bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of LC sensor structures realized by PCB and LTCC technology for determining moisture in building materials
Authors: Radovanovic Milan , Kojic Sanja , Vasiljevic Dragana , Stojanovic Goran
Published: April 2018

This paper compares performances of two wireless sensors for measuring water
concentration in building materials, one manufactured by the printed circuit
board (PCB) technology and another one using the low temperature co-fired
ceramics (LTCC) process. The fabricated sensors consist of inductive part
(L) and interdigitated capacitive part (C) in one metal layer, connected in
parallel. Inductance of inductive part was kept constant, whereas
capacitance of capacitive part was changed by exposing the sensor to
different moisture concentration, changing its resonant frequency. The
variation of resonant frequency as a function of different water
concentration was measured, using antenna coil and impedance analyser, in
two widely used construction materials: clay brick and autoclaved aerated
concrete block. Surface analysis for two sensors was performed by means of
3D profilometer. Mechanical properties of the sensors were measured for both
conductive segments (copper and silver) and substrates materials (PCB and
ceramics substrates) using nanoindenter. Comparative characteristics of the
sensors are presented from their application point of view.
Analysis of the Wet Grip Characteristics of Tire Tread Patterns
Authors: Chiu Jinn-Tong , Shui Chau-Rung
Published: April 2018

Since 2009, the EU regulation ECE R117 specifies that the wet grip adhesion must be measured for the approval of tires, and the wet grip index (G) must meet these requirements. To understand wet grip performance, this study performs a set of analyses based on fluid–structure coupling theory in the LS-DYNA finite element software. The impact of both the depth of transverse grooves and Standard Reference Test Tire (SRTT) tread patterns on the wet grip capacity is investigated by simulating the following cases: (1) six SRTT tread patterns, (2) three identical straight grooves with outer transverse grooves of four different depths, and (3) identical straight grooves with inner transverse grooves of three different depths. Results reveal that regarding transverse grooves in the SRTT, tires with outer transverse grooves show an approximately 8% increase in the wet grip compared with those with only straight grooves. With the addition of both outer and inner transverse grooves, the wet grip capacity can be enhanced by approximately 10%.
High School Students’ Awareness of Track and Field: The Case of the IAAF World Indoor Track and Field Championships
Authors: Cavusoglu Muhittin , Ongan Serdar , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: April 2018

This
study aims to analyze the effect of the
IAAF World Indoor Track and Field Championships on high school students’
awareness of the sports of track and field in the host city, Istanbul Turkey.
Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were
applied to the data collected from total 5,262 high school students
before and after the event. Two groups of questions were asked of the students as participants and spectators.
The main empirical findings indicate that the most significant factors that inhibit high school students’ ability to
participate in track and field activities are lack of interest and time. Also, more
than 25 percent of the students said that factors keep them from participating in
track and field are lack of knowledge of how to participate and lack of access
to a track/facility. Additionally, it was
observed that female students who are interested in track and field would like to learn and participate in these
activities more so than their male peers. Another significant finding is that this tournament considerably increased
awareness of both female and male students. At this point, this study tries to
draw attention to the importance of sponsoring this kind of sports organization
for students and encouraging local and governmental sports authorities to host
events in their cities.
Secure Software Development in Agile Development Processes of E-Government Applications
Authors: Efe Ahmet , Mühürdaroğlu Nisanur
Published: April 2018

Agile software development process is found
to be the most useful for software industry, since it provides flexibility over
requirements and specifications that can change over time. For this reason,
government departments and municipalities as well as private organizations can
develop products in a faster way but with some disadvantages as well as
advantages. One of the concerns is the security problem due to increasing
sophisticated attacks and their incrementing costs for cyber defense. Considering
the increasing attacks over e-government platforms, development of software
requires more emphasis on the security aspect. Particularly for government
institutions that mostly have to lean on third party providers for software
development that will provide automation of public services via internet,
secure software problem became one of the most crucial concerns. Because of
some vulnerability that is caused by incremental model developers are enforced
to make more secure products.  In this
paper, large amount of literature has been researched to specify the security
issues in agile processes which is the most common and chosen methodology for
its elasticity. There are some challenges to provide secure software in agile
processes. We have tried to answer why we could not develop secure software
because of challenges and what methods can be used to overcome challenges.
Comparative security engineering processes have explained to have secure
software.
Uzaktan Yükseköğretim Öğrencilerinin Sosyal Medyanın Eğitim Boyutu Konusundaki Algıları ve Eğitim Amaçlı Sosyal Medya Kullanımlarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: Özen Üstün , Çam Handan , Can Dilara , Dönmez Özge
Published: April 2018

Bu çalışmanın amacı, uzaktan eğitim yoluyla
eğitim alan öğrencilerin sosyal medyadan eğitim amaçlı olarak nasıl
yararlandıklarını belirlemektir. Bu bağlamda Atatürk Üniversitesi Açıköğretim
Fakültesi öğrencileri hedef kütle olarak belirlenmiş ve örnekleme 587 öğrenci
dahil edilmiştir. Öğrencilerden veriler anket yöntemiyle toplanmıştır. Amaç
kapsamında veri setine faktör analizi, tanımlayıcı ve ilişkisel analizler
uygulanarak sonuçlar değerlendirilmiştir. Genel olarak değerlendirildiğinde,
öğrencilerin sosyal medyayı daha çok iletişim ve sosyalleşme amaçlı kullandığı
görülmektedir. Ancak, video ve metin türündeki Açıköğretim materyallerinin ve
daha önceki sınavlarda sorulan soruların yoğun bir şekilde sosyal medya
üzerinde paylaşılması nedeniyle öğrencilerin eğitimlerinin bir parçası olarak
sosyal medyayı yoğun olarak kullandıkları da görülmektedir. Sonuç olarak,
özellikle günlük olarak sosyal medyada harcanan zamanla sosyal medyanın eğitim boyutu
hakkındaki algılar arasında anlamla bir ilişki olduğu da söylenebilir.
A low-cost IoT solution for power availability improvement in hospitals.
Authors: A. Prudenzi  , A. Fioravanti  , M. Regoli
Published: April 2018

Power is a crucial element in hospitals whether it's within the intensive care units, surgical bays, or medical scanning rooms. Without reliable power, patients’ lives are at risk. The power availability improvement is therefore a crucial point in healthcare. A supervising system superimposed to the main components of the power system as able to promptly signal anomalies or malfunctioning or outages can be very useful for this task. To this aim, an Internet of Things (IoT) based solution has been implemented that allows equip at low cost the various electrical components in the distribution MV/LV substations of the hospital’s power system so as to be connected to a central supervising system. The solution implements a platform based on Rapsberry pi 3.
Power Calculation Algorithm for Single-Phase Droop-Operated Inverters Considering Nonlinear Loads and unsing n-Order SOGI Filtering
Authors: J. El Mariachet  , J. Matas  , J. de la Hoz  , Y. Al-Turki  , H. Abdalgader
Published: April 2018

The average active and reactive powers, P and Q, are crucial parameters that have to be calculated when sharing common loads between parallelized droop-operated single-phase inverters. However, the droop method algorithm should employ low-pass filters (LPF) with very low cut-off frequency to minimize the distortion impact in the provide droop amplitude and frequency references. This situation forces the droop control to operate at a very low dynamic velocity, degrading the stability of the parallelized system. For this reason, different solutions had been proposed in literature to increase the droop velocity, but the issues derived from the sharing of nonlinear loads had not been properly considered. This work proposes a novel method to calculate P and Q based on the fundamental components of the inverter's output voltage and current and using the measured phase angle between the output voltage and current. The method is used under normal and highly distorting conditions due to the sharing non-linear loads. The fundamental components are obtained by means of the highly filtering capability provided by n order cascaded second order generalized integrators (nSOGI). The proposed method leads to faster and more accurate P and Q calculations that enhances the droop-method dynamic performance. Simulations are provided to validate the proposal.
Modeling and Control of a DC Supply System for Electrical Vehicle Charging Based on Renewable Energy Sources with the Support of Storage
Authors: A. Roque  , V. Fernão Pires  , L. Pedraza  , E. Margato  , D. M. Sousa
Published: April 2018

Supply systems to the electrical vehicles are becoming extremely important in the actual context. Thus, this paper presents a DC supply system for electrical vehicles. It can be used for fast or slow charge. This system was developed taking into consideration the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Thus, a wind generator and a Photovoltaic (PV) system connected to the DC bus were also considered. Due to the intermittent nature of the energy generated by the RES storage systems were also considered. In this case were considered batteries and supercapacitors to support the system during the fast transients. A connection of the DC supply system with the grid was also considered in order to support the charging system, when the energy generated by the generators and storage systems are not enough. Besides that, this connection is also made in order to support the grid, when necessary. So, in situations in which is required the support of the grid, the system can provide active and reactive power. The active power can be supplied by the RES and storage systems, but also by the electric vehicle when available. The models of the several systems are presented. The control of the all components of the system is also provided. Several results are presented in order to verify the effectiveness of the global system.
Solar Radiation Gridded Satellite data comparison in Gran Canaria Island
Authors: L. Mazorra Aguiar  , J. Polo  , F. Díaz  , J.M. Vindel
Published: April 2018

During the last years solar energy has been increasing the percentage of the total energy production around the world and it is expected it persists growing notably [1]. In insular grids, such as Canary Islands, the knowledge of solar radiation behaviour is one of the most important variables in order to ensure the stability for power systems. In this paper we study the suitability of Gridded Satellite data for modelling solar radiation for both PV and CSP purposes. The analysis and comparison is performed using hourly Global and Direct Solar radiation from the satellite model CM SAF database and four ground measurement stations in Gran Canaria. This study could give us a better knowledge of solar radiation behavior in a wide spatial and temporal coverage. Moreover, an accurate satellite radiation data could improve solar radiation forecasting for power systems manage systems [2].
The outline of naming process, anatomy and histopathology of infraorbital dark circles
Authors: Wang Hai
Published: April 2018

Infraorbital dark circle,previously known as allergic shiners.The pathogenesis,the swollen turbinate compressing the sphenopalatine vein plexus,causing venous congestion of eyelid vein and the canthus in eyes,is unattested.This article studies the anatomical structure under the orbital part.It is believed that the mechanism is more closely related to the backflow obstruction of infraorbital vein.Besides,it may also be the causes of infraorbital dark circle of local congestion of infraorbital space and inferior orbital lymph nodes backflow blocked.Finally, the histopathological findings of some aesthetic medicine are reviewed.
Analysis of EEG dynamics in epileptic children during carbamazepine therapy
Authors: Khachidze Irma , Gugushvili Manana , Kapanadze Nana , Koreli Aleksandre , Mamukashvili Marina , Maloletnev Victor
Published: April 2018

Background: The analysis of the dynamics of background EEG characteristics on the different stages of CBZtherapy is very important for revealing the possible early predictors of benefit/adverse effects of the treatment and optimizing the anti-epileptic therapy. Objective: Evaluate the carbamazepine (CBZ) effect on the dynamics of EEG pattern in epileptic children at different stages of CBZ-monotherapy. Methods: Forty-five children (aged 3-9) with partial epilepsy were investigated. The EEG was recorded at rest and during functional tests prior to CBZ administration and three and six months after the initiation of CBZtherapy. Epileptiform graphoelements and baseline EEG activities were analyzed. Results: Following three months of CBZ-therapy an absolute power value in the low frequency bands of EEG spectrum increased while an average frequency of alpha waves decreased. During rest, CBZ reduced density of spontaneous epileptiform graphoelements and generalized epileptiform bursts. Generalized paroxysmal bursts decreased under functional tests. The EEG pattern maintained the same characteristics for six months. Deterioration of EEG pattern and clinical signs was observed in four children. Conclusion: Elevation of indices of low frequency bands, especially in occipital and parietal regions, concomitant with reduction of epileptiform elements and seizure frequency three months after initiation of therapy suggests that CBZ in appropriate doses might be continued. Otherwise, the strategy of antiepileptic therapy should be revised.
Light-enhanced antibiotic activity of Brazilian medical plants (Croton campestris A, Ocimum gratissimum L and Cordia verbenaceae DC)
Authors: Matias Edinardo F.F. , Santos Karla K.A. , Costa Jos Galberto M , Coutinho Henrique D.M.
Published: April 2018

Background: Although broad-band ultraviolet (UV)-A has been described as a therapeutic option for various skin diseases, there are few studies investigating the efficacy of UV-A irradiation in treating diseases related to infectious agents. Objective: Evaluate the light-enhanced antibacterial activity of Brazilian medical plants, Croton campestris A (Euphorbiaceae), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae), and Cordia verbenaceae DC (Boraginaceae). Methods: Hexane extracts of Croton campestris A., Ocimum gratissimum L., and Cordia verbenaceae DC were assayed using a UV-A exposure method against strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Assays were performed in triplicate with and without exposure to UV-A radiation to test for light-activated or lightenhanced antibacterial activity. Results: All extracts showed activity against the S. aureus strain. Extracts of O. gratissimum and C. verbenaceae were the most active after exposure to UV-A light, with an increase in antibacterial activity of 140 and 100%, respectively. No extract showed light-activated antibacterial activity against E. coli. Conclusion: C. campestris, O. gravissimum and C. verbenaceae showed light-enhanced antibiotic activity. This suggests that phytochemical investigations may be warranted.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor per platelet count in patients with biliary atresia
Authors: Chongsrisawat Voranush , Vejchapipat Paisarn , Poovorawan Yong
Published: April 2018

Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive, sclerosing, inflammatory process resulting in complete obliteration of the extrahepatic bile ducts. The obstruction of bile flow engenders worsening cholestasis, hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis, which lead to portal hypertension and a decline in hepatic synthetic function. Hepatic stellate cells, which play roles in hepatic fibrogenesis, are an important source of various inflammatory mediators including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the injured liver. Objectives: Investigate the level of serum VEGF and serum VEGF per platelet count in patients with BA and its relation to clinical characteristics. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were taken from 70 BA patients and 15 healthy control children. Serum VEGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We compared serum VEGF and serum VEGF per platelet count in BA patients with the respective results obtained in healthy control children. The relation of serum VEGF per platelet count with clinical variables of BA patients was investigated. Results: Serum VEGF levels and serum VEGF per platelet count in BA patients were not significantly different from those in normal controls (289.64±230.01 pg/mL vs. 312.36±189.05 pg/mL; p=0.72 and 1.72±1.21x106 vs. 1.57±0.97x106; p=0.66). Significant differences were observed among BA patients when VEGF per platelet count was categorized by the presence of esophageal varice (p=0.03). Only in BA patients was the serum level of VEGF correlated with the number of platelets (r=0.53, p<0.001). Conclusion: A high serum VEGF per platelet count is a useful marker for the development of portal hypertension in BA patients, especially for esophageal varice. Serum VEGF per platelet count may be useful for monitoring disease course in BA after hepatic portoenterostomy.
Bupivacaine scalp nerve block: hemodynamic response during craniotomy, intraoperative and post-operative analgesia
Authors: Tuchinda Lawan , Somboonviboon Wanna , Supbornsug Kaew , Worathongchai Sukhumakorn , Limutaitip Supodjanee
Published: April 2018

Background: Noxious stimuli during craniotomy may induce hypertension and tachycardia, giving rise to morbidity in patients with intracranial hypertension. Craniotomy is followed by moderate level of postoperative pain. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of scalp block on hemodynamic response to noxious stimuli, intraoperative fentanyl requirement and post-operative analgesia. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing elective craniotomy were randomly assigned to receive a scalp block with either 0.5% bupivacaine or 0.25% bupivacaine and 1:200,000 adrenaline (group A and B) or normal saline with 1:200,000 adrenaline (group C). Fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg was administered for hemodynamic control. Intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), fentanyl doses, and post-operative pain scores were recorded. Post-operative analgesia was provided by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine for 24 hours. Results: MAP was greater in group C than group A during pinning and incision (p <0.05), and was greater in group C than group B during pinning, incision and craniotomy (p <0.05). HR differences were not statistically significant between all groups (p >0.05). Intraoperative fentanyl requirement was significantly greater in group C compared with group A and B (p < 0.05). Pain score, time to the first morphine administration and total morphine consumption were not significantly different between all groups. Conclusion: Pre-incision scalp blocks using either 0.25% or 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline were effective to prevent rising of MAP, but not HR in response to cranial pinning and skin incision, causing less intraoperative fentanyl requirement. However, they did not reduce post-craniotomy pain and morphine consumption.
Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes, hepatic steatosis and their correlation with clinical and virological factors in Pakistan
Authors: Safi Sher Zaman , Badshah Yasmin , Waheed Yasir , Fatima Kaneez , Tahir Sadia , Shinwari Alamgir , Qadri Ishtiaq
Published: April 2018

Background: Due to the inherently unstable nature of HCV, various genotypes have been identified. Steatosis is a histological feature in the progression of HCV-associated liver disease and has been shown to alter the host lipid metabolism. Objective: Assess the distribution of HCV genotypes in the two provinces of Pakistan, and determine the association of hepatic steatosis with altered clinical and virological factors in chronic HCV patients. Methods: One hundred twenty six chronic HCV patients (steatosis in 49 patients) were enrolled for qualitative analysis by PCR. Out of 126 ELISA and PCR positive samples, 119 (48 with hepatic steatosis) chronic HCV patients (mean age 42.0±13.3 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 24.2±4.1) were proved positive after PCR-based detection. Biochemical and virological factors such as HCV genotype, or glucose, in 119 CHC patients were determined and compared between patients with and without hepatic steatosis. Results: Out of 126 samples, 119 were HCV positive, where 58 (48.7%) were genotype 3a, 24 (20.2%) were 3b, 12 (10.1%) were 1a, eight (6.7%) were 2a, six (5.0%) were 1b, and one (0.8%) was 4. Furthermore, seven (5.9%) had a co-infection and three (2.5%) were untypable. BMI (p=0.004), genotype 3a (p<0.001), and triglycerides (p=0.002) were significantly associated with steatosis. It is noteworthy that cholesterol (p=0.281), glucose (p=0.305), lowdensity lipoprotein (p=0.101), high-density lipoprotein (p=0.129), alanine amino transferase (p=0.099), aspartate transaminase (p=0.177), bilirubin (p= 0.882), and age (p=0.846) showed non-significant association. Conclusion: Genotype 3a is the predominant genotype in Pakistan. Hepatic steatosis is quite frequent feature in HCV patients and strongly correlates with BMI, genotype 3a, and triglyceride contents in patients infected with HCV.
Endovascular aortic stent for thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm: imaging consequences and complications
Authors: Kittivanakul Seksan , Wangsuphachart Somjai
Published: April 2018

Background: Endovascular stent-graft implantation has been used as an alternative to conventional open surgery in treatment of aortic aneurysm. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has been requested for follow-up and evaluation of aortic stent complications. Objective: Find the incidence of endovascular aortic stent complications and analyze the CTA features of postendovascular aortic stent consequences. Methods: Two radiologists reviewed CTA images of 635 patients who attended King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between Sep 1, 2003 and Aug 31, 2008. Thirty-eight patients had endovascular aortic stent installation with 95 CTA images. The incidence of endovascular aortic stent complications, the image appearances including consequences and time-interval of endoleak were analyzed. Results: There were 23 thoracic aortic stents, 10 abdominal aortic stents and five combined stents for thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Twenty-eight cases had aortic stent complications (73.7%). Two cases had immediately post procedural complication of groin hematomas (7.1%). Ten patients had more than one finding. Findings of the stent-graft complications were as follows: 19 endoleaks, 15 stent thrombosis, five stents without covered-dissection, two stent kinkings, two iatrogenic focal aortic dissection, two air within aneurysm after stent installation and one spreading infected aortitis. The most common complication was endoleaks (53.6%), which could progress, be persistent or resolvable. Time-interval to detect endoleak was between 1 and 464 days. Conclusion: CTA can be used as modality of choice in demonstration of stent location, consequences, and complications. The stent complication was still high in the first five-year experience.
Time duration to safety sitting in parturient receiving spinal anesthesia for cesarean section with 0.5% Bupivacaine and morphine
Authors: Mandee Sahatsa , Siriussawakul Arunotai , Suraseranivongse Suwannee , Khanwilai Jongrak , Nitigarun Pongsak
Published: April 2018

Background: Spinal anesthesia has been used for cesarean section for a long time. However, the proportion of post-cesarean paturients who were able to sit at the fourth hour still remains unclear. Objective: Investigate the proportion of post-cesarean paturients that were able to sit at the fourth hour following spinal anesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and morphine. Furthermore, investigate the optimum time to encourage ambulation, and the risk factors delaying time duration to sit. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 240 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification I and II, and single pregnancy parturients undergoing cesarean section. The patients who had body mass index (BMI) >35, estimated blood loss >1000 mL, needed postoperative bed rest, or received postoperative sedation were excluded. Hyperbaric bupivacaine 8-11 mg and morphine 0.2-0.3 mg were used. The patients were evaluated at the fourth hour until they could sit without adverse events or complete the sixth hour. All patients were evaluated for risk factors delaying the time duration to sit. Results: Out of 240 patients, 77.0%, 90.9%, and 98.4% were able to sit at the fourth, fifth, and sixth hour, respectively. The risk factors that delayed time to sit were Bromage scale >1 and pain score >3 by the univariate analysis, and were Bromage scale >1 and pain score >3 by the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Seventy-seven percent of the patients could sit at the fourth hour, and most patients (98%) could sit at the sixth hour. The risk factors that delayed the time duration to sit were Bromage score >1 and pain score >3.
Biomedical prevention: what is the current status?
Authors: Celentano David D. , Davis Wendy W. , Beyrer Chris C.
Published: April 2018

Biomedical HIV prevention strategies for primary or secondary prevention of HIV transmission can be seen as an adjunct to behavioral prevention approaches. These interventions include vaccination, female controlled vaginal microbicides, male circumcision, treatment of sexually transmitted infections that cause genital ulceration, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). This article reviews results from recent randomized controlled trials of novel biomedical prevention approaches and discusses interpretation of the results. The only intervention consistently demonstrating reductions in HIV transmission was adult male circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa. Results of PREP trials will be available in the next several years.
Effectiveness of endotracheal-tube size by age-based formula for Thai pediatric cardiac patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Chumpathong Saowapark , Sukavanicharat Petcharat , Butmangkun Wassana , Suraseranivongse Suwannee , Raksakietisak Manee , Rushatamukayanunt Pranee , Sirivanasandha Busara
Published: April 2018

Background: Pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases may have pathological airway abnormality and delayed development. To predict the appropriate size of endotracheal tube (ETT), a formula between diameter and age has been widely used for Western normal children. However, it is unclear whether this age-based (AB) formula is applicable to Thai pediatric cardiac patients. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of uncuffed ETT size by AB formula for pediatric cardiac patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using 320 cases of non-cardiac and cardiac patients aged 2-7 years old who were orally intubated with a regular uncuffed ETT at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. The exclusion criteria were history of tracheostomy, upper airway obstruction, and expected difficult intubation. Demographic data and final ETT used were recorded. Results: The tube- size predicted by the AB formula could be applied to 54.4% of non-cardiac and 48.1% of cardiac patients (p= 0.314), whereas three sizes of tubes (one above and one below the predicted size) covered 96.9% and 94.4% of non-cardiac and cardiac patients, respectively (p = 0.413). The ETT with 0.5 mm in ID larger than the predicted size were more often used in 35.0% of cardiac patients compared with 22.5% of non-cardiac patients (p= 0.019). There were no significant differences between methods using age (actual, round-up, and truncated) to calculate the AB formula. The Pearson’s correlation between the ID of the ETT with height in non-cardiac and cardiac patients were 0.430 and 0.683, respectively (p <0.001), whereas correlations with weight were 0.622 and 0.561 (p <0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The AB formula was applicable to non-cardiac and cardiac children aged 2-7 years old. For Thai pediatric cardiac patients, we recommend to use a one-size larger ETT than non-cardiac patients.
Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and anemia in postmenopausal Vietnamese women
Authors: Binh Tran Quang , Hien Vu Thi Thu , Khan Nguyen Cong , Lam Nguyen Thi , Mai Le Bach , Nakamori Masayo , Yamamoto Shigeru
Published: April 2018

Background: Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is involved in hematopoiesis. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene has been suggested as one of the candidate genes for anemia. Objective: Investigate relationship between anemia and the commonly studied polymorphisms of VDR gene (FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI) in terms of genotype and haplotype in Vietnamese. Methods: A case-control study including 132 postmenopausal women without chronic kidney diseases was designed to investigate the relationship between VDR polymorphism and anemia. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), and TaqI (rs731236) were typed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Genotype distributions of four SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both anemia and control groups. The SNPs at the 3’end of the VDR gene (BsmI, ApaI and TaqI) exhibited a strong linkage disequilibrium. There was no significant association between anemia and VDR polymorphism in terms of allele, genotype, and haplotype in the analyses unadjusted or adjusted for the covariates (age, body mass index, educational level, serum ferritin, iron and albumin). Conclusion: VDR gene did not influence anemia in postmenopausal women without chronic kidney disease. For further study on the association between VDR gene and anemia, the use of larger sample size, a prospective study design, and additional markers would enhance the reliability and validity of findings.
Osteoinductive potential of small intestinal submucosa/ demineralized bone matrix as composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Honsawek Sittisak , Bumrungpanichthaworn Piyanuch , Thanakit Voranuch , Kunrangseesomboon Vachiraporn , Muchmee Supamongkon , Ratprasert Siriwimon , Tangchainavaphum Pruksapon , Dechprapatsorn Saran , Ratprasert Siriwimon , Suksamran Apasri , Rojchanawatsirivech Apimit
Published: April 2018

Background: Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is extensively used in orthopedic, periodontal, and maxillofacial application and investigated as a material to induce new bone formation. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) derived from the submucosa layer of porcine intestine has widely utilized as biomaterial with minimum immune response. Objectives: Determine the osteoinductive potential of SIS, DBM, SIS/DBM composites in the in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal bioassays for bone tissue engineering. Materials and methods: Human periosteal (HPO) cells were treated in the absence or presence SIS, DBM, and SIS/DBM. Cell proliferation was examined by direct cell counting. Osteoblast differentiation of the HPO cells was analyzed with alkaline phosphatase activity assay. The Wistar rat muscle implant model was used to evaluate the osteoinductive potential of SIS, DBM, and SIS/DBM composites. Results: HPO cells could differentiate along osteogenic lineage when treated with either DBM or SIS/DBM. SIS/ DBM had a tendency to promote more cellular proliferation and osteoblast differentiation than the other treatments. In Wistar rat bioassay, SIS showed no new bone formation and the implants were surrounded by fibrous tissues. DBM demonstrated new bone formation along the edge of old DBM particles. SIS/DBM composite exhibited high osteoinductivity, and the residual SIS/DBM was surrounded by osteoid-like matrix and newly formed bone. Conclusion: DBM and SIS/DBM composites could retain their osteoinductive capability. SIS/DBM scaffolds may provide an alternative approach for bone tissue engineering.
Prevalence of obesity among Thai schoolchildren: a survey in Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand
Authors: Sengmeuang Phouvang , Kukongviriyapan Upa , Pasurivong Orapin , Jones Chulee , Khrisanapant Wilaiwan
Published: April 2018

Background: There is a worldwide increase in obese children and adolescents. No systematized biometric data are available to confirm this trend in Thailand. Objective: Estimate the prevalence of obesity among 12- to 18-years-old attending the secondary school in the municipality of Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand. Materials and methods: We used stratified, two-stage, cluster sampling to select 7,096 healthy boys and girls from 12,021 students of grades 7 to 12 at three government schools. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) (weight (kg)/height (m)2). Sex-specific, BMI-for-age growth charts were created from the data on the 2,593 boys and 4,503 girls (between 12 and 18 years of age) using simple random sampling. Sex-specific BMI-for-age growth charts and the weight-for-height (W/H) were used to estimate the prevalence of obesity and overweight. Results: The respective national prevalence of obese and overweight children was 4.9% and 9.5% in the BMI-forage, the rates between boys and girls being comparable. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of either obesity or overweight with increasing age. In the Thai standard W/H, 13.7% of the children were obese and 5.3% were overweight. Obesity was more prevalent n boys (18.9%) than girls (10.8%) and decreased with age. The prevalence of overweight did not change with age regardless of gender. Conclusion: Obesity among children in Khon Kaen was similar to, or less prevalent than that reported for other areas of Thailand. The prevalence of obesity needs to be judged by the same (or similar) criteria before any comparison among various studies is done.
Effect of cyproheptadine on weight gain in malnourished children: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Rerksuppaphol Sanguansak , Rerksuppaphol Lakkana
Published: April 2018

Background: Cyproheptadine has been used therapeutically as an appetite stimulant in various chronic illnesses. However, no clinical data are available on the therapeutic effect of cyproheptadine in malnourished children without underlying pathological conditions. Objective: Investigate the short-term effect of cyproheptadine on weight gain in malnourished children who appear otherwise normal on physical examination. Methods: Seventy malnourished children who were otherwise normal on physical examination were recruited to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty-seven children were randomized to a treatment regimen of cyproheptadine (0.1 mg/kg/dose, three times/day for eight weeks), and 33 children were randomized to receive placebo over a period of eight weeks. Subjects were evaluated at a baseline visit and at four visits at two-week intervals. Parameters assessed included baseline demographics, anthropometrics (weight, height, skin-fold thickness, waist and hip circumferences, and fat composition by bioelectric impedance analysis), adverse events, and pill counts. Data were analyzed by Student’s t-test and Chi-square test; a p- value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: No significant differences were observed in baseline demographic characteristics and anthropometric parameters between the groups. The cyproheptadine-treated group showed a significantly greater weight gain over the baseline compared with the control group. The absolute weight gain was significantly higher in the cyproheptadine-treated group than in the control group at the end of study. No significant difference was observed in the change in the body fat percentage between the groups. No serious adverse events were reported. Adverse events included mild sedation, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. No significant differences in the frequency of adverse events were observed between the groups. Conclusions: Cyproheptadine treatment was well tolerated and resulted in significant weight gain in malnourished children, without increasing the body fat percentage.
Accuracy of ultrasound in pediatric undescended testes
Authors: Phewplung Teerasak , Mahayosnond Atchara , Trinavarat Panruethai
Published: April 2018

Background: The undescended testis represents a common condition affecting male infants with significant clinical implications such as infertility and testicular malignancy. There is controversy as to the diagnosis when a clinical examination fails to identify a testis. Objective: Investigate the value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of undescended testis, and evaluate the correlation between the preoperative ultrasonographic data and operative findings. Material and method: Thirty-nine boys (age: 3months -12 years) with undescended testes were examined between January 2003 and December 2007. All the boys had undergone a sonogram performed for localizing the undescended testes. Only 20 boys were sent for inguinal exploration, or other surgical procedures for localizing the undescended testes. We calculated specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the accuracy of ultrasonographic diagnosis in boys with undescended testes. Results: Twenty-nine undescended testes were included in this study. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 82%, a specificity of 0%, PPV of 96%, NPV of 0%, and accuracy of 79% in the diagnosis of the undescended testis. Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity including NPV of uetrasound had the unsatisfactory outcomes.
Professor Clement Alfred Finch: hematologist, humanist, and mentor for many (July 4, 1915 - June 28, 2010)
Authors: Wilde Henry
Published: April 2018

Clement Alfred Finch was a physician, researcher and educator who helped advance the scientific basis and practices of diagnosis and treatment of anemia since the time when little was known about the disease. He was born in New York, USA and graduated from medical school in 1941. He had a 60-year tenure at the University of Washington and published extensively (more than 300 scholarly articles and close to 30 key reviews). He was instrumental in collaborating with key Thai hematologists, particularly at the premier Siriraj Medical School. His contribution on iron metabolization in the bloodstream has been a corner stone of hematology. It included seminal research which led to the widespread supplementation with iron in diets by women to avoid iron deficiency anemia.
Methods for the Design of Climate Change Scenario in Slovakia for the 21St Century
Authors: Melo Marian , Lapin Milan , Damborska Ingrid
Published: April 2018

In this paper methods of climate-change scenario projection in Slovakia for the 21st century are outlined. Temperature and precipitation time series of the Hurbanovo Observatory in 1871-2007 (Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute) and data from four global GCMs (GISS 1998, CGCM1, CGCM2, HadCM3) are utilized for the design of climate change scenarios. Selected results of different climate change scenarios (based on different methods) for the region of Slovakia (up to 2100) are presented. The increase in annual mean temperature is about 3°C, though the results are ambiguous in the case of precipitation. These scenarios are required by users in impact studies, mainly from the hydrology, agriculture and forestry sectors.
Criteria of Thermal Classifications of Lakes
Authors: Skowron Rajmund
Published: April 2018

Since the early twentieth century limnological literature has presented numerous classifications of lakes. Most frequently these classifications refer to genetic systematization. In the latter half of the twentieth century new divisions of inland water bodies were introduced with respect to mictic, trophic and thermal properties. These proposals, however, make up a very diverse and scattered material, particularly due to the considered criteria. The author of this article decided to verify opinions and criteria of these systematisations to provide a better understanding of the problem.
Records on Anthropogenic Environmental Changes in Small River Valleys in the Vicinity of Łowicz (Central Poland): Their Significance for the Reconstruction of Late Holocene Settlement Tendencies
Authors: Forysiak Jacek , Obremska Milena , Twardy Juliusz
Published: April 2018

Based on palaeobotanical analyses of organic deposits, as well as geomorphological and geological studies at four sites in various geomorphological locations in relation to tributaries of the Bzura River, the presence of traces of human activity, its intensiveness, and classification to cultural levels were analysed. A pattern of later and later settlement in areas remote from the axis of the Warsaw-Berlin streamway was observed along with the gradual introduction of settlement from river valley bottoms to watershed zones.
The System Performance of Half-Duplex Relay Network under Effect of Interference Noise
Authors: Voznak Miroslav , Tran Hoang Quang Minh , Nguyen N. Tan
Published: April 2018

In recent years, harvesting energy from radio frequency (RF) signals has drawn significant research interest as a promising solution to solve the energy problem. In this paper, we analyze the effect of the interference noise on the wireless energy harvesting performance of a decode-and-forward (DF) relaying network. In this analysis, the energy and information are transferred from the source to the relay nodes in the delay-limited transmission and Delay-tolerant transmission modes by two methods: i) time switching protocol and ii) power splitting protocol. Firstly, due to the constraint of the wireless energy harvesting at the relay node, the analytical mathematical expressions of the achievable throughput, outage probability and ergodic capacity of both schemes were proposed and demonstrated. After that, the effect of various system parameters on the system performance is rigorously studied with closed-form expressions for system throughput, outage probability, and ergodic capacity. Finally, the analytical results are also demonstrated by Monte-Carlo simulation. The results show that the analytical mathematical and simulated results agree with each other.  This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Numerical Determination of Truncation Orders in the Correction Method for Stokes Equations
Authors: Tran Phuong Minh , Nguyen Nhan Thanh
Published: April 2018

In [15], the authors propose an accurate method, namely the correction method, for computing hydrodynamic interaction between very closed spherical particles in a Stokes fluid. The accuracy of this method depends on two truncation parameters for approximating the Neumann to Dirichlet matrix and the velocity correction respectively. In this paper, we establish a numerical determination to estimate these parameters. We perform some numerical experiments to present our method.   This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The CHARMM36 Force Field for Lipids Can Be Used With More Accurate Water Models
Authors: Sajadi Fatima , Rowley Christopher
Published: April 2018

The CHARMM36 force field for lipids is widely used in simulations of lipid bilayers. The CHARMM family of force fields were developed for use with the TIP3P water model. This water model has an anomalously high dielectric constant and low viscosity, which limits its accuracy in the calculation of quantities like permeability coefficients. The TIP3P-FB and TIP4P-FB water models are more accurate in terms of the dielectric constant and transport properties, which could allow more accurate simulations of systems containing water and lipids. To test whether the CHARMM36 lipid force field is compatible with the TIP3P-FB and TIP4P-FB water models, we have performed simulations of DPPC and POPC bilayers. The calculated headgroup area, compressibility, order parameters, and X-ray form factors are in good agreement with the experimental values, indicating that these improved water models can be used with the CHARMM36 lipid force field without modification. The water permeability predicted by these models is significantly different; the TIP3P-model diffusion in solution and at the lipid--water interface is anomalously fast due to the spuriously low viscosity of TIP3P-model water, but the PMF of permeation is higher for the TIP3P-FB and TIP4P-FB models due to their high excess chemical potentials.
如何当称职的项目现场技术管理人员
Authors: 齐 虎 , 袁 帆
Published: April 2018

随着目前我国交通建设的高速发展，对项目管理提出精细化，专业化的严格要求，而项目技术员是整个项目的基础，不可或缺的岗位，通过分析项目技术员的岗位特点，结合笔者日常管理实际情况，围绕项目技术员该从哪几个方面入手去提升，要求自己阐述思路。
综采工作面挤架、倒架原因浅析及对策
Authors: 王 玉强
Published: April 2018

521003综采工作面在回采过程中受断层，工作面下段（1＃-30＃）倾角大的影响，出现挤架，倒架现象，结合现场实际情况，分析造成综采工作面液压支架挤架，倒架的原因，总结挤架，倒架的处理方法和采取的措施。
一炼钢转炉炉体同步顶升工艺研究
Authors: 沈 国强
Published: April 2018

上海宝钢股份炼钢厂一炼钢转炉采用的是三点球面支撑系统，如更换三点球面支撑，则必须将转炉炉体整体顶升1020毫米后才能完成三点球面支撑的倒运工作，原先采用的转炉安装台车加4 * 200吨顶升系统可完成工作，但顶升过程稳定性较差，耗耗时间较长，成本高。为降低检修成本，减少施工时间，提高顶升过程的稳定性，我们引进了4 * 200吨同步顶升系统，并将系统顶升的顶点从炉底上移到了托圈上部，将转炉炉体顶升复位时间从96小时降低到了4小时。
杨桥闸分洪闸混凝土防碳化处理
Authors: 牛 之雷
Published: April 2018

混凝土碳化是指混凝土中的水化产物与环境中的二氧化碳发生反应生成其他物质,并随着运行时间的增长，逐渐变成呈中性的碳酸钙的过程,严重时会使混凝土结构产生严重的开裂、剥落等现象。鉴于此，论文针对杨桥闸分洪闸混凝土防碳化处理进行研究分析，以供参考和借鉴。
“煤矿安全科技进江西”活动中多款钻机 在中国曲江公司的应用对比分析
Authors: 龚 建强 , 樊 玉安 , 龚 建军
Published: April 2018

中国曲江公司的矿井是高瓦斯矿井，又是煤与瓦斯突出矿井，地质构造比较复杂，煤层松软，抽放钻孔难施工，一直是急需解决的一个难题。论文依据 ZLJ2000D 型、ZLJ2000DL 型履带式以及 ZLJ850A 型三款立轴钻机在曲江公司的使用效果，通过对比分析它们的各项技术参数、经济指标、实用性能，优选出 ZLJ850A 型钻机，可为相似矿井挑选施工抽放钻孔的钻机，提供一定的借鉴经验。
保障医院计算机网络安全思路和实践
Authors: 张 磊
Published: April 2018

现阶段，中国信息技术发展迅速，可以说已经完全进入了一个信息时代。在信息技术高速发展的背景下，医院管理体系也越发的信息化，计算机网络逐渐被应用起来，不仅提高了工作效率，还提高了工作质量。由此来看，在这种高速发展的背景下，医院要想更好地发展，就应建立计算机网络平台。但是在不断地发展过程中，计算机网络也存在许多安全问题。鉴于此，论文对医院计算机网络安全进行研究，提出了保障医院计算机网络安全的思路和实践。
超高大跨钢结构厂房安装工程实例研究
Authors: 张 义杰
Published: April 2018

随着中国建筑行业的进一步发展，大跨度的建筑和项目工程也逐渐增多，因此建筑项目的工程结构形式也越来越多样化，其中钢结构自身轻便、成本投入小、工期较短、抗震性好、外观新颖，受到工程建筑的青睐。论文主要通过实际的案例分析，对超高大跨钢结构厂房安装技术进行相关的探究，充分了解钢结构安装中的技术要点和难题，从而保证未来钢结构安装工作安全顺利完成，以供借鉴参考。
水力压差式封隔器在裂缝性漏失井中的堵漏研究与应用
Authors: 张 迁 , 陈 保民
Published: April 2018

裂缝性漏失井在西峰油田比较常见，近年来随着西峰油田漏失区域的不断扩大，大型裂缝性漏失井也呈现逐年增加趋势，同时地层水也越来越活跃，大型漏失井漏失静液面逐年下降，漏层承压能力越来越弱，使用桥塞堵漏剂很难架桥封堵，而使用注水泥堵漏时，由于洛河上部出水、漏层内地层水活跃，水泥塞长度和成塞质量很难控制，往往受地层出水影响而无水泥塞，有些井虽然有较长段水泥塞，但是漏层处无水泥塞或水泥交接差，钻至漏层就立即失返，针对这些问题，研究引入了水力压差式封隔器注水泥，有效解决了以上问题。经过现场试验成功后现已推广使用。该工具的推广使用提高了裂缝性漏失井的堵漏效率，并产生了良好的经济价值。
有载调压整流变压器的使用、维护和故障处理
Authors: 高 祎鹏
Published: April 2018

随着中国电解铝厂的数量不断增加，有载调压整流变压器的运用范围也逐渐扩大，并且在容量上也有了巨大的改观。在电解铝厂的日常工作中使用有载调压整流变压器可以有效改善电网畸变与电压波动所产生的不良影响。但是，有载调压整流变压器在施工过程中由于质量、构造与价格等多方面因素的相互影响导致其不断有质量事故发生，对于电解铝厂的工作产生了严重的制约与影响。为此，为了保证电解铝厂的工作效率，需要不断地对有载调压整流变压器进行维护与检查，才能保证电解铝厂的工作有条不紊地进行下去。论文针对外部故障分析中的外观、油位、色味以及温度等因素对变压器的故障进行诊断，并依据物理方式与化学方式对故障进行分析与诊断，从而保证对故障提出切实可行的处理方式。
基于 Workbench 的 5t/11m 桥机主梁有限元分析及优化
Authors: 刘 辉
Published: April 2018

以 5t/ 11m 桥机主梁为研究对象，在 WorkbenchDesignModeler 中建立主梁的有限元模型，按照桥机最危险工况对其施加约束与载荷，得到主梁的变形及应力云图。经分析表明，主梁的强度和刚度都有较大的安全裕量，有必要对其进行结构优化，以主梁截面尺寸为设计变量，强度和刚度为约束条件，主梁质量为目标函数进行多目标优化设计，以达到节省材料，降低生产成本的目的。
PTA 链板输送系统的优化研究
Authors: 刘 冬 , 迟 玉春 , 李 晓娟 , 王 婷婷 , 李 振忠
Published: April 2018

论文简单介绍了 PTA 链板输送系统的工艺流程，分析了槽车输送和吨袋输送的区别，对槽车输送时链板遇到的故障及缺陷提出了改进措施。
某低品位微细粒难选金矿石浮选实验研究
Authors: 孟 凡伟
Published: April 2018

论文对某地低品位微细粒难选金矿石性质进行分析测试，研究选矿实验流程，确定浮选法工艺技术路线，较好地解决了该含砷硫微细粒复杂难处理金矿石的选矿技术难题，获得了较理想的技术经济指标。原矿金品位 1.92g/t，经两段粗选、两段扫选、两段精选，浮选金回收率为89.45%，精矿金品位为 48.32g/t。