Step-by Step Research Articles

Frequency and atomic mass based selective electrochemical recovery of rare earth metals and isotopes

Rare earth metals (REMs or lanthanides) are highly useful in applications such as gas sensors, hybrid vehicles, defense equipment, fluorescent and LED lights, metal alloys, as well as in the production of electrical assemblies and associated magnets. The energy of 4f electrons of lanthanides is relatively less than that of outer valence electrons. In other words these electrons are localized and part of the ionic core. In addition, these 4f electrons do not directly participate in compound forming processes. This is a main cause for the difficulty in chemically separating similar lanthanides. One possible separation technique that utilizes the effect of atomic mass based dispersion, involves the application of a potential with different oscillating frequencies. At lower oscillating frequency, the range of mass distribution of REMs deposited is greater than that at higher frequency. In this paper, we present a step-by step approach and formulation to electrochemically separate REMs.

Improving the diagnostic quality and adequacy of shoulder radiographs in a District General Hospital

A high rate of suboptimal shoulder radiographs was identified during a service evaluation exercise in our orthopaedic outpatient clinics. Inadequate radiographs require a return to the radiology department for further...

Probiotic attributes of indigenous Lactobacillus spp. isolated from traditional fermented foods and beverages of north-western Himalayas using in vitro screening and principal component analysis.

The present research was designed to explore indigenous probiotic Lactic acid bacteria from traditional fermented foods and beverages of North-western Himalayas for their probiotic potential. It was achieved through a step-by step approach focused on the technological characterization, evaluation of the probiotic traits and adherence ability. Fifty one LAB isolates from traditional fermented foods and beverages were initially screened for their technological properties and among them twenty isolates were selected. These isolates were further characterized and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Lactobacillus brevis (7 isolates), Lactobacillus casei (5), Lactobacillus paracasei (2), Lactobacillus buchneri (1), Lactobacillus plantarum (1) and Lactobacillus sp. (3). Identified isolates were evaluated by in vitro methods including survival in gastrointestinal tract, antibiotic susceptibility, antimicrobial activity, cell surface characteristics, exopolysacharride production and haemolytic activity. The results of these experiments were used as input data for Principal Component Analysis; thus, to select the most promising probiotic isolates. Three isolates (L. brevis PLA2, L. paracasei PLA8 and L. brevis PLA16) were found to be most technological relevant and promising probiotic candidates in comparison to commercial probiotic strains. L. brevis PLA2 was selected as best isolate with probiotic potential by in vitro adherence to the human intestinal HT-29 cell line.

ChemInform Abstract: Double Michael Addition/Aza‐Cyclization: A Valuable Sequence for the Construction of Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Spirobarbiturate‐Pyridines.

A simple one-pot procedure for the preparation of symmetrical bis-hydrazone functionalized barbiturates, and a step-by step sequence for the synthesis of analogous unsymmetrical derivatives were developed. Their treatment in acid conditions furnish the symmetrical- and unsymmetrical-spirobarbiturate-pyridines, respectively.

Clusters: Age Scales for Stellar Physics

Ages are key to truly understand a large plethora of astrophysical phenomena. On the other hand, stellar clusters are open windows to understand stellar evolution, specifically, the change with time and mass of different stellar properties. As such, they are our laboratories where different theories can be tested, but without accurate ages, our knowledge would impaired. We revisit here a large number of age-dating techniques and discuss their advantages and draw-backs. In addition, a step-by step process is suggested in order to built a coherent age scale ladder, minimizing the error budget and the sources of uncertainty.

IMPROVING THE TRANSIENT STABILITY OF NIGERIAN 330KV TRANSMISSION NETWORK USING STATIC VAR COMPENSATION PART I: THE BASE STUDY

In this paper, the base study for improving the transient stability of Nigerian 330kV transmission network using Static Var Compensation (SVC) is conducted with the focus of developing indices that can appropriately size and locate SVC within the network. The study is performed using commercially available software Dig SILENT Power Factory. The overloaded lines which could excite instability in the network are identified. Fixed capacitor thyristor controlled reactor is used to model the SVC and is appropriately sized and located within the network. Transient stability of the network is analysed by determining the critical clearing time of the acute generators when a balanced three phase fault is applied to the middle of the critical lines within the network using step-by step technique. Some of the key results reveal that the lines: Jebba- Osogbo, Shiroro-Kaduna, Benin-Sapele and Benin-Onitsha are the critical lines within the network. The Critical Clearing Times (CCTs) of the acute generators when 3-phase fault is applied at Jebba- Osogbo and Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines are 380ms and 480ms, respectively. However, generators located at Afam and Sapele that are close to Benin-Sapele and Benin-Onitsha transmission line, respectively are always losing synchronism to 3-phasefault of any duration. Appropriately sized SVCs with values 124Mvar, 73Mvar, 62Mvar and 110Mvar located at Osogbo, Kaduna and Benin compensated the network and increase the CCTs to 470ms, 500ms, 220ms and 120ms, respectively. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i1.23

Combinatorial rank of [formula omitted

In general, an intersection of two Hopf ideals of a Hopf algebra is not a Hopf ideal. By this reason, one may not define a Hopf ideal generated by a set of elements, and the Hopf algebras do not admit a usual combinatorial representation by generators and relations. Nevertheless, Heyneman–Radford theorem implies that each nonzero Hopf ideal of a pointed Hopf algebra has nonzero skew primitive element. Each ideal generated by skew primitive elements is a Hopf ideal. Therefore, the Heyneman–Radford theorem allows one to define a combinatorial representation step-by step by means of skew primitive relations. By definition the combinatorial rank is the minimal number of steps in that representation. We prove that the combinatorial rank of the multiparameter version of the Frobenius–Lusztig kernel of type Dn, n>3 equals ⌊log2⁡(2n−3)⌋+1, provided that q has a finite multiplicative order greater than 2. It is already known that the combinatorial rank of the multiparameter version of the Frobenius–Lusztig kernel uq(sln+1) of type An equals ⌊log2⁡n⌋+1, whereas in case uq(so2n+1) of type Bn, it is equal to ⌊log2⁡(n−1)⌋+2.

Photovoltaic potential and land-use estimation methodology

This paper aims at improving the clarity and coherence of PV (photovoltaics) technical potential assessment, that is, calculation of the electricity that can be supplied by large-scale deployment of PV systems. A step-by step method, compiling the main variables and processes involved, and including the packing factor in the technical potential equations, is proposed for this purpose. The influence of latitude and some design parameters, such as the shading criterion and tilt angle is analyzed. The paper supplies easy-to-use tools for estimating technical PV potential, as well as PV system land-use requirements. Analytical expressions and graphic examples, and a comparison of some case studies with existing PV plant data are included.

Therapeutic Whole-Lung Lavage for Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: A Procedural Update.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a disease caused by increased accumulation and impaired clearance of surfactant by alveolar macrophages. This narrative review summarizes the role of therapeutic whole-lung lavage in the management of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. We describe the preprocedural evaluation, indications, and anesthetic considerations, along with step-by step technical aspects of the procedure, postoperative recovery, potential complications, and long-term outcomes.

A Proposed Methodology for Automated E-Commerce Systems Testing

The goal of this paper is to explore the use of Keyword driven testing for automated testing. In Keyword driven testing, the functionality of the system under test is documented in a table as well as in step bystep instructions for each test. It involves creating tables which are assembled later on into test scripts. The Existing tools for this testing uses Html, Xml, Spreadsheet, and others.

Identifying elements of patient-centered care in underserved populations: a qualitative study of patient perspectives.

Patient-centered care is an important goal in the delivery of healthcare. However, many patients do not engage in preventive medical care. In this pilot study, we conducted twenty in depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews at the University of Illinois at Chicago Health Sciences campus in a four month time frame. Many patients were underserved and underinsured, and we wanted to understand their experiences in the healthcare system. Using content analysis, several themes emerged from the interview data. Participants discussed the need for empathy and rapport with their providers. They identified provider behaviors that fostered a positive clinical relationship, including step-by step explanations of procedures, attention to body language and clinic atmosphere, and appropriate time management. Participants identified cost as the most common barrier to engaging in preventive care and discussed children and social support as motivating factors. A long-term relationship with a provider was an important motivator for preventive care, suggesting that the therapeutic alliance was essential to many patients. Conversely, many participants discussed a sense of dehumanization in the healthcare system, reporting that their life circumstances were overlooked, or that they were judged based on insurance status or ethnicity. We discuss implications for provider training and healthcare delivery, including the importance of patient-centered medical homes.

Double Michael addition/aza-cyclization: a valuable sequence for the construction of symmetrical and unsymmetrical spirobarbiturate-pyridines

A simple one-pot procedure for the preparation of symmetrical bis-hydrazone functionalized barbiturates, and a step-by step sequence for the synthesis of analogous unsymmetrical derivatives were developed. Their treatment in acid conditions furnish the symmetrical- and unsymmetrical-spirobarbiturate-pyridines, respectively.

A design thinking approach to effective vaccine safety communication.

The highly complex and controversial topic of vaccine safety communication warrants innovative, user-centered solutions that would start with gaining mutual respect while taking into account the needs, concerns and underlying motives of patients, parents and physicians. To this end, a non-profit collaborative project was conducted by The Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, an international think tank aiming to promote vaccine safety research and communication, and the School of Design Thinking in Potsdam, Germany, the first school for innovation in Europe. The revolutionary concept of the Design Thinking approach is to group students in small multi-disciplinary teams. As a result they can generate ground-breaking ideas by combining their expertise and different points of view. The team agreed to address the following design challenge question: "How might we enable physicians to encourage parents and children to prevent infectious diseases?" The current article describes, step-by step, the ideation and innovation process as well as first tangible outcomes of the project.

Activity classification in persons with stroke based on frequency features

Recent advances in the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) for motion analysis suggest the possibility of using this technology for the monitoring of daily activities of individuals during rehabilitation post-stroke. Previous studies have utilized features extracted from accelerometer and gyroscope signals to develop classification models capable of identifying activities performed within large datasets. In this study, nine k-nearest neighbor cross-validated classifiers were developed using frequency-features derived from shank-mounted IMUs on the less-affected and affected limbs of subjects with stroke. These classifiers were evaluated for two separate datasets of post-stroke gait; the first a classification of three separate gait activities (overground walking, stair ascent, and stair descent), and the second a classification of five gait activities, overground walking, stair ascent, and descent with a distinction between stepping pattern used while negotiating stairs (step-over-step (SOS) and step-by-step (SBS)). The comparison showed the highest classification accuracy, 100% for the three-activities and 94% for the five-activities, was obtained using a classifier composed of features derived from accelerometer and gyroscope measurements from both IMUs on less-affected and affected limbs.

Integrated project delivery methods for energy renovation of social housing

Integrated project delivery methods for energy renovation of social housing

Integrated project delivery methods for energy renovation of social housing

Integrated project delivery methods for energy renovation of social housing

Integrated project delivery methods for energy renovation of social housing

Integrated project delivery methods for energy renovation of social housing

Dynamic characteristics of hybrid tower of cable-stayed bridges

The dynamic characterization is important in making accurate predictions of the seismic response of the hybrid structures dominated by different damping mechanisms. Different damping characteristics arise from the construction of the tower with different materials: steel for the upper part; reinforced concrete for the lower main part and interaction with supporting soil. The process of modeling damping matrices and experimental verification is challenging because damping cannot be determined via static tests as can mass and stiffness. The assumption of classical damping is not appropriate if the system to be analyzed consists of two or more parts with significantly different levels of damping, such as steel/ concrete mixed structure - supporting soil coupled system. The dynamic response of structures is critically determined by the damping mechanisms, and its value is very important for the design and analysis of vibrating structures. An analytical approach capable of evaluating the equivalent modal damping ratio from structural components is desirable for improving seismic design. Two approaches are considered to define and investigate dynamic characteristics of hybrid tower of cable-stayed bridges: The first approach makes use of a simplified approximation of two lumped masses to investigate the structure irregularity effects including damping of different material, mass ratio, frequency ratio on dynamic characteristics and modal damping; the second approach employs a detailed numerical step-by step integration procedure in which the damping matrices of the upper and the lower substructures are modeled with the Rayleigh damping formulation.

Tax Risks Management - An Overview

The existence of an appropriate tax risk management framework is vital to the financial and reputation and business well being any business organizations, especially those with public accountability. In this paper, we present a step-by step overview of tax risk management framework with examples on how it can be implemented in practice. In today's world of enhanced accountability to stakeholders regarding proper risk management and governance, it would be certainly wise for organizations to adopt models like the Enterprise Risk Management to manage their tax risks successfully.

Non-anti TNF biologic modifier drugs in non-infectious refractory chronic uveitis: the current evidence from a systematic review

Non-infectious chronic uveitis is a serious and disabling sight-threatening disease accounting for up to 10% of pathologies leading to blindness. Currently, a step-by step escalating immunosuppressive therapy is generally used, in children as well as in adults, and anti-TNFa biologic therapies have markedly increased the treatment options for sight-threatening uveitis refractory to conventional immune-modulatory therapy (DMARD) in addition to topical and/or systemic corticosteroids. However, a subset of patients fails to respond to TNFa blockers or is unable to tolerate these therapies and may therefore benefit from switching to another drug. In this clinical setting, the large availability of several different molecules, mostly off-label, poses the clinical question if it can be useful and safe to administer another class of biologic drugs, such as Abatacept or Rituximab, for patients with refractory auto-immune uveitis.