bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of closed incision negative pressure therapy on prevention of median sternotomy infection for high risk cases: a single centre retrospective study
Authors: Suelo-Calanao Rona Lee , Thomson Richard , Read Maxine , Matheson Euan , Isaac Emmanuel , Chaudhry Mubarak , Loubani Mahmoud
Published: August 2020

Background

Sternal wound infection (SWI) following cardiothoracic surgery is a major complication. It may significantly impact patient recovery, treatment cost and mortality rates. No universal guideline exists on SWI management, and more recently the focus has become prevention over treatment. Recent studies report positive outcomes with closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) on surgical incisions, particularly for patients at risk of poor wound healing.

Objective

This study aims to assess the effect of ciNPT on SWI incidence in high-risk patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed to investigate the benefit of ciNPT post sternotomy. Patients 3 years before the introduction of ciNPT (Control group) and 3 years after ciNPT availability (ciNPT group) were included. Only patients that had two or more of the risk factors; obesity, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, old age and diabetes mellitus in the High Risk ciNPT cohort were given the ciNPT dressing. Patient demographics, EuroSCOREs and length of staywere reported as mean ± standard deviation. The Fisher’s exact test (two-tailed) and an unpaired t-test (two-tailed) were used to calculate the p-value for categorical data and continuous data, respectively.

Results

The total number of patients was 1859 with 927 in the Control group and 932 in the ciNPT group. No statistical differences were noted between the groups apart from the Logistic EuroSCORE (Control = 6.802 ± 9.7 vs. ciNPT = 8.126 ± 11.3; P = 0.0002). The overall SWI incidence decreased from 8.7 to 4.4% in the overall groups with the introduction of ciNPT (P = 0.0005) demonstrating a 50% reduction. The patients with two and above risk factor in the Control Group (High Risk Control Group) were 162 while there was 158 in the ciNPT Group (High Risk ciNPT Group). The two groups were similar in all characteristics. Although the superficial and deep sternal would infections were higher in the High Risk Control Group versus the High Risk ciNPT group patients (20(12.4%) vs 9(5.6%); P = 0.049 respectively), the length of postoperative stay was similar in both (13.0 ± 15.1 versus 12.2 ± 15.6 days; p + 0.65). However the patients that developed infections in the two High Risk Groups stayed significantly longer than those who did not (25.5 ± 27.7 versus 12.2 ± 15.6 days;P = 0.008). There were 13 deaths in Hospital in the High Risk Control Group versus 10 in the High Risk ciNPT Group (P = 0.66).

Conclusion

In this study, ciNPT reduced SWI incidence post sternotomy in patients at risk for developing SWI. This however did not translate into shorter hospital stay or mortality.
Malaria prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women in a high malaria-burden state in India
Authors: Garg Samir , Dewangan Mukesh , Barman Omprakash
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Malaria in pregnancy (‘MiP’) poses risks to mother, foetus and newborn. Studies from Africa and Asia have reported high prevalence of ‘MiP’ and recommended further research to address ‘MiP’. India has a significant burden of ‘MiP’ but most of the studies are a decade old. Hardly any studies exist in India that report on asymptomatic malaria in pregnant women. The current Indian policies for malaria control are silent on ‘MiP’. A campaign was carried out by community health workers (CHWs) in 2019 to screen pregnant women across rural Chhattisgarh.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. Malaria was tested in pregnant women by CHWs using bivalent rapid tests. Multi-stage sampling was used to cover 21,572 pregnant women screened across different geographical areas of rural Chhattisgarh. Cross-tabulation and multivariate regression were used to find out the relationship of ‘MiP’ with different symptoms and geographical areas. GIS maps were used to compare malaria in pregnant women against overall febrile population.

Results

In rural Chhattisgarh, malaria was present in 0.81% of the pregnant women at the time of testing. ‘MiP’ prevalence varied across geographies, reaching 4.48% in the geographical division with highest burden. Febrile pregnant women had three times greater malaria-positivity than overall febrile population and both showed a similar geographical pattern.

Discussion

Prevalence of ‘MiP’ was found to be less than earlier studies in the state. Though overall malaria in India has shown some decline, a policy response is needed for ‘MiP’ in high-burden areas. Fever, diarrhoea and jaundice remain relevant symptoms in ‘MiP’, but around one fourth of malaria-positive pregnant-women were afebrile, suggesting the need for strategies to address it.

Conclusion

The current study based on a large sample provides fresh evidence on ‘MiP’ in India. It used CHWs as skilled providers for large-scale screening for malaria. In high-burden areas, intermittent screening and treatment (IST) of all pregnant women can be a useful strategy in order to address ‘MiP’. Pregnant women can be considered as a pertinent sentinel population for malaria. The global and national policies need to evolve concrete strategies for addressing malaria in pregnancy.
Effect of body weight on static and dynamic posturography
Authors: Emara Afaf , Mahmoud Salwa , Emira Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Background

Postural balance is important to allow us to maintain the daily life. Poor postural response and reduced motor activity were shown to be most prominent among obese persons than in non-obese.It isfound that obese elderly groups show a high prevalence of fall and supposed that adipose tissue distribution may be considered as a major factor to balance problems. In this research, we studied computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) static and dynamic tests among healthy adults according to their BMI classification (underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese).

Results

We found a significant difference between studied groups among the different scores recorded from sensory organization test and rhythmic weight shift test, which means the presence of an effect of increased body mass index on the different sensory systems required to maintain balance control and the motor strategy used to maintain balance. In obese elderly subjects, there was increased reliance on vestibular system to maintaining balance. With increasing BMI, there was decrease in visual dependence in maintaining balance.

Conclusions

Increased body weight affects the balance function of the normal individual. Computerized dynamic posturography is a good test to study static and dynamic status among obese subjects. So we found a positive relation between aging, BMI, and postural control.
Development of the COVID-19-Anxiety Questionnaire and first psychometric testing
Authors: Petzold Moritz Bruno , Bendau Antonia , Plag Jens , Pyrkosch Lena , Maricic Lea Mascarell , Rogoll Janina , Betzler Felix , Große Julia , Ströhle Andreas
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may cause psychological distress in the general population and has the potential to cause anxiety regarding COVID-19. No validated questionnaires exist for the measurement of specific COVID-19 anxiety. We modified the DSM 5 – Severity Measure for Specific Phobia–Adult scale specifically for anxiety regarding COVID-19, and report the psychometric properties from an online study with 6262 participants from the general population in Germany. We analysed internal consistency as well as concordant validity. The scale showed good internal consistency (α = 0.86) and good concordant validity (rs = 0.60) with the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder measure and rs = 0.61 with self-rating of limitations in daily life caused by COVID-19 anxiety.
Medicare Part D Spending on Drugs Prescribed by Oncologists: Temporal Trends and Regional Variation
Authors: Ziakas Panayiotis D. , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE:

Drug cost is a significant factor in the ever-increasing expenditures for cancer health care.

METHODS:

We used Medicare Part D administrative data to explore prescribing patterns and attributed drug costs of oncologists from 2013 to 2017. We highlighted regional variation in spending and potential associations. We used the location quotient (LQ) to measure the relative concentration of oncologists compared with the national average by hospital referral regions. Costs were reported in 2017 US dollars (inflation adjusted) for cross-year comparisons.

RESULTS:

Oncology’s share in Part D spending showed an uninterrupted increasing trend. In 2017, oncologists prescribed medicines with $12.8 billion in Part D costs (8.3% of all Part D payments), which exceeded 2013 costs by $7.3 billion, when their claim payments were $5.5 billion (5.0% of all Part D payments). Oncology contributed a higher annual growth in Part D drug costs compared with all other providers (15.1% and 3.1%, respectively, for 2017). The top 3 drugs increased cost by approximately $3.5 billion from 2013 to 2017. Across hospital referral regions, the oncologists’ Part D share varied (median in 2017, 7.7%; interquartile range, 6.2%-9.3%) and was higher across regions where oncologists had an LQ significantly > 1 (mostly in areas with centers that excel in cancer care) and lower for an LQ significantly < 1 (median, 9.7% v 6.2%, respectively; P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

Oncology increased its share in Part D drug spending, disproportionately to all other providers, with regional differences partially moderated by the oncology workforce and quality of cancer care.
Mesothelial Cells Participate in Endometriosis Fibrogenesis Through Platelet-Induced Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Yan Dingmin , Liu Xishi , Xu Hong , Guo Sun-Wei
Published: August 2020

Context

While fibrosis in endometriosis has recently loomed prominently, the sources of myofibroblasts, the principal effector cell in fibrotic diseases, remain largely obscure. Mesothelial cells (MCs) can be converted into myofibroblasts through mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) in many fibrotic diseases and adhesion.

Objective

To evaluate whether MCs contribute to the progression and fibrogenesis in endometriosis through MMT.

Setting, Design, Patients, Intervention, And Main Outcome Measures

Dual immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against calretinin, Wilms’ tumor-1 (WT-1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were performed on lesion samples from 30 patients each with ovarian endometrioma (OE) and deep endometriosis (DE), and 30 normal endometrial (NE) tissue samples. Human pleural and peritoneal MCs were co-cultured with activated platelets or control medium with and without neutralization of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and/or platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and their morphology, proliferation, and expression levels of genes and proteins known to be involved in MMT were evaluated, along with their migratory and invasive propensity, contractility, and collagen production.

Results

The number of calretinin/WT-1 and α-SMA dual-positive fibroblasts in OE/DE lesions was significantly higher than NE samples. The extent of lesional fibrosis correlated positively with the lesional α-SMA staining levels. Human MCs co-cultured with activated platelets acquire a morphology suggestive of MMT, concomitant with increased proliferation, loss of calretinin expression, and marked increase in expression of mesenchymal markers. These changes coincided with functional differentiation as reflected by increased migratory and invasive capacity, contractility, and collagen production. Neutralization of TGF-β1 and PDGFR signaling abolished platelet-induced MMT in MCs.

Conclusions

MCs contribute to lesional progression and fibrosis through platelet-induced MMT.
Role of the Propionic Acid Side-Chain of C-Phycocyanin Chromophores in the Excited States for the Photosynthesis Process
Authors: Mishima Kenji , Shoji Mitsuo , Umena Yasufumi , Boero Mauro , Shigeta Yasuteru
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on a theoretical investigation of the peculiar properties of the chromophore in the C-phycocyanin (C-PC), phycocyanobilin (PCB). The scope is to unravel their key features upon light absorption and transmission occurring in natural photosynthesis. To this aim, by resorting to the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and natural bond orbital (NBO) methods, we compute the photoabsorption spectra and electronic properties of PCB, showing that three different orientations of the PCB in C-PC contribute to the nonhomogeneous broadening of the entire photoabsorption spectrum of C-PC. Furthermore, the photoabsorption peaks of PCB can undergo a shift up to 40 nm because of solvation effects. Further investigations on the competitive influence of the nearby aspartate residue and two propionic acids on the absorption spectra show that the latter play a significant role in realizing the different photo-response among the three isomers of PCB. In the low-lying electronic excited states, the π conjugated C-C bonds and the twisting angle of the pyrrole rings turn out to be affected. The NBO geometrical analyses of the bond lengths, interatomic angles, and dihedral angles evidenced that the intermolecular interactions of the propionic acid side chains play a crucial role in the determination of the excited state molecular conformations. These results indicate that the absorption spectra and the excited state structures of PCB are efficiently tuned during natural photosynthesis processes.
On the Existence of Pairwise Stable Weighted Networks
Authors: Bich Philippe , Morhaim Lisa
Published: August 2020

In network theory, Jackson and Wolinsky introduced a now widely used notion of stability for unweighted network formation called pairwise stability. We prove the existence of pairwise stable weighted networks under assumptions on payoffs that are similar to those in Nash's and Glicksberg’s existence theorem (continuity and quasi concavity). Then, we extend our result, allowing payoffs to depend not only on the network, but also on some game-theoretic strategies. The proof is not a standard application of tools from game theory, the difficulty coming from the fact that the pairwise stability notion has both cooperative and noncooperative features. Last, some examples are given and illustrate how our results may open new paths in the literature on network formation.
A Benders Decomposition Approach for the Multivehicle Production Routing Problem with Order-up-to-Level Policy
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Luo Zhixing , Baldacci Roberto , Lim Andrew
Published: August 2020

The production routing problem (PRP) arises in the applications of integrated supply chain which jointly optimize the production, inventory, distribution, and routing decisions. The literature on this problem is quite rare due to its complexity. In this paper, we consider the multivehicle PRP (MVPRP) with order-up-to-level inventory replenishment policy, where every time a customer is visited, the quantity delivered is such that the maximum inventory level is reached. We propose an exact Benders’ decomposition approach to solve the MVPRP, which decomposes the problem as a master problem and a slave problem. The master problem decides whether to produce the product, the quantity to be produced, and the customers to be replenished for every period of the planning horizon. The resulting slave problem decomposes into a capacitated vehicle routing problem for each period of the planning horizon where each problem is solved using an exact algorithm based on the set partitioning model, and the identified feasibility and optimality cuts are added to the master problem to guide the solution process. Valid inequalities and initial optimality cuts are used to strengthen the linear programming relaxation of the master formulation. The exact method is tested on MVPRP instances and on instances of the multivehicle vendor-managed inventory routing problem, a special case of the MVPRP, and the good performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated.
Coordinating Pricing and Empty Container Repositioning in Two-Depot Shipping Systems
Authors: Lu Tao , Lee Chung-Yee , Lee Loo-Hay
Published: August 2020

This paper studies joint decisions on pricing and empty container repositioning in two-depot shipping services with stochastic shipping demand. We formulate the problem as a stochastic dynamic programming model. The exact dynamic program may have a high-dimensional state space because of the in-transit containers. To cope with the curse of dimensionality, we develop an approximate model where the number of in-transit containers on each vessel is approximated with a fixed container flow predetermined by solving a static version of the problem. Moreover, we show that the approximate value function is [Formula: see text]-concave, thereby characterizing the structure of the optimal control policy for the approximate model. With the upper bound obtained by solving the information relaxation–based dual of the exact dynamic program, we numerically show that the control policies generated from our approximate model are close to optimal when transit times span multiple periods.
Probability analysis of sequential SCFE (PASS score)
Authors: Danino Baruch , Singh Satbir , Shi Junxin , Yang Jingzhen , Samora Walter P. , Iobst Christopher A. , Klingele Kevin E.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The study aimed to develop a scoring system based on clinical and radiological findings to predict the risk of a sequential slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE).

Methods

Paediatric patients with unilateral SCFE and at least two years of radiographic follow-up were screened for inclusion. Medical records were reviewed for multiple variables including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), stability of SCFE, and time to sequential presentation. Radiographic analysis included triradiate physeal status, Risser staging, superior epiphyseal extension ratio (EER), posterior epiphyseal angle (PEA), posterior sloping angle (PSA) and slip severity.

Results

In total, 163 patients (88 male, 54%, 75 female, 46%) met inclusion criteria. Of those, 65 (40%) with a mean age of 11.9 ± 1.3 years developed sequential SCFE at a mean of 9.8 ± 6.4 months after the initial slip. Eight independent variables were statistically different (p < 0.05) between unilateral and sequential groups. Following multivariate analysis, Risser stage and triradiate status were no longer significant and did not influence the strength of the final model (overall area under the curve (AUC) = 0.954) and were consequently excluded. We developed the PASS score using three radiographic parameters using chosen cut-off values that were close to their maximized value and weighted the point value assigned to each parameter based on the strength of predictor.

Conclusion

A PASS score of three or higher predicts a high probability of sequential SCFE with 95% confidence and may warrant prophylactic screw fixation. PASS score calculation can be used to predict a sequential SCFE and provide an objective method to determine the utility prophylactic screw fixation.

Level of Evidence

II
Cemented prosthesis as spacer for two-stage revision of infected hip prostheses: a similar infection remission rate and a lower complication rate
Authors: Zhang Wenming , Fang Xinyu , Shi Tengbin , Cai Yuanqing , Huang Zida , Zhang Chaofan , Lin Jianhua , Li Wenbo
Published: August 2020

Aims

To explore the effect of different types of articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers in two-stage revision for chronic hip prosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 36 chronic PJI patients treated with different types of articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers between January 2014 and December 2017. The incidence of complications and the therapeutic effects of different types of antibiotic-loaded articulating cement spacers were compared.

Results

A total of 36 patients with chronic hip PJI were included. Of these, 13 patients were treated with spacers with Kirschner wires as an endoskeleton (group I), ten patients were treated with spacers with a cemented femoral prosthesis as an endoskeleton (group II), and 13 patients were treated with cemented femoral prostheses combined with polyethylene sockets as a spacer (group III). All patients were followed for 12 to 60 months, with a mean follow-up period of 26.44 months (SEM 14.09). Infection was controlled in 34 patients (94.44%), and there were no significant differences in the eradication rate among the three groups (p = 0.705), but the risk of complications related to the spacer in group III was significantly lower than that in groups I and II (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacers is effective in the treatment of chronic hip PJI, but we must pay attention to the occurrence of spacer fracture and dislocation, which can lead to poor joint function. The risk of spacer-related mechanical complications is low, and better joint function can be achieved when using cemented femoral prostheses combined with polyethylene sockets as spacers. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(8):484–492.
Comparison of static and dynamic characteristics of 1550 nm quantum dash and quantum well lasers
Authors: Shi Bei , Pinna Sergio , Luo Wei , Zhao Hongwei , Zhu Si , Suran Brunelli Simone T. , Lau Kei May , Klamkin Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Compared to quantum well (QW) lasers, lower dimensional quantum dot (QD) or quantum dash (QDash) devices demonstrate superior performances, owing to their quantized energy levels and increased carrier confinement. Here, we report the systematic comparison of static and dynamic properties of long wavelength (1550 nm) QDash and QW lasers. For the QDash lasers, a higher maximum operating temperature and lower temperature dependence was achieved for long cavities, although the threshold current densities were larger than the QW reference devices. The lasing characteristics for QDashes are significantly improved following the application of a high reflectance (HR) coating on the rear facets. The QDash lasers also exhibit three orders lower dark current, of 45 µA/cm2 under -1 V reverse bias. Small signal modulation on the 4 × 550 µm2 Fabry-Perot cavities yields a modulation efficiency of 0.48 GHz/√mA and a maximum 3-dB bandwidth of 7.4 GHz for QDashes, slightly larger than that for the QW devices. Meanwhile, a stronger damping effect was observed for the QDash lasers due to their lower differential gain.
Fiber-based dynamically tunable Lyot filter for dual-wavelength and tunable single-wavelength mode-locking of fiber lasers
Authors: Zhu Yuanjun , Cui Zekun , Sun Xiangnan , Shirahata Takuma , Jin Lei , Yamashita Shinji , Set Sze Yun
Published: August 2020

We propose and demonstrate a novel dynamically tunable fiber-based Lyot filter for the realization of a dual-wavelength mode-locked fiber laser, operating at center wavelengths of 1535 nm and 1564 nm. The same laser cavity can also be operated in a single-wavelength mode-locked regime with a wavelength tuning range of 30 nm, from 1532 nm to 1562 nm. The proposed dynamically tunable Lyot-filter provides a simple setup for laser mode-locking using a single laser cavity design to generate dual-wavelength pulses, with the flexibility to also allow the generation of single-wavelength pulses with a continuously-tunable center wavelength.
Reconfigurable multiphoton entangled states based on quantum photonic chips
Authors: Zhu Pingyu , Xue Shichuan , Zheng Qilin , Wu Chao , Yu Xinyao , Wang Yang , Liu Yingwen , Qiang Xiaogang , Deng Mingtang , Wu Junjie , Xu Ping
Published: August 2020

Multipartite entanglement is one of the most prominent features of quantum mechanics and is the key ingredient in quantum information processing. Seeking for an advantageous way to generate it is of great value. Here we propose two different schemes to prepare multiphoton entangled states on a quantum photonic chip that are both based on the theory of entanglement on the graph. The first scheme is to construct graphs for multiphoton states by the network of spatially anti-bunching two-photon sources. The second one is to construct graphs by the linear beam-splitter network, which can generate W and Dicke states efficiently with simple structure. Both schemes can be scaled up in the photon number and can be reconfigured for different types of multiphoton states. This study supplies a systematic solution for the on-chip generation of multiphoton entangled states and will promote the practical development of multiphoton quantum technologies.
Real-time 3D shape measurement with dual-frequency composite grating and motion-induced error reduction
Authors: Guo Wenbo , Wu Zhoujie , Li Yueyang , Liu Yihang , Zhang Qican
Published: August 2020

Phase-shifting profilometry has been increasingly sought and applied in dynamic three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement. However, the object motion will lead to extra phase shift error and thus measurement error. In this paper, a real-time 3D shape measurement method based on dual-frequency composite phase-shifting grating and motion-induced error reduction is proposed for a complex scene containing dynamic and static objects. The proposed method detects the motion region of a complex scene through the phase relations of the dual-frequency composite grating and reduces the motion-induced error with the combination of the phase calculated by a phase-shifting algorithm and the phase extracted by Fourier fringe analysis. It can correctly reconstruct the 3D shape of a complex dynamic scene and ensure high measurement accuracy of its static object as well. With the aid of the phase-shifting image ordering approach, the dynamic 3D shape of complex scenes can be reconstructed and the motion-induced error can also be suppressed in real time. Experimental results well proved that the proposed method is effective and practical.
Magnetoplasmon-surface phonon polaritons’ coupling effects in radiative heat transfer
Authors: He Mingjian , Qi Hong , Ren Yatao , Zhao Yijun , Antezza Mauro
Published: August 2020

In this work, the coupling of magnetoplasmon polaritons (MPP) to surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) in near-field radiative heat transfer is theoretically investigated. The system is composed of two parallel graphene-coated

S
i
O

2

substrates. By applying an external magnetic field, the separated branches of MPPs can couple with SPhPs to form tunable modes. The behavior remolds the energy transport of the system. The relative thermal magnetoresistance ratio can reach values of up to 160% for a magnetic field of 8 T. In addition, the thermal stealthy for the coated graphene is realized by tuning the intensity of fields. This work has substantial importance to graphene-based magneto-optical devices.
Lessons from the Organizer - an interview with Edward (Eddy) M. De Robertis
Authors: Niehrs Christof
Published: August 2020

In this interview, we talk with developmental biologist Eddy De Robertis about his wider scientific career and the history of developmental biology in Latin America. We discuss the early days of the homeobox, the discovery of the mechanism of the Spemann-Mangold organizer function in Xenopus embryos, and related Evo-Devo. De Robertis reflects on trends of how conducting biological research has changed over the years and he provides advice for young scientists.
Gastrointestinal parasites of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria
Authors: Bouragba Messaoud , Laatamna AbdElkarim , Cheddad Fatima Elzahra , Baroudi Djamel , Houali Karim , Hakem Ahcène
Published: August 2020

Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence and identification of gastrointestinal parasites in feces samples of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria based on microscopic examination. Materials and Methods: A total of 717 fresh fecal samples obtained from 28 farms at Steppe and Northern Sahara regions of Algeria were processed for microscopic examination after concentration by formalin-ether sedimentation and flotation techniques. In addition, microscopic examination of Cryptosporidium spp. was done by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Lugol staining procedure was used for the detection of Giardia cysts. Results: Microscopic examination indicated an infection rate of gastrointestinal parasites of 48.26% (346/717). Protozoan infections were recorded at 17.02% (122/717), whereas helminth infections were recorded at 23.71% (170/717). In addition, mixed infection (protozoans and helminths) was seen at 7.53% (54/717). No correlation was found between infection and age of the animals, nor the consistency of the stool samples; in addition, neither influence of sex nor breed of camels was observed. Eighteen genera of gastrointestinal parasites were revealed; including four genera of protozoa, 12 Nematoda, one Cestoda, and one Trematoda. Strongyloides spp. and Eimeria spp. showed the highest rate of parasitism, while Cooperia spp. was observed with the lowest prevalence. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 13 among 717 examined samples (1.81%). Conclusion: The parasite fauna infecting the gastrointestinal tract of the Algerian dromedary is much diversified. The detected parasites in camels are similar to counterparts in other ruminants, posing serious challenge to animal farming. Future studies should be carried out to better understand the epidemiology of these parasitic diseases and their economic and public health impact.
Improvements to the live-attenuated Newcastle disease virus vaccine using Carbopol® 940 as a stabilizer
Authors: Abd El-Moneam Mahmoud Mohamed , Fathy Nada Adel , Ali Naglaa I. , El Naggar Heba Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim: One strategy that can be used to stabilize vaccines is to convert them into a dry powder. This can protect the integrity of the active ingredients as well as vaccine antigenicity during manufacture, storage, and transport. This study highlights the potent adjuvant activity of Carbopol® when used alone to stabilize live-attenuated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccines or when used in a formulation together with skimmed milk. Tolerability and potency of these formulations were compared with those obtained from other local live NDV vaccines produced locally by the Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the cellular and humoral immune responses to a locally prepared, live-attenuated LaSota virus vaccine. Vaccine formulations were stabilized with Carbopol® 940 alone or in combination with skimmed milk. Results: Our results indicate that the use of Carbopol® 940 alone to stabilize a live-attenuated LaSota vaccine resulted in enhanced cellular and humoral immunity. The antibody titer was prolonged through the 6th week post-vaccination (5.0 log2). Full (100%) protection was observed in response to challenge with very virulent NDV at day 21 after vaccination; there were no clinical signs or lesions on examination. Addition of Carbopol® 940 to the live-attenuated vaccine formulation resulted in a more compact, stable, and high-quality lyophilized cake after freeze-dried lyophilization compared with that produced by stabilization with skimmed milk alone. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Carbopol® 940 may improve clinical responses to live-attenuated vaccines.
Leitfaden zur Gestaltung einer gebrauchstauglichen instruktiven Mensch-Roboter-Kollaboration am Produktionsarbeitsplatz
Authors: Schleicher Tim
Published: August 2020

Steigende Bedarfe, kürzer werdende Produktlebenszyklen und zunehmende Variantenvielfalt führen zu einer erhöhten Komplexität in Produktionsprozessen. Eine Möglichkeit, diesen Herausforderungen zu begegnen, ist die Kombination manueller und automatisierter Arbeit in Form einer instruktiven Mensch-Roboter-Kollaboration (iMRK). Ein Assistenzroboter erhält Instruktionen, wo und wie die nächsten Produktionsschritte durchzuführen sind. Der Roboter wird von einem Mitarbeiter flexibel für Paralleltätigkeiten eingesetzt, ohne die ursprüngliche Roboterprogrammierung anzupassen. Notwendig dafür sind jedoch gebrauchstaugliche Mensch-Roboter-Schnittstellen (MRS). Gestaltungskonzepte für gebrauchstaugliche iMRK an einem Produktionsarbeitsplatz sind aktuell weder in der Wissenschaft noch in der Praxis zu finden. Verortet im Forschungsparadigma der gestaltungsorientierten Forschung präsentiert der Beitrag die Grundlagen und Voraussetzungen zur Umsetzung einer iMRK. Diese dienen als Basis für einen theoriegeleiteten Leitfaden zur nutzerzentrierten Gestaltung solcher Systeme. Die strukturierte und methodisch ausgestaltete Vorgehensweise unterstützt Planer und Entwickler von Produktionsassistenzsystemen in der industriellen Automobilproduktion. Der Beitrag zeigt die theoriegeleite Konzeption als Grundlage für die Instanziierung des Leitfadens zur Entwicklung eines Assistenzroboters in der Anwendungsdomäne.
Technikaffinität als Ressource für die Arbeit in Industrie 4.0
Authors: Attig Christiane , Mach Sebastian , Wessel Daniel , Franke Thomas , Schmalfuß Franziska , Krems Josef F.
Published: August 2020

Die zunehmende Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelt bietet nicht nur vielversprechende Innovationen zur arbeiterzentrierten, adaptiven Aufgabengestaltung, sondern stellt den Einzelnen auch vor die Herausforderung, in höherem Maße mit digitaler Technik zu interagieren. Für die erfolgreiche Interaktion mit Technik sind zwei Faktoren ausschlaggebend: Wissen über bzw. Erfahrung mit technischen Systemen sowie Persönlichkeitsaspekte, die sich als Interaktionsstil im Umgang mit Technik manifestieren. Wir präsentieren das Konzept der interaktionsbezogenen Technikaffinität (affinity for technology interaction, ATI) als zentrale Ressource zum erfolgreichen Umgang mit Technik, und mit der ATI-Skala eine ökonomische und reliable Skala zur Quantifizierung der ATI eines Nutzers. Neben bestehenden Evaluationsergebnissen (N > 1500) stellen wir erste Ergebnisse einer Nutzerstudie vor, die im Rahmen des Projektes Factory2Fit durchgeführt wurde. Die Probanden interagierten mit 3D-Druckern und erlebten unterschiedliche Automatisierungsgrade des Prozesses. Zusätzlich zum Automatisierungsgrad wurde die Erfahrung der Probanden durch unterschiedliche Trainingsintensitäten variiert. Die Ergebnisse liefern erste Hinweise auf die Relevanz von ATI für die Vorhersage des Interaktionserfolgs mit Technologie und damit für Usability-Evaluationen in Industrie 4.0-Umgebungen.
„Vitale“ Intralogistik - Integration von Vitaldaten in die Prozesse auf dem betrieblichen Hallenboden
Authors: Hornung Tim , Bucher Matthias , Schuler Sven
Published: August 2020

In den letzten Jahrzehnten hat die Digitalisierung alle Bereiche des Lebens durchdrungen. Internet, Computer und Smart Devices sind nicht mehr wegzudenken. In der Produktion wird die Digitalisierung mit dem Schlagwort „Industrie 4.0“ beschrieben. Ziel ist hierbei die Vernetzung von Mensch, Maschine und Produkt zu einem Internet der Dinge, Dienste und Daten. Ein weiterer Trend ist ein gesunder Lebensstil sowie eine ausgewogene Work-Life-Integration. Besonders die Generation Y strebt nach einem fitten, starken Körper und einer gesunden Ernährung. Zahlreiche Workshops und Apps unterstützen diesen Trend. Im beruflichen Umfeld gestaltet sich dieser Lebensstil jedoch schwierig. „Warum diese beiden Trends also nicht verbinden!“, dachte sich das Unternehmen viastore SOFTWARE GmbH aus Stuttgart, „Arbeit, Fitness und Spaß an einem Arbeitsplatz“. Was sich für viele unvorstellbar anhört, wird im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes „MyCPS“, in der Intralogistik umgesetzt. Ein handelsüblicher Fitness-Tracker stellt dem Warehouse-Management-System Vitaldaten wie Herzfrequenz oder ein Aktivitätsprotokoll zur Verfügung. Mithilfe dieser Daten können die auftretenden Beanspruchungen des Mitarbeiters in Relation zu seiner Tätigkeit gesetzt und somit Aspekte einer ergonomischen Arbeitsgestaltung bei gleichzeitiger Berücksichtigung der persönlichen Bedürfnisse der Mitarbeiter verwirklicht werden.
Methodisches Vorgehen in der benutzerorientierten Produktentwicklung - Entwicklung von Produkten und Umgebungen für Menschen mit Kompetenzeinschränkungen
Authors: Geißler Linda
Published: August 2020

Im USEability LAB am IHD werden Forschungsthemen mit unterschiedlichen Fragestellungen aus dem Bereich der Produktentwicklung und der Gestaltung von (Wohn-) Räumen für Senioren und Menschen mit Kompetenzeinschränkungen. Bei der Ermittlung der Anforderungen an die zu gestaltenden Produkte und Umgebungen steht der Benutzer mit seinen individuellen Eigenschaften jederzeit im Fokus. In der Produktentwicklung, insbesondere der Softwareentwicklung, gibt es bereits eine Vielzahl von Methoden zur Analyse der Benutzeranforderungen und zur Überprüfung der Produktlösungen aus der Benutzersicht. Doch für die Arbeit, in der ein komplexes System aus Benutzer(n), Objekten und der räumlichen Umgebung betrachtet werden muss, eignen sich bisherige Methoden nur im Ansatz. Begleitend in verschiedenen Forschungsprojekten wurde ein eigenes methodisches Vorgehen zur Anforderungsanalyse entwickelt, wobei verschiedene bestehende Methoden kombiniert und erweitert wurden. Die DIN EN ISO 9241-210 bietet eine Grundlage, die sich als sehr geeignet für die Übertragung auf die in Projekten des USEability LABs auftretende Fragestellungen erwiesen hat. In der benutzerorientierten Produktentwicklung steht der Mensch mit seinen Eigenschaften, Fähigkeiten, Zielen und Bedürfnissen bezüglich eines zu entwickelnden Produktes oder einer Umgebung im Vordergrund. Ein Schwerpunkt der Arbeit im USEability LAB am IHD sind Produkte und Umgebungen für Menschen mit Kompetenzeinschränkungen. Menschen, die mit einer sensorischen, motorischen und/oder kognitiven Einschränkung leben, haben besondere Anforderungen an ihre Umwelt. Sie verfügen oftmals aufgrund ihres Handicaps über eine verminderte Anpassungsleistung und sind daher stärker darauf angewiesen, dass sich ihre Umgebung an sie anpasst. Zudem sind die Art und die Ausprägung der Einschränkungen sehr verschieden, was dazu führt, dass es ein pauschales „barrierefrei“ oder „behindertengerecht“ nicht geben kann.

In diesem Beitrag wird das methodische Vorgehen vorgestellt, das es ermöglicht, einen Perspektivwechsel zu vollziehen und die Anforderungen an ein zu entwickelndes Produkt oder eine zu gestaltende Umgebung aus Sicht der Benutzer zu ermitteln.
Der Entwurf eines ziel- und nutzerorientierten Druckspeichers in Abhängigkeit des Services
Authors: Duschek Daniel , Vielhaber Michael
Published: August 2020

Der Produktentwicklungsprozess (PEP) von Mobilitätszellen, vom Entwurf bis zur Serien-reife, ist ein komplexer Prozess. Die zunehmenden Kundenanforderungen und Wettbewerbern führen zu einer Verkürzung des Entwicklungs- und Innovationszyklus von Produkten. In dem bisherigen PEP war die Definition von technischen Anforderungen eines neuen Produktes von großer Bedeutung. Sowohl eine Erweiterung des bestehenden Prozesses als auch die Ableitung von Kundenservice in technische Merkmale und Eigenschaften stellt die Verkehrssparte vor eine zu lösende Herausforderung.Eine weiterer wichtiger Aspekt für die Mobilitätsindustrie sind die zunehmenden äußeren Einflüsse, wie beispielsweise die Senkung der maximal zulässigen Emissionsraten sowie der zunehmende Wettbewerb auf den etablierten Absatzmärkten. Diese erfordern beispielsweise die Entwicklung und Anwendung von neuen Antriebstechnologien. Resultierend aus dem Wandel von konventionellen Antriebssystemen hin zur Elektromobilität ist sowohl die Integration von neuen Komponenten, wie beispielsweise Batterien oder Druckspeichern, in bestehende Bauräume von konventionellen Plattform-/ Modulstrategieansätzen, als auch die Auslegung der resultierenden Systemeigenschaften im zeitlichen Verlauf der Produkt-entwicklung notwendig. Um den Reifegrad des Bauteils, beispielsweise Druckspeicher, der Baugruppe sowie des Produkts definieren zu können, ist eine stetige Analyse und Synthese der Merkmale und Eigenschaften erforderlich. Dies ermöglicht der CPM Ansatz nach Weber. Durch eine Analyse von Systemparametern können die wichtigsten Einflussfaktoren auf das Gesamtsystem abgeleitet werden. Die Simulation basiert auf den gewonnenen Erkennt-nissen und ermöglicht einen ziel- bzw. anwendungsorientierten Entwurf. Des Weiteren wird der Reifegrad des Produkts im PEP definiert. Die Parameter des Services können zudem auf die Systemeigenschaften des Produkts übertragen werden. Dies wird in dem Beitrag am Beispiel eines Druckspeichers näher diskutiert.
Timing and Navigation in UAVs
Authors: Hünerbein Karen von , Lange Werner R
Published: August 2020

Precise timing and precise location information are provided by Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and play a crucial role in the positioning, navigation and data acquisition of most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). GNSS functions include the following applications in UAVs: time-stamping and geo-referencing of collected data and images, synchronization of swarm flying and follow-me flights, determination of position and attitude in-flight, flight trajectory by following a pre-defined number of waypoints, mission planning, return home automatically without external control, avoidance of obstacles and geo-fencing. 

Some of these critical operations have implications for the safety of the UAV, the surrounding environment and health and safety of people, for example UAVs threatening to bring down aircrafts  at airports, which are no-fly zones for UAVs. The appropriate GNSS based function to avoid this is geo-fencing. Another example is obstacle avoidance to prevent collisions and damages both for the UAV and the obstacle, e.g. anything from a window pane, tree, human being, to a power line.

In order to ensure health and safety it is thus important to ensure correct function of the navigation and the timing, under a wide variety of circumstances, and in different signal environments. There can be signal disturbances, such as obscurations by buildings or reflected GNSS signals, called multipath. The performance of timing and navigation based on GPS/GNSS can be tested and verified in a controlled and repeatable way in the laboratory with different types of test equipment. We will give an introduction to a wide range of potential threats to GNSS Positioning, navigation and timing and an overview of different test methods. In addition, we are presenting a method for time synchronization of drones to enable safe swarm and follow flights in UAVs.
Comparison of acceleration methods of matrix calculations in embedded systems
Authors: Götze Johannes
Published: August 2020

In today's algorithms for sound localization techniques, matrix calculations are ubiquitous. Therefore, this work deals with the analysis of matrix calculations and their possible realization on embedded systems. For this purpose, common acceleration technologies such as processors, GPU processing and acceleration with the help of FPGAs are compared. The results show that a graphics chip is capable to accelerate such a matrix vector multiplication compared to an implementation on a processor. Therefore a runtime of an implementation on an FPGA cannot be achieved by a GPU.
A Resonance Tracking Approach from Adaptive Control
Authors: Gierig Meike , Flessing Lars
Published: August 2020

Resonance tracking is an approach to measuring concentrations, forces or viscosities. Such vibration-based measurements appear to be particularly well suited for applications at the micro- or even nano-scale. In order to monitor more than one parameter or parameter ratio simultaneously, a new kind of resonance tracking is developed with methods from adaptive control. It combines parameter estimation methods and state observers to adopt the resonant excitation to vibrating systems with time-varying parameters. At the same time, these parameters are measured. This approach is exemplified at two single-input-single-output (SISO) systems: a linear spring-mass-damper oscillator and a weakly nonlinear oscillator of Duffing-type.
Commentary on John Deely
Authors: Ostdiek Gerald
Published: August 2020

Commentary on the article by John Deely in this volume: John Deely (2015), Ethics and the Semiosis-Semiotics Distinction. Zeitschrift für Semiotik 37, 3-4, 13-30.
„Birodalmi karrierutak” és Ausztria változó „egyetemi terei” a 19. század második felében
Authors: Csibi Norbert
Published: August 2020

Surman, Jan: Universities in Imperial Austria 1848–1918. A Social History of a Multilingual Space. West Lafayette, Indiana, 2019. 458 oldal
A New Suction-Controlled True Triaxial Apparatus for Unsaturated Soil Testing
Authors: Zheng Fang , Shao Shengjun , Wang Yongxin , Shao Shuai
Published: August 2020

A new suction-controlled true triaxial apparatus was developed to investigate unsaturated soil behavior under multiaxial stress paths that are not readily achievable in a cylindrical cell. This apparatus is a mixed-boundary type device with a rigid-flexible-flexible boundary that can apply three principal stresses to a cubic specimen via two rigid platens along the vertical direction and four flexible hydraulic bags on the sides. The apparatus was modified based on a previous true triaxial apparatus designed at Xi’an University of Technology, with the addition of four division strips to avoid loading boundary interference. The new apparatus is capable of testing specimens with dimensions of 7 by 7 by 14 cm. The present apparatus was equipped with an independent pore-air pressure control system and pore-water pressure measurement system. Based on the axis-translation technique, a 5-bar high air entry value ceramic disk is seated on the pedestal, and a matric suction state was achieved that remains constant throughout the laboratory tests. Hence, this true triaxial apparatus can be used to conduct suction-controlled experiments. The suitability of this device was validated via two sets of three repeated trial tests and several sets of trial tests performed with remolded loess for different intermediate principal stress parameters under 50, 100, and 200 kPa matric suction values and different net mean pressure conditions. The results presented the stress-strain characteristics and failure loci of remolded loess.
Fiber Bragg Grating–Based Flume Test to Study the Initiation of Landslide-Debris Flows Induced by Concentrated Runoff
Authors: Li Hao-Jie , Zhu Hong-Hu , Li Yuan-Hai , Hu Wei , Shi Bin
Published: August 2020

In order to explore the initiation of landslide-debris flow caused by concentrated runoff, a flume test has been performed on soil samples taken from a debris flow site in Wenchuan earthquake area. The fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology was used to measure the strain distribution information in the slope mass during erosion. Several hydrological sensors for monitoring pore water pressure and soil moisture were used to investigate their correlation with internal strain field. The test results show that the fiber optic sensing technique exhibited high sensitivity and precision in monitoring the slope deformation. The development of pore water pressures and soil moistures showed reasonable consistency with the dynamics of an infiltration. According to the strain measurements, there were four evolution stages during the initiation of landslide-debris induced by runoff, i.e., the water absorption stage, the deformation stage, the shear zone formation stage, and the fluidization stage. The results provide an improved insight into the mechanism of debris flow initiation and indicate the enormous potential of the FBG sensing technology in establishing an effective early warning system for landslides and debris flows.