating wave of cortical activity at lower stimulus intensities in ligated animals after hindlimb, but not forelimb, sensory stimulation. We simultaneously observed a widespread decrease in cortical functional connectivity, where midline association regions appeared most affected. These results are consistent with localized and broad alterations in intracortical connections in response to a peripheral insult, with implications for novel circuit level understanding and intervention for peripheral neuropathies and other conditions affecting sensation.
Binding partner- and force-promoted changes in αE-catenin conformation probed by native cysteine labeling
Authors: Terekhova Ksenia , Pokutta Sabine , Kee Yee S. , Li Jing , Tajkhorshid Emad , Fuller Gerald , Dunn Alexander R. , Weis William I.
Published: October 2019

Adherens Junctions (AJs) are cell-cell adhesion complexes that sense and propagate mechanical forces by coupling cadherins to the actin cytoskeleton via β-catenin and the F-actin binding protein αE-catenin. When subjected to mechanical force, the cadherin•catenin complex can tightly link to F-actin through αE-catenin, and also recruits the F-actin-binding protein vinculin. In this study, labeling of native cysteines combined with mass spectrometry revealed conformational changes in αE-catenin upon binding to the E-cadherin•β-catenin complex, vinculin and F-actin. A method to apply physiologically meaningful forces in solution revealed force-induced conformational changes in αE-catenin when bound to F-actin. Comparisons of wild-type αE-catenin and a mutant with enhanced vinculin affinity using cysteine labeling and isothermal titration calorimetry provide evidence for allosteric coupling of the N-terminal β-catenin-binding and the middle (M) vinculin-binding domain of αE-catenin. Cysteine labeling also revealed possible crosstalk between the actin-binding domain and the rest of the protein. The data provide insight into how binding partners and mechanical stress can regulate the conformation of full-length αE-catenin, and identify the M domain as a key transmitter of conformational changes.
Synthetic calcium carbonate improves the effectiveness of treatments with nanolime to contrast decay in highly porous limestone
Authors: Ševčík Radek , Viani Alberto , Machová Dita , Lanzafame Gabriele , Mancini Lucia , Appavou Marie-Sousai
Published: October 2019

Three synthetized polymorphs of calcium carbonate have been tested in combination with the suspension of nanolime particles as potential consolidating agents for contrasting stone decay and overcome some of the limitations of nanolime agents when applied to substrates with large porosity. The modifications induced in the pore network of the Maastricht limestone were analyzed with microscopy and in a non-invasive fashion with small angle neutron scattering and synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography. A reduction in porosity and pore accessibility at the micrometric scale was detected with the latter technique, and ascribed to the improved pore-filling capacity of the consolidation agent containing CaCO3particles. These were found to be effectively bound to the carbonated nanolime, strengthening the pore-matrix microstructure. Penetration depth and positive effect on porosity were found to depend on the particle size and shape. Absence of significant changes in the fractal nature of the pore surface at the nanoscale, was interpreted as indication of the negligible contribution of nanolime-based materials in the consolidation of stones with large porosity. However, the results indicate that in such cases, their effectiveness may be enhanced when used in combination with CaCO3particles, owing to the synergic effect of chemical/structural compatibility and particle size distribution.
Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy is Associated with Increased Cerebral Vascular Resistance. A Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Study
Authors: Ponziani Francesca Romana , Funaro Barbara , Lupascu Andrea , Ainora Maria Elena , Garcovich Matteo , Caracciolo Gianluigi , Quadarella Alessandro , Nesci Antonio , Riccardi Laura , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pompili Maurizio , Zocco Maria Assunta
Published: October 2019

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a subclinical complication of liver cirrhosis with a relevant social impact. Thus, there is urgent need to implement easy to use diagnostic tools for the early identification of affected patients. The aim of this study was to investigate cerebral blood flow, systemic hemodynamics as well as endothelial function of cirrhotic patients with MHE, and to verify their change after treatment with rifaximin. Fifty cirrhotic patients with or without MHE and an equal number of healthy controls underwent transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD), abdominal Doppler ultrasound (US), and measurement of flow mediated dilation (FMD). In cirrhotic patients diagnosed with MHE receiving rifaximin, the tests were repeated at the end of treatment. Middle (MCA) and posterior (PCA) cerebral artery resistive (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices were higher in cirrhotic patients than controls, as well as renal and splenic artery RI. Conversely, FMD was reduced. MCA-RI and PI were even higher in cirrhotic patients with MHE compared to those without; a MCA-RI cut-off of 0.65 showed an accuracy of 74% in discriminating the presence of MHE, with 65% sensitivity and 76% specificity. Rifaximin treatment showed no efficacy in the modulation of cerebral vascular flow. In conclusion, cirrhotic patients with MHE have significantly increased cerebral vascular resistances that are not improved by rifaximin treatment. MCA-RI measurement has a good accuracy for the diagnosis of MHE and can be useful for the early identification of this harmful complication of liver cirrhosis.
Longest terrestrial migrations and movements around the world
Authors: Joly Kyle , Gurarie Eliezer , Sorum Mathew S. , Kaczensky Petra , Cameron Matthew D. , Jakes Andrew F. , Borg Bridget L. , Nandintsetseg Dejid , Hopcraft J. Grant C. , Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar , Jones Paul F. , Mueller Thomas , Walzer Chris , Olson Kirk A. , Payne John C. , Yadamsuren Adiya , Hebblewhite Mark
Published: October 2019

Long-distance terrestrial migrations are imperiled globally. We determined both round-trip migration distances (straight-line measurements between migratory end points) and total annual movement (sum of the distances between successive relocations over a year) for a suite of large mammals that had potential for long-distance movements to test which species displayed the longest of both. We found that caribou likely do exhibit the longest terrestrial migrations on the planet, but, over the course of a year, gray wolves move the most. Our results were consistent with the trophic-level based hypothesis that predators would move more than their prey. Herbivores in low productivity environments moved more than herbivores in more productive habitats. We also found that larger members of the same guild moved less than smaller members, supporting the ‘gastro-centric’ hypothesis. A better understanding of migration and movements of large mammals should aid in their conservation by helping delineate conservation area boundaries and determine priority corridors for protection to preserve connectivity. The magnitude of the migrations and movements we documented should also provide guidance on the scale of conservation efforts required and assist conservation planning across agency and even national boundaries.
Using phenotypic distribution models to predict livestock performance
Authors: Lozano-Jaramillo M. , Alemu S. W. , Dessie T. , Komen H. , Bastiaansen J. W. M.
Published: October 2019

Livestock production systems of the developing world use indigenous breeds that locally adapted to specific agro-ecologies. Introducing commercial breeds usually results in lower productivity than expected, as a result of unfavourable genotype by environment interaction. It is difficult to predict of how these commercial breeds will perform in different conditions encountered in e.g. sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we present a novel methodology to model performance, by using growth data from different chicken breeds that were tested in Ethiopia. The suitability of these commercial breeds was tested by predicting the response of body weight as a function of the environment across Ethiopia. Phenotype distribution models were built using machine learning algorithms to make predictions of weight in the local environmental conditions based on the productivity for the breed. Based on the predicted body weight, breeds were assigned as being most suitable in a given agro-ecology or region. We identified the most important environmental variables that explained the variation in body weight across agro-ecologies for each of the breeds. Our results highlight the importance of acknowledging the role of environment in predicting productivity in scavenging chicken production systems. The use of phenotype distribution models in livestock breeding is recommended to develop breeds that will better fit in their intended production environment.
Signature of van der Waals interactions in the cumulant density matrix
Authors: Werba Olivia , Raeber Alexandra , Head-Marsden Kade , Mazziotti David A.
Published: October 2019

Here we propose and implement a universal signature of the van der Waals interactions based on the cumulant part of the two-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM).
Accessing the C–C transition state energy on transition metals
Authors: Aljama Hassan , Abild-Pedersen Frank
Published: October 2019

The search for catalysts that can efficiently convert large hydrocarbons has been an active area of research for decades.
Carbon-based materials for stable, cheaper and large-scale processable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Fagiolari Lucia , Bella Federico
Published: October 2019

Replacing gold and boosting stability: carbon as Holy Grail for perovskite solar cells.
Retraction: Novel techniques for enhancing the performance of support vector regression chemo-metric in quantitative analysis of LIBS spectra
Authors: Andres Jeanne
Published: October 2019

Retraction of ‘Novel techniques for enhancing the performance of support vector regression chemo-metric in quantitative analysis of LIBS spectra’ by Taoreed Olakunle Owolabi et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7ja00229g.
An efficient ruthenium(ii) tris(bipyridyl)-based chemosensor for the specific detection of cysteine and its luminescence imaging in living zebrafish
Authors: Li Yibin , Shi Ningning , Li Minna
Published: October 2019

A water-soluble, red emissive and cysteine-specific probe has been achieved through 1,4-addition of cysteine to α,β-unsaturated ketones.
Biological and catalytic potential of sustainable low and high valent metal-Schiff base sulfonate salicylidene pincer complexes
Authors: Adam Mohamed Shaker S. , El-Hady Omar M. , Ullah Farman
Published: October 2019

ONO-Tridentate Schiff base complexes with VO2+, UO22+, MoO22+and Mn2+were synthesized and characterized. All the complexes were shown to be of potential use as anticancer agents against selected human carcinoma cell lines.
Ionic circuitry with nanofluidic diodes
Authors: Ali Mubarak , Ramirez Patricio , Nasir Saima , Cervera Javier , Mafe Salvador , Ensinger Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

We demonstrate various orientations of single-pore membranes operating reliably in different arrangements of two, three, and four nanofluidic diodes using schemes similar to those of solid-state electronics with distinct ionic environments.
Transport of probe particles in a polymer network: effects of probe size, network rigidity and probe–polymer interaction
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Theeyancheri Ligesh , Chaki Subhasish , Chakrabarti Rajarshi
Published: October 2019

Computer simulations of sticky probes (red) comparable to the mesh size of the polymer network (blue) show fat-tailed displacement distributions, confirming stretching of the network, creating a local heterogeneity.
A free volume theory on the chain length dependence of the diffusivity of linear polymers
Authors: Wong Chi Pui Jeremy , Choi Phillip
Published: October 2019

A free volume theory for the crossover in diffusion coefficients of linear polymers from unentangled to entangled regimes is developed.
Bilingualism and Attention in Typically Developing Children and Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Park Jisook , Miller Carol A. , Sanjeevan Teenu , van Hell Janet G. , Weiss Daniel J. , Mainela-Arnold Elina
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The aim of the current study was to investigate whether dual language experience modulates the efficiency of the 3 attentional networks (alerting, orienting, and executive control) in typically developing (TD) children and in children with developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method

We examined the attentional networks in monolingual and bilingual school-aged children (ages 8–12 years) with and without DLD. TD children (35 monolinguals, 23 bilinguals) and children with DLD (17 monolinguals, 9 bilinguals) completed the Attention Network Test (
Fan et al., 2002
;
Fan, McCandliss, Fossella, Flombaum, & Posner, 2005
).

Results

Children with DLD exhibited poorer executive control than TD children, but executive control was not modified by bilingual experience. The bilingual group with DLD and both TD groups exhibited an orienting effect, but the monolingual group with DLD did not. No group differences were found for alerting.

Conclusions

Children with DLD have weak executive control skills. These skills are minimally influenced by dual language experience, at least in this age range. A potential bilingual advantage in orienting may be present in the DLD group.
An Exploratory Study on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Classroom Integration Training for Special Educators Who Work With Children With Complex Communication Needs in the Bahamas
Authors: Stanford Shameka , Harris Ovetta
Published: October 2019

Purpose

In 2011, the United Nations estimated there were between 180 and 220 million youth with disabilities living around the world, and 80% of them resided in developing countries. Over the last 6 years, this number has increased significantly, and now, over 1 million people live in the Caribbean with some form of disability such as communication disorders resulting in complex communication needs (CCN).

Method

This publication discusses the benefits of an exploratory, descriptive, nonexperimental study on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) classroom integration training for 8 special educators in the Bahamas who work with children with CCN.

Results

The results of this study revealed that 100% of the participants reported the study to be effective in increasing their knowledge and skill in the area of implementing AAC into their classrooms, enhancing their ability to team teach and incorporate AAC opportunities for all students with CCN within their classrooms, and increasing their knowledge and skill overall in the areas of AAC and CCN.

Conclusion

The findings highlight an important area of potential professional development and training that can be replicated in other English-speaking Caribbean territories focused on AAC classroom integration training program for special educators who teach students with CCN.
12 b 50 MS/s 0.18 μm CMOS SAR ADC based on highly linear C‐R hybrid DAC
Authors: Park J.‐S. , Kim D.‐H. , An T.‐J. , Kim M.‐K. , Ahn G.‐C. , Lee S.‐H.
Published: October 2019

A 12 b 50 MS/s successive‐approximation register (SAR) ADC with a highly linear C‐R hybrid DAC is presented. The proposed DAC significantly reduces the required total number of unit capacitors by processing the upper bits based on a binary‐weighted capacitor array and the remaining lower bits based on reference segment voltages, which are obtained from a simple resistor string. The reduced number of unit capacitors enables the use of larger unit capacitance, resulting in improved matching accuracy. In the C‐R hybrid DAC, an input range scaling technique, which matches a full‐scale input range to the reference voltage range, implements the binary‐weighted SAR operation without additional capacitors and reference voltages. The DAC linearity is improved considerably through the process‐insensitive capacitor‐array layout, which cancels out oxide‐gradient errors. The prototype ADC in a 0.18 μm CMOS process demonstrates measured differential and integral non‐linearities within 0.71 LSB and 0.85 LSB at 12 b, respectively, with a maximum signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion ratio and a spurious‐free dynamic range of 64.3 and 74.7 dB at 50 MS/s, respectively. The ADC occupies an active die area of 0.17 mm2 and consumes 2.63 mA with a 1.8 V supply voltage.
DSP‐based comparison of PFC control techniques applied on bridgeless converter
Authors: Ortatepe Zafer , Karaarslan Ahmet
Published: October 2019

A comparison of fuzzy self‐tuning (FST), sliding mode control (SMC) and conventional proportional–integral (PI) control methods is performed under unbalanced grid conditions using a bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) converter. The bridgeless PFC converter operates the correction of AC line current to obtain a DC output voltage without full bridge rectifier based on these control methods. These control methods generate the duty cycles to provide higher unity power factor and lower total harmonic distortion of input current, even if AC line voltage is distorted. This study focuses on the performance analysis of FST and SMC methods adaptation to the input current for the bridgeless PFC converter and comparing with the conventional PI controller. Although the SMC method is only used in the current control loop, the FST method is used in both current and voltage control loops for eliminating harmonics of input current and regulating of output voltage. The performance of control methods is evaluated with a TMS320F2812 digital signal processor. The simulation and experimental results are compatible with the limits for harmonic current emissions, IEC 61000‐3‐2 and show that the FST and SMC are better than the conventional PI control method and FST is superior to the SMC.
Design of the intelligent energy‐saving cardiotachometer based on Mbed
Authors: Guo Yuxiang , Zhu Chenhui
Published: October 2019

In order to deal with the shortcomings of a photoelectric mode cardiotachometer, such as wasting energy and slowly refreshing results, this study mainly focuses on a real‐time displayed, portable, low‐cost, and energy‐saving cardiotachometer. The design is based on the Mbed, which is the core microprocessor, controlled and dispatched by the built‐in function. Before filtering and amplifying the electronic signal, the pulse signal is collected by the photoelectronic sensor at the beginning of the whole process of the cardiotachometer. The energy‐saving function can be achieved through audio p‐type metal oxide semiconductor to switch on and off the light‐emitting diode (LED) which is in the sensor. Eventually, the real‐time ratio of the heartbeats and the waveforms can be displayed on the two 8 × 8 LED modules at the same time with overall energy‐saving of about 50%. This design can be applied in many fields focusing on long battery life and portable, especially as a part of a wearable device.
Smart window for angular selective filtering of solar radiation
Authors: Zakirullin R. , Odenbakh I.
Published: October 2019

A new approach to angular selective filtering of the solar radiation without using the sunlight redistribution devices is proposed. Parallel strips of chromogenic materials on two surfaces of the pane(s) form an optical filter having angular selective light transmission. Clarified methods to calculate the optimum slope angle of the strips on the pane(s), their widths and relative position on two surfaces considering the seasonal and daily change in the solar radiation, the location of the building and the window’s azimuth are presented. Such a smart window blocks the direct radiation in a preset angular range and transmits the scattered and reflected radiation that is provides comfortable daylighting indoors.
Experimental research of the operation of self-sufficient desalination setup of vapor-air type
Authors: Sokolov P. S. , Bannikov A. V. , Kozlova M. V.
Published: October 2019

The growing global shortage of freshwater resources can be partially offset by the desalination of mineralized ocean and marine waters. The most common methods of desalination today are distillation, based on phase transformations of water, and reverse-osmosis, which consists in passing sea water through semipermeable membranes. The distillation method of desalination is characterized by significant thermal energy needs. In the process of desalination by the reverse-osmotic method, there is a need for the periodic replacement of expensive membranes, the creation of high pressure, which leads to significant energy consumption. In this regard, the actual problem is the study of vapor-air desalination method, based on the law of equilibrium state of vapor-gas-liquid mixtures. The efficiency of devices based on the vapor-air method is a significant increase in productivity due to the additional generation of steam, which reduces the energy costs for heating water in the installation. The purpose of this work is to determine the main factors affecting the performance of the vapor-air type installations. As a result of an experimental study of the operation of aself-sufficient steam-type desalination setup, it was found out that the initial water and air temperatures in the bubbling zone have a key impact on the performance. The high energy efficiency of devices implementing this method, with the quality of the condensate that complies with regulatory requirements, makes the vapor-air desalination method very future-oriented.
Efficiency of systems of heat supply with introduction of automated individual heating substations
Authors: Zvonareva Yu. N. , Ziganshin Sh. G. , Izmaylova E. V. , Gavrilov A. S. , Moryashev A. V. , Kolcun M.
Published: October 2019

Article is devoted to increasing efficiency of heat supply systems. We demonstrate research results and an analysis of dependences of overall heat supply system performance indicators at various levels of equipment of consumers with the automated individual heating substations.
The scheme of dosing additives to fuel oil and evaluation of the effectiveness of its implementation at the enterprises of the fuel and energy complex
Authors: Zvereva E. R. , Burganova F. I. , Khabibullina R. V. , Zverev L. O. , Sheshukov E. G.
Published: October 2019

Additives are actively used to improve the quality of liquid fuels. Effective mixing of the additive with fuel with high reliability and efficiency of the boiler is ensured by the choice of technological dosing scheme liquid additive which will allow to organize automatically preparation of the additive, adding it to the oil and stirring.
Comparative life cycle assessment of mini combined heat and power plants
Authors: Sosnina E. N. , Masleeva O. V. , Kryukov E. V. , Erdili N. I.
Published: October 2019

The article presents the results of an environmental study of the mini combined heat and power plants (mini-CHPs) life cycle with gas engines operating on natural gas and biogas, and with diesel engines. The calculation of material and energy flows, the environmental impact on the atmospheric air, water basin and soil has been carried out. The largest mass of harmful substances in wastewater has been observed with the account of the life cycle assessment (LCA) for the mini-CHPs in biogas, the smallest mass in diesel mini-CHPs. During the operation of biogas, gas piston and diesel PI, significant greenhouse gas emissions have taken place because of the fuel combustion. The article considers the issues of thermal pollution in the environment. It has been revealed that the life cycle of the bioenergy installations has a maximum impact on the environment, with the account of the fuel combustion in mini-CHPs with diesel engines. Biogas mini-CHPs have a greater advantage considering the processes of the operation and fuel combustion. The conducted research can help in choosing the type of the engine when designing a mini-CHP.
Efficiency study of the reactive shunt compensation device in power lines
Authors: Udaratin A. , Alyunov A. , Krutikov A. , Mukhametova L.R. , Zaripov O.O. , Bochkarev I.V.
Published: October 2019

We consider the devices for reactive shunt compensation and simulated their use in a real energy facility.
Software and hardware solution for digital signal processing algorithms testing
Authors: Talanov M. V. , Talanov V. M.
Published: October 2019

The article describes the microprocessor system for various digital signal processing algorithms testing. The development of electric drive control systems is carried out with the usage of modeling systems such as, MATLAB/Simulink. Modern digital control systems are based on specialized digital signal microcontrollers. The present market offers evaluation boards, for example STM32F4DISCOVERY, which enables to connect a microcontroller to a personal computer. It makes possible to use the microcontroller as a part of the mathematical model of the control system. However, the designing of the control system simulation model and the program for the microprocessor is carried out in different programming environments. Thus, the software and hardware solution for testing programs for the microprocessor, which is a part of the control system, is relevant. This article deals with the designing of the modeling method in which the prototype program for the microprocessor is debugged as a part of the electric drive control system simulation model.
Optical Device for Measuring Small Displacements of Control Objects Surfaces with Protection from External Mechanical Loading
Authors: Miroshnichenko I. P. , Parinov I. A. , Savostina T. P. , Sizov V. P.
Published: October 2019

The paper describes high-precision contactless optical devices for measuring small linear and angular displacements of the surfaces of control objects based on modern laser technologies and new methods of optical interferometry. A new scientific-based technical solution has been proposed, which allows one to provide continuous protection against the influence of external mechanical loading in the measurement process. The proposed technical solutions are successfully used to solve actual scientific and industrial problems and can also be successfully used to control the quality of structural materials and diagnostics of the state of goods under operating conditions in mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, aircraft construction, etc.
The evaluation of the operation of continuous monitoring system control of power quality at mining enterprises
Authors: Bebikhov Y. V. , Semenov A. S. , Semenova M. N. , Pavlova S. N. , Glazun M. A. , Miftahova N. K.
Published: October 2019

In the paper, theoretical and experimental studies including measuring of the electricity quality indices at mining enterprises were made. The evaluation of the efficiency of the applied means of high-harmonic compensation was fulfilled. The proposals to create the system for continuous monitoring of power quality indices were developed. Electrical devices of surface and underground complexes of mines connected to distribution networks 6 kV and used in mining and processing of diamondiferous ores were considered as the research objects. The results of installation of the monitoring system of electric power quality indices at electric drives and frequency converters of some process units were studied. Technical and economic analysis was carried out, and the guidelines concerning the improvement of energy efficiency of frequency-controlled electric drives were formulated.
Working conditions as a socio-economic significant category
Authors: Alekina E. V. , Popkova O. S. , Yagovkin G. N. , Shapkenov B.K.
Published: October 2019

The paper identifies the main components of the socio-economic category “working conditions”, including all socio-economic and organizational-technical factors influencing the person’s preparation for active participation in work activities without accidents and other incidents, which is an objective necessity in modern society.
Self-reconstruction of single-cycle light bullet in linear (free-space) propagation regime
Authors: Chekalin Sergey , Kompanets Victor , Dormidonov Alexander , Kandidov Valerii
Published: October 2019

The results of investigation of extremely compressed wave packets penetration of air gap under single femtosecond laser pulse filamentation in LiF at anomalous group velocity dispersion are presented. It is revealed by laser coloration method that a single cycle light bullet formed before the gap up to 0.5 mm was recovered after passing some distance behind the gap which increased nonlinearly with the gap length.
God plays coins or superposition principle for quantum states in probability representation of quantum mechanics
Authors: Man’ko Olga , Chernega Vladimir
Published: October 2019

The superposition principle of quantum states is expressed as the addition rule of probability distributions which are identified with these quantum states in new representation of quantum mechanics. Example of two spin-1/2 states is considered explicitly.
Laser radiation impact on a solid surface and formation of micro- and nanostructures
Authors: Kochuev Dmitriy , Chkalov Ruslan , Prokoshev Valery , Khorkov Kirill
Published: October 2019

The work is devoted to the problem of microand nanostructuring of the surface of solids as a result of exposure to laser radiation. The method of forming periodic surface structures by means of femtosecond laser processing is presented using the example of solving the problem of titanium structuring.
Features of DLW-STED nanolithography for quantum optics
Authors: Vitukhnovsky A.G. , Chubich D.A. , Kolymagin D.A. , Zvagelsky R.D.
Published: October 2019

The report proposes a discussion of the effective combination of two current trends: the additive 3D printing method and the development of multicomponent photonic schemes, as well as the development of the foundations of additive scalable and flexible optical technology for creating interconnects and optical structures, which can solve problems such as the creation of interchip optical compounds, various optical and quantum-optical systems on a chip (resonators, modulators, photon detectors, single-photon radiation sources, etc.).
Numerical solution of photocounting statistics inverse problem for few-photon pulsed laser sources
Authors: Gostev Pavel , Magnitskiy Sergey , Chirkin Anatoly , Demin Andrey
Published: October 2019

We present a numerical procedure for recovering of photon statistics of few-photon pulsed laser sources. It provides controlled level of mean error for both of photon and photocounting statistics. It is shown that procedure is correct for model data with average error level of 10−4and fidelity 0.9998.
Topological charge influence on self-action of femtosecond optical vortices in the range of anomalous group velocity dispersion
Authors: Vasilyev Evgeny , Shlenov Svyatoslav
Published: October 2019

The self-action of femtosecond optical vortices in LiF crystal at wavelength 1800 nm in the range of anomalous group velocity dispersion is considered. The influence of the topological charge on the spatio-temporal dynamics of the pulse and peak intensity values in the formation of ring light bullets is analyzed.
On the impact of the laser radiation wavelength and the concentration of quantum dots on the luminescence spectra of colloid solution and QD-doped nanocomposites
Authors: Eskova A.E. , Arzhanov A.I. , Magaryan K.A. , Koverga N.A. , Karimullin K.R. , Naumov A.V.
Published: October 2019

The influence of the concentration and the laser excitation wavelength on the width and luminescence spectrum maximum of CdSe/CdS /ZnS quantum dots in the toluene solution and doped on the glass plate was studied. It was shown that the wavelength of the exciting laser does not affect the width and peak center of the luminescence spectrum of the samples under the study. Possible mechanisms of the quantum dots concentration influence on studied parameters are analyzed.
Concept and design of a compact laser system for remote measurements by the method of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Lebedev Vyacheslav , Pavlov Kirill , Fedina Maria , Fedin Alexander
Published: October 2019

A compact laser system based on a Nd: YAG laser with a wavefront self-reversal for remote analysis of substances by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy at a distance of at least 10 m is proposed. The possibility of creating a reliable system for remote diagnostics of materials by laser-spark emission spectroscopy, including in real time, is shown.
Development of the graphene matrix - polymeric composite for use as an optical modulator based on multi-layered graphene
Authors: Lachina Alena , Khorkov Kirill , Davydov Nikolay , Prokoshev Valery
Published: October 2019

The article describes the stages of obtaining an absorbing medium based on multilayer graphene in a matrix of carboxymethyl cellulose on an optical substrate. The results of the analysis of the obtained graphene - carboxymethyl cellulose medium are presented. A possible variant of testing the absorbing - saturating properties of the working environment is described.
Spectral-kinetic properties of YF3-CeF3: Eu3+/Tb3+ nanoparticles as possible sensitizers of PDT dyes
Authors: Madirov Eduard , Nizamutdinov Alexey , Lukinova Elena , Pudovkin Maxim , Andreeva Daria , Korableva Stella , Semashko Vadim
Published: October 2019

Optical properties of crystalline CeF3-YF3 nanoparticles doped with Eu3+ or Tb3+ ions were studied. The energy transfer coefficients from Ce3+ to the doping ions were estimated. As well as this, conjugation of nanoparticles and dye molecules using polyethyleneimine was tested. The energy transfer from the nanoparticles to dye molecules was studied.
The temperature characteristics of plasma induced by femtosecond laser radiation
Authors: Arakelyan Sergei , Zhirnova Svetlana , Galkin Arkady , Kochuev Dmitriy , Shamanskaya Elena , Khorkov Kirill
Published: October 2019

In this work, the plasma temperature in an argon and nitrogen medium is measured at various pressure values. Such data can be used to calculate plasma parameters: electron concentration, collision frequency with atoms and molecules, etc. Two approaches are used to measure temperature: using a pyrometer and measuring the relative intensity of spectral lines.
Paradigmatics, semantics and pragmatics of the imperative in German
Authors: Bodnaruk Elena , Reznichenko Larisa
Published: October 2019

The article studies the imperative, one of the most significant linguistic means of expression of incentive in the German language. Traditionally the imperative belongs to forms of a verbal mood and is a morphological unit. Forming a special type of the sentence, an incentive sentence, the imperative can also be recognized as a syntax unit. The paradigm of the imperative in a narrow sense consists of the forms of the 2nd person singular and plural. In a broad sense it also includes polite forms (with Sie pronoun) and forms of joint action (with wir pronoun). From the semantic point of view, the imperative has such features as deictivity, controllability of action, beneficiation, subordination, aim-orientation and futurity. The imperative is involved in the considerable repertoire of speech acts. In the studied corpus of examples extracted from direct speech of characters of fictional discourse it is frequent in such speech acts of incentive character as request, advice, demand, order, permission, offer, invitation and some other. Besides, it is widespread in the contactive and metacommunicative speech acts which are characterized by the blurred imperativeness. In rare cases the imperative can be involved in the non-incentive speech acts of the modal-evaluative and informing character.
Text categories of messages in the form of a political cartoon
Authors: Denisova Galina
Published: October 2019

The article deals with the political cartoon as a creolized text consisting of two parts (verbal and visual) and identifies the potential of verbal and visual means to express text categories in messages under study. The author comes to a conclusion that political cartoons are characterized with the same text categories as a homogeneous verbal text. The text categories of a political cartoon are expressed with verbal and visual means organized in personal, local, temporal and modal structures of the message. Analysis of Walter Hanel's cartoons proves the following: (1) the cartoonist expresses his own opinion using constituents of the personal structure; (2) narration perspective of the message causes its emotional tinge and subjective evaluation (the artist uses verbal means, which have certain connotations or develop ones in connection with the picture, and advantages of visual means, constituents of the modal structure); (3) constituents of the local structure function as direct and indirect local references, indicate place of action and create space of a cartoon; (4) using advantages of both codes and appealing to addressee's background knowledge, the cartoonist can specify time actual for the message, introduce traces of the past into the present and look into the future. The author of the article inclines to the opinion that verbal and visual means are equal in their contribution to the message in the form of a political cartoon
Score-rating system influence on the formation of general professional competence of students in technical universities
Authors: Igtisamova Galiya , Nosirov Doniyor
Published: October 2019

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation has established a score-rating system to assess the achievement quality within academic disciplines. The word "rating" is a foreign-language term, literal translation into Russian means "assessment". The second meaning of the word "rating" is a numerical measure; it characterizes performance of a student, pupil, etc., during a certain period of training, usually by the 20-point scale, or 100-point scale. This article highlights the history of formation and implementation of a score-rating system into the curriculum. Due to development of advanced technologies, there is a need for training highly qualified personnel to solve increasingly complex problems in professional activities. In our opinion, pedagogical assessment of student's knowledge in the form of score-rating system is a key role for preparing highly qualified personnel. The authors study processes of training skilled professionals in the course of academic education in technical universities of our country.
Key words: score-rating system (SRS), competence, student, progress, credit, rating, factor.
The concept WHITE SILENCE in the “Northern stories” by Jack London
Authors: Kovalevskaya Svetlana , Ibatulina Ksenia , Laletina Natalia
Published: October 2019

The article focuses on a specific extension of the concept WHITE SILENCE in the “Northern stories” by Jack London. The concept WHITE SILENCE is one of the most interesting concepts not only in the literary works of J. London, but also in American culture. Applying the statements of the concept layers structure, we discover that the figurative layer of the concept WHITE SILENCE consists of the ten conceptual features as “territorial area”, “ice”, “cold”, “snow”, “frost”, “silence”, “mental illnesses”, “famine”, “pain”, “physical death”. It also includes three microconcepts LANDSCAPE, NOTHERN NATURE, NOTHERN LIFE CONDITIONS. The most vivid means such as epithet, metaphor, intensification and personification in the “Northern stories” are used.
International communication of the Ancient Russian state (pragmalinguistic aspect)
Authors: Murugova Elen , Matveeva Galina , Myasischev George
Published: October 2019

The article deals with studying business communication between the City of Novgorod and the Hanseatic League. The “Methods and study” section provides a detailed theoretical description of the linguistic personality of a diplomat of the 13-15th centuries. The main methods and directions of study and reconstruction of the personality under study are substantiated. The “Results and Discussion” section describes an experiment conducted on the basis of pragmatic linguistics and its results. Using some documents of the 13-15th centuries as the background, we have reconstructed the speech image of a medieval diplomat, the author of international birchbarks. The reconstruction was made as per the methods of pragmatic linguistics. The method is based on comparing some specific syntactic unities and uses of grammar forms throughout the entire body of the analyzed documents. The description of the reconstructed image of the diplomat has enabled to draw a conclusion on the preservation of linguistic traditions throughout the entire period of the existence of autonomous city-states and their relationships with the Hanseatic League.