bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Метод формирования UWB импульсов с использованием алгоритма светлячков
Authors: Маареф Абдельазиз , Элахмар Сид Ахмед
Published: October 2021

Учет требований ограничений уровня излучения, установленных регулирующими органами, является типичной задачей при формировании импульсов. В частности, задача ограничения уровня излучения FFC (FFC emission mask) для сверхширокополосных UWB (ultrawideband) устройств малого радиуса действия c высокой скоростью передачи данных стимулировала исследования в области разработки методов формирования импульсов, способных точно аппроксимировать указанный уровень излучения, т. е. получить максимально возможную мощность передачи в соответствии с ограничениями FCC, избежать помех от параллельно работающих приложений, и получить лучшую производительность при передаче данных в системе множественного доступа. Поэтому в данной статье исследуется возможность получения оптимальной формы сигнала как линейной комбинации различных производных функций гауссова импульса, каждая из которых характеризуется весовым коэффициентом и коэффициентом формы. В предлагаемом методе применяется алгоритм роевого интеллекта, а именно алгоритм светлячков FA (Firefly Algorithm), который используется для оптимизации весовых коэффициентов и коэффициентов формы линейной комбинации распределения спектра, для минимизации ошибки наименьших квадратов. Используя предложенный импульс, анализируется коэффициент битовой ошибки (BER) двоичной модуляции положения импульса с множественным доступом со скачкообразным переключением интервалов времени в рамках стандартного гауссова приближения. Результаты моделирования показали, что по сравнению со случайным комбинированным импульсом, импульс, разработанный на основе FA, имеет более высокую энергию, соответствующую предельным спектральным уровням UWB, и дает лучшее значение BER.
Выбор параметров ленточно-диагональной регуляризации оценок максимального правдоподобия корреляционныx матриц гауссовых помех и обратныx к ним
Authors: Рябуха Вячеслав Петрович , Семеняка Андрей Викторович , Катюшин Евгений Анатольевич , Атаманский Дмитрий Владимирович
Published: October 2021

Статья посвящена обоснованию практических рекомендаций по выбору параметров ленточно-диагональной регуляризации оценки максимального правдоподобия эрмитовых корреляционных матриц гауссовых помех: параметра диагональной регуляризации и параметра ленточной регуляризации — кратности компенсации (количество ступеней адаптивных решетчатых фильтров) для обеспечения быстродействия адаптации систем защиты РЛС от активных шумовых и пассивных помех, соответствующего теоретическому (предельному). Показано, что при адаптивной пространственной обработке сигналов на фоне активных шумовых помех выбор параметра диагональной регуляризации зависит от размерности задачи, а при временной обработке сигналов на фоне пассивных помех также и от вида корреляционной функции таких помех. Ограничение количества ступеней адаптивных решетчатых фильтров по сравнению с количеством временных каналов, позволяет упростить адаптивную временную обработку сигналов на фоне пассивных помех и повысить быстродействие адаптации.
Сравнительный анализ спектральных характеристик сигналов подповерхностных РЛС для оценки дорожного покрытия
Authors: Батраков Дмитрий Олегович , Антюфеева Мария Станиславовна , Батракова Анжелика Г.
Published: October 2021

В работе представлены результаты экспериментов по использованию сверхширокополосных РЛС подповерхностного зондирования (СШП РЛСПЗ) с трехантенными модулями для систем неразрушающего контроля. Использованные модули имеют различные значения центральных частот зондирующих СШП импульсов и различные конфигурации антенн. Цель проведенных экспериментов заключалась в отыскании наилучших значений параметров чувствительности. Другая задача состояла в оптимизации метода обработки сигналов, отраженных от плоскослоистых сред. Проведенный анализ полученных результатов показал пути улучшения качества неразрушающего контроля дорожного покрытия и других строительных структур при помощи СШП РЛСПЗ. Предлагаемый подход основан на ранее предложенном алгоритме поэтапного определения толщины слоев дорожного покрытия и использовании относительной диэлектрической проницаемости.
Схема оценивания канала для систем связи MIMO с помощью методов обобщенного разложения Холецкого и обратной подстановки
Authors: Саксена П. , Патель С. Б. , Бхалани Дж. К.
Published: October 2021

В статье исследована и реализована новая схема полуслепого оценивания канала для системы связи MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) для случая канала с квазистатическим рэлеевским замиранием. В этой схеме канальная матрица H остается относительно постоянной в пределах блока. Канальную матрицу H можно разложить на матрицу вращения Q и нижнюю треугольную матрицу R. Треугольная матрица R оценивается вслепую при использовании метода обобщенного разложения Холецкого GCD (generalized Cholesky decomposition) на основе QR-разложения выходной ковариационной матрицы, которая использует стохастический метод слепого разделения входных сигналов на основе анализа независимых компонентов ICA (Independent Component Analysis). Матрица Q оценивается по ортогональным пилотным символам при использовании нового подхода, основанного на QR-разложении, для минимизации целевой функции. При использовании этого нового подхода ортогональные пилотные символы можно разложить на детерминированную эрмитову матрицу и верхнюю треугольную матрицу, используя QR-разложение. Наконец, матрицу Q можно оценить, используя метод обратной подстановки, который представлен в данной работе. Проведено моделирование при использовании двух передающих антенн с пространственно-временным кодом Аламоути и комбинаций из 2 и 6 приемных антенн, чтобы исследовать эффективность работы новой схемы оценивания по сравнению со стандартными схемами оценивания на базе методов наименьших квадратов LS (Least Squares) и максимальной апостериорной оценки MAP (Maximum a posterior) при использовании схемы модуляции данных BPSK (двоичная фазовая манипуляция). Полученные результаты показали, что новая схема превосходит по эффективности работы другие схемы и демонстрирует значительно лучший результат в отношении характеристики коэффициента битовых ошибок BER. Таким образом, новая схема может быть весьма полезной для решения сложной задачи полуслепого оценивания канала MIMO с помощью метода QR-разложения матрицы. Кроме того, представлен анализ ошибок в терминах матрицы ковариации ошибки при рассмотрении шума для случая ненулевой ошибки (практический случай) по сравнению со случаем нулевой ошибки.
Компактная фрактальная антенна пятой итерации для сверхширокополосных приложений
Authors: Премалата Б. , Бабу П. Равиндра , Срикант Г.
Published: October 2021

В статье рассмотрены проектирование, моделирование и испытание компактной фрактальной антенны, работающей в диапазоне частот 3,1–10,6 ГГц, и предназначенной для сверхширокополосных UWB (ultrawideband) приложений. В настоящее время технология широкополосной беспроводной связи приобрела популярность, вследствие присущих ей большой полосы пропускания, высокой скорости передачи и низкой сложности. В 2002 году Федеральная комиссия связи США (FCC) выделила частотный диапазон 3,1–10,6 ГГц для коммерческого применения. В данной работе рассмотрена антенна, имеющая размеры 28×28 мм2 с круговым патчем, изготовленным печатным способом, на подложке RT/Duroid 5880, которая имеет высоту подложки 1,57 мм и относительную диэлектрическую проницаемость 2,2. В круговом патче круговые фракталы выполнены до пятой итерации. Размеры круговых фракталов определяются с помощью теоремы Декарта. Затем осуществлено моделирование этой антенны с оптимальными размерами при помощи программы CST Microwave Studio. Выполнена проверка ее характеристик и рассчитаны параметры антенны: обратные потери S11, КСВН, диаграммы направленности, коэффициент усиления, групповая задержка. Данная антенна изготовлена и измерены ее параметры. Сравнение результатов моделирования и измерения показало их хорошее согласование.
Особенности возбуждения поверхностных акустических волн встречно-штыревым преобразователем в пьезоэлектрических кристаллах
Authors: Линчевский Игорь В.
Published: October 2021

Построены математические модели длинного электрода с конечными размерами поперечного сечения, электродной пары и встречно-штыревого преобразователя в режиме возбуждения поверхностных акустических волн в ‑срезах пьезоэлектрических кристаллов кристаллографического класса .
Учет конечных размеров поперечного сечения электродов, вносит поправки в числовые значения частоты синхронизма и уровня излучаемых поверхностных волн. Получены аналитические выражения и исследовано влияние размеров поперечного сечения электрода в электродной паре на частоту синхронизма, амплитуду поверхностной акустической волны, и модуль волновой характеристики встречно-штыревого преобразователя от толщины электрода. Так, при нулевой толщине электрода максимальный уровень смещений в поверхностной акустической волне на 9,75%, а при квадратном сечении электрода на 37,25% меньше от прогнозируемого с помощью метода ‑источников значения. Одновременно, в первом случае частота синхронизма также на 9% меньше, чем ее значение, которое определяется при использовании метода ‑источников. При толщине электрода равной полуширине реальное значение частоты синхронизма меньше уже на 21,7%, а амплитуда поверхностной волны меньше на 33,1%.
Moldova: Results of the Parliamentary Elections
Authors: Astakhova S.
Published: October 2021

According to the results of the early parliamentary elections – 2021 in Moldova, the pro-presidential right-wing Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) won. For the first time in the history of the republic, the right-wing party won an absolute majority in the parliament. As a result, the consolidated power of the right-wing pro-European forces has been established in the country, which may mean a change in its geopolitical course.
US Troops Withdrawal from Afghanistan and Security Challenges for Central Asia
Authors: Yashlavskii A.
Published: October 2021

The intensification of the armed conflict in Afghanistan in connection with the withdrawal of US troops and its allies and coming to power in Kabul of the radical Taliban movement (terrorist organization banned in Russia) creates security challenges for the post-Soviet states of Central Asia. These challenges can be characterized as “new old” challenges, since the countries of the region have faced them in one way or another in the past decades. Nevertheless, the seizure of power in this country by the Taliban and the consolidation of the Taliban along the borders of the Central Asian countries, provoked by the withdrawal of foreign military contingents from Afghanistan, create a number of risks for neighboring states (problems of border security, danger of growing extremist sentiments, drug trafficking and other types of smuggling, refugee problem, etc.).
The Challenge of Converting “Failed Spinal Cord Stimulation Syndrome” Back to Clinical Success, Using SCS Reprogramming as Salvage Therapy, Through Neurostimulation Adapters Combined with 3D-Computerized Pain Mapping Assessment. A Real-Life Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Rigoard Philippe , Ounajim Amine , Goudman Lisa , Banor Tania , Héroux France , Roulaud Manuel , Babin Etienne , Bouche Bénédicte , Page Philippe , Lorgeoux Bertille , Baron Sandrine , Adjali Nihel , Nivole Kevin , Many Mathilde , Charrier Elodie , Rannou Delphine , Poupin Laure , Wood Chantal , David Romain , Moens Maarten , Billot Maxime
Published: October 2021

While paresthesia-based spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been proven effective to treat chronic neuropathic pain, initial benefits may lead to the development of “Failed SCS Syndrome’ (FSCSS) defined as decrease over time related to Loss of Efficacy (LoE) with or without Loss of Coverage (LoC). Development of technologies associating new paresthesia-free stimulation waveforms and implanted pulse generator adapters provide opportunities to manage patients with LoE. The main goal of our study was to investigate salvage procedures, through neu-rostimulation adapters, in patients already implanted with SCS and experienced LoE. We retro-spectively analyzed a cohort of patients who were offered new SCS programs/waveforms through an implanted adapter between 2018 and 2021. Patients were evaluated before, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Outcomes included pain intensity rating with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain/coverage mappings and stimulation preferences. Last follow-up evaluations (N=27) showed significant improvement in VAS (p = 0.0001), ODI (p = 0.021) and Quality of Life (p=0.023). In the 11/27 patients with LoC, SCS efficacy on pain intensity (36.89%) was accompa-nied by paresthesia coverage recovery (55.57%) and pain surface decrease (47.01%). At 12-month follow-up, 81.3% preferred to keep tonic stimulation in their waveform portfolio. SCS conver-sion using adapters appears promising as a salvage solution, with an emphasis on paresthesia recapturing enabled by spatial retargeting. In light of these results, adapters could be integrated to SCS rescue algorithms or should be considered in SCS rescue.
Development of a Feedback Training Protocol and Clinical Force Measuring Walker for Older Patients with Restricted Upper Extremity Weight Bearing
Authors: LaPier Ansel
Published: October 2021

Patients recovering from bone disruption due to trauma or surgery need to limit movement to minimize shear force, thereby protecting callus formation and osteogenesis. Patients often use their arms to assist with functional activities, but pushing is frequently limited to <10 lb (4.5 kg). With only verbal instructions, patients’ ability to accurately limit weight-bearing (WB) force is poor. A therapeutic intervention to improve patient adherence with upper extremity (UE) WB guidelines during functional mobility using an instrumented walker could be beneficial. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to describe a feedback training protocol to improve the ability to modulate weight-bearing force in older adults and then provide an overview of the efficacy of this protocol and subsequent development of a Clinical Force Measuring Walker. An instrumented walker was used to measure UE WB during functional mobility in older healthy subjects (n = 30) before, during, and after (immediately and 2 hours) a visual and auditory concurrent feedback training session. During feedback training, force was significantly reduced with all 3 sessions as compared to baseline. When using the front wheeled walker, UE WB force during the second and third feedback training trials went down compared to the first trial. During the third feedback training trial, force was greater than the two previous trials while transferring sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit. After completion of practice with feedback, UE WB force was significantly reduced and remained so 2 hours later. These findings suggest that feedback training is effective for helping patients to modulate UE WB. Use of an instrumented walker and feedback training would be beneficial in clinical practice, especially with older patients. A more intensive feedback training with additional trials and or simultaneous visual and auditory cues during whole-practice may be needed to get UE WB below a 10 lb threshold.
Evidence for the Widespread Occurrence of Bacteria Implicated in Acute Oak Decline from Incidental Genetic Sampling
Authors: Gathercole Louise , Nocchi Gabriele , Brown Nathan , Coker Timothy , Plumb William , Stocks Jonathan , Nichols Richard , Denman Sandra , Buggs Richard
Published: October 2021

Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is complex syndrome affecting Britain’s keystone native oak species, (Quercus robur L. and Q. petraea L. (Matt.) Liebl.), in some cases causing mortality within five years of symptom development. The most distinguishable symptom is weeping stem lesions, from which four species of bacteria have been isolated: Brenneria goodwinii, Gibbsiella quercinecans, Lonsdalea britannica and Rahnella victoriana. We do not yet know where else these bacteria exist, and little is known about the relationship of the wider oak leaf microbiome (phyllosphere) to acute oak decline. Here we investigate whether incidental evidence from a large oak genome re-sequencing dataset could be used to detect these bacteria in oak foliage, and whether bacterial incidence co-varied with AOD status or location. Oak leaves and buds were sampled from 421 trees at five sites in England. Whole genomic DNA from these samples was shot-gun sequenced with short reads. Non-oak reads were extracted from these data and queried to microbial databases. Reads uniquely matching AOD-associated bacterial genomes were found to be present on trees from all five sites and included trees with active lesions, trees with historic lesions and trees without AOD symptoms. The abundance of the AOD-associated bacteria did not differ between tree health categories but did differ among sites. We conclude that the AOD-associated bacteria may be members of the normal oak microbiome, whose presence on a tree is not sufficient to cause AOD symptoms.
Sweetening Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry by 18F-Fluoroglycosylation: Recent Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Shinde Sandip S. , Maschauer Simone , Prante Olaf
Published: October 2021

In the field of 18F-chemistry for the development of radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET), various labeling strategies by the use of prosthetic groups have been im-plemented, including chemoselective 18F-labeling of biomolecules. Among those, chemoselec-tive 18F-fluoroglycosylation methods focus on the sweetening of pharmaceutical radiochemistry by offering a highly valuable tool for the synthesis of 18F-glycoconjugates with suitable in vivo properties for PET imaging studies. A previous review covered the various 18F-fluoroglycosylation methods that have been developed and applied as of 2014 [Maschauer and Prante, BioMed. Res. Int. 2014, 214748]. This paper is an updated review, providing the recent progress in 18F-fluoroglycosylation reactions and the preclinical application of 18F-glycoconjugates, including small molecules, peptides, and high-molecular-weight proteins.
A Survey on Awesome Korean NLP Datasets
Authors: Ban Byunghyun
Published: October 2021

English based datasets are commonly available from Kaggle, GitHub, or recently published papers. Although benchmark tests with English datasets are sufficient to show off the performances of new models and methods, still a researcher need to train and validate the models on Korean based datasets to produce a technology or product, suitable for Korean processing. This paper introduces 15 popular Korean based NLP datasets with summarized details such as volume, license, repositories, and other research results inspired by the datasets. Also, I provide high-resolution instructions with sample or statistics of datasets. The main characteristics of datasets are presented on a single table to provide a rapid summarization of datasets for researchers.
Environmental Assessment of Compaction and Transportation of Municipal Solid Waste in Patna, India
Authors: Aryan Yash , Singh Deval , Dikshit Anil Kumar
Published: October 2021

Municipal solid waste management is a major concern for developing countries all over the world. The collection and transportation accounts for major portion of expenditure in developing country like India. The compaction of waste is being practiced in some major cities of India as they provide economical benefit but the environmental benefits of compaction are not very clear. The preset study evaluates the environmental impacts due to transportation of non-compacted and compacted waste from the transfer station to the landfill site using life cycle assessment approach. The study compared transportation of non-compacted waste with the waste compacted by the truck mounted refuse compactor and portable stationary compactor. The functional unit defined was the amount of waste generated per day in the study area taken as Patna city and GaBi 10.5 used for impact assessment. The study found that the transportation of waste compacted by truck mounted refuse compactor had the least environmental impacts on all impact categories. The study recommends the compaction of waste by the truck mounted refuse compactor and then proceed for transportation. Also, the compaction of waste is recommended as it improve the overall environment performance of municipal solid waste management.
Mozambique’s Primary Education System and the Millennium Development Goals: Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward
Authors: Lázaro João Abílio , Maquia Alberto Pedro , Mairoce Carlos Antonio
Published: October 2021

In order to meet the Millennium Development Goals set forth by the United Nations’ Millennium Summit that took place in 2000, in New York, particularly in the area of education, the Mozambican Government decided that, from 2003 onwards, during their primary school formation, students should be passed automatically even if they do not have enough intellectual capacities that justify their progress. In fact, this decision was made during a period when there were many pupils being failed, due to various reasons. After more than 15 years of its implementation, this paper aims to analyzing the results acquired from this decision, from the point of view of the quality of education. This will be done taking into account the prevailing situation of education in Mozambique. Having considered these aspects, the paper will move on to presenting some of the challenges and opportunities that the country should consider in the area of education, as a way to bring about better outcomes and promote development, in the country.
Anti-inflammatory Potential of Edible Ornamental Flowers Grown in Containers Due to High Anthocyanin Content
Authors: Łysiak Grzegorz P.
Published: October 2021

Flowers have always accompanied people thanks to their manifold aesthetic properties. Some species have also become a component of human diet. Recent years have seen an increased interest in edible flowers and, consequently, research has been undertaken to determine their chemical composition. Dyes abundantly contained in flowers, whose role is to attract pollinating animals, are recognized substances with health promoting properties. Anthocyanins are a group of dyes that is very common in petals and other parts of flowers. Studies carried out in the twentieth and twenty-first century have found very strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of anthocyanins. Therefore, flowers used by humans for centuries to decorate their surroundings may become an easily available source of nutrients and health-promoting substances. This paper discusses the health-promoting properties of anthocyanins and collects literature on anthocyanin content in edible flowers commonly grown on balconies, terraces and roofs.
Optical Spectra of Oligofurans. A Theoretical Approach to the Transition Energies, Reorganization Energies, and the Vibronic Activity
Authors: Filipowska Karolina , Pawlikowski Marek T. , Andrzejak Marcin
Published: October 2021

There is experimental evidence of high vibronic activity that accompanies the strongly allowed transition between the ground state and the lowest electronic singlet excited state of oligofurans that contain 2,3, and 4 furan rings. The absorption and emission spectra of the three lowest oligofurans measured in liquid nitrogen temperature show distinct fine structures that are reproduced using the projection-based model of vibronic coupling (with Dushinsky rotation included) parameterized utilizing either DFT (with several different exchange-correlation functionals) or ab initio (CC2) quantum chemistry calculations. Using as reference the experimental data concerning the electronic absorption and fluorescence for the 8 lowest oligofurans we first analyze the performance of the exchange-correlation functionals for the electronic transition energies and the reorganization energies. Subsequently, we use the best functionals alongside the CC2 method to explore how the reorganization energies are distributed among the totally symmetric vibrations, identify the normal modes that dominate in the fine structures present in the absorption and emission bands, and trace their evolution with the increasing number of rings in the oligofuran series. Confrontation of the simulated spectra with the experiment allows for verification of the performance of the selected DFT functionals and the CC2 method.
Influence of the Hydrophilic Surface of Nanofiber Support on the Performance of Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Kim Hyo-Young , Lee Seon-Yeong , Jeon In-Yup , Shin Jeeyoung , Ju Young-Wan
Published: October 2021

Concerns associated with global warming and the depleting reserves of fossil fuels have highlighted the importance of high-performance energy storage systems (ESSs) for efficient energy usage. ESSs such as supercapacitors can contribute to improved power quality of an energy generation system, which is characterized by a slow load response. Composite materials are primarily used as supercapacitor electrodes because they can compensate for the disadvantages of carbon or metal oxide electrode materials. In this study, a composite of oxide nanoparticles loaded on a carbon nanofiber support was used as an electrode material for a hybrid supercapacitor. The addition of a small amount of hydrophobic Fe- and N-doped graphene nanoplates modified the surface properties of carbon nanofibers prepared by electrospinning. Accordingly, the effects of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface properties of the nanofiber support on the morphology of Co3O4 nanoparticles loaded on the nanofiber, as well as the performance of the supercapacitor, were systematically investigated.
DIABETES MELLITUS AND COVID-19. FEATURES OF THE MUTUAL INFLUENCE OF THE TWO PANDEMICS
Authors:   Kuban State Medical University, Russia, Krasnodar, KOVALENKO JULIYA S. , IVANOVA LIUDMILA A. ,   Kuban State Medical University, Russia, Krasnodar, KOROL’ INNA V. ,   Kuban State Medical University, Russia, Krasnodar, BIZHEVA TAMILA V. ,   Kuban State Medical University, Russia, Krasnodar
Published: October 2021

Background.The COVID­19 pandemic that emerged in China in late 2019 continues to be a global public health problem. The growing incidence of diabetes mellitus makes it necessary to assess the mutual impact of these two diseases on the patient prognosis. Aim. The aim of the study was to review the current information about the effect of SARS­CoV­2 virus on the course of diabetes mellitus and mortality, to consider the probability of developing newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus in patients who underwent COVID­19, and to analyze the possibilities of hypoglycemic therapy in the treatment of COVID­19 diabetic disease. Material and methods.Literature sources were searched in the PubMed database, using the keywords: COVID­19, SARS­CoV­2, and diabetes mellitus. The analysis included literature reviews, meta­analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials. Results and discussion.After reviewing about 9,000 sources of literature, 295 of the most relevant publications were analyzed, 60 of which were included in this paper. Insufficiently controlled diabetes mellitus appears to be independently associated with COVID­19 severity and high risk of death. Patients with severe COVID­19 in the background of diabetes mellitus are more susceptible to the damaging effects of the cytokine storm. Against the background of SARS­CoV­2 infection joining diabetes mellitus, decompensation of the disease with hyperglycemia occurs, which is difficult to correct even with insulin therapy. SARS­CoV­2 virus has the ability to bind to angiotensin­converting enzyme type 2 receptors that are expressed in β­cells, which can lead to rapid metabolic deterioration with the development of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. There is a hypothesis of a potential link between SARS­CoV­2 infection and the development of newly diagnosed diabetes through a direct effect of the virus on pancreatic β­cells. Certain blood glucose­lowering drugs can be continued when infected with SARS­CoV­2 with a positive effect. Conclusions. More research is needed to determine the role of SARS­CoV­2 virus in the development of acute complications and manifestation of diabetes mellitus. Possibilities of modern hypoglycemic therapy of diabetes in COVID­19 are generally evaluated positively and require further study.
AN ALGORITHM FOR MORPHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF NODULAR GROWTHS IN THE THYROID GLAND (clinical experience)
Authors:   Crimean Federal University, Russia, Simferopol, ZIMA DMITRY V. , BEZRUKOV OLEG F. ,   Crimean Federal University, Russia, Simferopol, GOLUBINSKAYA ELENA P. ,   Crimean Federal University, Russia, Simferopol, ZYABLITSKAYA EVGENIA YU. ,   Crimean Federal University, Russia, Simferopol, MAKALISH TATYANA P. ,   Crimean Federal University, Russia, Simferopol, MAXIMOVA РOLINA E. ,   Crimean Federal University, Russia, Simferopol, NEPRITIMOVA ELENA A. ,   Crimean Federal University, Russia, Simferopol
Published: October 2021

Background.To date, there are two opposing views among surgeons regarding surgical intervention in the early stages of thyroid cancer. Since after the introduction of fine­needle aspiration biopsy with cytological examination of biopsy sample into clinical practice the number of patients with early stages of papillary cancer who undergo surgical interventions has increased. Among all methods of diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms the leading role is currently given to fine­needle aspiration biopsy. Aim. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the results of our clinical experience of applying the algorithm of morphological diagnostics of thyroid nodular masses with regard to regional peculiarities and the proposed adjuvant immunohistochemical method. Material and methods. Thin aspiration biopsy material of the thyroid gland was used to make a cell block, semi­thin sections from which were stained by immunohistochemical methods for the expression of proliferation (Ki67) and apoptosis (Fas) markers. Positive stained cells were assessed and counted under a microscope at 100× magnification, and the ratio of these values was calculated. Results and discussion.Having analyzed the results of staining for the expression of apoptosis and proliferation markers and compared them with the results of pathomorphological examination of the material from which the clot was obtained, we developed a diagnostic algorithm for verification of «doubtful» changes, e.g.: papillary structures, cytoplasmic plasmacytoid, presence of intranuclear furrows, piling of nuclei and their enlargement, immunocytochemical or immunohistochemical reaction with Ki67, and Fas­R markers to determine the malignant potential (Z­index) is being performed. Conclusion. Isolated assessment of immunocytochemical reactions with Fas or Ki67 markers on fine­needle aspiration biopsy material is not diagnostically significant. However, it can be used in combination with cytological characteristics of a smear for prognostic assessment of malignant potential of a neoplasm.
Analysis of distribution laws of transformer oil indicators in 110-330 kV transformers
Authors: Shutenko O. , Ponomarenko S.
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Ensuring the operational reliability of power transformers is an urgent task for the power industry in Ukraine and for most foreign countries. One of the ways to solve this problem is the correction of maximum permissible values of insulation parameters. However, such a correction is fundamentally impossible without an analysis of the laws of distribution of diagnostic indicators in the equipment with different states. The purpose of the research is to analyse the laws of distribution of the quality indicators of transformer oil with different states in 110 and 330 kV transformers. Novelty. It was found that both 330 kV autotransformers and 110 kV transformers have the displacements between the mathematical expectations of the distribution density of usable oil indicators. It caused by different service life of the analysed transformers and different values of load factors. This indicates the need to consider the influence of these factors when correcting the maximum permissible values of oil indicators. Also, the presence of displacement between the distribution densities of some indicators of usable oil in 110 kV transformers and 330 kV autotransformers has been revealed. It indicates a different intensity of oxidation reactions in transformers with different voltage class. In order to reduce the heterogeneity of initial data the procedure of statistical processing of in-service test results has been proposed as a method. This procedure combines the use of a priori information about the service life of equipment and values of load factors with the elements of statistical hypothesis testing. The results of the analysis of the distribution laws of transformer oil indicators with different states have shown that for both usable and unusable oil the values of oil indicators obey the Weibull distribution. Values of the shape and scale parameters for each of the obtained indices arrays have been obtained, as well as calculated and critical values of the goodness-of-fit criteria. Practical value. Obtained values of the distribution law parameters of the transformer oil indicators with different states, considering the service life and operating conditions allow to perform the correction of the maximum permissible values of the indicators using the statistical decision-making methods.
Assessment of the efficiency of leasing when operating a mobile medical clinic in Russia (on the example of the Rostov region)
Authors:   South Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI) named after M. I. Platov, Abdullabekov R. N. , Fedorchuk V. E. ,   South Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI) named after M. I. Platov, Minnikova T. V. ,   Southern federal university
Published: October 2021

In recent years, especially during the COVID‑19 pandemic, the need for mobile medical clinics has increased. For the effective implementation of the project of mobile medical clinics in Russia (by the example of the Rostov region), it is necessary to purchase expensive medical equipment using leasing technologies. P u r p o s e of the study was to assess the effectiveness of leasing when operating a mobile medical clinic in the Rostov region. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . The article investigated the cost-effectiveness of operating leasing compared to the standard purchase of medical equipment. The amount of lease payments was calculated and compared with payments for the purchase of medical equipment. Payments were calculated for a standard set of medical equipment for a medical clinic, including 5 cars on KAMAZ chassis No. 1 with offices of a therapist, surgeon, otolaryngologist, endocrinologist and neurologist, dentist, gynecologist, urologist and ophthalmologist, laboratory and fluorographic, mammographic and CT complexes. R e s u l t s . According to the results of the study, it was found that in the modern conditions of the spread of coronavirus infection, the need for mobile medical clinics has increased significantly. Effectiveness of medical equipment leasing technology: supplier (equipment manufacturer) – lessee (mobile medical clinic) with the assistance of a leasing company (lessor), lease payments for operating leasing have been estimated. F i n d i n g s . The effectiveness of leasing in the Rostov region with full depreciation of medical equipment by 30–80% within 10 years of operation has been established.
Study of quality of life related to health in patients with Covid-19 on the first day of admission to hospital
Authors:   GBUZ “Сity clinical hospital № 40 DZM”, Ayupova I.I. , Protsenko D.N. ,   GBUZ “Сity clinical hospital № 40 DZM”, Tsaranov K.N. ,   Moscow Metropolitan Governance Yury Luzhkov University, Tarbastaev A.G. ,   Moscow Metropolitan Governance Yury Luzhkov University
Published: October 2021

The COVID‑19 pandemic has resulted in exceptional social disruption and consequent changes in quality of life. Assessment of the health-related quality of life in patients infected with the SARS-CoV‑2 (2019-nCoV) virus in a covid hospital is an urgent public health issue that affects the organization of medical care processes and the planning of rehabilitation programs. Purpose of the study is to determine the level of health-related quality of life in patients with COVID‑19 on the first day of inpatient treatment for comparison with pre-pandemic norms and planning targeted rehabilitation programs. Materials and methods. A study of the quality of life was carried out using the EuroQol EQ‑5D‑5L questionnaire assessing the Index EQ and EQ VAS indicators. Using the method of simple random sampling, the data of patients were collected for three sets having following features: “Both sexes”, “Men”, “Women”. The analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics methods. Results. The indicators of health-related quality of life in patients with COVID‑19 on the first day after admission are lower than the pre-pandemic population norms for Moscow residents according to Index EQ by 20%, according to EQ VAS by 29%, on average. Women have more health limitations than men in all EQ‑5D‑5L domains, which is proportionally lower than population norms. In 3,7% of patients on admission to the hospital, the type of quality of life corresponded to “a condition worse than death”, which was practically not observed in the pre-pandemic period in Moscow residents. The greatest losses are observed in the “Self-Care” and “Mobility” domains, both for men and women. On admission to the hospital, no differences were found in the pre-pandemic and pandemic levels of health limitations in the “Anxiety/Depression” domain. Conclusions. The results of the study can be used by specialists from various branches to plan clinical, service, educational, economic, and other public health programs related to the rehabilitation of patients who have had COVID‑19. And it also represents an indispensable additional material for further sociological and clinical research.
Simultaneous Bilateral Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Ahmad Aamir N. , Hankins David A. , Wascher Daniel C.
Published: October 2021

Case:

We report a case of a 55-year-old man who sustained bilateral, complete latissimus dorsi tendon ruptures during a water-skiing accident. Physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the patient's diagnosis but also revealed a tear of the teres major on the left side. Staged primary repair was performed on each side, with a 6-week interval between procedures. At 1-year follow-up, the patient had an excellent clinical outcome.

Conclusion:

Staged surgical repair of bilateral latissimus dorsi tendon ruptures can be performed, leading to excellent clinical and functional outcomes for patients.
Treatment of an Extruded Middle Phalanx Epiphysis in a 6-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Lentz Jonathon , Klingbeil Laura , Hochwald Neal , Dagly Kamal
Published: October 2021

Case:

A Salter-Harris II fracture of the small finger middle phalanx with complete extrusion of the epiphyseal fragment in a 6-year-old boy is described. Closed reduction was unsuccessful. Open reduction was performed, the epiphysis was reduced, and a single Kirschner wire was placed obliquely across the fracture and joint.

Conclusion:

This is an extremely rare injury. Open reduction and pinning was successful in preserving functional range of motion. Despite eventual growth arrest, there was no clinically significant angular deformity, and the joint was preserved. Surgical technique and early hand therapy allowed the patient to return to high-level activity without pain or functional limitation thus far at the 27-month follow-up.
Novel Utilization of Anterior Intrapelvic (Stoppa) Approach for Periacetabular Ganz Osteotomy
Authors: Klahs Kyle J. , Castagno Christopher , Tadlock Joshua , Garcia E’Stephan , Abdelgawad Amr , Thabet Ahmed M.
Published: October 2021

Case:

The Ganz periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is widely used to correct developmental hip dysplasia in the adolescent and young adult population. The aim of this case study was to examine the novel utility and safety of Stoppa approach for the Ganz PAO in a 15-year-old girl and 25-year-old man. The Stoppa approach is traditionally used for acetabular fractures, and its use for a Ganz PAO is relatively novel.

Conclusion:

The Stoppa approach allows surgeons to successfully perform the Ganz PAO while simultaneously providing direct visualization for all osteotomies and vital structures.
Lymphatic Injury with Lymph Fistula After Anterior Lumbar Fusion Managed with Vacuum-Assisted Closure
Authors: Hartnett Davis A. , Zhang Andrew S , Hogan William B. , Daniels Alan H.
Published: October 2021

Case:

A 40-year-old man underwent an L5-S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and subsequently developed abdominal distention and persistent wound drainage. During wound reexploration, a substantial lymphocele and lymphatic fistula tracking from the ALIF site were visualized and evacuated. The deep space was coated with fibrin sealant. A deep drain and wound vacuum were placed within the retroperitoneal cavity, leading to progressive recovery.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative lymphatic injury during anterior spinal surgery can progress to the development of a lymphocele and lymphatic fistula, manageable with an exploratory laparotomy, fibrin sealant, and the use of a wound vacuum to promote fistula sealing.
Notes on the distribution, morphological variation, and mechanoreceptors of Tretanorhinus nigroluteus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Colombia
Authors: García-Cobos Daniela , Vásquez-Restrepo Juan Daniel
Published: October 2021

Aquatic species are among the least studied groups of snakes in Colombia. This is mainly due to their ecology, which makes some species difficult to survey, resulting mostly in fortuitous encounters. Within this group is the genus Tretanorhinus, for which there are records of two species in Colombia, T. mocquardi and T. taeniatus, along with a possible third one, T. nigroluteus. The presence of T. nigroluteus in Colombia has been problematic, since records are based on misidentifications and incomplete information. Here we extend the distribution of this species to the Pacific region of Colombia and discuss the uncertainty of the previous record. We also compare the morphological variation of the only Colombian specimen currently known with individuals of Central America, finding that this individual differs in having a black dorsal ground color without punctulations and a darkened belly. Nonetheless, we consider this combination of scales and color as previously unknown intraspecific variation. Finally, we report for the first time the presence of dome-shaped cephalic mechanoreceptor sensilla for the genus, quantify its density and size for six cephalic scales, and discuss the possible taxonomic value of these structures.
Actualización de la lista de mamíferos silvestres del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Chacón Pacheco Julio J. , Sánchez-Londoño Juan D. , Villada-Cadavid Tomás , Ballesteros-Correa Jesús
Published: October 2021

Córdoba es uno de los departamentos de la región Caribe colombiana con mayor atención en el estudio de los mamíferos, lo cual ha permitido ampliar el listado previo que incluía 117 especies. Gracias al desarrollo de nuevos trabajos de campo en zonas no exploradas, revisión de colecciones biológicas y los cambios taxonómicos, la diversidad de mamíferos de Córdoba se incrementa a 141 especies, adicionando el registro de 24 nuevas especies. Se incluyen 14 cambios taxonómicos y la extensión de distribución geográfica de 42 especies dentro del departamento. Los órdenes Chiroptera, Cetacea, Rodentia y Didelphiomorphia presentan la mayor cantidad de cambios y adiciones.
Aspectos de la reproducción de Plagioscion magdalenae (Pisces: Sciaenidae) en el embalse El Guájaro, bajo Magdalena, Colombia
Authors: Garcia-Alzate Carlos , Rojas-Luna René A.
Published: October 2021

Plagioscion magdalenae es el recurso íctico más importante del embalse El Guájaro, en el norte de Colombia, y para sus pobladores ribereños, fundamental para las pesquerías de subsistencia de la región, lo que ha llevado a su sobreexplotación. En este artículo se describen los aspectos reproductivos de P. magdalenae, en este embalse. Se realizaron diez muestreos de recolección mensuales, entre abril de 2018 y enero de 2019, con el fin de abarcar cada momento del pulso de inundación. Se calcularon la proporción sexual, relación gonadosomática (RGS), fecundidad, diámetro de ovocitos y talla media de madurez sexual (L50). Se analizaron 207 ejemplares, y se establecieron siete intervalos de tallas; 126 individuos fueron machos y 81 hembras, con una proporción sexual de 1:1.6 (hembra-macho). La RGS indicó que este pez tiene varios picos reproductivos, los principales en julio y septiembre. La fecundidad absoluta fue 1909 ovocitos para aguas bajando, 1590 para aguas bajas, 2435 para aguas subiendo y 2132 para aguas altas, con un diámetro promedio de ovocito de 0.29 mm. Los machos maduraron primero que las hembras y la L50 estuvo por debajo de la talla media de captura (30 cm), lo cual refleja que la normativa legal está bien determinada, pero no hay regulación para su pesca.
Birds specimens of the zoological collection of the Universidad de Nariño, Colombia
Authors: Calderón Leytón Jhon Jairo , Arcos-Patiño Osvaldo Eduardo , Rosero-Calderón Cristhian D. , Fernandez Gomez Ronald A.
Published: October 2021

We provide a complete dataset of bird specimens of the zoological collection at the Universidad de Nariño, Colombia. For every specimen, we reviewed taxonomic identifications to species level by applying curatorial procedures, including the comparison of skins, the use of taxonomic keys and primary literature, and by confirming georeferenced locality data. We present 1249 specimens from 419 species. Most records come from ecosystems in southwestern Colombia, department of Nariño. All records are in the Darwin Core standard and have been made available through the Colombian biodiversity portal (SiB-Colombia) and the GBIF. In addition, we projected these bird occurrences in a geographic context to analyze the density, representation of ecosystems, biogeographic regions, and administrative units (municipalities). We also examine the representation of relevant species regarding their endemism, migratory, or conservation status. With this information, we want to support research and training initiatives to support ecological planning with biogeographic approaches to understand the temporal changes in bird faunas.
Improving Speaking Ability Through Picture Card Assisted Storytelling Method For Children 5-6 Years Old In Kindergarten
Authors: Izzah Fitri Nailul , Rocmah Luluk Iffatur
Published: October 2021

This study aims to improve the speaking ability of children aged 5-6 years in Mutiara Hati Krian Sidoarjo Kindergarten through storytelling method assisted by picture card media. This type of research is Classroom Action Research (CAR) which is carried out in two cycles with three meetings in each cycle. The data collection technique used is descriptive quantitative and descriptive qualitative. The indicator of success in this study is if the average value of children's speaking ability through storytelling method assisted by picture card media has reached the very well developed criteria (BSB) with a percentage of 75%-100%. The results of this study indicate an increase in children's speaking skills through storytelling methods assisted by picture card media at Mutiara Hati Krian Sidoarjo Kindergarten gradually from pre-cycle, first cycle and second cycle. This is evidenced by the increase in the average speaking ability of children in the pre-cycle by 33%, increasing to 58% in the first cycle of action and reaching 92% in the second cycle of action. The results of this study are expected to provide information to institutions that handle early childhood or the general public who need information about the application of picture card-assisted storytelling methods to improve speaking skills in children aged 5-6 years. Keywords - Speaking Ability, Storytelling Method, Cards Picture