bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Land Surface Schemes in the WRF Model for Climate Simulations over the MENA-CORDEX Domain
Authors: Constantinidou Katiana , Hadjinicolaou Panos , Zittis George , Lelieveld Jos
Published: December 2020

Land–atmosphere interactions need to be optimally represented in climate models for the realistic representation of past and future climate. In this work, six different versions of land surface schemes (LSS) are used to simulate the climate over the Middle East–North Africa (MENA) region for the period 2000–2010 with a horizontal resolution of 0.44°, using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The monthly time series output is evaluated against observations for several surface climate variables using statistical metrics (climatology, 5th and 95th percentiles, standard deviation, linear trend) and Taylor diagrams. The resulting biases are presented for the whole MENA domain as well as 7 sub-domains. A ranking procedure objectively retrieves a performance spectrum among the schemes. The LSS that is closest to observations and is, therefore, considered as the best performing is Noah, followed by its augmented version (NoahMP). For these simulations at the relatively coarse horizontal resolution of 50 km, the more elaborate LSSs are not performing very well. These results are useful for the choice of LSS in climate change modelling of the MENA-CORDEX as a whole, as well as its sub-regions.
Dyspareunia in Their Own Words: A Qualitative Description of Endometriosis-Associated Sexual Pain
Authors: Wahl Kate J. , Imtiaz Shermeen , Lisonek Michelle , Joseph K.S. , Smith Kelly B. , Yong Paul J. , Cox Susan M.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Dyspareunia has been called the neglected symptom of endometriosis and is underexplored in clinical and research contexts. Understanding the physical experience and patient-important aspects of endometriosis-associated sexual pain can help advance valid measurement of this symptom.

Aims

The goal of this research was to characterize the physical experience of endometriosis-associated dyspareunia in the words of people affected by this condition.

Methods

This was a qualitative descriptive study that included participants with current or previous endometriosis-associated dyspareunia recruited from a data registry. Data collection involved semistructured interviews that began with an open-ended question about dyspareunia followed by prompts related to the nature of sexual pain.

Main Outcome Measures

Interviews transcripts were subjected to qualitative content analysis using a priori (pain site, onset, character, radiation, associations, time course, and exacerbating/relieving factors) and emergent themes.

Results

A total of 17 participants completed interviews. Mean participant age was 33.3 years and most were identified as white, college-educated, heterosexual, and partnered. Location, onset, and character were important; interrelated features of endometriosis-associated dyspareunia were: (i) introital pain began with initial penetration and had pulling, burning, and stinging qualities and (ii) pelvic pain was experienced with deep penetration or in certain positions and was described as sharp, stabbing, and cramping. Dyspareunia ranged from mild to severe, had a marked psychosocial impact for some participants, and was managed using a variety of treatments and strategies.

Conclusion

The endometriosis-associated dyspareunia experienced by participants was heterogenous in presentation, severity, and impact. Our findings have implications for the development of valid patient-reported outcome measures of this symptom.
Frequency Selection to Avoid Medium Effects on RCS of Conducting Objects With Plane E Wave Polarization
Authors: El‐Ocla Hosam
Published: December 2020

We aim to select the range of frequencies where the medium parameters have less effects on the scattered waves, and as a result we achieve high precision of computed radar cross section (RCS). Ideal object detection can be obtained through calculation of RCS assuming a plane wave incidence in the far field. Numerical results are conducted to investigate effects of medium characteristics and target configuration on its RCS. We postulate convex illumination region of partially convex contour. Targets are taking fairly large sizes in the range of five wavelengths to suit the practical dimensions of objects such as aircraft. In this work, waves propagation from targets in free space and random medium are considered while assuming E polarization of incident wave.
Our Food Systems Are Complicated. Food Data Don’t Have to Be
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: December 2020

Researchers made a “Google Maps” for global food systems. Could it help us tackle food’s thorniest problems?
Chemical-Shuttling Bacteria Follow Earth’s Magnetic Field
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Magnetotactic bacteria shunt sulfur, nitrogen, and other important elements between oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich waters.
Geologists to Shed Light on the Mantle with 3D Model
Authors: Gribkoff Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

The model, which will incorporate 227 million surface wave measurements, could help with everything from earthquake characterization to neutrino geosciences.
Breaking Location of Internal Solitary Waves Over a Sloping Seabed
Authors: Cavaliere Davide , la Forgia Giovanni , Adduce Claudia , Alpers Werner , Martorelli Eleonora , Falcini Federico
Published: December 2020

We present a semi‐analytical model for predicting the breaking location of internal solitary waves (ISWs) over a sloping seabed. Our conceptual model is based on laboratory experiments, performed in a wave tank, that reproduce the ISW breaking mechanisms and show how the steepening of the trailing edge leads to verticalization of the wave profile during the shoaling phase. We derive the location of ISWs breaking, that is, the wave verticalization point, through two‐layer, interfacial theoretical models and conservation of wave mass. We apply our model to the case of tidally forced ISWs that are generated in the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Sea), where northward traveling ISWs are expected to refract and break over the frontal slope of Capo Vaticano. Our application is then assessed through numerical investigations, which allow to consider realistic field conditions in terms of water column stratification and geometrical setting. Our results, and the expected ISW‐induced bed shear stress, suggest a link between the predicted breaking locations and the occurrence of sediment resuspension over that specific portion of the slope.
Space Diversity Mitigation Effects on Ionospheric Amplitude Scintillation With Basis on the Analysis of C/NOFS Planar Langmuir Probe Data
Authors: Costa Emanoel , Roddy Patrick A. , Ballenthin John O.
Published: December 2020

The present contribution applies a modified version of a well‐known weak‐scatter scintillation model to the propagation paths between an Earth station and two geostationary satellites, as they are affected by drifting ionospheric irregularities detected by the planar Langmuir probe onboard the Communications/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite. This study considers one year of data from a limited altitude range, two longitude sectors and frequencies to analyze the mitigation effects from the angular distance between the geostationary satellites on the space diversity gain, considering the statistical distributions of the amplitude scintillation index S4. The results indicate that the space diversity gain increases with the angular distance between geostationary satellites. However, once the angular distance between the geostationary satellites reaches a certain limit (approximately 20°), the space diversity gain no longer increases. Additionally, these gains are high at the L1 frequency and less impressive at an Ultra High Frequency (UHF). It is shown that these observations are consistent with the South American and Indian‐Asian equatorial and low‐latitude ionospheric environments, also characterized through the same data and the scintillation formulation.
Power fluctuation and allocation of hybrid energy storage system based on optimal exponential smoothing method and energy entropy
Authors: Xidong Zheng , Xiubo Jiang
Published: December 2020

In order to solve the problems of power quality reduction and power fluctuation caused by large‐scale wind power grid‐connected, an advanced control strategy to smooth the power fluctuation and allocation of hybrid energy storage system is proposed. Based on theoretical researches, the mathematical model of hybrid energy storage system is adopted to well analyse the fluctuation and smoothing strategy of wind power. Compared with the traditional filtering algorithms, the study proposes a method combined optimal exponential smoothing with complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise and normalized energy entropy to improve the accuracy of grid‐connected output power and power allocation. Furthermore, the fuzzy control theory is used to improve the reliability of the algorithm after obtaining the smoothed power output and initial power allocation instructions. To prove the validity of the algorithm, case studies are constructed to demonstrate the performance in this paper. Experiments and example simulations show that the proposed method can effectively realize adaptive power allocation and improve the accuracy of identification. After effectively improving the efficiency and service life of the energy storage system, it provides a basis for large‐scale grid operation.
A new method of decision tree based transient stability assessment using hybrid simulation for real‐time PMU measurements
Authors: Behdadnia Tohid , Yaslan Yusuf , Genc Istemihan
Published: December 2020

In recent years, machine learning (ML) techniques have gained popularity in facilitating real‐time transient stability assessment and prediction for early detection of blackouts in power systems. Conventionally, synchrophasor measurements, as the real‐time indicators of system dynamics, are fed into the ML‐based models. However, if the quality of the synchrophasors used in the process of developing and application of the ML models is not validated, these models could suffer from unreliability issues due to the unrealistic quantities obtained through simulations and due to the interference of erroneous measurements encountered during their application. In this paper, after investigating the properties of different simulation methods, a new hybrid‐type simulator that generates a realistic dataset in a feasible time is proposed. Using this simulator, the distortion of the time‐series data due to the dynamics of practical phasor measurement units (PMUs) following a disturbance is analysed and the intervals in which the PMU measurements are significantly erroneous are determined. Moreover, a new method of time‐series data arrangement for the dataset to be used in ML models is proposed. With this method, the erroneous parts of the time‐series measurements are effectively removed, while the remaining relevant information is retained to enhance the transient stability prediction accuracy.
Face alignment based on fusion subspace and 3D fitting
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Di Lan , Liang Jiuzhen
Published: December 2020

The traditional face alignment approaches based on cascade regression have achieved satisfactory result on the frontal face, but for the face with large changes in posture and expression, a single initial shape will lead to the result falling into local optimum. In order to solve this problem, a two‐stage cascade regression model for face alignment is proposed, which generates coarse initial shape from the aligned salient shape. The first stage is used to align the salient shape that contains some prominent landmarks. To enhance the robustness of authors' method, the fusion subspace is used to divide the samples, and each subset trains cascade regression model separately. The alignment results of the first stage are used to generate the coarse initial shapes for the second stage through 3D fitting. The second stage is still based on cascade regression, which is used to further predict the full shape. The experimental results demonstrate the proposed method can achieve state‐of‐art performance, especially in unconstrained conditions with various poses.
Features' value range approach to enhance the throughput of texture classification
Authors: Akoushideh Alireza , Maybodi Babak Mazloom‐Nezhad , Shahbahrami Asadollah
Published: December 2020

The definition of an image's category from a database with huge texture categories needs massive computation and time cost. Existing texture classification works focus on texture representation to improve the accuracy and efficiency of classification. This research wants to reduce the categories of the main classifier to decrease the comparison time of classification. To overcome computation time, a features' value range (FR) approach to enhance the throughput of texture classification is proposed. The proposed approach decreases the number of candidate categories as a pre‐classifier in a two‐step serial classification. With the decrease in the number of candidates, the main classifier can work on a few categories to find the final category. Here, configuration parameters are defined and some criteria are proposed for evaluating the FR approach. The performance of the FR is evaluated in the presence of different levels of Gaussian noise. Finally, it is shown that using effective features (EF) and hardware implementation approaches can extend the applicability of the FR approach. Experimental results depicted that the throughput of the final decision increased up to 14.85× with considerable reliability.
A remote‐sensing image enhancement algorithm based on patch‐wise dark channel prior and histogram equalisation with colour correction
Authors: Dharejo Fayaz Ali , Zhou Yuanchun , Deeba Farah , Jatoi Munsif Ali , Du Yi , Wang Xuezhi
Published: December 2020

The object identification within an image captured during rough weather conditions (such as haze, fog) poses difficulty due to the reduction of an image. The rough weather conditions lead not only to the variation of the image's visual effect but also to the disadvantage of post‐processing of an image. Furthermore, it causes inconvenience of all types of instruments that rely on optical imaging, such as satellite remote‐sensing systems, aerial photo systems, outdoor monitoring systems, and object identification systems, respectively. Hence, the improvement and restorement of the visual effects and enhanced post‐processing are needed. This research introduces a new image enhancement approach for image dehazing based on dark channel prior and piecewise linear transformation; also, the histogram equalisation technique, i.e. contrast limited adaptive histogram equalisation is applied. A dark channel prior is well known for its simplicity and productivity. In this work, the dark channel prior to a new angle is analysed in the first step, where average patch sizes are estimated for the computation of haze densities. Furthermore, the sky is approximated up to 5–10% of the hazy images, which has a good effect in removing the haze from the image. Using the dark channel, the proposed algorithm significantly boosted the effects of the dark images as well as reduced the influence of haze and noise. Eventually, for colour correction, the piecewise linear transformation technique is applied, which enhances the colour close to the original image. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves the visibility of the algorithm on dark remote‐sensing images as well as on hazy natural images.
Time‐variant focusing range‐angle dependent beampattern synthesis by uniform circular frequency diverse array radar
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan , Shi Zhiguo , Zhou Chengwei
Published: December 2020

The beam steering of phased array (PA) radar is fixed in one direction for all the ranges, thus the resulting beampattern is angle‐dependent but range‐independent. Compared with the PA radar, the frequency diverse array (FDA) radar can achieve range‐angle dependent beampattern by employing a small frequency increment across the array elements. Numerous studies have been conducted using linear FDAs, while other array configurations are seldom studied. On the other hand, the range‐angle dependent beampattern generated by the FDA is also time‐variant. However, previous studies on time‐invariant spatial‐focusing FDA beampatterns neglected the propagation process of the transmitted signals, leading the focused beampattern difficult to achieve when the transmit delay caused by wave propagation is considered. Taking the time‐variant property of the FDA beampatterns into consideration, in this study, we propose a novel uniform circular FDA (UC‐FDA) radar for short‐range beampattern synthesis. The UC‐FDA radar has the ability to scan azimuthally through 360°, which is a potential solution for applications requiring three‐dimensional beam steering. Furthermore, the proposed UC‐FDA radar adopts a pulse‐dependent non‐linear frequency offsets based on logistic map, together with multi‐carrier technique to achieve a dot‐shaped time‐variant focusing beampattern with minimum sidelobe levels and high‐resolution. The effectiveness of the proposed UC‐FDA radar is validated with simulated experiments.
Liebe Leserinnen und Leser
Authors: Buchner Helmut , Raffauf Walter
Published: December 2020

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

ich möchte Sie zum Lesen des vierten Hefts in 2020 der Klinischen Neurophysiologie einladen.
Das Rheuma-Dispensaire
Authors: Geidel Heinrich
Published: December 2020

Die sog. Dispensaires dienten in der ehemaligen DDR als Betreuungsstellen für Patienten mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen. Hier erfolgte die ambulante Versorgung sowie die Behandlung. Auch für die weitere Unterstützung der Patienten waren die Dispensaires zuständig. Die Schließung der Rheuma-Dispensaires war sowohl für die Betroffenen als auch die Ärzte in hohem Maße bedauerlich.
Prototheca from bovine milk and associated minimal algaecide concentration of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Jui-Chun , Hsieh Yi-Feng , Chuang Shih-Te
Published: December 2020

Objective Protothecal mastitis has emerged and affected the dairy industries globally in last decades; however, little is known about the occurrence of Prototheca in Taiwan. The present study identified the Prototheca isolated from bovine milk and revealed the algaecide efficacy of 2 disinfectants.

Material and methods From 2011 to 2014, a total of 176 Prototheca isolates were obtained from 10 625 milk samples collected from dairy cows in 24 Taiwanese dairy farms. Of these, 149 isolates were identified by biochemical tests and genotype differentiation with a specific PCR protocol. Minimal algaecide concentration (MAC) of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine were obtained from 16 isolates by microdilution method.

Results Almost all (n = 147) isolates were P. zopfii, and remaining 2 isolates were P. wickerhamii and unidentified, respectively. Based on molecular genotyping, all P. zopfii isolates belonged to genotype 2. The MAC of 2 commonly used disinfectants, chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine, against 16 P. zopfii isolates was 1.56–3.13 and 48.83–390.63 µg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion This report revealed for the first time the prevalence and the predominant P. zopfii genotype 2 of bovine protothecal infection in Taiwan. In vitro algaecide efficacy indicated that both tested disinfectants were effective against P. zopfii.
Prävalenz von Immunglobulin E gegen kreuzreagierende Kohlenhydrat-Seitenketten (CCD) und die Wirkung eines Blockers im saisonalen In-vitro-Allergietest
Authors: Mohammaddavoodi Amirhossein , Panakova Lucia , Christian Maria , Burgener Iwan , Müller Elisabeth , Wagner Regina
Published: December 2020

Gegenstand und Ziel Kreuzreagierende Kohlenhydrat-Seitenketten (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants, CCD) führen bei In-vitro-Allergietests zum Nachweis von IgE gegen saisonale Allergene zu polypositiven Ergebnissen. Falsch-positive/klinisch irrelevante Resultate aufgrund der Bindung von Immunglobulin IgE an CCD (Anti-CCD-IgE) wurden bei Pollenallergenen identifiziert. Bisher fehlten Studien über das Phänomen bei Katzen. Das Ziel dieser Studie war, die Prävalenz der Polysensibilisierung in Serumproben und die Auswirkung eines CCD-Inhibitors/Blockers bei multipositiven, saisonalen Allergietestergebnissen bei Katzen zu evaluieren.

Material und Methoden Insgesamt wurden 472 Katzenseren berücksichtigt, die für einen Allergietest zum Nachweis von IgE gegen saisonale Allergene (ELISA basierend auf der Fc-Epsilon-Rezeptor-Technologie) von Juli 2017 bis Juni 2018 eingeschickt wurden. Die Proben wurden in die polypositive Gruppe A und die nicht polypositive Gruppe B eingeteilt. Seren der Gruppe A wurden nach Zugabe eines modifizierten Glykoprotein-Pflanzenextrakts (Blocker) erneut getestet. Um die Auswirkung des Blockers auf jedes Allergen zu bestimmen, wurden die Ergebnisse bei 48 zufällig ausgewählten Proben vor und nach dem Blocken analysiert.

Ergebnisse Die Polysensibilisierung wurde bei 137 (29 %) Serumproben ohne Abhängigkeit von den Jahreszeiten festgestellt. Durch das Blocken wurde die Bindung von Anti-CCD-IgE an Allergenen eliminiert und das Testergebnis entweder negativ (49 %) oder um 1–4 Reaktionsklassen erniedrigt (41 %), was die zusätzliche Präsenz von klinisch relevanten allergenspezifischen IgE anzeigt. Der Anteil an negativen Testreaktionen nach dem Blocken war beim 6-Gräser-Mix (31 %), Roggen (23 %) und Sauerampfer (25 %) viel geringer im Vergleich zu Weide und Birke-Hasel (67 %), Brennnessel und Beifuß-Ragweed (65 %) sowie Spitzwegerich (54 %).

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Für eine verbesserte Qualität des In-vitro-Allergietests auf IgE gegen saisonale Allergene sollte das Blocken bei multipositiven Ergebnissen angewendet werden, um zu vermeiden, dass bei der allergenspezifischen Immuntherapie (ASIT) klinisch nicht relevante Allergene zum Einsatz kommen.
Granulomatöse Pleuritis und Chylothorax durch Kalzitinhalation bei einem Galgo Español
Authors: Kramer Sonja , Wohlsein Peter , Schmitz Inge , Drumm Ilva , Spies Nadja , Lockemann Ute , Nickel Rafael
Published: December 2020

Ein 6-jähriger Galgo-Español-Rüde wurde aufgrund hochgradiger Dyspnoe vorgestellt. Nach röntgenologischer und sonografischer Diagnose eines Thoraxergusses erfolgte eine Thorakozentese, bei der 4 l milchig-rötliche Flüssigkeit abgesogen wurden. Die klinisch-chemische Analyse ergab ein modifiziertes Transsudat mit erhöhtem Triglyzeridgehalt, bei der zytologischen Untersuchung zeigten sich degenerierte neutrophile Granulozyten, einige Lymphozyten und Makrophagen sowie Chylomikronen. Es wurde eine Thoraxdrainage gelegt. Aufgrund des computertomografischen Befunds vergrößerter Sternallymphknoten und verdickter parietaler und viszeraler Pleuralblätter bei unauffälligem Lungengewebe fiel die Entscheidung zur Thorakoskopie, bei der disseminierte herdförmige Proliferationen an der Pleura auffielen. Die histopathologische Untersuchung von Bioptaten ergab eine granulomatöse Pleuritis mit Hinweis auf intraläsionales, polarisationsoptisch anisotropes Fremdmaterial. Durch die energiedispersive Röntgenmikroanalyse wurden rasterelektronenmikroskopisch stark kalziumhaltige Fremdmaterialien in den granulomatösen Herden nachgewiesen. Die erweiterte Anamnese ergab, dass der Hund 15 Monate zuvor einige Zeit in unmittelbarer Nähe einer Baustelle gelebt hatte und kalkzementhaltige Stäube eingeatmet haben könnte. Eine Behandlung mit Prednisolon wurde nach 10 Wochen wegen gastrointestinaler Nebenwirkungen abgesetzt. Nach weiteren 4 Monaten kam es zu einem Rezidiv des Chylothorax. Der erneute Versuch einer immunsuppressiven Therapie mit Prednisolon und Ciclosporin musste wieder wegen Nebenwirkungen abgesetzt werden. Im weiteren Verlauf entwickelte der Hund eine Pneumonie und wurde auf Wunsch der Besitzerin euthanasiert.
Aerosolization in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Risk Mitigation in the COVID-19 Era: A Scoping Review
Authors: Roy Catherine F. , Kay-Rivest Emily , Nguyen Lily H.P. , Sirhan Denis , Tewfik Marc A.
Published: December 2020

Objective The continually evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a dire need for rapid reorganization of health care delivery within surgical services. Ensuing initial reports of high infection rates following endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery, various expert and societal guidelines have emerged. We hereby provide a scoping review of the available literature on endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery, exploring both the risk of aerosolization and expert recommendations on surgical management during the pandemic.

Methods A literature search of the PubMed database was performed up until May 9th, 2020. Additionally, websites and published statements from otolaryngology associations were searched for recommendations. This scoping review followed the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.

Results A total of 29 peer-reviewed publications and statements from expert recommendations or professional associations were included. Current expert guidance relies mainly on scarce, anecdotal evidence, and two cadaveric studies, which have demonstrated potential aerosolization during transnasal surgery. General consensus exists for delaying surgery when possible, ascertaining COVID-19 status preoperatively and donning of adequate personal protective equipment by all operating room staff (including at minimum an N95 mask). Cold, nonpowered surgical instruments are deemed the safest, while thermal instruments (electrocautery and laser) and high-speed drills should be minimized. Conflicting recommendations emerge for use of microdebriders.

Conclusion Endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery impart a potential risk of aerosolization. Hence, surgical indications, protective measures for health care workers, and surgical instrumentation must be adapted accordingly in the COVID-19 context.
Childhood Distal Forearm Fracture Incidence in Malmö, Sweden 1950 to 2016
Authors: Bergman Erika , Lempesis Vasileios , Jehpsson Lars , Rosengren Björn E. , Karlsson Magnus K.
Published: December 2020

Background Distal forearm fracture is the most common pediatric fracture. As studies have indicated time trends in fracture incidence, we wanted to update the epidemiology and estimate time trends between 1950 and 2016 in Malmö, Sweden.

Methods The city of Malmö, Sweden, had 318,107 inhabitants (58,585 of the population was aged <16 years) in 2014 and one hospital. We, therefore, used the hospital diagnosis registry and hospital medical records to identify and classify distal forearm fractures 2014 to 2016 in children aged 0 to 15 years. For long-term trend calculations, we also included published data from 1950 to 2006 (resulting in 17 evaluated years) and used joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent changes (APC). To describe differences in incidence between two periods, we calculated incident rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to describe uncertainty.

Results Childhood distal forearm fracture incidence in 2014 to 2016 was 546/100,000 person-years (660 in boys and 427 in girls). The age-adjusted incidence in 2014 to 2016 and in 2005 to 2006 was similar (boys IRR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9–1.2 and girls IRR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.9–1.3). Time-trend analyses from 1950 to 2016 revealed increasing age-adjusted incidence in both boys (APC +0.9%, 95% CI: 0.7–1.2) and girls (APC +0.6%, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9).

Conclusion Distal forearm fracture incidence was similar in 2014 to 2016 and in 2005 to 2006. Age-adjusted incidence had increased in both sexes from 1950 to 2016.

Level of Evidence This is a Level III b study.
Atypical Presentation of Neurobrucellosis as Infection of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Authors: Covrig Raul-Ciprian , Petridou Jasmina , Knappe Ulrich J.
Published: December 2020

Brucellosis is a frequent zoonosis in some regions of the world and may cause various symptoms. Neurobrucellosis is a rare but serious complication of the infection. Our case report describes the course of neurobrucellosis in a patient who had received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in his native country 13 years prior to diagnosis of brucellosis. He initially presented to us with symptoms of peritonitis, which misled us to perform abdominal surgery first. After the diagnosis of neurobrucellosis was confirmed and appropriate antibiotics were initiated, the symptoms soon disappeared. Although the ventriculoperitoneal shunt was subsequently removed, the patient did not develop a symptomatic hydrocephalus further on. This case displays the challenges in diagnosing an infection that occurred sporadically in Europe and may be missed by currently applied routine microbiological workup. Considering the political context, with increasing relocation from endemic areas to European countries, it is to be expected that the cases of brucellosis and neurobrucellosis will rise. Brucellosis should be considered and adequate investigations should be performed.
The Use of Real-Time 3D Intraoperative Ultrasound “Angiography” in Localization and Occlusion Control of a Ruptured Mycotic Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Nerntengian Ntenis , Gkasdaris Grigorios , Barettas Nikolaos , Theodoropoulou Efthymia , Birbilis Theodosios
Published: December 2020

Background Infectious (mycotic) aneurysms are rare with high mortality and are most commonly found at the distal branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Because aneurysms of the distal MCA are located deep in the Sylvian fissure and are small in size, intraoperative identification and safe clip occlusion of these aneurysms are challenging. Thus, the use of intraoperative imaging and navigation can be beneficial. We describe the use of intraoperative real-time 3D ultrasound “angiography” (3D-iUS) in localizing and occlusion control of a ruptured MCA M3 segment mycotic aneurysm. To our knowledge, its application in the surgery of a ruptured mycotic distal MCA aneurysm is not yet reported.

Clinical Presentation A 54-year-old woman with a history of septic thrombophlebitis treated with long-term antibiotic therapy presented with sudden onset of headaches, dysphasia, and seizures. Computed tomography (CT) revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the distal portion of the left Sylvian fissure. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed an aneurysm at the peripheral branch of the M3 segment of the MCA with characteristics of an infectious aneurysm. A microsurgical treatment was decided. 3D-iUS scan showed an aneurysm within the Sylvian fissure at a depth of 5 cm. The aneurysm was clipped and a repeated 3D-iUS scan showed total occlusion of the aneurysm and patency of the parent artery. The intraoperative findings were confirmed with a postoperative DSA.

Conclusion Our case report shows that real-time 3D-iUS, despite its limitations, is an important tool to locate and ascertain the successful clip occlusion of an aneurysm, especially when intraoperative angiography (IA) and indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography are not available due to low-income settings.
Surface textures suppress viscoelastic braking on soft substrates
Authors: Coux Martin , Kolinski John M.
Published: December 2020

Significance

The transport of liquids on solid substrates is ubiquitous in our daily experience, and vital to many industrial and fundamental processes. Enabled by surface texturing and chemical treatment, engineers have recently developed methods to enhance liquid motion over rigid surfaces. With increasing applicability of soft materials, the motion of liquids over soft substrates has become important, especially in medical settings. Indeed, elastocapillary phenomena profoundly alter liquid transport over such soft surfaces due to substrate deformation, leading to enormous resistance to liquid motion over the surface, and thus enabling harmful fouling effects. Here we show that surface texturing on compliant substrates leads to giant suppression of this viscoelastic braking phenomenon, facilitating droplet motion over compliant surfaces.
On the relationship between non-mixing cascade and a cascade with constant partial cuts for separation of multi-component mixtures
Authors: Zeng S , Lei Z G , Jiang D J , Borisevich V D , Smirnov A Yu , Sulaberidze G A
Published: December 2020

Understanding the relationship between the quasi-ideal cascade (QIC) and the matched abundance ratio cascade (MARC) is very helpful in analysis and research of the separation cascade mechanism as well as practical applications of the cascade theory. For different values of separation factors and separation condition, the relationship between QIC and MARC is investigated. It is determined that they belong to different types of cascades. Only when the separation factor is constant and the separation process is symmetrical, both cascades become equivalent. It follows that in practice these two types of cascades should be considered separately when searching the optimal cascade with its best separation performance.
Low-Temperature Conversion of Hydrogen Modifications on Nanoparticles of 1B-Group Metals
Authors: Boeva O A , Kudinova E S , Panyukova N S , Nesterova N I , Zhavoronkova K N
Published: December 2020

The catalytic properties of metal nanoparticles of the 1B group (Cu, Ag, Au) in the reaction of low-temperature ortho-vapor conversion of hydrogen are investigated. It is shown that, upon transition to nanoscale particles, inert bulk metals adsorb hydrogen at low temperatures and become active in the reaction of the conversion of hydrogen modifications. Among the metals studied, gold nanoparticles have the highest specific catalytic activity. Conversion occurs on all ortho-vapor nanoparticles by the physical magnetic mechanism, which indicates the presence of magnetic properties of copper, silver, and gold nanoparticles.
Local Configurations of Pores that Course Non-Wetting Liquid Non Outflow
Authors: Bortnikova S A , Belogorlov A A , Borman V D
Published: December 2020

It is known that for the most nanoporous medium - non-wetting liquid systems are observed non-outflow phenomenon. It is shown that this phenomenon may depend on many factors, one of which is a waiting time. The observed anomalously slow relaxation (non-wetting liquid outflow) caused by formation of strongly interacting states of liquid clusters in pores. Previously was shown that relaxation of such states can occur due to relaxation of metastable local configurations of filled and empty pores. In the present work the relaxation of non-wetting liquid (water) dispersed in disordered nanoporous medium (hydrophobic silica gel Libersorb 23) for 6 and 9° C is considered. The pore size distribution functions of captured liquid for 9° C are obtained. Some local configurations for 6 and 9° C are analyzed and their lifetimes are defined.
Relaxation of Non-Wetting Liquid Dispersed in Nanoporous Medium with Partial Filling
Authors: Bortnikova S A , Belogorlov A A , Borman V D , Byrkin V A
Published: December 2020

In the present work the results of experimental studies of relaxation of non-wetting liquid captured by the system of nanopores of Fluka 100 C8+C1 medium are presented. New data on dependence of filling degree on time in the process of outflow at partial initial filling have been obtained. In all the experiments carried out, fluid outflow was carried out in two stages: in the first stage of fast relaxation the characteristic time of outflow is a few seconds, in the second stage of slow relaxation the characteristic time can reach 104 seconds. It was found that “fast” states exist at any initial filling, and the degree of these states increases both with increasing temperature and with increasing initial filling of nanoporous medium with non-wetting liquid.
Study of the processes of Physico-chemical treatment of landfill leachate
Authors: Alexandrov R A , Feklistov D Yu
Published: December 2020

The work proposes a method of purifying landfill leachate. The method is based on a combination of physicochemical and membrane methods of water purification with the extraction and removal of the main part of the sediment at the initial stage of the purification process. This approach allows reducing the load on the subsequent stages of purification, including reverse osmosis. The paper presents a technological scheme for landfill leachate treatment and sediment transfer to the solid phase. In the process of work, an experimental stand was created, and research was conducted on the treatment of landfill leachate. The results obtained indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
7th International Week of Science, Technology and Innovation (VII IWSTI)
Authors: Rojas Suarez J P , Velásquez-Pérez T , Dueñas Ramírez L M , V-Niño E D
Published: December 2020

The 7th International Week of Science, Technology, and Innovation (7th IWSTI), which took place from 6 to 9 October de 2020, in the city of San José de Cúcuta, Colombia, and was organized by the Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander headquarters in San José de Cúcuta and Ocaña. The 7th IWSTI conference is aimed at the academic and scientific community and to the productive sectors of the region, and have a purpose are the dissemination of academic, and research works; moreover, promotes the exchange of experiences between researchers as well as the participation of the productive sectors in research, extension, technological development, and innovation activities for contribution to strengthening the relationship University-Company-State.

The 7th International Week of Science, Technology, and Innovation (7th IWSTI) generated spaces for the exchange experiences academic and scientific in different knowledge areas between students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and researchers from Belgium, Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Colombia. Additionally, during the 7th IWSTI, was held the IV Interinstitutional Conference of Research Seedbeds of the Alliance of Higher Education Institutions SIES+ is held; the main goal of this meeting was to socialize the research proposals and research results, obtained in different areas of knowledge, by the Research Seedbeds of the Educational Institutions of Norte de Santander, SIES+, Colombia.

List of Organizing Committee, International Scientific Committee, National Scientific Committee, Logistics Committee, Sponsors and Partners are available in this pdf.
Comparative analysis between asphaltites and extra heavy oil asphaltenes
Authors: Bustos N , Diaz E , Jerez E , Roa M
Published: December 2020

The asphaltite material receives many names depending on the country, or area of knowledge, for this reason it is also known as bitumen, asphalt and gilsonite, its composition is a mixture of high molecular weight organic substances, mainly polyaromatic compounds characterized by a black color, and they appear in a semi-solid or solid state. Asphaltenes correspond to the oil fraction with the highest molecular weight, this characteristic provides a high viscosity to hydrocarbons, which contain, in their composition, a concentration equal to or greater than 10%, although the exact structure of this is not known. molecular family, it has been possible to elucidate the functional groups present, such as carbonyl acids, thiols and pyridines, implying the presence of heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen, but the most characteristic part of this type of molecules is their nucleus polyaromatic, which can contain up to 20 or more benzene rings. A sample of Colombian asphaltite was taken and compared with a sample of asphaltenes from a Colombian extra-heavy crude, solubility tests, a spectroscopic characterization by Ultraviolet-Visible, infrared, a thermal evaluation by Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry were carried out., in addition to an analysis by X-ray diffraction, in order to determine if the behavior and composition of both The objective of this investigation is to be analyzed by comparing a traditional asphaltite and an asphaltite, if the latter has the same properties and composition, with a view to being used as an energy source. The results obtained reveal that despite the fact that both substances present a similar composition, their glass transitions are different, as well as the crystalline phases present in each of the materials.
Energy evaluation of a refrigeration system by calculating the coefficient of performance
Authors: Espinel-Blanco E E , Flores-Solano E , Arévalo-Ruedas J H
Published: December 2020

The calculation of the coefficient of performance for the refrigeration system in a dairy product processing plant is presented, with the objective of knowing the energy efficiency of the system based on the thermodynamic analysis of the refrigeration cycle. The operation of the cooling system is based on the physical principles related to the heat transfer between two flows, where the cooling fluid fulfills a closed thermodynamic cycle and the system needs to consume energy to extract certain amount of heat. The evaluation of the coefficient of performance was developed following an integrated methodology of three stages. Firstly, the amount of heat necessary to extract from the products to be cooled was determined to estimate the necessary energy consumption. Secondly, the heat gain in the cooling water pipe-lines was then calculated since this magnitude increases energy consumption. Finally, the operating coefficient was determined to evaluate the energy efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. It was verified that the capacity of the installed system is sufficient for the extraction of heat in the products to be cooled according to the operating conditions of the plant and the requirements to maintain the products. The analysis of heat transfer of the cooling water lines showed that the absorption of heat is caused by problems in the insulation of the pipe, which is necessary to inspect through maintenance activities to reduce energy consumption and maintain the thermodynamic efficiency of the cycle with values greater than 70%.
Exploration of types of ventilated air chambers to improve thermal efficiency of bricks in fired clay
Authors: Díaz-Fuentes C X , Colmenares-Uribe A P , Peñaranda-Méndez J G
Published: December 2020

The products and construction systems for facades regulate energy transfer in the architectural envelopes. Therefore, this paper developed an exploration of types of ventilated air chambers to improve thermal efficiency of brick for masonry walls in fired clay, taking into account their role in buildings. The methodology involves three fundamental stages: design, simulation and analysis of results. The design stage proposes 3 brick typologies with ventilated air chamber. The second stage simulates the behavior of the heat transfer and heat fluxes of the models in extreme climatic conditions of San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia, in September in Ansys software through the finite element method. Finally, the analysis of results studies the relationship between the incorporation of the ventilated chamber, shape of the product and heat transfer of proposed models, in comparison with the multi-perforated brick. The results indicate that thermal benefit varies between 2.52 °C and 3.64 °C in the interior surfaces of proposed bricks. Moreover, incorporation of ventilated air chamber mitigates heat transfer and reduces energy concentration in the interior sides of new bricks design. In conclusion, innovation in brick design proves that new forms proposition generates added values such as thermal benefits related to comfort. This aspect is important to consider because it establishes a transformative perspective for brick industry through an innovative market that is committed to sustainability of architectural envelopes in order to reduce energy consumption of buildings.
Physical thermal properties and comparative analysis of the ecological straw constructive modules
Authors: Pérez Rojas M C , Mancilla Grimaldo J J , Díaz Fuentes C X
Published: December 2020

Understanding the physical and thermal material properties is important, due to it helps to determine the thermal comfort and how green is an architectural space, decreasing the energy consumption and avoiding the use of artificial cooling systems. This research is based on three stages: the design, simulations, and analysis of the results. The first stage developed three modules made of straw as a core material, wood and cardboard reinforcement. Successively, the thermal analysis simulation of the modules was carried out using the software ANSYS to determine each one thermal performance under extreme solar radiation of San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia. Thus, obtaining the temperature distribution exterior-interior and the heat fluxes for each typology. The results of the simulation show better thermal benefit in one specific module compared to the others, demonstrating that the implementation of an air chamber is the best strategy to reduce heat transfer in the design of the module, encouraging the use of straw as a constructive system. This research promotes the development of widely viable innovative sustainable construction solutions to configure any type of architectural enclosure in rural areas surrounding the city.
Analysis of a molding machine using methodologies and theories of design
Authors: García-León R A , Rodríguez-Castilla M , Quintero-Quintero W
Published: December 2020

The objective of this work was to design a milk “Panelitas” molding machine, which can provide process technification and quality of life of workers of this industrial sector, which will achieve higher production and thus guarantee an inventory of the products elaborate handmade using methodologies and theories of design. Finally, the results calculated mathematically are supported by the finite element analysis that corroborates the excellent performance of the material selected for the machine, specifically the hopper, which is the most important element. In anything case, the materials exceed the mechanical properties of the material and element selected under the real operation conditions.
Variability of live loads computed from the analysis of internal forces produced during service life of dwellings
Authors: Márquez Peñaranda J F , Gallardo Pérez H J , Vergel Ortega M
Published: December 2020

In the field of civil engineering, live loads are related to the use of the floors of buildings and dwellings. Live loads are produced by weight of people and furniture. Such loads generate internal physical effects such bending moments, shear forces or axial forces on structural elements that can show high uncertainty in magnitude and position. This work proposes the application of a physical-mathematical model which considers such uncertainty when forecasting maximum probable live loads to be used in structural analysis and design of elements. To do so, field data of live loads acting on different floors of 20 dwellings built in San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia, were collected and used to verify the model validity. As a result, it was observed a small difference in forecasted live loads with respect to the live loads prescribed by the national and international structural design standards. Live loads forecasted using the model describe modern trends of use of floors and can be used as safe values for designing structural elements. Physical quantities related to bending moment effects resulted to influence importantly the obtained maximum loads values.