bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photometric Analysis of the Pi of the Sky Data
Authors: Siudek M. , Malek K. , Mankiewicz L. , Opiela R. , Sokolowski M. , Zarnecki A. F.
Published: March 2021

A database containing star measurements from the period 2006–2009 taken by the Pi of the Sky detector located in Las Campanas Observatory in Chile contains more than 2 billion measurements of almost 17 million objects. All measurements are available on the Pi of the Sky web site through a dedicated interface, which also allows users to download selected data. Accurate analysis of Pi of the Sky data is a real challenge, because of a number of factors that can influence the measurements. Possible sources of errors in our measurements include: reading the chip with the shutter open, strong and varying sky background, passing planets or planetoids, and clouds and hot pixels. In order tofacilitate the analysis of variable stars we have developed a system of dedicated filters to remove bad measurements or frames. The spectral sensitivity of the detector is taken into account by appropriate corrections based on the spectral type of reference stars. This process is illustrated by an analysis of the BG Ind system, where we have been able to reduce the systematic uncertainty to about 0.05 magnitudo.
Use of Grasses and Mixtures of Grasses for Energy Purposes
Authors: Andert David , Frydrych Jan , Gerndtová Ilona
Published: March 2021

As levels of agricultural productivity increase, there is also an increase in land area not utilized for food production. This area can be used for growing energy crops, including grasses. When land is set aside for grassing, or when the potential of perennial grasses is not utilized due to reductions in cattle herds, there is also an increased amount of grass that can be utilized for energy purposes. Experiments were carried out on the principle of single-stage anaerobic digestion within the mezophyle range. During the experiments, we measured the cumulative production of biogas and its composition. The processed grass was disintegrated by pressing and cutting. This adaptation of the material resulted in increased biogas production. The optimum proportion of grass dry matter is from 35 to 50 % in the total d.m. The results of the experiments proved the suitability of grass phytomass as a material for biogas production.
Effect of Gas Mixture Composition on the Parameters of an Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Chríbik Andrej , Polóni Marián , Lach Ján
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the use of the internal combustion piston engine, which is a drive unit for micro-cogeneration units. The introduction is a brief statement of the nature of gas mixture compositions that are useful for the purposes of combustion engines, together with the basic physical and chemical properties relevant to the burning of this gas mixture. Specifically, we will discuss low-energy gases (syngases) and mixtures of natural gas with hydrogen. The second section describes the conversion of the Lombardini LGW 702 combustion engine that is necessary for these types of combustion gases. Before the experimental measurements, a simulation in the Lotus Engine simulation program was carried out to make a preliminary assessment of the impact on the performance of an internal combustion engine. The last section of the paper presents the experimental results of partial measurements of the performance and emission parameters of an internal combustion engine powered by alternative fuels.
Lab-scale Technology for Biogas Production from Lignocellulose Wastes
Authors: Krátký Lukáš , Jirout Tomáš , Nalezenec Jiří
Published: March 2021

Currently-operating biogas plants are based on the treatment of lignocellulose biomass, which is included in materials such as agriculture and forestry wastes, municipal solid wastes, waste paper, wood and herbaceous energy crops. Lab-scale biogas technology was specially developed for evaluating the anaerobic biodegrability and the specific methane yields of solid organic substrates. This technology falls into two main categories – pretreatment equipments, and fermentation equipments. Pretreatment units use physical principles based on mechanical comminution (ball mills, macerator) orhydrothermal treatment (liquid hot water pretreatment technology). The biochemical methane potential test is used to evaluate the specific methane yields of treated or non-treated organic substrates. This test can be performed both by lab testing units and by lab fermenter.
Explosion Cladding of Lead on Steel
Authors: Turňa Milan , Ondruška Jozef , Turňová Zuzana
Published: March 2021

This work deals with explosion cladding of lead on steel. The welded materials and the Semtex S type explosive are characterised. The preparation of the welded materials and the proposed welding assembly are described. The welding parameters, the welding conditions and the fabrication of the weld overlays are discussed. The quality of the fabricated bimetals was studied by optical and electron microscopy and by mechanical tests.
A Flexible Adjustment and Control System for Hydraulic Machines
Authors: Banyai Daniel , Marcu Lucian
Published: March 2021

Due to the advantages of hydraulic systems with variable displacement, it was necessary to design a control system that can adjust the pressure, flow, power or a combination of these features, that can be easily integrated into the pump body without changing its mechanical construction. The objective of this work was to study the dynamic behavior of this electro-hydraulic control system. To achieve these objectives, first the adjusting system was analyzed by numerical simulations, and then a stand was constructed for testing the performance of these adjustable pumps. It was shown that this control system is superior to existing systems.
A Way to Use Waste Heat to Generate Thermoelectric Power
Authors: Brázdil Marian , Pospíšil Jiří
Published: March 2021

In recent years there has been rising interest in thermoelectric generation as a potential source of electric power using waste heat. This paper describes thermoelectric power generation from waste heat from biomass boilers, utilizing generators that can convert heat energy directly to electrical energy. General principles of thermoelectric conversion and future prospects of these applications are discussed.
Laser Cutting of Materials of Various Thicknesses
Authors: Grepl Martin , Pagáč Marek , Petrů Jana
Published: March 2021

Thise paper deals with the application of laser technology and optimizing the parameters for cutting nickel alloy. The theoretical part of the paper describes various types of lasers, their principles and usage. The experimental part focuses on optimizing the section parameteres of Haynes 718 alloy using a CO2 gas laser. This alloy is employed in the production of components for the aircraft industry. The experiment was performed on the Wibro Delta laser system designed for sizable parts. The actual section is measured with respect to its quality and any accompanying side effects that occur during the process. In this case, laser output and cutting speed were the parameters with most influence on the final cut. The summary explains the results achieved in a metallographic laboratory.
Concepts of Emission Reduction in Fluidized Bed Combustion of Biomass
Authors: Purgar Amon , Winter Franz
Published: March 2021

A status report on fluidized bed technology in Austria is under preparation, in response to the Fluidized Bed Conversion multi-lateral technology initiative of the International Energy Agency. This status report focuses on the current operation of fluidized bed combustors. Combustors have been installed in the following industrial sectors: pulp and paper, biomass heat and power plants, waste-to-energy plants, and communal sewage sludge treatment plants. There are also some small demonstration plants. These plants all have in common that they treat renewable fuel types. In many cases, only bio-fuels are treated. Besides the ability to burn a wide range of low-grade and difficult fuels, fluidized bed combustors have the advantages of low NOX emissions and the possibility of in-process capture of SO2. Various emission reduction concepts for fluidized bed combustors that are typical for their industrial sector are discussed. The discussion of these concepts focuses on NOX, SO2 and dust.
Overhead Line Mechanics Taking the Influence of Wind into Account
Authors: Müller Miroslav
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with problems of overhead line motion. The line model is based on a dynamic description of a catenary curve. The benefits of dynamic modeling in this field are decrypted, and there is an explanation of one of the models that is used. The dynamic model is derived from a string equation. The main contribution of the model is in 3D simulation of complex mechanics. The model of an overhead line shaking is generally based on the superposition of harmonic components, in particular the spatial coordinates. Each individual harmonic component is solved separately in one step of calculation, and is then combined with the other solutions. The result is a continuous description of the position of the wire along its length in both the space domain and the time domain. The model thus allows calculationsof uneven effects of forces along the length of an overhead line. The accuracy of the calculation is determined by the number of harmonics and other parameters that are calculated (e.g. step size, simulation time) The model is actually a combination of discrete and continuous calculations. Each model function block is described in the form of an equation. In the case study, ACSR 350/59 wire is analyzed. In this part of our work, an auxiliary model of wind influence was integrated into the global model.
The Electrification of Tramways in Ostrava in 1900–1901
Authors: Závodná Michaela
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on the electrification of tramways in Ostrava in 1900-1901. As the administrative, economic and cultural centre of an evolving industrial agglomeration, Ostrava had specific transportation requirements. Tram electrification was in response to these requirements. Two private companies, Brünner Lokaleisenbahngesellschaft and Ganz & Comp., (Mährisch-Ostrauer Elektrizitäts-Aktien-Gesellschaft) negotiated an agreement. The first part of this paper deals with technical aspects of electrification the change-over from steam power to electric power, while the second section analysesthe dealings between these private companies, subsequent municipalization and the involvement of the municipal self-government of Moravská Ostrava.
The role of zinc in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones
Authors: Senyushkina Evgeniya S. , Troshina Ekaterina А.
Published: March 2021

About one third of the world’s population is deficient in one or more micronutrients, with the most common deficiencies in iodine, iron, zinc, vitamin A and folate. Deficiency of one or more essential vitamins and minerals is usually the result of poor nutrition and / or insufficient absorption of micronutrients as a result of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It is possible that the deficiency of certain trace elements, in turn, can aggravate iodine deficiency and contribute to dysfunction of the thyroid gland. There are assumptions about the relationship between the content of iodine, selenium, iron, zinc in the human body and the level of thyroid hormones. Zinc is a vital trace element for all living organisms, participating in many biochemical processes in cells, including cell differentiation and division, its growth, cell transport, transcription, protein synthesis, RNA and DNA synthesis, and DNA replication. Its role as an antioxidant and participation in the functioning of both innate (T, NK and NKT cells) and adaptive immunity (anti-inflammatory cytokines) are very important. This review will consider the role of zinc in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Method to extract minimally damaged collagen fibrils from tendon
Authors: Liu Yehe , Andarawis-Puri Nelly , J. Eppell Steven
Published: March 2021

 A new method is presented to extract collagen fibrils from mammalian tendon tissue. Mammalian tendons are treated with a trypsin-based extraction medium and gently separated with tweezers in an aqueous solution. Collagen fibrils released in the solution are imaged using both dark-field light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The method successfully extracts isolated fibrils from rat tail and patellar tendons. To examine whether the method is likely to damage fibrils during extraction, sea cucumber dermis fibril lengths are compared against those obtained using only distilled water. The two methods produce fibrils of similar lengths. This is contrasted with fibrils being shortened when extracted using a tissue homogenizer. Scanning electron microscopy shows the new method preserves D-banding features on fibril surfaces and that fibril diameter does not vary substantially compared with water extracted fibrils. 
Comparison between saturated-iron core and shielded-iron core superconducting fault current limiters on recloser-fuse coordination of radial distribution systems connected with distributed generation
Authors: Arafa Aliaa , Kamel Salah , Aly Mohamed M.
Published: March 2021

Recently, distributed generators (DGs) are being largely amalgamated with radial distribution systems because of their positive impacts on these systems such as voltage profile improvement and power loss minimization. However, if this integration is not well-planned, it can lead to serious problems in the protection devices. One of these problems is the recloser-fuse miscoordination. This paper presents an effective solution to the recloser-fuse miscoordination due to DGs integration with RDS. The proposed approach is based on suppressing the DG current during fault period so that the contribution of DG to the fault current becomes minimal. Two types of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) namely, saturated iron-core and shielded iron-core SFCLs are studied and a comparison between their performance is presented. The proposed solution was implemented on IEEE 33-bus RDS. All simulation studies are performed on MATLAB script. The simulation results illustrated that saturated iron-core SFCL could not recover recloser-fuse coordination in some of the studied cases. However, shielded iron-core SFCL could successfully restore the recloser-fuse coordination in all the studied cases. This shows that shielded iron-core SFCL is preferred in solving recloser-fuse miscoordination.
Laws, Dispositions, Memory: Three Hypotheses on the Order of the World
Authors: Dolbeault Joël
Published: March 2021

The more science progresses, the more it is evident that the physical world presents regularities. This raises a metaphysical problem: why is the world so ordered? In the first part of the article, I attempt to clarify this problem and justify its relevance. In the following three parts, I analyze three hypotheses already formulated in philosophy in response to this problem: the hypothesis that the order of the world is explained 1) by laws of nature, 2) by dispositions of the fundamental physical entities, 3) or by a memory immanent to matter (a hypothesis developed by Peirce, Bergson and James). The third hypothesis may seem surprising. However, it can be shown that the three hypotheses have a psychomorphic dimension in the sense that they give to nature properties analogous to those of mind. In addition, this third hypothesis presents several interesting arguments.
Asymmetric Ge/SiGe coupled quantum well modulators
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gao Jianfeng , Qin Senbiao , Cheng Ming , Wang Kang , Kai Li , Sun Junqiang
Published: March 2021

We design and demonstrate an asymmetric Ge/SiGe coupled quantum well (CQW) waveguide modulator for both intensity and phase modulation with a low bias voltage in silicon photonic integration. The asymmetric CQWs consisting of two quantum wells with different widths are employed as the active region to enhance the electro-optical characteristics of the device by controlling the coupling of the wave functions. The fabricated device can realize 5 dB extinction ratio at 1446 nm and 1.4 × 10−3 electrorefractive index variation at 1530 nm with the associated modulation efficiency V

π

L

π
of 0.055 V cm under 1 V reverse bias. The 3 dB bandwidth for high frequency response is 27 GHz under 1 V bias and the energy consumption per bit is less than 100 fJ/bit. The proposed device offers a pathway towards a low voltage, low energy consumption, high speed and compact modulator for silicon photonic integrated devices, as well as opens possibilities for achieving advanced modulation format in a more compact and simple frame.
In societatem filii eius: Predestination in/as Friendship with God in Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Kenneth Graff Thomas
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a reading of Thomas Aquinas’ doctrine of predestination as fundamentally oriented towards and realized in friendship with God. On this reading, the seemingly disparate questions, “What does it mean to be predestined?” and “What does it mean to grow in friendship with God?” are not only mutually illuminating but ultimately coterminous. In the first part of the paper, I contextualize this theological rapprochement by foregrounding Aquinas’ treatment in the Summa Theologiae of predestination as a Christocentric, communal reality, and by considering friendship with God as the end of Aquinas’ doctrine of grace. In the second part, I attend to Aquinas’ scriptural commentaries on Romans and the Gospel of John, in order to conduct a reading of predestination in/as friendship with God. Ultimately, as invited in friendship and adopted in grace into the life of Christ, God’s ordering of the rational creature to eternal life is nothing other than God’s ordering of humanity as viator to friendship with Himself in the inner life of Trinitarian love itself.
The Effectiveness of Multicomponent Functional Maintenance Initiatives for Acutely Hospitalized Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kavanagh Alethea Y. , O'Brien Lisa J. , Maloney Stephen R. , Osadnik Christian R.
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of multicomponent functional maintenance initiatives (MFMIs) on functional outcomes and adverse events associated with functional decline among acutely hospitalized older adults.

Data Sources:

Studies were sourced from OVID Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases from inception to April 15, 2020, and their bibliographies.

Study Selection:

Randomized controlled trials were included if they investigated multicomponent interventions comprising more than one nonpharmacological intervention targeting physical functional decline and another shared risk factor for geriatric syndromes in acutely hospitalized medical or nonelective surgical patients 65 years and older.

Data Extraction:

Two reviewers independently assessed for eligibility, extracted data, and conducted risk of bias assessments.

Data Synthesis:

Eight studies involving 5534 patients were included. Multicomponent functional maintenance initiatives did not appear to confer significant effects on functional status, length of stay, or 30-day hospital readmissions; however, clinical heterogeneity limited meta-analysis for some specific functional outcomes. Patients who did not receive MFMIs were more likely to be discharged to a nursing staff facility (odds ratio = 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.23 to 1.90). No effect of MFMI on all-cause mortality was observed, and adverse events were rare and unlikely attributed to nonpharmacological interventions.

Conclusions:

Data from a small number of studies suggest MFMIs reduce the likelihood of discharge to a nursing staff facility in acutely hospitalized older adults; however, this effect may not be driven via improvements in physical function. Standardized evaluation methods to determine MFMI effectiveness appear indicated to assist decision-making regarding their implementation in clinical practice.
Transitions from Cohabitation to Marriage or Separation among the Birth Cohort of 1970–1984 in Lithuania
Authors: Dirsytė Irma
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to analyse the impact of demographic and social factors on first partnership in Lithuania – the duration of premarital cohabitation, the sustainability of such relationships, and the transition into marriage. The research is based on the 2019 Family and Inequality Survey of 1970–1984 birth cohorts. Data analysis shows that most young people began their first partnership as a cohabitation rather than marriage, and the average premarital time spent in a cohabitation increases within this cohort. Cohabitation eventually transitions into marriage, and five years after the start of cohabitation, almost all cohabitants marry, and only a small percentage of cohabitating unions dissolve. Based on Cox regression analysis, the level of education and finished studies, as well as pregnancy, are significant predictors of the transition from cohabitation to marriage. The results of the research show that three decades after the beginning of the spread of cohabitation in Lithuania, cohabitation competes with marriage, but it does not challenge the importance of marriage as an institution of childbearing and upbringing.
Circunferência do pescoço e fatores de risco cardiovascular em crianças e adolescentes
Authors: Monalisa Silva de Oliveira Ávilla , Lee Barbosa e Silva Skalyt , De Souza e Silva Lílian Caroline , Kruze Grande de Arruda Ilma
Published: March 2021

Objetivos: Investigar a associação entre a circunferência do pescoço (CP) e fatores de risco cardiovascular em crianças e adolescentes atendidos ambulatorialmente em um hospital universitário na cidade de Recife, PE, Brasil.Métodos: Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos, bioquímicos, histórico familiar e estilo de vida. A amostra foi por conveniência, composta por crianças e adolescentes acompanhados de seus responsáveis, que aceitassem participar da pesquisa, no período de abril a setembro de 2018, no ambulatório de nutrição/pediatria.Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 144 pacientes com idade média de 11,0±3,0 anos, sendo 73 do sexo masculino (51,4%). 54 (37,6%) pacientes apresentaram CP elevada, dentre eles 59 (41,1%) eram do sexo masculino. Foi visto que 102 (71,5%) pacientes apresentaram tempo de tela elevado. Houve associação entre CP e estado nutricional e 13 (24,8%) indivíduos que tinham CP elevada apresentaram também excesso de peso. Foi observado correlação entre circunferência do pescoço com índice de massa corporal e perfil lipídico.Conclusão: Observou-se que há associação significativa entre CP e algumas medidas antropométricas como IMC e CC, sendo útil para identificação de risco de sobrepeso e de risco cardiovascular. Algumas limitações no estudo podem ser citadas como o limitado número de participantes por ser uma pesquisa transversal, não podendo assim ser estabelecidas medidas de causa e efeito.
Fault Identification in Mobile Robot groups using Sliding Mode Observers
Authors: Sergiyenko Oleg Yurievich , Zhirabok Alexey Nilovich
Published: March 2021

The paper studies the emerging trends in advanced computing and information technology for efficient solutions of fault identification problem for mobile robot groups under the unmatched disturbances. The sliding mode observers are considered for mentioned problem solution. It facilitates the concept of Smart everything inside the considered robotic group during its generalized control: smart surrounding sensing, communication, processing, and scanned data storing. The suggested novel approach to sliding mode observer design is based on obtaining the reduced order model of the initial system. This allows reduce the complexity of sliding mode observer and relax restrictions imposed on the initial system.
A reflection on the design and user acceptance of Tamil talk
Authors: Subramanian Raj Ramachandran , Ogunshile Emmanuel Kayode Akinshola
Published: March 2021

Tamil talk is a speech to text application and was designed from a perspective of language and philosophy. This paper takes an indigenous approach in reflecting on the design and user acceptance of Tamil talk. The paper makes use of literature in critically reflecting on the design and the potential user acceptance of the application. It takes a multi-disciplinary approach and explores the influence of factors like language shift, language maintenance and philosophy in the context of user acceptance of speech to text. The application may appeal to a section of the native Tamil speakers as suggested in the literature but there are complex challenges that needs further research. Further research shall be in developing the application that conforms to the conceptual framework and widely test with the native speakers to arrive at a more precise prediction of user acceptance.
Intelligent Automatic Object Tracking Method by Integration of Laser Scanner System and INS
Authors: Rodríguez-Quiñonez Julio César
Published: March 2021

In the last years, autonomous vehicle navigation has had considerable improvements; however, this technology has not yet been able to effectively be integrated with mobile systems that work inside buildings, houses or without the influence of absolute references such as GPS. It is for this reason that this paper provides a methodological proposal that allows the integration of the use of object detection methods such as YOLO (You Only Look Once) or R-CNN (Region Convolutional Neural Networks), with laser scanning systems for the measurement of spatial coordinates and an INS system to obtain spatial positioning through relative references. This method integrates the principle of dynamic triangulation and the methodological proposal IKZ (Inertial Navigation with Kalman and Zero Update) that allow to obtain acceptable mobile autonomy times in which the sector of interest is re-scanned.
Őskori Település A Borvizek Felett. Régészeti Kutatások Málnásfürdő-Füvenyestetőn (1909–2019)
Authors: László Attila , Sztáncsuj Sándor József
Published: March 2021

A délkelet-erdélyi Málnásfürdő a 20. század eleje óta ismert az európai régészet számára. Az egykori fürdőtelep határában a rézkori Erősd–Cucuteni–Tripolje-művelődési kör egyik többrétegű települése található. A lelőhelyen a múlt század második felében folytak módszeres régészeti kutatások (1976–1989). Az újabb ásatásokra és velük párhuzamosan végzett interdiszciplináris vizsgálatokra 2014–2017 között került sor. Jelen tanulmányunkban ezeknek a kutatásoknak az eredményeit tekintjük át röviden.

The site of Malnaş-Băi (Málnásfürdő) in south-eastern Transylvanian has been known to European archaeological scholarship since the beginning of the 20th century. A stratified settlement of the Copper Age Ariuşd (Erősd)–Cucuteni–Tripolye (Ukr. Trypillia) complex is located near the former spa resort. Systematic archaeological excavations were undertaken on the site in the second half of the 20th century (1976–1989). Recent excavations and interdisciplinary studies, conducted in parallel, took place between 2014 and 2017. In the present study, we briefly review the results of these investigations.
Zmiany administracyjno-terytorialne województwa łódzkiego w latach 1919–2002
Authors:   Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Wlaźlak Władysław P.
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the administrative and territorial structure of the Lodz Voivodship over almost a hundred years of its existence in various political configurations. In the interwar period, after the creation of the voivodship, numerous changes were made in its territorial structure. Unfortunately, the Nazi occupation disintegrated all those administrative efforts. After regaining independence, the previous solutions were returned, and then numerous reforms were carried out, creating new poviats and replacing the communes with small clusters. Later, the communal structure was returned, however, poviats were liquidated by establishing a two-level administrative division. Its consequence was the division of the Lodz voivodship between several other ones, while in the center there was created a small voivodship with the capital in Lodz. As a result of political changes in the late 1990s, the three-level administrative division was reactivated. A large Lodz voivodship was created again, divided into poviats and communes. Its administrative and territorial structure, as well as external borders largely resemble previous solutions. Despite the administrative reforms carried out in various political and systematic configurations, it was possible to maintain the territorial cohesion of the area in question.
Obowiązki skazanego, wobec którego wykonywany jest dozór elektroniczny
Authors:   Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Polska, Bachurska Beata
Published: March 2021

The Act on Serving Prison Sentence Outside Custodial System in the Electronic Monitoring System of 7 September 2007 introduced the electronic monitoring system, previously unknown in the Polish legal order in force, to the catalog of methods of executing the penalty of deprivation of liberty. The act marked the into force on 1 September 2009. With subsequent amendments, the legislature extended the forms of application of the system and incorporated the act into the Polish Criminal Enforcement Code. The purpose of this publication is to present, after more than a decade of functioning of the Electronic Monitoring System in Poland, the current legal regulations regarding the obligations of the convict under supervision, the assessment of their legitimacy and consistency in the context of the proper execution of the sentence, as well as showing their ailments and consequences non-execution.
Race and Hispanic-Origin Disparities in Underlying Medical Conditions Associated With Severe COVID-19 Illness: U.S. Adults, 2015–2018
Authors: Kim Christine , Stierman Bryan , Craig Hales , Ogden Cynthia
Published: March 2021

NHSR 154
Series 2–187: Comparing Blood Pressure Values Obtained by Two Different Protocols: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2017–2018
Authors: echiam Ostchega , Nwankwo Tatiana , Chiappa Michele , Graber Jessica , Duong T. Nguyen
Published: March 2021

This report compares blood pressure measurement using the auscultation (mercury) and oscillometric protocols.
Influenza Vaccination in the Past 12 Months Among Children Aged 6 Months to 17 Years: United States, 2019
Authors: Black Lindsey , Ng Amanda , Zablotsky Benjamin
Published: March 2021

Data Brief 407
Improving cognition in school children and adolescents through exergames. A systematic review and practical guide
Authors: López-Serrano Sebastián , Ruiz-Ariza Alberto , De La Torre-Cruz Manuel , Martínez-López Emilio J.
Published: March 2021

Recent studies and reviews have shown the positive effects of exergames (EXs) on physical activity (PA) and fitness in children and adolescents. Nevertheless, their effects on cognition have been scarcely explored, and no previous review has focussed on this relationship. The purpose of the research reported on here was to analyse the acute and chronic effects of the use of different EXs on the cognition of young people aged 6 to 18 years, to review potential confounders, and to elaborate a practical guide to using EXs in schools or extracurricular contexts. Studies were identified from 4 databases (Pubmed, SportDiscus, ProQuest and Web of Science) from January 2008 through January 2018. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. All the studies showed a positive effect of EXs on cognition. The review showed an acute improvement effect on executive functions (EFs) (visual attention, mental processing, working memory, response inhibition, and motor planning) and chronic benefits on mathematical calculation, self-concept, classroom behaviour, and on parental and interpersonal relationships. Only 5 studies used confounders. EXs are an effective and motivating tool to improve cognition in young people aged 6 to 18 years. Didactic recommendations to use EXs in school or extracurricular contexts are provided in this article.
V2V Routing in VANET Based on Fuzzy Logic and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhang Wanli , Yang Xiaoying , Song Qixiang , Zhao Liang
Published: March 2021

To ensure the transmission quality of real-time communications on the road, the research of routing protocol is crucial to improve effectiveness of data transmission in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). The existing work Q-Learning based routing algorithm, QLAODV, is studied and its problems, including slow convergence speed and low accuracy, are found. Hence, we propose a new routing algorithm FLHQRP by considering the characteristics of real-time communication in VANETs in the paper. The virtual grid is introduced to divide the vehicle network into clusters. The node’s centrality and mobility, and bandwidth efficiency are processed by the Fuzzy Logic system to select the most suitable cluster head (CH) with the stable communication links in the cluster. A new heuristic function is also proposed in FLHQRP algorithm. It takes cluster as the environment state of heuristic Q-learning, by considering the delay to guide the forwarding process of the CH. This can speed up the learning convergence, and reduce the impact of node density on the convergence speed and accuracy of Q-learning. The problem of QLAODV is solved in the proposed algorithm since the experimental results show that FLHQRP has many advantages on delivery rate, end-to-end delay, and average hops in different network scenarios.
The Perfect Storm Review: Immune Dysregulation in Severe COVID-19 and the Possible Role of Mast Cell-Vitamin D Interactions
Authors: A Houldsworth
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 is caused by a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and has two spike subunits on the envelope of SARS-CoV-2, S1 and S2, where S1 binds to the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE-2), a receptor on the host cells and S2 binds to the cell surface membrane. Different immune responses to the virus are apparent, from asymptomatic to severe respiratory distress, organ failure and ultimately death. Immune responses without hyper-inflammation are essential to successful viral resolution. Pathological and environmental factors drive the immunological repertoire, in response to the virus, influencing innate immune cell activation, cytokine-balance and T cell differentiation. This is determined by age, comorbidity, Vitamin D status and ethnicity related factors. Homeostasis of the immune system plays an important role in the development of COVID-19 pneumonia. Mast cell activation and release of histamine is important to the cytokine driven T-cell differentiation as the adaptive response. This review combines the relative effects of UV-index-related Vitamin-D synthesis with immune status. Innate immune responses, T cell differentiation and renin/angiotensin system are different in patients affected by COVID-19 and their different outcomes are explored.
Investigating the Relationship between Academic Procrastination and Academic Efficiency in Medical Students of Mashhad University
Authors: SSZ Shahri , S Sayyedalhosseini
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Academic procrastination is common among students during their studies and graduation and it means the tendency to postpone studying responsibility. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between academic procrastination and academic efficiency in medical students of Mashhad University.
Evaluation of the Clinical Effectiveness of High Frequency Left Prefrontal Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) versus Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in the Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
Authors: M Malik , S Kumari , S Doumas , S Afzal , P Manalai , GM Osmani , R Solhkhah
Published: March 2021

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent, persistent, and disabling mental illness. Statistically, the lifetime prevalence of depression is 17%, but only 6% of those living with depression receive standard treatments. ECT has a long track record of success; it is one of the oldest forms of treatment for TRD. On the other hand, rTMS is a non-invasive, painless stimulation of the Central Nervous System (CNS) used to treat TRD.
Analytic Method for Vibration Analysis of Track Structure Induced by High-Speed Train
Authors: KOÇ Mehmet Akif
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, the increase in heavy freight rail transport and high-speed train (HST) operations has encouraged scientists to investigate the dynamic response of rail structures under moving load using analytically and numerically computational methods. In this study, to analyse vibration of rail structure, the rail has been modelled as continuous Euler-Bernoulli elastic beam system. The effects of some basic parameters such as track foundation elasticity modulus, rail stiffness, wheel set axle load and rail critical velocity which affect rail vibrations, on vibrations were examined in detail by considering different track foundation properties. The vibration wave amplitude increases as the train speed approaches the rail infrastructure critical speed.
Journalism Education in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: Pros and Cons
Authors: Grabelnikov Alexander , Gegelova Natalia , Osipovskaya Elizaveta , Ott Victor
Published: March 2021

The article discusses journalism education affected by the increased information scope, media convergence and introduction of new online teaching forms and face-to-screen communication during the coronavirus pandemic. Since the introduction of distance learning at universities, the quality of teaching and learning has been debated by students, teaching staff and officials. By having to overcome the difficulties, the students majoring in Journalism develop a necessary skill of gathering information and issuing school newspapers, radio and TV programs in the new informational reality of the crisis. The study included a survey aimed at finding out how students and faculty assess effectiveness of distance learning in COVID-19 context. Using a method of case study to make a complex analysis, the authors examine the academic process at the RUDN’s Department of Mass Communications as empirical object. The survey results reveal the key problems the respondents had to face when organizing and participating in the online learning process. The survey also helped to indicate the most convenient applications for online lecturing and the most effective teaching techniques, and to analyze the performance of the university’s internal telecommunication learning and information system.
Perceptions of Feedback among Russian Adolescents
Authors: Azbel Anastasia , Ilyushin Leonid , Morozova Polina
Published: March 2021

Despite the obvious significance of the feedback phenomenon for school practice, there is a lack of valid analysis of students’ perception of feedback. This article explores how Russian adolescents conceptualize and perceive feedback as an educational tool. Descriptive research was conducted using an anonymous survey based on a questionnaire composed of open-ended questions. Seven hundred and three adolescents from large cities of Russia were asked questions about how they understood “feedback”, what kind of feedback they would like to receive, and what kind of feedback they actually received from teachers. This was followed by a field study that involved an overt observation and analysis of feedback manifestations in a secondary school program for gifted students (n = 140). Most senior students understand the range of problems associated with feedback, yet they perceive feedback itself as a resource to be used by the teacher, not by themselves. In their beliefs about feedback, adolescents intuitively rely on either “behavioral” or “existential” perspective. In the former case, feedback is perceived only as an external stimulus and the resulting response. In the latter, students regard feedback as a tool for dialogue, support, engaged communication, relationship development, and direct or indirect request for evaluation or assistance. The more complex interpretation may stem from students’ prior participation in situations of assistance and cooperation as well as their perceived need for a dialogue with the teacher or tutor.Since the sample was unrepresentative, the conclusions made in this study should be deemed preliminary. Nevertheless, they allow designing further research of feedback literaсу in Russia’s school education.
Computational script for solving an Evolutionary Game Theory model v1
Authors: Salles Luis
Published: March 2021

This protocol contains the instructions for running a script that computes and plots the numerical solutions of a dynamical system describing the dynamics of an Evolutionary Game Theory model. It contains all the code used to obtain the results of a scientific paper, which will be linked to in the GitHub repository at https://github.com/Lfppfs/analysing-dynamical-system.git when published. The system is solved using the Fortran ODEPACK library and plotted using Python's Matplotlib library. This software was developed and tested on Linux Ubuntu 18.04.05 LTS and Ubuntu 16.04.7 LTS.
Contributions of the Cicadellidae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) Fauna of Sinop and Black Sea Region of Turkey
Authors: TANYERİ Rukiye , ZEYBEKOĞLU Ünal
Published: March 2021

In this study, Cicadellidae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) specimens collected from Sinop and its surrounding in 2016-2018 were evaluated. Overall, 27 species belonging to 7 subfamilies were identified from the study area. Number of specimens, localities and distribution of species in Turkey are given. Of the identified species, 11 are the first records for the local fauna of Sinop and 5 for the Black Sea Region of Turkey.
Dispute Resolution for Islamic Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Puneri Atharyanshah
Published: March 2021

The rapid growth of Islamic banking and finance industry demanded an improvement in term of standards, frameworks, policy, technologies, resources, and guidelines in order to go beyond without compromising the core values of Islam itself. In the context of legal framework of Islamic banking and finance, it is most likely this industry needs to be highly regulated in order to avoid manipulation and abuse by the irresponsible parties. One of the crucial issue in the area of Islamic Banks in Indonesia is regarding about the dispute resolution mechanism for Islamic Banks. Based on Indonesian positive law, there are two alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that can be exercised by parties to settle disputes in cases involving Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) namely through litigation or non-litigation. Litigation comes under the jurisdiction of the Religious Court. Researcher in this study are look deeper into the dispute resolution mechanism for Islamic Banks in Indonesia, as well as going through some decided cases. And based on the study done, it was found that alternative dispute resolution mechanism is more effective to resolve Islamic Banks dispute rather than litigation. In the future, researchers may conduct more research to examine deeper about the dispute resolution mechanism for the whole Islamic Economics and Finance in Indonesia. Moreover, researchers need to look at the regulators' and legislators’ perception towards dispute resolution and legal environment.
A prospective study on appendicular mass
Authors: Ravichandran K. , Jayaraman R. , Nithya K.
Published: March 2021

Background: The immediate management of appendicular mass have always been controversial. Early appendicectomy (within 72 hours of presentation) is preferred in some cases, while in others non operative conservative management is advocated. Usually successful conservative management (Ochsner Sherren regimen) is followed by interval appendicectomy (6-8 weeks later). This study determines the outcome of different modalities of intervention in patients with appendicular mass.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in Rajah Muthiah medical college hospital in department of general surgery from June 2018 to December 2020, in cases diagnosed to have appendicular mass. A total of 116 patients were included. After taking detailed history and clinical examination, relevant blood and radiological investigations, were done to achieve the final diagnosis. Presentation, examination findings, investigations, type of surgery, duration of surgery, post-operative complications and duration of hospital stay were studied. Data was collected, compiled, tabulated and analysed.Results: Conservative management followed by interval appendicectomy had lesser incidence of complications like Intraoperative adhesions, surgical site infection, wound dehiscence and enterocutaneous fistula. It also had relatively lesser operative time and lesser period of hospital stay.Conclusions: On comparing the different modalities of intervention, conservative management followed by interval appendicectomy is quite effective and safe method of treatment, with less operative difficulties and better outcome.
Analysis of histopathological spectrum of intracranial central nervous system tumours in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Deshpande Nikhil S. , Munemane Anil B. , Karle Ravindra R.
Published: March 2021

Background: Descriptive epidemiology of intracranial central nervous system (CNS) tumours is a significant part of tumour studies which provides information on magnitude and distribution of the lesions. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of frequency of intracranial CNS tumours with comparison with national and international data.

Methods: In this retrospective study 101 intracranial CNS tumours diagnosed over a period of 4 years were included. Histological diagnosis of tumours was confirmed and they were classified according to revised WHO classification of CNS tumours 2016. Frequencies of tumours in accordance to age, gender, location, laterality and grades were evaluated.

Results: Total 101 cases including 59 (58.42%) males and 42 (41.58%) females were studied. Paediatric and adult cases accounted for 17 (16.83%) and 84 (83.17%), respectively. Most tumours were noted in the 6th decade. Out of total cases, 91 (90.1%) were primary intracranial CNS tumours and 10 (9.9%) were metastatic tumours. Most common tumours were astrocytoma followed by meningioma. Among children, astrocytoma (41.18%), medulloblastomas (41.18%), ependymomas (11.76%) and meningiomas (5.88%) were the reported lesions. In adults, astrocytoma (39.29%), meningiomas (23.81%), metastatic tumours (11.90%), ependymomas (8.33%), hemangioblastomas (5.95%) and schwannomas (4.76%) were common. Glioblastomas were the commonest astrocytoma. WHO grade I tumours were commonest followed by grade IV.

Conclusions:  The study gives a glimpse of prevalence of intracranial central nervous system tumours forming a baseline profile based primarily on the histopathological diagnosis at rural tertiary care hospital.