bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of electric noise at vibration based diagnostics of motor-coach stock assemblies
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Buynosov Alexander Petrovich , Vasilyev Vitaliy Albertovich ,   Scientific and Technical Centre of Development of Systems for Monitoring and Diagnostics «SIGMA», Erpalov Alexey Viktorovich ,   South Ural State University (National Research University), SUSU, Nitskiy Anton Yuryevich ,   Research and Development Centre «Supercomputer Technologies and Open Software», Baitov Alexander Sergeevich ,   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT)
Published: October 2020

Wide dynamic and frequency ranges, low level of noise allow using piezoelectric accelerometers as general purpose sensors for monitoring and diagnostics of vibration condition of assemblies of prospective motivecoach stock. Electric noise of a vibration parameters measuring channel depends not only on noise from the detecting element, but also on the further processing of a signal, first of all on the operation of an analog-todigital converter (ADC). The paper considers a comparative analysis of electric noise level of the vibration parameters measuring channel for piezoelectric and MEMS-accelerometers with the consideration for the influence of the ADC. As a result, the best ADCs for measuring vibration parameters are 12-digit and 16-digit ones.
Relay-semiconductor circuit switching in safe interface units based on electromagnetic relays
Authors:   Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University (PSTU), Kovkin Alexey Nikolaevich
Published: October 2020

The paper considers methods of realization of relaysemiconductor circuit switching in systems of railway automatics with the use of promising elemental base. It also gives recommendations on selection of semiconductor switching elements for various spheres of application of relay interface units.
Modernization of eight-axle tank car for alkylbenzenesulfonic acid with extension of service life
Authors:   Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University (PSTU), Bityutskiy Nikita Alexandrovich , Galov Vladimir Viktorovich ,   Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University (PSTU), Tsyganskaya Lyudmila Valerievna ,   LLC Rolling Stock Engineering Centre, Bondarenko Alexander Igorevich ,   JC «SIC «Cars»
Published: October 2020

The paper considers an issue of extending the service life of eight-axle tank cars for alkylbenzenesulfonic acid by modernization of car design. The modernization included technical diagnostics of cars with basic design, repair or replacement of car parts and equipment, calculations and tests of modernized car design. During the technical diagnostics of cars the authors carried out a statistical analysis of failures, determined a speed of corrosion of car elements in operation and predicted a residual service life. On the basis of results of technical diagnostics the authors created a finite element model of the car, formulated normative calculations and carried out necessary tests on natural samples of cars. As a result, calculations and tests confirmed the reliability of gained data, justified the service life of the modernized car design.
The use of fuzzy logic apparatus in development of expert systems for diagnosing traction electric motors of rolling stock
Authors:   Omsk State Transport University (OSTU), Dolgova Anna Vladimirovna , Shkodun Pavel Konstantinovich ,   Omsk State Transport University (OSTU)
Published: October 2020

The paper discusses the development of an expert system for diagnosing electric traction motors of rolling stock. The diagnostic parameters of the electric traction motor commutator-and-brush assembly, being the input linguistic variables of the fuzzy model, were selected with the use of graphoanalytic model. A fuzzy mathematical model and a fuzzy neural network for comprehensive indicator of quality of mechanical machining implementing the Takagi — Sugeno fuzzy inference algorithm were developed. The authors confirmed the practicability and the adequacy of the previously proposed comprehensive indicator of quality of mechanical machining for assessing the technical condition of the electric traction motor commutator-and-brush assembly. The studies carried out allowed creating an element of intelligent expert diagnostics system that enables a comprehensive assessment of technical condition of electric traction motor.
Application of low-resolution thermal-imaging arrays in systems of performance monitoring of electric rolling stock current collectors
Authors:   Omsk State Transport University (OSTU), Golubkov Anton Sergeevich , Slatin Anatoliy Igorevich ,   Omsk State Transport University (OSTU), Smerdin Alexander Nikolaevich ,   Omsk State Transport University (OSTU)
Published: October 2020

The paper considers issues of diagnostics and performance monitoring of current collectors of electric rolling stock that is used in high load modes. It presents design peculiarities of current collectors that should be considered in operation. The paper also describes the advantages of application of lowresolution thermal-imaging arrays in systems of monitoring. The authors propose methods of minimization of the information array that allows reducing costs on collection and processing of information on hardware and software levels. As a result, the authors present a developed algorithm for information processing with the use of highly precise neural network and describe it’s realization on example of analysis of thermogram of a movable frames system.
ALTERAÇÕES DE USO E OCUPAÇÃO DO SOLO NA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO ZÊZERE (PORTUGAL): IMPLICAÇÕES HIDRODINÂMICAS
Authors: Meneses Bruno M.
Published: October 2020

Nesta investigação apresenta-se a avaliação da influência das alterações do uso e ocupação do solo na dinâmica hidrológica da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Zêzere, localizada na região centro de Portugal. A metodologia adotada para a obtenção dos índices topográfico de encharcamento, potencia de escoamento e produção de sedimentos e a sua modificação em função da integração do uso e ocupação do solo é explicada. Apresentam-se os resultados obtidos destes índices, evidenciando-se as alterações espaciais em função das alterações de uso e ocupação do solo. Na análise integrou-se dados complementares (condutividade elétrica da água numa barragem) para calcular a variação da produção de sedimentos. Os resultados apresentados demonstram haver influência do uso e ocupação do solo na dinâmica fluvial da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Zêzere, nomeadamente na produção de sedimentos.
MÉTODO GEOMORFOMÉTRICO PARA MAPEAMENTO DE TOPOS, CRISTAS E VALES
Authors: Silveira Ricardo Michael Pinheiro , Silveira Claudinei Taborda da
Published: October 2020

O mapeamento de feições e processos geomorfológicos, recentemente, tem sido favorecido pelo uso de técnicas geomorfométricas amparadas pelo desenvolvimento da análise digital do relevo. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho propõe um método para a identificação de topos (convexos e aguçados), segmentos de cristas e vales (planos, abertos ou fechados) com o emprego de três atributos geomorfométricos derivados de um Modelo Digital do Terreno (MDT): a) área de contribuição (calculada pelo método D-Infinito), b) Black Top Hat (BTH) e c) White Top Hat (WTH). O cálculo do Top Hat contempla uma análise de vizinhança regional dos valores de elevação, com uma função de abertura (extração de vales, pelo BTH) e fechamento (extração de topos, pelo WTH). Adotou-se o estado do Paraná (Brasil) como área de estudo para a aplicação da proposta pela sua diversidade geomorfológica. Foi utilizado um MDT com resolução espacial de 20m, obtido pela interpolação de curvas de nível, pontos cotados e hidrografia, com uso do método Topogrid. A modelagem considerou uma classificação orientada a objeto, a partir da definição das feições a serem modeladas (modelo conceitual) e da referência amostral de ocorrência de tais objetos na paisagem (modelo heurístico), definindo-se, assim, os parâmetros geomorfométricos para a representação dos mesmos. As feições derivadas da aplicação da proposta foram condizentes tanto às características regionais do relevo quanto às locais, atestadas por meio de trabalhos de campo realizados em todo o estado do Paraná. A exatidão global do mapeamento foi de 94,4%. Destaca-se a potencialidade do método apresentado como ferramenta de apoio para trabalhos de mapeamento geomorfológico, cuja parametrização confere a possibilidade de replicação metodológica e de diminuição da subjetividade nas etapas operacionais. Reforça-se, também, que o processamento e a qualidade do MDT interferem diretamente nos resultados e que os parâmetros podem ser adaptados conforme os objetivos do mapeamento e da configuração da paisagem do recorte geográfico.
POSSIBILIDADE DE ENDORREÍSMO E CAPTURAS FLUVIAIS NA MORFOGÊNESE DA BACIA DO RIO PARAÍBA DO SUL
Authors: Paixão Rodrigo Wagner , Salgado André Augusto Rodrigues , Freitas Marcelo Motta , Almeida Julio Horta
Published: October 2020

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo investigar a possibilidade da morfogênese do sistema de drenagem do rio Paraíba do Sul no interior do Rift Continente do Sudeste do Brasil (RCSB) ter compreendido um período de endorreísmo. Estuda essa possibilidade através da análise de parâmetros morfológicos e morfométricos em ambiente SIG, tais como, fator Chi (X), perfis Swath e Nprofile. Em termos de resultados, os perfis Swath evidenciam uma bacia hidrográfica morfologicamente construída em função de uma erosão remontante ainda muito distante de um perfil de equilíbrio. Os resultados de Chi (X) demonstram um maior potencial erosivo dos afluentes que drenam para o rio Paraíba do Sul em relação às suas bacias adjacentes que fluem para o interior do continente. A análise dos resultados dos perfis normalizados permite inferir que não há correlação direta entre a distância da foz e o índice de concavidade (CT), pois há afluentes relativamente distantes da foz do rio Paraíba do Sul que possuem esses índices elevados. Neste sentido, há evidências suficientes para levantar a hipótese que a morfogênese da atual calha do rio Paraíba do Sul se deu por meio de erosão remontante a partir de capturas fluviais no planalto sudeste brasileiro. Nessa hipótese o sistema de capturas e o pulso erosivo do rio Paraíba do sul atingiu o divisor da Mantiqueira na porção norte primeiro, através do rio Pomba, e avançou sobre o planalto sudeste incorporando sistemas de drenagem endorreicos por meio de capturas até configurar o sistema de drenagem atual. Nessa hipótese as bacias endorreicas capturadas permaneceram desconectadas do Oceano Atlântico até pelo menos o Neógeno ou mesmo até o início do Quaternário.
USO DE VANT E GEOPROCESSAMENTO PARA CÁLCULO DE SOLO ERODIDO EM VOÇOROCA LOCALIZADA NO DISTRITO DE AMADEU AMARAL. MARÍLIA/SP - BRASIL
Authors: Julian Carolina , Nunes João Osvaldo Rodrigues
Published: October 2020

O solo é um recurso natural fundamental para a produção de alimentos, que é afetada diretamente devido a sua degradação, sendo que a erosão é uma das principais causas associadas, com quantificação ainda é estudada, devido à complexidade dos processos erosivos. Ferramentas de geoprocessamento são utilizadas como uma forma de análise, nas quais o Veículo Aéreo Não Tripulado (VANT) tem se destacado por sua alta eficiência e custo relativamente baixo. Considerando isso, esse artigo buscou estimar o solo erodido em voçoroca localizada no distrito de Amadeu Amaral, Marília/SP – Brasil. Para isso, foi calculado o volume da erosão utilizando dados do aerolevantamento com VANT e ferramentas de geoprocessamento do software QGis. Estimou-se que foram perdidos cerca de 19.664,61 m³ de solo, aproximadamente 34.806,35 t, pelo voçorocamento, resultado esse que, apesar de erros inerentes à metodologia empregada, apresenta uma ordem de grandeza para a quantidade de solo erodido. Assim, além dessa estimativa, a metodologia mostrou possibilidade de ser utilizada para monitoramento da área, que possibilitaria uma melhor compreensão desses processos e obtenção de modelos de predição dessas erosões.
TRANSPORTE DE SEDIMENTOS INDUZIDO POR ONDAS NO SEGMENTO NORTE DA ENSEADA DA BAÍA FORMOSA, RIO DAS OSTRAS, ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: Fernandes Daniel , Castro João Wagner Alencar
Published: October 2020

As mudanças morfológicas em ambientes costeiros são produtos de interações entre o oceano e o continente, onde as ondas são o principal agente responsável pelo “input” de energia no transporte de sedimentos. O presente manuscrito tem como objetivo quantificar taxas de transporte de sedimentos induzidos por ondas nas praias da Tartaruga e Abricó, segmento norte da Enseada da Baia Formosa, Rio das Ostras - Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Como procedimento metodológico realizou-se levantamento histórico do clima de ondas e tratamento estatístico de dezesseis amostras de sedimentos coletados na zona de surfe (antepraia) em diferentes datas. Os principais parâmetros sedimentológicos utilizados foram o diâmetro mediano do grão (D50), grau de seleção (σ) e grau de assimetria (Sk). As estimativas de taxas de transporte de sedimentos foram obtidas através da expressão matemática proposta por KOMAR & INMAN (1970) também conhecida como fórmula do CERC (1984). Resultados obtidos sugerem predomínio de transporte residual de norte para sul, com taxas entre 75.000 m3.ano-1 a 515.000 m3.ano-1. A disparidade entre os valores obtidos associa-se a frequência e alturas de ondas significativas em águas profundas (H0) para os diferentes quadrantes e também às variações texturais dos sedimentos analisados.
HIDROGEOMORFOLOGIA DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO GUAMÁ - AMAZÔNIA ORIENTAL - BRASIL
Authors: Kubota Nicolau Akio , LIMA ALINE MARIA MEIGUINS DE , Rocha Nívia Cristina Vieira , Lima Isabela Farias
Published: October 2020

A bacia do rio Guamá, localizada no nordeste do estado do Pará, de relevante significado socioeconômico e ambiental para região, foi caracterizada em função da sua resposta hidrogeomorfológica utilizando a delimitação em Unidades de Paisagem, que representam o produto da interação entre os diversos atributos do sistema natural e do sistema antrópico responsáveis pela sua dinâmica. A metodologia constou da integração cartográfica em Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG), associando os aspectos relativos a paisagem natural - as unidades geológicas, geomorfológicas, da rede de drenagem e a distribuição da precipitação pluviométrica; e o produto das formas de intervenção antrópica, na forma de uso e ocupação da terra. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que a região apresenta uma dinâmica natural crescente do Alto para o Baixo Guamá, com variações de graus de vulnerabilidade das sub-bacias afluentes. As unidades geomorfológicas presentes são fortemente associadas ao controle litoestrutural, assim como a rede de drenagem, que é a principal definidora do escoamento superficial e do grau de dissecação/acumulação das formas de relevo.
SOLOS CARBONÁTICOS E A DESERTIFICAÇÃO NO MÉDIO CURSO DA BACIA DO RIO SALITRE, BAHIA
Authors: Rios Marcio Lima , Carvalho Vilma Lúcia Macagnan , Oliveira Fabio Soares
Published: October 2020

das terras, na qual a deterioração persistente dos solos e a destruição das caatingas constituem expressões marcantes. Condicionantes locais, como a crescente exposição de solos, pode constituir fator que amplia os riscos de desertificação. Este estudo analisou as relações entre os solos carbonáticose uma possível desertificação em curso na bacia do rio Salitre, no semiárido seco da Bahia. O estudo foi realizado tendo como recorte os dois compartimentos de relevo que caracterizam a área de estudo, denominados platô carbonático e depressão de fundo de vale. Foram utilizadas técnicas de sensoriamento remoto para delimitação temporal da exposição dos solos, comparando os anos de 1950 e 2019. A distribuição da cobertura pedológica numa vertente perpassando os dois compartimentos foi analisada para dimensionar a organização morfológica dos solos, que também foram caracterizados em laboratório a partir de suas propriedades físicas e químicas (com destaque para o conteúdo de carbonato de cálcio equivalente). Os resultados apontaram que na área do platô carbonático há maior cobertura vegetal e os solos são, do ponto de vista pedogenético, mais evoluídos, mais estáveis e mais resistentes à erosão. Já na depressão de fundo de vale, há quase 70% de solo exposto (crescente nas últimas décadas) sobre condições morfogenéticas bastante instáveis, com forte remoção do solum e sobre materiais altamente friáveis, de elevada alcalinidade e teores de carbonato de cálcio equivalente que superam 500 g kg-1. Estas condições trazem implicações que dificultam a recuperação das caatingas na área da depressão, revelando uma persistente e evolutiva exposição dos solos, que sugere um quadro de alto risco de desertificação.
Estudo do perfil socioeconômico, estado nutricional, nível de mercúrio e desenvolvimento motor em crianças da Ilha de Cotijuba, Pará / Brasil
Authors: dos Santos Chaves Lígia Gizely , Figueiredo Pinto Ricardo
Published: October 2020

Este estudo objetiva avaliar o desenvolvimento motor, estado nutricional, nível de mercúrio e perfil socioeconômico de crianças residentes na Ilha de Cotijuba, Pará, Brasil, na faixa etária de 5 a 10 anos. Metodologicamente, o desenvolvimento motor foi avaliado através do protocolo TGMD – 2 (Test of Gross Motor Development, Secunde Edition). A avaliação do estado nutricional da amostra, utilizou o software WHO AntroPlus. A análise de mercúrio foi realizada através da metodologia de redução e espectrometria de absorção atômica por vapor frio (CVAAS) (sistema aberto de circulação do fluxo de ar), utilizando um detector de mercúrio automático, o Automatic Mercury analyzer Model HG-201 da Sanso Seisakusho Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Para a avaliação socioeconômica da amostra, foi utilizado o instrumento CCEB 2014 (Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil 2014) da ABEP. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo programa SPSS 22.0, em que se adotou a estatística descritiva de tendência central, não central e dispersão e para a estatística inferencial primeiramente foi realizado o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov para normalidade da amostra, e o Teste t independente para comparar as médias da amostra de acordo com o sexo e grupo etário. O teste de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para analisar o grau de associação entre as variáveis. Foi adotado um nível de significância p≤0,05. O desenvolvimento motor encontrou-se na média em sua maioria, seguido por abaixo da média e, posteriormente, acima da média. Quanto ao estado nutricional, a maioria apresentou peso adequado para a idade, estatura adequada para idade e eutrofia com o aparecimento de alguns casos de sobrepeso e obesidade com o avançar da idade. O nível de exposição ao mercúrio encontrou-se abaixo do limite de tolerância biológico, com diferença significativa entre sexo. O perfil socioeconômico das famílias, na sua maioria, perteceu às classes C2 e D. A renda média bruta das famílias, majoritariamente, apresentou-se entre R$ 1277,00 e R$ 895,00. Conclui-se que a avaliação do desenvolvimento motor e os fatores intervenientes a este estão na normalidade. Análises similares devem ocorrer periodicamente para planejamento legislativo e projetos de intervenção em educação e saúde.
EFFICACY OF SUNFLOWER RESIDUES AND HERBICIDES IN CONTROLLING WEEDS IN TRANSPLANTED RICE
Authors: Samanta Tanu Shaon , Biswas Purnendu , Ahmed Sultan , Samanta Swadesh Chandar
Published: October 2020

The experiment was conducted at Agronomy Field Laboratory of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh  from July 2018 to November 2018 to find out the effect of sunflower residues and herbicides on weed control and yield of T. Aman rice. Weed control methods tested were T1= weedy check,T2 = Weed free check, T3 = Pendimethalin,T4 = Pretilachlor,T5= Butachlor,T6 = Pyrazosulfuron ethyl,T7 = Bensulfuron methyl + Acetachlor,T8 = Bispyriback sodium,T9 =2,4-D amine,T10 =MCPA,T11 = Sunflower residues ,T12 = Sunflower residues + 100%Pyrazosulfuron ethyl,T13 = Sunflower residues + 75%Pyrazosulfuron ethyl,T14 = Sunflower residues + 50%Pyrazosulfuron ethyl. The weed spectrum of the experimental field consisted of all the three groups of weeds viz., grasses (15.78%), sedges (59.02%) and broad-leaved weeds (25.2%). The dominants weeds were Cynodon dactylonand Echinochloa crusgalli among grasses; Cyperus difformis, Fimbristylis miliacea and Scirpus supinus among sedges and Jussiaea decurrens among broad-leaved weeds.  Hand weeding recorded the highest weed control efficiency (99.05%) and weedy check recorded the lowest. Among different herbicides applied alone, butachlor had the highest weed control efficiency (87.59%).Hand weeding produced the highest grain yield (5.14 t ha-1) which was statistically similar to butachlor, pendimethalin, pretilachlor,  bensulfuron methyl + acetachlor and sunflower residues  + 100% pyrazosulfuronethyl.  Application of sunflower residues along with the reduced rate (75 or 50%) of pyrazosulfuron ethyl had effective weed control and satisfactory yield comparable to butachlor. The farmers can use this technology as an eco-friendly approach in transplanted Aman rice field.
Reevaluation of Land Fitness For Soybean Plant in Kabamatan Stabat, Langkat District
Authors: Handayani Leni , Rauf A , Rahmawaty Rahmawaty , Supriana T
Published: October 2020

A decrease in the area of soybean farming has an effect on reducing soybean production from year to year so that it has not been able to meet the needs of national soybean consumption. Land suitability assessment is an effort to be able to optimize land use. In the process of assessing land suitability manually, it is considered inaccurate. The purpose of this study was to determine the land suitability class for soybean plants. The land suitability classification system used is the FAO land suitability classification classified at the sub-class level. Land suitability evaluation uses a matching system, as well as comparing the characteristics of land with plant growing community formulated in the technical evaluation of land guidelines for agricultural commodities. In the matching process Leibig's minimum law is used to determine the limiting factors that will affect the suitability of the class and sub-class of the land. Requirements for growing plants become kiteria in conformity evaluation. The results showed that the limiting factors of land suitability for soybean plants that had to be improved were temperature, rainfall, soil texture, C-Organic, N-Total and P-Available soil. The limiting factor of temperature and soil texture cannot be improved so that the marginal fit class (S3) on actual land suitability remains marginal fit (S3) in terms of potential land suitability.
Integration PBL with RMS: Improving problem solving skills on environmental education
Authors: Muhlisin Ahmad , Siswanto S , Singgih Suwito , Dewantari Nuryunita , Mohtar Lilia Ellany
Published: October 2020

The environmental education course currently does not integrate problem-solving problem skills. The purpose of this study was analyzing the results of applying integration on problem-based learning with the RMS (reading, mind mapping, and sharing) learning model. The research method was a quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test control group design. The study was conducted on 56 students who took an environmental education course in Natural Science Education Universitas Tidar. Data analysis used an Anacova test with a pretest as its covariate. The study results stated that 1) developed learning model integrates PBL with RMS learning model consisting of identifying problems, finding relevant information about problems through reading activities, analyzing problem: group discussion through mind mapping, providing solutions, and sharing results of mind mapping. 2) The integration of PBL with the RMS learning model indicated by an average score of post-test in the integration of PBL with the RMS learning model class of 68.46, and the traditional class of 48.92. 3) the learning process that occurs in the integration of PBL with the RMS learning model class shows that learning is run well, which is indicated by students' average evaluation score of the lecturer learning process. The integration of PBL and RMS model can be utilized by teachers and lecturers in Biology learning to have thinking skills and solve daily problems.
How can we Prove that Tumor Board is a Mandatory Component of High Quality Cancer Care?
Authors:   Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan., Abbasi Ahmed Nadeem , Abrar Sehrish ,   Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan., Khan Benazir Mir ,   Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
Published: October 2020

Before embarking upon the first modality of cancer management, it is advisable to thoughrouly discuss the patients case in a site specific multidisciplinary tumor board meeting. These meetings are a necessary requirement for a high quality comprehensive cancer service. Published evidence reveals a positive relationship in the form of treatment outcomes. The outcomes are being measured in terms ofs of survival and local control of malignancies for patients who were discussed and deliberated nary tumour boards [1, 2]. These boards are vitally essential for the services offered in Low and Middle Income countries as we regard them as the lifeline for our cancer patients [3].
Case-Fatality Rates for COVID-19: Are we Ignoring Something?
Authors:   Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, Waqar Usama , Ahmed Shaheer ,   Islamabad Medical & Dental College, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan, Khan Daniyal Ali ,   Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, Lohana Kantesh Kumar ,   Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: October 2020

Abstract: The availability of accurate data is of vital importance in the COVID-19 pandemic which has presented itself as a formidable challenge. The objective of our paper was to identify the flaws in simple estimates of case-fatality rate (CFR), the epidemiological indicator currently in use, and compare it to another more effective indicator, the adjusted case-fatality rate (aCFR). aCFR is defined as the number of COVID-19-associated fatalities*100/ total cases that reached outcome, i.e. death or recovery, according to the methodology of Ghani and colleagues. The results showed varying CFRs and aCFRs for several countries, signifying the problem with using CFR. Belgium is a prime example of such a case as it had a CFR of 15.82% while an aCFR of 36.38% and the number of cases in Belgium is high enough to make the discrepancy in these results significant. The deaths caused by COVID-19 are being underrepresented by CFR. It can lead to misleading results, especially when comparing countries and regions on their mortalities. Keywords: COVID-19, COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, 2019-nCoV, Epidemiology, Epidemiologic measurements, Case-fatality rate.
How to Encourage Establishment of Tumor Boards
Authors:   Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan., Abbasi Ahmed Nadeem , Shamsi Tahir Sultan ,   Department of Internal Medicine, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan., Rabbani Syed ,   Department of Hematology, Bedford Hospital, Bedford, UK
Published: October 2020

Establishment of site specific Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Tumor Boards is an endeavor which is being performed in the developing countries by individual specialists on voluntary basis. In Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) it is still not a mandatory system regulated phenomenon. Unlike centrally regulated healthcare systems, in developing countries we are taking this imperative task as a professional challenge which we are enduring on voluntary basis. This medical journal’s editorial board came up with this innovative idea of devoting a full page for academic work which is being performed for the education and implementation of multi-disciplinary culture in cancer care, notable the site specific tumor boards’ establishment and functioning and peer reviewed clinical practices.
Household Food Insecurity, Coping Strategies and Adolescent Girls’ Dietary Diversity Status in Hossana Town, Ethiopia.
Authors: Bancha Belay , Petrose Legese , Fanta Begidu Bashe , Endale Ashebir , Delil Romedan , Lodebo Mengistu
Published: October 2020

Background Globally there are 1.8 billion adolescents, comprised of 10-19 years old, represent approximately 20% of the world’s population. In Ethiopia this group represents 20-26% of general population. Despite the fact that this period is a window of opportunity to break intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, macro and micronutrient deficiencies are among leading health problems in this vulnerable age groups. Moreover, there is scarcity of data on the status of dietary diversity in this segments of the population.Methods a community based cross sectional study design was employed from May 21-June 20, 2019. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection using cluster sampling technique to approach 451 households with adolescent girls. Data was entered in to Epi-Data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis were performed. Adjusted Odd Ratios (AOR), along with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used and the level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05.Results a total of 434 households with adolescent girls were involved in the study. We found that 41.7% of households were food insecure, only 57.8%, (C.I.53.5-62.2) of adolescent girls consumed diversified diet, with the mean DDS of 5.38 (SD=1.75). After adjusting for potential confounders, occupational status of the adolescents’ father, (AOR= 0.56, 95% C.I. 0.32-0.99 and AOR=0.26, 95% C.I. 0.17-0.47), exposure to televised media (AOR=3.36, 95% C.I. =1.55-7. 3) and household food security status (AOR=5.09, 95% C.I. =3.2-8.08) were significant predictors of dietary diversity among adolescent girls.Conclusion Significant portion of households were food insecure; practicing ranges of coping strategies which further compromised dietary diversity of adolescent girls. Poor dietary diversity adversely affects micronutrient reserves of to-be a-mother girls; the vicious cycles of malnutrition continues its far fetching effect. Given that adolescence is the second period in life with rapid growth and development, improving dietary status of this sensitive segments of the population are to be an agenda of all concerned bodies.
Millennial-scale changes in sea-surface temperature and productivity along the Kuroshio–Oyashio boundary during MIS-19 based on the radiolarian record from the Chiba composite section, central Japan
Authors: Itaki Takuya , Utsuki Sakura , Haneda Yuki , Izumi Kentaro , Kubota Yoshimi , Suganuma Yusuke , Okada Makoto
Published: October 2020

A high-resolution radiolarian record from 800 to 750 ka was examined from the Chiba composite section (CbCS) of the Kokumoto Formation, including the GSSP (Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point) for the Lower–Middle Pleistocene boundary, on the Boso Peninsula, Pacific side of central Japan. Total radiolarian abundance was closely related to biological productivity in the sea-surface layer and was observed to increase and repeatedly decrease in the millennial-scale period. Summer SST (sea-surface temperature), which was estimated based on the radiolarian assemblage, was 19°C at the end of MIS-20 (790-793 ka) and fluctuated between 21 and 26°C during MIS-19, with the warm periods tending to be synchronous with high productivity. Recent observations have revealed that productivity increases with a northward shift of the Kuroshio along the Kuroshio-Oyashio boundary zone. Therefore, high productivity in the warmer and stratified conditions during MIS-19 can be interpreted as being closely related to millennial-scale oscillations of the Kuroshio Extension. Such millennial-scale climatic changes were also recognized in southern Europe and are likely related to shifts in climate systems such as AO (Arctic Oscillations).
The importance of COVID-19 testing to assess socioeconomic fatality drivers and true case fatality rate. Facing the pandemic or walking in the dark?
Authors: Ibarra-Armenta Cristina Isabel , Alarcon-Osuna Moises Alejandro
Published: October 2020

Up to date, European and other developed countries became the centre of the pandemic. While the COVID-19 spread to developing countries and less developed regions, seems to be still very low. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) differs a lot among countries, genetics, health systems, population characteristics as well as public health and social measures (lockdown measures) are believed to be the determinants of such diversity. Through an Ordinal Probit, Cross Section and Panel data models for 71 countries, it is shown that the nations applying more tests per million inhabitants are also those reporting more cases and deaths, yet greater testing helped to reduce CFR; while, health infrastructure and population health indicators could not be confirmed as drivers for CFR. The Stringency Index showed a negative correlation with the number of deaths. Our main finding is that, the pandemic concentration on developed nations is highly related with their ability and resources for tracking the pandemic. Three additional conclusions are drawn: first, the true CFR and its drivers at national levels cannot be estimated without increasing the number of tests per million inhabitants; second, there is an under-identification of cases and/or deaths and the countries applying more tests, are most clearly identifying the reality of the pandemic, while countries with less cases, are actually still walking in the dark; third lockdown measures have been effective at reducing the number of deaths.
Rosiglitazone Protects Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity Following Ischemic Stroke by Reducing MMP-9 Expression Through a Caveolin-1-Dependent Pathway.
Authors: Huang Qianyi , Zhong Wei , Yi Xia , Qin Zhen , Tang Xiangqi
Published: October 2020

Background: Rosiglitazone (RSG) is a widely used antidiabetic drug which activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Recent work have shown that RSG can up-regulate caveolin-1 levels and ameliorate both chronic and acute brain injury. However, whether rosiglitazone can ameliorate ischemic injury in the brain via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway remains unknown. Methods: Adult male sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, rosiglitazone group and rosiglitazone+daidzein group. The rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established using the suture method, with ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 22 hours. Neurological deficits were evaluated by the methods of Longa’s standard scoring. Cerebral infarction volume was observed by staining with 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Evans blue content reflects BBB permeability. The expressions of caveolin-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and occludin were detected by immunofluorescent staining and western blot. Results: In this study, we found that the expression of caveolin-1 was increased in a rat model of stroke, and treatment with RSG significantly increased the levels of caveolin-1, reduced the release of MMP-9, and increased the expression of occludin. On the other hand, a caveolin-1 inhibitor daidzein canceled the protective roles of RSG in the MCAO model. Conclusions: These data unveil that RSG might protect blood-brain barrier integrity by down-regulating the levels of MMP-9 via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway.
Demand for Family Planning among Poor Women in Uganda: Analysis of the Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Kabagenyi Allen , Kakande Pamela , Owayezu Vianney
Published: October 2020

Background: Family planning is one of the major cost-effective interventions to improve maternal health, reduce maternal and child mortality, and prevent unplanned pregnancies, yet its use remains low in sub-Saharan Africa, especially among the poor. In Uganda, little is known about the factors influencing the demand for family planning among the poor. This study examines the determinants of demand for family planning among poor women in a low income country.Methods: The study is based on data from the 2006, 2011, and 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (UDHS). The analysis was carried using weighted samples of 2,238 in 2006, 2,164 in 2011, and 4,370 in 2016. Descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regressions presenting both the unadjusted and adjusted were used to examine the influence of different demographic, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors on poor women’s demand for family planning.Results: Our findings showed demand for family planning was 56% in 2006, 60% in 2011, and 65% in 2016 among women in the poorest and poorer household health quintiles who were married or in union. In all three surveys, women age 25-39 had higher odds of demand for family planning compared with women age 15-24 (AOR=1.5, 95% CI=1.1-1.9 in 2006, AOR=2.2, 95% CI=1.7-2.7 in 2011, AOR=1.7, 95% CI=1.5-2.0 in 2016). Women with no education had lower odds of demand for family planning compared with those with secondary education (AOR=0.4, 95% CI=0.3-0.6, pooled results). Also, in the 2011 UDHS, women who had heard about family planning on the radio had higher odds of demand (AOR=1.4, 95% CI=1.1-1.7, pooled) for family planning compared with those who had not, and in the 2006 survey women who had discussed family planning at a health facility had higher odds of demand for family planning (AOR=1.0, 95% CI=0.8-1.2) compared with women who had not done so.Conclusions: Demand for family planning is influenced by a woman’s age, educational attainment, religion, exposure to family planning messages on the radio, and discussion on family planning at a health facility. This study underscores the need for increased family planning counseling by health workers and more discussion about family planning at the health facility. The findings further suggest the need to provide increased adequate family planning services and information for the poor, uneducated, and rural women to meet the demand for family planning.
WITHDRAWN: The Influence of the Expression of Personality Traits on Growing Intensity of Interdialytic Disorders and Change of Pro-Health Behaviours in CKD Patients.
Authors: Lech Magdalena , Adrian Lech , Stanisław Niemczyk , Arkadiusz Lubas
Published: October 2020

Background: Personality traits can change in the course of chronic disease and affect health behaviour.The aim of the work was to assess the influence of socio-demographic and clinical factors on the expression of personality traits and their relationship with more intense interdialytic disorders and change in health behaviours of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods: A total of 200 participants were recruited for the research (84 F, 116 M; age 61 ±12 years): 160 patients with CKD stage G4-G5 and 40 healthy persons constituting a control group. A diagnostic poll method was used in the research employing the following questionnaires to collect socio-demographic and clinical data: Health Behaviour Inventory (IZZ), Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI), Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) and Researcher’s Questionnaire Test.Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the intensity of personal traits at different stages of treatment. The patients in the pre-dialysis period revealed more openness to new experiences and more extraversion than those who were hemodialysed. The influence of factors resulting from CKD on the expression of personality traits increased with subsequent stages of treatment. Depression intensity, according to the Beck Depression Inventory, was not connected with the expression of personality traits. A higher frequency of reported interdialytic disorders was significantly related to a higher degree of openness and conscientiousness and a lower degree of agreeableness. Increased extraversion, conscientiousness and openness significantly correlated with more intense health behaviours.Conclusions: Personalities of patients with CKD change with subsequent stages of treatment and undergo the influence of socio-demographic and clinical factors. Personalities affect the frequency of reported interdialytic disorders and revealed health behaviour.
Phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses of the VP4 gene of P[9] rotaviruses
Authors: Ahmed Sharnali , Yahiro Takaaki , Emran Nor Amalina , Amit Lia Natasha , Iha Hidekatsu , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Rotavirus is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age and is responsible for over 200,000 deaths annually. Rotavirus can evolve by reassortment, in which gene segments are exchanged between strains of different origins. Rotavirus strains with the P[9] genotype is an example of reassortment, in which the P[9] genotype is from feline species. A number of outbreaks associated with P[9] strains have been documented in several countries. However, details regarding the epidemiological relationships between the strains remains largely unknown. Therefore, in the present study, genetic characterization and evolutionary analyses were performed to gain insight into P[9] strains circulating in different parts of the world. Results: The VP4 gene of the P[9] strains could be divided into six lineages, and P[9] strains characterized in this study share a common ancestor that circulated in circa 1864. In each lineage, the strains were not only from different countries, but also from different continents. These findings suggest that none of the lineages has a specific region of distribution, and although humans have had interactions with cats for thousands of years, the common ancestor of the VP4 gene of the current P[9] strains is relatively recent.
Factors predicting metastasis in patients with 10–20-mm sized rectal neuroendocrine tumor 
Authors: Park Byung-Soo , Cho Sung Hwan , Son Gyung Mo , Kim Hyun Sung , Kim Su Jin , Park Su Bum , Choi Cheol Woong , Kim Hyung Wook , Shin Dong Hoon
Published: October 2020

Background: Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NET) <10 mm are typically treated with endoscopic resection, while those >20 mm should be treated with radical surgical resection. However, the proper treatment methodology for 10-20-mm sized rectal NETs remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the appropriate treatment strategy for 10-20-mm sized rectal NETs by verifying factors that can predict metastasis.Methods: A total of 24 patients with 10–20-mm sized NETs who were treated at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital from January 2009 to September 2020 were included. The patients were divided into the metastasis and non-metastasis groups, and their respective data were analyzed.Results: Seven patients had metastasis (29.2%) while 17 patients had no metastasis (70.8%). The tumor size, based on the endorectal ultrasound (EUS) findings, was significantly larger in the metastatic than in the non-metastatic group (14.4 vs. 10.2 mm, p = 0.029); however, the pathological tumor size did not show significant differences (13.3 vs. 11.8 mm, p = 0.065). Lymph node enlargement was observed in a single patient (14.3%) in the metastatic group, based on EUS and computed tomography (CT) imaging findings. The mitotic count (p = 0.017) and Ki-67 index (p = 0.014) were significantly higher in the metastatic group than in the non-metastatic group. The two groups also showed a significant difference in the proportion of patients with tumor grade 2 (71.4% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, the tumor grade was the only independent metastasis-predicting factor (odds ratio = 49.25; 95% confidence interval = 2.55–950.83; p = 0.010). Conclusions: Regarding the treatment of 10–20-mm sized rectal NETs, tumor grade 2 should be the most important factor to determine whether additional radical resection is necessary.
Lymphocyte subset alterations with disease severity, imaging manifestation, and delayed hospitalization in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wu Daxian , Wu Xiaoping , Huang Jiansheng , Rao Qunfang , Zhang Qi , Zhang Wenfeng
Published: October 2020

Background: COVID-19 continuously threated public health heavily. Present study aimed to investigate the lymphocyte subset alterations with disease severity, imaging manifestation, and delayed hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.Methods: Lymphocyte subsets was classified using flow cytometry with peripheral blood collected from 106 patients.Results: Multivariate logistic regression showed that chest tightness, lymphocyte count, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were the independent predictors for severe COVID-19. The T cell, CD4+ T cell and B cell counts in severe patients were significantly lower than that in mild patients (p = 0.004, 0.003 and 0.046, respectively). Only the T cell count was gradually decreased with the increase of infiltrated quadrants of lesions in computed tomography (CT) (p = 0.043). The T cell, CD4+ T cell, and CD8+ T cell counts were gradually decreased with the increase of infiltrated area of the maximum lesion in CT (p = 0.002, 0.003, 0.028; respectively). The T cell count, as well as CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, and NK cell counts were gradually decreased with the increased delayed hospitalization (p = 0.003, 0.002, 0.013, and 0.012; respectively). The proportion of T cell was gradually decreased but B cell was gradually increased with the increased delayed hospitalization (p = 0.031 and 0.003, respectively).Conclusion: T cell and CD4+ T cell counts negatively correlated with disease severity, CT manifestation and delayed hospitalization. CD4+ T cell was mainstay of immunity response in COVID-19 patients.
Diagnosis and Management of Scrotal Wall Mass with the Aid of Scrotoscope: Case Series Report
Authors: Zhang Ruochen , Gao Yunliang , Li Tao , Zhu Qingguo , Ye Liefu , Wei Yongbao , Yang Jinrui
Published: October 2020

Background

Scrotal wall mass is relatively rare in clinical practice, and very difficult to be differentiated from scrotal content lesions by physical or ultrasound examination. Herein, we would like to share the experiences of scrotoscope in diagnosis and treatment of Scrotal wall masses.
Methods

Retrospectively reviewed all the clinical data of scrotal wall mass patients treated by our medical team between June 2015 and July 2019. The diagnostic value was evaluated by comparing with Doppler ultrasound examination and the therapeutic value was evaluated by comparing with traditional surgery. Suspected scrotal tuberculosis or malignant scrotal tumor patients were excluded.
Results

Totally, 6 patients with scrotal wall masses were diagnosed and treated with scrotoscope. Preoperative ultrasound examination leaded to ambiguous or incorrect diagnosis of the origination of scrotal wall masses in all the 6 cases. The location of all the masses was clearly confirmed by scrotoscope exploration. Three patients were diagnosed as scrotal wall cysts, and 1 of them was successfully resected during the procedure, the other 2 were resected through small incision. In the other 3 patients, a total of 4 scrotal wall solid masses were resected through small incision after diagnosis by scrotoscope. There was no wound infection, scrotal edema, hematoma, chronic scrotal pain or injury of testicular or epididymis.
Conclusions

Scrotal wall masses are relatively rare, and it is very difficult for preoperative ultrasound examination to make a firm diagnosis of its origination. Scrotoscope can confirm the localization of the tumor, and provides us important information for minimally invasive resection. And even in some cases, endoscopic resection of the masses can be performed under scrotoscope.