bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cost-effective and rapid quantitative test of polymyxin B sulphate with a simple and portable pressure meter readout
Authors: Rao Xinyue , Jiang Huan , Li Ling , Xiang Feng , Liu Zhongde
Published: June 2020

By monitoring the pressure signal changes of the platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) catalyzed H2O2breakdown, a cost-effective and rapid analysis method for the quantitative testing of PMB is established with a portable pressure meter readout.
Electrical properties and spintronic application of carbon phosphide nanoribbons with edge functionalization
Authors: Cao Liemao , Li Xiaobo , Li Yun , Zhou Guanghui
Published: June 2020

Edge-functionalization is an important method for the band engineering of nanoribbons (NRs).
video compression based on sphere‐rotated frame prediction
Authors: Yu Ning , Lin Chunyu , Zhao Yao , Liu Meiqin , Zhang Xue
Published: June 2020

360 video is very popular due to its 360 views of a scene. Although 360 videos are also compressed by a hybrid coding framework like 2D video, its high resolution and serious shape deformation affect coding efficiency. In equirectangular projection (ERP) format of 360 videos, if an object moves from equator regions to pole regions or vice versa, large deformation will be introduced and motion estimation cannot find the best‐matched part. To solve the above problem, the authors propose to generate a better reference frame for the current to be encoded frame. First, they project the frame prior to the current one from ERP to the sphere and rotate it at an appropriate angle depending on motion vectors. Subsequently, they insert this generated frame to the rear of the reference queue and let the encoder work as usual. The advantage is that the inserted frame has a more similar shape deformation as the current frame, which greatly helps motion estimation and makes full use of 360 video characters. Their method is simple and friendly compatible with the existing compression standard. Experiments prove that their method achieves 1.57% Bjøntegaard Delta (BD)‐gain compared with standard high efficiency video coding.
Automated fish cage net inspection using image processing techniques
Authors: Paspalakis Stavros , Moirogiorgou Konstantia , Papandroulakis Nikos , Giakos George , Zervakis Michalis
Published: June 2020

Fish‐cage dysfunction in aquaculture installations can trigger significant negative consequences affecting the operational costs. Low oxygen levels, due to excessive fooling's, leads to decrease growth performance, and feed efficiency. Therefore, frequent periodic inspection of fish‐cage nets is required, but this task can become quite expensive with the traditional means of employing professional divers that perform visual inspections at regular time intervals. The modern trend in aquaculture is to take advantage of IT technologies with the use of a small‐sized, low‐cost autonomous underwater vehicle, permanently residing within a fish cage and performing regular video inspection of the infrastructure for the entire net surface. In this study, we explore specialised image processing schemes to detect net holes of multiple area size and shape. These techniques are designed with the vision to provide robust solutions that take advantage of either global or local image structures to provide the efficient inspection of multiple net holes.
Dual split resonator lowpass filter with ultra‐wide stopband and sharp roll‐off rate
Authors: Nisamol Thevaruparambil Abdulnazer , Abdulla Parambil , Raphika Paruthikkal M.
Published: June 2020

A novel microstrip lowpass filter design using rectangular split‐ring resonators with dual splits are designed, analysed, and fabricated with exceptional performance such as ultra‐wide stopband and sharp roll‐off rate along with its compactness. The symmetrical suppressing cells are also employed to reject higher‐order harmonics from the stopband without affecting selectivity. The expression for transmission zero of dual split resonator‐1 is extracted from the equivalent circuit analysis and observed the significance of coupling. A sharp roll‐off performance of 224 dB/GHz and relative stopband width of 161% are achieved with a cut‐off frequency of 2.9 GHz.
Switching losses prediction methods oriented to power MOSFETs – a review
Authors: de Paula Wesley Josias , Tavares Gabriel Henrique Monteiro , Soares Guilherme Marcio , Almeida Pedro Santos , Braga Henrique Antonio Carvalho
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study is to review the state‐of‐the‐art of recent prediction methods for power metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) switching losses using datasheet parameters. A detailed technical literature investigation is carried out to collect the latest research contributions on this subject, pointing out their main features and drawbacks. Then, a particular section is dedicated to compare three different selected methods oriented to Si‐based and SiC‐based MOS power transistors. This analysis is performed on several voltage and current level ratings using an experimental prototype of a double pulse circuit. According to the experimental‐supported study included here, at a particular volt–ampere condition, the Ahmed method provided the lowest theoretical error of 2.38%, while the Guo method attained 41.2% and Brown method presented 28.5%. In addition, according to the experimental results it can be concluded that it is very difficult to obtain a high level of accuracy concerning MOSFET switching losses, mainly due to the uncertainty when selecting datasheet information. Among the parameters that most influence the measurements, one could list the MOSFET transconductance, the channel threshold voltage and the parasitic inductances.
Dynamic performance improvement of buck–cuk converter in renewable energy resources using EHO optimised PR controller
Authors: Raj T. Dharma , Chandrasekaran Kumar
Published: June 2020

Renewable energy resources energy is widely collected from the natural resources of wind, photovoltaic, and geothermal heat energy. Generally, the hybrid system is affected by the unwanted power quality issues such as harmonics, voltage sag, and swell. The proportional resonant (PR) controller is optimised with an Elephant herding optimisation (EHO) algorithm to investigate the dynamic performance of buck–cuk power converters in hybrid renewable energy sources. The proposed power converter is used to regulate the level of voltages by controlling the switching pulse of the converter depending on the duty cycle ratio. An EHO algorithm is employed for tuning the PR controller gain parameters. In the grid side, shunt active power filters are integrated, and the inductor–capacitor–inductor filter is utilised for solving the overshoot and settling time problems. The total harmonic distortion (THD) and steady‐state error are reduced by the proposed technique. The proposed system is designed with the help of MATLAB/Simulink platform, and the output response is determined with the simulated results. The dynamic response of the proposed system is examined based on simulated outcomes, and THD comparison analysis is performed with the existing controllers such as proportional–derivative, proportional–integral–derivative, and fuzzy controller.
Classification and comparative study of EDM pulse generators
Authors: Kane Makarand M. , Phanse Ajinkya Ajit , Bahirat Himanshu J. , Kulkarni S.V.
Published: June 2020

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non‐conventional machining technique that requires pulse generators to create sparks between the tool and the workpiece. Classical texts describe only two types of EDM pulse generators (EPGs), although there are several different types. This work presents a classification and detailed comparative study of 13 important EPG topologies from the power electronics perspective. The operation of each topology is explained using simulation studies for EDM load with spark current of 10 A and pulse repetition frequency of 1 kHz. Control schemes of each topology are explained from the viewpoint of mechanical performance parameters, viz. material removal rate, surface finish, and tool electrode wear ratio. A general analytical methodology to compute efficiency based on machining duty is illustrated considering the existence of two distinct switching frequencies. Overall comparison between EPG topologies is presented considering control aspects, size, efficiency, voltage stresses and suitability for any required application. As an example, a case of investigation of cutting silicon ingots with wire EDM is considered and experimental results are provided for the same. This work can be used as a guideline to understand and develop EPG based on particular target specifications.
Performance enhancement of photovoltaic system under grid voltage distortion utilising total least‐square control scheme
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Patel Nirav , Gupta Nitin , Gupta Vikas , Davari Pooya
Published: June 2020

Grid‐interfaced solar photovoltaic (GIPV) system requires a robust control algorithm for satisfactory operation under grid voltage disturbances. In this study, an application of Newton's learning rule‐based total least‐square estimation employing single‐layer neural network structure is adopted to interface the photovoltaic unit with the utility grid. In addition, the weight‐updating mechanism is uniquely integrated with threshold neuron for attaining speedy extraction of fundamental load current component. In particular, the proposed control algorithm has the capability to transfer maximum active power to the utility grid/AC load at unity power factor while operating as distribution static compensator to offer various ancillary services including current harmonics attenuation and reactive current suppression. This will lead to increased device utilisation factor of the overall GIPV system during night time (i.e. in the absence of solar irradiance). Moreover, the proposed control scheme is designed and developed without any complex transformations and derivative terms, which results in less computational intensiveness. The GIPV system with three‐phase double‐stage configuration is modelled in MATLAB/Simulink software using sim‐power system tool. Finally, the adaptability of the proposed control algorithm has been verified and confirmed through 500 W laboratory prototype using low‐cost Arm Cortex‐M4 microcontroller under various operating conditions.
Parameter extraction method for a physics‐based lumped‐charge SiC MPS diode model
Authors: Li Xin , Xiao Fei , Luo Yifei , Duan Yaoqiang
Published: June 2020

A practical parameter extraction method for physics‐based lumped‐charge silicon carbide (SiC) merged PiN Schottky (MPS) diode model is presented. The physical parameters of a device model are necessary for accurate simulation but are usually not provided as these parameters are the core business profits of the manufacturers. The values of SiC MPS diode parameters are often based on assumptions or given in a wide range, thus the accuracy of the model simulation is compromised and the application of the model is also limited. The proposed method includes semiconductor physical and structural parameters and only some basic experiments are needed, such as reverse recovery and static characteristic experiments. Based on the lumped‐charge SiC MPS diode model, reasonable assumptions are used and simple mathematical formulas are derived for the extraction of the parameters. Finally, the method is validated by two different SiC MPS diodes from CREE and CETC having the ratings of 1200 V/300 A and 3300 V/60 A.
Synchrophasor based islanding detection for microgrids using moving window principal component analysis and extended mathematical morphology
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rohikaa Micky , Sankar Ashok , Rajan Sunitha
Published: June 2020

Extensive deployment of non‐dispatchable renewable energy sources in microgrids (MGs) has led to frequent fault events, DG and line trips and is arduous to discriminate islanding events (IEs) from other transient conditions. For enhanced grid security, time synchronised data from phasor measurement units is utilised. However, data handling at the control centre is tedious as system variables monitored often exhibit non‐linear characteristics that impose a problem to the operator in discriminating between islanding and non‐IEs. To cope with this, a zero non‐detection zone, reliable and precise islanding detection method for data‐intensive grid‐connected MG, is proposed. Voltage phasors, frequency and rate of change of frequency from various locations are processed through moving window principal component analysis (MWPCA) cascaded with extended mathematical morphological filter (EMMF). MWPCA reduces data dimensionality and Q statistics obtained are passed to EMMF, which acts as a non‐linear filter. Further, the islanding detecting factor identified all IEs within the prescribed time limit with minimum false alarms. Accuracy, precision and reliability demonstrated by using a case study model using DIgSILENT are encouraging. It can be adopted by operators to run MG securely. Further, testing of the proposed method on a typical utility feeder shows promising results.
Trigeneration system driven by the geothermal and solar sources
Authors: Moscatiello Cristina , Boccaletti Chiara , Alcaso Aderito Neto , Figueiredo Ramos Carlos A. , Marques Cardoso Antonio J.
Published: June 2020

In this study, a novel trigeneration system is conceived to produce heat and electricity and to provide cooling for the health treatments and touristic facilities of a spa, based on the natural hot water and solar sources. The power generation components, individually considered, are commercially available ones, but their novel combination and the complex power flow management represented a challenge. The proposed system is composed of a low‐temperature driven adsorption chiller, thermally activated by a low enthalpy geothermal source, and by hybrid photovoltaic/thermal panels. In this way, multiple objectives are achieved: produce electricity and thermal energy by renewable sources; optimise the use of different renewable sources (geothermal and solar); use the energy available for free from a geothermal source also during summer (otherwise wasted) to produce a cooling effect, and in so doing, avoiding the huge electricity consumption of conventional air conditioning units in summer; reduce the temperature of the fluids released to the environment (in a natural reserve); reduce the CO2 emissions by 45% with respect to the present configuration, limiting the global warming. The mathematical models were experimentally validated using a pilot plant built on purpose, and the performance of the whole system was analysed and discussed.
Efficient path estimation through parallel media for wide‐beam ice‐sounding radar
Authors: Arenas‐Pingarrón Álvaro , Brennan Paul V. , Corr Hugh
Published: June 2020

The authors propose an algorithm to estimate the path followed by refracted signals from a source to a target, through a medium formed by uniform parallel layers with known different refractive indices, a common model used for ice radio‐echo sounding. The analytical solution is a polynomial with a degree that exponentially depends on the number of layers, being computationally inefficient. For low incidence angles, the small‐angle approximation can be used to avoid the polynomial. In their technique, they normalise the governing equations to obtain a framework where to find a narrow angular interval containing the solution, finally estimated interpolating the boundaries. The new approach improves the results regarding the small‐angle approximation for a wider angular range at a slightly higher computational time. This method has been applied to focus airborne synthetic aperture radar images for deep ice sounding, reducing the calculation time and improving the detected response in wide beam and squinted geometries, used for high along‐track resolution or the detection of sloping internal layers.
Load balancing strategy for medical big data based on low delay cloud network
Authors: Yong Huafu
Published: June 2020

Since the cloud servers are far away from the medical detection terminal and user terminal, the communication overhead such as the delay caused by data transmission is large. At the same time, a large number of medical terminals and user terminals access the cloud servers, which makes the cloud servers overloaded, the overall robustness of the network is poor, and the network is prone to failure, which may lead to the work efficiency of doctors cannot be guaranteed, and the waiting time of patients will also increase. To solve the above problems, according to the characteristics of dynamic resource allocation in the medical big data environment, a new cloud network architecture is proposed. To solve the resource scheduling problem, a chaotic algorithm is introduced into the artificial firefly algorithm, and a load balancing optimisation strategy based on a chaotic firefly algorithm is proposed. The simulation results show that the convergence rate of the proposed algorithm is accelerated by adding chaos factor, to avoid the algorithm falling into the local optimal solution. Compared with other load balancing algorithms, the proposed algorithm is more suitable for solving the resource scheduling problem of large‐scale tasks in cloud‐fog networks.
The 5th International Innovative Mining Symposium in the year of the 70th anniversary of T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University: rely on traditions, open to the future
Authors: Krechetov Andrey
Published: June 2020

International Innovative Mining Symposium, being organized on the basis of T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University since 2017, is meant to promote the growth of fundamental knowledge in the field of mining. That allows comprehensively covering the innovative development of mining and deep processing of minerals, the greening of mining, the modernization of equipment, the introduction of modern means of ensuring labor safety, and the sustainable development of mining clusters. Contributing to the solution of the innovative development problems of the Russian mineral resource complex, the 5th International Innovative Mining Symposium will unite the efforts of representatives of domestic and world mining science and production. This event will help to accelerate the transfer of innovations and adapt foreign experience in the extraction and processing of minerals, involving a wide range of stakeholders in the discussion of labor and environmental protection issues, rational use of natural resources, national energy security.
Creation of a Device for Testing of the Rock Samples for Gap in Volumetric Compression Chamber
Authors: Kostyuk Svetlana , Bedarev Nikolay , Lyubimov Oleg , Tan Yunliang
Published: June 2020

A device for the volume compression chamber of the samples is described and some possibilities for testing the samples are presented: compressive strength, angle of internal friction, and adhesion values of coal and host rocks. In addition, descriptions of patents for devices allowing to test rocks for breaking during volume compression are given.
Ensuring Seismic Safety of Underground Mines During Blasting Operations in Combined Surface-Underground Deposit Development
Authors: Novinkov Aleksey , Protasov Sergey , Samusev Pavel
Published: June 2020

At present, there are no standard methods for assessing seismic safety of underground mines during blasting on the earth’s surface. The need for such assessments arises when underground mines are located near open-pit coal mines, when the mine fields development is continued into the open pit, and when open surface coal mines use highwall miners. The issues of assessing seismic safety can be complicated by the lack of experimental data on vibration parameters, for example, if the answer is already required at the stage of new mines designing. The paper also provides an analysis of experimental data, including the results of monitoring the state of underground mines during seismic impacts of varying degrees of intensity. It is shown that the spread of the observed PPV, at which local damage or deformation of the underground mines has taken place, attains high values. In the absence of such data for underground mines in specific mining and geological conditions, it is recommended that the maximum allowable PPV vпр be assigned taking into account the class of underground mines and the type of support. At the same time, it is noted that the recommended vпр values given in the literature relate to the openings that were driven in the solid without geological disturbances and anomalies; not deviating from regulatory requirements regarding the state of workings; in the absence of danger of groundwater breakthrough; in the absence of danger of gas-dynamic phenomena, and other negative factors. If this is not the case, according to the requirements of the Federal norms and rules of industrial safety, the seismic safety distance should be increased by 2 times. This requirement is equivalent to multiplying the maximum permissible vibration velocity by a decreasing coefficient k=2b, where the power of two is the regression parameter b obtained from the experimental data processing.
Establishment automatically contour blasting passport for tunnel in AutoCAD by VOLVN 3.0 software
Authors: Ngoc Minh Nguyen , Cao Ping , Pham Duc Thang
Published: June 2020

The smooth blasting method has been researched, developed and strongly applied for long-term underground construction, such as principal mining excavations, tunnels and hydroelectric projects... with the main purpose of minimizing the explosion impact on rock and creating a well-shaped boundary. In this research, a software was developed to establish automatically the tunnel contour blasting passport in AutoCAD. Using the software in each blast design model, it is quickly possible to determine number of blastholes, specific charge, specific drilling and drawing automatically of blasting passport in AutoCAD. The interaction between the software and AutoCAD is a new and important factor that helps to complete an automatically closed cycle on computer from introducing parameters to designing blasting passport in AutoCAD, thereby contributing to increase efficiency of production and minimize risks in blasting works.
Substantiation of rational relationships of main parameters of the rock washing-out process when applying GD-300 hydraulic monitors at Kuzbass open pits
Authors: Poklonov Daniil , Mironenko Ilya , Protasov Sergey , Samusev Pavel
Published: June 2020

The need to use hydraulic technology for washing out quaternary bedrock, as well as heterogeneous rocks previously piled in hydraulic-mine dumps located above commercial coal reserves, requires the use of modern high-performance equipment. As such equipment, it is advisable to use the new GD-300 hydraulic mining giants – monitors, which are designed, manufactured and tested at Kuzbass open pits. In order to increase the performance of hydraulic monitors at Kuzbass open pits, the following dependencies are determined in the article: changes in the amount of water flow through the hydraulic monitors on the nozzle diameter and the pressure in front of it; changes in the amount of solid rock washed out by the hydraulic monitor ‒ solid flow on the nozzle diameter at various values of the pressure in front of it; changes in the solid flow on the pressure in front of the nozzle.
Formation of the Aerogas Situation in a Working Face while Mining Callows with Top Coal Caving onto Conveyor
Authors: Shevchenko Leonid , Zubareva Vera , Buryakov Yevgeny
Published: June 2020

The processes of gas emission into the working face from coal, cut by the mining machine with the simultaneous top coal caving on- to the conveyor located behind the powered support units, are considered. The presence of two methane emission sources in the face requires addi- tional measures to ensure the aerologic safety of mining. Given the high rate of mining operations due to the performance of modern cutting ma- chines, there is a problem of maintaining the methane concentration in the upcast at a level of 1%. In this case, gas released from the coal mass caved onto the rear conveyor is partially added to the volume of gas released from the cut coal into the face, which generally increases the absolute gas content in the stope. Measures are proposed to contain the growth of gas content in the face in the form of alternations of machined coal breaking and top coal caving processes, which do not overlap in time during the en- tire mining cycle. Due to the fact that this technology is experimental, its adaptation to mining and geological conditions of mines is required.
Organizational and Tactical Measures to Identify and Document Crimes in the Field of Illegal Coal Mining
Authors: Volgin Yury , Togulev Valery , Chernenko Tamara
Published: June 2020

In the article, the identification and documentation of crimes in the field of illegal coal mining as two interrelated processes are considered. Based on the consideration of the nature of crimes detection, directions and objects of documentation, the following proposals are formulated: on the formation of sources of operational search information; on the list of search features; on the list of operational investigative measures that are appropriate to carry out for solving the problem of bringing perpetrators to criminal responsibility. The list of open sources from which the primary information about the facts of being prepared, committed or having been committed crimes in the field of illegal coal mining is considered. A list of persons who may be involved in confidential assistance in order to obtain covert operational search information is also proposed. In order to ensure effective activity in detecting the facts of preparation and commission of crimes in the field of illegal coal mining, a list of search characteristics is proposed that can indicate facts of illegal activity. Suggestions regarding operational search measures have also been formulated, which allow the effective and timely detection, suppression and solving the crimes in the field of illegal coal mining.
Assessment and prospects for improving the technical level of surface mining machines
Authors: Voronov Yuri , Grishin Sergey , Voronov Artyom , Romashko Vladimir , Voronov Anton
Published: June 2020

Assessment of the technical level of surface mining machines is carried out according to a special method of expert-free assessment of min- ing machine quality, known as the G.I. Solod’s technique. The technique is based on the basic principles of qualimetry and allows to assess functional- ly homogeneous machines of different sizes, types and designs based on the functional criterion of the machine that determines its main purpose. Assessment of the technical level of mining machines creates the basis for choosing priority areas for its improvement and development of scientifi- cally-based methods for the optimal design of machines. In this regard, the aim of the work is a comprehensive assessment of the technical level of surface mining machines to increase it and optimize their parameters. For this, methods of mathematical modeling, statistics, data collection and pro- cessing, analysis and synthesis were used. The developed methodology for integrated assessment provides the ability to control the quality of a surface mining machine at all stages of its life cycle: design, manufacture, opera- tion.
Crack Formation in Metal Structures of Heavy Dump Trucks during Operation at Kuzbass Open Pit Mines
Authors: Pokatilov Andrey , Shirokolobova Anastasia , Dobrynin Roman , Vinidiktov Andrey
Published: June 2020

The results of crack formation monitoring in metal structures of BelAZ heavy dump trucks during their operation at Kuzbass open-casts are given in the article. Possible causes and areas of the crack-like defects formation during operation of heave dump trucks at depths greater than 300 m are considered. The assembly units and elements of heave dump trucks and the areas of the highest total stresses are determined by solid modeling, strength analysis and monitoring of the condition of metal structures under production conditions. The law of crack length development in the areas of the transaxle-housing component and the fastening of the hydraulic cylinder depending on the number of loading cycles is established. The stresses dependence arising in the structural elements of heavy dump trucks during operation under various loads, on the number of loading cycles to failure, is presented.
Application of Alloyed Cast Iron to Increase the Durability of Products of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry
Authors: Lubyanoi Dmitry , Pudov Evgeny , Kuzin Evgeny , Semenova Olga , Rybár Radim
Published: June 2020

The article shows the relevance of the use of alloyed cast iron in mining and metallurgical engineering. The use of cast iron alloyed with titanium and vanadium has not been sufficiently studied for the working bodies and friction units of mining machines, such as pumps, coal scoops, hydrocyclones, crushers and mills. They have the main abrasive type of wear. This work considers the influence of titanium and vanadium on the mechanical properties. The performance indicators of parts of mining machines and metallurgical products in contact with high-abrasive and high-temperature environments is also considered. The optimal content of titanium and vanadium in gray cast iron in the range of 0.05-0.1% is set. This provides the required strength properties of the components, while increasing their heat resistance. Bushings made of this cast iron have the required wear resistance and can improve the operational reliability of equipment in mining and metallurgical industries.
Sustainable Development and Humanization of Economic Growth: Environmental and Social Well-Being
Authors: Kovalevsky Sergey , Khouri Samer , Gasanov Eyvaz , Lozhnikova Anna , Konovalova Maria
Published: June 2020

To assess the impact of sustainable development on social well- being, it is necessary to emphasize its objective and subjective factors. The complex of objective factors of well-being of modern society, in all sectors of which highly productive production of tangible and intangible goods dominates, is organically connected with the innovative development of environmentally-friendly technologies, the international diffusion of innovations in the field of “green economy”. Accordingly, the objective factors of well-being in the system of sustainable development include, firstly, reproductive ones, such as the availability of new technologies of the “green economy” and the frequency of their replacement, the productivity of resource-saving industries, the inter-sectoral expansion of the replacement of non-renewable resources, and government support for environmental entrepreneurship. Secondly, here we include the prevailing mechanisms of factor distribution and redistribution of income – the formation of natural and intellectual rents, the pricing of natural resources and the return on investment in the production of the “green economy”. Finally, thirdly, the important objective factors of social well-being in the system of sustainable development are those institutional norms that determine both production and environmental processes in the national economy. The complex result of these processes development is the environmental well-being.
Huntington-Krankheit und Chorea minor
Authors: Falkenburger Björn
Published: June 2020

Die Huntington-Krankheit war ein wichtiges Beispiel, an dem die Problematik prädiktiver genetischer Testung diskutiert wurde. Ebenso wie andere Bewegungsstörungen schließt sie nichtmotorische Symptome und eine Prodromalphase ein. Als rasch progrediente monogenetische Erkrankung ist sie eine wichtige Modellerkrankung zur Erforschung neurodegenerativer Pathomechanismen und eine der ersten Bewegungsstörungen, für die kausale Therapien greifbar nahe scheinen.
Disseminierte, therapieresistente Hautulzerationen bei einem 51-jährigen Patienten – Der Fall eines multifokalen Pyoderma gangraenosum
Authors: Darr-Foit S. , Miguel D. , Tittelbach J. , Elsner P.
Published: June 2020

Bei dem Pyoderma gangraenosum (PG) handelt es sich um eine seltene autoinflammatorische Erkrankung aus der Familie der neutrophilen Dermatosen, welche aufgrund ihrer zahlreichen klinischen Varianten und Differenzialdiagnosen bei zum Teil unbefriedigendem Therapieansprechen selbst für Dermatologen eine große Herausforderung darstellen können. Berichtet wird über einen 51-jähringen Mann mit multiplen, hartnäckigen Ulzerationen der Extremitäten, bei dem unter systemischer Kortikosteroid- und Ciclosporin A-Therapie unter adaptierten Wundbehandlungen ein gutes Therapieansprechen verzeichnet werden konnte.
The Role of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Feldman Charles , Anderson Ronald
Published: June 2020

With the notable exceptions of the United States and Canada in particular, the global burden of disease in adults due to invasive infection with the dangerous respiratory, bacterial pathogen, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) remains. This situation prevails despite the major successes of inclusion of polysaccharide conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in many national childhood immunization programs and associated herd protection in adults, as well as the availability of effective antimicrobial agents. Accurate assessment of the geographic variations in the prevalence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has, however, been somewhat impeded by the limitations imposed on the acquisition of reliable epidemiological data due to reliance on often insensitive, laboratory-based, pathogen identification procedures. This, in turn, may result in underestimation of the true burden of IPD and represents a primary focus of this review. Other priority topics include the role of PCVs in the changing epidemiology of IPD in adults worldwide, smoking as a risk factor not only in respect of increasing susceptibility for development of IPD, but also in promoting pneumococcal antibiotic resistance. The theme of pneumococcal antibiotic resistance has been expanded to include mechanisms of resistance to commonly used classes of antibiotics, specifically β-lactams, macrolides and fluoroquinolones, and, perhaps somewhat contentiously, the impact of resistance on treatment outcome. Finally, but no less importantly, the role of persistent antigenemia as a driver of a chronic, subclinical, systemic proinflammatory/procoagulant phenotype that may underpin the long-term sequelae and premature mortality of those adults who have recovered from an episode of IPD, is considered.
Extensive Epidural Steatitis and Epaxial Myositis Associated with Intramuscular Injection of Melarsomine Dihydrochloride in Two Dogs
Authors: Arnold Susan A. , Kent Marc , Ruby Jennifer L. , Clarke Lorelei L. , Barber Renee M. , Platt Simon R.
Published: June 2020

This is a retrospective case series in which clinicopathological and imaging findings associated with neurological complications secondary to melarsomine dihydrochloride administration are reported in two dogs with Dirofilaria immitis infection. Following intramuscular injection of melarsomine dihydrochloride based on manufacturers' guidelines, two dogs developed acute, progressive, nonambulatory paraparesis or paraplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of epidural steatitis, resulting in compression of the spinal cord and spinal cord oedema. In one dog, emphysematous myositis throughout the lumbar paravertebral muscles was present. Hemilaminectomy with the intent of achieving spinal cord decompression and obtaining specimens for microbiological and histopathological evaluation was performed in both dogs. One dog partially regained function postoperatively whereas the other was euthanatized intraoperatively. Histologically, epidural steatitis was observed in the surviving dog and epidural steatitis, myonecrosis and grey and white matter changes in the spinal cord were observed in the euthanatized dog. Microbiological testing failed to identify bacteria from the affected tissues. Both cases highlight the potential for the development of extensive epidural steatitis and consequent spinal cord compression following intramuscular administration of melarsomine dihydrochloride. Further investigation into the optimal therapeutic intervention in dogs experiencing neurological complications following melarsomine administration is warranted.
The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Labor and Delivery, Newborn Nursery, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Prospective Observational Data from a Single Hospital System
Authors: Griffin Ian , Benarba Farah , Peters Caryn , Oyelese Yinka , Murphy Tom , Contreras Diana , Gagliardo Christina , Nwaobasi-Iwuh Eberechi , DiPentima M. Cecilia , Schenkman Andrew
Published: June 2020

Objective Since its emergence in late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the novel coronavirus that causes novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has spread globally. Within the United States, some of the most affected regions have been New York, and Northern New Jersey. Our objective is to describe the impact of COVID-19 in a large delivery service in Northern New Jersey, including its effects on labor and delivery (L&D), the newborn nursery, and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Materials and Methods Between April 21, 2020 and May 5, 2020, a total of 78 mothers (3.6% of deliveries) were identified by screening history or examination to either be COVID-19 positive or possible positives (persons under investigation). Of the mothers who were tested after admission to L&D, 28% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Discussion Isolation between mother and infant was recommended in 62 cases, either because the mother was positive for SARS-CoV-2 or because the test was still pending. Fifty-four families (87%) agreed to isolation and separation. The majority of infants, 51 (94%), were initially isolated on the newborn nursery. Six needed NICU admission. No infants had clinical evidence of symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Fourteen infants whose mothers were positive for SARS-CoV-2, and who had been separated from the mother at birth were tested for SARS-CoV-2 postnatally. All were negative.

Results COVID-19 posed a significant burden to mothers, infants, and staff over the 5-week study period. The yield from screening mothers for COVID-19 on L&D was high. Most families accepted the need for postnatal isolation and separation of mother and newborn.

Conclusion Our study suggests that the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to her fetus/newborn seems to be uncommon if appropriate separation measures are performed at birth.

Key Points
Techniques for Differentiating Motor and Sensory Fascicles of a Peripheral Nerve—A Review
Authors: Agarwal Pawan , Bajaj Jitin , Sharma Dhananjaya
Published: June 2020

Differentiating motor and sensory fascicles before anastomosis is essential for achieving an excellent postoperative functional outcome for peripheral mixed nerves injuries. However, identifying them is not easy. There are several techniques to address this important issue. Each identifying technique has its own pros and cons; this narrative review highlights the salient features of each of these. Many of the newer techniques need to be tested in humans before they can be recommended for regular use; till then we have to rely mainly on per operative electrical stimulation of nerve to differentiate between sensory and motor fascicles to improve postoperative functional outcome.
The contributions of proficiency, exposure, and working memory capacity to second language learners’ comprehension of indirect speech
Authors: Pérez Clevia J. , McDonald Janet L.
Published: June 2020

Pragmatic inferencing necessary to interpret indirect speech can be problematic for second language (L2) learners and could be influenced by factors such as L2 proficiency and L2 exposure as well as the difficulty of inference to be made (e.g., conventional vs. nonconventional inference) – particularly difficult inferences could tax working memory capacity. The comprehension of direct speech (acceptances and refusals), conventional indirect speech (acceptances and refusals – some with introductory phrases), and nonconventional indirect speech (opinions) was measured in adult Spanish-English bilinguals (n = 58) and native English speakers (n = 38). L2 speakers generally performed worse than native speakers and were influenced by inference difficulty. They more accurately and quickly comprehended direct speech than nonconventional indirect speech, and most conventional indirect speech items fell between these extremes. L2 proficiency was found to be a strong predictor of both conventional and nonconventional inferencing, with L2 exposure also having some impact. Importantly, L1 working memory capacity was shown to independently contribute to L2 learners’ accuracy on one type of conventional and one type of nonconventional inference. Thus, some pragmatic inferencing may require both enough skill to process the second language and enough working memory capacity to make the inference.
What drives policy reform? A cross-country review of micronutrient policy change in Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia
Authors: Hendriks Sheryl L. , Babu Suresh C. , Haggblade Steven , Mkandawire1 Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

There is increased interest and awareness in country and among donors of the importance of evidence-based policy change in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. While much is known about the technical and programmatic elements necessary to end hunger and undernutrition (including micronutrient deficiencies), far less is known about how to initiate policy discussion and overcome the political and implementation constraints necessary for policy change and impact in this domain. Despite universal and targeted programs to combat micronutrient deficiencies in sub-Saharan Africa, achieving results has proven more challenging than expected, except in the case of iodine deficiency reductions. This paper reviews the three in-depth country case studies of micronutrient policy change in Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia. Using the Kaleidoscope Model of policy change, data collected from the construction of policy chronologies and engagement with a range of stakeholders in the countries, the review highlights what drives and constrains policy change. The cases show that credible evidence and knowledge are crucial to all elements of the policy cycle. International attention to nutrition, focusing events and guidelines on best practice were found to be essential in initiating policy reform. However, sustaining the momentum seems dependent on donor support and the coordination of a wide range of stakeholders and implementing partners, including the private sector. The Kaleidoscope Model offers a tool to guide governments, researchers, and international agencies regarding the entry points for policy change and an insight into the key considerations to move the process through the policy stages and to initiate ongoing cycles of change.
Infrequent dietary supplementation feeding in beef cattle: animal responses and factors affecting its success
Authors: Al-Marashdeh Omar , Edwards Grant R. , Gregorini Pablo
Published: June 2020

Infrequent supplementation (IS; i.e., feeding supplement to animals at frequency less than daily) as opposed to frequent (i.e., daily) could be used as a management tool to improve economic returns of extensive beef production systems by reducing costs associated with the delivery of supplement to cattle. However, previous reports on the effectiveness of IS on production responses in beef cattle are ambiguous and the factors affecting responses to IS by beef cattle are poorly known. The objective of this study was to summarise available data related to the success of IS in beef cattle fed a low quality diet.  Additionally, we aimed to identify other potential factors, such as supplement type and composition, forage quality, supplemental degradable intake protein, breed of cattle and environment, which may influence the animal’s response to IS.   The results of our study suggest that no single factor could fully explain the discrepancies among studies and, therefore, each of these factors should not be treated in isolation. Cattle maintained with IS appear to be more efficient using the urea recycling mechanism to maintain level of ruminal ammonia during the non-supplemental feeding days. Systematic approaches compiling all potential factors affecting responses of beef cattle to IS are required to determine the likelihood of success with IS for a given farming system.
Potential blockchain applications in animal production and health sector
Authors: Makkar Harinder P.S. , Costa Corrado
Published: June 2020

This paper reviewed the existing and potential blockchain applications of this technology, which are to trade the agricultural wastes including animal wastes, energy, and byproducts among the farmers and entrepreneurs to generate wealth; to manage the animal product supply chains such as dairy products, beef, and chicken to enhance their safety and traceability; and to distribute the funds to refugees and migrants, displaced due to emergencies, to buy various farming inputs including feed. A blockchain is a distributed database of records in the form of encrypted “blocks” (smaller datasets), or a public ledger of all transactions or digital events that have been executed and shared among participating parties and can be verified at any time in the future. The attributes such as integrity, immutability collaboration, organization, identification, credibility, and transparency of blockchain technology make it ideal for a number of applications in animal production and animal health sectors. Some potential applications of the blockchain technology in the livestock sector, not limited to the ones stated here, are to effectively manage various input supply chains, such as animal feed, de-wormers, medicines, and vaccines, among others; integration of feed composition and environmental footprint databases; and sustainability and technology outreach platforms. Current challenges toward increased application of the blockchain technology are also presented. These topics would serve as the starting points for future applications of the blockchain technology in animal farming.