bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micromechanical modeling of ultrasonic velocity for pore-structure and porosity characterization considering anisotropy in carbonate samples
Authors: Mena-Negrete Joseline , Valdiviezo-Mijangos Oscar C. , Coconi-Morales Enrique , Nicolás-López Rubén
Published: October 2021

This work presents an approach to characterize the pore-structure and anisotropy in carbonate samples based on the Effective Medium Method (EMM). It considers a matrix with spheroidal inclusions which induce a transverse anisotropy. The compressional wave (VP), vertical (VSV)  and horizontal (VSH)  shear wave velocities are estimated taking into account parameters as characteristic length, frequency, angle of wave incidence, aspect ratio, mineralogy, and pore-filling fluid to predict pore shape in carbonates. Ranges of aspect ratios are shown to discriminate different pore types: intercrystalline, intergranular, moldic, and vuggy. The angle of wave incidence is a determinant parameter in the estimation of VP(0º, 45º, 90º), VSV(0º) and VSH(90º) to calculate dynamic anisotropic Young’s modulus (E33) and Poisson’s ratio (v31), as well as the Thomsen parameters, Epsilon, Gamma and Delta for quantification of the anisotropic pore-structure. The obtained results establish that the size, as well as the pore-structure, have a more significant impact on the elastic properties when the porosity takes values greater than 4% for the three frequencies, ultrasonic, sonic, and seismic. This investigation predicts the pore-structure and pore-size to improve characterization and elastic properties modeling of carbonate reservoirs. Validation of results includes porosity measurements and ultrasonic velocity data for different carbonate samples.
Evolution of the scholar community in the area of informetrics in Mexico: 1971-2018
Authors: Luna-Morales María Elena , Pérez-Angón Miguel Ángel , Luna-Morales Evelia
Published: October 2021

Se estudia la evolución de la comunidad mexicana de investigadores activos en el campo de los estudios de informetría en el periodo 1971-2018. Los datos bibliométricos se recuperaron de 10 bases de datos distintas. Se registraron 938 documentos con un total de 2 121 autores afiliados a instituciones mexicanas. Sin embargo, 42.2 % de ellos tiene una producción de investigación escasa durante este periodo. Los perfiles de producción de la muestra completa están organizados de acuerdo a las publicaciones y citas de académicos mexicanos, líneas de investigación de los autores, evolución del número de académicos locales y extranjeros, número de académicos activos y no activos, miembros del Sistema Nacional de Investigadores y disciplinas científicas. Nuestros hallazgos indican que una alta proporción de los autores (54.5 %) son miembros del Sistema Nacional de Investigadores. La muestra de autores incluye académicos de diferentes áreas del conocimiento, y la más prolífica corresponde a profesionales de la bibliotecología y las ciencias de la información. Existe una tendencia creciente en su producción investigadora, específicamente en el periodo 1990-2018, pero la red de colaboración se estructura con un conjunto mínimo de nodos dominantes.
A Study on Sentimental Analysis of Novels and Shakespeare’s Play
Authors: Baldha Rohan
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The current work is a sentimental analysis study of Shakespeare's play, depicting the character-to-character analysis. The emotional sentimental analysis of Harry potter’s novels is also analyzed. The current work exemplifies a complete evaluation of the techniques required for sentimental analysis, as well as their practical application. Because of the planned discourse of this literary format, it is possible to make assumptions about who is taking part in a conversation. Once it is known to whom a character is speaking, the emotions in his or her speech can be assigned to that individual, enabling for the generation of lists of a character's foes and allies as well as the pinpointing of situations crucial to a character's emotional development. In addition, the Serendio group's framework for estimating utilizing dictionary-based methods is employed.
Car Image Classification and Recognition
Authors: Shah Dhairya
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Vehicle positioning and classification is a vital technology in intelligent transportation and self-driving cars. This paper describes the experimentation for the classification of vehicle images by artificial vision using Keras and TensorFlow to construct a deep neural network model, Python modules, as well as a machine learning algorithm. Image classification finds its suitability in applications ranging from medical diagnostics to autonomous vehicles. The existing architectures are computationally exhaustive, complex, and less accurate. The outcomes are used to assess the best camera location for filming, the vehicular traffic to determine the highway occupancy. An accurate, simple, and hardware-efficient architecture is required to be developed for image classification. Keywords: Convolutional Neural Networks, Image Classification, deep neural network, Keras, Tensorflow, Python, machine learning, dataset
Report of a case of surgical ciliated cyst in the left maxillary sinus
Authors: Pakravan Amirhossein , Nafarzadeh Shima
Published: October 2021

Surgical ciliated cyst happens as a delayed complication in the maxillary sinus, and is more frequent in Asia in comparison with Western countries. We report a case of surgical ciliated cyst in maxillary sinus in a male patient after 30 years of surgery for sinusitis treatment. The patient had swelling and pain in the region, and his radiographic views showed a cystic lesion. Incisional biopsy was performed and surgical ciliated cyst was reported as diagnosis. Then, Enucleation with curettage was performed for him as treatment.
Allocating Resources in Health Care Services
Authors: Allawi Jaffar
Published: October 2021

No abstract
Anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of flaxseed on experimental unilateral spinal cord injury in rat
Authors: Gholaminejhad Morteza , Arabzadeh Somayeh , Akbari Mohammad , Mohamadi Yousef , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza
Published: October 2021

Objectives Investigation of anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of flaxseed on rats with unilateral SCI.Methods 30 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control (Ctrl), laminectomy, flaxseed, spinal cord injured (SCI) and SCI + flaxseed (treatment) groups. SCI model was induced by placing a 50 g weight for 5 min on to a 2.2 mm Ã— 2.5 mm platform applied to the dura at vertebral level T10. After 4 weeks, the blood of rats in different groups was collected and the influence of flaxseed on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress marker level, histologic alterations and locomotion score were assessed.Results Our results showed that in the SCI group, the mean level of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase(CAT) were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), whereas the mean malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly increased (P < 0.001) in comparison to the laminectomy group. Furthermore, the mean levels of SOD, GPx and CAT in the treatment group was higher than the SCI group (P < 0.001), while, the mean MDA content in the treatment group was significantly less than the SCI group (P < 0.001). In addition, comparison between SCI and treatment groups determined a significant decrease in tissue degeneration and volume of cavities in the treatment group. However, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scores were significantly increased in flaxseed-treated rats on days 14 (P < 0.05), 21 and 28 (P < 0.01) after surgery compared with the SCI group.Conclusions Our study for the first time showed the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of flaxseed on experimental unilateral spinal cord injury in rat.Keywords spinal cord injury, flaxseed, oxidative stress, neuroprotective, anti-oxidative
Molecular and conventional methods for detection of Candida species isolated from a sample of immunocompromised Iraqi patients with pulmonary symptoms
Authors: AL-Attraqchi Azhar AF , Hassan Jabbar Salman , Dawood Haider N , Hadab Marwa A
Published: October 2021

Objectives Candida species has emerged as a potentially pathogenic fungus rather than benefit mucosal commensal in patients with pulmonary diseases. Therefore, our study was carried out to detect Candida species in sputum samples from patients with pulmonary diseases using conventional and molecular methods.Methods A total of 100 sputum samples obtained from patients with pulmonary symptoms such as chronic productive cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and fever were included in this study. Sputum samples were dispensed into three specimen parts; the first one was applicated for cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar at 37Â°C for 48 h and then the purified colony of Candida underwent biochemical tests including API, Candida strips, and germ tube. The second part was undergone direct gram stain, while the third part was applicated for DNA extraction and then molecular diagnosis with PCR technique using specific primers.Results Culture result revealed 43 positive samples for Candida species out of 100 samples. Among these positive samples, 23 (53.5%) were positive for C. albicans in each of culture and germ tube. API 20 Candida found that (40) samples were positive for Candida species as, 23 (57.5%) represent Candida albicans, 8 (20.0%) Candida glabrata, 4 (10.0%) Candida parapslosis, 4(10.0%) Candida tropicalis and only one (2.5%) as Candida krusei. Molecular test revealed that forty one samples out of forty three culture isolates of Candida species were positive as follow twenty three (53.48%), belong Candida albicans, Nine (20.93%) belong Candida glabrata, Six (13.95%) Candida parapslosis, Four (9.30%) belong Candida tropicalis.Conclusion Candida albicans is highly prevalent among patients suffering from bronchopulmonary symptoms. The molecular and conventional methods gave concomitant results as detection tools for the diagnosis of such microorganisms.
Epidemiology Incidence and Mortality Worldwide Common cancers in males and Their Relationship with the Human Development Index (HDI): An Ecological Study Updated in the World
Authors: Goodarzi Elham , Beiranvand Reza , Mosavi-Jarrahi Alireza , Naemi Hasan , Khazaei Zaher
Published: October 2021

This article provides a status report on the global burden of common cancers in male in worldwide using the GLOBOCAN 2018 estimates of cancer incidence and mortality. 
Based on the results of cancer records in 2018, 9456418 cases of malignancy were recorded in males, with cancer (1368524 cases, 14.5 %), prostat cancer (1276106 cases, 13.5%), colorectal cancer(1026215 cases, 10.9%), stomach cancer(683754 cases, 7.2%) and liver cancer (596574 caces, 6.3%) were the five most common  cancers in men worledwide. the total of deaths due to cancer in human in 2018 is 5385640. the five cases of death due to cancer in men worldwide are lung cancer (1184947 case, 22%), liver (548375 cases, 2.10%), stumach cancer (513555 cases, 9.5%), colorectal cancer (484224 case, 9%) and prostat cancer (358989 cases, 7.7 %). our resulth showed that there was a positive correlation between the incidence of lung cancer ( r= 0.629, p<0.0001), prostat cancer (r= 0.534, p<0.0001), colorectal cancer (r=0.745, p<0.0001) and stomach cancer (r=0.268, p<0.0001) with HDI index, while there was no significant relationship between liver cancer and the HDI (r=0.079, p>0.05). 
the results also showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between mortality from lung cancer (r=0.632, p<0.0001) and colorectal (r=0.627, p<0.0001) with HDI, wereas  this correlation was negative for prostate cancer (r=-0.187, p<0.05).
In-Vivo evaluation of implantable film containing Microencapsulated Sustained Releas Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate
Authors: Abdul Ameer Mohammed Wajeah , Maraie Nidhal K. , Alwaeli Ali Mohsin
Published: October 2021

Objective: This work involved in vivo evaluation of the previously prepared implantable film dosage form containing microencapsulated dexamethasone sodium phosphate (which is equivalent to 16 mg dexamethasone) and 4.4 mg pure dexamethasone sodium phosphate (which is equivalent to 4 mg dexamethasone) to be inserted at the inflamed areas to get suitable precise controlled release.
Methods: the animals used were 33 rates divided into 8 groups and the inflammation was induced by using 2.0% carrageenan solution to be injected intra-dorsally then the film was inserted locally and then sacrifying the animals on different time tables to take sample from the site of inflammation for 5 months and examined under electron microscope.
Results: the results showed that the prepared implantable film had immediate anti-inflammatory effect upon insertion at the inflamed tissue and its action continued effectively for five months.
Conclusion: this work proved that implantable film containing dexamethasone should be used after surgery of joint replacement or any other surgery site as alternative to the applied regimen of giving IM injection of the commercially available 10mg dexamethasone intraoperatively and a second 10 mg within 24-hour postoperatively to reduce edema and pain followed by oral dexamethasone 0.5 mg on daily based till complete recovery which may last for 5 months or more and  subject the patients to the serious systemic effects. The application of the implanted film therapy may reduce the rejection of the body to the replaced joint or other replacement surgery and improves patient compliance.
Satisfaction with focused and risk approach antenatal care services among pregnant women attending primary health care centers in Erbil city
Authors: Al-Khayat Amina , Al-Hadithi Tariq S
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Client satisfaction is essential for further improvement of the quality of health care. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction with focused and risk approach antenatal care services among pregnant women in Erbil city of Iraq.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two primary health care centers in Erbil city, one provides focused antenatal care services and the other provides risk approach antenatal care services. A convenience sample of 300 pregnant women (150 pregnant women from each center) participated in the study. An especially designed questionnaire was used for data collection.
Results: Around  61% of women attending focused antenatal care were very satisfied with care while only 12 % of women attending risk approach standard antenatal care were very satisfied with antenatal care  (P <0.001). The perceived causes of dissatisfaction included crowding in the clinic in the morning, unfavorable waiting area and unavailability of daily sonar exam. A significantly higher proportion (P<0.001) of the high level of satisfaction (78%) was reported among women attending focused antenatal care than risk approach standard antenatal care (38%).
Conclusion: Women attending focused antenatal care were highly satisfied with services provided to them while those attending risk approach standard antenatal care were less satisfied with services. Further improvement of focused antenatal care services in Erbil is required.
Developing an innovative clinical governance assessment framework for Dental Schools in Iran
Authors: Dehghanian D , Heydarpoor P , Namdari M , Khoshnevisan MH
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a DCG assessment framework for use in local dental schools in Iran.
Methods: A mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) was used in the present investigation. The study was performed in 3 steps, including: a) thorough literature review, b) focused group discussion and c) Application of validated instrument. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were calculated for each question. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated to evaluate the internal consistency and reliability for this questionnaire. The Smart PLS software was used for calculation of Goodness of Fit (GOF) for confirmatory factorial analysis to determine construct validity of this questionnaire.
Results: Initially, 140 items covering 7 DCG domains were identified after comprehensive literature review. Ten specialists participated in the expert panel, rating independently on the necessity, relevancy, simplicity and clarity of each question. Expertâ€™s ratings were used to calculate the validity for each question. The questions with CVI lower than 0.79 and the CVR less than 0.62 were excluded. Reliability analysis was conducted by calculating intra class coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient which were 0.88 and 0.92 respectively. This shows good reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire. Construct validity determined by computing Goodness of Fit index. The result was 0.622, which indicates a good level of construct validity. After validation process, 124 out of 140 questions left to cover the 7 domains of DCG in our newly developed and validated framework.
Conclusions: The newly developed and standardized DCG framework can be used for assessment of compliance level among Iranian dental schools at the national level.
Analysis of the influence of cutting conditions on the roughness of the surface layer when machining a composite material based on thermally еxpanded graphite
Authors: Mikheenko Ivan S. , Smelik Anatoly A. , Yegorov Semen A. , Chernyak Vladislav V.
Published: October 2021

The current trend of replacing metal alloys with composite materials in the manufacture of various types of plain bearings, sealing elements of Assembly units, anti-friction bushings, and other machine parts is very promising for the development of many industries. However, in the manufacture of composite material products by modern methods, such as extrusion, pressing, and injection molding, various types of defects characteristic of these types of processing occur, resulting in the required parameters of the quality of the working surfaces of parts are not provided. This leads to the need for additional mechanical processing the quality of which largely depends on the reliability and durability of the functioning of parts and mechanisms. The article analyzes the main parameters that affect the quality of the surface obtained during turning for metal alloys, as well as for composite materials. The method of obtaining blanks by pressing from the material under consideration was developed, the technological equipment necessary for the research was designed and manufactured, a plan was developed for conducting a full-factor experiment with the creation of a model in the Mathcad program, and an active experiment was carried out to determine the influence of cutting mode parameters on surface roughness. Given the results of the study on the basis of which conclusions about the dependence of various cutting parameters on the quality of the surface layer, defined by the nuances of turning the considered composite material, practical recommendations that will positively affect the timing and success of implementation of fabrication of parts from this material.
OPTIMIZATION OF STAPLE PRODUCTS USING THE SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATION REFERENCE (SCOR) TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN CENTRAL JAVA
Authors: Shobur Muhammad , Nurmutia Syahreen , Pratama Gilang Ardi
Published: October 2021

The role of the Supply Chain affects the value of domestic products that arise in an area is not the same as the income received by residents of the area. It can be seen that the staple products sector dominates 61.55% of the distribution of products in Central Java. So, this is an important factor in measuring the Supply Operations Chain that occurs in these commodities. The high costs incurred in this sector encourage us to continue to improve our operational performance to reduce costs as low as possible. The condition is what the public/consumers want so that the gap between production costs and distribution costs of existing products is not too far away. This study aims to measure consumer satisfaction with the Supply Chain in the area and optimize the Supply Chain model that can be done to improve operational processes in the upstream (supplier) and downstream (distribution channels) of the Supply Chain in Central Java. The data analysis method used is the Supply Chain Operation Reference (SCOR). This model serves to weigh the importance of measuring customer satisfaction with the Supply Chain in the area, and efforts to improve operational performance can be made by minimizing failure in the process so that delivery to consumers is on time. The results of the SCOR model show that Asset, Agility, and Cost are variables that must be improved in the logistics process in Central Java.
CHLORIDE SENSOR FABRICATION BASED ON SPE Ag/AgCl THROUGH CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRIC TECHNIQUE: SCAN RATE EFFECT
Authors: Asadullah Mas'ud , Alva Sagir , Rinaldi Ali , Sundari Rita
Published: October 2021

The Cyclic Voltammetric (CV) technique is one of the Ag/AgCl fabrication processes. In electrochemical processes using this CV technique, the microstructure of the surface of a substrate or electrode can affect the scan rate. Thus, this study aims to identify the scan rate effect of the Cl-ion sensor fabrication process using the CV technique on the performance of the Cl-ion sensor. First, the CV process was carried out in one cycle to grow the AgCl layer on the Ag surface. Then, this process was carried out at varied scan rates of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mV/s. After completing the Ag/AgCl fabrication process, it was followed by the characterization process, selectivity coefficient test, lifetime test, and validation test to compare the test results of the Cl SPE Ag/AgCl ion sensor with Ag/AgCl commercial. The results showed that the optimum Cl-ion sensor response was obtained at the scan rate of 60 mV/s. Then, based on the validation test, the Cl-ion in the two samples did not show significant differences. Therefore, it indicates that the SPE Ag/AgCl ion sensor has the same performance as the Ag/AgCl commercial.
Medical Students Learning to Take a Complete Military History
Authors: Koonce Thomas , Moore Zach , Beck Dallaghan Gary L.
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: Many United States military personnel are not full-time service members. Because of their part-time service, these veterans may not self-report their military service during medical visits. Consequently, past military service can be overlooked when taking a social history. We developed a case to provide preclinical medical students patient interview experience wherein the diagnosis relied on identifying past military service. Our objective was to determine if medical record write-ups included social history details about occupational information after this innovation.
Methods: We conducted this case discussion in small groups during year 1 of medical school. We analyzed clinical skills examination write-ups before and after the case discussion to determine if the social history included occupational issues.
Results: Initial results showed increased occupational issues as potential diagnoses or contributing factors.
Conclusions: This case methodology specifically raised awareness of health issues related to military service and generally increased students’ likelihood of identifying occupational risk factors when conducting the social history. The template for this military case will allow us to develop additional cases focusing on different occupational health issues to complement other organ systems blocks.
To Post or Not to Post: Does Applicants’ Social Media Affect Family Medicine Resident Recruitment?
Authors: Nilsen Kari , Walling Anne , Dooley Philip , Krohn Kimberly , Kellerman Rick , Antoun Jumana
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: Current literature on review of applicant social media (SoMe) content for resident recruitment is scarce. With the recent increase in the use of privacy settings, and the cost of the recruitment process, the aim of this study was to describe the practice and outcomes of review of applicant SoMe in resident recruitment and its association with program director or program characteristics.
Methods: This study was part of the 2020 Council of Academic Family Medicine’s Educational Research Alliance (CERA) annual survey of family medicine residency program directors (PDs) in the United States.
Results: The overall response rate for the survey was 39.8% (249/626). About 40% of PDs reported reviewing applicant SoMe content. The majority (88.9%) of programs did not inform applicants of their SoMe review practices. The most common findings of SoMe review were that the content raised no concerns (38/94; 40.4%) or was consistent with the application material (34/94; 36.2%). Forty PDs (17.0%) have ever moved an applicant up or down the rank list based on SoMe review. Review of applicant SoMe was not statistically associated with program size, program type, PD age, PD SoMe use, or program SoMe use.
Conclusions: SoMe review has not become routine practice in family medicine resident recruitment. The outcome of SoMe review was mostly consistent with the applicant profile without any concerns and only very few changed the ranking order. This calls for more studies to explore the value of SoMe review for resident selection regarding its effect on future performance.
Hidróxido de cálcio como medicação intracanal em casos de necrose pulpar com lesão periapical
Authors: Sardi Maria Paula Schilling , Froener Rafaela , Fachin Elaine Vianna Freitas
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study is to evaluate calcium hydroxide as a root canal dressing in presence of apical lesion due to pulpal necrosis, after chemomechanical preparation. Culture test were done in 19 patients in wich 80% of all teeth treated with calcium hydroxide remained negative and 100% treated with PMCC. Under the present experimental conditions, PMCC as well as calcium hydroxide mantained the desinfection status pursued during chemomechanical preparation and therefore is indicated as an intracanal medicament in such cases.
Estudo clínico de estomatite protética: avaliação preliminar
Authors: Barbachan João Jorge Diniz , Rados Pantelis Varvaki , Sant'Ana Fllho Manoel , Domingues Manoela Gallicchio
Published: October 2021

Denture stomatitis is an ordinaty disease among pacients that use removable dentures. These disease is caracterized by hiperemia, edema and moderate to intense inflamation. The etiology of denture stomatitis has many causes, but it has a direct relationship with the use total denture. Of a total of nine pacients, four of them had their dentures exchanged and five had their denture removed at night for desinfection using 1% hipoclorite solution. Both treatments showed to be usefull, but the exchange of denture alow a healing in minor period of time.
Post quantum Ostrowski-type inequalities for coordinated convex functions
Authors: Wannalookkhee Fongchan , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Ntouyas S.K. , Budak Huseyin
Published: October 2021

In this article, we give a new notion of (p,q)-derivatives for
continuous functions on coordinates. We also derive post quantum
Ostrowski–type inequalities for coordinated convex functions. Our
significant results are considered as the generalizations of other
results that appeared in the literature.
Evaluating the accuracy of variant calling methods using the frequency of parent-offspring genotype mismatch
Authors: Jasper Russ , McDonald Tegan Krista , Singh Pooja , Lu Menhmeng , Rougeux Clément , Lind Brandon , Yeaman Sam
Published: October 2021

The use of NGS datasets has increased dramatically over the last decade,
however, there have been few systematic analyses quantifying the
accuracy of the commonly used variant caller programs. Here we used a
familial design consisting of diploid tissue from a single Pinus
contorta parent and the maternally derived haploid tissue from 106
full-sibling offspring, where mismatches could only arise due to
mutation or bioinformatic error. Given the rarity of mutation, we used
the rate of mismatches between parent and offspring genotype calls to
infer the SNP genotyping error rates of FreeBayes, HaplotypeCaller,
SAMtools, UnifiedGenotyper, and VarScan. With baseline filtering
HaplotypeCaller and UnifiedGenotyper yielded one to two orders of
magnitude larger numbers of SNPs and error rates, whereas FreeBayes,
SAMtools and VarScan yielded lower numbers of SNPs and more modest error
rates. To facilitate comparison between variant callers we standardized
each SNP set to the same number of SNPs using additional filtering,
where UnifiedGenotyper consistently produced the smallest proportion of
genotype errors, followed by HaplotypeCaller, VarScan, SAMtools, and
FreeBayes. Additionally, we found that error rates were minimized for
SNPs called by more than one variant caller. Finally, we evaluated the
performance of various commonly used filtering metrics on SNP calling.
Our analysis provides a quantitative assessment of the accuracy of five
widely used variant calling programs and offers valuable insights into
both the choice of variant caller program and the choice of filtering
metrics, especially for researchers using non-model study systems.
Malignant Extracranial Germ Cell Tumours: A First Report by the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group
Authors: Hendricks Marc , Cois Annibale , Geel Jennifer , Plessis Jan du , Bassingthwaighte Mairi , Naidu Gita , Rowe Biance , Buchner Ane , Omar Fareed , Thomas Karla , Uys Ronelle , Zyl Anel van , Heerden Jaques van , Mahlachana Ngoakoana , Vermeulen Johani , Davidson Alan , Frazier Lindsay , Donald Kirsty , Kruger Mariana
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVE To determine the overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors
influencing outcomes in children and adolescents with malignant
extracranial germ cell tumours (MEGCTs) in preparation for the
development of a harmonised national treatment protocol. METHODS A
retrospective folder review was undertaken at nine South African
paediatric oncology units to document patient profiles, tumour and
treatment-related data and outcomes. RESULTS Between 1 January 2000 and
31 December 2015, 218 patients were diagnosed with MEGCTs. Female sex
(OR 2.26; p=0.037) and higher socio-economic status (SES) (HR 0.071;
p=0.039) were associated with a significantly lower risk of death.
Advanced clinical stage at diagnosis significantly affected 5-year OS:
stage I -96%; stage II - 94.3%; stage III -75.5%; (p=0.017) and stage
IV (60.1%; p<0.001). There was a significant association
between earlier stage at presentation and higher SES (p=0.03). Patients
with a serum AFP level of more than 33,000 ng/ml at diagnosis had
significantly poorer outcomes (p=0.002). The use of chemotherapy
significantly improved survival, irrespective of the regimen used
(p<0.001). Forty-one patients (18.9%) died: 37 (16.9%) from
disease progression, three (1.9%) from infection, two (0.9%) from
chemotherapy toxicity and one (0.5%) from surgical complications.
CONCLUSIONS The cohort demonstrated a 5-year OS of 80.3% with an EFS of
75.3%. Stage, the use of chemotherapy and an elevated serum AFP level
>33,000ng/ml were independently predictive of outcome. The
relationship between SES and outcome is important as the implementation
of a new national protocol aims to standardise care across the
socio-economic divide.
Application of impregnated biocarbon produced from soybean hulls in dye decolorization
Authors: Kulic-Mandic Aleksandra , Becelic-Tomin Milena , Pucar-Milidrag Gordana , Raseta Milena , Kerkez Djurdja
Published: October 2021

Waste soybean hulls (WSH) were investigated as a Fe-support in two forms: raw and carbonized (i.e. biocarbon, BC), as possible value-added materials. Fe-impregnation was implemented in order to produce heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for Reactive Blue 4 dye degradation. Materials characterization demonstrated a rise in the specific surface area due to decomposition of WSH constituents during carbonization (to obtain BC) and thermal activation (to obtain Fe-WSH and Fe-BC), thus producing catalysts with high mesoporosity and hematite as the active site for Fenton reaction. Among the investigated materials, Fe-WSH showed the greatest ability for ?OH production in acidic medium. Next, the hetero-geneous Fenton process was optimized by using response surface methodology, which resulted in selection of the following reaction conditions: 3 mM H2O2, 100 mg Fe-WSH, reaction time of 180 min, at a constant pH 3, RB4 concentration of 50 mg dm-3 and at room temperature. The achieved dye removal and mineralization were 85.7 and 66.8 %, respecti-vely, while the catalyst showed high stability and the reaction intermediates formed during the oxidation process had a low inhibitory effect on Vibrio fischeri bacteria.
Monitoring and simulation of parabolic trough collector powered vapor absorption refrigeration system for rural cold storage
Authors: Selvaraj Divya , Nadimuthu Lalith , Victor Kirubakaran
Published: October 2021

India is one of the largest contributors to the world?s agricultural products. The majority of people?s livelihood in India depends on agriculture and its allied sec-tors. According to an economics survey in the agricultural year of 2019-2020, India is estimated to have produced around 292 million tonnes of food grain. The share of agriculture in India?s GDP is 19.9%. Even though India is an active participant in global agricultural trade, the total agricultural product export is only 2.5%. Agricultural produce is easily perishable and the quality gets affected which will then affect their market value. To meet the future food demands, agricultural produce must be able to store for a longer amount of time for round the year availability. The traditional food storage practices cannot satisfy that condition. These perishables need a proper cold supply chain to increase the shelf life. In this paper performance of a parabolic trough collector integrated vapor absorption refrigeration system was developed and studied. Renewable integrated cold storage would open door to the sustainable energy future.
Sintering temperature influence on grains function distribution by neural network application
Authors: Mitic Vojislav , Ribar Srdjan , Randjelovic Branislav , Lu Chun-An , Hwu Reuben , Vlahovic Branislav , Feht Hans
Published: October 2021

Artificial neural networks application in science and techonology begun during 20th century. This biophysical and biomimetic phenomena is based on extensive research which have led to understanding how neural as a living organism nerve system basic element processes signals by a simple algorithm. The input signals are massively parallel processed, and the output presents the superposition of all parallel processed signals. Artificial neural networks which are based on these principles are useful for solving various problems as pattern recognition, clustering, functional optimization. This research analyzed thermophysical parameters at samples based on Murata powders and consolidated by sintering process. Among different physical properties we applied out neural network approach on grain sizes distribution as a function of sintering temperature, T, (from 1190-1370?C). In this paper, we continue to apply neural networks to prognose structural and thermophysical parameters. For consolidation sintering process is very important to prognose and design many parameters but especially thermal like temperature, to avoid long and even wrong experiments which are wasting the time and materials and energy as well. By this artificial neural networks method we indeed provide the most efficient procedure in projecting the mentioned parameters and provide successful ceramics samples production. This is very helpful in prediction and designing the micro-structure parameters important for advance microelectronic further miniaturization development. This is a quite original novelty for real micro-structure projecting especially on the phenomena within the thin films coating around the grains what opens new prospective in advance fractal microelectronics.
Thermo-hydraulic performance evaluation of heat exchanger tube with vortex generator inserts
Authors: Hasan Ibtisam , Maki Wafa , Enaya Yaser
Published: October 2021

This work is undertaken as a scientific experiment to test a new design of a turbulent generator. The current research experiments the influence of novel vortex generator inserts on heat transfers within a tube under a uniform heat flux. A Cu tube with a 45 mm inner diameter and 1350 mm length is used along with a solid disc injector (swirl generator) that comprises ten crescent holes with equal circumferential distribution angles around the disk canter. Subsequently, a swirl flow is generated by deviating the stream flow 45? causing it to spin in the direction of the axial flow. Flow directors are on 45? angles toward the axial direction for each of the crescent holes. This study is an example of flow degradation. Reynolds numbers range from 6000 to 13500. Therefore, fluid-flow is treated as a turbulent system. All experiments done with air are regarded as a power fluid and Prandtl number is fixed at about 0.71. Thermo-hydraulic performance of heat exchanger is analyzed. The average heat transfer Nusselt number is calculated and discussed. The experiment found out that Nusselt number increases with an increase in Reynolds number as well as the number of swirl generators. At four vortex generators, the maximum augmentation in heat transfer is around 4.3 times greater than the plain tube and friction factor is about 1.28 with 5 vortex generators insets. The results indicate a promising heat exchanger enhancement in the local petroleum industries.
The influence of metals of variable valence on the oxidative modification of albumin amino acid residues
Authors:   Ryazan State Medical University, Zav’yalova O.A. , Marsyanova Yu.A. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Abalenikhinа Yu.V. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Ishtulin A.F. ,   Ryazan State Medical University, Gorelova A.E. ,   Municipal Clinical Hospital № 11
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: The constancy of the protein composition of the body is one of the most important conditions for normal vital activity. Deviations in the content of the main bioelements, in particular, mixed valence metals, caused by environmental factors, improper nutrition and other factors, lead to various disorders. One of the properties of metals of mixed valence is the abil-ity to cause metal-catalyzed oxidation of proteins in joint action with active forms of oxygen. It seems interesting to study the oxidative modification of the amino acid residues of albumin and the change in its properties. AIM: To study the effect of reactive oxygen intermediates generated by the Fenton reaction in the presence of Fe2+ and Cu2+ on the oxidative modification of amino acid residues of bovine serum albumin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on bovine serum albumin (BSA), which was incubated for 2 hours in a mixture of Fenton's reagents – FeSO4 + H2O2 and in a mixture of СuSO4 + H2O2. The quantitative protein content in the samples was determined with the bromcresol green reagent (Albumin-Olvex). The content of carbonyl derivatives of proteins was estimated by the method of R.L. Levine modified by E.E. Dubinina. The content of thiol groups in albumin samples from the control and experimental groups was determined by the Ellman method with DTNB (under non-denaturing conditions. RESULTS: The presented results demonstrate that under the action of Cu2+ ions, the formation of carbonyl derivatives of aliphatic amino acids of albumin is less than in the presence of Fe2+, which can be explained by the different degrees of albumin affinity to metals of variable valence. The rate of mobility of oxidatively modified albumin in polyacrylamide gel decreases, which is explained by protein aggregation due to bityrosine cross-links. CONCLUSION: Variable valence metals affect the modification of albumin. The change in the functional properties of the protein is of physiological significance, including the case of extracellular mobilization of iron and copper.
The influence of the initial reinforcement value on physiological parameters of conditioned respiratory reflex
Authors:   Ryazan State Medical University, Byalovskiy Yu.Yu. , Rakitina I.S. ,   Ryazan State Medical University
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Most of the studies of the role of reinforcement in the formation of adaptive behavior were performed on animals. At the same time, such an experimental model as a conditioned respiratory reflex to resistive load, has not been sufficiently studied, although an unconditioned reflex to additional resistance to breathing, on the basis of which a conditioned one is formed, is a stable reaction that has clear quantitative evaluation criteria, and the conditioned reflex itself is relatively strong, easily normalized, reluctantly extinguished and does not require observance of a number of methodological conditions. AIM: To study the influence of the initial value of reinforcement on the physiological parameters of the conditioned respiratory reflex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The work was carried out on people of both genders, 16 people, aged 18 to 44, practically healthy. The unconditioned stimulus was applied in four gradations of external respiratory resistance: 11; 28; 54; 76 cm water • l/sec. The conditioned reflex was formed by the classic type, the duration of application of the conditioned stimulus was not fixed and its end coincided with the end of the action of the unconditioned stimulus, the period of the isolated action of the conditioned signal was 10 sec. As physiological parameters, we studied the ventilatory and motor parameters of respiration, the temporal parameters of the conditioned reaction. RESULTS: The influence of the unconditioned stimulus on the value of the tidal volume after the combination in all subjects depended on the absolute reinforcement values used in this combination, and was weakly connected with the initial reinforcement value. The influence of the external resistance on breathing used in this combination was significantly higher on such parameters as intraoral pressure of inspiration and expiration; the role of the initial reinforcement value in the dynamics of the given parameters was not confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Most “sensitive” to the action of the initial value of the resistive load were the temporal parameters of the conditioned respiratory reflex — the latent period and the time of the conditioned reaction; the parameters of the “ventilatory” and “motor” outputs of the external respiration system changed noticeably, the spirometric parameters showed very little dynamics, and the capnographic parameters practically did not change. The dynamics of the parameters of the conditioned respiratory reflex to increased external respiratory resistance permits to single out groups of signs that have the greatest semantic significance for evaluation of the system-forming and discriminating role of the initial gradation of the reinforcement factor.
Results of using the modified technique of eversion carotid endarterectomy in patients with extended atherosclerotic disease of bifurcation of common carotid artery
Authors:   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Panfilov V.A. ,   Vinogradov City Hospital, Virganskiy A.O. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Romanenko K.V. ,   Vinogradov City Hospital
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Eversion carotid endarterectomy is one of the most frequently used methods of carotid endarterectomy. This is primarily due to the relative ease of surgical techniques, reduction in the risk of hemodynamic disorders in the reconstruction zone and the absence of the need to use synthetic material. The main disadvantage of eversion carotid endarterectomy is poor visualization of the distal edge of the atherosclerotic plaque and the lack of control of the unfixed edge of intima in common atherosclerotic lesion of the internal carotid artery. The use of a modified technique of eversion carotid endarterectomy avoids these disadvantages and preserves its advantages. AIM: to analyze the results of the use of modified eversion carotid endarterectomy in patients with extended disease to the internal carotid artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on the analysis of the results of treatment of patients with chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency due to extended atherosclerotic disease of the internal carotid artery, in whom eversion carotid endarterectomy was performed using a modified technique in the conditions of the Department of Vascular Surgery in Vinogradov City Hospital. The presence of an atherosclerotic plaque extending over a distance of more than 2.5 cm from the bifurcation was considered a common damage to the internal carotid artery. The assessment of intraoperative parameters, early postoperative period, as well as treatment results after 3, 6 and 12 months from the moment of surgery was carried out. RESULTS: The results of treatment of 60 patients in the early postoperative and long-term periods were analyzed. The average operation time was 71.37 ± 8.87 minutes. The average time for clamping the ICA was 18.35 ± 3.9 minutes. Transient ischemic attack in the early postoperative period occurred in 1 (1.7%) patient. Restenosis of the internal carotid artery (≥40%) on the side of the performed reconstruction developed in 3 (5.2%) patients. CONCLUSION: The risk of development of neurological disorders in the early postoperative period, as well as of restenosis of the area of surgical intervention in the long-term period when using the modified technique of eversion carotid endarterectomy, correspond to the data of modern world literature.