bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satellite Imagery-Based SERVES Soil Moisture for the Analysis of Soil Moisture Initialization Input Scale Effects on Physics-Based Distributed Watershed Hydrologic Modelling
Authors: Pradhan Nawa Raj , Floyd Ian , Brown Stephen
Published: July 2020

Data acquisition and an efficient processing method for hydrological model initialization, such as soil moisture and parameter value identification are critical for a physics-based distributed watershed modelling of flood and flood related disasters such as sediment and debris flow. Site measurements can provide accurate estimates of soil moisture, but such techniques are limited due to the number of physical sensors required to cover a large area effectively. Available satellite-based digital soil moisture data ranges from 9 km to 20 km in resolution which obscures the soil moisture details of a hill slope scale. This resolution limitation of available satellite-based distributed soil moisture data has impacted critical analysis of soil moisture resolution variance on physics-based distributed simulation results. Moreover, available satellite-based digital soil moisture data represents only a few centimeters of the top soil column and that would inform little about the effective root-zone wetness. A recently developed soil moisture estimation method called SERVES (Soil moisture Estimation of Root zone through Vegetation index-based Evapotranspiration fraction and Soil properties) overcomes this limitation of satellite-based soil moisture data by estimating distributed effective root zone soil moisture at 30 m resolution. In this study, a distributed watershed hydrological model of a sub-catchment of Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed was developed with the GSSHA (Gridded Surface Sub-surface Hydrological Analysis) Model. SERVES soil moisture estimated at 30 m resolution was deployed in the watershed hydrological parameter value calibration and identification process. The 30 m resolution SERVES soil moisture data was resampled to 4500 m and 9000 m resolutions and was separately employed in the calibrated hydrological model to determine the soil moisture resolution effect on the model simulated outputs and the model parameter values. It was found that the simulated discharge is underestimated, infiltration rate/volume is overestimated and higher soil moisture state distribution is filtered out as the initial soil moisture resolution was coarsened. To compensate for this disparity in the simulated results, the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity value decreased with respect to the decreased resolutions.
Persistent Vegetation Greening and Browning Trends Related to Natural and Human Activities in the Mount Elgon Ecosystem
Authors: Wanyama Dan , Moore Nathan J. , Dahlin Kyla M.
Published: July 2020

Many developing nations are facing severe food insecurity partly because of their dependence on rainfed agriculture. Climate variability threatens agriculture-based community livelihoods. With booming population growth, agricultural land expands, and natural resource extraction increases, leading to changes in land use and land cover characterized by persistent vegetation greening and browning. This can modify local climate variability due to changing land–atmosphere interactions. Yet, for landscapes with significant interannual variability, such as the Mount Elgon ecosystem in Kenya and Uganda, characterizing these changes is a difficult task and more robust methods have been recommended. The current study combined trend (Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope) and breakpoint (bfast) analysis methods to comprehensively examine recent vegetation greening and browning in Mount Elgon at multiple time scales. The study used both Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Climate Hazards group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) data and attempted to disentangle nature- versus human-driven vegetation greening and browning. Inferences from a 2019 field study were valuable in explaining some of the observed patterns. The results indicate that Mount Elgon vegetation is highly variable with both greening and browning observable at all time scales. Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope revealed major changes (including deforestation and reforestation), while bfast detected most of the subtle vegetation changes (such as vegetation degradation), especially in the savanna and grasslands in the northeastern parts of Mount Elgon. Precipitation in the area had significantly changed (increased) in the post-2000 era than before, particularly in 2006–2010, thus influencing greening and browning during this period. The greenness–precipitation relationship was weak in other periods. The integration of Mann–Kendall and bfast proved useful in comprehensively characterizing vegetation greenness. Such a comprehensive description of Mount Elgon vegetation dynamics is an important first step to instigate policy changes for simultaneously conserving the environment and improving livelihoods that are dependent on it.
A Two-Layer Controller for Lateral Path Tracking Control of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: He Zhiwei , Nie Linzhen , Yin Zhishuai , Huang Song
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a two-layer controller for accurate and robust lateral path tracking control of highly automated vehicles. The upper-layer controller, which produces the front wheel steering angle, is implemented with a Linear Time-Varying MPC (LTV-MPC) whose prediction and control horizon are both optimized offline with particle swarm optimization (PSO) under varying working conditions. A constraint on the slip angle is imposed to prevent lateral forces from saturation to guarantee vehicle stability. The lower layer is a radial basis function neural network proportion-integral-derivative (RBFNN-PID) controller that generates electric current control signals executable by the steering motor to rapidly track the target steering angle. The nonlinear characteristics of the steering system are modeled and are identified on-line with the RBFNN so that the PID controller’s control parameters can be adjusted adaptively. The results of CarSim-Matlab/Simulink joint simulations show that the proposed hierarchical controller achieves a good level of path tracking accuracy while maintaining vehicle stability throughout the path tracking process, and is robust to dynamic changes in vehicle velocities and road adhesion coefficients.
Criterion Validity of Catapult ClearSky T6 Local Positioning System for Measuring Inter-Unit Distance
Authors: Hodder Ryan W. , Ball Kevin A. , Serpiello Fabio R.
Published: July 2020

The validity of a local positioning system (LPS) to measure inter-unit distance was investigated during a team sport movement circuit. Eight recreationally active, female indoor team-sport players completed a circuit, comprising seven types of movements (walk, jog, jump, sprint, 45° change of direction and shuffle), on an indoor court. Participants wore a receiver tag (ClearSky T6, Catapult Sports) and seven reflective markers, to allow for a comparison with the reference system (©Vicon Motion Systems, Oxford Metrics, UK). Inter-unit distance was collected for each combination of participants. Validity was assessed via root mean square error, mean bias and percentage of variance accounted for, both as an overall dataset and split into distance bands. The results presented a mean root mean square error of 0.20 ± 0.05 m, and mean bias detected an overestimation for all distance bands. The LPS shows acceptable accuracy for measuring inter-unit distance, opening up opportunities to utilise player tracking for tactical variables indoors.
The Response of Dissolved Organic Matter during Monsoon and Post-Monsoon Periods in the Regulated River for Sustainable Water Supply
Authors: Jin Mei-Yan , Oh Hye-Ji , Shin Kyung-Hoon , Jang Min-Ho , Kim Hyun-Woo , Choi Bohyung , Lin Zi-Yu , Heo Jeong Sook , Oh Jong-Min , Chang Kwang-Hyeon
Published: July 2020

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in rivers are an important factor in pollution management due to the abundance of stored carbon. Using fluorescent spectroscopy, we investigated the temporal and spatial dynamics of DOM compositions, as well as their properties, for two of the major four regulated rivers—Han River (HR) and Geum River (GR) in South Korea. We collected eight sampling sites, four from each of the two rivers (from close to the weirs) in order to observe the integrated effects of different land use (terrestrial input) during the monsoon (July) and post-monsoon periods (September). High integral values of DOM compositions (July: 30.81 ± 9.71 × 103 vs. September: 1.78 ± 0.66 × 103) were present in all eight sites after heavy rainfall during the monsoon period, which indicated that Asian monsoon climates occupy a potent role in the DOM compositions of the rivers. Regarding DOM compositions, tryptophan-like and fulvic acid-like components were predominant in HR and GR, especially in GR with high integral values of protein-like and humus components. However, the properties of terrestrial DOM between HR and GR are markedly different. These results considered due to the different land use, where the terrestrial DOM shows a low degree of humification due to a high percentage of agriculture and urban land use in GR. Furthermore, these two rivers are typical regulated rivers, due to their weir constructions. High values of DOM components were present in the downstream of the weirs; however, increasingly high patterns appeared in the HR because of heavy rainfall (511.01 mm in HR; 376.33 mm in GR). In addition, a lower increasing trend of humic-like component was present in the GR due to a low percentage of forest land use/cover. These results suggest that the effect of the weir on rivers can be highlighted by the different percentages of land use/cover under the conditions of the monsoon period. Hence, DOM fluorescence can serve as an effective indicator for providing an early signal for the complex impacts of the different land use and rainfall in the regulated river systems.
Tender Management Relating to Imposition of Public Service Obligations on Scheduled Air Routes: An Approach Involving Digital Transformation of Procurement Procedures in Spain
Authors: Martínez Raya Antonio , González-Sánchez Víctor M.
Published: July 2020

The promotion of efficient and sustainable means of transport has been a key issue of public debate across the European Union (EU). Particularly, transport needs in peripheral and remote areas have a great importance for EU transport policies in order to ensure the mobility of goods and persons in these regions, and thus to achieve greater territorial cohesion in the member states concerned. Despite the remarkable efforts to improve the competitiveness of aviation in the EU single market, certain regional routes have traditionally suffered a lack of scheduled air routes. The internal market, once liberalized, has provided an instrument in order to ensure adequate transportation for the carriage of goods and persons in special cases. When this occurs, according to Regulation (CE) no. 1008/2008, national civil aviation authorities may impose a public service obligation (PSO) on specific air routes. In addition, this form of public intervention can lead to restriction on market access to one carrier, and even to the payment of compensation to the awarded airline through the launching of a tendering procedure for the operation of the required air service. In the case of Spain, this type of administrative concession has been shifting towards e-procurement processes by providing transparent electronic portals. This research aims, precisely, at encouraging a better understanding of how information technology may have systemic benefits to public bodies aiming to efficiently conduct a digital procurement ecosystem. To do this, the authors have analyzed the 23 PSO routes imposed so far, and the corresponding administrative procedures. The findings suggest that e-procurement has led to greater public transparency.
Evaluating China’s Environmental Management and Risks Avoidance Policies and Regulations on Offshore Methane Hydrate Extraction
Authors: Yan Dong , Farah Paolo , Gaskova Ivana , Giabardo Carlo
Published: July 2020

Methane hydrates (hereinafter, MH), for many reasons, are widely recognized as a form of sustainable energy due to their environmentally friendly nature. MH, while burning, produce fresh water, which could in turn offer one possible solution to worldwide shortages of water. MH also maintains the capacity to change the landscape of the global energy supply. According to recent scientific evaluations, the potential global supply of MH is even higher than the total storage of traditional crude oil and conventional natural gas. However, its offshore extraction process could be linked to both catastrophic and non-catastrophic events that may contribute to global warming and climate change, cause harm to human health and life, endanger the flora and fauna, and threaten the very global environment as a whole. Therefore, from a legal viewpoint, an efficient and effective system of civil liability rules seem crucial to control the risks, and to compensate the victims to which damages may occur. This article takes into consideration China’s legal framework in assessing the risks connected to MH offshore extraction. Such a choice for examination is justified by China’s leading position for implementing the technology necessary for extracting MH. This analysis shows that China’s current legal instruments are still far from fully equipped to prevent the risks associated with the offshore extraction of MH, as well as to offer effective remedies for the victims once any damages have occurred. Therefore, more efficient measures and remedies should be considered (or even imposed) to address the specific risks of offshore methane hydrate extraction. Indeed, in the past few decades, China’s environmental protection laws and regulations have mainly focused on the environmental risks that may occur during the process of extracting conventional resources; however, they do not address methane hydrates specifically. This presents a legal challenge for environmental protection laws. The potentially catastrophic events that may occur as a result of the offshore MH extraction processes in particular present a legal challenge for environmental protection laws in China and across the globe. Thus, this article focuses on how to prevent these risks before they even occur, followed by a careful attempt to address compensation efforts for any damages caused by said catastrophes.
Cardoon Meal (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis) as Alternative Protein Source during Finishing Period in Poultry Feeding
Authors: Buccioni Arianna , Brajon Giovanni , Nannucci Lapo , Ferrulli Vincenzo , Mannelli Federica , Barone Antonino , Daghio Matteo , Secci Giulia , Rapaccini Stefano , Gatta Domenico , Falce Michele , Minieri Sara
Published: July 2020

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s previsions show that by 2050 the world’s population will reach 9.6 billion people, and the request for a high value protein source will increase as well. Poultry can guarantee high value protein for humans, even in the poorest regions of the world. Hence, efficient poultry production is needed, matching with sustainable development. The residual meal from cardoon seed oil (used for biodiesel and biodegradable bioplastic production) is suitable for animal feeding due to its protein content. The aim of this preliminary study was to test for a possible use of cardoon meal as a protein source in a poultry diet during the finishing period. Forty-five Kabir chickens were divided into three groups and fed three diets in which soybean meal (control) was partially (16%) or completely replaced with cardoon meal as a protein source (treated groups). In vivo performances, animal welfare, dressing out and meat color were evaluated. No statistical differences in feed efficiency, dressing out, nor in meat quality were found among groups. Moreover, birds that were fed cardoon meal showed lower perivisceral fat. Therefore, cardoon meal could be considered as an alternative for soybean meal in the finishing period in poultry feeding.
Analysis of the Impact of Different Variables on the Energy Demand in Office Buildings
Authors: Fuentes-Bargues José Luis , Vivancos José-Luis , Ferrer-Gisbert Pablo , Gimeno-Guillem Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2020

The design of near zero energy offices is a priority, which involves looking to achieve designs which minimise energy consumption and balance energy requirements with an increase in the installation and consumption of renewable energy. In light of this, some authors have used computer software to achieve simulations of the energy behaviour of buildings. Other studies based on regulatory systems which classify and label energy use also generally make their assessments through the use of software. In Spain, there is an authorised procedure for certifying the energy performance of buildings, and software (LIDER-CALENER unified tool) which is used to demonstrate compliance of the performance of buildings both from the point of view of energy demand and energy consumption. The aim of this study is to analyse the energy behaviour of an office building and the variability of the same using the software in terms of the following variables: climate zone, building orientation and certain surrounding wall types and encasements typical of this type of construction.
Spatiotemporal Differences and Dynamic Evolution of PM2.5 Pollution in China
Authors: Xiong Huanhuan , Lan Lingyu , Liang Longwu , Liu Yaobin , Xu Xiaoyu
Published: July 2020

Air pollution, especially the urban haze, has become an urgent issue affecting the sustainable development of cities. Based on the PM2.5 concentration data of 225 Chinese cities collected by satellite remote sensing from 1998 to 2016, we quantitatively analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and dynamic evolution trends of PM2.5 concentration in the four regions of China, namely the East, the Central, the West and the Northeast, by using statistical classification, GIS visualization, Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition and kernel density estimation. The results are as follows: First, the PM2.5 pollution in China showed a trend of fluctuation, which appeared to be increasing first and then decreasing, with the year 2007 as an important turning point for PM2.5 pollution changes across the country, as well as in the eastern and central regions. Second, PM2.5 pollution in China had significant spatial agglomeration. The intra-regional difference within the eastern region was the largest, and the inter-regional differences were the main source of overall differences. Third, kernel density estimation showed that the absolute difference of PM2.5 concentration distribution in China was expanding, with a significant phenomenon of polarization and the characteristics of spatial imbalance. This paper aimed to provide a scientific basis and effective reference for further advancing the sustainable development strategy of China in the new era.
A Laboratory Experiment for Analyzing Electors’ Strategic Behavior in a First-Past-the-Post System
Authors: Chiriță Andrei , Delcea Camelia
Published: July 2020

As it is well acknowledged that the electoral system is one of the fundamental rocks of our modern society, the behavior of electors engaged in a voting system is of the utmost importance. In this context, the goal of the study is to model the behavior of voters in a first-past-the-post system and to analyze its consequences on a party system. Among the assumptions of this study is Duverger’s law, which states that first-past-the-post systems favor a two-party system as the voters engage in tactical voting, choosing to vote in favor of a less preferred candidate who has better odds of winning. In order to test this assumption and to better analyze the occurrence of the strategic behavior, a laboratory experiment was created. A total of 120 persons participated in the study. An asymmetrical payoff function was created to value the voters’ preference intensity. As a result, it was observed that as voters got used to the voting system, they engaged in more tactical voting behavior in order to either maximize the gain or minimize the loss of their choice. Moreover, the iterations where voters started displaying tactical behavior featured a clustering around two main choices. The obtained results are consistent with both the empirical results of real-life elections and Duverger’s law. A further discussion regarding the change in voters’ choice completes the analysis on the strategic behavior.
Solution and Interpretation of Neutrosophic Homogeneous Difference Equation
Authors: Alamin Abdul , Mondal Sankar Prasad , Alam Shariful , Ahmadian Ali , Salahshour Soheil , Salimi Mehdi
Published: July 2020

In this manuscript, we focus on the brief study of finding the solution to and analyzingthe homogeneous linear difference equation in a neutrosophic environment, i.e., we interpreted the solution of the homogeneous difference equation with initial information, coefficient and both as a neutrosophic number. The idea for solving and analyzing the above using the characterization theorem is demonstrated. The whole theoretical work is followed by numerical examples and an application in actuarial science, which shows the great impact of neutrosophic set theory in mathematical modeling in a discrete system for better understanding the behavior of the system in an elegant manner. It is worthy to mention that symmetry measure of the systems is employed here, which shows important results in neutrosophic arena application in a discrete system.
Mirror Symmetry Breaking in Liquids and Their Impact on the Development of Homochirality in Abiogenesis: Emerging Proto-RNA as Source of Biochirality?
Authors: Tschierske Carsten , Dressel Christian
Published: July 2020

Recent progress in mirror symmetry breaking and chirality amplification in isotropic liquids and liquid crystalline cubic phases of achiral molecule is reviewed and discussed with respect to its implications for the hypothesis of emergence of biological chirality. It is shown that mirror symmetry breaking takes place in fluid systems where homochiral interactions are preferred over heterochiral and a dynamic network structure leads to chirality synchronization if the enantiomerization barrier is sufficiently low, i.e., that racemization drives the development of uniform chirality. Local mirror symmetry breaking leads to conglomerate formation. Total mirror symmetry breaking requires either a proper phase transitions kinetics or minor chiral fields, leading to stochastic and deterministic homochirality, respectively, associated with an extreme chirality amplification power close to the bifurcation point. These mirror symmetry broken liquids are thermodynamically stable states and considered as possible systems in which uniform biochirality could have emerged. A model is hypothesized, which assumes the emergence of uniform chirality by chirality synchronization in dynamic “helical network fluids” followed by polymerization, fixing the chirality and leading to proto-RNA formation in a single process.
Long Term Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Administration Inhibits Proinflammatory Responses in Minor Salivary Glands of Chronically Simian Immunodeficieny Virus Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Alvarez Xavier , Sestak Karol , Byrareddy Siddappa N. , Mohan Mahesh
Published: July 2020

HIV/SIV-associated oral mucosal disease/dysfunction (HAOMD) (gingivitis/periodontitis/salivary adenitis) represents a major comorbidity affecting HIV patients on anti-retroviral therapy. Using a systems biology approach, we investigated molecular changes (mRNA/microRNA) underlying HAOMD and its modulation by phytocannabinoids (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC)) in uninfected (n = 5) and SIV-infected rhesus macaques untreated (VEH-untreated/SIV; n = 7) or treated with vehicle (VEH/SIV; n = 3) or ∆9-THC (THC/SIV; n = 3). Relative to controls, fewer mRNAs were upregulated in THC/SIV compared to VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. Gene enrichment analysis showed differential enrichment of biological functions involved in anti-viral defense, Type-I interferon, Toll-like receptor, RIG-1 and IL1R signaling in VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. We focused on the anti-ER-stress anterior gradient-2 (AGR2), epithelial barrier protecting and anti-dysbiotic WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain-2 (WFDC2) and glucocorticoid-induced anti-inflammatory TSC22D3 (TSC22-domain family member-3) that were significantly downregulated in oropharyngeal mucosa (OPM) of VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. All three proteins localized to minor salivary gland acini and secretory ducts and showed enhanced and reduced expression in OPM of THC/SIV and VEH/SIV macaques, respectively. Additionally, inflammation associated miR-21, miR-142-3p and miR-29b showed significantly higher expression in OPM of VEH-untreated/SIV macaques. TSC22D3 was validated as a target of miR-29b. These preliminary translational findings suggest that phytocannabinoids may safely and effectively reduce oral inflammatory responses in HIV/SIV and other (autoimmune) diseases.
The Role of the Human Cytomegalovirus UL133-UL138 Gene Locus in Latency and Reactivation
Authors: Mlera Luwanika , Moy Melissa , Maness Kristen , Tran Linh N. , Goodrum Felicia D.
Published: July 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency, the means by which the virus persists indefinitely in an infected individual, is a major frontier of current research efforts in the field. Towards developing a comprehensive understanding of HCMV latency and its reactivation from latency, viral determinants of latency and reactivation and their host interactions that govern the latent state and reactivation from latency have been identified. The polycistronic UL133-UL138 locus encodes determinants of both latency and reactivation. In this review, we survey the model systems used to investigate latency and new findings from these systems. Particular focus is given to the roles of the UL133, UL135, UL136 and UL138 proteins in regulating viral latency and how their known host interactions contribute to regulating host signaling pathways towards the establishment of or exit from latency. Understanding the mechanisms underlying viral latency and reactivation is important in developing strategies to block reactivation and prevent CMV disease in immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant patients.
Does Future Climate Bring Greater Streamflow Simulated by the HSPF Model to South Korea?
Authors: Park Jihoon , Jung Euntae , Jung Imgook , Cho Jaepil
Published: July 2020

Evaluating the impact of climate change on water resources is necessary for improving water resource management and adaptation measures at the watershed level. This study evaluates the impact of climate change on streamflow in South Korea using downscaled climate change information based on the global climate model (GCM) and hydrological simulation program–FORTRAN model. Representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios 4.5 and 8.5 W/m2 were employed in this study. During the distant future (2071–2099), the flow increased by 15.11% and 24.40% for RCP scenarios 4.5 and 8.5 W/m2, respectively. The flow is highly dependent on precipitation and evapotranspiration. Both precipitation and evapotranspiration increased, but the relative change of precipitation was greater than the relative change of evapotranspiration. For this reason, the flow would show a significant increase. Additionally, for RCP 8.5 W/m2, the variability of the flow according to the GCM also increased because the variability of precipitation increased. Moreover, for RCP 8.5 W/m2, the summer and autumn flow increased significantly, and the winter flow decreased in both scenarios. The variability in autumn and winter was so great that the occurrence of extreme flow could intensify further. These projections indicated the possibility of future flooding and drought in summer and winter. Regionally, the flow was expected to show a significant increase in the southeastern region. The findings presented for South Korea could be used as primary data in establishing national climate change adaptation measures.
Using Mixed Active Capping to Remediate Multiple Potential Toxic Metal Contaminated Sediment for Reducing Environmental Risk
Authors: Ou Meng-Yuan , Ting Yu , Ch’ng Boon-Lek , Chen Chi , Cheng Yung-Hua , Chang Tien-Chin , Hsi Hsing-Cheng
Published: July 2020

In this study, kaolinite, carbon black (CB), iron sulfide (FeS), hydroxyapatite (HAP), and oyster shell powder (OSP) were selected as potentially ideal amendments to immobilize metals in sediment, including Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Hg. In aqueous batch experiments, the five adsorbents were tested for capturing the five potential toxic metals individually at various concentrations. HAP and OSP showed the largest removal efficiencies towards Ni (OSP: 76.47%), Cr (OSP: 100.00%), Cu (HAP: 98.39%), and Zn (HAP: 64.56%), with CB taking the third place. In contrast, FeS and CB played a more significant role in Hg removal (FeS: 100.00%; CB: 86.40%). In the modified six-column microcosm experiments, five mixing ratios based on various considerations using the five adsorbent materials were tested; the water samples were collected and analyzed every week for 135 days. Results showed that caps including CB could immobilize the release of Hg and methylmercury (MeHg) better than those with FeS. More economical caps, namely, with a higher portion of OSP in the mixed capping, could not reach comparable effects to those with more HAP for immobilizing Ni, but performed almost the same for the other four metals. All columns with active caps showed greater metal immobilization as compared to the controlled column without caps.
Presentation, management and outcomes of pituitary adenomas
Authors: David Bogdan Ionut , Tataranu Ligia Gabriela , Ciubotaru Vasile Gheorghe , Sandu Aurelia Mihaela , Gorgan Radu Mircea
Published: July 2020

Introduction: One of the most frequently encountered intracranial tumours are the pituitary adenomas, these accounting for 5% to 20%. Therapeutic strategies vary largely, from medical therapy to complex neurosurgical procedures. The transsphenoidal approach can solve most of the lesions of the pituitary area, as long as the invasion of the adjacent structures is not significant. The transcranial approach is indicated in tumours with extensive invasion

Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective study in the Bagdasar-Arseni Emergency Hospital Neurosurgery that aimed to analyze the demographics, signs and symptoms, therapeutic strategy, surgical approach, complications, and histopathology, from 2010 to 2019.

Results: The total number of hospitalization records, including the follow-up hospitalization and/or second surgery hospitalization, was of 1107. Furthermore, there were 704 unique patients. The most common signs and symptoms encountered for the first admission were headache (245 – 34.56%), optic chiasm deficits (153 – 21.58%), acromegaly (85 – 11.99%). However, the majority of patients (507 – 71.51%) presented with some sort of hormonal imbalance or diabetes insipidus. On the one hand, a number of 325 (45.84%) patients had non-surgical treatment. On the other hand, a total of 384 (54.16%) surgeries for pituitary tumours were performed in this period.

Discussion: In our study, the patients who underwent surgery benefited from either microsurgical transsphenoidal or transcranial surgeries. Even if the transsphenoidal approach was used far more, there was a greater relapse proportion in these patients. Transcranial surgery, even if followed by a far less proportion of relapse surgery, carried with it the burden of more days spent in hospital (most of the time twice as much as for the transsphenoidal patients).

Conclusion: Both transsphenoidal and transcranial approaches have advantages and disadvantages, thus the best strategy would be to tailor each surgery to each patient, keeping an open mind to all available approaches.
Historical vignette
Authors: Idu Andreea-Anamaria , Mohan Aurel-George , Saceleanu Mircea-Vicentiu , Ciurea Alexandru-Vlad
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Sofia Ionescu-Ogrezeanu (b. April 25, 1920, F?lticeni - d. March 21, 2008, Bucharest), also known as the Lady of Romanian Neurosurgery, became the first woman neurosurgeon in the world after performing a brain surgery during World War II, a fact recognized as a world premiere during the 13th World Congress of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) in Morocco, in 2005. [1]

Materials and methods. Sofia Ionescu is the first woman neurosurgeon. She was born on the fields of Bucovina, in F?lticeni, and became part of the "golden team" of the Romanian neurosurgery of the pioneering period. The decisive moment of her career took place in 1944, during the war when she was forced to perform an emergency operation on a child, a victim of the bombing.

The article coagulates the reports regarding the description of the first brain surgery performed by the first woman neurosurgeon with the continuous activity integrated with the field of neurosurgery. Both specialized articles, biographical books, and television interviews were used as references.

Results. The operation performed in the fifth year of faculty was the first step of a journey of 47 years of neurosurgical career, practised with high morality and devotion. The sacrifice of the pioneer of the first woman neurosurgeon was recognized in the press in the country and abroad, as well as by the recognition of different titles and distinctions.
Predictors of severe head injury in tertiary centre
Authors: Shrestha Rajendra
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Severe head injury (SHI) is associated with a high mortality and morbidity rate and is one of the leading causes of death in intensive care units. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of hospital outcome and mortality in ICU admitted SHI patients and to estimate their impact.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried on patients (n=321) with a severe head injury, defined as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ? 8 who were admitted to the ICU neurosurgical department of National Trauma Center from 2017 to 2018. Both clinical and radiological predictors of hospitalized patients were identified.

Results: Total mortality rate was 5.9%. 243 (75.7%) of the patients were male and 78 (24.3%) were female. 55 % of cases were due to traffic accidents. Patients Middle Ages group was 60%. Coexisting injuries, found in 25% of the patients aggravated the prognosis. Blood grouping pattern in SHI were B+, A+ and O+ 36.1, 28 and 24.3% respectively.45% of the patients had Tattoo which was aggravating factors. The outcome is highly correlated with GCS’ values. CT scan findings revealed that patients with subdural hygroma after few days of admission CT scan which was very important prognostic factors in SHI.

Conclusions: SHI has high mortality and morbidity in today world as it has a high negative impact on young people, especially men with blood group B+. The age of the patient, presence of Tattoo, GCS at admission, the CT scanning at admission and CT scanning after a week of admission were significant predictors of outcome.
A technical note
Authors: Hoz Samer S. , Aljuboori Zaid , Al-Sharshahi Zahraa F.
Published: July 2020

The Liliequist membrane is a critical membrane located at the base of the brain separating the supratentorial from the infratentorial cisterns. The advantages of Liliequist membrane fenestration as a critical part of the pterional trans-Sylvian approach for ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm clipping is not well established. We demonstrated that the fundamental role of Liliequist membrane fenestration is brain relaxation through the egress of CSF that is not usually gained from other modalities (e.g., placement of a lumbar drain, fenestration of lamina terminalis) in this specific setting.
Intraventricular dissemination of the pilocytic astrocytomas in an adult
Authors: Joshi Vijay P. , Valsangkar Ashwin , Nivargi Satish , Dekhne Anish , Agrawal Amit
Published: July 2020

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a subset of gliomas characterized by a benign course with an excellent prognosis and rarely metastasizing or spreading along the neuraxis. We report a case of a 56-year female with intraventricular dissemination of pilocytic astrocytoma in an adult and discuss the clinical significance diagnosis and management including the peculiar pattern of dissemination of the pilocytic astrocytoma. The course of the disseminated disease may not be as good as that of patients with localized recurrence or totally resected primary disease and can vary from rapid progression to prolonged stabilization.
Surgical management of intramedullary spinal cord metastasis
Authors: Khelifa A. , Bennabi W. , Berchiche L. , Yakoubi B. , Aichaoui F. , Morsli A.
Published: July 2020

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (IMSCM) is a rare complication of malignancies still studied by case reports; although surgery is related with the best results, the management is still debated considering the risks and the low life expectancy; in fact, many authors prefer conservative management (radiotherapy, chemotherapy), and so less than 200 cases reported in the literature with patients IMSCM were treated surgically; reporting such cases will help to understand the pathology and elaborate a clear management protocol. We report three cases of IMSCM operated at our department; in those patients, the intramedullary lesions revealed the primary tumours.
Malfunction of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt during pregnancy
Authors: Haidara A. , O. Diallo , Tokpa A. , Nda H.A. , Yao K.S.
Published: July 2020

Bringing a pregnancy to term is possible for a woman carrying a ventriculoperitoneal bypass valve, however, pregnancy can be a source of malfunction of the bypass system. We report two cases of malfunction of a VPS during the pregnancy's 3rd trimester in two patients aged 25 and 30 years respectively. The valve was examined in both cases and the persistence of the neurological signs required a cesarean section. The diagnostic aspects and management strategies were discussed as regards these two cases and throughout the literature review.
Cranium metastasis of HPV positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Canaz Gokhan , Canaz Huseyin , Aydin Sabri
Published: July 2020

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas rarely cause cranial metastases, but HPV related subgroup is known for unusual metastasis sites on the body. Despite the good overall treatment responses in this group, intracranial metastases are always accepted as a sign of rapid deterioration. We present a case of cranium metastasis of HPV related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which had been very well responded to the treatment for years but deteriorates in a short period after the cranium metastasis.
Contribution of memory evaluation in temporal epilepsy surgery
Authors: Lelklou H. , Djellaoui M. , Si  Ahmed H. , Yakoubi B.
Published: July 2020

Memory assessment is a crucial step in the pre-surgical assessment of temporal epilepsy. Indeed, it participates to a certain extent in the process of localization of the epileptogenic zone and also makes it possible to anticipate the possible risks of surgical treatment on the memory.We propose to specify the contribution of memory evaluation in 60 patients’ candidates for temporal epilepsy surgery, in terms of localization of the “epileptogenic zone” and in the appreciation of the risk of postoperative memory decline.
Incidence of vertebral osteomyelitis and benefits of spinal stabilization in infection
Authors: Catana Vlad , Gorgan Radu Mircea
Published: July 2020

In order to evaluate the etiology, characteristics and outcome of the surgical treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis cases in our hospital, patients with vertebral osteomyelitis between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in the study. Clinical and paraclinical data of the patients were collected from the medical records of the patients. Of the 164 patients diagnosed with vertebral osteomyelitis in our clinic 94 underwent surgery and only these last ones were included in the study. Of these 94 patients, 18 cases were diagnosed with tuberculous osteomyelitis and 76 with nontuberculous osteomyelitis. The age of the majority of patients ranged from 40 to 80 years with a peak of incidence between 61-70 years. All of the patients had back pain and regional tenderness of the affected area and many cases presented neurological deficits. The most common involved area affected in our cases was the thoracic spine. Magnetic resonance imaging is the examination that reveals the degree of involvement and excludes other pathologies from the differential diagnosis. The majority of patients had several comorbidities which we included in the study. From all the patients included 76 % underwent surgery with decompression and spinal stabilization using titanium instrumentation and 24 % underwent surgery with only spinal decompression. We also evaluated number hospitalization days of the operated cases. An early diagnosis seems crucial for a fast recovery, lowering the hospitalization costs of both the patient and the hospital and preventing sequelae development.
The influence of isochronal aging on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of the EN AW-6060 aluminum alloy
Authors: Stamenković U. , Ivanov S. , Marković I.
Published: July 2020

The scope of this paper is the investigation of the effect of precipitation on an EN AW-6060 aluminum alloy by measuring mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. According to the exothermic peaks that appeared on the DSC thermogram and thermal diffusivity curve, parameters for isochronal aging treatment were defined. Thermal, mechanical, physical, and structural properties were investigated during the isochronal aging. The maximal enhancement of mechanical properties was achieved after aging at 230 °C for 30 min, whereas the most favorable thermal properties were obtained after aging at the same temperature for 60 min. During the aging, the precipitation from the solid solution caused a gradual increase in electrical conductivity. SEM/EDS microstructural investigations confirmed the existence of precipitated phases and provided the insight into their distribution within the microstructure.

Keywords: aluminum alloys, EN AW-6060, aging, heat treatment, thermal properties
History of Building the Complex for Cosmonaut Preflight Training at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Pioneers’ time (Part 2)
Authors: Savin S.N.
Published: July 2020

The paper presents historical facts about the building and development of cosmonaut preflight training complex at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the sixties of the last century. The role of some leaders of the space industry and the Ministry of Defense in substantiating and decision-making on the subject of creation and development of the training facilities is shown. The need to develop the training complex in order to tackle growing tasks of the Russian manned space program is briefly substantiated. The second stage of building individual elements of the complex, their role in providing cosmonaut preflight training is described.
An Approach to Carrying Out a Post-Flight Experiment on Controlling an On-Planet Rover.
Authors: Dolgov P.P. , Irodov E.Yu. , Kirshanov V.N. , Korennoy V.S. , Kryuchkov B.I. , Onufrienko Yu.I. , Ponomarev K.V. , Kharlamov M.M. , Shvetzov V.V.
Published: July 2020

The paper proposes experimental studies to evaluate a cosmonaut's ability to control an on-planet rover immediately after a long space mission. The general concept of the experimental research is presented. The general requirements for a simulator of the on-planet rover and proposals for the technical support of post-flight research are represented.
Performance Evaluation of the Regenerative Life Support System of Interplanetary Manned Spacecraft.
Authors: Kurmazenko E.A. , Kiryushin O.V. , Kochetkov A.A. , Proshkin V.Yu. , Tsygankov A.S. , Sorokin A.E. , Vedischev A.S.
Published: July 2020

The paper considers basic requirements for the efficiency model of the regenerative life-support system as an abiotic part of the ecological and technical system of an interplanetary spacecraft. It also describes developed efficiency model, which includes a set of indicators for solving the initial task of synthesis of the technological structure.
Participatory Budgeting and Traditional Participation in Czech Municipalities
Authors: Minárik Pavol
Published: July 2020

As an instrument of smart governance, participatory budgeting has been implemented by several dozen of municipalities in the Czech Republic. This is in line with the trend in many European cities. The paper examines the implementation of participatory budgeting in Czech municipalities. It is observed that participatory budgeting is being implemented in the Czech Republic typically on a very limited scale. The particular aim of this paper is to analyze the relation of participatory budgeting to the traditional political participation in local elections. Following an examination of the extent in which the instrument is implemented in the Czech municipalities, statistical tools are used to relate implementation of participatory budgeting to several measures of traditional political participation, such as voter turnout and intensity of the political competition in municipal elections. The paper concludes that the implementation of participatory budgeting has very little relation to the traditional, electoral participation in the Czech Republic.
Attracting Skilled Migration to the Czech Republic – Lagging Behind?
Authors: Hlaváčková Hana N. , Macková Lucie
Published: July 2020

This paper attempts to explore the issue of skilled migration and the approach of the Czech Republic when it comes to attracting and retaining foreign skilled workers. The global competition for talent has been a prominent issue in migration studies, mainly because it has been shown that qualified migration can have a positive impact both on the countries of origin and of destination. The Czech Republic, with its low levels of unemployment, might benefit from the human capital offered by the skilled migration, and yet, there is surprisingly little debate about the type of migration the Czech Republic wants to attract. At best, this debate is driven by short-term employer demands. Surprisingly, there is little research about skilled migration to the Czech Republic and other CEE states despite its clear benefits. This paper will explore the Czech policies and programmes dealing with skilled migration and the possible caveats of these programmes. The main aim of this contribution, done by qualitative and quantitative content analysis, is to analyze past and ongoing programmes of migration and integration policy of the Czech Republic regarding skilled migration. Furthermore, it attempts to shed light on the discursive, implementation, and efficacy gaps in the Czech policies.
Assessment of the Sensory Acceptability of Soy Milk Based Sandesh (Traditional Indian Sweet Dairy Dessert) For Elderly People (Aged > 60 Years) Living in Kolkata and its Efficacy on the Health Status of Geriatric Population
Authors: Rai Sweata Rani , Nazmin Sabia
Published: July 2020

Background: Aging is often associated with the incidence of degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer, which affects dietary eating patterns in older adults. With advancing age, there is a decline in appetite and a reduced affinity to food. However, the eighty million citizens of West Bengal including the older adults have a craving for sweets. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the sensory and chemical evaluation of Sandesh prepared from soymilk and dates adhering to nutritional needs and dietary preference towards sweets for older adults.
Method: Sandesh is prepared with the substitution of traditional milk chenna (fresh, unripened curd cheese made from cow milk/ buffalo milk)with soy milk and dates syrup.