bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bose-Einstein condensation in Hořava-Lifshitz theory
Authors: Furtado J. , Assunção J. F. , Ramos A. C. A.
Published: May 2021

In this paper we study the corrections emergent from a Hořava-Lifshitz extension of the complex scalar sector to the Bose-Einstein condensation and to the thermodynamics parameters. We initially discussed some features of the model to only then compute the corrections to the Bose-Einstein condensation. The calculations were done by computing the generating functional, from which we extract the thermodynamics parameters. We also obtained the Lifshitz scaling correction for the critical temperature T

c
that sets the Bose-Einstein condensation.
Better survival of patients with oligo- compared with polymetastatic cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 173 studies
Authors: Petrelli Fausto , Ghidini Antonio , Ghidini Michele , Bukovec Roberta , Trevisan Francesca , Turati Luca , Indini Alice , Seghezzi Silvia , Lonati Veronica , Moleri Giovanna , Tomasello Gianluca , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: May 2021

Background: The modern concept of oligometastatic (OM) state has been initially developed to describe patients with a low burden of disease and with a potential for cure with local ablative treatments. We systematically assessed the risk of death and relapse of oligometastatic (OM) cancers compared to cancers with more diffuse metastatic spread, through a meta-analysis of published data. 

Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched for studies reporting prognosis of patients with OM solid tumors. Risk of death and relapse were extracted and pooled to provide an adjusted hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval (HR 95%CI).  The primary outcome of the study refers to overall mortality in OM vs. polymetastatic (PM) patients. 

Results. Mortality and relapse associated with OM state in patients with cancer were evaluated among 104,234 participants (n=173 studies). Progression-free survival was better in patients with OM disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.62, 95% CI 0.57–0.68; P <.001; n=69 studies). Also, OM cancers were associated with a better OS (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.62-0.68; P<.01; n=161 studies). In colorectal (CRC), breast, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) the reduction in the risk of death for OM patients were 35, 38, 30 and 42%, respectively. 

Conclusions. Patients with oligometastases have a significantly better prognosis than those with more widespread stage IV tumors. We suggest that a treatment strategy that involves bot the primary and the metastases should be identified at the time of diagnosis.
Diffuse Calcinosis from Total Thyroidectomy and Secondary Hypocalcaemia
Authors: Leal Filipa , Nogueira Luís , Teresa Martins Mendes Teresa Martins Mendes , Silva Rocha Ana , Sarmento Dinis , Pombo Francisco , Silva Bárbara
Published: May 2021

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder and its main cause is cervical surgery such as thyroidectomy. The incidence of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy varies, and is reported to be between 0.3 and 6.3%. In terms of brain imaging, hypoparathyroidism can cause calcification mainly of the basal ganglia, with other areas rarely affected. Concerning extracerebral calcification, few studies have investigated the prevalence of visceral calcifications.  We describe a case of a woman with secondary hypocalcaemia who presented with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and the investigation revealed an extensive calcinosis of the brain and the vascular structures responsible for the event.
THE EFFECT OF PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE (PCK) LEARNING MANAGEMENT TOWARD LEARNING OUTCOMES THROUGH STUDENT LEARNING MOTIVATION IN PHYSICS
Authors: Senjaya Aan Juhana , Rakhmanudin Maman , Dekawati Ipong
Published: May 2021

Research on physics learning management has not been done much, especially regarding PCK and learning outcomes. Many studies that investigate the relationship between variables use the regression method. However, this study using path analysis. The purpose of this study was to measure the direct effect, indirect effect, and total effect of PCK, learning motivation, and student physics learning outcomes using path analysis. The research method used in this research is a survey with a quantitative approach and data analysis techniques, namely path analysis. The data collection technique used a closed questionnaire. This study's sample was 43 teachers who gathered from 64 high school physics teachers in Indramayu Regency. The PCK learning management research results had no significant effect on student learning outcomes. Learning motivation had a positive effect, and learning motivation had a positive effect on student learning outcomes. The implication of this study that the principal and the education office should continue to strive to improve the quality and smoothness of the teaching and learning process by providing provision to teachers to improve pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) learning management by participating in workshops and continuously improving techniques to motivate students for results student learning better.
Polarization properties of retinal blood vessel walls measured with polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Afsharan Hadi , Hackmann Michael J. , Wang Qiang , Navaeipour Farzaneh , Jayasree Stephy Vijaya Kumar , Zawadzki Robert J. , Silva Dilusha , Joo Chulmin , Cense Barry
Published: May 2021

A new method based on polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is introduced to determine the polarization properties of human retinal vessel walls, in vivo. Measurements were obtained near the optic nerve head of three healthy human subjects. The double pass phase retardation per unit depth (DPPR/UD), which is proportional to the birefringence, is higher in artery walls, presumably because of the presence of muscle tissue. Measurements in surrounding retinal nerve fiber layer tissue yielded lower DPPR/UD values, suggesting that the retinal vessel wall tissue near the optic nerve is not covered by retinal nerve fiber layer tissue (0.43°/µm vs. 0.77°/µm, respectively). Measurements were obtained from multiple artery-vein pairs, to quantify the different polarization properties. Measurements were taken along a section of the vessel wall, with changes in DPPR/UD up to 15%, while the vessel wall thickness remained relatively constant. A stationary scan pattern was applied to determine the influence of involuntary eye motion on the measurement, which was significant. Measurements were also analyzed by two examiners, with high inter-observer agreement. The measurement repeatability was determined with measurements that were acquired during multiple visits. An improvement in accuracy can be achieved with an ultra-broad-bandwidth PS-OCT system since it will provide more data points in-depth, which reduces the influence of discretization and helps to facilitate better fitting of the birefringence data.
Volumetric growth tracking of patient-derived cancer organoids using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Gil Daniel A. , Deming Dustin A. , Skala Melissa C.
Published: May 2021

Patient-derived cancer organoids (PCOs) are in vitro organotypic models that reflect in vivo drug response, thus PCOs are an accessible model for cancer drug screening in a clinically relevant timeframe. However, current methods to assess the response of PCOs are limited. Here, a custom swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was used to rapidly evaluate volumetric growth and drug response in PCOs. This system was optimized for an inverted imaging geometry to enable high-throughput imaging of PCOs. An automated image analysis framework was developed to perform 3D single-organoid tracking of PCOs across multiple time points over 48 hours. Metabolic inhibitors and cancer therapies decreased PCOs volumetric growth rate compared to control PCOs. Single-organoid tracking improved sensitivity to drug treatment compared to a pooled analysis of changes in organoid volume. OCT provided a more accurate assessment of organoid volume compared to a volume estimation method based on 2D projections. Single-organoid tracking with OCT also identified heterogeneity in drug response between solid and hollow PCOs. This work demonstrates that OCT and 3D single-organoid tracking are attractive tools to monitor volumetric growth and drug response in PCOs, providing rapid, non-destructive methods to quantify heterogeneity in PCOs.
Spaser and optical amplification conditions in graphene-coated active wires
Authors: Prelat Leila , Cuevas Mauro , Passarelli Nicolás , Bustos Marún Raúl , Depine Ricardo
Published: May 2021

This work analyzes the optical properties of a localized surface plasmon (LSP) spaser made of a dielectric active wire coated with a graphene monolayer. Our theoretical results, obtained by using rigorous electromagnetic methods, illustrate the non-radiative transfer between the active medium and the LSPs of graphene. In particular, we focus on the lasing conditions and the tunability of the LSP spaser in two cases: when the wire is made of an infrared/terahertz transparent dielectric material and when it is made of a metal-like material. We analyze the results by comparing them with analytical expressions obtained by using the quasistatic approximation. We show that the studied systems present a high tunability of the spaser resonances with the geometrical parameters as well as with the chemical potential of graphene.
Quantum analysis of luminescence of an exciton in a meso-cavity
Authors: Belonovski Alexey V. , Morozov Konstantin M. , Girshova Elizaveta I. , Pozina Galia , Kaliteevski Mikhail A.
Published: May 2021

Interaction of cavity modes with an exciton in a meso-cavity (the structure supporting several cavity modes separated by an energy interval comparable to Rabi-splitting of an exciton and cavity modes) has been analyzed using a quantum-mechanical approach. Simultaneous interaction of an exciton and several cavity modes results in few novel effects such as ladder-like increase of the exciton population in the system, quantum beating and non-monotonic dependence of the ground polariton state in the system on the pumping.
Further improvements to iterative off-axis digital holography
Authors: He Siyuan , Pan Xingchen , Liu Cheng , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: May 2021

In order to break through the limitation of off-axis holography in the field of measuring rough or strong scattering objects, a new iterative algorithm based on the concept of wavefront-coding was proposed. The reference wave is regarded as a wave modulator and it starts with random guess freed from the result of traditional off-axis holography. The full frequency spectrum could be retrieved iteratively after taking full advantage of the space-bandwidth production of the detector. As one form of coherent diffractive imaging, the theoretical resolution is diffraction limitation. According to the simulations and experiments with random phase plate, when the object fails to be reconstructed by traditional off-axis holography and other iterative off-axis holography algorithm due to the frequency spectrum of object is too wide, the proposed algorithm works well. It could be a general algorithm to prominently improve the capability of off-axis holography to measure rough or strong scattering objects.
Light-trapping structures for planar solar cells inspired by transformation optics
Authors: Dhawan Prerak , Gaudig Maria , Sprafke Alexander , Wehrspohn Ralf B. , Rockstuhl Carsten
Published: May 2021

Optimal light absorption is decisive in obtaining high-efficiency solar cells. An established, if not to say the established, approach is to texture the interface of the light-absorbing layer with a suitable microstructure. However, structuring the light-absorbing layer is detrimental concerning its electrical properties due to an increased surface recombination rate (owing to enlarged surface area and surface defects) caused by the direct patterning process itself. This effect lowers the efficiency of the final solar cells. To circumvent this drawback, this work theoretically explores a transformation optics (TrO) inspired approach to map the nanopatterned texture onto a planar equivalent. This offers a pattern with the same optical functionality but with much improved electrical properties. Schwarz-Christoffel mappings are used for ensuring conformality of the maps. It leads to planar, inhomogeneous, dielectric-only materials for the light trapping structure to be placed on top of the planar light-absorbing layer. Such a design strategy paves a way towards a novel approach for implementing light-trapping structures into planar solar cells.
Compact cascaded meta-surface system for controlling the spin and orbital angular momentum of electromagnetic fields simultaneously
Authors: Yang Pei , Yang Rui , Li Yachao
Published: May 2021

We propose a compact cascaded meta-surface system (CCMS) to produce well converged orbital angular momentum (OAM) vortex waves with tailored spin angular momentum (SAM) by integrating a meta-surface lens (ML) with an assistant meta-mirror (AM). Specifically, the co-linearly polarized (LP) waves from the feed would be reflected by the ML firstly and then twisted into the cross-LP counterparts by the AM to penetrate the ML for the perfect synthesis of the OAM vortex beams while performing the linear-to-circular polarization conversion. Especially, the CCMS can pack the ML and the AM closely together with a quarter of the ML focal length when we apply proper phase distributions on the AM. In addition, the proposed CCMS can readily be extended to the generation of multiple circularly polarized OAM vortex waves with different modes. Our design should thus pave the way for building up more efficient wireless communication systems with expanded channel capacity.
Potential impact of COVID-19 related unemployment on increased cardiovascular disease in a high-income country: Modeling health loss, cost and equity
Authors: Nghiem Nhung , Wilson Nick
Published: May 2021

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of health loss and health sector economic burdens in high-income countries. Unemployment is associated with increased risk of CVD, and so there is concern that the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will increase the CVD burden.

Aims

This modeling study aimed to quantify potential health loss, health cost burden and health inequities among people with CVD due to additional unemployment caused by COVID-19 pandemic-related economic disruption in one high-income country: New Zealand (NZ).

Methods

We adapted an established and validated multi-state life-table model for CVD in the national NZ population. We modeled indirect effects (ie, higher CVD incidence due to high unemployment rates) for various scenarios of pandemic-related unemployment projections from the NZ Treasury.

Results

We estimated the potential CVD-related heath loss in NZ to range from 23,300 to 36,900 health-adjusted life years (HALYs) for the different unemployment scenarios. Health inequities would be increased with the per capita health loss for Māori (Indigenous population) estimated to be 3.7 times greater than for non-Māori (49.9 vs 13.5 HALYs lost per 1000 people). The estimated additional health system costs ranged between (NZ$303 million [m] to 503m in 2019 values; or US$209m to 346m).

Conclusions and policy implications

Unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic could cause significant health loss, increase health inequities from CVD, and impose additional health system costs in this high-income country. Prevention measures should be considered by governments to reduce this risk, including additional job creation programs and measures directed towards the primary prevention of CVD.
Phosphatidylserine exposure promotes increased adhesion in Dictyostelium Copine A mutants
Authors: Ide Amber D. , Wight Elise M. , Damer Cynthia K.
Published: May 2021

The phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) is a key signaling molecule and binding partner for many intracellular proteins. PS is normally found on the inner surface of the cell membrane, but PS can be flipped to the outer surface in a process called PS exposure. PS exposure is important in many cell functions, yet the mechanisms that control PS exposure have not been extensively studied. Copines (Cpn), found in most eukaryotic organisms, make up a family of calcium-dependent phospholipid binding proteins. In Dictyostelium, which has six copine genes, CpnA strongly binds to PS and translocates from the cytosol to the plasma membrane in response to a rise in calcium. Cells lacking the cpnA gene (cpnA-) have defects in adhesion, chemotaxis, membrane trafficking, and cytokinesis. In this study we used both flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy to show that cpnA- cells have increased adhesion to beads and bacteria and that the increased adhesion was not due to changes in the actin cytoskeleton or cell surface proteins. We found that cpnA- cells bound higher amounts of Annexin V, a PS binding protein, than parental cells and showed that unlabeled Annexin V reduced the increased cell adhesion property of cpnA- cells. We also found that cpnA- cells were more sensitive to Polybia-MP1, which binds to external PS and induces cell lysis. Overall, this suggests that cpnA- cells have increased PS exposure and this property contributes to the increased cell adhesion of cpnA- cells. We conclude that CpnA has a role in the regulation of plasma membrane lipid composition and may act as a negative regulator of PS exposure.
Correlation between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and vitamin D levels: A meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jiayu , Zhao Qian , Li Jiao , Meng Jinfeng , Li Shangbin , Yan Weichen , Wang Jie , Ren Changjun
Published: May 2021

Objective

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common disease in the neonatal period, and hyperbilirubinemia may cause brain damage. Therefore, prevention and diagnosis and management of hyperbilirubinemia is very important, and vitamin D may affect bilirubin levels. To evaluate the relationship between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and vitamin D levels.

Method

The China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, Chinese Biology Medicine Disc, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases as well as clinical trial registries in China and the United States were searched for relevant studies from inception to September 2020 without restrictions on language, population, or year. The studies was screened by two reviewers independently, the data were extracted, and the risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the NOS. A meta-analysis was conducted on the included studies using Stata11 software.

Results

Six case-control studies were included, and the methodological quality of the studies was high (grade A). The studies included 690 newborns; more than 409 were diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia. The means and standard deviations were calculated. Meta-analysis results showed that neonatal vitamin D levels were 7.1 ng/ml lower among infants with hyperbilirubinemia than among healthy newborn levels (z = 6.95, 95% CI 9.10 ~ 5.09, P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis was conducted based on whether the bilirubin levels were concentrated in the 15 to 20 mg/dl range. Vitamin D level of infants with hyperbilirubinemia (the bilirubin levels were concentrated in the 15 to 20 mg/dl range) was 9.52 ng/ml (Z = 15.55, 95% CI-10.72~-8.32, P<0.05) lower than that of healthy infants. The bilirubin levels in four cases were not concentrated in the 15–20 mg/dl range. The results showed that the vitamin D level of hyperbilirubinemia (The bilirubin levels were not concentrated in the 15–20 mg/dl range) neonates were 5.35 ng/ml lower than that of healthy neonates (Z = 6.43, 95% CI-6.98~-3.72, P<0.05).

Conclusion

Vitamin D levels were observed to be lower in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia as compared to term neonates without hyperbilirubinemia in this study. This can possibly suggest that neonates with lower vitamin D levels are at higher risk for developing hyperbilirubinemia.
‘About Being’: An interdisciplinary and collaborative arts and health project supporting the ongoing recovery of stroke survivors
Authors: Snell Laura , Goodwin Vicki , Grimwood Tom
Published: May 2021

Arts and health initiatives can make a valuable contribution to the ongoing recovery of stroke survivors. This article focuses on a study of the ‘About Being’ project, which provides dance and movement sessions for stroke survivors in the Cumbrian city of Carlisle, United Kingdom. The study evaluated the model of practice applied to the community project and how the sessions supported the ongoing recovery of stroke survivors. The methodology involved observations of the sessions and qualitative interviews. A unique feature of this project is that it brings together the fields of education, arts and health by engaging practitioners, academics and student volunteers, along with the stroke survivors who participate in the sessions. It is proposed that the success of the ‘About Being’ project is attributed to its interdisciplinary and collaborative practice, person-centred approach and multidirectional learning environment, which is beneficial for all those involved.
Molecular epidemiology of helminth diseases of the humpback grouper, Cromileptes altivelis, as a pattern for mapping fish diseases in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia
Authors: Subekti Sri , Amiin Muhammad Kholiqul , Ardiyanti Hervina Benazir , Yudarana Muhammad Aiman , Achmadi Ivan , Akbar Rizhar Eman Karunia
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: Neobenedenia girellae and Haliotrema epinepheli are important but neglected helminth parasites of marine fish. The humpback grouper, the most relevant definitive host, harbors several Neobenedenia and Haliotrema spp. simultaneously on body surfaces and gills. These species can be distinguished morphologically This study aimed to identify Neobenedenia and Haliotrema spp. infestations in monogenean humpback grouper by multiplex polymerase chain reaction method, which seems to be widely distributed in the study area. Data can be used as a basis for mapping disease patterns in Strait waters.

Materials and Methods: Eighty humpback groupers (Cromileptes altivelis) were collected from eight different areas in the Sunda Strait and examined using scrapings from body surfaces and gill lamellae followed by multiplex PCR for identification.

Results: Parasites on body surfaces were recovered from 49 fish (61.2%) and were found on gill lamellae in 72 fish (90%) by microscopic examination. Endoparasites were absent. Ectoparasites identified included, N. girellae, Neobenedenia melleni eggs, Neobenedenia pasifica, Neobenedenia longiprostata, Haliotrema eukurodai, H. kurodai, Haliotrema leporinus, Haliotrema dongshaense, Haliotrema angelopterum, Haliotrema aurigae, Haliotrema scyphovagina, and H. epinepheli.

Conclusion: The distribution of trematode disease in humpback grouper in Sunda Strait waters was revealed. All parasites were from genera, Neobenedenia and Haliotrema. Risks associated with these parasites should not be overlooked. Prevention and control programs need to be extended to other marine fish. Humpback grouper should be dewormed more frequently.
Resources Package Modelling Supporting Border Surveillance Operations
Authors: Cardoso F. A. , Abrahao F.T.M. , Saba W.B.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this work is to propose a military planning tool capable of providing logistical bases and patrol packages to most effectively support border surveillance. Presently, military patrols are employed along geographical borders to combat transnational crimes; acts such as drug trafficking, smuggling of goods and illegal natural resources exploitation. The patrols make temporary stops within specific time windows at specific places characterised by a high incidence of crime (hotspots). These hotspots have different criticalities within given time windows. To optimise the results, the proposed model allows additional stops in more critical hotspots. It achieves this using a mathematical optimisation model. Considering that there are not adequate logistical-military capacities (logistical bases and patrols) at all needed locations, developing a border surveillance plan that optimises resource use is imperative. The model was run using black hole-based optimisation and a real patrol mission’s database to ensure timely solutions. The solutions were then evaluated in terms of quality (number of bases and patrols, coverage efforts, and travel time) and computational processing time. Next, they were compared with solutions using the traditional method, thereby demonstrating the model’s robustness in providing timely surveillance schemes that ensure high coverage with minimum resources.
Vacuum Electronic Devices and Applications
Authors: Mahto Manpuran , Jain P.K.
Published: May 2021

This issue of Defence Science Journal (DSJ) contains a collection of nine manuscripts from National Symposium on Vacuum Electronic Devices and Applications (VEDA-2019). Vacuum Electronic Devices and Applications Society organises VEDA symposium/conference/workshop every year at different locations of India. VEDA has established itself as a leading platform for active and innovative research of microwave tubes. It provides a forum for knowledge sharing and exhibition of theoretical and technological development in the general areas of vacuum electronics devices and its system applications. It organises special session to enhance Research Institutes – Industries and Academia Interaction.
A descriptive and validation study of a predictive model of severity of SARS-COV-2 infection
Authors: Villena-Ortiz Yolanda , Giralt Marina , Castellote-Bellés Laura , Lopez-Martínez Rosa M. , Martinez-Sanchez Luisa , García-Fernández Alba Estela , Ferrer-Costa Roser , Rodríguez-Frias Francisco , Casis Ernesto
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The strain the SARS-COV-2 pandemic is putting on hospitals requires that predictive values are identified for a rapid triage and management of patients at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. We developed and validated a prognostic model of COVID-19 severity.

Methods

A descriptive, comparative study of patients with positive vs. negative PCR-RT for SARS-COV-2 and of patients who developed moderate vs. severe COVID-19 was conducted. The model was built based on analytical and demographic data and comorbidities of patients seen in an Emergency Department with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. A logistic regression model was designed from data of the COVID-19-positive cohort.

Results

The sample was composed of 410 COVID-positive patients (303 with moderate disease and 107 with severe disease) and 81 COVID-negative patients. The predictive variables identified included lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, total proteins, urea, and platelets. Internal calibration showed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.88 (CI 95%: 0.85–0.92), with a rate of correct classifications of 85.2% for a cut-off value of 0.5. External validation (100 patients) yielded an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71–0.89), with a rate of correct classifications of 73%.

Conclusions

The predictive model identifies patients at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 at Emergency Department, with a first blood test and common parameters used in a clinical laboratory. This model may be a valuable tool for clinical planning and decision-making.
A collection of easily deployable adversarial traffic sign stickers
Authors: Lengyel Henrietta , Remeli Viktor , Szalay Zsolt
Published: May 2021

The emergence of new autonomous driving systems and functions – in particular, systems that base their decisions on the output of machine learning subsystems responsible for environment perception – brings a significant change in the risks to the safety and security of transportation. These kinds of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are vulnerable to new types of malicious attacks, and their properties are often not well understood. This paper demonstrates the theoretical and practical possibility of deliberate physical adversarial attacks against deep learning perception systems in general, with a focus on safety-critical driver assistance applications such as traffic sign classification in particular. Our newly developed traffic sign stickers are different from other similar methods insofar that they require no special knowledge or precision in their creation and deployment, thus they present a realistic and severe threat to traffic safety and security. In this paper we preemptively point out the dangers and easily exploitable weaknesses that current and future systems are bound to face.
Influence of the road profile accuracy on disturbance compensation in active suspension systems
Authors: Anhalt Felix , Lohmann Boris
Published: May 2021

By applying disturbance feedforward control in active suspension systems, knowledge of the road profile can be used to increase ride comfort and safety. As the assumed road profile will never match the real one perfectly, we examine the performance of different disturbance compensators under various deteriorations of the assumed road profile using both synthetic and measured profiles and two quarter vehicle models of different complexity. While a generally valid statement on the maximum tolerable deterioration cannot be made, we identify particularly critical factors and derive recommendations for practical use.
Anforderungsbasierter Test für die Validierung komplexer Automatisierungssysteme
Authors: Meinecke Karsten , Land Kathrin , Jumar Ulrich , Vogel-Heuser Birgit , Reider Martin , Ziegltrum Simon
Published: May 2021

Es wird eine Methode für die Generierung von Spezifikationsmodellen für den modellbasierten Test von mechatronischen Systemen vorgestellt. Diese wird mit Methoden der Testgenerierung sowie -priorisierung verknüpft, um priorisierte Testfälle zu erzeugen, die für den Test mechatronischer Systeme auf Komponenten- oder Systemebene eingesetzt werden können. Ein modular aufgebauter Testadapter ermöglicht die Testausführung für verschiedene Protokolle. Das Ergebnis ist ein effizienter Testprozess, bei dem der Aufwand für die Erstellung erforderlicher Modelle sowie für die Testdurchführung reduziert werden kann. Anhand eines Beispiels aus der industriellen Automation wird die Anwendung der Methode vorgestellt und evaluiert.
Trajectory control of an elastic beam based on port-Hamiltonian numerical models
Authors: Wang Mei , Kotyczka Paul
Published: May 2021

We present a systematic approach to realize the precise observer-based trajectory tracking of the tip of a flexible beam using the energy-based port-Hamiltonian (PH) system representation. The first design steps are the structure-preserving spatial discretization by means of a pseudo-spectral method and the structure-preserving order reduction. The model structure is exploited for inversion-based feedforward control, and the control loop is closed via an observer for the friction torque and the state difference. Experimental results for the reference input and the disturbance response illustrate the quality of the design.
Semi-automated stair climbing of a wheel hub-based patient transportation aid for emergency medical services
Authors: Verjans Mark , Phlippen Lovis , Li Zongshuo , Schleer Philipp , Radermacher Klaus
Published: May 2021

A novel approach for a patient transportation aid for emergency medical services bases on a wheel hub stair-climbing mechanism, which currently requires a manual adjustment relative to the stair edges. In this paper, an approach for an automation is presented which utilizes two distance sensors to characterize stairs and determine the relative position to them. A controller can then adjust the system’s position automatically. A user supervision concept copes with sensor inaccuracies or errors, resulting in a semi-automatic process. Within a formative usability study (

n
=
11

n=11

users) the algorithm was able to reconstruct the stairs and drive the system neither falling down nor colliding with steps. The semi-automatic process reduced climbing time by 59 % and the participants reported a higher subjective usability compared to manual stair climbing.
Applying SEIR model without vaccination for COVID-19 in case of the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, France, and India
Authors: Al-Raeei Marwan , El-Daher Moustafa Sayem , Solieva Oliya
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Compartmental models are helpful tools to simulate and predict the spread of infectious diseases. In this work we use the SEIR model to discuss the spreading of COVID-19 pandemic for countries with the most confirmed cases up to the end of 2020, i.e. the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and India. The simulation considers the susceptible, exposed, infective, and the recovered cases of the disease.

Method: We employ the order Runge–Kutta method to solve the SIER model equations-for modelling and forecasting the spread of the new coronavirus disease. The parameters used in this work are based on the confirmed cases from the real data available for the countries reporting most cases up to December 29, 2020.

Results: We extracted the coefficients of the exposed, infected, recovered and mortality rate of the SEIR model by fitting the collected real data of the new coronavirus disease up to December 29, 2020 in the countries with the most cases. We predict the dates of the peak of the infection and the basic reproduction number for the countries studied here. We foresee COVID-19 peaks in January-February 2021 in Brazil and the United Kingdom, and in February-March 2021 in France, Russia, and India, and in March-April 2021 in the United States. Also, we find that the average value of the SARS-CoV-2 basic reproduction number is 2.1460.

Conclusion: We find that the predicted peak infection of COVID-19 will happen in the first half of 2021 in the six considered countries. The basic SARS-CoV-19 reproduction number values range within 1.0158–3.6642 without vaccination.
Intelligent decision support system approach for predicting the performance of students based on three-level machine learning technique
Authors: Latif Sohaib , XianWen Fang , Wang Li-li
Published: May 2021

In this research work, a user-friendly decision support framework is developed to analyze the behavior of Pakistani students in academics. The purpose of this article is to analyze the performance of the Pakistani students using an intelligent decision support system (DSS) based on the three-level machine learning (ML) technique. The neural network used a three-level classifier approach for the prediction of Pakistani student achievement. A self-recorded dataset of 1,011 respondents of graduate students of English and Physics courses are used. The ten interviews along with ten questions were conducted to determine the perception of the individual student. The chi-squared

(

χ

)

\left(\chi )

test was applied to test statistical significancy of the questionnaire. The statistical calculations and computation of data were performed by using the statistical package of IBMM SPSS version 21.0. The seven different algorithms were tested to improve the data classification. The Java-based environment was used for the development of numerous prediction classifiers. C4.5 algorithm shows the finest accuracy, whereas Naïve Bayes (NB) algorithm shows the least. The results depict that the classifier’s efficiency was improved by using a three-level proposed scheme from 83.2% to 88.8%. This prediction has shown remarkable results when compared with the individual level classifier technique of ML. This improvement in the accuracy of DSSs is used to identify more efficiently the gray areas in the education stratum of Pakistan. This will pave a path for making policies in the higher education system of Pakistan. The presented framework can be deployed on different platforms under numerous operating systems.
Research on packaging optimization in customized panel furniture enterprises
Authors: Wang Guokun , Zhu Jiangang , Cai Wenwen , Liu Bin , Tian Yubin , Meng Fanyang
Published: May 2021

Various information systems have been implemented in most of the customized panel furniture companies in China, resulting in increased production difficulty and informational isolation. Enterprises need to adopt more systematic, scientific, and information-based methods to guide the production on the shop floor. Packaging optimization is important because it promotes sustainable development in furniture enterprise. Through the examination of the packaging process in customized panel furniture companies, this study investigated the bottleneck problems of the packaging process, which are predominantly focused on the calculation of the optimal packaging scheme and the upgrade of information systems. After exploring the theories and methods to solve the existing bottleneck problems, the heuristic algorithm was applied to obtain the optimal packaging schemes and complete the upgrade of packaging process information system. Based on the intelligent packaging software in company A, the Taguchi method was applied to find the best optimization parameters, which was proven effective in comparison with the original packaging solution. The number of packaging was decreased by 3.0%, and the amount of packaging corrugated paper decreased by 12.4. The packaging efficiency represented by the total packaging time showed a significant improvement despite the unit packaging time having increased by 2.0%.
A Batracomiomaquia e a parodização do tema heroico do vestir das armas
Authors: Mota Thiago Eustáquio Araújo , Cardoso Jéssica Dias Monteiro
Published: May 2021

Neste artigo buscaremos, através da análise do poema burlesco Batracomiomaquia, apresentar as correspondências com o poema homérico Ilíada, datado do século VIII a.C. a partir dos motivos convencionais do gênero épico. A Batracomiomaquia é um poema de curta extensão, escrito em hexâmetros dactílicos, que narra a batalha entre rãs e ratos no decorrer de um dia, nas margens de um lago, sendo datado entre os séculos VI a.C. e I a.C. Logo, pontuaremos as problemáticas que envolvem a história do documento no que diz respeito à datação e à autoria, que estão longe de qualquer consenso. Em seguida, discutiremos sobre o suporte e a escrita do poema, pois notamos a pertinência da discussão para esse trabalho; e, por fim, analisaremos o tema do vestir e a descrição (écfrase) das armas, tendo em vista as permanências e releituras da linguagem homérica.
A kádártai ásatás - Ausgrabungen in Kádárta
Authors: Kanozsay Margit , Szentléleky Tihamér
Published: May 2021

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Das früheisenzeitliche Gräberfeld von Vál
Authors: Petres Éva F
Published: May 2021

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A Flavius név, mint rangjelző a későantik időkben
Authors: Mócsy András
Published: May 2021

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A Magyar Tanácsköztársaság muzeumpolitikája és következményei a magyar muzeumok történetében
Authors: Oroszlán Zoltán
Published: May 2021

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Problems of Realization of the Rights of Russian Men to Reproductive Health
Authors: Komkova Galina N. , Torosyan Rima A. , Basova Alla V.
Published: May 2021

The article presents an analysis of modern scientific literature and Russian legislation on legal regulation and the implementation of the right of men in Russia to protection of the reproductive health and specialized medical care. There were identified problems of the organization of andrological medical care for the male population in the Russian health care system, which affect the indicators of the incidence and life expectancy of men. It is proposed to improve Russian legislation regarding the training of andrologists and the organization of andrological medical care for the male population
Закономерность случайного выбора. Творческий портрет Светланы Коротеевой
Authors: Кожихова Инна Александровна
Published: May 2021

Предлагаемая статья посвящена исследованию творческого пути доцента кафедры искусства Московского гуманитарного университета, лауреата международных конкурсов, художественного руководителя Детского театра песни «Светофор» Светланы Викторовны Коротеевой. В педагогической деятельности она проявила себя успешным методистом и новатором. Весь ее опыт работы с исполнителями и творческими коллективами систематизирован и структурирован для использования в учебном процессе. Студенты, с которыми занимается Светлана Викторовна, добиваются значительных творческих успехов, покоряют вершины эстрадно-джазового пения.
Juan Pablo Forner en la controversia gaditana de "El filósofo enamorado"
Authors: Bolaños Donoso Piedad , Cañas Murillo Jesús
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se rescatan del olvido los textos, de Forner y de sus adversarios y defensores, que fueron impresos y dados a conocer a lo largo de la polémica desatada a raíz del la reposición gaditana, en el Teatro Principal, de la comedia La escuela de la amistad o El Filósofo enamorado. Se incluyen, los escritos en edición crítica con notas exclusivamente textuales. En la primera parte de este artículo se aborda la historia de la controversia en la que los textos se encuadran. Con nuestro trabajo hemos querido, una vez más, contribuir a mejorar el conocimiento que hoy se tiene de la producción escrita legada por Forner a la posteridad, y a difundirla entre los lectores actuales interesados.
The effect of the maternal vitamin D level on the risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss in the first trimester
Authors: Ferdous Sharmin , Hussain Farhat , Hayee Samira , Akhtar Nahreen , Khanam Suraiya , Begum Khadiza , Sultana Adeba
Published: May 2021

Background: Pregnancy loss in the first trimester is one of the most disappointing matters for a mother. But spontaneous pregnancy loss in the first trimester is the most common negative outcome of pregnancy. It's estimated that about 10% of known pregnancies are lost in the first trimester whereas fewer than 4% of pregnancies miscarry in the second trimester. Aim of current study was to assess the effect of the maternal vitamin D level on the risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss in the first trimester.Methods: It was a case-control study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Sir Salimullah medical college Mitford hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of September 2018 to August 2019. A total of 100 patients were included in this study. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using window-based computer software devised with SPSS version 22.0.Results: In analyzing the association of serum vitamin D status with first-trimester pregnancy state it was observed that more than half (52.0%) patients had severe deficiency (<10 ng/ml) in the case group and 14 (28.0%) patients in the control group. In total 24 (48.0%) patients had deficiency (10-20 ng/ml) in case and 35 (70.0%) in control group. Only 1 (2.0%) patient had insufficiency (21-29 ng/ml) in control group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) between the two groups.Conclusions: Maternal serum vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with early spontaneous pregnancy loss in the first trimester.
Changing trends in the incidence of caesarean section after a district hospital became medical college teaching hospital at Karwar, a coastal city in Karnataka-an eleven years retrospective audit
Authors: Kadur Somashekharappa B. , Shetty Annappa B.
Published: May 2021

Background: Caesarean section (C-section) delivery has well established risks and adverse consequences. Every health care sector should look into the standards of maternal services it is providing. This audit look into the standards we have been providing at KRIMS Karwar with a comparison to national standards.Methods: This is a retrospective audit conducted by obstetrics and anaesthesia departments at KRIMS Karwar, Karnataka. Objectives were to look into incidence of C-sections, kind of anaesthesia used and maternal mortality. In addition, to look into any change in the obstetric care/outcome after Karwar district general hospital upgraded to a medical college teaching hospital. WHO guidelines for obstetrics care were set as standards. Retrospective data for the period between January 2007 and December 2018 has been collected and analysed.Results: Total number of pregnant women admitted for labour was 13431 with an average of 1221 per year. Proportion of caesarean delivery per hundred labouring women was 16.8 % in 2007 with significant increase to reach 51% in 2012. This has decreased in subsequent years to reach 23.5 in 2018. 99.9% of the C-sections have been done under spinal anaesthesia. There was one death of the mother subjected for C-sections in 2009.Conclusions: Incidence of C-sections was alarmingly high. Implementation of the uniform protocol has significantly reduced the C-sections rate. This reduction could be attributed to the upgrading the Karwar district hospital to a medical college teaching hospital. Protocol based practice will be continued and measures to improve overall maternity services will be implemented as per the WHO guidelines.
A study of maternal and perinatal outcome in patients of postpartum hemorrhage in a tertiary care hospital, Gujarat
Authors: Shah Amit H. , Panchal Divyesh N.
Published: May 2021

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is significant factor for maternal mortality. Prevalence of PPH is 6.0% worldwide and highest prevalence was noted in Africa which is almost 10.1%. In India, maternal hemorrhage is the very common factor for maternal mortality. The objective of the study was to understand incidence of PPH and various risk factors for it, to study maternal morbidity and mortality associated with PPH and to study the effective mode of management in PPH.Methods: This prospective study was done among 50 cases of postpartum haemorrhage out of 13,628 deliveries at civil hospital, Asarwa, Ahmedabad during November 2008 to October 2010 and analysis was done regarding patients’ socio demographic characteristics, various risk factors, causes and maternal and perinatal outcome.Results: Incidence of PPH was 0.36%. Almost >85% cases were belonged to 20-34 years age group. Highest cases (38%) seen in primigravida and 72% cases have normal vaginal delivery. Anemia noted in highest cases (22%) and 68% cases have most common etiology was atonicity. Birth weight <2.5 kg found in 36% cases. Most common maternal outcome was fever (16%) and 72% cases delivered healthy and alive birth.Conclusions: The patients were mostly primiparous. The commonest associated medical condition was anemia. The commonest underlying cause of PPH was atonicity of the uterus. Commonest maternal outcome was fever. Out of total births, 72.0% were alive and healthy babies followed by 18.0% babies were still birth.