bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induced Gamma-Band Activity during Actual and Imaginary Movements: EEG Analysis
Authors: Amo Usanos Carlos , Boquete Luciano , de Santiago Luis , Barea Navarro Rafael , Cavaliere Carlo
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this paper is to record and analyze induced gamma-band activity (GBA) (30–60 Hz) in cerebral motor areas during imaginary movement and to compare it quantitatively with activity recorded in the same areas during actual movement using a simplified electroencephalogram (EEG). Brain activity (basal activity, imaginary motor task and actual motor task) is obtained from 12 healthy volunteer subjects using an EEG (Cz channel). GBA is analyzed using the mean power spectral density (PSD) value. Event-related synchronization (ERS) is calculated from the PSD values of the basal GBA (GBAb), the GBA of the imaginary movement (GBAim) and the GBA of the actual movement (GBAac). The mean GBAim and GBAac values for the right and left hands are significantly higher than the GBAb value (p = 0.007). No significant difference is detected between mean GBA values during the imaginary and actual movement (p = 0.242). The mean ERS values for the imaginary movement (ERSimM (%) = 23.52) and for the actual movement (ERSacM = 27.47) do not present any significant difference (p = 0.117). We demonstrated that ERS could provide a useful way of indirectly checking the function of neuronal motor circuits activated by voluntary movement, both imaginary and actual. These results, as a proof of concept, could be applied to physiology studies, brain–computer interfaces, and diagnosis of cognitive or motor pathologies.
Integrated Geophysics and Geomatics Surveys in the Valley of the Kings
Authors: Porcelli Francesco , Sambuelli Luigi , Comina Cesare , Spanò Antonia , Lingua Andrea , Calantropio Alessio , Catanzariti Gianluca , Chiabrando Filiberto , Fischanger Federico , Maschio Paolo , Ellaithy Ahmed , Airoldi Giulia , De Ruvo Valeria
Published: March 2020

Recent results within the framework of the collaborative project The Complete Geophysical Survey of the Valley of the Kings (VOK) (Luxor, Egypt) are reported in this article. In October 2018, a team of geomatics and geophysics researchers coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Turin worked side by side in the VOK. Topographic measurements in support of geophysical surveys and the achievement of a very large-scale 3D map of the Eastern VOK were the two main objectives of the geomatics campaign. Innovative 3D metric technologies and methods, based on terrestrial laser scanning (both static and mobile) and close-range photogrammetry were employed by the Geomatics team. The geophysical campaign focused on the acquisition of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and high spatial density Geomagnetic (GM) data. ERT new data around KV62, both inverted in 2D sections and added to the previous ones to perform a new global 3D inversion, confirm the previous results showing both conductive and resistive anomalies that have to be explained. GPR timeslices showed some interesting features in the area in front of the KV2 entrance where GM gradient map also presents localized anomalies. In the area SSW of the KV2 the GM gradient maps evidenced also a large semicircular anomaly which, up to now, has no explanation. The potentialities of using magnetic techniques as a complement to other non-invasive techniques in the search for structures of archeological significance have been explored. The application of modern and innovative methods of 3D metric survey enabled to achieve a complete 3D mapping of what is currently visible in the valley. The integration of 2D/3D mapping data concerning visible elements and hypothetical anomalies, together with the recovering in the same global reference system of underground documentation pertaining to the Theban Mapping Project, prefigure the enhancement of multi-temporal site representation. This strategy enables the fruition development of the already discovered archaeological heritage, using modern criteria of valorization and conservation.
ADAPTS: An Intelligent Sustainable Conceptual Framework for Engineering Projects
Authors: Luque Amalia , De Las Heras Ana , Ávila-Gutiérrez María Jesús , Zamora-Polo Francisco
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a conceptual framework for the optimization of environmental sustainability in engineering projects, both for products and industrial facilities or processes. The main objective of this work is to propose a conceptual framework to help researchers to approach optimization under the criteria of sustainability of engineering projects, making use of current Machine Learning techniques. For the development of this conceptual framework, a bibliographic search has been carried out on the Web of Science. From the selected documents and through a hermeneutic procedure the texts have been analyzed and the conceptual framework has been carried out. A graphic representation pyramid shape is shown to clearly define the variables of the proposed conceptual framework and their relationships. The conceptual framework consists of 5 dimensions; its acronym is ADAPTS. In the base are: (1) the Application to which it is intended, (2) the available DAta, (3) the APproach under which it is operated, and (4) the machine learning Tool used. At the top of the pyramid, (5) the necessary Sensing. A study case is proposed to show its applicability. This work is part of a broader line of research, in terms of optimization under sustainability criteria.
Polarimetric Stationarity Omnibus Test (PSOT) for Selecting Persistent Scatterer Candidates with Quad-Polarimetric SAR Datasets
Authors: Luo Xingjun , Wang Changcheng , Shen Peng
Published: March 2020

In the traditional single polarimetric persistent scatterers interferometric (PSI) technology, the amplitude dispersion index (ADI) is usually used to select persistent scatterer candidates (PSC). Obviously, based on single polarimetric information, it is difficult to use the statistical characteristics for comprehensively describing the temporal stability of scatterers, which leads to a decrease in persistent scatterer (PS) density. Considering that the temporal polarimetric stationarity of PS, the paper is based on complex Wishart distribution and proposes the polarimetric stationarity omnibus test (PSOT) for identifying PSC. The nonstationary pixels can be removed by the preset significance threshold, which reduces the subsequent processing error and the calculation cost. Then, the exhaustive search polarimetric optimization (ESPO) method is selected for improving the phase quality of PSCs while suppressing the sidelobe of the strong scatterer effectively. For validating the effectiveness of the proposed method, we select a time-series quad-polarimetric ALOS PALSAR-1 images in an urban area as experimental data and mainly perform five group experiments for detailed analysis, including the PSOT+ESPO, ADI+ESPO, ADI+HH, ADI+HV, and ADI+VV. The results show that the proposed PSOT+ESPO method has a better performance on both PSC selection and interferometric phase optimization aspects than that of other methods. Specifically, compared to the last four methods, both the PSCs and PSs identified by the proposed PSOT+ESPO are more concentrated in the high-coherence region. The PSs with the standard deviation (STD) less than 5mm in the PSOT+ESPO method account for 94% of all PSs, which is greater than that of the ADI+ESPO, ADI+HH, ADI+HV, and ADI+VV methods, respectively.
Optimization of magnetic properties and GMI effect of Thin Co-rich Microwires for GMI Microsensors
Authors: Gonzalez-Legarreta Lorena , Corte-Leon Paula , Zhukova Valentina , Ipatov Mihail , Blanco Juan Maria , Gonzalez Julian , Zhukov Arcady
Published: March 2020

Magnetic microwires can present excellent soft magnetic properties and a giant magnetoimpedance effect. In this paper, we present our last results on the effect of postprocessing allowing optimization of the magnetoimpedance effect in Co-rich microwires suitable for magnetic microsensor applications. Giant magnetoimpedance effect improvement was achieved either by annealing or stress-annealing. Annealed Co-rich presents rectangular hysteresis loops. However, an improvement in magnetoimpedance ratio is observed at fairly high annealing temperatures over a wide frequency range. Application of stress during annealing at moderate values of annealing temperatures and stress allows for a remarkable decrease in coercivity and increase in squareness ratio and further giant magnetoimpedance effect improvement. Stress-annealing, carried out at sufficiently high temperatures and/or stress allowed induction of transverse magnetic anisotropy, as well as magnetoimpedance effect improvement. Enhanced magnetoimpedance ratio values for annealed and stress-annealed samples and frequency dependence of the magnetoimpedance are discussed in terms of the radial distribution of the magnetic anisotropy. Accordingly, we demonstrated that the giant magnetoimpedance effect of Co-rich microwires can be tailored by controlling the magnetic anisotropy of Co-rich microwires, using appropriate thermal treatment.
Color-Guided Depth Map Super-Resolution Using a Dual-Branch Multi-Scale Residual Network with Channel Interaction
Authors: Chen Ruijin , Gao Wei
Published: March 2020

We designed an end-to-end dual-branch residual network architecture that inputs a low-resolution (LR) depth map and a corresponding high-resolution (HR) color image separately into the two branches, and outputs an HR depth map through a multi-scale, channel-wise feature extraction, interaction, and upsampling. Each branch of this network contains several residual levels at different scales, and each level comprises multiple residual groups composed of several residual blocks. A short-skip connection in every residual block and a long-skip connection in each residual group or level allow for low-frequency information to be bypassed while the main network focuses on learning high-frequency information. High-frequency information learned by each residual block in the color image branch is input into the corresponding residual block in the depth map branch, and this kind of channel-wise feature supplement and fusion can not only help the depth map branch to alleviate blur in details like edges, but also introduce some depth artifacts to feature maps. To avoid the above introduced artifacts, the channel interaction fuses the feature maps using weights referring to the channel attention mechanism. The parallel multi-scale network architecture with channel interaction for feature guidance is the main contribution of our work and experiments show that our proposed method had a better performance in terms of accuracy compared with other methods.
Light-Dependent Resistors as Dosimetric Sensors in Radiotherapy
Authors: Román-Raya Juan , Ruiz-García Isidoro , Escobedo Pablo , Palma Alberto J. , Guirado Damián , Carvajal Miguel A.
Published: March 2020

Safe quality control of radiotherapy treatments lies in reliable dosimetric sensors. Currently, ionization chambers and solid-state diodes along with electrometers as readout systems are accomplishing this task. In this work, we present a well-known and low-cost semiconductor sensor, the light-dependent resistor (LDR), as an alternative to the existing sensing devices for dosimetry. To demonstrate this, a complete characterization of the response to radiation of commercial LDRs has been conducted in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility and thermal correction under different bias voltages. Irradiation sessions have been applied under the common conditions in radiotherapy treatments using a hospital linear accelerator. Moreover, the same electrometer used for the ionization chamber has also been successfully used for LDRs. In comparison with the sensitivity achieved for the ionization chamber (0.2 nC/cGy at 400 V bias voltage), higher sensitivities have been measured for the proposed LDRs, ranging from 0.24 to 1.04 nC/cGy at bias voltages from 30 to 150 V, with a reproducibility uncertainty among samples of around 10%. In addition, LDR temperature dependence has been properly modeled using the simple thermistor model so that an easy thermal drift correction of dose measurements can be applied. Therefore, experimental results show that LDRs can be a reliable alternative to dosimetric sensors with the advantages of low size, affordable cost and the fact that it could be adopted with minimal changes in routine dosimetry quality control since the same readout system is fully compatible.
Automatic Detection of Arrhythmia Based on Multi-Resolution Representation of ECG Signal
Authors: Wang Dongqi , Meng Qinghua , Chen Dongming , Zhang Hupo , Xu Lisheng
Published: March 2020

Automatic detection of arrhythmia is of great significance for early prevention and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Traditional feature engineering methods based on expert knowledge lack multidimensional and multi-view information abstraction and data representation ability, so the traditional research on pattern recognition of arrhythmia detection cannot achieve satisfactory results. Recently, with the increase of deep learning technology, automatic feature extraction of ECG data based on deep neural networks has been widely discussed. In order to utilize the complementary strength between different schemes, in this paper, we propose an arrhythmia detection method based on the multi-resolution representation (MRR) of ECG signals. This method utilizes four different up to date deep neural networks as four channel models for ECG vector representations learning. The deep learning based representations, together with hand-crafted features of ECG, forms the MRR, which is the input of the downstream classification strategy. The experimental results of big ECG dataset multi-label classification confirm that the F1 score of the proposed method is 0.9238, which is 1.31%, 0.62%, 1.18% and 0.6% higher than that of each channel model. From the perspective of architecture, this proposed method is highly scalable and can be employed as an example for arrhythmia recognition.
Continuous Vital Monitoring During Sleep and Light Activity Using Carbon-Black Elastomer Sensors
Authors: Jayarathna Titus , Gargiulo Gaetano D. , Breen Paul P.
Published: March 2020

The comfortable, continuous monitoring of vital parameters is still a challenge. The long-term measurement of respiration and cardiovascular signals is required to diagnose cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Similarly, sleep quality assessment and the recovery period following acute treatments require long-term vital parameter datalogging. To address these requirements, we have developed “VitalCore”, a wearable continuous vital parameter monitoring device in the form of a T-shirt targeting the uninterrupted monitoring of respiration, pulse, and actigraphy. VitalCore uses polymer-based stretchable resistive bands as the primary sensor to capture breathing and pulse patterns from chest expansion. The carbon black-impregnated polymer is implemented in a U-shaped configuration and attached to the T-shirt with “interfacing” material along with the accompanying electronics. In this paper, VitalCore is bench tested and compared to gold standard respiration and pulse measurements to verify its functionality and further to assess the quality of data captured during sleep and during light exercise (walking). We show that these polymer-based sensors could identify respiratory peaks with a sensitivity of 99.44%, precision of 96.23%, and false-negative rate of 0.557% during sleep. We also show that this T-shirt configuration allows the wearer to sleep in all sleeping positions with a negligible difference of data quality. The device was also able to capture breathing during gait with 88.9–100% accuracy in respiratory peak detection.
Method for Localization Aerial Target in AC Electric Field Based on Sensor Circular Array
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Li Peng , Zhou Nianrong , Suo Chunguang , Chen Weiren , Wang Yanyun , Zhao Jiawen , Li Yincheng
Published: March 2020

The traditional method of using electric field sensors to realize early warning of electric power safety distance cannot measure the distance of dangerous sources. Therefore, aiming at the electric field with a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz (AC electric field), a new method for localization of aerial AC target by the capacitive one-dimensional spherical electric field sensor circular array is studied. This method can directly calculate the distance, elevation, and azimuth of the detector from the dangerous source. By combining the measurement principle of the spherical electric field sensor and the plane circular array theory, a mathematical model for the localization of aerial targets in an AC electric field is established. An error model was established using Gaussian noise and the effects of different layout parameters on the localization error were simulated. Based on mutual interference between sensors, minimum induced charge, and localization error, an optimal model for sensor layout was established, and it was solved by using genetic algorithms. The optimization results show that when the number of sensors is 4, the array radius is 20 cm, and the sensor radius is 1.5 cm, the ranging error is 8.4%. The detector was developed based on the layout parameters obtained from the optimization results, and the localization method was experimentally verified at 10 and 35 kV alarm distances. The experimental results show that when the detector is located at 10 kV alarm distance, the distance error is 0.18 m, the elevation error is 6.8°, and the azimuth error is 4.57°, and when it is located at 35 kV alarm distance, the distance error is 0.2 m, the elevation error is 4.8°, and the azimuth error is 5.14°, which meets the safety distance warning requirements of 10 and 35 kV voltage levels.
A Multi-Static Radar Network with Ultra-Wideband Radio-Equipped Devices
Authors: Ledergerber Anton , D’Andrea Raffaello
Published: March 2020

A growing number of devices, from car key fobs to mobile phones to WiFi-routers, are equipped with ultra-wideband radios. In the network formed by these devices, communicating modules often estimate the channel impulse response to employ a matched filter to decode transmitted data or to accurately time stamp incoming messages when estimating the time-of-flight for localization. This paper investigates how such measurements of the channel impulse response can be utilized to augment existing ultra-wideband communication and localization networks to a multi-static radar network. The approach is experimentally evaluated using off-the-shelf hardware and simple, distributed filtering, and shows that a tag-free human walking in the space equipped with ultra-wideband modules can be tracked in real time. This opens the door for various location-based smart home applications, ranging from smart audio and light systems to elderly monitoring and security systems.
Rectification of Bowl-Shape Deformation of Tidal Flat DEM derived from UAV Imaging
Authors: Lee Hyoseong , Han Dongyeob
Published: March 2020

It is necessary to periodically obtain topographic maps of the geographical and environmental characteristics of tidal flats to systemically manage and monitor them. Accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) of the tidal flats are produced while using ground control points (GCPs); however, it is both complicated and difficult to conduct GPS surveys and readings of image coordinates that correspond to these because tidal flat areas are not easy to access. The position and distribution of GCPs affect DEMs, because the entire working area cannot be covered during a survey. In this study, a least-squares height-difference (LHD) DEM matching method with a polynomial model is proposed to increase the number of DEM grids while using a presecured precise DEM to rectify the distortion and bowl effect produced by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images. The most appropriate result was obtained when the translation parameters were quadratic curve polynomials with an increasing number of grids and the rotation parameters were constant. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method reduced the distortion and eliminated the error caused by the bowl effect while only using a reference DEM.
Multilayer WO3/BiVO4 Photoanodes for Solar-Driven Water Splitting Prepared by RF-Plasma Sputtering
Authors: Pedroni Matteo , Chiarello Gian Luca , Vassallo Espedito , Selli Elena
Published: March 2020

A series of WO3, BiVO4 and WO3/BiVO4 heterojunction coatings were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), by means of reactive radio frequency (RF) plasma (co)sputtering, and tested as photoanodes for water splitting under simulated AM 1.5 G solar light in a three-electrode photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell in a 0.5 M NaSO4 electrolyte solution. The PEC performance and time stability of the heterojunction increases with an increase of the WO3 innermost layer up to 1000 nm. A two-step calcination treatment (600 °C after WO3 deposition followed by 400 °C after BiVO4 deposition) led to a most performing photoanode under back-side irradiation, generating a photocurrent density of 1.7 mA cm−2 at 1.4 V vs. SCE (i.e., two-fold and five-fold higher than that generated by individual WO3 and BiVO4 photoanodes, respectively). The incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) measurements reveal the presence of two activity regions over the heterojunction with respect to WO3 alone: The PEC efficiency increases due to improved charge carrier separation above 450 nm (i.e., below the WO3 excitation energy), while it decreases below 450 nm (i.e., when both semiconductors are excited) due to electron–hole recombination at the interface of the two semiconductors.
Finite-Time Control for Nonlinear Systems with Time-Varying Delay and Exogenous Disturbance
Authors: Ruan Yanli , Huang Tianmin
Published: March 2020

This paper is concerned with the problem of finite-time control for nonlinear systems with time-varying delay and exogenous disturbance, which can be represented by a Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model. First, by constructing a novel augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional involving several symmetric positive definite matrices, a new delay-dependent finite-time boundedness criterion is established for the considered T-S fuzzy time-delay system by employing an improved reciprocally convex combination inequality. Then, a memory state feedback controller is designed to guarantee the finite-time boundness of the closed-loop T-S fuzzy time-delay system, which is in the framework of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, the effectiveness and merits of the proposed results are shown by a numerical example.
Design of an Aftermarket Hybridization Kit: Reducing Costs and Emissions Considering a Local Driving Cycle
Authors: Eckert Jony Javorski , Santiciolli Fabio Mazzariol , Silva Ludmila Corrêa de Alkmin e , Corrêa Fernanda Cristina , Dedini Franco Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

For decades, drivers and fleet managers have been impacted by the instability of fuel prices, the need to save resources and the duty to meet and attain environmental regulations and certifications. Aiming to increase performance and efficiency and reduce emissions and mileage costs, plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) have been pointed out as a viable option, but there are gaps related to tools that could improve the numerous existing conventional vehicles. This study presents the design of an aftermarket hybridization kit that converts a vehicle originally driven by a combustion engine into a PHEV. To achieve this goal, an optimization was conducted with the objective of decreasing the cost (regarding fuel consumption and battery charging) to perform a local driving cycle, while attenuating the tailpipe emissions and reducing the battery mass. The torque curves of the electric motors, the battery capacity, the parameters for a gear shifting strategy and the parameters for a power split control were the design variables in the optimization process. This study used the Campinas driving cycle, which was experimentally obtained in a real-world driving scenario. The use of a local driving cycle to tune the design variables of an aftermarket optimization kit is important to achieve a customized product according to the selling location. Among the optimum solutions, the best trade-off configuration was able to decrease the mileage cost in 22.55%, and reduce the tailpipe emissions by 28.4% CO, 33.55% NOx and 19.11% HC, with the addition of a 137 kg battery.
Simulating Flow of An Urban River Course with Complex Cross Sections Based on the MIKE21 FM Model
Authors: Wang Qianxun , Peng Wenqi , Dong Fei , Liu Xiaobo , Ou Nan
Published: March 2020

In this case study, the method of unsteady flow was used to study the flow characteristics of a planned urban river course, River A, with complex cross sections, based on the MIKE21 FM hydrodynamic module, which is an important tool for analyzing and solving hydrodynamic problems. First, the rationality and feasibility of the planning scheme were verified by building a two-dimensional numerical model, which can provide a scientific basis for the river course planning. Then, the flow characteristic of the river course was analyzed and summarized, to give several suggestions and improvement measures for follow-up river planning. Finally, on the basis of the case study, the general rules of hydraulic factors in river courses with complex cross sections were summarized, which can facilitate the understanding of the genesis and evolution of river courses.
Application of Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis in Regional Flood Frequency Analysis: A Case Study in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Rahman Ayesha S , Rahman Ataur
Published: March 2020

This paper examines the applicability of principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis in regional flood frequency analysis. A total of 88 sites in New South Wales, Australia are adopted. Quantile regression technique (QRT) is integrated with the PCA to estimate the flood quantiles. A total of eight catchment characteristics are selected as predictor variables. A leave-one-out validation is applied to determine the efficiency of the developed statistical models using an ensemble of evaluation diagnostics. It is found that the PCA with QRT model does not perform well, whereas cluster/group formed with smaller sized catchments performs better (with a median relative error values ranging from 22% to 37%) than other clusters/groups. No linkage is found between the degree of heterogeneity in the clusters/groups and precision of flood quantile prediction by the multiple linear regression technique.
Iron Loss Modelling of Electrical Traction Motors for Improved Prediction of Higher Harmonic Losses
Authors: Rens Jan , Vandenbossche Lode , Dorez Ophélie
Published: March 2020

A Finite Element (FE) modelling approach is presented to account for the core losses in electrical machines that are generated by higher harmonic frequencies, for example those caused by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) switching or by space harmonics due to the machine geometry. The model builds further on a post-processing calculation tool that was recently developed to take into account the magnetic skin effect in electrical steel laminations at high frequencies, and extends this by a more detailed loss analysis of the minor hysteresis loops that are caused by the higher harmonics. Further, these tools for high-frequency loss analysis are integrated into a complete electrical machine model with separate consideration of the major and minor loops. The modelling approach relies strongly on extensive magnetic measurement data of the electrical steel, in order to accurately predict the different loss components for minor hysteresis loops as a function of the DC bias field, frequency and amplitude of the minor loop. Results from the model are shown for an automotive traction motor, illustrating the losses caused by PWM harmonics and demonstrating the relevance of including the skin effect in these calculations.
Análise derivativa de testes de bombeamento em aquíferos fissurais no município de Jundiaí/SP
Authors: Cruz Fábio , Teramoto Elias Hideo , Navarro Juan , Chang Hung Kiang
Published: March 2020

A água subterrânea extraída de aquíferos cristalinos é a principal fonte de água em diversas partes do mundo, particularmente em regiões em desenvolvimento, como África subsaariana, Brasil e Índia. Décadas de pesquisas permitiram constatar uma forte complexidade do regime de fluxo nestes aquíferos, notadamente heterogêneos e anisotrópicos. Tradicionalmente, no Brasil, é assumido que a água se encontra armazenada em descontinuidades geológicas verticalizadas, associadas a zonas pretéritas de falhamentos. Tendo em vista o elevado potencial dos testes de bombeamento para diagnosticar o regime de fluxo, o presente trabalho consistiu na análise derivativa de testes de bombeamento de três poços situados no munícipio de Jundiaí/SP, com vistas ao aprimoramento da compreensão dos modelos conceituais de fluxo em aquíferos fissurais. Tentativas de ajustes com soluções para fraturas verticais e horizontais simples não produziram resultados satisfatórios. Embora nenhuma solução testada tenha se ajustado perfeitamente às curvas de rebaixamento obtidos nos testes de bombeamento, verificou-se que os melhores ajustes foram obtidos com o emprego da solução para aquíferos fraturados com dupla porosidade, compatível com o contexto geológico da área estudada. Novos estudos, similares ao descrito neste trabalho, devem ser conduzidos para o aprimoramento do entendimento das condicionantes de fluxo neste tipo de aquífero.
Análise integrada da paisagem: perfis geoecológicos na transição Planalto Ocidental - Depressão Periférica no município de São Pedro, estado de São Paulo
Authors: Ramos Fernanda , Barreiros André Mateus , Villela Fernando Nadal Junqueira , Pinheiro Marcos Roberto
Published: March 2020

O presente artigo aborda as contribuições advindas do uso de perfis geoecológicos na análise integrada da paisagem. A pesquisa foi baseada no estudo de transectos na transição do Planalto Ocidental para a Depressão Periférica em São Pedro - SP, e buscou compreender a organização e dinâmica da paisagem local, de modo a hierarquizar as forças atuantes em uma perspectiva geossistêmica. Fazendo uso de bases cartográficas, fotografias aéreas e imagem SRTM, levantaram-se características geológicas, geomorfológicas, pedológicas e hidrográficas, bem como a vegetação original e uso da terra atual. Ainda no contexto geográfico, foi possível estabelecer relações sistêmicas entre os temas escolhidos e suas respectivas escalas de atuação, verificando-se a interação dos elementos que compõem a paisagem a partir de um perfil síntese, permitindo também melhor compreensão da atuação antrópica na área de estudo. Os resultados demonstraram forte influência de caráter litoestrutural, assim como uma ocupação antrópica dependente das condições topográficas e pedológicas.
Global market of sexual nature services. Case for Ukraine
Authors: Kurmaiev Petro
Published: March 2020

The global market of sexual nature services has an impact on the sustainable development pace, covering various spheres of public activity. We understand it as a set of relationships the purpose of which is to meet the needs of a sexual nature on a paid basis. The development of a global market of sexual nature services determines the vector and dynamics of the functioning of national markets. The article is devoted to the research of the market of sexual nature services of Ukraine. Methods of generalization and expert evaluations were used in the research process; for collecting information survey method was used. The article deals with the structuring of the market of sexual nature services of Ukraine with the allocation of markets: prostitution and sex tourism, pornography, trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The quantitative indicators and features of the components of the market of sexual nature services functioning are analyzed. The thesis is based on the further rapid development of the market of sexual nature services and its components in Ukraine. It is indicated by the low efficiency of state regulation of the market of sexual nature services in Ukraine. The negative consequences of the ineffective regulation of the market of sexual nature services, which include the reduction of opportunities for protecting the rights and freedoms for persons involved in prostitution work, pornography and other areas, are presented.
ASSESSMENT OF DEMENTIA IN THE TYPE 2 DIABETES BY MOCA
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Toan
Published: March 2020

Background: Studies show that diabetes mellitus is the greatest lifestyle risk factor for dementia. Appropriate management and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus could prevent the onset and progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia. MoCA test is high sensitivity with mild dementia but it have not been used and studied widespread in Vietnam. Aim: 1. Using MoCA and MMSE to diagnose dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. 2. Assessment of the relationship between dementia and the risk factors.
Methods: cross-sectional description in 102 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess cognitive function. The diagnosis of dementia was made according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Results: The average value for MoCA in the group of patients with dementia (15.35 ± 2.69) compared with non-dementia group (20.72 ± 4.53). The sensitivity and specificity of MoCA were 84.8% and 78.3% in identifying individuals with dementia, and MMSE were 78.5% and 82.6%, respectively. Using DSMIV criteria as gold standard we found MoCA and MMSE were more similar for dementia cases (AUC 0.871 and 0.890). The concordance between MoCA and MMSE was moderate (kappa = 0.485). When considering the risk factors, the education,the age, HbA1c, dyslipidemia, Cholesterol total related with dementia in the type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion: MoCA scale is a good screening test of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.When compared with the MMSE scale, MoCA scale is more sensitive in detecting dementia.

Key words: MoCA, dementia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, risk factors
CLINICAL FEATURES, INDICATIONS AND RESULT OF TRACHEOTOMY
Authors: Ngo Duc Luu , Nguyen Tu The , Ho Manh Hung , Le Thanh Thai
Published: March 2020

Background: This study aims to survey some clinical features, indications and results of tracheotomy at Hue Central Hospital and Hue University Hospital.
Patients and method: Studying on 77 patients who underwent tracheotomy at all of departments and designed as an prospective, descriptive and interventional study.
Results: Male-female ratio was 4/1. Mean age was 49 years. Career: farmer 44.2%, worker 27.2%, officials 14.3%, student 7.8%, other jobs 6.5%. Respiratory condition before tracheotomy: underwent intubation 62.3%, didn’t undergo intubation 37.7%. Period of stay of endotracheal tube: 1-5 days 29.2%, 6-14 days 52.1%, >14 days 18.7%. Levels of dyspnea before tracheotomy: level I 41.4%, level II 48.3%, level III 0%, 10.3% of cases didn’t have dyspnea. Twenty cases (26%) were performed as an emergency while fifty seven (74%) as elective produces. Classic indications (37.7%) and modern indications (62.3%). On the bases of the site, we divided tracheostomy into three groups: high (0%), mid (25.3%) and low (74.7%). During follow-up, 44 complications occurred in 29 patients (37.7%). Tracheobronchitis 14.3%, tube obstruction 13%, subcutaneous empysema 10.4%, hemorrhage 5%, diffcult decannulation 5.2%, tube displacement 3.9%, canule watery past 2.6%, wound infection 1.3%. The final result after tracheotomy 3 months: there are 33 patients (42.9%) were successfully decannulated. In the 33 patients who were successfully decannulated: the duration of tracheotomy ranged from 1 day to 90 days, beautiful scar (51.5%), medium scar (36.4%), bad scar (12.1%).
Conclusions: In tracheotomy male were more than female, adult were more than children. The main indication was morden indication. Tracheobronchitis and tube obstruction were more common than other complications.

Key words: Tracheotomy
THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF OPERATION COLORECTAL ADENOMATOUS POLYPOSIS BY LAPAROSCOPY
Authors: Le Quoc Phong , Pham Nhu Hiep
Published: March 2020

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics, paraclinic, the operative indication and treatment outcomes operation of colorectal polyposis by laparoscopic.
Marterials: 12 patients with colorectal polyposis, is surgically the subtotal colectomy, and the total colorectomy by laparoscopic from 11/2012 to 4/2015 at Digestive Surgical Department of Hue Central Hospital.
Method: Prospective study, all patients were examined clinically, endoscopic colorectal, operative indication, the type of surgery, lengh of post-operative stay, complications, and pathology.
Results: From 11/2012 to 4/2015. We had overalled 12 patients: 8 males and 4 females, the mean patient was 36.33 ± 19.5 years of age (15-71). Dyspepsia 66.7%, bloody stools 100%. Laparoscopic segmental bowel resection in four (33,3%) cases: right hemicolectomy in one (8.3%), resection of transverse colon in one (8.3%), left hemicolectomy in two (16.7%), and totally colorectomy in eight (66.7%) by laparoscopic surgery. The mean post-operative hospital stay was 10.1 ± 3.8 days. The early complication: fistula anastomosis in one (8.3%), patients recovered after conservative treatment, no bleeding and no wound infection. The pathology is adematous polyps 91.7% and hyperplasia polyps 8.3%.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is currently the technique of choice. The resection of colorectal polyposis is the method safe, effective, high success, low rate complications.

Key words: laparoscopic, polyposis, colo-rectal polyposis, hemicolectomy
FIRSTLY EXPERIENCE OF TRANSANAL AND TRANSVAGINAL NOTES FOR COLORECTAL CANCER
Authors: Pham Nhu Hiep
Published: March 2020

Objective: Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) is an important variation in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) nowaday. We would like to present the techniques and the results of the pure transanal and transvaginal laparoscopies (NOTES) in treatment of colorectal cancer.
Material and method: Prospective study at Hue Central Hospital, Vietnam. Patients: From December 2013 to December 2015, 22 cololorectal cancers (17 rectum, 4 sigmoid tumors and 1 descending colon), adenocarcinoma, T≤ T3N1M0.
Methods: The patients were placed in the lithotomy and Trendelenburg position, and the lone-star retractor was placed in anus (rectum cancer) or vagina (sigmoid cancer). Inflating of surgical cavity with CO2 and setting at 12 mmHg. Continuing dissection until go inside of the abdominal cavity (transanal technique), after that, the rectum was pushed into the abdominal cavity. The IMA, IMV were divided (TME included) in both techniques. After finishing dissection, specimens were pulled out through the anus or vagina to prepare anastomosis. The coloanal or colorectal anastomosis was performed by hand-sewn (6 cases) or by EEA staplers (16 cases).
Results: 3 patients needed one more 5 mm umbilical port in RLQ, 1 patient needed two 5mm trocars (post radiation hemorrhagy, urethral perforation,…). 1 patient converted to open and 1 patient converted to HYBRID-NOTES procedure. The operation time was 258 ± 40 (190 - 300). All patients required minimal analgesia. Bowel movement returned on the first day in 16 patients (average: 2 days, maximum: 3 days). The hospital stay was 8 ± 2,6 (4 -14 days). Kirwan clasification (sphinter function) is very good (stage I: 16).
Conclusions: Pure transanal and transvaginal laparoscopies in treatment of colorectal cancer are feasible and safe. It seems to be the first pure transvaginal laparoscopy (NOTES) for human in the world. However, a multicentric studies and long follow-up are necessary.

Key words: Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES), colorectal cancer, Pure transanal
STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARASITIC INFECTION AND KNOWLEDGE, HYGIENIC PRACTICAL MEASURES OF PARASITIC INFECTIOUS PREVENTION IN VINH THAI COMMUNITY
Authors:   Nu Phuong Anh Ton; Thi Minh Chau Ngo; et al
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Intestinal parasite infections werecommonintropical country such as Vietnam. Having good knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention and changing risk behaviors can decrease the infection rate. Objective: To evaluate the parasitic infectious rate in Vinh Thai community before and after being health education and the changing of knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention and risk behaviors.
Materials and methods: 60 households in Vinh Thai commune were interviewed their knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention and examined intestinal parasite infection by Kato technique and then trained the knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention. The interview and examination parasite infectiousrate were carried out after 6 months to evaluating their knowledge.
Result: Before health education, the rate of intestinal parasite infection was 17.4% with the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, whipworm, pinworm, small fluke worm and co-infection with A. lumbricoides - whipworm, hookworm-whipworm were 0.1%; 8.0%; 5.8%; 0.6%; 0.3%; 1.2% and 3.0% respectively. Six months later the rate of intestinal parasite infection was decreased in 12.6% even though not statistical significantly. However, there were no case of small fluke worm and co-infection with hookworm-whipworm. Receiving health education, their knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention was higher significantly but their risk behaviors were not changed so much.
Conclusion: Health education can change the rate of parasite infection with higher knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention but it was necessary continuous study to change the risk behaviors.

Key words: intestinal parasite, health education
ROLE OF MAMMOGRAPHY AND CORE BIOPSY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST TUMOR
Authors: Phan Trong Hung , Dang Cong Thuan , Nguyen Thanh Thao
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Breast tumor is a popular disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Mammography is the chosen screening test and ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy provides (US-CNB) the pathologic result for treatment. Objective: To study the role of mammography and core biopsy in diagnosis of breast tumors.
Materials and methodology: Prospective and retrospective study of 33 breast tumors examined mammograms at Hue University Hospital and Hue Central Hospital from 7/2014 to 4/2017.
Results: Mean age of breast cancer: 52 years old, of benign breast disease: 53 years old. 86% of all cases admitted to hospital due to self-detecting breast tumor. Locations: 0-3h 33.3%, 9-12h 27.2%. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of mammography were 76.9%, 28.6% and 66.7% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy value of US-CNB were 95.2%, 85.6%, 95.2%, 85.6% and 92.9%, respectively. The value of combined with mammograms and US-CNB has improved the specificity and positive predictive value to 100%, accuracy value to 95.2%. Moreover, this combination discovered 7.1% breast cancer more.
Conclusion: US-CNB is a safe and less traumatic diagnostic tool with high pathologic efficiency. Combining mammography and US-CNB increases the diagnostic value.

Key words: Breast tumor, breast cancer, mammograms
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII ISOLATES IN HUE CENTRAL HOSPITAL AND HUE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Authors: Le Thi Anh Ngoc , Le Nu Xuan Thanh , Nguyen Thi Nam Lien , Ngo Viet Quynh Tram , Antonella Santon , Pietro Cappuccinelli
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to carbapenem is the most common cause of nosocomial infection, they are recognized as one of the most difficult to control and treat resistant agents. A. baumannii is the most important member of A. calcoaceticus- A. baumannii complex (ACB complex), which are closely related genetically then biochemical test systems are not able to identify unambiguously genomic species.
Objective: To identify species of Acinetobacter sp. strains of ACB complex and sequence types of A. baumannii strains.
Methods: Cross- sectional study. The subjects were 90 strains of ACB complex isolated and identified by biochemical methods at Hue University Hospital (UH) and Hue Central Hospital (CH). Performing the multiplex PCRs on the target gene gyrB and sequencing rpoB gene to identify species. Determining of antibiotic resistance by Kirby-Bauer method. Multi Locus Sequence Type (MLST) method was performed for 24 strains of A. baumannii to identify sequence types.
Results: Acinetobacter sp. were identified as A.bau-mannii (85.6%), A. nosocomialis (11.11%) and A. pittii (3.33%). All strains of ACB complex were sensitive to colistin and resistant to cefotaxime, amikacin. More than 90% of A.baumannii strains were resistant to carbapenem. Eleven sequence types (STs) of A.baumannii strains were identified; two of them were news (ST1463 and ST1464) and seven STs belonged to the Clonal Complex 92 (CC92), the most globally distributed clones; the ST795, ST797 and ST1463 are circulating in both of hospitals.
Conclusion: Combining multiplex PCRs on the target gene gyrB and sequencing rpoB gene have shown to be adequate for Acinetobacter sp.identification. MLST identified 11 sequence types from 24 A.baumannii isolates at two hospital in Hue.

Key words: ACB complex, Acinetobacter baumannii, MLST
VALUE OF SERUM IMA (ISCHEMIA MODIFIED ALBUMIN) IN DIAGNOSIS OF NON-ST SEGMENT ELEVATION ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES
Authors: Pham Quang Tuan , Nguyen Ta Dong , Ha Nguyen Tuong Van , Huynh Van Minh
Published: March 2020

Background: Early diagnosis in ACS is significant to treatment and prognosis. It helps to reduce death and complications. What is the value of IMA concentration for diagnosing non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. Objective: Studying the IMA concentration in blood serum in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes; determining sensitivity, specificity and cut off point of IMA in diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.
Subject and Method: 75 patients hospitalized in Hue Central Hospital with breast pang, presenting non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. Based-on the ESC Guidelines 2015, diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes is made on 37 of those as in a patients group; 38 others are chosen as a controls group. Cross-sectional study with comparison is applied.
Result: (i) Concentration of enzymes CK-MB and of hs-TnT in the patients group is higher compared with that in the controls group. Average IMA concentration in patients group is 93.49± 89.56 IU/mL (median: 58.57IU/mL) and higher compared with the controls group which reaches 15.01 ± 9.87 IU/mL (median: 11.735IU/mL). It results in a statistical significance p<0,001. (ii) The cut off point for diagnosing non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes > 28.68IU/mL, reaching a sensitivity at 91.9% and a specificity at 86.8%, AUC = 0.98, 95% CI=0.95-1.00, p<0.001, OR= 74.8, 95% CI =16.54 - 338.38, p<0.001.
Conclusion: IMA has high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Key words: iMA, NSTEMi, Acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation