bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric instrumental variables for identification of block-oriented systems
Authors: Mzyk Grzegorz
Published: October 2013

A combined, parametric-nonparametric identification algorithm for a special case of NARMAX systems is proposed. The parameters of individual blocks are aggregated in one matrix (including mixed products of parameters). The matrix is estimated by an instrumental variables technique with the instruments generated by a nonparametric kernel method. Finally, the result is decomposed to obtain parameters of the system elements. The consistency of the proposed estimate is proved and the rate of convergence is analyzed. Also, the form of optimal instrumental variables is established and the method of their approximate generation is proposed. The idea of nonparametric generation of instrumental variables guarantees that the I.V. estimate is well defined, improves the behaviour of the least-squares method and allows reducing the estimation error. The method is simple in implementation and robust to the correlated noise.
On a matching distance between rooted phylogenetic trees
Authors: Bogdanowicz Damian , Giaro Krzysztof
Published: October 2013

The Robinson-Foulds (RF) distance is the most popular method of evaluating the dissimilarity between phylogenetic trees. In this paper, we define and explore in detail properties of the Matching Cluster (MC) distance, which can be regarded as a refinement of the RF metric for rooted trees. Similarly to RF, MC operates on clusters of compared trees, but the distance evaluation is more complex. Using the graph theoretic approach based on a minimum-weight perfect matching in bipartite graphs, the values of similarity between clusters are transformed to the final MC-score of the dissimilarity of trees. The analyzed properties give insight into the structure of the metric space generated by MC, its relations with the Matching Split (MS) distance of unrooted trees and asymptotic behavior of the expected distance between binary n-leaf trees selected uniformly in both MC and MS (Θ(n3/2)).
Research Papers: Music-Induced Vibrations in a Concert Hall and a Church
Authors: Merchel Sebastian , Altinsoy Mehmet Ercan
Published: October 2013

Sound and vibrations are often perceived via the auditory and tactile senses simultaneously, e.g., in a car or train. During a rock concert, the body vibrates with the rhythm of the music. Even in a concert hall or a church, sound can excite vibrations in the ground or seats. These vibrations might not be perceived separately because they integrate with the other sensory modalities into one multi-modal perception.

This paper discusses the relation between sound and vibration for frequencies up to 1 kHz in an opera house and a church. Therefore, the transfer function between sound pressure and acceleration was measured at different exemplary listening positions. A dodecahedron loudspeaker on the stage was used as a sound source. Accelerometers on the ground, seat and arm rest measured the resulting vibrations. It was found that vibrations were excited over a broad frequency range via airborne sound. The transfer function was measured using various sound pressure levels. Thereby, no dependence on level was found. The acceleration level at the seat corresponds approximately to the sound pressure level and is independent of the receiver position. Stronger differences were measured for vibrations on the ground.
Educational Implementation of a Sound Level Meter in the LabVIEW Environment
Authors: Baranski Robert , Wszołek Grazyna
Published: October 2013

As a consequence of recent implementations of EU Directives related to noise protection more and more students of various AGH-UST programs are introduced to the basics of acoustic measurements. Students at various levels of theoretical background in the field of acoustic measurements are offered practical training in measurements using digital sound analyzers. The situation would be optimal if each student could have a device at his/her own disposal. Unfortunately, such a situation is not possible at the moment because of various reasons.

With the above problem in mind, a dedicated software package has been developed, implemented in the LabVIEW environment, which allows detailed studies of problems related to the acoustic signal measurement using sound level meters, as well as tasks in spectral analysis (1/1 and 1/3 band filters) and narrow-band (FFT) analysis. With such organization during the introductory laboratory classes each student is offered a direct individual contact with a virtual device that is properly pre-programmed for realization of a well-constructed learning process. It definitely facilitates understanding of the essence of acoustic signal measurements and provides a good basis for further laboratory work carried out as a team-activity.
Power Amplification and Selectivity in the Cochlear Amplifier
Authors: Kiełczyński Piotr
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a new model that describes the physical phenomena occurring in an individual Outer Hair Cell (OHC) in the human hearing organ (Cochlea). The new model employs the concept of parametric amplification and piezoelectricity. As a consequence, the proposed model may explain in a natural way many as yet unresolved problems about the mechanisms of: 1) power amplification, 2) non- linearity, 3) fine tuning, or 4) high sensitivity that take place in the human hearing organ. Mathematical analysis of the model is performed. The equivalent electrical circuits of an individual OHC are established. The high selectivity of the OHC parametric amplifier is analyzed by solving the resulting Mathieu and Ince differential equations. An analytical formula for the power gain in the OHC’s parametric amplifier has been developed. The proposed model has direct physical interpretation and all its elements have their physical counterparts in the actual structure of the cochlea. The numerical values of the individual elements of the electrical equivalent circuits are consistent with the experimental physiological data. It is anticipated that the proposed new model may contribute in future improvements of human cochlear implants as well as in development of new digital audio standards.
Detection of Objects Buried in the Sea Bottom with the Use of Parametric Echosounder
Authors: Kozaczka Eugeniusz , Grelowska Grazyna , Kozaczka Sławomir , Szymczak Wojciech
Published: October 2013

The paper contains results of a in situ research main task of which was to detect objects buried, partially or completely, in the sea bottom. Object detecting technologies employing acoustic wave sources based on nonlinear interaction of elastic waves require application of parametric sound sources. Detection of objects buried in the sea bottom with the use of classic hydroacoustic devices such as the sidescan sonar or multibeam echosounder proves ineffective. Wave frequencies used in such devices are generally larger than tens of kHz. This results in the fact that almost the whole acoustic energy is reflected from the bottom. On the other hand, parametric echosounders radiate waves with low frequency and narrow beam patterns which ensure high spatial resolution and allows to penetrate the sea bottom to depths of the order of tens of meters. This allows to detect objects that can be interesting, among other things, from archaeological or military point of view.
Active Noise Reduction Algorithm Based on NOTCH Filter and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Górski Paweł , Morzyński Leszek
Published: October 2013

Application of active noise reduction (ANR) systems in hearing protectors requires the use of control algorithms to ensure stability of the ANR system and at the same time highly effective active noise reduction. A control algorithm based on NOTCH filters is an example of solutions that meet these criteria. Their disadvantage is operation over a narrow frequency band and a need for prior determination of frequencies to be reduced. This paper presents a solution of the ANR system for hearing protectors which is controlled with the use of modified NOTCH filters with parameters determined by a genetic algorithm. Application of a genetic algorithm allows to change the NOTCH filter reference signal frequency, and thus, adapt the filter to the reduced signal frequency.
The Study of Behavior of Vibrating Systems Controllable by Devices with Rheological Fluid
Authors: Szary Marek L. , Weber Peter
Published: October 2013

The nonlinear mathematical model of behavior of controllable viscosity fluid (CVF) under applied external field is presented. A large family of these fluids is commonly used to control responding forces of dampers in vibration control applications. The responding force of a damper with CVF has two components. The first one - uncontrollable - is proportional to the viscosity of a base fluid and velocity of its motion, the second one, which is controllable, depends on the strength of the applied external field. Both are involved in the process of dissipation of unwanted energy from the vibrating systems. An equivalent damping factor based on the principle of energy dissipated during one cycle of damper work under a constant strength external field was calculated. When mass or stiffness is variable the equivalent damping factor can be set accordingly by adjusting the strength of external field to have vibrating damped system purposely/continuously working in the critical or other chosen state. This paper also presents cases of applying periodically changing strengths of an external field synchronized with cycles of periodical motion of the vibrating system to continuously control the damping force within each cycle.
Analysis of Spectral Characteristics of Sound Waves Scattered from a Cracked Cylindrical Elastic Shell Filled with a Viscous Fluid
Authors: Piddubniak Olexa , Piddubniak Nadia
Published: October 2013

The scattering of plane steady-state sound waves from a viscous fluid-filled thin cylindrical shell weak- ened by a long linear slit and submerged in an ideal fluid is studied. For the description of vibrations of elastic objects the Kirchhoff-Love shell-theory approximation is used. An exact solution of this problem is obtained in the form of series with cylindrical harmonics. The numerical analysis is carried out for a steel shell filled with oil and immersed in seawater. The modules and phases of the scattering amplitudes versus the dimensionless wavenumber of the incident sound wave as well as directivity patterns of the scattered field are investigated taking into consideration the orientation of the slit on the elastic shell surface. The plots obtained show a considerable influence of the slit and viscous fluid filler on the diffraction process.
Underwater Noise Generated by a Small Ship in the Shallow Sea
Authors: Grelowska Grażyna , Kozaczka Eugeniusz , Kozaczka Sławomir , Szymczak Wojciech
Published: October 2013

Study of the sea noise has been a subject of interest for many years. The first works in this scope were published at the turn of the twentieth century by Knudsen (Knudsen et al., 1948) and G. Wenz (Wenz, 1962). Disturbances called “shipping noise” are one of the important components of the sea noise.

In this work the results of an experimental research of underwater noise produced by a small ship of a classic propulsion are presented. A linear receiving antenna composed of two orthogonal components was used in the investigation. Identification of the main sources of acoustic waves related with the ship was achieved. In addition, the intensity of the wave was measured. The research was performed in conditions of the shallow sea.
Features of Nonlinear Sound Propagation in Vibrationally Excited Gases
Authors: Perelomova Anna , Kusmirek Magdalena
Published: October 2013

Weakly nonlinear sound propagation in a gas where molecular vibrational relaxation takes place is studied. New equations which govern the sound in media where the irreversible relaxation may take place are derived and discussed. Their form depends on the regime of excitation of oscillatory degrees of freedom, equilibrium (reversible) or non-equilibrium (irreversible), and on the comparative frequency of the sound in relation to the inverse time of relaxation. Additional nonlinear terms increase standard nonlinearity of the high-frequency sound in the equilibrium regime of vibrational excitation and decrease otherwise. As for the nonlinearity of the low-frequency sound, the conclusions are opposite. Appearance of a non-oscillating additional part which is a linear function of the distance from the transducer is an unusual property of nonlinear distortions of harmonic at the transducer high-frequency sound
Road Traffic Noise Attenuation by Vegetation Belts at Some Sites in the Tarai Region of India
Authors: Tyagi Vikrant , Kumar Krishan , Jain V.K.
Published: October 2013

Noise measurements have been carried out at eleven different sites located in three prominent cities of the Tarai region of India to evaluate the effectiveness of vegetation belts in reducing traffic noise along the roadsides. Attenuation per doubling of distance has been computed for each site and excess attenuation at different 1/3 octave frequencies has been estimated. The average excess attenuation is found to be approximately 15 dB over the low frequencies (200 Hz to 500 Hz) and between 15 dB to 20 dB over the high frequencies (8 kHz to 12.5 kHz). Over the critical middle frequencies (1-4 kHz), the average excess attenuation (between 10-15 dB) though not as high, is still significant, with a number of sites showing an excess attenuation of 15 dB or more at 1 kHz. The results indicate that sufficiently dense vegetation belts along the roadsides may prove as effective noise barriers and significant attenuation may be achieved over the critical middle frequencies (1-4 kHz).
Technical Notes: Using Microphone Arrays to Detect Moving Vehicle Velocity
Authors: Peral-Orts Ramón , Velasco-Sánchez Emilio , Campillo-Davó Nuria , Campello-Vicente Héctor
Published: October 2013

The noise of motor vehicles is one of the most important problems as regards to pollution on main roads. However, this unpleasant characteristic could be used to determine vehicle speed by external observers. Building on this idea, the present study investigates the capabilities of a microphone array system to identify the position and velocity of a vehicle travelling on a previously established route. Such linear microphone array has been formed by a reduced number of microphones working at medium frequencies as compared to industrial microphone arrays built for location purposes, and operates with a processing algorithm that ultimately identifies the noise source location and reduces the error in velocity estimation
Expected Direct Seismic Losses Assessment Using Gis. Case Study for Iaşi Municipality
Authors: Văcăreanu Radu , Lungu Dan , Aldea Alexandru , Arion Cristian , Neagu Cristian , Găman Florian , Petrescu Florian , Aldea Mihaela
Published: October 2013

Expected direct seismic losses assessment is performed on probabilistic basis using world-wide accepted methodologies for two study areas located in Iasi Municipality. The probabilistic assessment refers to the following issues: site-dependent seismic hazard, expected seismic response of buildings, seismic fragility of structures, expected seismic damage. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the existing building stock as well as the presentation of the results on expected direct seismic losses are performed using geographic information systems (GIS)
Changes in the Physical Properties of Precipitation in Pine Stands in the Area with A Low Degree of Air Pollution (Western Pomerania)
Authors: Kruszyk Robert
Published: October 2013

The study presents the results of research conducted in the years 2010-2012 in pine stands in Western Pomerania. The research included physicochemical properties of bulk precipitation and throughfall. The results confirm that despite a decrease in the total throughfall in the interception process, the size of mineral and organic depositions in pine stands exceeded values recorded for bulk precipitation. It was caused both by the process of enriching the throughfall with (K+, Mg2+) rinsed out of needles and leaves and by washing off the dry deposition (NH4
+, Cl-, Na+, SO4
2-, NO3 -). The share of leaching processes for K+ was 74.1%, while for Mg2+ 23.6% of the total load of these elements brought to the ground with throughfall. In the case of Ca2+ no canopy leaching was observed for this element. The throughfall acidification processes were mostly caused by NO3-.
The Link Between from Day to Day Change of Weather Types and Synoptic Situations in Kraków During the Period 1961–2010
Authors: Piotrowicz Katarzyna , Szlagor Joanna
Published: October 2013

This paper analyses day-to-day changes of weather types and links these with synoptic situations, i.e. circulation types, air masses and weather fronts. The weather types were classified according to Woś (1999), while a calendar proposed by Niedźwiedź (2013) was used for synoptic situations. Weather records from Kraków were used covering the period 1961-2010. The frequency of all combinations of day-to-day weather type changes was calculated, identified using specific values of air temperature, cloudiness and precipitation. The analysis of the succession and frequency of the day-to-day changes was linked with the synoptic situations accompanying the change. It was found that the thermal weather types were relatively very stable and remained unchanged on the following day in 61.3% of cases, and that the synoptic situation also remained similar. Weather subtypes, identified with just cloudiness and precipitation, but not temperature, displayed much more day-to-day change in terms of frequency and scale. Synoptically it was the air mass change and/or the occurrence of atmospheric fronts, which tended to cause day-to-day weather type changes, while the impact of circulation was not always clear. Particular attention was devoted to sudden weather type changes caused primarily by dramatic air temperature fluctuations.
Changes in Plant Nutrients, and Microbial Biomass in Different Soil Depths After Long-Term Surface Application of Secondary Treated Wastewater
Authors: Al-Rashidi Radhi , Rusan Munir , Obaid Karem
Published: October 2013

Long-term effects of surface application of secondary treated wastewater on plant nutrients dynamics, the cycling of C and N within the system through the determination of microbial biomass, and associated health hazards were studied in different soil locations. Sites that have been irrigated with wastewater for the last 1, 4, 10, and 17 years were identified and used as sampling locations for this study. Two other sites that have not been irrigated with wastewater were sampled as a control. Soil samples were taken from several sites within each location, and at the following depths: 0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm. Results obtained indicated that microbial biomass C and N were increased significantly with increasing application period of treated wastewater. Barley plant tissues analysis showed that plant nutrients content was significantly higher in sites which received wastewater for a long period than other sites. No significances in accumulation of lead (Pb) in barley plant tissues were observed with sites received wastewater for different periods. The bacteriological analysis showed that the total bacterial count of surface soil (0-20 cm) was higher in sites irrigated with wastewater for the last 10 and 17 years. The total coliforms ranged from 0.92x102 cfu/g soil to 3.3x102 cfu/g soil, while fecal coliform were less and detected only in top soils at sites irrigated with wastewater for the last 10 and 17 years.
Numerical solutions and analysis of diffusion for new generalized fractional advection-diffusion equations
Authors: Xu Yufeng , Agrawal Om
Published: October 2013

In this paper we study a class of new Generalized Fractional Advection-Diffusion Equations (GFADEs) with a new Generalized Fractional Derivative (GFD) proposed last year. The new GFD is defined in the Caputo sense using a weight function and a scale function. The GFADE is discussed in a bounded domain, and numerical solutions for two examples consisting of a linear and a nonlinear GFADE are obtained using an implicit finite difference approach. The stability of the numerical scheme is investigated, and the order of convergence is estimated numerically. Numerical results illustrate that the finite difference scheme is simple and effective for solving the GFADEs. We investigate the influence of weight and scale functions on the diffusion of GFADEs. Linear and nonlinear stretching and contracting functions are considered. It is found that an increasing weight function increases the rate of diffusion, and a scale function can stretch or contract the diffusion on the time domain.
An Outbreak of Early Syphilis in Patients Registered at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade from 2010 to 2012: a Case Series of 86 Patients
Authors: Bjekić Milan , Šipetić Sandra
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of an outbreak of early syphilis registered at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade, during the period from 2010 to 2012. The study was designed as a case-note review. In a three-year-long period, a total of 86 patients with early syphilis were registered: 33 cases of primary, 31 of secondary and 22 cases of early latent syphilis. Sixty-five (76.5%) of all patients were men who have sex with men, 15 were heterosexual men and 6 were women. The majority of patients were infected in Belgrade, and in 51/86 cases oral sex was the only risk factor. There were 13 HIV-positive patients, all men who have sex with men. Thus, 20% of men who had sex with men in this study were co-infected with HIV. In conclusion, this outbreak of early syphilis in Belgrade, in which more than two thirds of all patients were men who have sex with men, of whom 20% were HIV-infected, shows the need for: 1) enhanced prevention efforts targeting this group more important than ever, with education and condom use for oral sex as an important part of patient counseling; 2) coordinated and expeditious surveillance, partner services, screening among population at-risk, as well as early diagnosis and treatment.
American cockroach control assays in the municipal sewerage system of Valencia (Spain)
Authors: Bueno-Marí Rubén , Bernués-Bañeres Alberto , Peris-Felipo Francisco Javier , Moreno-Marí Josefa , Jiménez-Peydró Ricardo
Published: October 2013

Several insecticides (including different active substances and formulations) were applied to sewer shafts to control Periplaneta americana (LINNAEUS, 1758) populations in Valencia (eastern Spain). Results show that the best products for cockroach control were the paints (with and without insecticide), which provided an optimal reduction of P. americana populations for up to three months (P < 0.001). Therefore, it is important to note that the reduction of cockroach populations as well as the persistence of the insecticide effect in sewers was similar in both types of paints. A product combining two pyrethroids (Tetramethrin and Alfacipermetrin) and piperonyl butoxide also gave excellent results with cockroach control during one month. Two organophosphate insecticides (Clorpyrifos and Diazinon) significantly reduced cockroaches for only one week. Finally, our work indicates that the Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) we tested are not recommendable active substances for the control of P. americana in sewers.
Systematics and faunistics of Neotropical Grapholitini, 6: Grapholita TREITSCHKE, Eriosocia RAZOWSKI & BROWN and Coniostola DIAKONOFF
Authors: Razowski Józef , Becker Vitor O.
Published: October 2013

Species of the genera Grapholita, Eriosocia, and Coniostola are treated as part of our ongoing studies of the Neotropical Grapholitini. Grapholita saphinella sp. n., G. alagoasi sp. n., G. mollitia sp. n., G. habra sp. n., Eriosocia igarapeae sp. n., and E. euphrasta sp. n. are described as new. Dichrorampha eulepidana (WALSINGHAM) comb. n., is transferred to Grapholita.
The peculiar winter-active midge Diamesa starmachi (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Giłka Wojciech , Soszyńska-Maj Agnieszka , Paasivirta Lauri
Published: October 2013

Morphological variations in brachypterous and fully-winged forms of Diamesa starmachi KOWNACKI et KOWNACKA, 1970, including the first description of the female, are presented. Notes on the biology of this winter-active chironomid, based on new data from Poland, are also provided.
Histopathological Evaluation of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Critical Review
Authors: Jiang Nancy , Kern Robert C. , Altman Kenneth W.
Published: October 2013

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) consists of a constellation of symptoms, including facial pressure/pain, hyposmia, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. On histopathological evaluation, the disease can be divided into pathophysiologically distinct subgroups. This study systematically reviews the literature regarding the unique histopathological findings of the various subtypes of CRS to determine the potential diagnostic value of performing tissue analysis of CRS specimens beyond routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.

Methods

A PubMed search was untaken to identify articles that evaluated the histopathological features of CRS. Six hundred fifty-four relevant articles were identified and after application of specific exclusion criteria, 71 articles were further reviewed in detail.

Results

All articles included analysis of tissue samples from in-office biopsies or intraoperative specimens of patients who underwent sinus surgery. CRS was often further divided into subgroups and compared with each other and with a control group. The subgroups included CRS with and without nasal polyps, asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients, and with and without eosinophilia. Distinct inflammatory mediators were found for the different subgroups. Twenty-eight articles evaluated these inflammatory markers for their potential value as prognostic indicators.

Conclusion

CRS is a heterogeneous disease based on its histopathological findings. Information that is obtainable from light microscopy, but typically goes unreported, can serve as valuable prognostic indictors. However, routine H&E staining is suboptimal in distinguishing among the various subgroups of CRS. Assessment of specific inflammatory mediators in sinus mucosa specimens may help provide prognostic information and guide more tailored treatment for the individual patient.
Epidemiology of IgE-Dependent Allergic Diseases in Elderly Patients in Poland
Authors: Bozek Andrzej , Jarzab Jerzy
Published: October 2013

Background

There is a growing allergy problem in elderly patients. The epidemiology of atopic bronchial asthma (BA), allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis (AD) was analyzed in an elderly Polish population.

Methods

Subject recruitment was conducted at 16 sites representative of Polish rural and urban areas, and 7124 subjects, including 4176 women with a mean age of 67.5 ± 84.9 years and 2948 men with a mean age of 66.1 ± 7.2 years, were screened. Medical examinations, an original questionnaire, skin-prick testing (SPT) with common aeroallergens, and appropriate serum-specific IgE assays were performed.

Results

Suspicion of atopy was diagnosed in 1900 of the 7124 analyzed patients (26.7%), including 1117 women (26.7% of women) and 783 men (26.6% of men). The average morbidity associated with age and sex in this population was 5.9% (95% CI, 5.1–6.4) for BA, 1.6% (95% CI, 15.9–19.3) for AD/eczema, 12.6% (95% CI, 10.8–14.6) for seasonal allergic rhinitis, 17.1% (95% CI, 15.9–19.7) for perennial allergic rhinitis, and 6.4% (95% CI, 5.1–7.3) for polymorphous atopic disease. The most frequent positive results were recorded for the following allergens: mixed grass, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Alternaria.

Conclusion

This study confirms the high prevalence of allergic rhinitis and BA in elderly Polish patients. These findings are comparable with those involving groups of younger individuals with allergies.
Accumulation of Effector Memory CD8+ T Cells in Nasal Polyps
Authors: Pant Harshita , Hughes Amy , Miljkovic Dijana , Schembri Mark , Wormald Peter , Macardle Peta , Grose Randall , Zola Heddy , Krumbiegel Doreen
Published: October 2013

Background

T lymphocytes are prevalent in sinus mucosa and are implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) pathogenesis. However, the major T-cell subpopulations, helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic (CD8+), have not been adequately examined in CRS. This study was designed to characterize human sinus mucosa and peripheral blood (PB) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and their level of differentiation in CRS with nasal polyps (NPs), CRS without NPs, and control patients.

Methods

A prospective study was performed. Percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and their levels of differentiation were analyzed in sinus mucosa and PB by flow cytometry. Cell populations were defined as naive, central memory, effector memory, and effector T cells using cell surface markers CD45RA, CD62L, and CD27. The influence of coexisting allergy, sinus eosinophilic mucus (EM), and culture results were examined.

Results

In all patients, sinus mucosa had a lower percentage of CD4+ and a higher percentage of CD8+ T cells compared with PB. However, CRS with NPs (n = 86) had a significantly higher percentage of mucosal CD8+ T cells compared with CRS without NPs (n = 40) in control (n = 13) patients (p < 0.0001). Effector memory T cells were increased in sinuses compared with PB in all patients; however, the percentage of effector memory CD8+ T cells was greatest in CRS with NP mucosa (p = 0.002). Surprisingly coexisting allergy or culture results did not influence the mucosal T-cell phenotype. CRS with NP patients with sinus EM had a significantly higher percentage of mucosal CD8+ T cells.

Conclusion

Sinus mucosa in CRS with NPs is characterized by a significant enrichment of CD8+ T cells and a relative deficiency of CD4+ T cells. The majority of NP CD8+ T cells had a terminally differentiated, mature, effector memory phenotype, which raises the question, whether these cells are pathogenic or appear as a consequence of inflammation, independent of the presence of allergy or positive microbial culture.
Wits appraisal study: 100 cephalometric analyses of Chinese teenagers
Authors: Mustafa MT
Published: October 2013

A cross sectional study was carried out within the lateral cephalograms on 100 Chinese teenage patients at the department of orthodontia in the second affiliated hospital of Dalian Medical University, CHINA in order to evaluate the Wits measurement as compared to ANB angle for identifying the anteroposterior skeletal discrepancy between maxilla & mandible and to determine the normal Wits value suitable for Caucasian descent whether it was applicable or not on the Chinese teenagers distributed according to sex, age & malocclusion variations. Non probability (purposive) sampling technique to collect 100 samples of lateral cephalometric radiographs and data were collected from the measurements of multiple planes & angles formed by adjoining various anatomic landmarks connecting to each other in those radiographs. Lateral cephalograms of those 100 subjects were divided according to gender, age & malocclusion type. In the sex group there were 43 males & 57 females. In the age group 68 patients ages were from 13 to 15 years and 32 patients ages were from 16 to 19 years. In the malocclusion group 41 patients had class I, 40 patients had class II & 19 patients had class III malocclusions. Statistical analyses were done by t-test (two independent samples) to detect the differences between two sex groups and also between the two age groups. One way ANOVA (analysis of variance) was applied to evaluate the differences of malocclusion classification. The results were statistically significant when p<0.05. Few results were also significant when compared to the level of p<0.01. Sex group showed statistically significant differences of some values like UFH, LFH, TFH & SN. Age group showed statistically significant values in case of LFH & L/TFHP. Malocclusion group showed significant value only for SNA. The research revealed that international Wits value of -1.0 mm for males could be applicable to the males of Chinese teenagers as their average Wits measurements were also found the same in this study. But the international standardized Wits value of 0.0 mm for females couldnt be applicable for Chinese teenage females as their mean value of Wits measurements was found to be -1.2 mm in this study probably due to the slight maxillary retrognathism of Chinese female descents. On the other hand the difference between the Wits appraisal of Chinese male & female teenagers was found to be -0.2 mm which couldnt be considered as a major difference between them. So the normal existence of the Caucasian Wits value of a one mm discrepancy should be modified to -0.2 mm if we want to apply this on teenage patients of Chinese population. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v3i1.16588 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.3(1) 2013: 6-11
Endodontic-Periodontal Interrelationship, a phenomenon dealt with dilemma: a Review
Authors: Rashid F , Jan CM , Polan MAA , Nomann NA , Rashid AJ , Zaki MM
Published: October 2013

The term perio-endo lesion has been established to describe any lesion caused by any inflammatory product found in varying degrees in both the periodontium and the pulpal tissues and this inter-relationship between periodontal and pulpal disease was first described by Simring and Goldberg in 1964. As the pulpal and periodontal tissues have close embryonic, anatomical and functional inter-relationship; so, simultaneous existence of pulpal problems and inflammatory periodontal disease can be found frequently. This certainly can complicate diagnosis and also influencing outcome of treatment planning. A perio-endo lesion can have a varied pathogenesis which ranges from quite simple to relatively most complex one, thus coming to a definitive diagnosis a hard judged one. Having a thorough knowledge over these disease processes plays a key role in coming to the correct diagnosis and also subsequent treatment planning. This certainly can be achieved by careful history taking, a thorough intra and extra oral examination and the use of modern day special test apparatuses. Radiographic evaluations can also aid in clarifying the nature of the problem, even modern day Radio-Visio Graph or, RVG can also be a great tool that can come into aid. The prognosis and treatment of each endo-perio disease type varies a lot. Stating so, primary periodontal disease with secondary endodontic involvement and true combined endodontic-periodontal diseases require both endodontic and periodontal therapies along with proper medication & oral hygiene maintenance. The prognosis of each case depends on the severity of periodontal disease and the response to periodontal treatment, while the treatment of affected tooth/teeth with endodontic involvement also requires the same. This review paper is focused on enabling the operator to construct a suitable treatment plan where unnecessary, prolonged or even detrimental treatment is avoided, thus avoiding breaking of Hippocratic Oath taken by a dental surgeon in his/her maiden practice life. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v3i1.16594 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.3(1) 2013: 36-44
Treatment of A Class II Malocclusion Case having Low Mandibular Angle & Deep Bite with Inter-arch Elastics and Reverse Curve Archwire
Authors: Mustafa MT
Published: October 2013

Inter-arch elastics and reverse curve arch wire can be used successfully in the treatment of deep bite malocclusions and are two of the most common methods available for treating class II malocclusions . Careful diagnosis and treatment planning is primordial for choosing the right treatment modality which can vary from patient to patient. The subject treated in this study was a 14 years old female patient with a Class II division 2 Angles malocclusion having a skeletal deep bite of around 6 mm and an overjet of 1.5mm, deep curve of spee, coinciding upper and lower arch midlines with that of the facial midline. After analysis made, the case was treated without any extraction due to the fact that she was a low mandibular angle patient with minimal amount of crowding in both the arches and also a Combination Factor of 171.5° (greater than 155.9°) which represents the balance of both the vertical and horizontal dimensions. The Anterior Posterior Dysplasia Indicator value fell within the normal range indicating a Class I horizontal maxillo-mandibular relationship. The duration of the treatment was around 20 months. After achieving the goals of the treatment, cephalogram was taken and the pre and post treatment variables compared. The correction of the deep overbite condition was achieved successfully along with the correction of the molar relationship into a Class I malocclusion. U1-SN has increased by 50.0 and L1-NA increased by 4.50 together with a decrease in the inter-incisal angle by 8.50 contributing to a decrease in bite depth. The assessment of the cephalometric findings showed that the lower anterior facial height change was minimal but not insignificant partly due to the continued growth of the mandible which can be confirmed through the values of FMA which shows an increase in 20.0, Facial Height Index dropping from 0.89 to 0.88 and the TPFH:TAFH values decreasing by 0.8%. But this change was not enough to have a positive impact on the facial appearance of the subject. Change in the molar relationship was aided by the use of inter-arch elastics and the deep bite correction facilitated by the slight rotation of the occlusal plane caused by extrusion of lower first molar along with the flaring of the lower incisors induced through the use of the reverse curve arch wire. So it was confirmed that the combined use of inter arch elastics & reverse curve arch wire help to correct the class II division 2 malocclusion along with some improvement for increasing the lower anterior facial height.
The Role of Environmentally Conscious Architecture and Planning As Components of Future National Development Plans in Egypt
Authors: Ayyad Karim , Gabr Mostafa
Published: October 2013

Egypt has been experiencing challenging economic, social and political disturbance during the end of the twentieth century and towards the beginning of the twenty-first. With its fast expanding population, high consumption rate and economic deficit, the Egyptian community continues to experience a low quality of living. These issues contributed greatly to the uprising, following the Tunisian model, in January, 2011. However, the political change that followed did not help a lot, as development strategies are still far from being sustainable. In the beginning of the millennium, Egypt experienced an 8.6% energy deficit, followed by a growing energy crisis [1]. Knowing that almost 50% of the energy produced in Egypt is consumed inside buildings [2], environmentally conscious architecture can be a very powerful tool in development plans, as it can reasonably reduce the consumption of energy and other resources and enhance the quality of living for people. This work analyzes the supposed role of environmentally conscious architecture and, hence, evaluates its importance as a major component of national development plans in the near future. The analysis encompasses a review of the status quo in terms of consumption patterns and required services and, then, compares it with the case in which environmentally conscious architecture is adopted.
Development of Innovative Heating and Cooling Systems Using Renewable Energy Sources for Non-Residential Buildings
Authors: Moretti Elisa , Bonamente Emanuele , Buratti Cinzia , Cotana Franco
Published: October 2013

Industrial and commercial areas are synonymous with high energy consumption, both for heating/cooling and electric power requirements, which are in general associated to a massive use of fossil fuels producing consequent greenhouse gas emissions. Two pilot systems, co-funded by the Italian Ministry for the Environment, have been created to upgrade the heating/cooling systems of two existing buildings on the largest industrial estate in Umbria, Italy. The upgrade was specifically designed to improve the system efficiency and to cover the overall energy which needs with renewable energy resources. In both cases a solar photovoltaic plant provides the required electric power. The first system features a geothermal heat pump with an innovative layout: a heat-storage water tank, buried just below ground level, allows a significant reduction of the geothermal unit size, hence requiring fewer and/or shorter boreholes (up to 60%–70%). In the other system a biomass boiler is coupled with an absorption chiller machine, controlling the indoor air temperature in both summer and winter. In this case, lower electricity consumption, if compared to an electric compression chiller, is obtained. The first results of the monitoring of summer cooling are presented and an evaluation of the performance of the two pilot systems is given.
Effects of High EGR Rate on Dimethyl Ether (DME) Combustion and Pollutant Emission Characteristics in a Direct Injection Diesel Engine
Authors: Yoon Seung , Han Seung , Lee Chang
Published: October 2013

This study investigated the effects of high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rates on dimethyl ether (DME) fuel combustion performance, exhaust emissions and particle emission characteristics in a small direct injection diesel engine under various injection timings. To examine the effect of EGR and injection timings, the experiment was performed under high EGR rates (0%, 30%, 50%) and injection timings were varied from 40° before top dead center (BTDC) to top dead center (TDC) of the crank angle to examine the effects of early injection of DME fuel. The combustion pressures and heat release rates for different EGR rates followed similar trends. As the injection timing was advanced, the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) differed little in response to EGR rate in the range from TDC to 25° BTDC, and more for crank angles beyond 25° BTDC. DME combustion exhibited very little soot emission, but soot emission increased slightly with EGR rate. The use of high EGR during combustion produced very low NOx concentrations but increased HC and CO emissions for advanced injection timings from 25° BTDC to 40° BTDC. The use of EGR increased both the emissions of total particle number and particle volume over the whole range of the injection timings; for all cases, total particle volume decreased as injection timing was advanced.
Microbial Community Response to Seasonal Temperature Variation in a Small-Scale Anaerobic Digester
Authors: Ciotola Richard , Martin Jay , Castańo Juan , Lee Jiyoung , Michel Frederick
Published: October 2013

The Bacterial and Archaeal communities in a 1.14 m3 ambient temperature anaerobic digester treating dairy cow manure were investigated using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T-RFLP) and direct sequencing of the cloned polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Results indicate shifts in the structure of the both the Archaeal and Bacterial communities coincided with digester re-inoculation as well as temperature and loading rate changes. Following re-inoculation of the sour digester, the predominant Archaea shifted from Methanobrevibacter to Methanosarcina, which was the most abundant Archaea in the inoculum. Methonosarcina was replaced by Methanosaeta after the resumption of digester loading in the summer of 2010. Methanosaeta began to decline in abundance as the digester temperature cooled in the fall of 2010 while Methanobrevibacter increased in abundance. The microbial community rate of change was variable during the study period, with the most rapid changes occurring after re-inoculation.
Optimal Switching Table-Based Sliding Mode Control of an Energy Recovery Li-Ion Power Accumulator Battery Pack Testing System
Authors: Long Bo , Ryu Ji , Chong Kil
Published: October 2013

The main objective of the present work is to apply a sliding mode controller (SMC) to medium voltage and high power output energy recovery Li-ion power accumulator battery pack testing systems (ERLPABTSs), which are composed of a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) and a two-level buck-boost converter without an isolating transformer. An inner current decoupled control scheme for the aforementioned system is proposed and two sliding mode planes for active and reactive current control are designed based on the control scheme. An optimized switching table for current convergence is used according to the error sign of the equivalent input voltage and feedback voltage. The proposed ERLPABTS could be used to integrate discharging energy into the power grid when performing high accuracy current testing. The active and reactive power references for the grid-connected inverter are determined based on the discharging energy from the DC-DC converter. Simulations and experiments on a laboratory hardware platform using a 175 kW insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)-based ERLPABTS have been implemented and verified, and the performance is found satisfactory and superior to conventional ERLPABPTS.
Energy Saving Potentials of Phase Change Materials Applied to Lightweight Building Envelopes
Authors: Seong Yoon-Bok , Lim Jae-Han
Published: October 2013

Phase change materials (PCMs) have been considered as an innovative technology that can reduce the peak loads and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption in buildings. Basically they are substances capable of storing or releasing thermal energy as latent heat. Because the amount of latent heat absorbed or released is much larger than the sensible heat, the application of PCMs in buildings has significant potential to reduce energy consumption. However, because each PCM has its own phase change temperature, which is the temperature at which latent heat is absorbed or released, it is important to use an appropriate PCM for the purpose of building envelope design. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the energy saving potentials in buildings when various PCMs with different phase change temperatures are applied to a lightweight building envelope by analyzing the thermal load characteristics. As results, the annual heating load increased at every phase change temperature, but the peak heating load decreased by 3.19% with heptadecane (phase change temperature 21 °C), and the lowest indoor temperature increased by 0.86 °C with heptadecane (phase change temperature 21 °C). The annual cooling load decreased by 1.05% with dodecanol (phase change temperature 24 °C), the peak cooling load decreased by 1.30% with octadecane (phase change temperature 29 °C), and the highest indoor temperature dropped by 0.50 °C with octadecane (phase change temperature 29 °C). When the night ventilation was applied to the building HVAC system for better passive cooling performance, the annual cooling load decreased by 9.28% with dodecanol (phase change temperature 24 °C), the peak load decreased by 11.33% with octadecane (phase change temperature 29 °C), and the highest indoor temperature dropped by 0.85 °C with octadecane (phase change temperature 29 °C).