bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential thrombocytosis: review of literature with a rare presentation of cerebral thrombosis treated with endovascular therapy
Authors: Datla Aravind V. , Dalai Sibasankar
Published: September 2021

Essential thrombocytosis (ET) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder. Clinically there is an over-production of platelets without a definable cause. ET is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). It has an incidence of 1 to 2 per 100,000 population and a distinct female predominance. Once considered a disease of the elderly and responsible for significant morbidity due to haemorrhage or thrombosis, it is now clear that ET can occur at any age in adults and often without symptoms or disturbances of hemostasis. ET can cause both thrombosis or haemorrhage and carries a risk of acute leukemic transformation. Being an MPN, in some cases, polycythemia vera (PV) or primary myelo-fibrosis (PMF) can present as ET. Though the average life expectancy only slightly deviates from the standard expected for age-matched individuals, a thorough understanding of its etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, complication and management can make a world of difference to patients. Thrombosis is one such complication that has a significant impact on the mortality and morbidity of ET. We proposed using endovascular therapy (EVT) as a treatment modality for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
Comparative efficacy of intralesional verapamil hydrochloride, triamcinolone acetonide and combination of both drug in hypertrophic scars and keloids at tertiary care center
Authors: Mohanty Satyabrata , Gupta Jitendra , Rohatgi Garima , Saigal Suresh
Published: September 2021

Background: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are still a therapeutic problem. Despite numerous proposed therapies reported in the literature, the management of keloid and hypertrophic scars is still challenging as there is no universally accepted treatment regimen. Compare the efficacy intralesional verapamil hydrochloride and triamcinolone acetonide separately as well as combination of both drug in treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at the general surgery department (plastic surgery unit) at the JNUIMSRC Jaipur, Rajasthan. Total of 150 patients (60 males and 90 females) between 18 to 60 years of age were enrolled fulfilling the inclusion criteria. They were randomly categorized in to three groups (group A, B and C), based on treatment they received viz. verapamil alone, triamcinolone alone and combination of both drugs respectively. Assessment of the scars were done prior to or on the day of the first injection and at 24 weeks after the end of injection scheme by Vancouver scar scale (VSS). The decreasing values reflected clinical improvement of the scar.Results: Better improvement observed in all four parameters: height, vascularity, pliability and pigmentation among patients receiving combination of both triamcinolone-verapamil drugs as compare to those patients receiving drugs separately either verapamil or triamcinolone alone. For parameters height, pliability and pigmentation, the improvement was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05)Conclusions: Study highlights that the combined verapamil and triamcinolone therapy scheme causes remarkable scar improvement in keloid and hypertrophic scars in comparison to single drug scheme.
A study on clinical analysis and surgical outcomes of occipital encephalocele in children
Authors: Parmar Harisinh V. , Adhvaryu Nilay S. , Shah Jaimin K. , Trivedi Bhargav , Parmar Milap
Published: September 2021

Background: Occipital encephalocele is the commonest of encephalocele involving protrusion of meningeal and neural structures through the occipital bone defects. It is a congenital anomaly with varied presentation and can include only meninges to the cerebellum, medulla, venous sinus and brainstem structure.Methods: Study was done at civil hospital Ahmedabad from January 2017 to January 2020 occipital encephalocele patients were operated at the department of neurosurgery. The patients were evaluated by computed tomography scan of the brain, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. The operated cases were reviewed and relevant data such as age, sex, location of encephalocele, the size of the lesion, operative method, seizure and hydrocephalus along with postoperative complications were recorded for analysis.Results: In our study, we have better results in contrast to literature may be due to absence of hydrocephalus, other anomalies of brain, seizure disorder and lack of functional brain tissue within the sac as these factors has been associated with poor neurological outcome. Out of 35 operated, 2 patients expired of which 1 patient had other complication at presentation and other one had had developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage with ventriculitis.Conclusions: Repair of encephaloceles should be ideally done in the postnatal period to minimize risks of ulceration and trauma to the lesion with subsequent meningitis. We can conclude that folic acid supplementation should be strongly emphasized in health centres to reduce these neural tube defects as none of the patients in our study has taken.
Management of visceral arterial pseudoaneurysms in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis: a retrospective study from South Indian tertiary care centre
Authors: Bagwan Afroj Ismail , Chidambaram Kalyansundarbharathi , Sankareswaran Sugaprakash , Raju Prabhakaran , Chidambaranathan Sugumar , Lakshamanamoorthy Naganath Babu Obla
Published: September 2021

Background: Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAP) are defined as those affecting celiac, superior or inferior mesenteric arteries and their branches. In this study, role of various therapeutic modalities in the management of VAP caused by acute and chronic pancreatitis were analysed which can influence choice of treatment for a given patient.Methods: The study was conducted in institute of surgical gastroenterology, Madras medical college and Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital Chennai, based on retrospective analysis of 41 patients diagnosed with VAP caused by acute and chronic pancreatitis admitted between the periods of September 2014 and January 2020. The medical records of all patients were retrieved and descriptive statistical analyses was carried out regarding various details including demographics, presentation, management and complications.Results: This study includes 41 patients with mean age of 39.73±10.54 (SD) years and 40 (97.56%) of them were males. Fifteen patients (36.59%) had acute pancreatitis and 26 patients (63.41%) had chronic pancreatitis. Pseudocysts were found in 25 (60.98%) patients. Pseudoaneurysm arose most commonly from splenic artery (n=32; 78.04%). The most common symptom was abdominal pain (n=40) followed by gastrointestinal bleeding (n=28). Sixteen patients (39%) received primary radiological reintervention (n=16). Twenty-five patients (60.98%) underwent primary surgical treatment (n=25). Rebleeding was seen in 3 patients (7.32%). Twenty-three patients (56.1%) developed complications. Mortality rate was 5/41 (12.2%).Conclusions: Pseudoaneurysms are fatal complications of pancreatitis. Angiographic embolization, when available, is the initial treatment of choice in hemodynamically stable patients. Surgery in experienced hands will still remain main modality in treating these patients in centres that lack a full-fledged angiographic facility with acceptable outcomes.
A comparative study of conventional microlumbar discectomy and endoscopic lumbar discectomies
Authors: Raghu Vyabhav , Ranade Deepak , Patil Anil , Gotecha Sarang , Punia Prashant , Chugh Ashish , More Bhagirath , Chhabra Shobhit , Kashyap Dushyant
Published: September 2021

Background: Low back pain is fairly common in India and lumbar disc herniation is its most common specific cause. In the present study we compared three minimally invasive surgical modalities for treating lumbar disc herniation.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on patients who presented to our department with low back pain with radicular symptoms. Twenty-five patients who underwent either microlumbar disectomy (MLD), percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PELD) or microendoscopic lumbar discectomies (MED) were compared.Results: Of the total sample of 75 cases, it was found that male population was affected more and the degenerative disc process was more prevalent among those over 40 years of age. The MED had the shortest operative time while MLD had the longest mean duration. A comparison of the intraoperative blood loss was negligible in PELD group and 42.80 ml in MED and 63.20 ml in MLD which was strongly significant with a p<0.001. Pain scores were comparable between the patients in the three surgery groups. We observed significantly higher ODI score for patients in MLD group at in the immediate post-operative, 3 months and 6 months post-operative period.Conclusions: MLD is the gold standard for treatment for lumbar disc disease even today due to its familiarity among neurosurgeons; however, reduced tissue destruction and cosmetic demand with equally good results if not better, endoscopy could replace MLD as the first-line treatment for LDH until lesser invasive modality comes to light.
Evaluation of the combined role of axillary ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration cytology and sentinel lymph node biopsy in detecting axillary metastasis in clinically N0 axilla at tertiary care center Kerala
Authors: Chaudhary Nitinkumar D. , Chaudhari Dhaval
Published: September 2021

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the gold standard for histopathological staging of early breast cancer. Combination of axillary ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration cytology (Ax US with FNAC) of suspicious lymph nodes, specificity for diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes can be increased.Methods: This prospective study was done among 205 cases with clinically N0 axilla visited at surgical oncology department at Amrita institute of medical sciences from January 2014 to February 2017. Exclusion criteria was patients with locally advanced breast cancer, previous axillary surgery, prior breast irradiation, proven distant metastasis, inflammatory breast cancer and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. All patients were subjected to ultrasound of breast and axilla during preoperative evaluation. Suspicious looking nodes were subjected to image guided FNAC. Benign appearing nodes or a negative FNAC, a SLNB procedure with intra-operative frozen section sentinel node (FS SN) was performed at the time of surgery.Results: Present study found sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of Ax US was 62.9%, 84.4%, 67.7%, 81.4% and 77.1% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of Ax US with FNAC was 90.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 83.3% and 93.3% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of SLNB with FS SN was 64.5%, 97.5%, 87.0%, 91.5% and 90.8% respectively.Conclusions: US guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has highest specificity and sensitivity. Combining Ax US±FNAC and intra-operative FS SN in the detecting axillary metastasis very much decrease the chance of false results. The results of sonography would allow patients with sonographically positive axillae to be directed to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The remaining patients would be candidates for SN biopsy.
Culture and sensitivity pattern of aerobic bacterial isolates in diabetic foot infections, in a suburban tertiary care hospital in Mumbai
Authors: Degloorkar Sarang , Shah B. C. , Patel Kinjal
Published: September 2021

Background: The most common complication observed in patients with diabetes mellitus is diabetic foot infection; it is the bone or soft tissue infection below the malleoli. The most common pathogens involved in this infection are Staphylococcus species and beta haemolytic streptococci. Severe, chronic, or formerly dealt with infections are usually polymicrobial. Hence, the aim of the study was to understand the microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of pathogens causing diabetic foot infections.Methods: Post approval from Institutional Ethics Committee, a retrospective study was carried out based on review of records of 117 patients with diabetic foot infections over two-year period from 2018 through 2019. All demographical and microbiological data was analysed.Results: Out of 117 patients of diabetic foot infections, 71 (60.68%), patients showed bacterial growth. Amongst 71 patients 45% of patients had gram positive infection. 52% patients had gram negative infection. 3% patients had poly-microbial growth. Most common organism isolated were Staphylococcus aureus 28%, Morgaellamorgagni 11%, Proteus mirabilis 9%, Citrobacter koseri 8%, E. coli 8%. Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA) was 3% each. Staphylococcus aureus had sensitivity to Rifampicin, Cefoperazone, Tigecycline.Conclusions: Diabetic foot infections are common complication worldwide. Understanding the microbiology will help to deal better in management and prognosis of patients. Hence, it is mandatory to characterize the causative agents, and its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern to ensure successful outcome of diabetic foot infections.
Management of chronic subdural hematoma: our experience of last seven years
Authors: Nath Amar , Fotedar Sanjay
Published: September 2021

Background: Chronic SDH is collection of altered blood under dura mater which is variably more than 4-6 weeks old. It usually occurs in presence of atrophic brain which usually occurs in chronic alcoholics and in old age. Pathogenetic factors are mild trauma with or without some form of coagulopathy. There are various management options like twist drill and drainage, burr hole with evacuation with or without placement of drain and mini craniotomy. There are specific indications for each procedure with individual variations. We operated 74 patients of chronic SDH in last 7 years and are presenting analysis of our series.Methods: The study is retrospective. We studied records of 74 consecutive patients operated in single unit at our institute from February 2014 to December 2020. Patients with very poor GCS (less than 5) and children are not included in this study.Results: There was no benefit of drainage tube seen in our series of patients in decreasing incidence of residual collection.Conclusions: Timely intervention in case of chronic SDH is very gratifying in view of improvement of GCS and motor deficit without much effect of the type of procedure performed. Burr hole evacuation is the procedure of choice. Placement of drainage tube in subdural space is not effective in decreasing the incidence of residual collection. But it is very helpful in management of residual/recurrent collections.
Albendazole in malignant ascites: a case report and literature review on the successes and adverse effects of therapy
Authors: Mui Jasmine J. , Morris David
Published: September 2021

Malignant ascites places a significant burden on the healthcare system and has a profound effect on patient quality of life. Albendazole (ABZ) is an anti-helminthic agent that has shown to rapidly reduce malignant ascites with minimal side effects in pre-clinical trials. The following case study explores the effect of ABZ on ascitic volume in a patient with malignant ascites secondary to metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. The patient is a 54-year-old man who underwent an ultrasound guided ascitic drainage for worsening ascites secondary to hepatic metastases from sigmoid adenocarcinoma. He was commenced on ABZ based on literature demonstrating that ABZ decreases the volume of malignant ascites via the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor. Over the next week, the volume of ascitic fluid decreased significantly, however the patient developed neutropenia unresponsive to granulocyte colony stimulating factor likely in the context of impaired liver function. The efficacy of ABZ in this case study as well as in the literature demonstrates the promising potential for use in reducing malignant ascites. However, this case demonstrates the need for caution for use in patients with liver impairment due to changes to first pass metabolism leading to increased circulating drug toxicity and thus, adverse outcomes.
Post colonoscopy colonic perforation with parietal abscess: a rare case report
Authors: Choudhury Manoj K. , Baruah Utpal , Azharuddin S. K. M.
Published: September 2021

Colonoscopy is a common method of diagnosing colon and rectum illnesses. Complications from colonoscopy are rare. However, perforation is one of the most common problems observed. The incidence is 0.005-0.085 percent. Extraperitoneal and mixed postcolonoscopy colonic perforations are classified as intraperitoneal, extraperitoneal and both combined. Extraperitoneal perforation is rare and frequently accompanied with subcutaneous emphysema and retroperitoneal abscess. Contrast CT scan is the most effective diagnostic and therapy tool. A parietal abscess after colonoscopy is quite rare. Only one incidence of post-colonoscopy retroperitoneal colonic perforation with parietal abscess has been reported. An unusual case of colonic perforation after diagnostic colonoscopy was presented with a parietal abscess on the left iliac area. The patient, a 63-year-old diabetic male, had a diagnostic colonoscopy for intestinal irregularity. Afternoon severe ache over left iliac region brought patient to doctor. Nothing notable was discovered. So, they prescribed symptomatic drugs. Symptomatic medications were prescribed but without any relief. An abdominal contrast CT was recommended to him by his doctor after a few days. This retro muscular accumulation in the left transverses abdominis muscle communicated with the sigmoid colon. No signs of peritonitis or septicemia. Patient was stable. The aspirated fluid was sent for culture and sensitivity testing, and intravenous hydration and antibiotics were commenced. Patient tolerated conservative care. The subject was discharged in 2 weeks. Diagnosis and treatment of perforation are critical to recovery.
A case of severe upper alimentary tract necrosis by corrosive acid poisoning
Authors: Shaikh Oseen , Gaur Naveen K. , Vijaykumar Chellappa , Kumbhar Uday S.
Published: September 2021

Corrosive poisoning is common in South East Asian countries than in the West. It can be accidental or suicidal and can cause gastrointestinal tract injuries. The grade of injuries depends on several factors related to the patient and the substance causing injury. Dilemmas arise at different management levels, whether to resort to a radical surgical approach or consider more conservative approaches. We present a case of suicidal corrosive acid injury in a 23-year-old male with extensive upper gastrointestinal tract injury managed surgically. Ampullojejunostomy may be a feasible option in patients with stomach and duodenal necrosis following corrosive acid poisoning if ampulla is normal. However, its role in the emergency setting may be questionable.
Mesenteric lipoma: a rare cause of acute small bowel obstruction
Authors: Chattarjee Debarghya , Raina Vijay , Sharma Rajeev
Published: September 2021

Lipomas, also known as universal tumors, can be found almost anywhere in the human body. However mesenteric lipomas are rare entities, with less than 100 cases reported in clinical literature. Patients may present with chronic non-specific abdominal symptoms, or rarely acute intestinal obstruction. Multiple imaging modalities are available for pre-operative diagnosis. Surgical intervention is required for treatment of symptomatic mesenteric lipomas.
Carnitine deficiency in chronic obstructive lung disease: A study in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Ravindranath M , Raju C H
Published: September 2021

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) is a condition where there is poor airflow to the lungs and over a period of time this condition worsen, resulting in severe morbidity. L-carnitine (LC) is a soluble qaurtenary amine and is essential for the tissues and lung tone to function normally. This study was therefore find out the association of L-carnitine in patients with chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

75 patients who came to the Department of Pulmonology of either sex between 40 to 75 years with confirmed COPD were included into patients group and 75 healthy patients were included into the control group. Blood was collected for Fasting blood sugar, AST, ALP, ALT, Urea, Creatinine, Albumin, pre-albumin, iron , magnesium, sodium, phosphorous, calcium, Acylcarnitines, total and free carnitine levels. X-rays were taken and pulmonary function test was done for all the patients.

The mean age of the patients in our study was 62.53 and 61.86 years among the patients and controls respectively. Among the controls the Ph and Fe levels were 3.1 ± 0.9mmol/L and 21.69 ± 3.19 mcg/dL respectively and among the patients the same levels were 2.6 ± 1.9mmol/L and 43.82 ± 8.22mcg/dL respectively. The albumin and the prealbumin in the patients were significantly lower in the patients with 21.81 ± 2.88 and 23.53 ±2.58 mg/dL and in controls they were 32.61 ±3.87 and 26.87 ± 1.93 mg/dL respectively.

There was a considerable carnitine deficiencies in COPD patients when compared to the controls and since carnitine can be found in regular diet, people can be educated to have a proper intake of foods containing carnitine in their regular diet.
Myxoedema ascites-Rare presentation of long standing hashimotos thyroiditis
Authors: Shah Garima , Sharma Shubham , Shah Bikram
Published: September 2021

Hypothyroidism is among the common clinical conditions which are encountered in the medicine OPD. An autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common cause for hypothyroidism followed by over response to hyperthyroidism treatment, radiation therapy, medications, congenital disease etc. Patients can present with sensitivity to cold, weight gain, constipation, menstrual abnormalities, and slow mentation with irritability, dry skin, hair loss, and fatigue. Rarely, uncontrolled hypothyroidism can present as pericardial effusion, pleural effusion and ascites. Ascites as the feature of hypothyroidism is uncommon and only less than four percent of patients with hypothyroidism /develop ascites.As it is rarely presented as ascites so its diagnosis is delayed but once it is diagnosed, treatment leads to clinical improvement.

: A 20-year-old female presented to medicine OPD with non- tender abdominal distension, vomiting. She was a known case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis an autoimmune disorder; however, she was not compliant to thyroid medication. All necessary investigations were carried out to rule out the cause for ascites. With all the negative reports including imaging and supportive fluid cytology we attributed the symptoms to uncontrolled hypothyroidism as the patient was non-compliant to the thyroid medications. Also the picture of macrocytic anaemia in our patient supported the diagnosis. She was started on levothyroxine and was counselled. On a follow-up visit there was dramatic improvement of all the symptoms including ascites and her TSH was normal-2.017.

Ascites as a symptom of hypothyroidism is rare and its pathophysiology is not fully understood however there are few theories and studies in the past which do explain ascites as the manifestation of hypothyroidism.

Severe uncontrolled hypothyroidism though uncommon but can cause ascites. Being a reversible cause of ascites, it becomes important for clinicians to take hypothyroidism as one of the differential diagnosis for ascites. Our case supports the need of taking hypothyroidism as one of the cause, as it is easily treatable and patient can show dramatic improvement.
Diseño factorial 2k para la optimización de la síntesis de nanopartículas de plata para su aplicación en biomateriales
Authors: Cuervo-Osorio Giovanni Alberto , Escobar-Jaramillo Mateo , Ossa-Orozco Claudia Patricia
Published: September 2021

Las nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) son una alternativa frente al uso de antibióticos, debido a sus propiedades antimicrobianas y bactericidas. Dichas nanopartículas deben tener una geometría y un tamaño adecuado para que estas propiedades sean mejoradas. Para observar qué factores son influyentes en la geometría y el tamaño, se realizó un diseño factorial 2^4 variando los siguientes factores: temperatura de síntesis, concentración de nitrato de plata (agente precursor), porcentaje de citrato trisódico (agente reductor) y polivinilalcohol (PVA) (agente dispersante). Las nanopartículas obtenidas se evaluaron por UV-Vis, TEM y DLS. A partir de los resultados, se realizó un análisis de varianza (ANOVA) en el software estadístico Rstudio, y se encontró el valor de las condiciones de síntesis que permitían obtener un diámetro de 20 nm en STATGRAPHIC centurión XVII. Como resultado se obtuvo un tamaño de AgNPs entre los 6 y los 100 nm, en donde se evidenció que el porcentaje de PVA no es influyente en la síntesis, en tanto que los otros factores, como la temperatura, el porcentaje de citrato trisódico, la concentración de nitrato de plata y la interacción entre ellos, influencian el tamaño de partícula final. Para la optimización de las AgNPs, se eligió un tamaño de 20 nm para el cual se reporta una mayor capacidad antimicrobiana. Se concluye que, para lograr la forma y el tamaño adecuado, se deben cumplir las siguientes condiciones: temperatura de 90 °C, concentración de nitrato de plata a 0,13 M y concentración de citrato trisódico al 10 %.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the 55CrMoV4 Steel Exposed to Boriding and Nitriding Treatments
Authors: Bensalah Benhabib , Omar Allaoui , Elamine Djeghlal Mehammad
Published: September 2021

In this study boriding and nitriding treatments were carried out on 55CrMoV4 low alloyed steel. The thermochemical treatments were carried out in solid medium by the powder technique at 900℃ for 4 hours for boriding treatment and at a temperature of 550℃ for 12 hours for nitriding treatment. The phases analysis of the boride and nitrite layers formed on the surface was carried out by optical microscopy (OM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results of the surface analysis show that the boride and nitride layers a presence of FeB, Fe2B, CrN, Fe3N and Fe4N compounds. The thickness of boride layers and nitride layers was found to be 55 and 12 µm, respectively. Microhardness of boride and nitride layers are between 800 HV0.2 and 1200 HV0.2. Corrosion tests by immersion in a 1M HCl solution have shown the beneficial effect of boriding and nitriding treatments on treated steels. Increase in corrosion resistances was observed after nitriding and boriding treatment steel 55CrMoV4 was around 6 times.
Study and Simulation of a Sensor Based on 2D Photonic Crystals for the Detection of Aromatic Compounds: C6H5I, C6H5F and C6H5Cl
Authors: Ghoumazi Mehdi , Hameurlain Messaoud
Published: September 2021

A new study was presented on a new sensor based on two-dimensional photonic crystals (Phc's) to detect the following three organic materials: iodobenzene (C6H5I), fluorobenzene (C6H5F), chlorobenzene (C6H5Cl). These materials have dielectric constants (εr) equal to 2.623; 2.140; 2.318, respectively. The proposed sensor is a structure made of silicon rods submerged in air plus a ring resonator. The ring resonator is stuck between two horizontal waveguides. At the end of the ends of the structure there are four ports where port 1 and 2 belong to the top guide and port (3) and (4) the bottom one. In order to analyze the behavior of the sensor, a plane wave expansion approach (PWE) and the finite element method (FEM) are applied. Thanks to the MATLAB and COMSOL simulation software, we were able to obtain the following numerical results: the norm of the electric field, the total energy density and this last magnitude according to the refractive indices of the different organic materials used. We could observe variations in energy density for each material. So, this change is due to their refractive index which varies from one material to another. In this study, we have fixed the other parameters like the constant of the lattice "a" and the radius "r" and we are interested in the dielectric constants (εr) or more precisely the refractive index (n), the latter proves that it is one of the important parameters for detection.
Performance of Ultra High Strength Concrete Expose to High Rise Temperature
Authors: Aljabbri Noor Alhuda Sami , Hussein Mohammed Noori , Khamees Ali Abdulmohsin
Published: September 2021

Fire or high temperature is a serious issue to ultra-high-strength concrete (UHSC). Strength reduction of UHPCs may amount to as high as 80 percent after exposure to 800℃. A sum of four UHSC mixes was synthesized and evaluated in this study after getting exposed to extreme temperatures that reach 1000°C. Steel and polypropylene (PP) fibers were used in this experiment. A total of four mixes were made of UHSC without fibres as a control mix (UHSC-0), UHSC with 2% steel fibres (UHSC-S), UHSC with 2% PP fibres (UHSC-P) and UHSC with 1% steel fibres + 1% PP fibres (UHSC-SP). Workability, direct tensile strength, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength were examined. Particularly, emphasis was devoted to explosive spalling since UHPCs are typically of compact structure and hence more prone to explosive spalling than other concretes. It was determined that the mixture UHSC-SP had high fire resistance. Following exposure to 1000℃, this mixture preserved a residual compressive strength of 36 MPa, splitting tensile strength of 1.62 MPa and direct tensile strength of 0.8 MPa. On the other hand, UHSC-P also had good fire resistance while UHSC-0 and UHSC-S experienced explosive spalling after heating above 200ᴼC. The incorporation of steel fibers in UHSC-S and UHSC-SP mixtures reveals higher tensile and compressive strength findings at different elevated temperatures as compared to UHSC-0 and UHSC-P. In addition, the result of direct tensile strength appears to be lower than splitting tensile strength at different raised temperatures.
Lean Thinking Approach in Crisis Scenarios: Managing a CBRNe Emergency in a Law Enforcement Department by Means of Managerial Decision-Making Tools
Authors: Guidotti Claudio , Ricci Damiano
Published: September 2021

Ongoing developments in threats to security and public order demand a thorough analysis of the approaches currently used to avoid and resolve crisis situations, in particular when they relate to non-conventional CBRNe incidents. The ability to respond rapidly and efficiently to an unexpected situation requires an extensive knowledge of the CBRNe threats and the display of management resources to overcome the emergency phases. A CBRN advisor must have the ability to determine the consequences of a CBRN situation in any given context, in order to suggest the most favorable paths to emerge from the crisis to the decisional leader/manager. In this report we thoroughly explored, from the CBRN awareness point of view, a successful response to the emergency management of the Regional Forensic Police Centre of Firenze, using a range of instruments often related solely to the private business dimension, such as "Lean thinking approach" or the SWOT analysis, in order to exit the crisis phase mitigating the expected damages. Whit this research the two authors confirmed that correct management of a CBRN emergency cannot be entrusted to good will alone, but requires careful planning, in-depth knowledge of the crisis and managerial organization of events and resources.
Risks and Safety Measures Associated with the Storage and Transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Authors: Palestini Luigi , Sassu Fabio
Published: September 2021

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in LNG liquefaction and regasification capacity of many countries. The factors underlying this growth are the use of LNG to produce electricity, a reduction in costs due to technological advances and the current environmental concerns. In Italy, natural gas is transported into pipelines and LNG mainly by road, starting from coastal storage facilities, or from docks. But together with the development of these activities there is also a need to assess and counter the related risks. The handling of tanks offers dispersion scenarios connected to collision or impact, or to leaks during LNG transfer operations. So, there may be a need for emergency LNG transferring, managing the risks of the scenario. Some emergency procedures and safety measures for LNG storage and transport have been studied by the Italian Firefighters. This work offers a brief overview of the risks and safety measures associated with LNG storage and road transport in Italy and Europe.
Special Nuclear Material Identification Through One-Minute Measurement with a New Backpack Radiation Device in Real Scenario Conditions
Authors: Mangiagalli Giacomo , Morichi Massimo , Pepperosa Andrea , Stevanato Luca , Bonesso Isacco
Published: September 2021

The constant concerns in global nuclear safety, aimed at deterring and combating the illicit trafficking of Material Out of Regulatory Control (MORC) and its possible use in criminal acts has raised the necessity of new detection solutions with higher efficiency and resolution to provide a high level of accuracy in the report to the authorities. Today’s radioactive isotope identifiers perform gamma spectroscopy identification and, sometimes, neutron counting. This paper presents the results of measurements performed in real-scenario conditions with a new type of portable radioactive isotope identifier for the detection and identification of both gamma and neutron sources. Its singular features are: 1) the capability to identify sources through the detection of neutrons, discriminating spontaneous fission sources (Cf-252), α-n sources (Am/Be, Am/Li) and nuclear material containing mix of isotopes of plutonium or uranium 2) the capability to make cross correlation between gamma and neutron measurements to achieve a higher level of accuracy in the identification of SNM that emits both neutrons and characteristics gammas. The test results are compared with international standards. The device exceeds the standard performance by triggering a neutron alarm for a 20.000 n/s Cf-252 source at a five times greater distance than the ANSI N42.34 one.
Performance of Athletic Prosthetic Feet Made of Various Composite Materials with PMMA Matrix: Numerical and Theoretical Study
Authors: Talla Hayder Kareem , Oleiwi Jawad Kadhim , Hassan Abdul Kareem F.
Published: September 2021

Prosthetic upgrades are specialized prosthetics that enable patients to participate in more demanding recreational activities, such as running. This study examines the use of prosthetic limbs, specifically the athletic prosthetic foot. The current research focused on the manufacturing and production properties of an samples athletic prosthetic Foot made from composite materials based on a polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA) reinforced with various fibers (UHMWPE, Perlon, Carbon fiber, and Glass fiber). The finite element method (ANSYS-19R) is used to build an athletic prosthetic model and apply boundary conditions to investigate the influence of deformation and stored energy on the performance of the sports prosthetic foot. Six laminates have been manufactured, and it has been discovered that adding a number of carbon fiber layers to UHMWPE has a better effect on deformation than adding a glass fiber 26% improvement. Furthermore, the findings show there is an improvement in performance when the number of classes was doubled, as the rate of improvement between the laminate to which carbon fibers were added was 31%, and between the laminate to which glass fibers were added by 32% under the same boundary conditions.
Classification of Drones Using Edge-Enhanced Micro-Doppler Image Based on CNN
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar , Kim Yong-Hoon
Published: September 2021

The development of advanced radar system for detection and classification of UAVs is an essential requirement for today’s societal security. Such intelligent system could able to analyze the received radar signal and extract relevant information by utilizing sophisticated algorithm. In this letter, the utilization of micro-Doppler signature (MDS) for classification of drones, using convolutional neural network (CNN) model has been presented. We have generated images of micro-Doppler signatures using W-band radar system and used it for classification purpose. In this work, phase stretch transform (PST) has been utilized for edge detection and enhancement of the micro-Doppler images, to generate the edge-enhanced micro-Doppler image (EMDI). The comparison based on classification performance of CNN with different input datasets shows that the EMDI based CNN model outperformed the micro-Doppler image (MDI) based model.
Balázs iszákja
Authors: Forgács Tamás
Published: September 2021

Ez a tanulmány egy 17. századi színdarabban, az Actio Curiosa-ban talált kifejezést vizsgálja (megszakasztja a Balázs iszákját,’törd fel Blaise hátizsákját’). A kifejezés idiomatikusnak tűnik, de sem a magyar történelmi szótárak, sem a régi magyar nyelvű gyűjtemények nem tartalmazzák. Ez a tanulmány – módszertani kitekintéssel – bemutatja, hogyan azonosíthatók a régi szövegekben a frazémaszerű kifejezések, és hogyan lehet visszanyerni jelentésüket a kontextusból. Kimutatható, hogy a Balázs iszákja a „végbélnyílás” tréfás, eufemisztikus kifejezése volt. Fontos megjegyezni, hogy több 17-18. századi szerzőnél is megtalálható, azaz nem egy szerző idiolektusából származik. Iszák komponense egyszerre jelent „hátizsákot” és „tömlőt”, amelyek közül az utóbbi a „végbél” kiváló kognitív metaforája. A Balázs összetevőt kevésbé egyszerű megmagyarázni, de a nevet gyakran használják a szeszélyes emberekre vonatkozó egyéb kifejezésekben, így lehet, hogy ez is ennek az idiómának a része.
Development and Uncertainty Characterization of Rotating 3D Velocimetry using a Single Plenoptic Camera
Authors: Moaven Mahyar , Gururaj Abbishek , Tan Zu Puayen , Morris Sarah , Thurow Brian , Raghav Vrishank
Published: September 2021

Rotating 3D velocimetry (R3DV) is a single-camera PIV technique designed to track the evolution of flow over a rotor in the rotating reference frame. A high-speed (stationary) plenoptic camera capable of 3D imaging captures the motion of particles within the volume of interest through a revolving mirror from the central hub of a hydrodynamic rotor facility, a by-product being an undesired image rotation. R3DV employs a calibration method adapted for rotation such that during MART reconstruction, voxels are mapped to pixel coordinates based on the mirror’s instantaneous azimuthal position. Interpolation of calibration polynomial coefficients using a fitted Fourier series is performed to bypass the need to physically calibrate volumes corresponding to each fine azimuth angle. Reprojection error associated with calibration is calculated on average to be less than 0.6 of a pixel. Experimental uncertainty of cross-correlated 3D/3C vector fields is quantified by comparing vectors obtained from imaging quiescent flow via a rotating mirror to an idealized model based purely on rotational kinematics. The uncertainty shows no dependency on azimuth angle while amounting to approximately less than 0.21 voxels per timestep in the in-plane directions and correspondingly 1.7 voxels in the radial direction, both comparable to previously established uncertainty estimations for single-camera plenoptic PIV.
Detecting vortical structures in time-resolved volumetric flow fields
Authors: Agarwal Karuna , Ram Omri , Wang Jin , Lu Yuhui , Katz Joseph
Published: September 2021

The detection of three-dimensional coherent vortical structures that get advected as well as deformed with time is a challenge. However, it is critical for the statistical analysis of these vortices, for example, the quasi-streamwise vortices (QSVs) in the near field of a turbulent shear layer, where cavitation inception typically occurs. These structures exhibit underlying correlations among different properties that can be derived from the velocity gradients. Exploiting these correlations, a pseudo-Lagrangian vortex detection method is proposed that uses k-means clustering based on vorticity magnitude and direction, values of λ2, strain rate structure, axial stretching, and location. The method facilitates the finding that QSVs have pressure minima that are lower than those in the surrounding flow, including the primary spanwise vortices. These minima typically appear after a period of axial stretching and before contraction events.
Enhanced functional binning for one- and two-point statistics using a posteriori Uncertainty Quantification of LPT data
Authors: Godbersen Philipp , Schröder Andreas
Published: September 2021

In the evaluation of Lagrangian particle tracking (LPT) measurement data the use of spatially binned flow statistics in the form of one, two or multi-point statistics is often an essential step towards better understanding of the measured flow fields. Increasingly there is a focus towards uncertainty quantification of the measurement system however these evaluations are seldom used to directly improve the statistics by directly involving them into the calculation. We present our Functional Binning approach which makes use of such uncertainty information as a core component for the calculation of improved statistics. The improvements towards prior approaches are shown utilizing synthetic data as well as data from a real-world subsonic jet experiment. Beyond the initial formulation for one-point statistics, we show that this approach is readily extended towards two-point statistics and explore more advanced utilizations of uncertainty information for the optimal selection of particle pairs. Furthermore, the benefits of more individualized particle error estimations are investigated and some strategies for archiving such information are investigated.
Intensity-based and a lifetime-based PSP imaging method with enhanced sensitivity
Authors: Someya Satoshi , Yamashita Shogo , Munakata Tetsuo , Ito Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

A pressure-/temperature-sensitive paint (PSP/TSP) has been developed and used as a measurement tool for the two-dimensional distribution of pressure and temperature on aerodynamic surfaces. In recent years, although the concern with measuring a pressure difference of several Pa, such as countermeasures against the noise of small fans, has been growing, the resolution of current PSP measurements is limited to several 10 Pa, even with carefully conducted measurements. For highly accurate measurements, researches on the advanced coating films in PSP/TSP have eagerly been conducted to date. However, measurement resolution and accuracy deteriorate when quantum efficiency or lifetime decrease under high pressure or high temperature conditions.
Development of an Optical set-up for 3D PIV with a Large Volume
Authors: Abitan Haim , Velta Clara Marika , Zhang Yisheng , Ribergård Simon Lautrup , Nielsen Jakob Skov
Published: September 2021

Measurements of 3D volumetric velocity fields are of great theoretical interest with numerous practical applications. These measurements are essential for studying volumetric flows that do not exhibit inherent flow symmetry, such as turbulence or vortex breakdown. In the past decade, several technological innovations facilitated the emergence of 3D-PTV techniques for measuring velocity fields at kHz rate with volumes of interest up to 104 cm3 that contain 300 µm helium-filled soap bubbles. However, when a commercial laser beam with millijoule pulse-energy is expanded and shaped to fill volumes above 102 cm3 for 3D-PTV experiments with 15 µm air filled soap bubbles, one finds that the power density of the laser source is insufficient to generate a signal image. This is because the power density of the laser beam falls inversely with respect to its cross-section area and due to the quadratic dependence of Mie-scattering on the particle diameter. Here, we report of the analysis and development of two optical techniques for extending the volume of measurement in volumetric PTV. In particular, when a volume about 103 cm3 is seeded with 15 µm air-filled soap bubbles and a laser with a pulse energy of few single mJ illuminates it. The first technique uses multi reflections between two opposing parallel mirrors. The second technique is a development of laser scanning PIV for volumetric scanning: The potential to increase the scanned volume is examined by experimenting with an acousto-optic modulator for fast scanning. Furthermore, by employing an off-axis parabolic mirror, we obtain parallel beam scanning, which increases the efficiency and quality of the scanning.
Bubble PIV technique to measure the velocity field of a free-swimming California sea lion
Authors: Leftwich Megan Clare , Perrotta Gino , Fish Frank E
Published: September 2021

Fish et al. (2014) adapted laboratory PIV for safe use on larger animals. As opposed to seeding the entire flow with reflective particles and illuminating a plane of the flow with a laser, they produced a sheet of small bubbles and used sunlight for global illumination. Underwater cameras imaged the flow in a method similar to traditional PIV. This technique was used to measure the flow around a swimming dolphin and estimate the thrust produced during a tail stand maneuver (Fish et al. (2014, 2018)). In the current work, we will extend the modification of PIV of Fish et al. to measure the flow produced by a swimming sea lion also using bubbles as seeding particles and sunlight as illumination. This is the first time that the flowfield of a swimming sea lion has been directly measured. We will present an extensive extension to the image processing required to measure flow under field conditions. Finally, we will present the flow generated by propulsive strokes of an adult female (Cali) sea lion freely swimming through a pool of stationary water.
A stereoscopic PIV system for the Princeton Superpipe
Authors: Ding Liuyang , Limacher Eric , Gunady Ian , Piqué Alexander , Hultmark Marcus , Smits Alexander
Published: September 2021

Herein, we describe the design and testing of a stereoscopic PIV system uniquely adapted for the high pressure environment of the Princeton Superpipe. The Superpipe is a recirculating pipe facility that utilizes compressed air as the working fluid to attain very high Reynolds numbers. Commercial piping is used as the pressure vessel to hold pressure up to 220 bars, and a test pipe is enclosed inside with a development length of 200 diameters that ensures a fully-developed condition at the test section. The highest achievable Reynolds number (based on the bulk velocity and the pipe diameter) is 35×106, corresponding to a maximum friction Reynolds number of 5×105.

The unprecedented range of Reynolds number has enabled a number of new insights in the behavior of high Reynolds number wall-bounded turbulence (Zagarola and Smits, 1998; Hultmark et al., 2013). However, past measurements in the Superpipe have been primarily restricted to single-component, one- or two-point statistics of fully-developed pipe flows. The present work aims to expand the capability of the Superpipe to study turbulent coherent structures and multi-point statistics by means of a new stereoscopic PIV system. The high pressure environment and the confined space inside the pressure vessel pose challenges to both imaging and seeding, the solutions to which will be discussed.
A novel streak velocimetry technique based on 2D fits of decaying phosphor particle images
Authors: Fan Luming , Vena Patrizio , Savard Bruno , Xuan Guangtao , Fond Benoît
Published: September 2021

A new 2D velocimetry technique based on streaks formed by individual phosphor particles, which are moving during their luminescence decay following pulsed excitation is proposed in this study. Tin-doped phosphor particles (Sr,Mg)3(PO4)2:Sn2+ are dispersed into flows and excited by a pulsed UV light sheet. During the phosphor decay time (~27 µs), the emission streaks due to particle motion are recorded. A 2D fitting is then applied on each particle streak against the analytical expression of intensity distribution, to obtain the velocity information for each particle. Unlike Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) this technique does not rely on any particle image searching procedure.