bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Modelling Of Customized Lasts Based On Anthropometric Data Acquired From 3D Foot Scanning - One Study Case
Authors: Costea Mariana , Mihai Aura , Seul Arina
Published: May 2021

Designing and manufacturing personalized lasts are the first steps in obtaining the right fitted footwear for various users, especially for sport or/and medical purposes. The accurate dimensional relationship between foot and last represents the key element for this activity. The critical shape of the last should always be determined by the shape of the foot and the cumulative relationship between lengths, widths, heights and girths, whatever method is used, Some corrections and constraints must always be considered because the shoe-last is not identical to the foot. The foot anthropometric measurements are modified based on biomechanical constraints and technological limitations and they are interactively transformed into last’s dimensions by using 3D modelling. The present study brings together the modern scanning technique with the new methodology for modifying a reference last, and it is aimed to explore the philosophy of re-designing functional lasts. It also tests and highlights the limits of the actual methodology for shoe-last virtual prototyping based on anthropometric data acquired from one commercially available 3D foot scanning system.
Implementing structured follow-up of neonatal and paediatric patients: an evaluation of three university hospital case studies using the functional resonance analysis method
Authors: Bos Véronique , Roorda Daniëlle , De Sonnaville Eleonore , Boven Menne Van , Oosterlaan Jaap , Goudoever Hans Van , Klazinga Niek , Kringos Dionne
Published: May 2021

Background

In complex neonatal and paediatric clinical practice, little is known about long-term patient outcomes and what follow-up care is most valuable for patients. Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC (Netherlands), implemented a follow-up programme called Follow Me for neonatal and paediatric patient groups, to gain more insight into long-term outcomes and to use such outcomes to implement a learning cycle for clinical practice, improve follow-up care and facilitate research. Three departments initiated re-engineering and change processes. Each introduced multidisciplinary approaches to long-term follow-up, including regular standardised check-ups for defined age groups, based on medical indicators, developmental progress, and psychosocial outcomes in patients and their families. This research evaluates the implementation of the three follow-up programmes, comparing predefined procedures ( work-as-imagined ) with how the programmes were implemented in practice ( work-as-done ).

Methods

This study was conducted in 2019–2020 in the outpatient settings of the neonatal intensive care, paediatric intensive care and paediatric surgery departments of Emma Children’s Hospital. It focused on the organisational structure of the follow-up care. The functional resonance analysis method (FRAM) was applied, using documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, observations and feedback sessions.

Results

One work-as-imagined model and four work-as-done models were described. The results showed vast data collection on medical, developmental and psychosocial indicators in all work-as-done models; however, process indicators for programme effectiveness and performance were missing. In practice there was a diverse allocation of roles and responsibilities and their interrelations to create a multidisciplinary team; there was no one-size-fits-all. Although control and feedback loops for long-term outcomes were specified with respect to the follow-up groups within the programmes, they were found to overlap and misalign with other internal and external long-term outcome monitoring practices.

Conclusion

Implementing structured long-term follow-up may provide insights for improving daily practice and follow-up care, with the precondition of standardised measurements. Lessons learned from practice are (1) to address fragmentation in data collection and storage, (2) to incorporate the diverse ways to create a multidisciplinary team in practice, and (3) to include timely actionable indicators on programme effectiveness and performance, alongside medical, developmental and psychosocial indicators.
Bioremoval mechanisms of azo dye Acid Red 14 using Wickerhamomyces anomalus yeast strain as a natural biosorbent
Authors: Danouche Mohammed , Arroussi Hicham El , Ghachtouli Naima El
Published: May 2021

Biosorption processes have recently become an economic and eco-friendly solution for the treatment of industrial wastewater. This study aimed to evaluate the potential application of Wickerhamomyces anomalus as a natural biosorbent for the removal of toxic synthetic dye Acid Red 14 (AR14). Biosorption kinetics modelling showed that the pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models were more suitable to fit the experimental data. In addition, the Langmuir model was the most appropriate isotherm to explain the AR14-W. anomalus biosorption system. Thus, the physicochemical properties of W. anomalus biomass before and after dye biosorption were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-Ray analysis, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, zero-point charge and contact angle measurement. The functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide, and amine present on the yeast wall surface can be responsible for AR14 biosorption. Finally, the Plackett-Burman design was used to screen the most influencing factors on the biosorption process, including dye concentration, dose of yeast biomass, temperature, shaking speed, and contact time. The latter was optimized according to the Box-Behnken design and the optimum AR14-biosorption was attained at pH 3–4, with lower initial dye concentrations (50–75 mg L− 1) and yeast biomass (1.25 g L− 1). These findings suggest that W. anomalus biomass could be used as an efficient, low-cost, and eco-friendly biosorbent for the removal of toxic dyes from the aqueous environment.
Ganglioside-monosialic acid (GM1) for prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Wu Shaoyong , Bai Xiaohui , Guo Caixia , Huang Zhimei , Ouyang Handong , Huang Jingxiu , Zeng Weian
Published: May 2021

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting side effect that largely remains an unresolved clinical issue, leading to long-term morbidity. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ganglioside-monosialic acid (GM1) in preventing CIPN.Methods: Systematic literature searches of Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were performed to identify randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that evaluated the efficacy of GM1 for preventing CIPN. Ameta-analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Trial sequential analyses (TSA) also were conducted to control for random errors. Results: A total of five studies involving 868 participants were included. The results showed that GM1 did not reduce the overall incidence of grade ≥2 CIPN when the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) was used (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.34-1.11). Subgroup analyses showed that GM1 could not reduce the risk of CTCAE grade ≥2 CIPN (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.35-1.13) and neurotoxicity criteria of Debiopharm (DEB-NTC) grade ≥2 CIPN (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.01-7.10) in oxaliplatin-treated patients, although GM1 might reduce the risk of CTCAE grade≥2 CIPN in the taxane subgroup in one study (OR 0.003, 95% CI 0.00-0.05). Besides, TSA suggested that the results in the taxane subgroup were robust, while that of the oxaliplatin subgroup were inconclusive. Furthermore, GM1 did not influence the rate of response to chemotherapy and CTCAE grade ≥2 adverse events such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and rash.Conclusions: GM1 was not associated with a lower risk of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy nor could improve the response or safety to chemotherapy; however, it might be able to prevent taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy. Higher-quality trials are required to clarify the preventive effect of GM1 in oxaliplatin-treated patients.
Psychometric Properties and Convergent and Divergent Validity of the Portuguese Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (P-YFAS 2.0)
Authors: Gonçalves Sónia Ferreira , Moreira Célia , Machado Bárbara , Bastos Beatriz , Vieira Ana Isabel
Published: May 2021

Purpose The construct of food addiction has been gaining increased attention as a research topic. Currently, the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 is the only measure to operationalize the addictive-like eating behavior according to addiction criteria proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The present study aimed at examining the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, as well as investigating the convergent and divergent validity between this scale and the following measures: Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, Body Investment Scale, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. We also sought to explore the moderator role of difficulties in emotion regulation in the relationship between food addiction and binge eating. Methods: A sample of 302 female college students (Mage = 21.37, SD = 3.24) completed self-report measures.Results Sixteen (5.3%) participants were diagnosed as having food addiction. The confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the original one-dimensional structure is adequate to represent the Portuguese Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0. The symptom count scores of the scale were correlated with body mass index, eating disordered behavior, body investment and difficulties in emotion regulation. The severity level of the scale also discriminated the severity of eating disordered behaviors, body investment and difficulties in emotion regulation. Finally, the relationship between food addiction and binge eating was moderated by difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior when experiencing negative emotions.Conclusion The Portuguese version of the Yale Food Addiction Questionnaire 2.0 may be a useful tool to investigate food addiction.
The therapeutic efficacy of fenofibrate in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Yongyong , Li San-Qiang , Jia Yongliang , Song Ying , Li Ji-Tian , Wang Ping , Pan Xin-Juan
Published: May 2021

Objective: To compare the efficacy of fenofibrate therapy in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Method: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wang Fang Database and VIP were searched for clinical trials of fenofibrate therapy in treating patients with NAFLD. The latest search was conducted in December 1, 2020. The quality of included RCTs was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The data was extracted and analyzed independently by two researchers. REVIEW MANAGER 5.3 was used to perform meta-analysis STATA 12.0 software was used to conduct publication bias and sensitivity analysis. And the evidence strength was evaluated with the GRADE approach. Result: 12 RCTs with 1272 patients were included. The quality of RCTs was low. The results showed that fenofibrate significantly reduced blood lipid, decreased acute inflammatory damage of liver, and improved the degree of liver fibrosis, but had no effect on insulin resistance. Sensitivity analysis indicated consistent results and there was no significant publication bias. The evidence strength was low. Conclusion: Although fenofibrate shown positive efficacy on blood lipids, liver function and liver fibrosis for patients with NAFLD, more RCTs with high quality are warranted for further evidence because of the low quality of included RCTs.
Streptomyces endocoffea sp. nov. , an endophytic actinomycete isolated from Coffea arabica (L.)
Authors: Nammali Achararak , Intaraudom Chakapong , Pittayakhajonwut Pattama , Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Tadtong Sarin , Tanasupawat Somboon , Thawai Chitti
Published: May 2021

An aerobic, non-motile, Gram-stain positive actinomycete, designated strain CA3R110T, was isolated from the surface-sterilised root of Coffea arabica L. collected from Lampang Province, Thailand. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain CA3R110T is a member of the genus Streptomyces and showed the closest similarities to Streptomyces rapamycinicus NRRL B-5491T (99.1%), followed by S. iranensis HM 35T (99.0%). Strain CA3R110T contained LL-diaminopimelic acid in cell peptidoglycan, MK-9(H6), and MK-9(H8) as major menaquinone, iso-C16:0, iso-C15:0, C16:0 as major fatty acids. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositolmannoside were detected in the cell. The chemotaxonomic characteristics possessed the typical properties of the genus Streptomyces. A low digital DNA–DNA hybridization (< 55.6%) and average nucleotide identity-blast (ANIb) (< 92.2%) values revealed that strain CA3R110T could be distinguished from any known Streptomyces species. With the differences in phenotypic and genotypic data, strain CA3R110T represents a novel species of genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces endocoffea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CA3R110T (= TBRC 11245T = NBRC 114296T).
Ceramide Levels and Covid-19 Respiratory Distress, a Causal Relationship
Authors: Khodadoust Mehran
Published: May 2021

A causal relationship between plasma ceramide concentration and Covid-19 patients with respiratory distress symptoms is presented. In this study, plasma samples of 52 individuals infected with Covid-19 were utilized in a lipidomic analysis. Lipids belonging to ceramide class exhibited a 400-fold increase in total plasma concentration in infected patients. Further analysis lead to demonstration of concentration dependency, for severe Covid-19 respiratory symptoms, in a subclass of ceramides. The subclasses Cer(d18:0/24:1), Cer(d18:1/24:1), and Cer(d18:1/22:0) are shown to be increased by 48, 40, and 33–folds respectively in infected plasma samples, and to 116, 91 and 50-folds in plasma samples with respiratory distress. Hence, monitoring of plasma ceramide concentration, targeting ceramide synthesis, its salvage and its regulatory mechanisms, are validated approach towards enhancing survival from Covid-19 respiratory distress.
Antipsychotic Monotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Nishi Akira , Sawada Kyosuke , Uchida Hiroyuki , Mimura Masaru , Takeuchi Hiroyoshi
Published: May 2021

No clinical guidelines currently recommend antipsychotic monotherapy (APM) for major depressive disorder (MDD). Although several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of APM versus placebo in patients with MDD, no meta-analysis has examined this topic. We conducted a systematic literature search using MEDLINE and Embase to identify relevant RCTs and performed a meta-analysis to compare the following outcomes between APM and placebo: study discontinuation due to all causes, lack of efficacy, and adverse events, changes in total scores on depression severity scales (e.g., Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) and in the Clinical Global Impression - Severity scale (CGI-S) score, and individual adverse event rates. A total of 13 identified studies with 14 comparisons involving 3,197 participants that met the eligibility criteria were included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference was found in study discontinuation due to all causes between the APM and placebo groups. However, there were significant differences in study discontinuation due to lack of efficacy in favor of the APM group and study discontinuation due to adverse events in favor of the placebo group. Compared with the placebo group, the APM group was significantly superior in relation to score reduction on the depression severity scales and CGI-S and inferior in relation to 8 of 23 individual adverse events. APM could be a useful treatment option for the acute phase of MDD, although clinicians should be aware of an increased risk of some adverse events.
Structure and function of rhizosphere and root endophyte microbial communities associated with healthy and root rot diseased Panax notoginseng
Authors: Wang Pan Pan , Yang Li Fang , Sun Jia Ling , Yang Ye , Qu Yuan , Wang Cheng Xiao , Liu Di Qiu , Huang Lu Qi , Cui Xiu Ming , Liu Yuan
Published: May 2021

Background: Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen is a Chinese medicinal plant of the Araliaceae family commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in Asia and elsewhere. To meet an increase in Chinese herbal medicine market demand, most P. notoginseng is planted artificially, and is vulnerable to various plant diseases. Root rot disease, in particular, causes substantial P. notoginseng yield reduction and economic losses. High-depth next-generation sequencing technology was used to analyze the rhizosphere and root endophyte microbial communities of P. notoginseng to compare the characteristics of these two communities between healthy and root rot diseased P. notoginseng plants, and to clarify the relationship between these microbial communities and root rot disease.Results: The P. notoginseng rhizosphere microbial community was more diverse than the root endophyte community, and the difference in functional pathways between healthy and diseased P. notoginseng plants was greater in the root endophyte than in the rhizosphere communities. Multi-database annotation results showed that the highest number of endophytic bacteria occurred in the roots of diseased plants. The number of carbohydrate-active enzymes database families was also higher in diseased roots. The RND antibiotic efflux function was higher in the healthy samples. A high abundance of Variovorax paradoxus and Pseudomonas fluorescens occurred in the healthy and diseased root endophyte communities, respectively. Ilyonectria mors-panacis and Pseudopyrenochaeta lycopersici were most abundant in the diseased samples. In addition, the complete genome of two unknown Flavobacteriaceae species and one unknown Bacteroides species were obtained based on binning analysis.Conclusions: The rhizosphere and root endophyte microbial communities of healthy and root rot diseased P. notoginseng showed marked differences in diversity and functional pathways. The higher mapping values obtained for the diseased samples reflected the occurrence of root rot disease at the molecular level. Variovorax paradoxus and Pseudomonas fluorescens may be antagonistic bacteria of root rot in P. notoginseng, whereas Ilyonectria mors-panacis and Pseudopyrenochaeta lycopersici appear to be P. notoginseng root rot pathogens. Our study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the occurrence of root rot in P. notoginseng and for further research on potential biological control agents.
Clinical Characteristics and Factors Associated with Unfavorable Outcomes of Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Related to COVID-19 in Lima-Peru
Authors: Aguila Olguita del , Dominguez-Rojas Jesús , Chonlon-Murillo Kenny , Borcic Aida , Sánchez Sandra , Huamani-Echaccaya Pablo , Garcés-Ghilardi Raquel , Estupiñan-Vigil Matilde , Alvarado-Gamarra Giancarlo
Published: May 2021

Objective: Describe the clinical-epidemiological profile and determine the factors associated with unfavorable outcomes of pediatrics multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (SIM-P) related to COVID-19 at Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital (HNERM), Lima-Perú, from April to September 2020. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort in children under 14 years of age. The current criteria were used for the diagnosis of SIM-P. The effect size was estimated with relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals, using a generalized linear Poisson family model with robust variance. Results: 43 patients were included, 22 (51.2%) Kawasaki Disease (EK), 10 (23.3%) shock, and 11(25.6%) fever with inflammatory markers. The median age was 8 years, most men, without comorbidity, with negative molecular test and positive IgG. Gastrointestinal and mucocutaneous manifestations predominated, with altered inflammatory markers and myocardial injury. Most required intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), aspirin (AAS), corticosteroids and antibiotics. More than a third required VMI, ICU and developed organic dysfunction, with a lethality of 4.6% (2/43). Increasing lethality to 20% (2/10) in the shock subgroup. Five were found (14.7%) coronary aneurysm. Having some comorbidity (RR 1.79; IC95%1.02-3.14), C-reactive protein ≥ 10 mg/dL (RR 2.09; IC95%1.15-3.79), and SatO2 ≤92 in emergency (RR 2.84; IC95%1.47-5.50) was morelikely to betransferred to ICU. In addition, those with some comorability (RR 2.23; IC95%1.04-4.79), with lymphopenia <500cel/mL (RR 2.8; IC95%1.24-6.30), and with d≥ 3 mg/L (RR 3.57; IC95%1.23-10.38) were more likely to require VMI. Conclusion: Active monitoringis an eye to make early diagnosis and management in order to improve the prognosis.
Incidence of a clinically relevant H63D syndrome in carriers of a homozygous mutation of HFE gene H63D
Authors: Diamandis Carolina , Seideman David , Adams Jacob S. , Honda Riku , Kaufmann Marianne
Published: May 2021

H63D syndrome is a phenotype of a homozygous mutation of the HFE gene H63D, which is otherwise known to cause at most mild classical hemochromatosis. H63D syndrome leads to an iron overload in the body (especially in the brain, heart, liver, skin and male gonads) in the form of non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) poisoning. Hallmark symptoms and causal factor for H63D syndrome is a mild hypotransferrinemia with transferrin saturation values >50%. H63D syndrome is an incurable multi-organ disease, leading to permanent disability. Our objective was to find out how many carriers of a homozygous H63D mutation develop H63D syndrome. For this purpose, we systematically evaluated the medical records of homozygous carriers of the mutation. We found the syndrome in about 10% of patients with a homozygous mutation. Since a homozygous mutation on the HFE gene H63D is relatively common, the results of our study suggest many undetected or misdiagnosed cases.
Caspian Sea level based on GRACE-FO
Authors: Sorkhabi Omid Memarian
Published: May 2021

The level of the Caspian Sea has decreased by about 13 cm in 2019. In this study, the Caspian Sea level has been studied based on GRACE-FO observations from 2018 to 2021. Its linear trend has been analyzed to examine it more closely. The linear trend is about -8 cm / year.
Zu den römischen Inschriften aus Mürlenbach in der Vulkaneifel (Gallia Belgica)
Authors: Matijević Krešimir
Published: May 2021

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Characterization and Quantification of Postharvest Losses of Apple Fruit Stored under Commercial Conditions
Authors: Argenta Luiz C. , de Freitas Sérgio T. , Mattheis James P. , Vieira Marcelo J. , Ogoshi Claudio
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this study were to characterize and quantify postharvest losses of apples under commercial conditions in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Two experiments were conducted using ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ apples. The first experiment was to characterize and quantify the most important causes of loss of fruit treated or not treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) then held in controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. This experiment was conducted in commercial storage facilities from 2007 to 2010. In each year, 10 samples of ≈380 kg each for ‘Gala’ and 400 kg each for ‘Fuji’ were collected from bins of commercially harvested fruit from each of 15 ‘Gala’ and 17 ‘Fuji’ orchards. Half of the samples from each orchard were treated with 1-MCP at harvest. Fruit were stored in CA, at 0.7 °C, for 150 to 300 days. After storage, one subsample of 100 disorder-free apples were selected from each sample and held at 22 °C for 7 days to simulate shelf-life conditions. The fruit were analyzed after CA storage and shelf life for the incidence of disorders. The second experiment was conducted in 2011 to identify the main fungi causing decay during storage. In this study, apples were stored in 10 commercial CA storage rooms at 0.7 °C for 180 to 240 days. After storage, fruit with decay symptoms were collected at the commercial sorting line. A total of 10 samples of 100 decayed apples were taken throughout the sorting period for each cultivar and storage room. The fungal decays were identified by visual symptoms on each fruit. Total apple losses during storage varied from 3.9% to 12.1% for ‘Gala’ and 6.6% to 8.4% for ‘Fuji’, depending on the year and 1-MCP treatment. During storage, deterioration caused by fungal decay was ≈60% and 80% of total losses for ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’, respectively. During shelf life, additional losses caused by fungal decay ranged from 8.4% to 17.6% for ‘Gala’ and 12.4% to 27.2% for ‘Fuji’, depending on the year. Senescent breakdown and superficial scald were the major physiological disorders. 1-MCP treatment had no effect on losses due to decay. Bull’s-eye rot, blue mold, gray mold, and alternaria rot were the most prevalent fungal decay symptoms, accounting for 52%, 27%, 9% and 10% of ‘Gala’ losses and 42%, 25%, 18% and 5% of ‘Fuji’ losses, respectively. Sources of variability for losses among years and orchards is discussed.
Multi-factor influence on the roughness of the finished surface
Authors: Sablin P. A. , Shchetinin V. S.
Published: May 2021

The aim of this work is to develop a novel approach for ensuring the quality of the finished surface based on a multi-factor model. The proposed model can take into account most of the machining process parameters. The main parameters include cutting conditions, dynamic stability of the cutting process, thermal effects in the cutting area. The development of a multi-factor model was based on a literature review and experimental data obtained from the cutting force analysis and colour pyrometry. The data obtained were summarised into a unified multi-factor model. We analysed the key literature sources and summarised the experimental data and findings to assure finished surface quality when controlling one of the input parameters of the machining process. It was shown that the surface quality (roughness) can be achieved by applying different machining parameters. They include the rational cutting conditions, a change in the geo m-etry of a cutting tool, reducing the relative spacial dynamic vibrations of the tool relative to the working surface of the raw part, using the methods influencing the physical and mechanical properties of the processed materials. It was established that the process dynamic stability, the cutting conditions or the chip formation process can be used as an input parameter. The proposed scheme of multi-factor influence of processing parameters on the output parameter - the surface roughness - applies to any materials under processing. The created model takes into account all input parameters of mechanical processing. It aims at the quality management of the finished surface based on the required performance characteristics of the items. Based on the proposed multi-factor scheme, we plan to create an adaptive system capable of controlling the mechanical processing based on a computer numeric control machining centre.
Influence of the weight coefficients of measurements on the consistency of the assessment and calculation results of the power supply system steady-state operation conditions
Authors: Glazunova A. M. , Kolosok I. N.
Published: May 2021

The aim of this work is to develop an improved procedure for assessing the state of power supply systems based on adjusting the weight coefficients of measurements. To this end, non-linear optimisation methods were used. The control equations and the solution of the simultaneous linear equations were performed using the Crout method. The results of the calculation of the electrical power steady-state mode were considered as a reference. The lower the difference between the evaluation and steady-state calculation results, the higher the accuracy of the overall state assessment procedure. The problem of correcting the weight factors is set and solved as a nonlinear optimisation problem, where the optimisation parameters are taken as the dispersion of the measurements. The objective function was formulated as follows: to minimise the measurement evaluation dispersions that are part of a single control equation by maximising the active power measurements dispersion in the swing bus of the power supply system. In this study, limitations in the form of equation and inequality are monitored. The problem of optimising the dispersions is solved after the first iteration of the state assessment; starting with the second iteration, the state assessment is performed with new measurement weight factors. The calculations were performed on a 6-node test circuit. The control equations are drawn from the current measurements. The measurements data on the selected control equation of the test circuit are used to calculate the target function. The accuracy of the dispersions redistribution and their extreme values are controlled by the limitations. The results showed that, when adjusting the dispersion of measurements, the power assessments at all nodes are closer to the steady-state mode calculation results.
Mathematical modelling of the CHP plant-10 power unit No 5 of “Baikal Energy Company” LLC to assess the efficiency of its modernisation
Authors: Zabuga F. V. , Alekseyuk V. E.
Published: May 2021

The work aims to study the effect of changes in the drain scheme of the low-pressure regeneration on the energy and economic efficiency of the CHP plant-10 power unit No 5 of “Baikal Energy Company” LLC. In this study, we used a mathematical model of the power unit adjusted to the measurements results. The mathematical modelling of the power unit was performed using the “Computer-assisted programming system” application package. The created matematical model of the heat and power plant was tailored to the current state of the study object according to the three-stage identification procedure of the mathematical model parameters. We proposed a cycle arrangement under which three streams of the low-pressure drainages were redirected to the pump suction of the low-pressure heater. The improved mathematical model of the power unit allows the calculation of the parameters of both the existing and proposed cycle arrangements. According to the calculations, the temperature difference between the main condensate after the low-pressure heater 1 and the investigated drains after mixing is minimal and amounts to 3.2 °C. The suggested modernisation increases the energy efficiency of the power unit by 0.007% under the nominal operating conditions of the existing and proposed thermal circuit. In addition, the specific standard fuel consumption for electric generation is reduced by 0.052 g.s.s.f./kWh. The operating costs to implement the proposed engineering solutions amounted to 34,191 roubles. Considering the annual power plant extensive consumption factor, the payback period of the proposed modernisation will be 5.5 months. The savings for the first operation year are estimated at 18,423 roubles, based on the rate of return and depreciation expenses. The proposed approach combines mathematical modelling of operating power plants with a technique of increasing the efficiency of technical decision-making. The proposed versatile approach can be used for the modernisation of CHPs and other plants.
Improving the waste utilisation efficiency of combined heat and power plants by increasing the performance of dry-ash output units
Authors: Mekhryakov A. D. , Kudryashov A. N. , Koval T. V.
Published: May 2021

The study aims to improve the efficiency of waste utilisation from the coal-fired power industry based on an analysis of the dry-ash output unit operating at the Novo-Irkutsk Combined Heat and Power Plant, JSC “Irkutskenergo”. The unit was tested under various operating conditions of steam generating blocks following the standard methods adopted at the enterprise. The tests showed that the station steam generating block No. 3 (with a steam load of 409.2 t/h and an electrostatic precipitator efficiency of 90.46%) provided an ash supply efficiency of 7.10 t/h. When the ash is supplied from the steam generating block No. 4, operating at a steam load of 421.8 t/h and an electrostatic precipitator efficiency of 94.72%, the ash supply efficiency amounts to 9.19 t/h. Under the simultaneous operation of the steam generating blocks No. 3 and 4 at a steam load of 397.6 and 380.7 t/h, respectively, and an electrostatic precipitator efficiency of 90.46 and 94.72%, respectively, the unit efficiency was 14.23 t/h. As a result, limitations in the unit operation were identified. Thus, the airspeed in the pneumatic ash pipeline during ash transporting was 8.0-8.5 m/s, which facilitated the operation of the dry-ash output unit in a pulsed cycle. It was, therefore, recommended to increase the airspeed by accelerating the flow rate through the jet pump or by using a smaller diameter pipe. The conducted analysis showed that the efficiency of the dry-ash output unit depends mainly on the steam capacity of steam generating blocks, as well as on the flue gas cleaning efficiency in the steam generator electrostatic precipitators. The obtained results were used to determine the technical state, efficiency and reliability of the dry-ash output unit of the Novo-Irkutsk Combined Heat and Power Plant.
TRANSFORMATION OF RUKYATUL HILAL METHOD (Postmodernism Analysis of Hilal Image Processing)
Authors: Mustaqim Riza Afrian
Published: May 2021

The usage of devices in performing of rukyat al-hilâl whose function is to make objects (hilāl) from outer space appear as bright, contrasty and large as possible isnot direcly give a solution. The view of fiqh on using devices in rukyat al-hilâl become an obstacle in the development of the rukyat  method with technology. The technology of rukyat al-hilâl is improving rapidly and developing significantly, in reverse with it’s legal developments. Therefore, there must be a transformation of the rukyat al-hilâl method as well as development of the times, without leaving it’s validity to fiqh. This study analyzes the views of postmodernism in hilal image processing. This research focuses on hilal images processing in the view of postmodernism. The research method used was library research with descriptive analysis. The results show that first, postmodernism considers that image processing is a development of method in rukyat al-hilâl that is needed. This is caused by limitations in the current method that has not been able to provide a solution, but the use of technology in rukyat should not leave its validity according to fiqh. Second, Restrictions on using devices in rukyat al-hilâl will obstruct it's main purpose which is to confirm the existence of the new moon and blocked the broadest development opportunities as a form of subjectivity and a plurality of knowledge.
AYYĀM AL-BĪḌ SYAR'I AND ASTRONOMY PERSPECTIVE (BETWEEN FASTING MOMENTUM AND SCIENTIFIC CALCULATION)
Authors: Luayyin Luayyin , Ni'am M. Ihtirozun
Published: May 2021

Ayyām al-Bīdis a group of days in the hijri calendar system. Ayy termām al-Bīdobtained from the hadith of the Prophet which contains the command to fast for three days in each hijri month, which is sunnah. Ayy understandingām al-Bīdfrom the hadith of the Prophet is the date / day of the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Hijri month. However, at a practical level, scholars differed when they mentioned the implementation of Ayy's fastām al-Bīd. There are 9 versions of this opinion. Here the writer wants to examine more deeply ayyām al-BīdThis is seen from a shar'i and astronomical perspective. The writer studies it with the research library method using the scientific-cum-doctriner approach. The data collected came from the books of hadith and fiqh, then analyzed with an astronomical approach. From this research, it was found that the meaning of the term Ayyām al-BīdIn the view of syar'i, it is the best time to observe the sunnah fast for three days every month. Matan hadith of the Prophet SAW regarding Ayyām al-Bīd which stipulates on the 13th, 14th and 15th of the Hijri month because that is the time when the full moon and lunar eclipses occur. From the review of astronomy Ayyām al-Bīdis the time when at night the Moon shines brighter than the other nights. Astronomically this can occur 4-5 days in the middle of the Hijri month.
Risk of adenovirus and Cryptosporidium ingestion to sanitation workers in a municipal scale non-sewered sanitation process: a case study from Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Sklar Rachel , Zhou Zeyi , Ndayisaba Wellars , Muspratt Ashley , Fuhrmeister Erica R. , Nelson Kara , Katharine Hammond S.
Published: May 2021

Sanitation workers provide essential services that protect public health, often at the cost of their own health and safety. In this study, we evaluate occupational exposure to fecal pathogens at each stage in a non-sewered sanitation process. Bulk fecal waste samples were collected during waste collection and waste processing tasks and analyzed for Cryptosporidium, adenovirus, E. coli, and total coliforms using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and culture methods. Structured observations of worker hand-to-mouth behavior were conducted, and worker hand- and glove-rinse samples were collected and analyzed for E. coli and total coliforms. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to model the dose of pathogen ingested and the risk of disease across two waste collection and processing tasks. The model results show that the probability of disease was highest from exposure to adenovirus during collection. Our analysis highlights that pathogen-to-indicator ratios are useful for predicting the risk to adenovirus which has a high detection rate. On the other hand, the use of pathogen-to-indicator ratios to predict Cryptosporidium concentration is fraught due to variable detection rates and concentration.
Evaluation of the benefit of practically operating reverse osmosis system in the factory: taking the recycling of KI solution and water of the screen polarizing plate as an example
Authors: Tseng Shih-feng , Lo Chien-Ming , Hung Chun-hsiung
Published: May 2021

In recent years, with the advocacy of the circular economy and the rising awareness of environmental protection, energy saving, water saving and carbon reduction have become important topics for discussion today. The high-tech semiconductor, photoelectric, solar and other electronic industries involve high energy and water consumption. In addition to responding to the energy saving, water saving and carbon reduction, one of the main purposes of this system development is to reduce the use of materials and make the process chemicals reusable. In the practical factory operation, a large amount of water is used in the polarization process, and the wastewater generated in etching and pickling is discharged continuously. In order to recycle the water discharging from the manufacturing process, the reverse osmosis membrane system (RO membrane system) is often used for wastewater recycling. In this study, the KI waste liquid discharging from the process of a polarizing plate factory was concentrated with anti-fouling RO membrane. The quantity and arrangement of RO system membranes were simulated and designed with software, and the results, such as water volumes and pressures of inflow and outflow water for the membrane, changes of membrane pressure difference (ΔP), changes of permeating water quality, chemical cleaning frequency and water collection time, were discussed and the optimal parameters of RO membrane, such as the best water collection volume and time, chemical cleaning frequency, best concentration, time and temperature matching with cleaning in process (CIP) were inferred so as to improve the stability of the RO membrane system, enable RO permeating water to enter the water purifying system for reuse, reduce the treatment cost of wastewater recycle and improve the permeating water output efficiency of treatment equipment, accommodating effective utilization of water resources and economic benefits and to sustainable development of the industry.
Heavy metal concentration in vegetables and their potential risk for human health
Authors:   College of Natural & Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Feseha A. ,   College of Natural & Computational Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia, Chaubey A.K. ,   College of Natural & Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Abraha A. ,   College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Samara University, Samara, Ethiopia
Published: May 2021

This study assesses heavy metal levels in the water, soil, and vegetables (swiss chard, lettuce, cabbage, collard green, tomato, green pepper, and carrot) irrigated with wastewater in Gamo, Ethiopia. The samples of soils, waters, and vegetables were randomly collected, processed, and analyzed for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results obtained show that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni had the highest concentration, and Pb, Zn, and Cu had the lowest concentration in irrigation waters. The levels of Cd in the Kulfo river area and Chamo Lake area and Cu in most of the farm soils were also found to be higher than the guideline values. The study also revealed that the mean levels of Cd in most vegetables and Cr and Pb in some vegetables were higher than the maximum recommended limits set by the World Health Organization / Food and Agriculture Organization 2001. Among the vegetables, cabbage had the highest heavy metal content followed by Swiss-chard, carrot, tomato, collard green, green pepper, and lettuce. The Hazard quotient of Cu, and Ni of all samples of vegetables and Cd in some samples vegetables obtained exceeded unity. It signifies that there are potential health risks to the consumers. This study recommends regular monitoring of heavy metals in soils, waters, and foodstuffs to prevent excessive accrual in the food chain.
Physiological criteria for improving labor intensity classification used in occupational risks assessment
Authors:   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, 31 Budennogo Ave., 105275, Moscow, Russian Federation, Bukhtiyarov I.V. , Yushkova O.I. ,   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, 31 Budennogo Ave., 105275, Moscow, Russian Federation, Khodzhiev M. ,   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, 31 Budennogo Ave., 105275, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kapustina A.V. ,   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, 31 Budennogo Ave., 105275, Moscow, Russian Federation, Forverts A.Yu. ,   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, 31 Budennogo Ave., 105275, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

The paper focuses on results of substantiating and selecting informative physiological criteria that can be used for assessing and controlling functional state and working conditions category taking into account physical and nervous-emotional loads borne by CNC- machinery operators. Basing on complex physiological and ergonomic studies and retrospective data analysis, we showed that workers from various occupational groups who dealt with physical labor had to face certain strain over a working shift. Such strains, given long-term working experience, could result in neuromuscular system overstrain and occupational diseases occurrence. We substantiated and developed informative physiological criteria that allowed assessing and controlling functional state and working capacity as well as working conditions category taking into account occupational activities. The present research involved using a set of occupational studies, physiological and ergonomic procedures as well as clinical and statistic ones for examining peculiarities related to functional state of workers’ bodies under exposure to occupational factors taking into account specific working tasks and loads. It allowed us to substantiate labor intensity assessment. Our research results revealed that there was a strong correlation between hand muscles endurance to static exertion (decrease in % by the end of a work shift) and working conditions category given local and overall muscular loads borne by workers. This criterion is recommended for control over functional state and working capacity taking into account occupational peculiarities and gender-related differences. It is necessary to accumulate scientific data for confirming a similar correlation between overall physical working capacity (OPWC) and working conditions category. Results obtained via physiological research were used for developing prevention activities for workers.
On certain issues related to chronic exposure to occupational noise and impacts exerted by it on workers’ bodies (literature review)
Authors:   Saratov Hygiene Medical Research Center of the Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 1a Zarechnaya Str., Saratov, 410022, Russian Federation, Spirin V.F. , Starshov A.M. ,   Saratov Hygiene Medical Research Center of the Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 1a Zarechnaya Str., Saratov, 410022, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

Chronic exposure to noise becomes especially significant when it occurs at workplaces since it results not only in deteriorated life quality of workers but also in disorders in their occupational activities. Occupational sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) holds the 1st rank place among occupational diseases caused by exposure to industrial physical factors. As any other work-related disease, sensorineural hearing loss makes it more difficult to preserve labor resources in the country and leads to significant economic losses. Given that, it is extremely vital to develop procedures for early diagnostics, to determine all possible risks that cause hearing loss directly or indirectly, and to create efficient prevention activities aimed at preserving health of workers exposed to noise at their workplaces. We reviewed literature data published over the last 5–7 years and analyzed more than 100 scientific works on the matter. Our review covers data from 61 sources that are the most relevant regarding tasks we aimed to solve in this research. Literature analysis allowed us to conclude that hearing loss caused by chronic exposure to noise at a workplace was a rather significant problem outlined by occupational medicine experts all over the world. It was shown that noise factor, apart from its direct impacts on the acoustic apparatus, produced apparent negative effects on many organs and systems causing various functional disorders in them which could directly or indirectly exacerbate hearing loss in workers.
A relevância do tratamento documental do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Sergipe para o resgate da memória institucional
Authors: Silva Santos Valéria , Santos de Oliveira Lígia , Do Nascimento Silva Manuela
Published: May 2021

Considerando a importância do tratamento documental como uma alternativa para reduzir os danos no acervo documental do Arquivo Central do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia (IFS) – Campus Aracaju, desenvolveu-se um projeto de extensão que possibilitou de maneira prática o aprendizado do “saber fazer” através das atividades desempenhadas pela bolsista e estudante de Biblioteconomia e Documentação da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Para a sua realização utilizamos a pesquisa bibliográfica através da literatura da área de Arquivologia, com o cerne na preservação e conservação dos documentos, bem como a pesquisa documental, pois o contato direto e contínuo com a documentação viabilizou a aplicabilidade do tratamento documental. Em contrapartida, trabalhamos o estudo de caso, que nos trouxe informações que contribuíram diretamente com a pesquisa em questão e nos fez observar a relevância do tratamento documental nas ações relativas à identificação documental, culminando com realização de mudanças consideráveis na preservação dos documentos e promovendo o acesso às informações comportadas.