bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The damage strain field analysis of triangular symmetrical composite eutectic
Authors: Du Zhihong , Ni Xinhua , Liu Xiequan , Chen Cheng 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
According to the microstructural characteristics of composite ceramic, the strain field distribution regularity of triangular symmetrical composite eutectic is obtained from the stress field distribution regularity of three-phase element in composite ceramic. In allusion to the damage of composite eutectic, it is introduced as a variable in this paper with the aim to determine the strain field distribution regularity of triangular symmetrical composite eutectic with damage behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of the relationship between strain field and fiber inclusions volume fraction, the strain field of composite eutectic is analyzed.

Findings
The strain field of composite ceramic is distinctly dependent on the fiber inclusions volume fraction, fiber diameter and damage behavior of composite eutectic by quantitative analysis. The strain in matrix parallel to eutectic is the maximum linear strain and the main factor for the damage and fracture of eutectics.

Originality/value
The foundation of the strength research of composite eutectic is laid.
Exergoenvironomic modelling and performance assessment of selected gas turbine power plants
Authors: Oyedepo Sunday Olayinka , Fagbenle Richard Olayiwola , Adefila Samuel Sunday , Alam Md Mahbub 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This study aims to use an environomics method to assess the environmental impacts of selected gas turbine power plants in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, exergoenvironomic analysis has been carried out to investigate the environmental impact of selected gas turbine power plants in Nigeria from an exergetic point of view.

Findings
The exergy analysis reveals that the combustion chamber is the most exergy destructive component compared to other cycle components. The exergy destruction of this component can be reduced by increasing gas turbine inlet temperature (GTIT). The results of the study show that thermodynamic inefficiency is responsible for the environmental impact associated with gas turbine components. The study further shows that CO2 emissions and cost of environmental impact decrease with increasing GTIT.

Originality/value
The exergo-environomic parameters computed in this study are CO2 emission in kg per MWh of electricity generated, depletion number, sustainability index, cost flow rate of environmental impacts (Ċenv) in $/h and total cost rates of products (ĊTot) in $/hr. For the period considered, the CO2 emissions for the selected plants vary from 100.18 to 408.78 kgCO2/MWhm, while cost flow rate of environmental impacts varies from $40.18 /h to $276.97 /h and the total cost rates of products vary from $2935.69/h to $12,232.84/h. The depletion number and sustainability index vary from 0.69 to 0.84 and 1.20 to 1.44, respectively.
Stability analysis in prey–predator system with mixed functional response
Authors: Madhusudanan V. , Vijaya S. 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to propose and analyse a two-prey–one-predator system with mixed functional response.Design/methodology/approachThe predator exhibits Holling type IV functional response to one prey and Holling type I response to other. The occurrence of various positive equilibrium points with feasibility conditions are determined. The local and global stability of interior equilibrium points are examined. The boundedness of system is analysed. The sufficient conditions for persistence of the system is obtained by using Bendixson–Dulac criteria. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the analytical findings.FindingsThe authors have derived the local and global stability condition of interior equilibrium of the system.Originality/valueThe authors observe that the critical values of some system parameter undergo Hopf bifurcation around some selective equilibrium. Hence, numerical simulations reveal the condition for the system to be stable and oscillatory.
Reprocessing and environmental desulphurization of sulphide mining waste from sphalerite flotation: case of Chaabet El Hamra mine, Algeria
Authors: Lamia Benabbes , Mouhamed Bounouala 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Tailings generated by sulphide ore processing at Chaabet El Hamra mine contain a variety of sulphide minerals such as pyrite, marcasite, sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite with carbonated and siliceous gangue. It is well known that the presence of pyrite can cause environmental threats, in particular the acid mine drainage risk (AMD), if there is not enough neutralizing potential. Waste chemical analyses show that the content of total sulphur (S) is more than 9 per cent, which could be possible to separate the pyrite from other heavy minerals based on interfacial property of these minerals, because the pyrite contain the sulphur-rich fraction.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the possibility of waste reprocessing using froth flotation of sulphuric bulk and depression-heavy minerals. It is environmental desulphurization that removes much of the high S fraction.

Findings
The results obtained in terms of S recovery and residual S content are interesting after merely 12 min of flotation by addition of potassium amyl xanthate collector (140 g/t), pine oil frother (10 g/t) and activation with copper sulphate (CuSO4+; 60 g/t) and at optimum pH of 5.

Originality/value
It can be shown from waste treatment by flotation of pyrite depression sphalerite collects significant desulphurization in sulphur content is 19 per cent against 8 per cent in the initial release.
Discussion of the changes of hedgerow-orchard tree cross-sections at different latitudes
Authors: Liu Yongchao , Suo Meiqin 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This study aims to put forward a theory for the design of the crown sections in hedgerow orchards.

Design/methodology/approach
The fruit trees located at the north latitudes 0°-60° were selected for analysis. In detail, the study period focused on the fruit trees’ growing season, that is from the vernal equinox to the autumnal equinox. Certain fixed hedge-shaped angle with sufficient sunlight throughout the seasons was calculated under the condition of the lines from north to south. Meanwhile, the crown cross section perpendicular to the lines was analyzed in rectangular, trapezoidal and triangular forms.

Findings
Results showed that the adaptive geographic latitudes to different crown sections should be determined by the ratio analysis between various crown heights and spans.

Originality/value
The optimum parameters of the crown sections in different latitude areas can be determined by the theory proposed in this study.
Mathematical modeling of unbounded spaces using single-equation-based point saturated steam water spaces
Authors: Philip Jacob , Mangalvedekar Harivittal , Kazi Faruk 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Industries, especially power plants, using steam as power fluid employ many equipment and systems using saturated steam. Mathematical modeling of this saturated steam water space (SSWS) equipment is important for simulators catering to these industries and power plants. Single-equation-based modeling approach and its optimized version, mass factor–volume factor approach, are very efficient in modeling SSWS with bounded volumes, where the volume of the space is fixed. In unbounded volumes, the volume may be changing or is unbounded because of expansion, contraction or pressure control. The purpose of this paper is to propose a single equation based modeling approach for unbounded SSWS. Such unbounded volumes are encountered in coolant channels of pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR)-type nuclear power plants (NPPs).

Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes an extension of a single-equation approach by considering a subsection of the volume as miniature Point SSWS. In the proposed Point SSWS, the total heat, mass and volume of the SSWS are delinked and overall density and heat density are introduced in place. With this extension, Point SSWS can be applied to unbounded volumes.

Findings
In this study, 392 coolant channels of proposed 680 MWe PHWR have been simulated to ascertain the overall coolant density when coolant boils partially on nuclear heating. The simulation results have been compared with simulation results available from previous researchers and it has been found that the values are in line with previous researchers with maximum deviation of 1.2 per cent.

Originality/value
From the simulation results and their low value of deviation, it is clear that point space approach can be effectively used in modeling Point SSWS. Moreover, theoretically, it has been proved that the density of homogenous steam–water mixture is dependent only on the bulk heat density and temperature of the mixture.
Consensus on the clinical management, screening‐to‐treat, and surveillance of Helicobacter pylori infection to improve gastric cancer control on a nationwide scale
Authors: Sheu Bor‐Shyang , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Lo Jing‐Chuan , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Liou Jyh‐Ming , Wu Chun‐Ying , Cheng Hsiu‐Chi , Lee Yi‐Chia , Hsu Ping‐I , Chang Chun‐Chao , Chang Wei‐Lun , Lin Jaw‐Town 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundPrevious international consensus statements provided general policies for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, there are geographic differences in the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori, and in the availability of medications and endoscopy. Thus, nationwide or regional consensus statements are needed to improve control of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer.Materials and MethodsThis consensus statement for management of H. pylori in Taiwan has three major sections: (1) optimal diagnosis and indications; (2) current treatment strategies; and (3) screening‐to‐treat and surveillance for control of gastric cancer. The literature review emphasized recent data for development of draft statements and determination of levels of evidence. Twenty‐five Taiwan experts conducted a consensus conference, by a modified Delphi process, to modify the draft statements. Consensus, defined as an agreement of least 80% of the experts, and recommendation grade were determined by anonymous voting.ResultsThere were 24 consensus statements. Section 1 has seven statements on recommendations for the diagnosis and indications for treatment of H. pylori infection. Section 2 has 10 statements that provide an updated treatment algorithm for first‐line, second‐line, and third‐line regimens. Section 3 has seven statements regarding H. pylori eradication for reducing the risk of gastric cancer, with a cost‐benefit analysis. After H. pylori eradication, the consensus highlights the use of endoscopic surveillance and/or chemoprevention to further reduce the burden of gastric cancer.ConclusionsThis consensus statement has updated recommendations for improving the clinical management of H. pylori infection in areas such as Taiwan, which have high prevalence of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer.
Effect of prior deformation on microstructural development and Laves phase precipitation in high‐chromium stainless steel
Authors: HSIAO Z.‐W. , CHEN D. , KUO J.‐C. , LIN D.‐Y. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThis study investigated the influence of deformation on precipitation behaviour and microstructure change during annealing. Here, the prior deformation of high‐chromium stainless steel was tensile deformation of 3%, 6% and 10%, and the specimens were then annealed at 700˚C for 10 h. The specimens were subsequently analyzed using backscattered electron image and electron backscattering diffraction measurements with SEM. Compared with the deformation microstructure, the grains revealed no preferred orientation. The precipitates of TiN and NbC were formed homogenously in the grain interior and at grain boundaries after annealing. Fine Laves phase precipitates were observed in grains and along subgrain boundaries as the deformation increased. Furthermore, the volume fraction of Laves phase increased, but the average particle diameter of precipitate was reduced as the deformation increased.
Elemental variability in the coralline alga Lithophyllum yemenense as an archive of past climate in the Gulf of Aden (NW Indian Ocean)
Authors: Caragnano Annalisa , Basso Daniela , Storz David , Jacob Dorrit E. , Ragazzola Federica , Benzoni Francesca , Dutrieux Eric 
Published: January 2017

This study presents the first algal thallus (skeleton) archive of Asian monsoon strength and Red Sea influence in the Gulf of Aden. Mg/Ca, Li/Ca, and Ba/Ca were measured in Lithophyllum yemenense from Balhaf (Gulf of Aden) using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and Mg/Ca ratio oscillation was used to reconstruct the chronology (34 y). Oscillations of element rates corresponding to the algal growth between 1974 and 2008 were compared with recorded climate and oceanographic variability. During this period, sea surface temperatures (SST) in Balhaf recorded a warming trend of 0.55°C, corresponding to an increase in Mg and Li content in the algal thallus of 2.1 mol‐% and 1.87 μmol‐%, respectively. Lithophyllum yemenense recorded decadal SST variability by Li/Ca, and the influence of the Pacific El‐Niño Southern Oscillation on the NW Indian Ocean climate system by Ba/Ca. Additionally, algal Mg/Ca, Li/Ca, and Ba/Ca showed strong and significant correlations with All Indian Rainfall in the decadal range indicating that these proxies can be useful for tracking variability in the Indian monsoon system, possibly due to changes of the surface wind system, with deep water upwelling in summer, and a distinct seasonality.
Comparison of two long‐term gestagen regimens in the management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: A pilot study
Authors: Špaček Jiří , Kestřánek Jan , Jílek Petr , Leško Daniel , Plucnarová Silvie , Buchta Vladimír 
Published: January 2017

SummaryVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a hormonal‐dependent infection but in contrast to sporadic VVC, therapy of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is still unsolved. Long‐term administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate was evaluated for the management of RVVC. Overall, 20 patients were treated with Depo‐Provera; 14 patients were treated with Provera. Gestagen therapy was evaluated based on visual analogue scale (VAS), the frequency of attacks, the side effects of gestagens and the consumption of antifungals. There was a reduced symptomatology in both of the groups and substantial reduction in antifungal drug consumption during the second year of gestagen use. Twenty‐four patients (70.6%) evaluated their condition regarding the vulvovaginal area as improvement (VAS decrease of 3‐5 points). Five patients (14.7%) mentioned minimal or no improvement. Further, a number of antifungal drug‐treated episodes dropped dramatically during the study period. Both regimes provided similar results, but five patients from the Depo‐Provera group had to withdraw from gestagen therapy. Gestagen supplementation ameliorated the quality of life for the majority of patients with RVVC and suggested a potential role in the management of this syndrome, even if beneficial effect was evident after longer application, and some patients met with side effects that led to an interruption of therapy.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Integrated Screw Cages: Intrinsic Load Generation, Subsidence, and Torsional Stability
Authors: Assem Yusuf , Pelletier Matthew H. , Mobbs Ralph J. , Phan Kevin , Walsh William R. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo perform a repeatable idealized in vitro model to evaluate the effects of key design features and integrated screw fixation on unloaded surface engagement, subsidence, and torsional stability.MethodsWe evaluated four different stand‐alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) cages with two, three, and four screw designs. Polyurethane (saw‐bone) foam blocks were used to simulate the vertebral bone. Fuji Film was used to measure the contact footprint, average pressure, and load generated by fixating the cages with screws. Subsidence was tested by axially loading the constructs at 10 N/s to 400 N and torsional load was applied +/−1 Nm for 10 cycles to assess stability. Outcome measures included total subsidence and maximal torsional angle range.ResultsCages 1, 2, and 4 were symmetrical and produced similar results in terms of contact footprint, average pressure, and load. The addition of integrated screws into the cage‐bone block construct demonstrated a clear trend towards decreased subsidence. Cage 2 with surface titanium angled ridges and a keel produced the greatest subsidence with and without screws, significantly more than all other cages (
P
< 0.05). Angular rotation was not significantly affected by the addition of screws (
P
< 0.066). A statistically significant correlation existed between subsidence and reduced angular rotation across all cage constructs (
P
= 0.018).ConclusionEach stand‐alone cage featured unique surface characteristics, which resulted in differing cage–foam interface engagement, influencing the subsidence and torsional angle. Increased subsidence significantly reduced the torsional angle across all cage constructs.
Implementation of a Pharmacist‐Led Patient‐Controlled Analgesia Dosing Service
Authors: Dezia Alen L. , Baccus Tim D. , Natavio Allycia M. , Conroy Sean M. , Hall Levi M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeThe development and implementation of a pharmacist‐led patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) dosing service in a large academic institution are described.SummaryTo improve pain management at our institution and expand pharmacy clinical services, a pharmacist‐led PCA dosing service was developed and implemented. The service is modeled after established antimicrobial and anticoagulation dosing services at our institution. A core group of pharmacists (service leaders) and a pain physician champion developed a policy and guideline and designed electronic medical record (EMR) tools to support the service. Pharmacists were trained by the service leaders to manage acute pain with fentanyl, hydromorphone, or morphine PCA therapy. Cultural and operational barriers to service implementation were identified and resolved.ConclusionAfter implementation of the pharmacist‐led PCA dosing service, pharmacists at our institution provide PCA pain management services as part of our pharmacy department's standard practice.
Assessing Nonlinear Dynamics of Central Bank Reaction Function: The Case of Mozambique
Authors: Nhapulo Gerson , Nicolau João 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper sheds some light on the elements governing monetary policy‐making during the period 2000Q1–2015Q1 in Mozambique. We estimate a time‐varying Taylor‐type rule for the BM, using a Markov‐switching (MS) model and a Threshold model. The general finding is that the behaviour of the BM can be characterised by two regimes. In regime 1, only changes in inflation trigger a reaction by the monetary authority. This behaviour is prominent after the establishment of the monetary policy committee in 2007 (CPMO). In regime 2, the BM reacts aggressively both to cool off the economic activity and to curb inflationary pressures. Regime 2 occurred most frequently during 2000–2006, when the fiscal policy might have played an important role in output stabilization. After the establishment of the CPMO, regime 2 occurred in the context of a steep rise in fuel and food prices in 2007–2008 and in 2010. Both the MS model and the Threshold model show similar asymmetric effects. We find evidence that inflation is viewed more seriously by the monetary authorities when it is accompanied by a high output‐gap in the previous period, which triggers a more aggressive response from the monetary authorities.
The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of Home Hemodialysis
Authors: Trinh Emilie , Chan Christopher T. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHome hemodialysis (HD) was first introduced in the 1960s with a rapid increase in its use due to inability of dialysis units to accommodate patient demand. A sharp decline was subsequently seen with expanding outpatient dialysis facilities and changes in reimbursement policies. In the last decade, with emerging reports of benefits with home HD and more user‐friendly equipment, there has been resurgence in home HD. However, home HD remains underutilized with considerable variations between and within countries. This paper will review the history of home HD, elaborate on its established benefits, identify some of the barriers in uptake of this modality and expand on potential strategies to overcome these barriers.
Iteratively Intervening with the “Most Difficult” Topics of an Algorithms and Complexity Course
Authors: Enström Emma , Kann Viggo 
Published: January 2017

When compared to earlier programming and data structure experiences that our students might have, the perspective changes on computers and programming when introducing theoretical computer science into the picture. Underlying computational models need to be addressed, and mathematical tools employed, to understand the quality criteria of theoretical computer science. Focus shifts from doing to proving. Over several years, we have tried to make this perspective transition smoother for the students of a third-year mandatory algorithms, data structures, and computational complexity course. The concepts receiving extra attention in this work are NP-completeness, one of the most central concepts in computer science, and dynamic programming, an algorithm construction method that is powerful but somewhat unintuitive for some students.
The major difficulties that we attribute to NP-completeness are that the tasks look similar but have a different purpose than in algorithm construction exercises. Students do not immediately see the usefulness of the concept, and hence motivation could be one issue. One line of attacking NP-completeness has been to emphasize its algorithmic aspects using typical tools for teaching algorithms.
Some potential difficulties associated with dynamic programming are that the method is based on a known difficult concept—recursion—and that there are many ingredients in a dynamic programming solution to a problem.
For both dynamic programming and NP-completeness, we have invented several new activities and structured the teaching differently, forcing students to think and adopt a standpoint, and practice the concepts in programming assignments. Student surveys show that these activities are appreciated by the students, and our evaluations indicate that they have positive effects on learning. We believe that these activities could be useful in any similar course.
The approach to improving the course is action research, and the evaluation has been done using course surveys, self-efficacy surveys, rubrics-like grading protocols, and grades. We have also interviewed teaching assistants about their experiences.