bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uterine two‐dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of feline pyometra
Authors: Blanco Paula Graciela , Rube Ana , López Merlo Mariana , Batista Pablo Rodrigo , Arioni Sol , López Knudsen Ignacio , Tórtora Mariana , Gobello Cristina 
Published: November 2018

ContentsThe aim of this study was to compare uterine two‐dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic parameters in queens suffering from pyometra from those in early pregnancy. Secondly, the effect of the presence of clinical signs of systemic illness on these parameters was also described. Fourteen post‐oestrous queens, with uterine luminal content in the absence of embryos were included. According to their outcome (pyometra surgery or parturition), the queens were retrospectively assigned to one of the following groups: Pyometra (PYO; n = 7) or pregnant (PRG; n = 7). In all the queens, two‐dimensional and Doppler ultrasound examinations of the uterus were performed. The presence or absence of clinical signs of systemic illness was recorded. The widest cross‐sectional diameter (UD), uterine wall thickness (WT), uterine lumen contents (LC) and uterine artery resistance index (RI) were measured. Uterine horn diameter was higher in PYO group than in PRG group (p < 0.05), while WT (p > 0.1) and LC (p = 0.09) did not differ between groups. Values of RI for PYO and PRG groups were 0.61 ± 0.03 vs 0.53 ± 0.09 (p < 0.05), respectively. PYO cats suffering from clinical signs of systemic illness showed larger UD than those without signs (p < 0.01). It is concluded that two‐dimensional and Doppler ultrasound might be useful to distinguish queens suffering from pyometra from those in early pregnancy. Secondly, the clinical signs of systemic illness were associated with a larger UD.
Neonatal puppy survival after planned caesarean section in the bitch using aglepristone as a primer: A retrospective study on 74 cases
Authors: Roos Juliette , Maenhoudt Cindy , Zilberstein Luca , Mir Fernando , Borges Paulo , Furthner Etienne , Niewiadomska Zuzanna , Nudelmann Nicolas , Fontbonne Alain 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSince most of dystocia end up in caesarean sections (C‐sections), the history of any problem during whelping is a good reason to plan in advance a further C‐section. Our aim was to confirm that on a large sample and over an extended period of time, mortality in puppies <2 weeks of age was low, born after a planned C‐section using aglepristone as a primer. Seventy‐four C‐sections on 59 different bitches were included. Bitches were monitored during oestrus to estimate the day of ovulation by progesterone assays; 60, 61 or 62 days after ovulation, foetal viability was checked by ultrasonography and progesterone plasma level was measured. None of the bitches was at term (progesterone plasma level >2 ng/ml). An injection of aglepristone was performed in late afternoon to block the effect of progesterone, mimicking its drop at the end of pregnancy. The C‐section was conducted the following morning. Twenty‐one breeds were represented most of which were bulldogs (26%, 21/74) and Great Danes (16%, 13/74). Four hundred and thirty‐five puppies were born. A total of 43/435 puppies died within the first 2 weeks (9.89%). None of the puppies showed any external signs of prematurity. The average number of deaths per litter relative to the date after ovulation was similar (0.5 pups per litter at day 60, 0.7 at day 61, 0.4 at day 62). This study shows that planned C‐section after an accurate determination of ovulation and using aglepristone as a primer is a safe procedure for bitches and their offspring. It may be offered to owners if a pregnant bitch is “at risk” of dystocia.
Macroeconomic consequences of state fragility in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Chuku Chuku , Onye Kenneth 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAre poor macroeconomic outcomes primarily the result of economic policies, or of deeper underlying state fragility problems in sub‐Saharan Africa? We attempt to answer this question by using carefully specified dynamic panel regression techniques to show how state fragility conditions help to explain the differences in the macroeconomic performance of sub‐Saharan African economies, and to identify the most plausible mechanisms of transmission. We find that countries with greater fragility suffer higher macroeconomic volatility and crisis; they also experience weaker growth. When we disaggregate state fragility into its various components, we find that it is the security and social components that have the strongest causal impact on macroeconomic outcomes, while the political component is, at best, weak. Therefore, we conclude that it is state fragility conditions, and not necessarily macroeconomic policies, that are of first‐order importance in explaining the differences in macroeconomic performance for African countries. The knock‐on effects are mostly mediated through the fiscal channel, the aid channel, and the finance channel. Accordingly, we recommend that interventions in fragile states should best focus on exploiting the potential for using fiscal policy, aid, and finance as instruments to improve macroeconomic outcomes in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Home Production and China's Hidden Consumption
Authors: Wang Yabin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a structural approach to estimating the value of home production in China. The structural model incorporates stylized facts about the time allocation of Chinese households, such as the active participation of retired individuals in home production. Estimates based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey show that the aggregate value of home production as a fraction of adjusted GDP have fallen at a rate of 2.7 percent per year over the past decade in China. However, a significant part of China's private consumption was still satisfied through unpaid home production in 2009, amounting to roughly 18 percent of adjusted GDP.
Risks, benefits, and ethical questions associated with transplanting kidneys from hepatitis C virus‐infected donors into hepatitis C virus‐negative patients
Authors: Goldberg David , Reese Peter P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUtilization of kidneys from hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected deceased donors has the potential to increase the number of kidney transplants by 500‐1000 (or more) each year. This increase in the number of kidney transplants offers major opportunities to extend survival and improve quality of life for patients infected with HCV, as well as uninfected recipients. However, due to a lack of prospective safety and efficacy data on a sufficient number of HCV‐negative recipients who received a kidney from a HCV‐infected donor, as well as key logistical barriers, the practice of transplanting HCV‐infected organs into uninfected recipients is not yet ready to be considered as standard of care. Ongoing research coupled with a collaboration between insurers and transplant centers might bring positive‐into‐negative transplant into the realm of standard of care in well‐informed transplant candidates, regardless of HCV status.
How the Link Between Social Capital and Migratory Duration Helps Us Understand Immigrant–Native Inequality*
Authors: McNeely Natasha Altema , Maltby Elizabeth , Rocha Rene R. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveIn the aggregate, people are socioeconomic indicators who are better off in high social capital environments. But the gap between natives and immigrants is large in these same areas. In this article, we offer an alternative argument for the effect of social capital on inequality between immigrants and natives.MethodsWe use a duration modeling analysis of data on migratory stays supplied by the Mexican Migration Project to link social capital to immigration trends.ResultsWe suggest that social capital may be reducing equality for benign reasons and show that social capital is a resource that mostly benefits unauthorized immigrants in punitive policy environments. Unauthorized immigrants are encouraged to settle in high social capital states to gain access to these resources. This group tends to be less assimilated and possesses few socioeconomic resources.ConclusionHigh social capital states are unequal not because social capital produces inequality but because it is valued by immigrants who are faring poorly. The most vulnerable immigrants benefit the most from living in places where social networks and feelings of generalized trust are strong.
Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among at‐risk blood donors in Japan
Authors: Sayama Yusuke , Furui Yasumi , Takakura Akiko , Ishinoda Masazumi , Matsumoto Chieko , Taira Rikizo , Igarashi Shigeru , Momose Shun'ya , Matsubayashi Keiji , Uchida Shigeharu , Hino Satoru , Nagai Tadashi , Satake Masahiro 
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUNDChagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic in Latin America. In nonendemic countries, including Japan, Chagas disease is primarily a problem in the context of transfusion transmission. Approximately 250,000 immigrants from Latin America reside in Japan, and many of those individuals serve as active blood donors. This study surveyed the seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection among at‐risk blood donors in Japan, defined as those who themselves (or whose mothers) were born (or raised) in Latin America, or those with a travel history to Latin America.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSBlood samples were obtained from at‐risk donors in two periods, 2004–2012 and 2013–2016. Collected samples were tested for T. cruzi antibodies using both an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Samples that tested positive in both assays were additionally tested by polymerase chain reaction, and look‐back investigation was conducted when necessary.RESULTSOf 18,484 samples obtained from 18,076 at‐risk donors, 3 (1:6,025, 0.017%) donors showed seroreactivity by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and chemiluminescent immunoassay. All antibody‐positive donors were born in Latin America. One of them also was positive for T. cruzi DNA. Eleven previous donations from this donor were subjected to look‐back investigation, and five recipients were tested. All five recipients tested negative for T. cruzi antibodies.CONCLUSIONSeroprevalence of T. cruzi was 0.017% among at‐risk donors in Japan. Transfusion‐transmitted infection of Chagas disease has not been confirmed to date. Screening for T. cruzi antibodies by targeting at‐risk donors is an appropriate strategy for ensuring blood safety in Japan.
Burning Characteristics and the Fuel Properties of the Dry-Carbonization Chars of Sewage Sludge
Authors: Haykiri-Acma H. , Yaman S. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
As an alternative treatment to hydrothermal carbonization, sewage sludge (SS) was subjected to dry carbonization at temperatures of 200–700 °C to produce pyrochar. The fuel properties of the obtained chars were characterized, and their combustibility was checked by thermal analysis method. The combustibility of the chars was evaluated considering the criteria such as the ignition index (Ci), burnout index (Cb), comprehensive combustibility index (S), and the burning stability index (DW). Although even low temperature treatments such as 200 °C and 300 °C did not improve the calorific value, some improvements took place in the combustion characteristics upon treatment.
A Numerical Approach for the Evaluation of a Capillary Viscometer Experiment
Authors: Fischer Felix , Bartz Julian , Schmitz Katharina , Brouwer Ludwig , Schwarze Hubert 
Published: November 2018

The dynamic viscosity of a fluid is an important input parameter for the investigation of elastohydrodynamic contacts within tribological simulation tools. In this paper, a capillary viscometer is used to analyse the viscosity of a calibration fluid for diesel injection pumps. Capillary viscometers are often used for the determination of viscosities that show a significant dependence on shear rate, pressure and temperature such as polymer melts or blood. Therefore most of the research on corrections of measured viscosities have been made using polymer melts. A new method is presented to shorten the effort in evaluating the capillary experiment.
The viscosity itself can be calculated from experimental data. Essential parameters are the radius of the capillary, its length, the capillary flow and the pressure difference over the capillary. These quantities are used in the Hagen-Poiseuille equation to calculate the viscosity, assuming laminar and monodirectional flow.
According to said equation, the viscosity depends on the geometry and the pressure gradient. A typical capillary viscometer contains three main flow irregularities. First the contraction of the flow at the capillary inlet, second the expansion of the flow at the capillary outlet and third the inlet section length of the flow after which the velocity profile is fully developed.
These flow phenomena cause pressure losses, which have to be taken into account, as well as the altered length of the laminar flow in the capillary. Furthermore, the temperature difference over the capillary also affects the outlet flow.
Therefore, in this paper, a newly developed method is proposed, which shortens the effort in pressure and length correction. The method is valid for viscometers, which provide a single phase flow of the sampling fluid. Furthermore, the proposed correction is suited for arbitrary geometries.
A numerical approach is chosen for the analysis of the experiment. In order to facilitate the experimental procedure of a capillary viscometer, a special algorithm was developed. The numerical approach uses a static CFD simulation, which is recursively passed through. If a termination condition, regarding the pressure difference between two cycles, is fulfilled, the real viscosity can be calculated in the usual way from the Hagen-Poiseuille equation. A special advantage of the proposed experimental evaluation is the general applicability for arbitrary geometries. In this paper, the procedure is validated with a well-known reference fluid and compared to data, which was gathered from a quartz viscometer experiment with the same fluid. Therefore, experiments are conducted with the capillary viscometer and compared at various pressure and temperature levels.
The Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator Applied to Elevators in Mid-Rise Buildings
Authors: Landberg Magnus , Braun Robert , Sethson Magnus , Krus Petter 
Published: November 2018

Hydraulic elevators with conventional long-stroke hydraulic cylinders are limited for use in low-rise buildings, up to five floors, due to low hydraulic stiffness, low natural frequency, low hydraulic pressure and large oil volume. With a new hydraulic actuation technology jointly invented at Linköping University and SAAB named the Hydraulic Infinite Linear Hydraulic Actuator (HILA), these short-comings for hydraulic actuators can be reduced and hydraulic elevators can be offered for mid-rise buildings.
The HILA technology provides long strokes, high system pressure, compactness and small chamber volumes. The actuator has a higher stiffness and a higher natural frequency compared to conventional hydraulic cylinders. The higher system pressure allows for an even more compact system design, with lower flow levels and a smaller reservoir.
The HILA technology combines two short-stroke cylinders with two engaging and disengaging clamping mechanisms into one actuator with long stroke length. The motion of each single short-stroke piston linked together by the clamping mechanisms creates the motion of the piston rod. In this way the two pistons are moving along the rod in a kind of rope climbing motion.
The challenge is to implement a control system which can provide a smooth motion without unacceptable jerk at load shift as seen with ordinary directional valves. Earlier research work on HILA technology has shown that a control system with fast servo valves can fulfil these requirements. This study shows promising results from simulation analysis combined with optimization techniques, using slightly modified standard directional hydraulic valves.
Water Vapour Cavitation in Hydraulic Fluids
Authors: Kratschun Filipp , Mielke Tobias , Schmitz Katharina 
Published: November 2018

Cavitation in hydraulic systems leads to cavitation erosion which ultimately results in system failure [1, 2] and the reduction of the systems’ stiffness. There are three types of cavitation known: gas, vapour and pseudo cavitation [3].
In previous gas-cavitation studies enormous air release rates in hydraulic fluids have been discovered which could not be explained just by the diffusion of dissolved air through bubble’s boundary. A possible explanation is the simultaneous occurrence of vapour cavitation in conjunction with gas-cavitation. However, this requires drastic pressure drops below several Pa, which is hard to achieve in hydraulic systems.
This article introduces a further hypothesis for the unexplainable air release rates as fourth type of cavitation. Technical fluids can dissolve other fluids, such as water, to a degree which evaporate at much higher pressures compared to the base fluid.
Based on a standard HLP 46 hydraulic oil and water as dissolved fluid, the presented hypothesis is verified. Firstly, a phenomenological mathematical model is developed. Subsequently, a test rig is presented to prove the hypothesis.
Internal Coupling Between Neutronics and Thermal-Hydraulics With RMC/CTF and Validation Using VERA Benchmarks
Authors: Li Kaiwen , Liu Shichang , Guo Juanjuan , Wang Kan 
Published: November 2018

The main purpose of this work is to realize the internal coupling mode between the Monte Carlo neutronics transport code RMC and sub-channel thermal-hydraulic (TH) code CTF. The coupling was implemented with the coupling interfaces of RMC and CTF. And it features to use memory rather than files to transfer data from each other, which has a lot of advantages. With the internal coupling mode, power distribution calculated from RMC can be precisely provided to CTF, instead of utilizing the approximate method adopted by the external coupling mode. In addition, using memory to transfer data between those two codes can reduce the total calculation time significantly. The percentage of time reduction can be as large as 10%. Moreover, we have realized the parallel execution of CTF in the internal coupling mode and this saves a lot of time during the TH calculation.
A modified Virtual Environment for Reactor Application (VERA) Problem #6 assembly and a 4-assembly structure have been used to test the accuracy and efficiency of internal calculation mode to external calculation mode. The results show that internal coupling can give a very close solution to the external one but with 10% time reduce, and can come to an ideal convergence state with only a few iterations.
Further Considerations for the Determination of Service Life for Delayed Coker Drums
Authors: Aumuller John J. , Yamamoto Toshiya , Chen Zengtao 
Published: November 2018

Delayed coker drums are unique in hydrocarbon processing facilities in that estimating their true design and service life has been problematic. Generally, pressure containing equipment in these facilities is designed using the notion of design life based on required pressure thickness and corrosion allowance considerations. Hence, pressure containing equipment is routinely monitored by facility inspectors for wall thickness.
Although many analysts have ascribed coke drum failure to “thermal stress cycling”, the difficulty posed by the operation of coke drums results in an inability to measure or calculate the magnitude of the thermo-mechanical “stresses” and the actual number of significant exposures, that is, cycles causing fatigue damage. As well, the use of Code construction practices has been generally misapplied, for this specific equipment, as the practices are intended to define a safe design life rather than a service life.
Indirect measures of service life based on shell bulge severity have fallen from favor by being ineffective. A trend to use a strain index method is somewhat more appealing but is based on static load and monotonic material property considerations rather than those properties indicative of thermal cyclic operation.
Recent work has shown that thermo-mechanical strain cycling can be characterized quantitatively and used to determine a cyclic service life for both undamaged and damaged coke drums. This paper discusses some of the engineering specifics to generate a high probability estimate of coke drum fatigue service life for a new drum, a damaged-stable drum, drums with weld overlay and for drums exhibiting incremental damage.
Pneumatic Test of Pressurised Equipment: Its Hazards and Alternatives
Authors: Ebrahimi Kaveh , Rahimi Mofrad Saeid 
Published: November 2018

Pressure testing of pressurised equipment is crucial in establishing confidence that it is capable of performing the duty for which it has been designed and fabricated.
A pressure test is usually mandated by pressurised equipment design codes for newly fabricated equipment.
Also many regulations or industry codes for the design and fabrication of pressurised equipment require that a pressure test is performed on any modified in-service pressurized equipment to verify that the integrity of the equipment has not been compromised after such modifications.
Although the usual and normally the preferred method of pressure testing is conducting a full hydrostatic test on the entire equipment (i.e. using a liquid medium, typically water), there may be occasions that a hydrostatic test is simply not practical.
As an alternative to a full hydrostatic test, the designer may consider performing a localized pressure test or sometimes a full pneumatic test on modified equipment.
It must be emphasized that a full pneumatic test can create extreme hazards to a facility and nearby personnel and therefore needs a careful and methodological assessment prior to being attempted on any equipment.
This article is structured primarily as an attempt to assist the organizations in charge of design and inspection of newly fabricated or in-service equipment to identify general hazards associated with pneumatic test of pressurised equipment in a structured manner.
An analysis of a simple cylindrical pressure vessel is presented to provide a better understanding of hazards associated with pneumatic test.
Two tables in the paper provide the recommended exclusion zones from the equipment being pneumatically tested in order to reduce hazards associated with shock waves and/or projectile fragments.
The paper also briefly explains alternative methods of testing in lieu of a full hydrostatic or pneumatic test. [1, 2]