bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of tunable microstrip diplexer with reconfigurable filtering characteristics based on dual‐mode square loop resonators
Authors: Kursad Gorur Ali , Dogan Engin , Karpuz Ceyhun , Gorur Adnan
Published: September 2020

A novel compact microstrip diplexer with tunable centre frequencies and reconfigurable filtering characteristics at both channels is presented. The designed diplexer is constructed by coupling two dual‐mode square loop resonators (DMSLRs) having different electrical lengths. The DMSLRs are investigated by virtue of the coupled line analysis to evaluate the resonance frequencies, transmission zeros and out‐band insertion loss level more conveniently. Centre frequencies of both channels can be independently tuned by the varactor diodes utilised instead of perturbation and reference capacitances. Depending on the specialised values of perturbation and reference capacitances, filtering characteristics of both channels can be reconfigured in terms of transmission zeros. The designed diplexer was fabricated and tested for the experimental studies and the measurements were obtained in a good agreement with the predicted results. Tuning ranges of the measured centre frequency in the first channel are between 1.23 and 1.43 and 1.35 and 1.64 GHz for the filtering characteristics with right‐ and left‐side transmission zeros, respectively. In the second channel, they are 2.07–2.31 and 2.14–2.51 GHz for the filtering characteristics with real‐ and imaginary‐axis transmission zeros, respectively. Isolation between two channels has been obtained better than 22 dB.
Luminous supernovae associated with ultra-long gamma-ray bursts from hydrogen-free progenitors extended by pulsational pair-instability
Authors: Moriya Takashi J. , Marchant Pablo , Blinnikov Sergei I.
Published: September 2020

We show that the luminous supernovae associated with ultra-long gamma-ray bursts can be related to the slow cooling from the explosions of hydrogen-free progenitors that are extended by pulsational pair-instability. We have recently shown that some rapidly-rotating hydrogen-free gamma-ray burst progenitors that experience pulsational pair-instability can keep an extended structure caused by pulsational pair-instability until the core collapse. These types of progenitors have large radii exceeding 10 R⊙ and they sometimes reach beyond 1000 R⊙ at the time of the core collapse. They are, therefore, promising progenitors of ultra-long gamma-ray bursts. Here, we perform light-curve modeling of the explosions of one extended hydrogen-free progenitor with a radius of 1962 R⊙. The progenitor mass is 50 M⊙ and 5 M⊙ exists in the extended envelope. We use the one-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics code STELLA in which the explosions are initiated artificially by setting given explosion energy and 56Ni mass. Thanks to the large progenitor radius, the ejecta experience slow cooling after the shock breakout and they become rapidly evolving (≲10 days), luminous (≳1043 erg s−1) supernovae in the optical even without energy input from the 56Ni nuclear decay when the explosion energy is more than 1052 erg. The 56Ni decay energy input can affect the light curves after the optical light-curve peak and make the light-curve decay slowly when the 56Ni mass is around 1 M⊙. They also have a fast photospheric velocity above 10 000 km s−1 and a hot photospheric temperature above 10 000 K at around the peak luminosity. We find that the rapid rise and luminous peak found in the optical light curve of SN 2011kl, which is associated with the ultra-long gamma-ray burst GRB 111209A, can be explained as the cooling phase of the extended progenitor. The subsequent slow light-curve decline can be related to the 56Ni decay energy input. The ultra-long gamma-ray burst progenitors we proposed recently can explain both the ultra-long gamma-ray burst duration and the accompanying supernova properties. When the gamma-ray burst jet is off-axis or choked, the luminous supernovae could be observed as fast blue optical transients without accompanying gamma-ray bursts.
Characteristics of particleboard manufactured from bamboo shoot sheaths
Authors: Srichan Surat , Raongjant Werasak
Published: September 2020

This study emphasizes on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of single-layer particleboard manufactured from bamboo shoot sheaths. Particleboards were produced through the hot-pressed process and glued together by Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI) adhesive. This is in order for producing specified densities of boards as 400-kg, 600-kg, and 800-kg per m3. The raw material was sieved into four sizes: No.1-No.4 mesh. The particleboards were used to find board density, water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture in bending, and internal bonding according to the JIS standard. Coefficients of thermal conductivity (k) of boards were discovered by a heat flow meter in steady-state conditions. The results showed that the particleboard performed outstandingly in terms of tensile strength perpendicular to the surface (internal bonding) and low thermal conductivity. However, there were some weaknesses found from their characteristics that were high water absorption and thickness of swelling, low modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture comparing to standard criteria. The results also indicated that bamboo shoot sheaths, the agricultural residue, can be produced as particleboard, and are appropriate for an indoor heat insulator, but further investigation is required to improve the strength and durability of the particleboard.
Disinfestation of Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky in stored maize using microwave
Authors: Lapcharoensuk Ravipat , Wisetsri Sattawat , Meesuk Supattra
Published: September 2020

This study aimed primarily to investigate on disinfestation of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) in maize storage by using microwave method. Specimens of Maize weevils were cultured for 30 days in a maize sample with 17% moisture content (wet basis). Several different life stages of the maize weevil (egg, young larva, old larva, pupa and adult) were then infested in the sample. Next, the maize sample was exposed to 200, 300 and 450 W of microwave power for 60, 120 and 180 s, and the number of weevils were counted after each treatment. Moreover, the sample was kept for another 2 months to see whether the eggs have survived the treatment and grown to be adults. In addition, the effects of the level of microwave power and exposure time on the property of the maize sample were observed. The quality parameters investigated were moisture content, colour and protein and fat contents. It was found that, at 300 W of power for 180 s, the microwave was able to disinfect weevils at all life stages successfully, while the quality of the maize sample did not change significantly at the tested microwave settings and exposure times, except for the protein content. These findings indicate that microwave can be a good alternative to harmful chemical methods for disinfestation of maize weevils.
Design and performance testing of liquid separation fryer
Authors: Trijid Wilawan , Khamdaeng Tipapon , Wongsiriamnuay Thanasit , Panyoyai Numpon
Published: September 2020

This study presents a liquid separation fryer using the principle of heat transfer between different liquids, oil, and water, to be used as a hot and cold fluid in the frying process, respectively. It causes small pieces of food to fall into the water zone, causing no burns, which causes the fried oil not to be black and smokeless while cooking. This study was comparing the efficiency of the frying results between the liquid separation fryer with the conventional frying pans at the same process is 180°C of oil temperature, use the polar test set to measure the quality of the oil. The results found that the number of frying process in liquid separation fryer has 27 times more than regarding the amount of an extreme in used by conventional frying pans. From the prototype experiment, the fuel frying rate was reduced by 16.79%, causing the production cost to decrease by 20.6%. The production volume was more than 20.1% than the conventional pan; because of this, the liquid separation fryer has a temperature-controlled to save the amount of gas used.
Overall precision test of near infrared spectroscopy on mango fruits (Mangifera indicaCV. ‘Nam Dok Mai Si Thong’) by on-line and off-line systems
Authors: Lekhawattana Wachiraya , Sirisomboon Panmanas
Published: September 2020

The near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy both on-line and off-line scanning was applied on mango fruits(Mangifera indicaCV. ‘Nam dok mai- si Thong’) for the overall precision test. The reference parameter was total soluble solids content (Brix value). The results showed that the off-line scanning had a higher accuracy than on-line scanning. The scanning repeatability of the off-line and on-line systems were 0.00199 and 0.00993, respectively. The scanning reproducibility of the off-line and online systems were 0.00279 and 0.00513, respectively. The reference of measurement repeatability was 0.2. The maximum coefficient of determination (R2max) of the reference measurement was 0.894.
Effect of soaking and sprouting treatment on germination rate of paddy
Authors: Chatchavanthatri Natthaporn , Junyusen Tiraporn , Moolkaew Pornpimol , Arjharn Weerachai , Junyusen Payungsak
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of germination process (i.e., soaking time and temperature, germination time, and ultrasound treatment) on the germination rate of germinated paddy. In addition, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content, and morphology of starch granule of dehulled germinated paddy (germinated brown rice, GB) were characterized. The results showed that extended soaking time from 4 h to 24 h insignificantly increased the germination rate, and increased soaking temperature from 30°C to 40°C had no effect on germination rate (p>0.05). However, extended germination time from 14 h to 48 h significantly improved the germination rate, given soaking time and temperature of 2-8 h at 30°C (p<0.05). Ultrasound treatment for 15 min after 8 h soaking significantly increased the germination rate of 24 h germination, compared with non-ultrasound and ultrasound treatment for 15 min before 8 h soaking. Meanwhile, extended germination time to 48 h, the ultrasound treatment had no effect on the germination rate (p>0.05). The germination process did not affect the morphology of the GB starch granule, compared with brown rice (BR). However, GaBa content of GB (11.67 mg/l00g) was significantly higher than that of BR (1.08 mg/100g) (p<0.05).
Evaluation of cyclic efficiency of multilayer desiccant bed column
Authors: Sawardsuk Prueksa , Sripinyowanich Jongyingcharoen Jiraporn , Cheevitsopon Ekkapong
Published: September 2020

The main objective was to evaluate cyclic efficiency of a multilayer desiccant bed column. The experimental setup consisted of an air humidifier unit, a heating unit for regeneration, and the desiccant bed column with 15 layers. An airflow rate of 2.4 m3/min with the humidity ratio of 20 g water/kg dry air was used in this study. The results showed that the highest dehumidification rate of 21 g water/min was found at the beginning of the dehumidification process. During the regeneration process, the highest regeneration rate was 39 g water/min when regenerating the desiccant at a temperature of 90°C. For cyclic operation process, the cyclic efficiencies were 11% and 7% at the regeneration temperatures of 70°C and 90°C, respectively. The cyclic efficiency was dependent on the regeneration temperature.
Design and Construction of Single Phase Radial Flux Permanent Magnet Generators for Pico hydro Scale Power Plants Using Propeller Turbines in Water Pipes
Authors: Yohanes Setyawan Eko , Ismail Nakhoda Yusuf , Uji Krismanto Awan , Mustiadi Lalu , Yandri Erkata , Burlakovs Juris
Published: September 2020

Pico hydro or a small scale hydroelectric power plant is used as the rotating energy of the generator. Pico hydro is a hydroelectric power plant that has a power of less than 5 kW. Technically, Pico hydro has three main components namely water, turbine and generator. Turbine type propeller reaction has a special profile that causes a decrease in water pressure during the blades. This pressure difference exerts force on the blade so that the runner (rotating part of the turbine) can rotate. Permanent magnets are used to produce magnetic flux. Permanent magnets used are rare-eatrhrod magnet material, neodymium-iron-boron NdFeB with N35 type. The planned generator released is 36.85 V, 500 rpm, 50 hz. This designed water turbine has four blades which cannot change its angle. As for the measurement results produce a voltage of 35.1 V with a manufacturing efficiency of 95 %. Charging the battery voltage must be more than 12 V, therefore the generator must be turned at least 200 rpm with a voltage of 14 V to be used for charging batteries.
Juxtaposition in Montage Movie
Authors: Azizah Sheila , Rante Hestiasari , Susanto Dwi , Alimudin Akhmad
Published: September 2020

Film editing is a vital part in th2Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Tempaku, Toyohashi 441-8580, Japane post production process of a film. One of film technique is the montage editing technique, created by Sergei Eisenstein. Even so, Kuleshov’s “Effect” may be considered as the starting point of montage theory. Juxtaposition is a film editing technique that combines two or more shots to generate ideas or create thoughts. A montage can be a juxtaposition of two or more shots, but generally refers to a juxtaposition of several shots to describe a stretched event or a solidified time. This paper presents the experiment of juxtapositioning several shots in the scenes of a montage movie, In the Future, where the shots that have been sorted in the first version of this short film, then a few shots are exchanged positions in the second version then result a different story.
Sketch-Based Image Retrieval with Histogram of Oriented Gradients and Hierarchical Centroid Methods
Authors: Christanti Mawardi Viny , Yoferen Yoferen , Bressan Stéphane
Published: September 2020

Searching images from digital image dataset can be done using sketch-based image retrieval that performs retrieval based on the similarity between dataset images and sketch image input. Preprocessing is done by using Canny Edge Detection to detect edges of dataset images. Feature extraction will be done using Histogram of Oriented Gradients and Hierarchical Centroid on the sketch image and all the preprocessed dataset images. The features distance between sketch image and all dataset images is calculated by Euclidean Distance. Dataset images used in the test consist of 10 classes. The test results show Histogram of Oriented Gradients, Hierarchical Centroid, and combination of both methods with low and high threshold of 0.05 and 0.5 have average precision and recall values of 90.8 % and 13.45 %, 70 % and 10.64 %, 91.4 % and 13.58 %. The average precision and recall values with low and high threshold of 0.01 and 0.1, 0.3 and 0.7 are 87.2 % and 13.19 %, 86.7 % and 12.57 %. Combination of the Histogram of Oriented Gradients and Hierarchical Centroid methods with low and high threshold of 0.05 and 0.5 produce better retrieval results than using the method individually or using other low and high threshold.
Spelling Correction Application with Damerau-Levenshtein Distance to Help Teachers Examine Typographical Error in Exam Test Scripts
Authors: Christanti Mawardi Viny , Augusfian Fendy , Pragantha Jeanny , Bressan Stéphane
Published: September 2020

This research was intended to create Spelling Correction Application to help teachers examine questions scripts with the capability to found typographical error and give suggestion for non-real word error. This application is built with simple Damerau-Levenshtein Distance method to detect errors and give word suggestions from the typo word. This application can be used by the teacher to examine documents in the form of short answer, essay and multiple choices then save them back in the form of original documents. This application is built using a dictionary lookup consist of 41 312 words in Indonesian. The first test result is the application can detect non-real word errors from 50 sentences that have non-real word error in each sentence and produce an accuracy of 88 %. The second test is try to detect typographical error in exam test script that consist of 15 sample questions, consisting of five essay questions, five short answer, and five multiple choices.
Investigation of microstructure and corrosion resistance of AISI 304 stainless steel joint with ER308 and ERNiCr-3 filler metals by GTAW
Authors: Jafarzadegan Mostafa , Ahmadian Fateh , Salarvand Vahid , Kashkooli Souren
Published: September 2020

In this study, the effect of two different filler metals (ERNiCr-3 and ER308) on microstructure and corrosion resistance of gas tungsten arc welded AISI 304 has been investigated. The microstructure of the joints was investigated by optical and scanning electron microscope. The microhardness of samples was investigated to determine the mechanical properties of the welds. Also, the electrochemical corrosion resistance of the samples was studied by Tafel polarization and impedance analysis in 1 M hydrochloric acid. The results showed the niobium-rich carbides in the welded specimen by ERNiCr-3 filler, also this sample exhibited a higher hardness and corrosion resistance. The exchange current density and the polarization radius of the ERNiCr-3 filler metal were 0.069 mA and 244 Ω, and those of ER308 filler metal were 0.121 mA and 66 Ω, respectively. The higher hardness and corrosion resistance is attributed to the formation of hard niobium-rich carbides in the weld zone, which eliminates the formation of chromium carbides.
Non-isothermal reduction kinetics of roasted high alumina iron ore pellets
Authors: Zhang Zuoliang , Sun Ye , Chen Ren , Li Lingling , Tang Biao
Published: September 2020

Non-isothermal reduction of roasted Guangxi high alumina iron ore pellets with CO and H2 was conducted with NETZSCH STA 409C/CD. Non-isothermal kinetics analysis was carried out and kinetics data were obtained. Compared with the possible common mechanisms function in solid state reaction about the correlation coefficient(r), the optimal equations for CO reduction and H2 reduction were determined. Furthermore, the Arrhenius plots for CO and H2 reduction were clarified when the kinetic mechanism functions were determined. The results show that the activation energy values of CO and H2 reduction are 295.82 kJ ∙ mol−1, and 185.42 kJ ∙ mol−1, respectively. Obviously, when the temperature is higher than 1357 K, the level of the reaction rate constant of H2 reduction higher than that of CO reduction increases sharply, that is the capacity of H2 reduction is better than that of CO reduction in certain conditions.
Phases of the traditional 505 test: between session and direction reliability
Authors: Clarke Richard , Read Paul J. , De Ste Croix Mark B.A. , Hughes Jonathan D.
Published: September 2020

Change of direction (COD) testing has commonly reported a single total time to quantify performance despite that tests are made up of a number of different phases. No investigation into these phases has been completed, therefore the aim of this study was to examine the reliability between sessions and directions of the different phases of a 505 test. Twenty-one male youth athletes performed the 505 test in both directions on three occasions. Differences between directions and sessions were determined via a T-test and Two-way ANOVA respectively and a significance threshold was set at P ≤ 0.05. All strategy variables show acceptable relative and absolute reliability in both directions between sessions (ICC = 0.73–0.94; CV = 2.3–6.3%) apart from ground contact time (GCT) (ICC = 0.57–0.68; CV = 14.8–22.4%). Significant differences were identified between session one and three for entry time. Significant differences between directions for exit time on day two and for full approach, entry and GCT on day three. The non-dominant turning direction showed lower relative and absolute reliability between session for entry time (ICC = 0.73 vs 0.89; CV = 6.3 vs 3.7%) and GCT (ICC = 0.57 vs 0.68; CV = 14.8 vs 22.4%). Results indicate the phases of a 505 COD test have high relative and absolute reliability between sessions, although turning directions should be considered independently.
„Ich habe nicht verstanden, was mit mir passiert ist“
Authors: Keller Ingo
Published: September 2020

Herr W. ist ein 61-jähriger Patient, der 11 Wochen vorher einen rechtshemisphärischen Schlaganfall der A. cerebri media rechts erlitten hat. Initial bestanden eine armbetonte Hemiparese links, eine leichtgradige Dysarthrie sowie Störungen der Aufmerksamkeit und ein ausgeprägter visuell-räumlicher Neglect. Zum Zeitpunkt des Interviews befand sich der Patient am Ende einer mehrwöchigen Rehabilitation.
Qualitätssicherung in der Brustrekonstruktion – Etablierung eines prospektiven nationalen Onlineregisters für mikrochirurgische Brustrekonstruktionen
Authors: von Fritschen Uwe , Grill Barbara , Wagner Juri , Schuster Horst , Sukhova Inesa , Giunta Riccardo E. , Heitmann Christoph , Andree Christoph , Horch Raymund E. , Kneser Ulrich , Germann Günter
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund Der Verlust der weiblichen Brust ist für betroffene Frauen extrem traumatisierend. Obwohl sich freie Lappenplastiken zum Goldstandard in der rekonstruktiven Brustchirurgie entwickelt haben, ist es bisher nicht gelungen, ihre Überlegenheit im Hinblick auf die alternativen konventionellen Techniken zweifelsfrei zu belegen. Bis heute existieren keine Daten zur Versorgungssituation in Deutschland. Durch den Aufbau eines prospektiven Onlineregisters zur Brustrekonstruktion sollten die Versorgungsstruktur und -qualität systematisch erfasst und transparent dargestellt werden, um Defizite zu verbessern und mittelfristig eine flächendeckende Versorgung auf hohem Niveau zu ermöglichen.

Methoden Hierfür hat die Deutsche Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC) eine internetbasierte Datenbank zur anonymisierten Erfassung der Behandlungsdaten aufgebaut. Im Rahmen einer Zertifizierung wurden die Strukturqualität, Erfüllung der Vorgaben und die Stringenz der eingegebenen Daten im Abgleich mit der krankenhausinternen Dokumentation überprüft. Bei positiver Bewertung wird das Qualitätssiegel der DGPRÄC vergeben.

Ergebnisse Seit ihrer Einführung im Jahr 2012 liefert die Datenbank validierte Informationen. Waren zu Anfang nur wenige Abteilungen zur transparenten Darstellung ihrer Resultate bereit, wuchs deren Zahl in den vergangenen Jahren stetig an. Die Qualitätsdarstellung konnte bundesweit eine Vorreiterfunktion übernehmen und wird von Patienten und Kollegen als seriöse und verlässliche Informationsquelle genutzt. Die Internetseite der DGPRÄC weist die Zentren nach ihrer jeweiligen Qualifikation aus. Inzwischen ist es gelungen, in akzeptabler Nähe zu jedem onkologischen Brustzentrum einen qualifizierten plastisch-chirurgischen Ansprechpartner auszuweisen. Auch zeigen die Daten, dass in Deutschland auf einem international vergleichbaren Spitzenniveau gearbeitet wird.

Schlussfolgerung Die Datenbank liefert einen Überblick über die verschiedenen Operationstechniken und damit die Möglichkeit einer seriösen Selbstkontrolle und wissenschaftlichen Analyse. Dies hat dazu geführt, dass die Akzeptanz mikrochirurgischer Eingriffe und die Stellung der plastischen Chirurgie in der rekonstruktiven Brustchirurgie erheblich gestiegen sind. Die notwendige finanzielle und personelle Ausstattung zur Etablierung der Datenbank wurde jedoch deutlich zu gering eingeschätzt.
Outcomes of anterior versus posterior peroral endoscopic myotomy 2 years post-procedure: prospective follow-up results from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ichkhanian Yervant , Abimansour Jad P. , Pioche Mathieu , Vosoughi Kia , Eleftheriadis Nicholas , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Minami Hitomi , Ogihara Kumi , Sanaei Omid , Jovani Manol , Khashab Mouen A.
Published: September 2020

Background Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is considered a primary treatment modality for achalasia. It can be performed using either the anterior or posterior approach. A previous randomized clinical trial (RCT) showed that the posterior approach was noninferior to the anterior approach at 1 year post-POEM in terms of clinical success, rate of adverse event, and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this post-RCT study was to compare outcomes at ≥ 2 years post-POEM.

Methods Patients who previously completed the 1-year follow-up were contacted and their Eckardt, dysphagia, and GERD questionnaire (GERDQ) scores and frequency of proton pump inhibitor use were recorded. Clinical success was defined as an Eckardt score < 3.

Results 150 patients were initially randomized and 138 completed the 1-year follow-up. Of the 138, 111 (anterior group 54, posterior group 57) also completed ≥ 2 years of follow-up, with an overall clinical success decrease from 89 % to 82 %. At ≥ 2 years post-POEM, clinical success was achieved in 46/54 (85 %) and 45/57 (79 %) in the anterior and posterior groups, respectively (P = 0.43). A similar decrease in clinical success was noted in both groups at ≥ 2 years (anterior: 90 % to 85 %; posterior 89 % to 79 %; P = 0.47). GERDQ score was 6 (interquartile range 6 – 8; P = 0.08) in both treatment groups.

Conclusions The anterior and posterior POEM techniques remained equally effective at 2 years and decreases in efficacy were similar between the two approaches over time. GERD outcomes were also similar in both groups during medium-term follow-up.
Neonatal Adrenal Hemorrhage: A Case Series
Authors: Tognato Eleonora , Ceratto Simone , Enrico Giorgia , Fiorica Lorenzo , Spola Roberta , Loperfido Bruna , Cimminelli Lina , Militello Maria A. , Eshraghy Mohammad R. , Savino Francesco , Giuliani Francesca , Perona Anna , Manzoni Paolo
Published: September 2020

Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage (NAH) in newborn infants is a rare event that is associated with specific anatomical and vascular characteristics. It is more common in term infants and occurs more often in neonates who feature perinatal asphyxia. Symptoms that more frequently prompt to diagnosis are prolonged jaundice, detection of an abdominal mass, anemia, scrotal discoloration and/or swelling, hypotonia, lethargy, and hypertension. However, NAH may also occur without symptoms with its detection being occasional. Imaging through ultrasound scans is the cornerstone of diagnosis and follow-up monitoring over time. Here we report on a small NAH case series comprising three full-term, macrosomic infants who were born by vaginal delivery. The first and second ones showed clear signs of birth asphyxia, whereas the third was completely asymptomatic. In all three patients, only the right adrenal gland was involved, in line with what happens in 70% of cases. NAH is usually self-limiting and prone to a progressive resolution in a time ranging between 3 weeks and 6 months and so did in our three patients.

Key Points
Respiratory Support of Neonate Affected by Bronchiolitis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Bresesti Ilia , Lista Gianluca
Published: September 2020

Acute respiratory infections are very common medical emergency in early infancy, often requiring hospitalization. The most frequent respiratory infection at this stage of life is bronchiolitis, with a benign course in the majority of cases. However, especially during neonatal period, infants are at higher risk for developing complications, and ventilatory support of various degrees is needed. The two most widespread methods to provide noninvasive respiratory support are heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula and nasal continuous positive airway pressure. They are both used in neonatal intensive care unit to treat respiratory distress syndrome of the premature infants, and the main concept of recruiting and distending alveoli is valid also for respiratory failure occurring during bronchiolitis. However, there is still ongoing debate about the superiority of one method, and their real efficacy still need to be confirmed. Once respiratory failure does not respond to noninvasive ventilation, more intensive care must be provided in the form of conventional mechanical ventilation or high-frequency ventilation. There is currently no evidence of the optimal ventilation strategy to use, and a deeper comprehension of the pulmonary mechanics during bronchiolitis would be desirable to tailor ventilation according to the degree of severity. Further research is then urgently needed to better clarify these aspects.

Key Points
Quality Improvement to Reduce Neonatal CLABSI: The Journey to Zero
Authors: Pearlman Stephen A.
Published: September 2020

Neonatal infections, including those associated with central lines, continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite many other improvements in neonatal outcomes. Over the past decades, significant advances have been made to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) using quality improvement methodology. This article will review pertinent studies that used both the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement and other innovative techniques such as orchestrated testing and health care failure mode and effects analysis. These studies, by applying best practices, have demonstrated substantial and sustainable reductions in CLABSI. Some initiatives have been able to achieve rates of zero CLABSI for prolonged periods of time. While neonates often require prolonged central venous access and suffer from impaired immunity which increases the risk of CLABSI, this review demonstrates the journey to zero is feasible.

Key Points
Factors Associated with Sexual Activity for Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction - A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Macêdo Sandra Rebouças , Vasconcelos Neto José Ananias , Tamanini José Tadeu Nunes , Bezerra Leonardo , Castro Rodrigo Aquino
Published: September 2020

Objective To examine women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFDs) and identify factors associated with sexual activity (SA) status that impacts quality of life (QoL).

Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study that included women > 18 years old who presented with at least one PFD symptom (urinary incontinence [UI] and/or pelvic organ prolapse [POP]), in outpatient clinics specializing in urogynecology and PFD in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil, using a service evaluation form and QoL questionnaires.

Results The analysis of 659 women with PFD included 286 SA (43.4%) women and 373 non-sexually active (NSA) (56.6%) women, with a mean age of 54.7 (±12) years old. The results revealed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.12) and post-menopausal status (OR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.08–4.8) were negatively associated with SA. Being married (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21–0.88) was associated with SA. Pelvic organ prolapse (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.81–1.68) and UI (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.08–0.36) did not prevent SA. SF-36 Health Survey results indicated that only the domain functional capacity was significantly worse in NSA women (p = 0.012). Two King's Health Questionnaire domains in NSA women, impact of UI (p = 0.005) and personal relationships (p < 0.001), were significantly associated factors. Data from the Prolapse Quality-of-life Questionnaire indicated that NSA women exhibited compromised QoL.

Conclusion Postmenopausal status and age negatively affected SA. Being married facilitated SA. Presence of POP and UI did not affect SA. However, NSA women with POP exhibited compromised QoL.
Do Neonatal Infections Require a Positive Blood Culture?
Authors: Bromiker Ruben , Elron Eyal , Klinger Gil
Published: September 2020

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Blood cultures are considered the gold standard for diagnosis, but results are often delayed for 24 to 48 hours, and sensitivity, although improved by modern techniques, such as automated blood cultures, is variable and affected by the bacterial load. For these reasons, empiric antibiotics are frequently administered to avoid potential devastating consequences of untreated sepsis. Unnecessary antibiotic treatment has been associated with increased mortality and other adverse outcomes; therefore, antibiotics should be discontinued as soon as sepsis has been ruled out. Negative cultures pose a challenge to clinicians, who must distinguish between real sepsis and sepsis-like conditions (noninfectious or viral) which do not require antibiotics. Focal infections with negative blood cultures do require antibiotic treatment. Ultra-low bacteremia, primary or secondary to recent antibiotic exposure, is often associated with negative cultures, and some consider a short course of empiric antibiotics sufficient for clearing of bacteremia. Biomarkers and molecular methods based on polymerase chain reaction are important add-ons to clinical signs or symptoms for establishing the diagnosis of sepsis. Other promising future potential adjuvants are metabolomics. Antibiotic stewardship should be implemented to avoid or discontinue unnecessary treatment. Prevention of infection still remains the most important step for dealing with neonatal sepsis.

Key Points
Antenatal Infections and Respiratory Outcome in Preterm Infants
Authors: Bancalari Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Fetal exposure to infection and inflammation can result in accelerated lung maturation and simultaneously altered lung development. This alteration is characterized by reduced alveolar and vascular formation that is one of the hallmarks of the changes observed in animal models and in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). These opposite effects on maturation and on lung development can explain the reduced severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) but increased incidence of BPD observed in infants exposed to antenatal infections. This also explains why infants born to mothers with chorioamnionitis or colonized with ureaplasma urealitycum have an increased risk of lung injury and BPD. Despite the negative effects of infection on lung development, there is no clear evidence that antibiotic therapy improves the respiratory course in these infants. While the administration of azithromycin to ureaplasma colonized infants is effective in eradicating airway colonization, the effect on BPD is inconclusive. One of the few interventions that have been shown to improve respiratory outcome and reduce BPD in infants with severe RDS is the modulation of inflammation by the administration of systemic or intratracheal steroids early after birth.

Key Points
A Characterization of Ophthalmology Residency Program Social Media Presence and Activity
Authors: Al-khersan Hasenin , Tanenbaum Rebecca , Lazzarini Thomas A. , Patel Nimesh A. , Sridhar Jayanth
Published: September 2020

Objective To determine the presence and activity of ophthalmology departments associated with residency programs on social media platforms and the use of these social media platforms by residency applicants.

Design Cross-sectional online assessment of ophthalmology training program departments' presence and activity on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Participants A total of 120 accredited ophthalmology residency training programs and 498 ophthalmology residency applicants.

Methods Each department was evaluated by (1) searching for social media links on the department's Web site, (2) searching for the department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and (3) searching on Google. A simultaneous survey was conducted to assess social media platform use of 2019 to 2020 ophthalmology residency application cycle candidates.

Main Outcomes The presence of ophthalmology departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as the total number of followers and posts during January 2020.

Results Of 120 programs evaluated, 45 programs (37.5%) had a Facebook page, 29 (24.3%) were on Twitter, and 22 (18.3%) had an Instagram page. Among top 20 Doximity-ranked ophthalmology programs, 80% had at least one social media page on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram compared with 33% among the remainder of programs (chi-square test = 15.2, p < 0.001). Top 20 programs also had more followers compared with others on Facebook (4,363 vs. 696, respectively, p < 0.0001) and Twitter (3,673 vs. 355, respectively, p = 0.007) but not on Instagram (1,156 vs. 1,687, respectively, p = 0.71). Among 498 residency applicants to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from the 2019 to 2020 cycle, 159 (31.9%) responded to a survey regarding their use of social media during the application process. In total, 54 (34%) responded that they used social media to evaluate residency programs.

Conclusion Departments of top 20 ophthalmology residency had both a greater presence and following on social media compared with other departments. While Facebook was the most used platform by ophthalmology departments, applicants most commonly used Instagram. As applicants come to use these social media resources more frequently, ophthalmology residency programs may increasingly benefit from maintaining an active social media page.
The Need for Multidisciplinary Research within the History and Theory of Homeopathy
Authors: Schmidt Josef M.
Published: September 2020

The controversial issue of homeopathy's scientificity will, in all probability, not be settled by means of clinical trials alone, as long as uncertainty or ignorance about methodological, philosophical, and socio-economical essentials prevail on both sides of the argument. Rather than uncritically adopt the standards of the currently predominant paradigm, homeopathy should not forget its roots, peculiarities, and self-conception. Contrary to conventional medicine, it is based on a teleological image of humanity, a holistic and sustainable approach towards curing sickness, and an up-to-date concept of medical theory in terms of healing arts. However, under today's frameworked conditions of industrialisation, commercialisation and commodification, the strengths of homeopathy tend to be disregarded or even attacked, and a special kind of reductionist and materialist rationality, compatible with expanding markets and profits, is preferably facilitated. To reveal and demonstrate these developments and relationships on a scientific level, there is a need for multidisciplinary research on the part of the humanities, such as history and theory of medicine, history and theory of science, history of economics, sociology of scientific knowledge, and philosophy.
The Effectiveness of Three Irrigation Systems in the Enterococcus faecalis Reduction after Instrumentation with a Reciprocating Instrument
Authors: Fernandes Karina Gonzalez Camara , Silva Bruno Barciela da , Boer Nilton César , Mandarini Danilo Rodrigues , Moreti Lucieni Cristina Trovati , Kato Augusto Shoji , Bueno Carlos Eduardo da Silveira , Limoeiro Ana Grasiela da Silva , Pinheiro Sergio Luiz , Martin Alexandre Sigrist De , Fontana Carlos Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Objective This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of three irrigation systems: EndoActivator, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and Easy Clean in the reduction of Enterococcus faecalis, after instrumentation with the reciprocating system, through microbiological collection and culture method.

Materials and Methods A total of 60 extracted human lower premolars were used and standardized at 16 mm in length. The teeth were accessed, contaminated with E. faecalis, and incubated for 21 days at 37°C. Initial collections (S1) were made with an absorbent paper cone to confirm the contamination; subsequently, instrumentation was performed with WaveOne Primary. The teeth were divided into four groups according to the final irrigation protocol (n = 15): group 1. EndoActivator; group 2, PUI; group 3, Easy Clean; and group 4, control group irrigated with saline solution sterile and without agitation. In the final irrigation, the agitation of the 17% ethylene amine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) solutions was used, then 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); in both for this, three cycles of 20 seconds each. After the chemical–mechanical preparation and agitation of the irrigating solutions, the final collections (S2) for counting the colony-forming units (CFU/mL) occurred.

Results The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed that all the agitation systems reduced by 100% and the control group by 65.7%.

Conclusion The control group presented a significantly higher amount of CFU/mL after the chemical–mechanical preparation than the other groups, which were similar to each other (p > 0.05).
Publication Performance in German Academic Heart Surgery
Authors: Debus Eike Sebastian , Dolg Maximilian , Reichenspurner Hermann , Grundmann Reinhart T.
Published: September 2020

Background This study was designed to evaluate the publication performance of management teams consisting of chief and senior physicians in German university cardiac surgery units over a 10-year period and to facilitate benchmarking.

Methods The cutoff date for consideration of staffing from the unit Web site and publications was July 1, 2017. The literature search was based on an evaluation of the PubMed database. The 5-year impact factor (IF) from 2016 was assigned to each journal.

Results Two thousand five hundred thirty-five publications (average IF 3.02) were registered, published in 323 journals. Of a total of 341 management team members, 235 (68.9%) published as first or last author over the 10-year period. The number of publications from the units divided into quintiles varied considerably with the first six units contributing 39.0% of all publications and the last nine units 9.4%. With a cumulative IF total of 3265, the publications of the first six units accounted for 42.7% of the cumulative IF, the last unit quintile amounted to 621 (8.1%) of the cumulative IF. When considering publications per managing member, the first quintile averaged 11.9 publications (29.6 IF) per managing member, the last quintile 3.3 publications (8.0 IF) per member.

Conclusions The six units of the first quintile published on average 3.6 times more per managing member than the nine units in the last quintile and the average cumulative IF per member in the first quintile was almost five times higher. Further investigation must show whether this considerable difference in publication activity between the university units is also observed in other operative fields.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-induced Osterix, Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2, and Tartrate-resistant Acid Phosphatase Expression in Osteoporotic Mandibular Bone
Authors: Hendrijantini Nike , Hartono Cindy Karina , Daniati Reni Puspa , Hong Guang , Sitalaksmi Ratri Maya , Kuntjoro Mefina , Ari Muhammad Dimas Aditya
Published: September 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to prove that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUCMSC) therapy conducted according to the mandibular osteoporotic model will increase Osterix (Osx) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression, while reducing tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression. PKH26 labeling proves that mandibular bone regeneration is produced by hUCMSCs induction.

Materials and Methods This study incorporated a true posttest only control group design. Twenty-five female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups consisting of the sham surgery (N) group, osteoporotic groups injected with gelatin for 4 weeks (G4) and 8 weeks (G8), and osteoporotic groups injected with hUCMSC-gelatin for 4weeks (SC4) and 8 weeks (SC8). All subjects were provided for BMP-2, Osx, and TRAP on immunohistochemistry examination and PKH-26 labeling.

Statistical Analysis All data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests with p < 0.05 being considered as statistically significant.

Results Compared with other groups, the highest level of BMP-2 and Osx occurred in the sham surgery (N) and osteoporotic groups injected with hUCMSCs-gelatin (SC), while the lowest level of TRAP was found in SC4. During 4- and 8-week observation periods, the PKH 26 appeared green (fluorescent).

Conclusions hUCMSC demonstrates high-osteogenic activity and increased osteoporotic mandibular bone regeneration, as shown by increased expression of Osx and BMP-2 and decreased TRAP expression. From the labeling, PKH-26 proved that viable hUCMSCs in gelatin solvent can be present in the mandibular bone and be capable of promoting osteogenic differentiation and increasing mineralization and bone formation in the osteoporotic mandibular bone.
Auroral ionospheric plasma flow extraction using subsonic retarding potential analyzers
Authors: Fraunberger Michael , Lynch K. A. , Clayton Robert , Roberts Thomas Max , Hysell David , Lessard Marc , Reimer Ashton , Varney Roger
Published: September 2020

Thermal ion retarding potential analyzers (RPAs) are used to measure in situ auroral ionospheric plasma parameters. This article analyzes data from a low-resource RPA in order to quantify the capability of the sensor. The RPA collects a sigmoidal current–voltage (I–V) curve, which depends on a non-linear combination of Maxwellian plasma parameters, so a forward-modeling procedure is used to match the best choice plasma parameters for each I–V curve. First, the procedure is used, given constraining information about the flow moment, to find scalar plasma parameters—ion temperature, ion density, and spacecraft sheath potential—for a single I–V curve interpreted in the context of a Maxwellian plasma distribution. Second, two azimuthally separated I–V curves from a single sensor on the spinning spacecraft are matched, given constraining information on density and sheath potential, to determine the bulk plasma flow components. These flows are compared to a high-fidelity, high-resource flow diagnostic. In both cases, the procedure’s sensitivity to variations in constraining diagnostics is tested to ensure that the matching procedure is robust. Finally, a standalone analysis is shown, providing plasma scalar and flow parameters using known payload velocity and International Reference Ionosphere density as input information. The results show that the sensor can determine scalar plasma measurements as designed, as well as determine plasma DC flows to within hundreds of m/s error compared to a high-fidelity metric, thus showing their capability to replace higher-resource methods for determining DC plasma flows when coarse-resolution measurements at in situ spatial scales are suitable.
Narrowing the filter lineshape of microwave photonic device
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: September 2020

Silicon-based integrated photonic device harnesses acousto-optic interactions to achieve a narrowband, tunable, and multi-pole filter for future signal processing systems.