bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potassium Gluconate Inhibition of α-Brass Corrosion in 1 M HNO3
Authors: Loto Cleophas Akintoye , Loto Roland Tolulope
Published: April 2019

Potassium gluconate inhibition effects of α-brass corrosion immersed in 1 M HNO3 were studied at room temperature (25°C). Gravimetric and potentiodynamic polarization measurement techniques were used separately for the experimental investigation. A Digi-Ivy potentiostat, connected to computer for data acquisition and analyses was used for the potentiodynamic polarization experiments. The observed potassium gluconate’s corrosion inhibition increased as the inhibitor concentration increased up to 3.5g/200ml HNO3 where a 0.7224g weight loss was recorded in comparison with the experiment without added inhibitor which had a 3.582g weight loss at 312 hours. The corresponding corrosion rate at 3.5g/200ml HNO3 concentration was 4.93 mm/yr while the uninhibited (control) experiment recorded a 20.33 mm/yr at 288 hrs. Corrosion inhibition efficiency values for the 1.5, 3, 3.5 and 4g/200ml HNO3 concentrations are respectively 16.99, 41.77, 79.86 and 64.53%. Other parameters recorded include: polarization resistance, Ω (3.20E+01); corrosion rate (19.15 mm/yr) and current density, 1.01E-03 Acm-2 for the 3.5g/200ml HNO3 concentration in HNO3 test medium were also achieved. A mixed type inhibitor was indicated with the recorded results of ba and bc. Adsorption isotherm showed that inhibitor protection mechanism followed both the Frumkin and the Freundlich models more than the Langmuir isotherm model.
Electrochemical Data on the Effect of Extreme Temperatures on 2101 Duplex Steel Corrosion Performance in Chloride-Sulphate Environment
Authors: Tolulope Loto Roland
Published: April 2019

The detrimental outcome of heat treatment operation at 1200oC on 2101 duplex stainless steel was studied in 2 M H2SO4/0%-1.75% NaCl by potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential measurement and optical microscopy analysis. Result reveal the processes heightened the corrosion vulnerability of the duplex alloy with maximum corrosion rate result of 11.3 mm/y at 0.5% NaCl for the annealed steel (A2101ST), followed by quenched steel (Q2101ST) with corrosion rate value of 9.03 mm/y. These values were significantly lower than the peak corrosion rate of the as received steel (ASR2101ST) at 5.785 mm/y. The corrosion rate of all the duplex steels generally decreased beyond 0.5% NaCl. ASR2101ST sustained it passivation characteristics till 1.75% NaCl due to the resilience of its oxide protective film while the passive film of Q2101ST and A2101ST were completely destroyed due to alteration in the metallurgical configuration of the heat treated duplex steels. While the surface of ASR2101ST mildly deteriorated, severe intergranular and pitting corrosion was observed on Q2101ST and the surface of A2101ST was marginally pitted in the presence of SO42- ions. In Cl-/SO4 ion solution ASR2101ST showed an etched morphology with ferrite and austenite phases appearing in addition to superficial pitting. Q2101ST and A2101ST were severely deteriorated in the solution.
Green synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles using Extract of Palm Tree Bark, Palm leaf and Ghaf leaf
Authors: Chand Dinesh
Published: April 2019

Current study shows simple and easy method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Palm bark, Palm leaf and Ghaf leaf aqueous extract. Each extracted solution used as reducing and capping agent. Various techniques used to characterize synthesized nanoparticles are DLS, FTIR and UV–Visible spectroscopy. UV–Visible spectrophotometer showed absorbance peak in range of 300 – 800 nm. Results confirmed this green method as simple, rapid, eco-friendly, non-toxic, one step and an alternative to conventional physical and chemical methods. The silver nanoparticles were prepared from silver ions at room temperature, without using any hazardous chemical.
Influence of Surface Modification on Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Natural Single Areca catechu Fiber
Authors: G. Ranganagowda Raghu Patel , Kamath Sakshi Shantharam , Kumar Chandrappa Ravi , Bennehalli Basavaraju
Published: April 2019

In the present study, fibers extracted from empty areca fruit were surface modified by giving chemical treatment with 2% NaOH solutionat laboratory temperature to investigate the effect of alkali treatment onphysical, mechanical, and morphological properties of arecafiber. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus of areca fiber found to decrease with alkali treatment. But improvement in elongation at break of the fiber was observed for alkali treated fiber due to elimination of lignin and hemicelluloses from the fiber surface upon alkali treatment. The results proved that the natural areca fiber is a potential alternative source for strengthening the polymer composite industries.
A Novel Synthetic Route of Fused Tricyclic Framework Quinoline Derivatives from Readily Available Aliphatic Amino Carboxylic Acid Substrates
Authors: Mohammed Shireen
Published: April 2019

A novel and an efficient strategy of fused tricyclic quinoline heterocycle compounds from aliphatic amino carboxylic acid substrates is disclosed. The protocol here is proceed over main reaction processes including: cyclization, protection, amidine formation, further cyclization and finally coupling with boronic acid substrate through Suzuki reaction. These reactions afforded the corresponding products in high yields. Furthermore, all synthesized compounds were identiﬁed by spectral data.
Didymocarpous Pedicellatus R. Br.: Qualitative and Quantitative GCMS Approach for Quality Control in Traditional Poly-Herbal Formulation with In Vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , T. Tamboli Ennus , Ali Abuzer , Amir Mohd , Zaidi S. M. A. , Ahmad Sayeed
Published: April 2019

A Gas Chromatography and Maas Spectroscopy method was developed and validated for determination and identification of α-humulene in a traditional medicinal herb Didymocarpous pedicellatus R. Br. (DP) (Gesneriaceae) and its poly herbal formulation, Safoof-e-pathar phori (SPP) including their essential oil. Hydrodistillation method were used for the isolation of essential oils from the leaves of DP and SPP herbal formulation. The proposed analysis method was found to be linear r2 = 0.999 in a wide concentration range (0.1-1000 µgmL-1), with good precision (RSD < 2.0%). Antimicrobial activity of α-humulene, DP and SPP oil was assessed by using agar well diffusion method against clinically important Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. α-Humulene was found to be more active in contrast to Gram-negative bacteria while DP oil and SPP oil were exhibited maximum inhibition against fungal strains. Antioxidant activity of α-humulene, DP oil and SPP oil were determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) 96 well plate method, which showed antioxidant activity in the following order: standard ascorbic acid (DPPH FRS50 = 2.40 µg) > DP oil (DPPH FRS50 = 3.68 µg) > SPP oil (DPPH FRS50 = 12.54 µg) > and α-humulene (DPPH FRS50 = 36.19 µg).
Electrochemically Synthesized Poly(2-Aminobenzenesulphonic Acid) – An Efficient Protection for Carbon Steel Corrosion
Authors: Cheruvathur Sini Varghese , Kakkassery Joby Thomas , Palayoor Vinod Raphael , M. Paulson Binsi , Kooliyat Ragi
Published: April 2019

The corrosion protection efficacy of electrochemically synthesized poly(2-aminobenzenesulphonic acid) (P2ABSA) on carbon steel in 1.0 M HCl was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Tafel polarisation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR spectral studies. The polymeric coating was prepared on the steel surface using cyclic voltammetry. Investigations established that P2ABSA effectively prevent the metal dissolution in HCl medium. Polarisation studies revealed that this polymer hinder both anodic and cathodic process of corrosion appreciably. The structures of the chemically and electrochemically synthesised polymers were compared using IR spectroscopy. Morphology of the steel surface confirmed the intact response of P2ABSA on steel surface treated with HCl.
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity Evaluation of Azepinobisindoles; the Isomeric Iheyamine A Derivatives
Authors: Phutdhawong Weerachai , Rattanopas Sopita , Sirirak Jitnapa , Taechowisan Thongchai , Phutdhawong Waya S.
Published: April 2019

Azepinobisindole derivatives, the isomeric Iheyamine skeleton, was prepared and its anticancer activity evaluation were investigated against two human cancer cell lines, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and human cervical cancer line (Hela) as well as the normal cell line (Vero cell line) using MTT assay. The anticancer activity results indicated that 2-methoxy-5-methyl-5H-azepino[2,3-b:4,5-bʹ]diindole was the most active derivative against tested cell lines. Additionally, molecular docking study in silico the possible inhibitory effect of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) by the azepinoindole revealed that all synthesized compounds fit well in the binding cavity of CDK2.
Development of a Solid-State Magnesium-Persulfate Based Rechargeable Battery
Authors: Palisoc Shirley T. , John P. Salvacion Jozel , Robles Julita C. , Natividad Michelle T.
Published: April 2019

Several coin cells with cathode materials ranging from stainless steel, magnesium persulfate, and magnesium persulfate/reduced graphene oxide (rGO), as well as a novel electrolyte, were fabricated and assembled. They were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and voltammetry to determine surface morphology, elemental composition, and electrochemical characteristics, respectively. The amount of the additive, rGO, was verified by analyzing the current response after 10 consecutive scans via cyclic voltammetry. The optimum amount which only had a 19% decrease from cycle 2 to cycle 9 was from the cathode electrode which had 4mg rGO. However, galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements showed that the coin cells had no ability to hold the charge after cycling. The coin cell which contained the optimized cathode electrode was dismantled for further surface and elemental analysis. After a scan, some of the cathode material was converted to its reduction product magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and failed to revert back to its original persulfate form which signified irreversibility. Contaminants were found on the surface of the anode and corrosion were observed on the surface of the current collector which denotes instability of the components with the chosen electrolyte. The reactivity of the components with each other was also predicted by previous studies.
1, 4 Dithiane 2, 5 Diol : An Versatile Monomer to Synthesis Aliphatic Random Copolyester with Biomedical Application
Authors: Balachandran Kalpana , Raveendiran Nanthini , Marie John Margaret
Published: April 2019

This article uses 1, 4-dithiane-2, 5-diol as a monomer to synthesize aliphatic random copolyester (PDDD).PDDD was synthesized by direct melt polycondensation method and characterized by FT-IR and 1H- NMR. The physical properties of PDDD were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, as well as viscosity and solubility measurements. The anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of PDDD were evaluated to investigate its potential biomedical applications. Generally, good results were obtained. It is evident that the copolyester exhibits favorable and tunable physical, thermal and biological properties and so is a suitable candidate for biomedical applications.
Density and Coefficients of Jones-dole Equation for Viscosity of Ternary Solutions Containing Sucrose/NaCl/KCl in Aqueous Glycine/Urea/Thiourea at 250C
Authors: George Roy
Published: April 2019

The density and viscosity of ternary solutions containing Sucrose (non-electrolyte), NaCl and KCl (electrolytes) in aqueous-glycine/urea/thiourea were measured at 25°C. The concentration dependence of viscosity has been studied by Jones-Dole relation and viscosity A and β-coefficients were determined. The comparative account of viscosity β-coefficients for sucrose and salts in different aqueous media has been discussed. The results have been interpreted in terms of different interactions among components of solutions.
Impact of HIV on spontaneous spondylodiscitis
Authors: Dunn R. N. , Castelein S. , Held M.
Published: April 2019

Aims

HIV predisposes patients to opportunistic infections. However, with the establishment of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART), patients’ CD4 counts are maintained, as is a near normal life expectancy. This study aimed to establish the impact of HIV on the bacteriology of spondylodiscitis in a region in which tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, and to identify factors that might distinguish between them.

Patients and Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2015, 63 consecutive cases of spontaneous spondylodiscitis were identified from a single-centre, prospectively maintained database. Demographics, presenting symptoms, blood results, HIV status, bacteriology, imaging, and procedure undertaken were reviewed and comparisons made of TB, non-TB, and HIV groups. There were 63 patients (22 male, 41 female) with a mean age of 42.0 years (11 to 78; sd 15.0).

Results

In total, 53 patients had tuberculous, nine bacterial, and one cryptococcal spondylodiscitis. There were 29 HIV-positive patients, 29 HIV-negative patients, and five patients with unknown HIV status. The local incidence of TB spondylodiscitis was 1.54/100 000 and that of non-TB spondylodiscitis was 0.29/100 000 per annum. TB patients were younger with similar clinical presentation and infective markers, but were more likely to have a paraspinal abscess. They were also less likely to have a hyperintense disc on MRI. There was no difference between the two HIV groups.

Conclusion

In areas of endemic TB and HIV, TB remains the most common cause of spondylodiscitis at five times the rate of non-tuberculous causes. HIV managed with HAART increases the rate of infection but does not influence the bacteriology unless there is a low CD4. There was little to differentiate the groups. TB /HIV co-infected patients were younger than non-TB and HIV-negative patients. Non-TB patients were more likely to have disc hyperintensity on MRI and TB patients were more likely to have abscess formation, but as both groups exhibited these features, neither was diagnostic. Culture confirmation remains necessary. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:617–620.
Revision of an infected total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Malik A. T. , Li M. , Scharschmidt T. J. , Khan S. N.
Published: April 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in 30-day outcomes between patients undergoing revision for an infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with an aseptic revision THA.

Patients and Methods

This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database, between 2012 and 2017, using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for patients undergoing a revision THA (27134, 27137, 27138). International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision/Tenth Revision (ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM) diagnosis codes for infection of an implant or device were used to identify patients undergoing an infected revision THA. CPT-27132 coupled with ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM codes for infection were used to identify patients undergoing a two-stage revision. A total of 13 556 patients were included; 1606 (11.8%) underwent a revision THA due to infection and there were 11 951 (88.2%) aseptic revisions.

Results

Patients undergoing an infected revision had a significantly greater length of stay of more than three days (p < 0.001), higher odds of any 30-day complication (p < 0.001), readmission within 30 days (p < 0.001), 30-day reoperations (p < 0.001), and discharge to a destination other than the patient’s home (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings suggest the need for enhanced risk adjustment based on the indication of revision THA prior to setting prices in bundled payment models of total joint arthroplasty. This risk adjustment should be used to reduce the chance of financial disincentives in clinical practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:547–551.
Distraction subtalar arthrodesis for calcaneal malunion
Authors: El-Hawary A. , Kandil Y. R. , Ahmed M. , Elgeidi A. , El-Mowafi H.
Published: April 2019

Aims

We hypothesized that there is no difference in the clinical and radiological outcomes using local bone graft versus iliac graft for subtalar distraction arthrodesis in patients with calcaneal malunion. In addition, using local bone graft negates the donor site morbidity.

Patients and Methods

We prospectively studied 28 calcaneal malunion patients (the study group) who were managed by subtalar distraction arthrodesis using local calcaneal bone graft. The study group included 16 male and 12 female patients. The median age was 37.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 43). The outcome of the study group was compared with a control group of ten patients previously managed by subtalar distraction arthrodesis using iliac bone graft. The control group included six male and four female patients. The median age was 41.5 years (IQR 36 to 44).

Results

The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score improved significantly in the study and the control groups (p < 0.001). Fusion was achieved in 27 patients in the study group at a median time of 13 weeks (IQR 12 to 14), while all the patients in the control group achieved fusion at a mean time of 13.2 weeks (11 to 15). The mean talocalcaneal height and talar declination angle improved significantly in both the study and the control groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between both groups concerning the preoperative or the postoperative clinical and radiological measurements. Donor site morbidity was reported in four out of ten patients in the control group.

Conclusion

Local calcaneal bone graft can successfully be used to achieve subtalar distraction arthrodesis with appropriate correction of alignment and calcaneal malunion. We recommend using local instead of iliac bone graft as it gave comparable results and avoids the possibility of donor site morbidity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:596–602.
PROPRIEDADES DE FLUXO E PRESSÕES PARA PROJETO DE SILO VERTICAL ARMAZENADOR DE AÇÚCARES
Authors: Meira Ariadne Soares , Mota Elizangela De Lima , Bandeira Diego José Araújo , Silva Valneide Rodrigues da , Silva Luanna Amado da
Published: April 2019

Para elaboração de um projeto de silo vertical capaz de armazenar açucares mantendo a total integridade de tais produtos, foram analisadas, no presente trabalho, as propriedades de fluxo e a distribuição das pressões ao longo do corpo de um silo confeccionado em acrílico, armazenando três tipos de açúcar (cristal, de confeiteiro e demerara). As propriedades de fluxo foram determinadas utilizando o aparelho de cisalhamento Jenike Shear Cell. O estudo das pressões, pressupondo o carregamento e descarregamento dos açúcares, utilizou as equações recomendadas na norma BS EN 1991/4 (2006). Notou-se que os valores obtidos das propriedades de fluxo para o açúcar cristal se mantiveram acima dos normatizados, sendo este o único produto a fluir por gravidade. As propriedades do açúcar demerara se mostraram dentro do estipulado pela norma BS EN 1991/4 (2006). O açúcar demerara fluiu apenas após interferência de vibrações. O açúcar de confeiteiro não fluiu, assumindo assim a impossibilidade de confecção de um silo no padrão estudado que atenda às exigências dos produtos. Com relação à distribuição das pressões, os três açúcares apresentaram assíntota de pressão similar, apresentando a tendência de estabilidade de pressão próxima ao orifício de descarga.
ESTIMATIVA DA EVAPOTRANSPIRAÇÃO DE REFERÊNCIA COM PRECISÃO
Authors: Turco José Eduardo Pitelli
Published: April 2019

Uma forma de verificar a eficiência de métodos de estimativa da evapotranspiração de referência (ET0) é realizar comparativo com a equação de Penman-Monteith FAO-56, recomendado pela FAO. Com este trabalho, o objetivo foi o de avaliar a equação de Hargreaves, comparando-a com a equação de Penman-Monteith FAO-56, a fim de verificar a possibilidade de estimar-se a evapotranspiração de referência para as condições climáticas do município de Jaboticabal-SP, bem como fazer a calibração local dessa equação. Para esse fim, foram utilizados dados do período de 01/01/2009 a 31/12/2015 de uma estação meteorológica automatizada instalada na área experimental do Departamento de Engenharia Rural da FCAV/UNESP, Campus de Jaboticabal-SP. A análise dos resultados com precisão foi realizada aplicando técnicas que verificam a integridade dos dados meteorológicos e utilizando metodologias de análise dos dados médios e desvios padrões da ET0. Foi realizada a calibração local da equação de Hargreaves por meio do ajuste do parâmetro empírico HE da equação. A integridade dos dados da estação meteorológica foi aceitável. Conclui-se que a equação de Hargreaves é uma opção para estimar os valores de ET0 em clima do tipo subtropical, em locais em que a disponibilidade de dados climáticos é limitada.
AJUSTE DE MODELO DE PREDIÇÃO DE ÁREA FOLIAR DO FEIJOEIRO EM FUNÇÃO DE MEDIDAS LINEARES
Authors: Hara Anderson Takashi , Gonçalves Antônio Carlos Andrade , Maller André , Hashiguti Heraldo Takao , Oliveira Jhonatan Monteiro de
Published: April 2019

O conhecimento da área foliar em estudos agronômicos é essencial em pesquisas que envolvem interrelações com outras variáveis relacionadas com essa variável, como a produtividade, produção de fotossimilados, absorção de nutrientes. No entanto, em muitos casos torna-se inviável o procedimento em decorrência da necessidade de destruição do material a ser medido. Portanto, a utilização de métodos indiretos que possibilitem a estimativa dessa variável é uma alternativa para a obtenção da área foliar sem sua destruição. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de ajustar modelos matemáticos para estimar a área do trifólio de feijão, cultivar IPR Tangará, por meio de medidas lineares do folíolo central e comparar com o desempenho de modelos retirados na literatura. Foram utilizados 1.195 trifólios para o ajuste de modelos e 527 para validação. A área foliar da cultivar IPR tangará pode ser predita por meio de medidas do comprimento e largura do trifólio central. Modelos ajustados para uma determinada cultivar não podem ser utilizados em outras cultivares.
Abdominal Functional Electrical Stimulation to Augment Respiratory Function in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: McCaughey E.J. , Butler J.E. , McBain R.A. , Boswell-Ruys C.L. , Hudson A.L. , Gandevia S.C. , Lee B.B.
Published: April 2019

Background: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is the application of electrical pulses to a nerve to achieve a functional muscle contraction. Surface electrical stimulation of the nerves that innervate the abdominal muscles, termed abdominal FES, can cause the abdominal muscles to contract, even when paralysed after spinal cord injury. As the abdominal muscles are the major expiratory muscles, and commonly partially or completely paralysed in tetraplegia, abdominal FES offers a promising method of improving respiratory function for this patient group. Objective: The aim of the article is to provide readers with a better understanding of how abdominal FES can be used to improve the health of the spinal cord–injured population. Methods: A narrative review of the abdominal FES literature was performed. Results: Abdominal FES can achieve an immediate effective cough in patients with tetraplegia, while the repeated application over 6 weeks of abdominal FES can improve unassisted respiratory function. Ventilator duration and tracheostomy cannulation time can also be reduced with repeated abdominal FES. Conclusion: Abdominal FES is a noninvasive method to achieve functional improvements in cough and respiratory function in acute and chronically injured people with tetraplegia. Potential practical outcomes of this include reduced ventilation duration, assisted tracheostomy decannulation, and a reduction in respiratory complications. All of these outcomes can contribute to reduced morbidity and mortality, improved quality of life, and significant potential cost savings for local health care providers.
Activity-Based Therapy Targeting Neuromuscular Capacity After Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Behrman Andrea L. , Argetsinger Laura C. , Roberts MacKenzie T. , Stout Danielle , Thompson Jennifer , Ugiliweneza Beatrice , Trimble Shelley A.
Published: April 2019

Background: Activity-based therapies aim to improve neuromuscular capacity after spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: The purpose of this prospective study was to report the impact of Activity-based Locomotor Training (AB-LT) on neuromuscular capacity in pediatric patients with SCI. Methods: Participants were enrolled for their first episode of AB-LT for a minimum of 60 daily, 1.5-hour sessions. The Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) and the Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (Pediatric NRS) were assessed initially, every 20 sessions, and post 60 sessions. Results: Twenty-six consecutive patients, mean age 5 years (SD = 3), completed a mean 55 sessions (SD = 4) within 63 weekdays (SD = 9). The Pediatric NRS total score improved significantly, adjusted mean 11.4, from initial to post-60 sessions (p < .05) with an average adjusted evaluation-to-evaluation 3.7 change. SATCo scores improved significantly across 60 sessions, mean change 5.2, an estimated 1.7 change between evaluations (p < .05). Age at enrollment and chronicity had no effect; however, initial neuromuscular capacity scores were negatively correlated with change scores (p < .05). Conclusion: Sixty AB-LT sessions significantly improved trunk and neuromuscular capacity in children with SCI, regardless of age or chronicity at enrollment. Patients with lower initial scores made greater improvements than patients with higher initial neuromuscular capacity. Anecdotal parent reports of their child's functional change in the home and community highlight the synergy between quantitative change in neuromuscular capacity and meaningful, improved quality of life and the need for formal investigation of this relationship.
Progressive Neuromuscular Scoliosis Secondary to Spinal Cord Injury in a Young Patient Treated With Nonfusion Anterior Scoliosis Correction
Authors: Cuddihy Laury A. , Antonacci M. Darryl , Hussain Awais K. , Vig Khushdeep S. , Mulcahey Mary Jane , Betz Randal R.
Published: April 2019

Ninety-eight percent of skeletally immature patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from progressive neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). Operative treatment has typically been limited to posterior spinal fusion (PSF), but a newer technique as described may be less invasive and preserve more function. A PSF of the entire spine to the pelvis is standard of care. However, maintenance of spinal flexibility, motion, and potential growth is desirable. We present a case for proof-of-concept of utilizing a surgical motion-preserving technique to treat progressive NMS in an 11year-old girl with T10 level (AIS B) paraplegia with a progressive 60° NMS of the lumbar spine. She had anterior scoliosis correction (ASC) from T11-L5 without fusion. Over 24 months, the curve growth-modulated to a residual of 12° with continued modulation to 7° at 3-year follow-up (skeletal maturity).
Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Penetrating Spinal Cord Injury: Analysis of Long-term Neurological and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Kelly Michael Liam , Roach Mary Joan , Nemunaitis Gregory , Chen Yuying
Published: April 2019

Objective: To describe long-term neurological and functional outcomes for patients with penetrating spinal cord injury (PSCI) following surgical (SX) and nonsurgical (NSX) treatment. Methods: We identified all patients with PSCI in the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems database from 1994–2015. Patients with PSCI were divided into surgical (SX) and nonsurgical (NSX) groups. Outcomes were measured using the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor scores. Outcomes were then analyzed separately for patients with complete and incomplete PSCI during acute hospitalization, SCI rehabilitation, and 1-year follow-up. Results: For patients with complete PSCI, acute hospital length of stay (LOS) was increased in the SX group (19 days vs 14 days; p < .0001) while median FIM motor scores were similar at 1-year follow-up (74 vs 75; p = .4). The percentage of patients with complete PSCI remained similar between groups at discharge from SCI rehabilitation (88% vs 88%; p = 0.5). For patients with incomplete PSCIs, acute hospital LOS was similar between groups (13 vs 11; p = .3) and no difference was observed in ASIA Impairment Scale improvement at discharge from rehabilitation (38% vs 37%; p = .9) or in FIM scores at 1 year (84 vs 85; p = .6). Conclusion: Surgery for patients with complete PSCI is associated with increased acute hospital LOS for complete PSCI and is not associated with improvement in neurological or functional outcomes in patients with either complete or incomplete PSCI.
Nature-Inspired Algorithms in Real-World Optimization Problems
Authors: Bujok Petr , Tvrdik Josef , Polakova Radka
Published: April 2019

Eight popular nature inspired algorithms are compared with the blind random search and three advanced adaptive variants of differential evolution (DE) on real-world problems benchmark collected for CEC 2011 algorithms competition. The results show the good performance of the adaptive DE variants and their superiority over the other algorithms in the test problems. Some of the nature-inspired algorithms perform even worse that the blind random search in some problems. This is a strong argument for recommendation for application, where well-verified algorithm successful in competitions should be preferred instead of developing some new algorithms.
Function Set Structure Influence onto GPA Efficiency
Authors: Brandejsky Tomas
Published: April 2019

The paper discusses the influence of function set structure onto efficiency of GPA (Genetic Programming Algorithms), and hierarchical algorithms like GPA-ES (GPA with Evolutionary Strategy to separate parameter optimization) algorithm efficiency. On the foreword, the discussed GPA algorithm is described. Then there is depicted function set and common requirements to its structure. On the end of this contribution, the test examples and environment as well as results of measurement of influence of superfluous functions presence in the used function set is discussed.
Document Clustering using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Rafi Muhammad , Waqar Muhammad , Ajaz Hareem , Ayub Umar , Danish Muhammad
Published: April 2019

Cluster analysis of textual documents is a common technique for better ltering, navigation, under-standing and comprehension of the large document collection. Document clustering is an autonomous methodthat separate out large heterogeneous document collection into smaller more homogeneous sub-collections calledclusters. Self-organizing maps (SOM) is a type of arti cial neural network (ANN) that can be used to performautonomous self-organization of high dimension feature space into low-dimensional projections called maps. Itis considered a good method to perform clustering as both requires unsupervised processing. In this paper, weproposed a SOM using multi-layer, multi-feature to cluster documents. The paper implements a SOM usingfour layers containing lexical terms, phrases and sequences in bottom layers respectively and combining all atthe top layers. The documents are processed to extract these features to feed the SOM. The internal weightsand interconnections between these layers features(neurons) automatically settle through iterations with a smalllearning rate to discover the actual clusters. We have performed extensive set of experiments on standard textmining datasets like: NEWS20, Reuters and WebKB with evaluation measures F-Measure and Purity. Theevaluation gives encouraging results and outperforms some of the existing approaches. We conclude that SOMwith multi-features (lexical terms, phrases and sequences) and multi-layers can be very e ective in producinghigh quality clusters on large document collections.
Information Security Risk Assessment Model Based on Computing with Words
Authors: Tymchuk Oleg , Iepik Maryna , Sivyakov Artyom
Published: April 2019

The basis for company IT infrastructure security is information security risks assessment of IT services. The increased complexity, connectivity and rapid changes occurring in IT services make it impossible to apply traditional models of quantitative/qualitative risk assessment. Existing quantitative assessment models are time-consuming, at the same time, qualitative assessment models do not take into account the subjective expert assessments and the uncertainty of risk factors. This paper presents the new information security risk assessment model for IT services based on computing with words. The model methodology is based on OWASP risk rating methodology for web applications. To evaluate risk factors, it is proposed to use dictionary consisting of 16/32 granular terms (words). Problems of uncertainty in perceptual assessments of risk factors are taken into account using methods of the theory of discrete interval type-2 fuzzy sets and systems.
A Numerical Characterization of the Nanoparticles Distribution on the Surface of a Semiconductor
Authors: Rudolfova Zdena , Hoderova Jana
Published: April 2019

The motivation for this work was to qualitatively describe the distribution of Au nanoparticles on the surface of a semiconductor. We discuss suitable mathematical characteristics which allow the uniform distribution to be distinguished from the distribution a ected by any physical phenomenon, i.e. by the repulsive force between electrically charged particles or by the influence of properties of the surface. We identify Voronoi decomposition and a statistical analysis of Voronoi cell properties as a suitable tool for this purpose.
Empirical Casestudy on Approaches to Sampled Control
Authors: Burger Alexandra , Wellhausen Jens
Published: April 2019

Two main approaches on sampled control are compared, the descrete equivalent design and the direct discrete design. Both design methods are used to implement a control system for a real plant, DC-motor. It is shown that discrete equivalent design works well with su cient high sampling rates and that direct discrete design works nearly independent of sampling time.
On Testing Reduction of Left-Censored Weibull Distribution to Exponential Submodel
Authors: Fusek Michal
Published: April 2019

When analyzing environmental or chemical data, it is often necessary to deal with left-censoredobservations. Since the distribution of the observed variable is often asymmetric, the exponential or the Weibulldistribution can be used. This paper summarizes statistical model of a multiply left-censored Weibull distribution,and estimation of its parameters and their variances using the expected Fisher information matrix. Since inmany situations the Weibull distribution is unnecessarily complicated for data modelling, statistical tests (theLagrange multiplier test, the likelihood ratio test, the Wald test) for assessing suitability of replacement ofthe censored Weibull distribution with the exponential submodel are introduced and their power functions areanalyzed using simulations.
Capacity of Spaces of Properties Formulae, Approximations and Qualitative Shapes
Authors: Bila Jiri
Published: April 2019

This article focuses on the exploration of spaces and models in which we describe the behavior of complex systems as special shapes. We understand these shapes both as a configuration of properties and their values, and on the other, as the formation of symbols and their manifestations. The article discusses three basic types of shapes: formulae, approximations and qualitative shapes. Their analysis then arrives at the capacities of the spaces to display these shapes. The central tool of analysis is the combination of Matroid Theory and Ramsey theory of graph. By systematical analysis of formulae we get the concepts of additional variables and their number. We use basic relations based on the terms matroid, its base, and Ramsey numbers. These relations are then generalized to the field of approximations and qualitative shapes. The article points to the possibilities of expanding the spaces of properties including those that are not available by measurement but are detectable as emergences.
Parameterizing Generalized Laguerre Functions to Compute the Inverse Laplace Transform of Fractional Order Transfer Functions
Authors: Karsky Vilem
Published: April 2019

This article concentrates on using generalized Laguerre functions to compute the inverse Laplace transform of fractional order transfer functions. A novel method for selecting the timescale parameter of generalized Laguerre functions in the operator space is introduced and demonstrated on two systems with fractional order transfer functions.
Emotion Recognition using AutoEncoders and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Prieto Luis Antonio Beltrán , Kominkova Oplatkova Zuzana
Published: April 2019

Emotions demonstrate people's reactions to certain stimuli. Facial expression analysis is often used to identify the emotion expressed. Machine learning algorithms combined with artificial intelligence techniques have been developed in order to detect expressions found in multimedia elements, including videos and pictures. Advanced methods to achieve this include the usage of Deep Learning algorithms. The aim of this paper is to analyze the performance of a Convolutional Neural Network which uses AutoEncoder Units for emotion-recognition in human faces. The combination of two Deep Learning techniques boosts the performance of the classification system. 8000 facial expressions from the Radboud Faces Database were used during this research for both training and testing. The outcome showed that five of the eight analyzed emotions presented higher accuracy rates, higher than 90%.
The Analysis of Rock Surface Asperities
Authors: Martisek Dalibor , Prochazkova Jana
Published: April 2019

The analysis of rock surface is commonly used in technical practice. The nature discontinuity rocks are often represented by specific degree of roughness. This value has the significant effect on the rock slope stability. It is defined by the asperities and the computation is based on the visual comparison of discontinuity traces or discontinuity surfaces with standard two-dimensional graphs. The visual comparison is a subjective method, so that we propose novel method for roughness-angles analysis. Our method consists of the application of cosine Fourier series. We tested the method on the sample of limestone. The article also describes the method Surface from Focus that reconstruct the 3D surface from a set of partially focused images.
Robot-Based Image Analysis for Evaluating Rehabilitation after Brain Surgery
Authors: Kohout Jan , Crha Jan , Trnkova Katerina , Sticha Karel , Mares Jan , Chovanec Martin
Published: April 2019

After certain types of brain surgery, patients are often affected by changes in both their dynamic balance and facial disorder. Because rehabilitation takes several months, it is important that both doctors and patients are able to monitor progress quantitatively. At present, such quantification is subjective and highly dependent on the doctor’s opinion. Thus, we here investigate the use of robot-based image analysis for measuring rehabilitation. To evaluate a patient’s dynamic balance, we developed a mobile robotic platform that uses a stereovision camera (MS Kinect) to capture a video of the subject walking along a hospital corridor. To evaluate a patient’s facial disorders, the same camera is used in a static mode to detect and capture precise facial movements that the subject is asked to perform. From these videos, specific patterns can be extracted for rehabilitation process description.
Fire Detection in Video Stream by Using Simple Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Janku Peter , Kominkova Oplatkova Zuzana , Dulik Tomas , Snopek Petr , Liba Jiri
Published: April 2019

This paper deals with the preliminary research of the fire detection in a video stream. Early fire detection can save lives and properties from huge losses and damages. Therefore the surveillance of the areas is necessary. Early fire discovery with high accuracy, i.e. a low number of false positive or false negative cases, is essential in any environment, especially in places with the high motion of people. The traditional fire detection sensors have some drawbacks: they need separate systems and infrastructure to be implemented, to use sensors in the case of the industrial environment with open fire technologies is often impossible, and others. The fire detection in a video stream is one of the possible and feasible solutions suitable for replacement or supplement of conventional fire detection sensors without a need for installation a huge infrastructure. The paper provides the state of the art in the fire detection. The following part of the paper proposes the new system of feature extraction and describes the feedforward neural network which was used for the training and testing of the proposed idea. The promising results are presented with over 93% accuracy on a selected dataset of movies which consist of more and highly varied instances than published by other researchers involved in the fire detection field. The structure of the neural networks promises higher computational speed than currently implemented deep learning systems.
The Possibility of Interference Suppression by Correlation Receiver Applied to Marker Localization
Authors: Vestenicky Peter , Vestenicky Martin
Published: April 2019

The actual applications of the radiofrequency identification (RFID) systems in industry are focused not only on the identification but also on the localization of the RFID transponders. The special type of the RFID transponders is used to localize and to identify the underground facility networks such as pipes and cables. In such applications the RFID transponders are called markers. The paper describes an analysis of the correlation receiver for RSSI based localization of the inductive coupled RFID markers. The analysis is performed by the modeling of the localization device and the marker in Matlab – Simulink software. The aim of the analysis is to examine the ability of the correlation receiver to suppress the interfering signals from industrial sources, for example from the long wave telemetry transmitters which have their working frequencies in the same band as the working frequencies of the markers.
Cultural Villages and Their Idea of South Africa: A Decolonial Critique
Authors: Ndlovu Morgan
Published: April 2019

Cultural villages are currently one of the most popular tourism attractions in South Africa, but in spite of their popularity, the villages also face a barrage of criticisms leveled against the manner in which they represent culture and identity, as well as their political economy. Thus, the criticisms leveled against the cultural villages range from that they represent myths instead of culture to that they stage identity and culture in an essentialist and ahistorical manner as though culture is circumscribed and “frozen in time.” In the context of crafting a cohesive South African national identity, the question that arises in light of the above criticism leveled against the cultural villages is that of: To what extent does their representation of culture and identity contribute to the making of an inclusive and cohesive South African national identity? This question is important not only because cultural representations such as the cultural villages of South Africa serve as mirrors of how people imagine themselves and their relationship with others but also because such representation can neither negate nor enhance the idea of constructing a new identity. In this article, I examine both the negative and positive contributions of the cultural village project to the idea of an inclusive and cohesive South Africa. Thus, I deploy the case study of PheZulu Safari Park and Lesedi cultural villages to examine the extent to which the construction of cultural villages enhances and/or negates the idea of a cohesive national identity in South Africa.
Adverse Reaction to Nicotine Gum in a Poor Metaboliser
Authors: Robson Noorzurani Md Haris , Bond Alyson J. , Wolff Kim
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To report a case of adverse reaction to nicotine gum in a Chinese female with poor nicotine metabolic status after chewing a piece of 2 mg nicotine gum (NG). Background: NG is prescribed in smoking cessation programs to help individuals stop smoking. In smoking cessation treatment, the dose of NG should control withdrawal symptoms but avoid adverse effects. Case results: We describe a case of an adverse reaction following the administration of 2 mg NG to a female Chinese subject. This study compared a single dose of 2 mg NG with a single low dose cigarette (0.7 mg nicotine). Blood (5mL) was collected at baseline and 2h post exposure to NG. Blood pressure and pulse rate were also recorded. Nicotine metabolic rate was determined by calculation of the ratio of plasma cotinine (ng/mL)/plasma nicotine (ng/mL). The subject developed nausea and severe vomiting with raised blood pressure and pulse rate following administration of NG. The ratio of plasma cotinine/nicotine was 0.4 indicative of poor nicotine metabolic rate. Exposure to nicotine using the subject's normal cigarette did not produce similar adverse effects. Conclusion: NG may be associated with adverse reactions in smokers with low nicotine metabolic rate. Physicians in smoking cessation programs should be aware that some individuals may not tolerate this form of pharmacological treatment.
Analysis of prefabricated steel dome nodal connection behaviour
Authors: Skejić Davor , Alagušić Anamarija , Hrg Gabrijela , Lokin Marija , Damjanović Domagoj
Published: April 2019

The behaviour of a steel geodesic dome node, optimised from the aspect of its assembly, is characterized in the paper. It is an overlap connection with one bolt, where tubular members are flattened and additionally bent to obtain the required dome configuration. Results obtained by means of original laboratory testing and numerical analyses are compared with analytic values determined via simplified expressions for calculation of cross sectional resistance, i.e. govern failure mode. A structural solution is recommended in order to improve this dome connection behaviour and optimise the structure as a whole.