bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of oral miltefosine in treatment of antimoniate resistant anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis: An uncontrolled clinical trial
Authors: Tayyebi Masoumeh , Darchini-Maragheh Emadodin , Layegh Pouran , Kiafar Bita , Goyonlo Vahid Mashayekhi
Published: March 2021

Background

Recent circumstantial evidence suggests increasing number of Iranian patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) who are unresponsive to meglumine antimoniate (MA), the first line of treatment in Iran. Oral meltifosine was previously reported to be effective in visceral leishmaniasis as well CL. The current study is designed to determine efficacy and safety of oral miltefosine for the treatment of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) cases who were refractory to MA in Iran.

Methodology/Principal findings

Miltefosine was orally administered for 27 patients with MA resistant ACL with approved L.tropica infection, at a dosage of ∼2.5 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Patients were evaluated on day 14 and 28, as well as 3, 6 and 12 month post treatment follow up sessions. Laboratory data were performed and repeated at each visit. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Twenty-seven patients including 16 men (59.25%) and 11 women (40.74%) with mean age of 28.56 ± 4.8 (range 3–54 years old) were enrolled. Total number of lesions were 42 (1–4 in each patient). Most of lesions were on face (76.19%). Mean lesions’ induration size was 2.38 ± 0.73 cm at the base-line which significantly decreased to1.31 ± 0.58 cm and 0.61 ±0.49 cm after 14 and 28 days of therapy, respectively (p value <0.05). At 12-months follow-up post treatment, 22 patients had definite/partial cure (81.48%) including 17 definitely cured patients, corresponding to a cure rate of 68% on per protocol analysis, and 62.96% according to intention to treat analysis. Recurrence of lesion was only occurred in one patient (3.70%). Nausea was the most subjective complication during the therapy (33.33%).

Conclusion

Oral miltefosine could be an effective alternative for the treatment of MA-resistant ACL.
Understanding the clinical and demographic characteristics of second coronavirus spike in 192 patients in Tehran, Iran: A retrospective study
Authors: Zaferani Arani Hamid , Dehghan Manshadi Giti , Atashi Hesam Adin , Rezaei Nejad Aida , Ghorani Seyyed Mojtaba , Abolghasemi Soheila , Bahrani Maryam , Khaledian Homayoon , Bozorg Savodji Pantea , Hoseinian Mohammad , Kazemzade Bejandi Atefe , Abolghasemi Shahla
Published: March 2021

During the last months of the coronavirus pandemic, with all those public restrictions and health interventions, the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appears now to have been raised in some countries around the world. Iran was one of those first countries facing the second wave of coronavirus, due to the lack of appropriate public restrictions because of economic problems the country is facing. The clinical and demographic characteristics of severe cases and non-severe cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in 192 patients in Tehran, Iran, between June 16 and July 11, 2020, were investigated. The patients were divided into severe cases (n = 82) and non-severe cases (n = 110). Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between the two study clusters. The mean age was 54.6 ± 17.2 years, and the most common presenting symptom was persistent cough (81.8%) and fever (79.7%). The logistic regression model revealed that age, BMI, and affected family members were statistically associated with severity. Patients with complicated conditions of disorders faced more hospitalization days and medical care than the average statistical data. As the coronavirus spike in the case and death reports from June 2020, we observed the rise in the incidence of severe cases, where 42.7% (82/192) of cases have resulted in severe conditions. Our findings also suggested that the effect of IFB (Betamethasone) was more valid than the other alternative drugs such as LPV/r and IVIg.
Quantitative assessment of retinal thickness and vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and glaucoma
Authors: Zabel Przemyslaw , Kaluzny Jakub J. , Zabel Katarzyna , Kaluzna Martyna , Lamkowski Aleksander , Jaworski Damian , Makowski Jaroslaw , Gebska-Toloczko Martyna , Kucharski Robert
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Assessment and a direct comparison of retinal vessel density with the thickness of inner retinal layer (IRL) and outer retinal layer (ORL) in the same regions of the macula in subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

We analyzed data from 48 eyes of healthy control (HC) participants, 71 eyes with POAG, and 49 eyes of AD patients. Ophthalmic examination included optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to measure IRL and ORL thickness and OCT angiography (OCTA) in the same region for the imaging of vessel density in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) of the retina. A direct comparison of vessel density and retinal layers thickness, which different dynamic ranges, was obtained by normalizing values as percentage losses.

Results

Patients with AD presented significantly greater losses of vascular density in the DVP and ORL thickness compared to POAG (p <0.001), but percentage losses of vessel density in SVP and IRL thickness were considerable in POAG compared to AD eyes (p<0.001). Positive associations among presence of AD were observed primarily in outer retina where a 1% decrease of ORL thickness was associated with about 24–29% increase in odds of the presence of AD. According to OCTA measurements, a 1% decrease of vessel density in DVP was positively associated with a 4–9% increase in odds of the presence of AD. In POAG positive associations among presence of disease were observed only in inner retina where 1% loss of IRL thickness and a 1% loss of vessel density in the SVP were positively associated with a 13–23% increase in risk of presence of the disease.

Conclusions

Analysis of ORL thickness and vessel density in DVP could potentially improve diagnostic capabilities and may provide a valuable approach for predicting of AD.
Informal risk-sharing between smallholders may be threatened by formal insurance: Lessons from a stylized agent-based model
Authors: Will Meike , Groeneveld Jürgen , Frank Karin , Müller Birgit
Published: March 2021

Microinsurance is promoted as a valuable instrument for low-income households to buffer financial losses due to health or climate-related risks. However, apart from direct positive effects, such formal insurance schemes can have unintended side effects when insured households lower their contribution to traditional informal arrangements where risk is shared through private monetary support. Using a stylized agent-based model, we assess impacts of microinsurance on the resilience of those smallholders in a social network who cannot afford this financial instrument. We explicitly include the decision behavior regarding informal transfers. We find that the introduction of formal insurance can have negative side effects even if insured households are willing to contribute to informal risk arrangements. However, when many households are simultaneously affected by a shock, e.g. by droughts or floods, formal insurance is a valuable addition to informal risk-sharing. By explicitly taking into account long-term effects of short-term transfer decisions, our study allows to complement existing empirical research. The model results underline that new insurance programs have to be developed in close alignment with established risk-coping instruments. Only then can they be effective without weakening functioning aspects of informal risk management, which could lead to increased poverty.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Norwegian 10-14-year-olds: Results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bøe Tormod , Heiervang Einar Røshol , Stormark Kjell Morten , Lundervold Astri J. , Hysing Mari
Published: March 2021

Youth mental health problems is the leading cause of disability worldwide and a major public health concern. Prevalence rates are needed for planning preventive interventions and health care services. We here report Norwegian prevalence estimates for youth mental disorders based on findings from the Bergen Child Study cohort. A web-based psychiatric interview; the Development and Well-Being Assessment, was completed by parents and teachers of 2,043 10-14-year-olds from the city of Bergen, Norway. Post-stratification weights were used to account for selective participation related to parental educational in the estimation of prevalence rates. Prevalence rates are presented for the whole sample and stratified by gender and age. The overall population weighted estimate suggests that 6.93% (95% CI 5.06–9.41) of the children met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for one or more psychiatric disorders. There were no robust indications of age- or gender-related differences in the prevalence. 11.4% of the children fulfilled criteria for more than one diagnosis. The most common comorbid conditions were ADHD and disruptive disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was relatively low among Norwegian 10-14-year-olds, compared to published worldwide prevalence estimates. This is in line with estimates from prior studies from the Nordic countries. These findings raise important questions about the origins of different prevalence rates for psychiatric disorders between societies. The findings also illustrate the importance of locally driven epidemiological studies for planning preventative efforts and appropriately scaling mental health services to meet the need of the population.
Severe urinary tract damage secondary to primary bladder neck obstruction in women
Authors: Freitas Pedro F. S. , Coelho Augusto Q. , Bruschini Homero , Rovner Eric S. , Gomes Cristiano M.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To present the clinical and radiological characteristics of women with severe structural deterioration of the bladder and upper urinary tract secondary to Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction (PBNO), and their outcomes after bladder neck incision (BNI).

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of adult women who underwent BNI for PBNO at one institution. Patients were assessed for symptoms, renal function, structural abnormalities of the urinary tract and video-urodynamics. PBNO diagnosis was confirmed with video-urodynamics in all patients. BNI was performed at the 4–5 and/or 7–8 o’clock positions. Postoperative symptoms, PVR, uroflowmetry and renal function were evaluated and compared to baseline.

Results

Median patient age was 56.5 years (range 40–80). All presented with urinary retention–four were on clean intermittent Catheterization (CIC) and two with a Foley catheter. All patients had bladder wall thickening and diverticula. Four women had elevated creatinine levels, bilateral hydronephrosis was present in five (83.3%). After BNI, all patients resumed spontaneous voiding without the need for CIC. Median Qmax significantly improved from 2.0 [1.0–4.0] mL/s to 15 [10–22.7] mL/s (p = 0.031). Median PVR decreased from 150 to 46 [22–76] mL (p = 0.031). There were no postoperative complications. Creatinine levels returned to normal in 3/4 (75%) patients.

Conclusion

PBNO in women may result in severe damage to the bladder and upper urinary tract. Despite severe structural abnormalities of the bladder, BNI was effective in reducing symptoms and improving structural and functional abnormalities of the lower and upper urinary tract.
A systematic review on improving implementation of the revitalised integrated disease surveillance and response system in the African region: A health workers’ perspective
Authors: Ng’etich Arthur K. S. , Voyi Kuku , Kirinyet Ruth C. , Mutero Clifford M.
Published: March 2021

Background

The revised integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) guidelines adopted by African member states in 2010 aimed at strengthening surveillance systems critical capacities. Milestones achieved through IDSR strategy implementation prior to adopting the revised guidelines are well documented; however, there is a dearth of knowledge on the progress made post-adoption. This study aimed to review key recommendations resulting from surveillance assessment studies to improve implementation of the revitalised IDSR system in the African region based on health workers’ perspectives. The review focused on literature published between 2010 and 2019 post-adopting the revised IDSR guidelines in the African region.

Methods

A systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted. In addition, manual reference searches and grey literature searches using World Health Organisation Library and Information Networks for Knowledge databases were undertaken. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement checklist for systematic reviews was utilised for the review process.

Results

Thirty assessment studies met the inclusion criteria. IDSR implementation under the revised guidelines could be improved considerably bearing in mind critical findings and recommendations emanating from the reviewed surveillance assessment studies. Key recommendations alluded to provision of laboratory facilities and improved specimen handling, provision of reporting forms and improved reporting quality, surveillance data accuracy and quality, improved knowledge and surveillance system performance, utilisation of up-to-date information and surveillance system strengthening, provision of resources, enhanced reporting timeliness and completeness, adopting alternative surveillance strategies and conducting further research to improve surveillance functions.

Conclusion

Recommendations on strengthening IDSR implementation in the African region post-adopting the revised guidelines mainly identify surveillance functions focused on reporting, feedback, training, supervision, timeliness and completeness of the surveillance system as aspects requiring policy refinement.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019124108.
Literatura en la Corte. La dramatización del espacio como estrategia narrativa en José de Alencar
Authors: Fermino Guimarães Julian Guilherme
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de este trabajo es reflexionar sobre cómo el escritor José de Alencar traza un vasto panorama de la vida en la corte en el siglo XIX. Para lograr este objetivo, primero buscamos observar la construcción del ambiente en su novela Lucíola y en su texto dramático Rio de Janeiro – verso e reverso, observando, para ello, cómo el autor dramatiza los espacios por donde circulan los personajes. Luego, buscamos establecer en qué sentido los espacios públicos y privados, urbanos y rurales de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro contribuyen a las experiencias afectivas de sus personajes y cómo esta representación retrata las prácticas sociales en el momento de su publicación.
O Dito e Não-Dito: efeitos de sentido em placas de sinalização sobre a presença de indígenas
Authors: Gaelzer Vejane , Ribeiro Moreira Raquel
Published: March 2021

Nosso objetivo é analisar o funcionamento discursivo de placas de sinalização a respeitoda presença de indígenas nas rodovias RS 406 e RS 324. As placas de sinalização marcamsecomo discursos e, como tal, apresentam efeitos de sentidos que podem naturalizar dizeresestereotipados e preconceituosos. Os pressupostos teóricos dos estudos do discurso, emespecial de Pêcheux (1997), Bakhtin (2004) e Orlandi (1998) pautam nossas reflexões acercada significação das palavras e sua materialidade linguística. Perceber os dizeres do cotidianopelo viés da Análise de Discurso é encontrar campo de significação na não-transparênciada língua e na relação do sujeito com a linguagem a partir da exterioridade, de elementossimbólicos, sociais, históricos e ideológicos, inscritos nas condições em que são (re)produzidos.A partir dessa significação, o reconhecimento de garantias mínimas da identidade indígena,resultado de diversas lutas, marca o direito ao território, lugar ainda hoje disputado e pelo qualse constroem novos discursos, instaurando novos sujeitos. É desse lugar de disputas que tratamas placas de sinalização analisadas. Nelas, emergem sentidos propagados pela reprodução dodiscurso do colonizador, cujos saberes constituem o imaginário social sobre os indígenas comosujeitos destituídos - racional e culturalmente - de condições de convivência autônoma, comnecessidade de preservação.
Evaluación ambiental de áreas buritizales como subsidio para la gestión de recursos hídricos en Ji-Paraná (Rondônia, Brasil)
Authors: Torrente da Rocha José , Reis de Andrade Nara Luísa , Alves Nunes Marcos Leandro
Published: March 2021

El establecimiento de asentamientos humanos en lugares cercanos a cursos de agua es un hecho históricamente recurrente, que a menudo provoca la supresión de la vegetación nativa y el vertido de residuos de manera inadecuada. Así, el objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la calidad del agua y el grado de conservación de los buritizales en Ji-Paraná (estado de Rondônia, Brasil), un municipio ubicado en el suroeste del Amazonas brasileño. Para ello, se llevaron a cabo in situ análisis con una sonda multiparamétrica de pH, oxígeno disuelto, temperatura y conductividad. Para medir el grado de conservación y realizar la clasificación posterior, se utilizó una metodología consistente en observar los aspectos macroscópicos del entorno del lugar de estudio. Se verificó que las condiciones de preservación de los cuerpos de agua ubicados en los buritizales de Ji-Paraná están comprometidas, lo que corroboró tanto el análisis de los aspectos macroscópicos como los datos de los análisis físico-químicos del agua.  Por lo tanto, se espera que los resultados de este estudio puedan servir de ayuda para una mejor gestión y protección de estas importantes áreas de preservación.
La pandemia de Covid-19 como factor que pone en evidencia la vulnerabilidad de la salud de los pueblos indígenas brasileños
Authors: Albuquerque Caio Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

La entrevista con la investigadora Fernanda Viegas Reichadt, colaboradora del Instituto de Estudios Avanzados de la Universidade de São Paulo (IEA - USP), se llevó a cabo entre abril y mayo de 2020. El objetivo era dialogar sobre la situación de las tierras indígenas ante la pandemia de Covid-19. Licenciada en Derecho, con un doctorado en Ecología Aplicada, la investigadora va más allá y afirma que la cuestión sanitaria es una de las razones de la vulnerabilidad de los pueblos indígenas brasileños. Su participación en estudios multidisciplinares sobre el tema indígena, le permite señalar que la falta de información y la ausencia del Estado en las aldeas impiden el desarrollo de políticas públicas efectivas. Fernanda Viegas Reichardt forma parte de un grupo de investigadores que busca revertir este contexto a través de la colaboración científica, de la realización de estudios de caso y la promoción de acciones de extensión.
Sobreendeudamiento del territorio: análisis geojurídico de una crisis global
Authors: P.G. de Cerqueira-Neto Sebastião
Published: March 2021

Machado, Wilson Pantoja. (2018). Superendividamento: a responsabilidade pré-contratual do credor. Rio de Janeiro: Lumen Juris.

El libro del investigador brasileño Wilson Machado me llamó la atención por su amplio abordaje del fenómeno del sobreendeudamiento. Este fenómeno tiene una influencia directa en la organización y desorganización de los territorios, ya sea a escala local, regional o global. Los estudios sobre la globalización, con carácter crítico, muestran que los grupos económicos (empresas, bancos, países centrales) y los grandes empresarios dominan el territorio en detrimento de la quiebra moral y económica de los Estados. Sin embargo, es difícil describir todo el proceso por el cual un territorio se endeuda. Machado señala algunos caminos que nos permiten entender el sobreendeudamiento a través de las acciones de los acreedores. El libro se dedica a mejorar el papel del acreedor frente a un proceso de sobreendeudamiento individual o familiar, no obstante, al leerlo me di cuenta de que su contenido podría utilizarse para explicar el dinamismo de un territorio. De ahí mi interés, como geógrafo, por entender cómo un acreedor, estatal o privado, puede influir en la dinámica de los territorios.
Textualidades Indígenas Watunna – Mitologia Makiritare de Isabel Maria Fonseca: una aproximación literaria a las narrativas cosmogónicas de los pueblos del Circum-Roraima como Clásicos de la Literatura del Cuarto Mundo
Authors: Gigante Matteo
Published: March 2021

Fonseca, I. M. (2017). Textualidades Indígenas Watunna – Mitologia Makiritare. Boa Vista, Roraima, Brasil: Editora da UFRR.

Isabel Maria Fonseca, residente en el Estado amazónico de Roraima (Brasil) y profesora del Instituto Insikiran de Formación Superior Indígena de la Universidad Federal de Roraima (UFRR), publicó en 2017, con la editorial de la UFRR, el libro Textualidades Indígenas Watunna - Mitología Makiritare, resultado de la investigación para su TFM y del trabajo de campo realizado entre el pueblo ye'kuana. Su obra pretende contextualizar y presentar este texto de la tradición oral ye'kuana, que representa su visión cosmogónica y los paradigmas culturales ancestralmente seguidos por esta sociedad. Además, este trabajo de Crítica Literaria presenta esta narrativa como característica del discurso literario, corroborando, a través de un diálogo con varias voces eminentes de la Crítica Literaria Brasileña, la necesidad de considerar las narrativas indígenas como parte de la Cultura Literaria de Latinoamérica y de un Brasil plural.
Amazonia saqueada. El trabajo de Gilberto Marques advierte sobre el mantenimiento del saqueo como forma de desarrollo
Authors: Almeida Rogerio
Published: March 2021

Marques, G. de S. (2019). Amazônia: riqueza, degradação e saque. São Paulo: Editora Expressão Popular.

El ensayo discute los diferentes contextos económicos, políticos, sociales y culturales en los que, a lo largo de los siglos, se ha consagrado el papel colonial de la región amazónica dentro del escenario geopolítico mundial. Además, advierte de la necesidad de marcar un nuevo rumbo controlado por los históricamente marginados.
Patrimônio histórico e história local em Cabo Frio: políticas de patrimonialização e construção de memórias
Authors: Garrido Barbosa André Luiz
Published: March 2021

A presente reflexão tem por base o estudo de bens tombados pelo Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (IPHAN) na cidade de Cabo Frio (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). Essa escolha se justifica porque esses bens são referenciais simbólicos relacionados à história local por parte do reconhecimento de uma autarquia do poder público, que tem como responsabilidade a preservação do Patrimônio Cultural Brasileiro, cabendo à mesma proteger e promover os bens culturais do país para as gerações do presente e do futuro. O fato de Cabo Frio ser uma cidade estruturada no período colonial e ter um conjunto de bens arquitetônicos e elementos naturais que datam desse período contribuiu para que o IPHAN, uma autarquia federal que responde pela preservação do Patrimônio Cultural Brasileiro, viesse a tombar, em 1967, por meio do IPHAN, seu conjunto paisagístico, composto por monumentos e espaços públicos. O trabalho discutirá como as políticas de preservação patrimoniais analisadas fazem parte de um projeto de atribuição de valores em que se priorizou a seleção de bens edificados ligados ao pasado colonial, procurando vincular esses fragmentos do passado com o presente, dentro de uma perspectiva de valorização de um discurso nacionalista, entremeado por disputas de memórias em torno dos diversos agentes envolvidos no processo.
2.2-Diphenic Acid: A Reliable Biomarker Of Phenanthrene Biodegradation
Authors: Fenibo Emmanuel
Published: March 2021

Phenanthrene is among the 16 priority pollutant and its mitigation in the environment has been a global concern. It serves as a model compound when it comes to biodgradation study of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) because it has both the Bay- and K-region found in most PAH pollutants. Like other PAH pollutants, different means are available for its remediation in the environment, including microbial biodegradation. Diverse species of bacteria and fungi metabolize phenanthrenes as their sole source of carbon and energy. However, bacteria are more diverse in comparison to fungi. This has been shown in published pathways of phenanthrene biodegradation implicating various intermediary metabolites, including 2,2-diphenic acid, which is a downline metabolite of 9,10-dihydroxyphenanthrene. Though the 2,2-diphenic acid has been widely demonstrated to produce carbon (iv) oxide and linked to phthalate, only few has traced salicylic acid as its downstream molecule. 2,2-diphenic acid mounts equivalent position to 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, metabolite that ends the phenanthrene metabolic pathway. This is because they both produce phthalic acid and salicylic acid. As a product of bacteria and fungi during phenanthrene degradation, 2,2-diphenic acid can serve as a dependable biomarker of phenanthrene metabolism in a polluted habitat, where microbial community exist freely.
Quality of life in patients with nonsuicidal self-injury: the role of suicidal ideation
Authors: Zinchuk Mikhail , Kustov Georgii , Voinova Nadezhda , Pashnin Evgenii , Avedisova Alla , Guekht Alla
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Lower quality of life (QoL) scores are associated with suicidal behavior, both in the general population and in psychiatric patients. Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior is a public health concern because of its increasing prevalence and high risk of lifetime suicide attempt. Despite its significance QoL in patients with NSSI is underinvestigated. There is a gap in knowledge on the influence of suicidal ideation (SI) on certain domains and facets of QoL in patients with NSSI .

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the impact of SI on QoL of patients with NSSI.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study (1:3): 13 consecutive patients (11 female) with non-psychotic mental disorders and NSSI without lifetime SI were compared to 39 age and gender matched patients with NSSI and SI. All patients were evaluated by a psychiatrist, underwent Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview (Nock MK et al.,2007) and filled out the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment100(WHOQOL-100). Mann-Whitney and Fishers exact test were used as statistical methods.

Results

The overall QoL (p=0.001) and the perception of life (p=0.005) were significantly higher in patients without SI. Patients with SI had a lower scores in psychological (p=0.002), social (p=0.036) and spiritual (p=0.005) domains as well as lower rates in energy (p<0.02); positive emotions (p<0.001); thinking, learning, memory and concentration (p=0.007); self-esteem (p=0.013); negative emotions (p=0.035); activities of daily living and participation (p=0.014) and opportunities for recreation/leisure facets (p=0.007).

Conclusions

SI in people with NPMD and NSSI is associated with severe QoL impairment.
Russell Body Barrett's Esophagus
Authors: Dhorajiya Pooja , Mannan Rifat
Published: March 2021

We report an unusual case of Barrett's esophagus with prominent intramucosal Russell bodies, also known as Russell body Barrett's esophagus. We present this case to emphasize the importance of recognizing this unusual entity. It also represents a potential diagnostic pitfall because the distended plasma cells may be mistaken for signet ring cells of gastric adenocarcinoma or low-grade lymphoma. Hence, an awareness of this entity is important to avoid diagnostic confusion.
HSV-1 Ulcers as an Infrequent Cause of Hematochezia
Authors: Ahmed Zarir , Narayanan Mechu , Hachem Christine
Published: March 2021

We report a 62-year-old woman in the intensive care unit who developed hematochezia. Her endoscopic findings revealed diffusely bleeding esophageal ulcers related to herpes simplex virus. The bleeding was treated successfully with Hemospray.
Pancreatic Ganglioneuroma Presenting in an Octogenarian
Authors: Shaheen Aciel Ahmed , Gill Inayat , Edhi Ahmed Iqbal , Amin Mitual , Cappell Mitchell S.
Published: March 2021

Pancreatic ganglioneuromas occur mostly in children and rarely in young adults, with no cases reported in adults older than 60 years. An 86-year-old-woman, with active advanced multiple myeloma, presented with epigastric pain for 2 days. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography demonstrated a distended gallbladder, mildly dilated biliary tree, and a 13 × 8-mm hypodense mass in pancreatic body, without extrapancreatic invasion at endoscopic ultrasound. Fine-needle endoscopic ultrasound–guided core biopsy revealed characteristic histopathology of ganglioneuroma, as confirmed by immunohistochemical positivity for S100, SOX-10, and synaptophysin. This demonstrates novel finding of pancreatic ganglioneuroma occurring in the elderly. Lesion inclusion in the differential diagnosis may mandate tissue for pathologic diagnosis and complete lesion resection.
Wireless Telegraphy at the German Universal Exhibition in Ústí nad Labem in 1903 [1]
Authors: Okurka T.
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on the transmission of wireless telegraphy between Ústí nad Labem and Teplice during the German Universal Exhibition in Ústí nad Labem in 1903.  Though this was not the first transmission of wireless telegraphy in Austria, as some newspapers claimed, it was probably the first transmission of wireless telegraphy over a large distance presented to the public in Bohemia. The idea of presenting wireless telegraphy at this exhibition was promoted by Wilhelm Biscan, director of the Elektrotechnikum school in Teplice at that time. The telegraph was installed by the Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft in Berlin. The device used the Slaby-Arco system.
Shape Synthesis in Mechanical Design
Authors: Teng C. P. , Bai S. , Angeles J.
Published: March 2021

The shaping of structural elements in the area of mechanical design is a recurrent problem. The mechanical designer, as a rule, chooses what is believed to be the “simplest” shapes, such as the geometric primitives: lines, circles and, occasionally, conics. The use of higher-order curves is usually not even considered, not to speak of other curves than polynomials. However, the simplest geometric shapes are not necessarily the most suitable when the designed element must withstand loads that can lead to failure-prone stress concentrations. Indeed, as mechanical designers have known for a while, stress concentrations occur, first and foremost, by virtue of either dramatic changes in curvature or extremely high values thereof. As an alternative, we propose here the use of smooth curves that can be simply generated using standard concepts such as non-parametric cubic splines. These curves can be readily used to produce either extruded surfaces or surfaces of revolution.
Automatic Compensation of Workpiece Positioning Tolerances for Precise Laser
Authors: Stache N. C. , Nguyen T. P.
Published: March 2021

Precise laser welding plays a fundamental role in the production of high-tech goods, particularly in precision engineering. In this working field, precise adjustment and compensation of positioning tolerances of the parts to be welded with respect to the laser beam is of paramount importance. This procedure mostly requires tedious and error-prone manual adjustment, which additionally results in a sharp increase in production costs. We therefore developed a system which automates and thus accelerates this procedure significantly. To this end, the welding machine is equipped with a camera to acquire high resolution images of the parts to be welded. In addition, a software framework is developed which enables precise automatic position detection of these parts and adjusts the position of the welding contour correspondingly. As a result, the machine is rapidly prepared for welding, and it is much more flexible in adapting to unknown parts.This paper describes the entire concept of extending a conventional welding machine with means for image acquisition and position estimation. In addition to this description, the algorithms, the results of an evaluation of position estimation, and a final welding result are presented.
Validity of the One-Dimensional Limp Model for Porous Media
Authors: Doutres O. , Dauchez N. , Genevaux J.-M. , Dazel O.
Published: March 2021

A straightforward criterion for determining the validity ofthe limp model validity for porous materials is addressed here. The limp model is an “equivalent fluid” model which gives a better description of porous behavior than the well known “rigid frame” model. It is derived from the poroelastic Biot model, assuming that the frame has no bulk stiffness. A criterion is proposed for identifying the porous materials for which the limp model can be used. It relies on a new parameter, the Frame Stiffness Influence FSI, based on porous material properties. The critical values of FSI under which the limp model can be used are determined using 1D analytical modeling for a specific boundary set: radiation of a vibrating plate covered by a porous layer.
Space Variant PSF – Deconvolution of Wide-Field Astronomical Images
Authors: Řeřábek M.
Published: March 2021

The properties of UWFC (Ultra Wide-Field Camera) astronomical systems along with specific visual data in astronomical images contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of the acquired image data. These systems contain many different kinds of optical aberrations which have a negatively effect on image quality and imaging system transfer characteristics, and reduce the precision of astronomical measurement. It is very important to figure two main questions out. At first: In which astrometric depend on optical aberrations? And at second: How optical aberrations affect the transfer characteristics of the whole optical system. If we define the PSF (Point Spread Function) [2] of an optical system, we can use some suitable methods for restoring the original image. Optical aberration models for LSI/LSV (Linear Space Invariant/Variant) [2] systems are presented in this paper. These models are based on Seidel and Zernike approximating polynomials [1]. Optical aberration models serve as suitable tool for estimating and fitting the wavefront aberration of a real optical system. Real data from the BOOTES (Burst Observer and Optical Transient Exploring System) experiment is used for our simulations. Problems related to UWFC imaging systems, especially a restoration method in the presence of space variant PSF are described in this paper. A model of the space variant imaging system and partially of the space variant optical system has been implemented in MATLAB. The “brute force” method has been used for restoration of the testing images. The results of different deconvolution algorithms are demonstrated in this paper. This approach could help to improve the precision of astronomic measurements.
An Investigation of the Erosion Wear of Pitched Blade Impellers in a Solid-Liquid Suspension
Authors: Jirout T. , Fořt I.
Published: March 2021

This paper reports on a study of the erosion wear mechanism of the blades of pitched blade impellers in a solid-liquid suspension in order to determine the effect of the impeller speed n as well as the concentration and size of the solid particles on its wear rate. A four-blade pitched blade impeller (pitch angle α = 30°), pumping downwards, was investigated in a pilot plant fully baffled agitated vessel with a water suspension of corundum. The results of  experiments show that the erosion wear rate of the impeller blades is proportional to n2.7 and that the rate exhibits a monotonous dependence (increase) with increasing size of the particles. However, the erosion rate of the pitched blade impellerreaches a maximum at a certain concentration, and above this value it decreases as the proportion of solid particles increases. All results of the investigation are valid under a turbulent flow regime of the agitated batch.
Axial Force at the Vessel Bottom Induced by Axial Impellers
Authors: Fořt I. , Hasal P. , Paglianti A. , Magelli F.
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the axial force affecting the flat bottom of a cylindrical stirred vessel. The vessel is equipped with four radial baffles and is stirred with a four 45° pitched blade impeller pumping downwards. The set of pressure transducers is located along the whole radius of the flat bottom between two radial baffles. The radial distribution of the dynamic pressures indicated by the transducers is measured in dependence on the impeller off-bottom clearance and impeller speed.It follows from the results of the experiments that under a turbulent regime of flow of an agitated liquid the mean time values of the dynamic pressures affecting the bottom depend not on the impeller speed but on the impeller off-bottom clearance. According to the model of the flow pattern of an agitated liquid along the flat bottom of a mixing vessel with a pitched blade impeller, three subregions can be considered in this region: the liquid jet streaming downwards from the impeller deviates from its vertical (axial) direction to the horizontal direction,  the subregion of the liquid flowing horizontally along the bottom and, finally, the subregion of the liquid changing direction from the bottom upwards (vertically) along the wall of the cylindrical vessel, when the volumetric flow rates of the liquid taking place in the downward and upward flows are the same.
Probabilistic Analysis of the Hard Rock Disintegration Process
Authors: Frydrýšek K.
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on a numerical analysis of the hard rock (ore) disintegration process. The bit moves and sinks into the hard rock (mechanical contact with friction between the ore and the cutting bit) and subsequently disintegrates it. The disintegration (i.e. the stress-strain relationship, contact forces, reaction forces and fracture of the ore) is solved via the FEM (MSC.Marc/Mentat software) and SBRA (Simulation-Based Reliability Assessment) method (Monte Carlo simulations, Anthill and Mathcad software). The ore is disintegrated by deactivating the finite elements which satisfy the fracture condition. The material of the ore (i.e. yield stress, fracture limit, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio), is given by bounded histograms (i.e. stochastic inputs which better describe reality). The results (reaction forces in the cutting bit) are also of stochastic quantity and they are compared with experimental measurements. Application of the SBRA method in this area is a modern and innovative trend in mechanics. However, it takes a long time to solve this problem (due to material and structural nonlinearities, the large number of elements, many iteration steps and many Monte Carlo simulations). Parallel computers were therefore used to handle the large computational needs of this problem.
Development of Real Estate Market in the Czech Republic
Authors: Jilemnická L. , Berka V. , Hromada E.
Published: March 2021

The article deals with analysis of the current situation on the real estate market in the Czech Republic. Software EVAL, which continually collects, examines and evaluates advertised quotations of real estates, was used for mapping and evaluation of the real estate market development. The article provides professional public with detailed view on the time progress of quotations and tenancy of flat units in dependence on the significant parameters of properties and a locality.
Comparison of Temperature Loadings of Bridge Girders
Authors: Římal J. , Šindler D.
Published: March 2021

This paper compares the effect of temperature changes on the superstructure of bridges, above all the effect of non-uniform temperature. Loadings according to standards ESN 73 6203, ENV 1991-1-5 and DIN 1072 are compared here. The paper shows a short summary of temperature loading according to each standard and shows the comparison of bending moments arisen from these temperature loadings on superstructure made from continuous girder from a steel-concrete box girder with a composite concrete slab. With respect to a variety of design processes, the comparison is made without any coefficient of loading, combination or material.
Wave Probabilistic Model of Binary Time Series
Authors: Svítek M.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the theory of wave probabilistic models, together with important features, such as the inclusion-exclusion rule, the product rule, the complementary principle and entanglement. These features are mathematically described, and an illustrative example of binary time series is shown to demonstrate possible applications of the theory.
An Intelligent System for Structural Analysis-Based Design Improvements
Authors: Novak M. , Dolšak B.
Published: March 2021

The goal of the research work presented in this paper was to collect, organize, and write the knowledge and experience about structural analysis-based design improvements into a knowledge base for a consultative advisory intelligent decision support system. The prototype of the system presented proposes possible design changes that should be taken into consideration to improve the design candidate according to the results of a prior stress-strain or thermal analysis. The system can be applied either in the design of new products or as an educational tool.
Prerequisites for Increasing the Axle Load on Railway Tracks in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lidmila M. , Horníček L. , Krejčiříková H. , Tyc P.
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with problems of increasing the axle load on Czech Railways (ED) tracks to 250 kN or 300 kN, respectively. The results of a numerical analysis of the effects of increased axle loads on the track bed structure were verified by experimental measurements carried out on track bed construction models in an experimental box on a 1:1 scale. The results of the research are applicable for routine use on ED.
Simple Numerical Model of Laminated Glass Beams
Authors: Zemanová A. , Zeman J. , Šejnoha M.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a simple Finite Element model aimed at efficient simulation of layered glass units. The approach is based on considering the independent kinematics of each layer, tied together via Lagrange multipliers. Validation and verification of the resulting model against independent data demonstrate its accuracy, showing its potential for generalization towards more complex problems.
Evaluation of Methods used for Separation of Vibrations Produced by Gear Transmissions
Authors: Dočekal A. , Kreidl M. , Šmíd R.
Published: March 2021

This paper evaluates methods used for separating vibrations produced by a gear transmission from the vibration signal acquired on the gearbox. The paper presents a novel method for evaluating the algorithms used for this separation. The evaluation method takes into account the statistical reliability of the results achieved on multiple sets of signals acquired on the same machine and conditions. The signal separation was applied in order to process data obtained during an experiment carried out with the aim of analyzing the influence of a torque load affecting a gearbox on the vibrations produced by the gear transmission. It is supposed that the vibration characteristics of the gear transmission are strongly affected by the value of the torque load influencing the gearbox shafts. This influence is analyzed using the vibration signal acquired on the gearbox housing. The vibration signal contains significant disturbances, and its interpretation is unclear. The vibration signal generated by the gear transmission can be separated using methods that make it possible to select the valid features included in the signal. Methods for feature selection which implement a systematic search in the state space and methods based on the genetic algorithm were applied. The genetic algorithm poses a robust stochastic global search in the state space that is well suited to deal with nonlinear problems and also shortens the necessary computing time. The evaluation and comparison of the results achieved during the separation process using different methods have to be taken into account. In the case of signal separation, it is important to evaluate differences between the results achieved during particular executions of the separation process performed by the same method on different datasets which were acquired in the case of the same experiment and conditions. Methods with results that vary, or that are different from the results given by other methods, are assumed not to be statistically reliable. It is also necessary to penalize methods leading to results that can vary greatly in some executions according to the scatter data. Conversely, methods that give results varying around the right set of features seem more acceptable. A novel method for rating the statistical reliability of the results has been proposed. This method is essential for methods using a stochastic search in the state space.
Decomposition of Intumescent Coatings: Comparison between a Numerical Method and Experimental Results
Authors: Mesquita L. M. R. , Piloto P. A. G. , Vaz M. A. P. , Pinto T. M. G.
Published: March 2021

An investigation of two different intumescent coatings used in steel fire protection has been performed to evaluate their efficiency. A set of experimental tests is presented. They were conducted in a cone calorimeter, considering different thicknesses and heat fluxes. Among other quantities, the steel temperature and the intumescence thickness variation were measured. A numerical model for the paint decomposition is also presented. Based on the intumescence experimental value, the model is able to provide a reasonably good prediction of the steel temperature evolution.
Simulation and Study of Natural Fire in a Wide-Framed Multipurpose Hall with Steel Roof Trusses
Authors: Pada D.
Published: March 2021

In this case study, the structural fire safety of unprotected steel roof trusses in a wide-framed multipurpose hall was evaluated according to the natural fire safety concept. The design fires were simulated with FDS in order to determine the temperature development inside the hall. The temperature of the steel was calculated based on the results from the simulation and the structural analysis was carried out in Robot. It was established that the steel roof trusses could be left unprotected under certain conditions, however, a more violent design fire resulted in failure of the truss.
On Tree Pattern Matching by Pushdown Automata
Authors: Flouri T.
Published: March 2021

Tree pattern matching is an important operation in Computer Science on which a number of tasks such as mechanical theorem proving, term-rewriting, symbolic computation and non-procedural programming languages are based on. Work has begun on a systematic approach to the construction of tree pattern matchers by deterministic pushdown automata which read subject trees in prefix notation. The method is analogous to the construction of string pattern matchers: for given patterns, a non-deterministic pushdown automaton is created and then it is determinised. In this first paper, we present the proposed non-deterministic pushdown automaton which will serve as a basis for the determinisation process, and prove its correctness.
Development of a Compact Matrix Converter
Authors: Bauer J.
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the development of a matrix converter. Matrix converters belong to the category of direct frequency converters. A converter does not contain DC-link and the output voltage is provided by direct switching of voltage from the input phases. This is enabled by 9 bidirectional switches, which are provided by anti-serial connection of 18 IGBT transistors. The absence of a DC-link is great advantage of the matrix converter, but it also increases the requirements on the converter control. For this reason a new prototype of a matrix converter is being developed with sophisticated modern components (FPGA, Power PC) equipped in the control part of the converter. The converter will be used for testing new control algorithms and commutation methods.