bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFEITOS DA URGÊNCIA SOBRE O NÍVEL DE PARTICIPAÇÃO EM PROCESSOS DELIBERATIVOS
Authors: Secchi Leonardo , Kulpa Feijó Juliana , Ito Letícia Elena
Published: November 2015

Neste trabalho se apresentam os resultados obtidos a partir da análise da influência da urgência sobre o nível de participação em contextos deliberativos. A hipótese básica nesta pesquisa é que quanto menor o tempo disponível para deliberar mais concentrado é o processo deliberativo (menor nível de participação). Para testar a hipótese, foi realizado um estudo quase-experimental, no qual indivíduos foram submetidos a simulações de deliberação com alta, média e baixa urgências para posterior análise sobre o impacto da variável independente (urgência) sobre a variável dependente (nível de participação). As simulações foram gravadas em áudio e vídeo e, posteriormente, analisadas quanto à participação de cada indivíduo em relação ao total de participação dos grupos. Para a mensuração do nível de participação, adaptou-se a metodologia de cálculo do Coeficiente de Gini, adaptado para mensurar a concentração/distribuição da quantidade de intervenções dos sujeitos de pesquisa durante o processo deliberativo. Os resultados indicam que a urgência tem influência negativa sobre o nível de participação em contextos deliberativos, corroborando a hipótese da pesquisa.

Palavras-chave: Deliberação. Participação. Urgência. Tomada de decisão.
Controlador Deadbeat Aplicado ao Controle Direto de Torque do Motor de Indução Trifásico
Authors: Altuna José A. T. , Jacomini Rog´erio Vani , Puma Jos´e L. A. , Capovilla Carlos E. , Filho Alfeu J. Sguarezi
Published: November 2015

Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de estrate´gia de controle direto de torque deadbeat para o motor de induc¸a˜o trifa´sico. O me´todo de controle deadbeat utiliza o modelo dinaˆmico discretizado da ma´quina para calcular o vetor tensa˜o de estator teo´rico necessa´rio para atender as refereˆncias de torque e fluxo em um u´nico per´ıodo de chaveamento. Nessa proposta os vetores fluxo e corrente do estator sa˜o empregados no modelo. O motor de induc¸a˜o e´ alimentado por um inversor conversores eletroˆnicos para o acionamento em velocidade trifa´sico que e´ modulado atrave´s da te´cnica de modulac¸a˜o vetorial. Resultados obtidos em bancada experimental sa˜o apresentados para a validac¸a˜o da estrate´gia de controle proposta.
Proposal Of A Control Algorithm Applied To A Threephase, Four Wire, AC-DC Converter For EV And UPS Applications
Authors: Bezerra Luiz D. S. , Torrico-Bascopé René P. , Cruz Cícero M. T. , Da Silva Antonio Wallace N.
Published: November 2015

This paper introduces a control algorithm for a multifunctional, three-phase, four-wire ac-dc converter. The converter is so-called multifunctional because it operates as a battery charger and as a load power supply. In other words, two different loads in parallel are simultaneously connected to the converter. The proposed algorithm can be applied to nonisolated three-phase UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems, and electric vehicle (EV) battery charging systems. Relevant features of the proposed approach are power factor correction, common neutral point between the input and output facilitates the installation of the bypass circuit, balanced and symmetrical output voltages that allow the use of inverters with neutral point, and control of the battery current. The operation principle of the proposed algorithm is discussed in detail, while experimental results are also presented.
Brucella abortus: patogénesis y regulación génica de la virulencia
Authors: Rivas-Solano Olga
Published: November 2015

Brucella abortus es un patógeno intracelular facultativo que pertenece a la subdivisión α2 de la clase Proteobacteria. Causa una brucelosis, una zoonosis ampliamente distribuida a nivel mundial. Los principales síntomas incluyen abortos y esterilidad en ganado, así como fiebre ondulante en humanos. En regiones endémicas como Centroamérica, la brucelosis tiene un alto impacto socioeconómico. En el Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR) se desarrolló en fecha reciente un proyecto de investigación básica, con el objetivo de estudiar la regulación de algunos genes implicados en la virulencia, estructura e inmunogenicidad de B. abortus. Como parte de ese proyecto se elaboró el presente artículo de revisión de literatura. La virulencia de esta bacteria parece estar determinada por su habilidad para internalizarse, sobrevivir y replicarse dentro de fagocitos profesionales y no profesionales. B. abortus alcanza su nicho replicativo sin activar los mecanismos antimicrobianos de la inmunidad innata del hospedero. Esta bacteria posee sistemas de regulación génica a nivel transcripcional que le permiten una rápida adaptación al ambiente intracelular, entre ellos el sistema de transducción de señales de dos componentes BvrR/BvrS y el regulador de Quorum Sensing llamado Vjbr, así como otros factores de transcripción que, en conjunto, forman una compleja red de regulación génica. 
Evaluación de la fertilización inorgánica en el cultivo de yuca en la región norte de Costa Rica
Authors: Furcal-Beriguete Parménides , Torres-Portuguez Sergio , Andrade-Carballo Wagner
Published: November 2015

El estudio se realizó en tres fincas, dos de ellas en el cantón de San Carlos, distrito La Fortuna, en suelos de origen volcánico de fertilidad media (finca Pepín) y alta (finca de Sonafluca) y la tercera en el cantón de Los Chiles en suelos del orden ultisol de fertilidad baja (finca Laberinto). El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de los métodos de fertilización en el cultivo de yuca, variedad Valencia, para obtener la mejor alternativa en rendimiento y la rentabilidad. Se aplicaron cuatro tratamientos: fertilización completa al suelo, fertilización únicamente foliar, combinación de los dos tratamientos anteriores y fertilización común de cada finca, utilizando un diseño irrestricto al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Las fertilizaciones se hicieron antes de los cinco meses de edad para cubrir las fases de mayor absorción de nutrimentos. Los resultados obtenidos en finca Pepín mostraron un p-valor < 0,05 en materia seca de raíz a la cosecha, en el rendimiento de yuca de primera calidad y en la concentración de algunos elementos en las hojas a favor del tratamiento testigo, con un rendimiento de 16,1 t/ha. En la finca de Sonafluca, el testigo presentó el mayor rendimiento, con 20,85 t/ha; tanto en ésta como en la finca Laberinto hubo diferencias en materia seca a los seis meses de edad. Se concluye que el tratamiento solo foliar (usado comúnmente por pequeños productores) es el más económico, mientras que el testigo (aplicación de fertilizantes al suelo y a las hojas acorde con cada productor) fue el que obtuvo mejores rendimientos. 
El agua como parte de la cultura de las comunidades rurales: un análisis para la cuenca del río San Carlos
Authors: Moreira-Segura Cristian , Araya-Rodríguez Freddy , Charpentier-Esquivel Claudia
Published: November 2015

En este artículo se presenta parte de los resultados de una investigación que se realizó en tres comunidades rurales de la región Huetar Norte de Costa Rica. Se seleccionó un total de 262 vecinos de esas comunidades con el propósito de recabar información sobre los conocimientos, las actitudes, los valores, las habilidades, las destrezas y el comportamiento que tienen los habitantes de esos lugares con respecto al recurso hídrico. Se determina que los pobladores tienen un nivel mínimo de conocimientos sobre la conservación del recurso hídrico, una actitud positiva para realizar cambios en las acciones cotidianas relacionadas con el uso del agua y una disposición también positiva. No obstante, las habilidades y destrezas que aplican para su conservación son insuficientes y no se traducen en acciones positivas. Los resultados obtenidos ofrecen la base para fundamentar una propuesta de educación ambiental para el cuidado del agua en los hogares de esta región. 
Evaluación de la calidad del agua en los ríos Tigre y Rincón de la península de Osa en dos períodos de tiempo distintos
Authors: Calvo-Brenes Guillermo , Mora-Molina Jesús
Published: November 2015

La península de Osa es una zona que se caracteriza por una alta biodiversidad, tanto en su flora como en su fauna. El recurso hídrico no solo es un indicador de la condición económica y social de una región, sino que está estrechamente ligada con la protección de su flora y su fauna. Costa Rica es un país privilegiado por la cantidad de ríos y mantos acuíferos que posee; sin embargo, el incremento en los niveles de contaminación que estos han experimentado es preocupante y la península de Osa no escapa a esta realidad nacional. 

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la calidad en dos ríos importantes de la península: el Tigre y el Rincón, en dos períodos de tiempo diferentes para verificar si la calidad del agua ha cambiado a lo largo del tiempo evaluado. Los niveles de contaminación se determinaron por medio del Índice Holandés y también por su contenido en coliformes fecales. En cada uno de los ríos se evaluó la parte alta y la baja ya que las condiciones socioambientales son diferentes. Los periodos evaluados fueron el 2008-2009 y el 2010-2011. Además, los datos recolectados se segregaron en dos épocas: la lluviosa y la seca, con el fin de facilitar el análisis estadístico empleando el programa de cómputo estadístico SPSS. 

Se encontró que el contenido de coliformes fecales durante la época seca es tal que permite el uso de esos ríos para actividades recreativas de contacto primario en ambos períodos de tiempo evaluados. En cambio, en la época de invierno, el contenido de coliformes fecales superó los niveles de permisibilidad para poder efectuar actividades recreativas en el año 2009. En el caso del invierno del 2011, los niveles de coliformes fecales estuvieron por debajo del nivel máximo de permisibilidad para tal uso, excepto para el río Tigre, en su zona alta en el mes de julio, y para el mismo río en su zona baja en el de Junio, que tuvieron valores no aptos para practicar la natación. 

El nivel de contaminación de los puntos muestreados, según el Índice Holandés, oscila entre niveles de No Contaminación hasta Contaminación Leve. El análisis estadístico no mostró diferencias significativas entre la época de invierno y la de verano, o entre los períodos de tiempo evaluados del 2008-2009 y el 2010-2011, dada la variabilidad de los datos entre épocas por punto de muestreo en un período dado. La única excepción es el punto del río Tigre en su zona baja (Ti-3) que sí presenta un incremento estadístico en los niveles de contaminación, entre un período y otro, durante la época de invierno. 
Effects of Topical Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Wound Healing After Flapless Implant Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Xu Li , Wang Yuanyuan , Nguyen Van Tuan , Chen Jiangang
Published: November 2015

Background: The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the effects of local application of minocycline hydrochloride ointment (MHO) and erythromycin eye ointment (EEO) on wound healing after flapless implant surgery.

Methods: Forty patients with flapless implant surgery were enrolled and assigned randomly to three groups: 1) MHO group (n = 17); 2) EEO group (n = 18); and 3) control group (n = 5). All of them took systemic antibiotics; the control group did not receive the application of topical antibiotics. Three days after the surgical operation, clinical parameters, peri‐implant crevicular fluid volume, and crevicular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels of all patients were collected, measured, and analyzed.

Results: Clinical outcomes of the two treatment groups were superior to results of the control group, indicating the effectivity of local antibiotics application in promoting early wound healing after flapless implant surgery. There was no obviously different effect between EEO and MHO in the early stages of healing. In addition, there were significant correlations between LPS level and all clinical parameters.

Conclusions: The local application of antibiotics along with the systemic antibiotics could reduce the inflammatory response in wound healing after implant surgery. The EEO and MHO were equally effective in early wound healing. Compared to the MHO, the EEO has advantages of higher cost efficiency and convenience. Therefore, it is recommended to use the EEO in topical antibiotic prophylaxis for wound healing after flapless implant surgery.
Student expectations on sports festivals with a view to the estimation questionnaire on Campus Sports Festival
Authors: Fenyves Veronika , Becsky András , Dékán Tamás , Nyul Balázs
Published: November 2015

Campus Festival, organized each year, is listed as one amongst the music festivals in Hungary attracting crowds, with a target audience formed by higher education students. The organizers of Campus Festival set as their main highlighted objective, in addition to providing with musical events, the enhancement of the sporting life of the visitors stopping by. As a side event, Campus Sports Festival is launched each time along with it, with the intention to promote sports and doing sports, creating an event for the public suitable for the development of crossborder student relationships, between fans and contenders. This study is to demonstrate student expectations with a view to the questionnarebased needs assessment prepared on sports festivals.
Comparison of standard coagulation tests and rotational thromboelastometry for hemostatic system monitoring during orthotopic liver transplantation: Results from a pilot study
Authors: Novakovic-Anucin Sladjana , Kosanovic Dusica , Gnip Sanja , Canak Visnja , Cabarkapa Velibor , Mitic Gorana
Published: November 2015

Introduction. During liver transplantation, continuous laboratory monitoring
of complex changes of the hemostatic system is necessary. The aim of this
study was to compare two methods of monitoring: standard coagulation tests
and rotational thromboelastometry. Material and Methods. The study included
17 patients who had undergone orthotopic liver transplantation in the
Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Serbia in the period from June 2008 to October
2012. The coagulation parameters (platelet count, activated partial
thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and fibrinogen level) were compared
with the thromboelastometric parameters (coagulation time, clot formation
time and maximal clot firmness). Results. The results showed a statistically
significant correlation between the platelet count and maximum clot firmness
of the intrinsically (r=0.51, p<0.001) and extrinsically activated
thromboelastometric assays (r=0.64, p<0.001). The fibrinogen level and
maximum clot firmness of the fibrinogen thromboelastometric test correlated
significantly as well (r=0.44, p=0.002). No significant correlations were
found among the activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time,
coagulation time and clot formation time. Conclusion. For an adequate
perioperative monitoring of the dynamic intraoperative hemostatic changes and
the optimal use of blood derivatives during liver transplantation, the
combined application of standard coagulation tests and rotational
thromboelastometry should be considered whenever possible. Science and
Technological Development, Republic of Serbia
Quality of life after bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions
Authors: Ristic Vladimir , Ristic Sinisa , Maljanovic Mirsad , Milankov Vukadin , Harhaji Vladimir , Djuricin Aleksandar
Published: November 2015

Introduction. The aim of study was to analyze the influence of bilateral
anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions on life quality of patients and
their return to sports activities. Material and Methods. Thirty-two operated
patients took part in this survey during the period of ten years. There were
5 women and 27 men, their average age being 30.46 years (19-55). The
participants answered a modified Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score
questionnaire set and gave data about preoperative and postoperative periods.
Results. The participants? age and parameters of Lysholm scale did not
correlate significantly with the subjective level of physical activity after
the second knee surgery. After the first anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction, 4 participants (12.5%) did not return to trainings, while 28
did (87.5%); 8 patients (25%) did not return to competitions and 24 of them
(75%) achieved the competition level of sports activities. After the anterior
cruciate ligament reconstruction of contralateral knee, 6 (18.8%) did not
return to trainings, while 26 (81.3%) did; 15 patients (46.9%) did not return
to competitions, while 17 (53.1%) continued to compete without restrictions.
The average values of questionnaire scores were between 95.1-98.2 points.
Discussion and Conclusion. Resuming the same or higher level of sports
activities after the first reconstruction is one of the preconditions for the
same injury of another knee. An athlete looses more than two and a half years
of competitions on average. Operations of additional meniscus ruptures do not
play a crucial role in restitution of sports activities. Although we achieved
good operative results, only every second athlete with bilateral injury has
returned to sports activities without restrictions after the bilateral
anterior cruciate reconstructions.
Complete correction of anemia with Recormon® (Wrythropoietin β) in patients on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Dimkovic Nada , Mitic Igor , Andric Branislav , Lilic-Havidza Branislav , Jelacic Rosa , Milic Natasa
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Suboptimal correction of anemia is associated with increased
prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and increased morbidity and mortality
of pre-dialysis and dialysis patients. The aim of the study was to compare
the effect of optimal vs. suboptimal correction of anemia in hemodialysis
patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. Material and Methods. The study
included 50 patients, 32 males and 18 females, their mean age being 49.4?11.8
years, from five hemodialysis centers (Clinical Hospital Center Zvezdara,
Beograd, Clinical Center Novi Sad, hospitals in Krusevac, Pirot and
Zrenjanin). The patients had suboptimal hemoglobin level in spite of therapy
(7.8?3.8 g/dl). In addition, the most important inclusion criteria was the
left ventricular mass index above 160 g/m2 and the primary efficacy parameter
was a decrease in the left ventricular mass index during 12 month study
period. Results. During the study, the number of patients who reached their
hemoglobin >12 g/dl increased and the target hemoglobin (12-13 g/dl) was
achieved in 24 (52%) of patients at the end of the study. At the same time,
the left ventricular mass index significantly decreased as compared with the
initial values (p=0.014). The left ventricular mass index was not
significantly decreased in the patients who did not achieve the target
hemoglobin level (207?65 vs. 217?38 g, p=ns) as compared with the patients
who achieved the target hemoglobin (179?32 g/ m2 vs. 197?38 g/m2, p=0.007).
The left ventricular ejection fraction did not change significantly during
the study period. Conclusion. Anemia correction with erythropoietin ?
resulted in the significantly corrected left ventricular hypertrophy in
hemodialysis patients who had had a suboptimal hemoglobin level. Our results
have shown that correction of left ventricular hypertrophy is possible with
hemoglobin value of 12 g/dl at least.
Broadband power amplifier limitations due to package parasitics
Authors: Grujic Dusan , Saranovac Lazar
Published: November 2015

Limitations of CMOS broadband power amplifiers due to package parasitics have
been explored in this paper. The constraints of power amplifier matching
network, realized as a third-order Chebyshev filter, have been derived, and a
new power amplifier design flow has been proposed. As an example of a
proposed design flow, an UWB power amplifier has been designed. Transistor
level large signal simulation results are in excellent agreement with
theoretical predictions.
Protecting power equipment against magnetohydrodynamic effects (MHD) of electromagnetic pulses (EMP)
Authors: Gurevich Vladimir
Published: November 2015

The article is devoted to the effects of geomagnetic-induced currents (GIC)
on electrical equipment of power systems and analyzes technical measures for
protection against such effects. It is noted that the difference between
highaltitude nuclear detonation and solar storm GICs forces applying
different methods of electrical equipment protection. It also illustrates
that enhancement of transformer immunity to GICs without saturation
prevention is not an effective measure to protect the power system. The
article offers a special relay designed for fast disconnection of the
transformer under GICs.
A nonlinear equivalent circuit model for flux density calculation of a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor
Authors: Ghanaee Reza , Darabi Ahmad , Kioumarsi Arash , Baghayipour Mohammad , Morshed Mohammad
Published: November 2015

In this paper, a nonlinear magnetic equivalent circuit is presented as an
analytical solution method for modeling of a permanent magnet linear
synchronous motor (PMLSM). The accuracy of the proposed model is verified via
comparing its simulation results with those obtained by two other methods.
These two are the Maxwell?s Equations based analytical method and the
wellknown finite elements method (FEM). Saturation and any saliency e.g.
slotting effects can be considered properly by both nonlinear magnetic
equivalent circuit and FEM, where it cannot be taken into account easily by
the Maxwell?s Equations based analytical approach. Accordingly, as the
simulation results presented in this paper confirm, the proposed nonlinear
magnetic equivalent circuit is compatible with FEM regarding the accuracy
while it requires very shorter execution time. Therefore, the magnetic
equivalent circuit model of the present paper can be considered as a
preferable substitute for the time consuming FEM and approximated analytical
method built on Maxwell?s Equations in particular when required to be applied
for a design optimization problem.
A mathematical model for the formation of beaded fibers in electrospinning
Authors: Liu Zhi , He Chun-Hui , Zhang Sheng-Zhong , Zhao Lei
Published: November 2015

Beaded fibers are often observed in electrospinning. However, its formation
mechanism is not well understood. A mathematical model for pulsation of the
charged jets during spinning is proposed to reveal the phenomenon of beaded
fibers, and the main factors for beaded fibers are elucidated.
Modified variational iteration method for variant Boussinesq equation
Authors: Lu Jun-Feng
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we solve the variant Boussinesq equation by the modified
variational iteration method. The approximate solutions to the initial value
problems of the variant Boussinesq equation are provided, and compared with
the exact solutions. Numerical experiments show that the modified variational
iteration method is efficient for solving the variant Boussinesq equation.
Temperature distribution in a cigarette oven during baking
Authors: Zhang Qing , Shao Jia-Cun , Zhao Hang , Zhang Kai , Su Zhong-Di
Published: November 2015

Baking treatment is one of the most important processes of cigarette
production, which can significantly enhance quality of tobacco. Theoretical
and numerical investigation on temperature distribution in a cigarette oven
during baking was carried out. The finite volume method was used to simulate
the flow field. The relationship between the uniformity of temperature field
and impeller?s speed was given finally, which is helpful to optimize
cigarette oven with better quality and less energy consumption.
Airfoil profile optimization of an air suction equipment with an air duct
Authors: Qiu Li , Wang Rui , Chen Xiao-Dong , Wang De-Peng
Published: November 2015

On the basis of boundary layer with the airfoil profile, this research
attempts to investigate the effect of the angle of spread of the winged air
suction equipment on the efficiency of operation. The application of Fluent
with the split-middle method under the identical operation mode is expected
to optimize the spread angle. The investigated airfoil profile is NACA6413,
of which the restrictions on the critical angle of spread suggested in
literature will be overcome through the interactions between the internal and
external flow fields. As a result, the air speed might increase. The wind
tunnel test employed in this research offers the solid evidences to support
this hypothesis. The test demonstrates that when the angle of spread is
larger than 12?, the effect of accelerating the air flow is still observable.
Following the optimization, the air suction effect of the equipment would be
optimal when its angle of spread reached 30?.
Painleve analysis for a forced Korteveg-de Vries equation arisen in fluid dynamics of internal solitary waves
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Chen Mei-Tong , Qian Wei-Yi
Published: November 2015

In this paper, Painleve analysis is used to test the Painleve integrability
of a forced variable-coefficient extended Korteveg-de Vries equation which
can describe the weakly-non-linear long internal solitary waves in the fluid
with continuous stratification on density. The obtained results show that
the equation is integrable under certain conditions. By virtue of the
truncated Painleve expansion, a pair of new exact solutions to the equation
is obtained.
Transport and deposition of spherical microparticles with single-shell in a 90 degree bend
Authors: Chen Zhen-Hua , Zhang Kai , Lv Xiao-Fei , Xing Yan-Hua , Jiang Hong
Published: November 2015

Theoretical investigation on particle transport in a 90 degree bend was
carried out. The finite volume method was used to simulate the flow field in
the bend pipe, and one-way coupled Lagrangian method was used to calculate
the trajectory and deposition efficiency of microparticles. The unique
relationship between the irreversible deposition efficiency and radius ratio
of single-shell microparticle was given finally.
Effect of airflow on nanofiber yarn spinning
Authors: He Jian-Xin , Wang Li-Dan , Zhou Yuman , Qi Kun , Cui Shi-Zhong
Published: November 2015

The paper proposes a new air-jet spinning method for the preparation of
continuous twisted nanofiber yarns. The nozzle-twisting device is designed to
create the 3-D rotating airflow to twist nanofiber bundles. The airflow
characteristics inside the twisting chamber are studied numerically. The
airflow field distribution and its effect on nanofiber yarn spinning at
different pressures are also discussed.
Water in supercritical carbon dioxide dyeing
Authors: Zheng Lai-Jiu , Guo Jing-Lu , Qian Yong-Fang , Du Bing , Ju Wei , Yan Jun , Xiong Xiao-Qing
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates the effect of water serving as entrainer on the
dyeing of wool fabrics in supercritical carbon dioxide. Compared with
previous supercritical dyeing methods, addition of water makes the dyeing
process more effective under low temperature and low pressure. During dyeing
process, dyestuff can be uniformly distributed on fabrics?s surface due to
water interaction, as a result coloration is enhanced while color difference
is decreased.
Reaction-diffusion equation for contaminant ion flow using point-source approximation
Authors: Shi Xiang-Chao , Cai Wu-Qiang , Meng Ying-Feng , Li Gao
Published: November 2015

We developed a new model for fluid movement around the wellbore by
introducing a Dirac function, which simplifies a water-injection well as a
point source. The effect of porosity on the reaction and diffusion of
contaminant ions is also taken into account in the model, making it more
reliable in theoretical prediction.
The 2015 Nobel prize laureates in physiology or medicine
Authors: Mikic Dragan
Published: November 2015

nema
Change in incidence of clinic visits for all-cause and rotavirus gastroenteritis in young children following the introduction of universal rotavirus vaccination in Israel
Authors: Muhsen Khitam , Chodick Gabriel , Goren Sophy , Anis Emilia , Ziv-Baran Tomer , Shalev Varda , Cohen Dani
Published: November 2015

Both rotavirus vaccines RotaTeq and Rotarix were efficacious against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in clinical trials; yet real-world data on the effect of rotavirus vaccines on mild to moderate disease are limited. We used a large computerised database of Maccabi Health Services Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), the second largest HMO in Israel covering 25% of the Israeli population, to compare the incidence of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) clinic visits in community settings (n = 302,445) before (2005–10) and after (2011–13) the introduction of universal rotavirus immunisation in Israel. We retrieved laboratory results of rotavirus antigen tests (n = 18,133) and using a weighted analysis, we estimated the impact of rotavirus immunisation on the disease burden of rotavirus AGE clinic visits. Following the introduction of universal rotavirus immunisation, the typical winter peaks of rotavirus AGE were substantially lower and significant reductions of 14.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.5–16.1) in all-cause AGE clinic visits and of 59.7% (95% CI: 59.8–62.6) in rotavirus AGE clinic visits were observed. The decrease was observed in all age groups, but it was greater in children aged 0 to 23 months than those aged 24 to 59 months. Continued rotavirus laboratory surveillance is warranted to monitor the sustainability of these changes.
Louse-borne relapsing fever (Borrelia recurrentis) diagnosed in 15 refugees from northeast Africa: epidemiology and preventive control measures, Bavaria, Germany, July to October 2015
Authors: Hoch Martin , Wieser Andreas , Löscher Thomas , Margos Gabriele , Pürner Friedrich , Zühl Jürgen , Seilmaier Michael , Balzer Lukas , Guggemos Wolfgang , Rack-Hoch Anita , von Both Ulrich , Hauptvogel Katja , Schönberger Katharina , Hautmann Wolfgang , Sing Andreas , Fingerle Volker
Published: November 2015

We report 15 imported louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) cases in refugees in Bavaria, Germany. One patient died. Epidemiological findings confirmed that all were young males from the Horn of Africa (12 from Somalia), who had similar migration routes converging in Sudan continuing through Libya and Italy. The majority likely acquired their infection during migration. Healthcare workers should be aware of LBRF in refugees passing through north Africa to ensure correct treatment and preventive measures.
Cyclospora infection linked to travel to Mexico, June to September 2015
Authors: Nichols Gordon L , Freedman Joanne , Pollock Kevin G , Rumble Caroline , Chalmers Rachel M , Chiodini Peter , Hawkins Gillian , Alexander Claire L , Godbole Gauri , Williams Christopher , Kirkbride Hilary A , Hamel Meghan , Hawker Jeremy I
Published: November 2015

Cyclospora cayetanensis was identified in 176 returned travellers from the Riviera Maya region of Mexico between 1 June and 22 September 2015; 79 in the United Kingdom (UK) and 97 in Canada. UK cases completed a food exposure questionnaire. This increase in reported Cyclospora cases highlights risks of gastrointestinal infections through travelling, limitations in Cyclospora surveillance and the need for improved hygiene in the production of food consumed in holiday resorts.
A study of angiographic severity in patients with coronary artery disease and hyperuricemia
Authors: Pramanik Subhraprakash , Mondal Koushik , Dey Arpan Kumar , Mandal Pijush Kanti , Das Shovan Kumar , Momin Tanmoy W , Mitra Mrinmoy , Mondal Monojit , Dutta Satyendra Nath
Published: November 2015

Backgrounds: Hyperuricemia has not yet been established as cardiovascular risk factor. We aimed to study the angiographic severity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and hyperuricemia.Materials and Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study we measured serum uric acid level in 82 patients of CAD who underwent coronary angiography in catheterisation laboratory of our Institution. Severity of CAD was determined on the basis of Gensini score, number of diseased vessels, critical lesions and total occlusions.Results: The prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with CAD was 42.68% in our study. Hyperuricemia was associated with higher Gensini score (33.33±10.64 vs. 22.90±6.75, p value <0.001), number of critical lesions (1.03±0.84 vs. 0.63±0.72, p value 0.031), total occlusions (0.67±0.47 vs. 0.37±0.48, p value 0.007) and dyslipidemia (63.6% vs. 30.6%, p value 0.003) more frequently compared to normouricemic patients. And also the higher serum uric acid level was correlated with higher Gensini score (beta 0.418, t 4.430, p value <0.001, 95% CI 0.036 and 0.094) and frequent number of total occlusion (beta 0.338, t 3.589, p value 0.001, 95% CI 0.462 and 1.613).Conclusion: Hyperuricemia was associated with higher Gensini score, frequent total occlusions and critical lesions in patients with Coronary Artery Disease compared to patients with normal uric acid level and also it was significantly correlated with higher Gensini score and frequent total occlusions.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 1-4
Gastric mucosal biopsies in non ulcer dyspepsia: A histopathologic study
Authors: Singh Priya , Goswami KC , Gupta Bharat Bhushan
Published: November 2015

Background: Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is a major health problem and one of the most common causes of morbidity and economic loss. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of gastric mucosal histopathologic alterations and frequency of Helicobacter pylori in patients with NUD.Materials and Methods: Patients presenting to Gastroenterology Out Patient Department over a period of one year with symptoms of dyspepsia but without any endoscopic lesion were taken up for the study and evaluated by obtaining two gastric mucosal biopsy specimens each from antrum and body mucosa. The specimens were processed and examined histologically using the updated Sydney system.Results: Gastric biopsies from 102 patients (63 females and 39 males) with NUD were studied. Histological examination of gastric mucosal biopsies showed that 82.3% of NUD patients had histopathological features of gastritis. Chronic infl ammation was present in 84 (82.3%), activity was seen in 63 (61.7%), glandular atrophy was seen in 10 (9.8%) and intestinal metaplasia was seen in 4 (3.9%) patients with NUD on gastric biopsy. Maximum number of patients with NUD had Sydney score of less than 5 (68.6%).H pylori were identifi ed on gastric mucosal biopsies in 49 (48.0%) patients with NUD based on H & E and Geimsa stained sections.Conclusion: NUD is a clinical problem which occurs in both sexes in all age groups; prevalence being low below 20 years of age. Patients with this condition have a high frequency of gastric mucosal inflammation and H pylori infection.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 80-84
Filum terminale paraganglioma a diagnostic dilemmas- A case report
Authors: Pandey Mithilesh Kumar , Barman Debajit Ray , Dasgupta Sibaji , Roy Kaushik , Saha Suniti Kumar
Published: November 2015

Filum terminale paraganglioma is a rare tumour with usual short segment spinal involvement (one or two segments) as described in various literatures. It can also present with long segment spinal involvement as in our case, the tumour has involved L4 to S1 segments. Prognosis of filum terminale paraganglioma is excellent after total excision as it is classified under WHO grade I tumor. Nonetheless, after subtotal removal, tumour recurrence can occur. Even such an extremely rare entity with a larger spectrum of presentation can be treated successfully by total removal of the tumour. Here we present a fi lum terminale paraganglioma which was diagnosed after histopathology and immuno-histochemistry. Patient made a full recovery after tumour removal.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 104-106
Acute and chronic toxicity study of Valeriana wallichii rhizome hydro-ethanolic extract in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Joseph Lovelyn , Puthallath Rejeesh Edavan , Rao Sundarshanram Narayan
Published: November 2015

Aims and Objective: To evaluate acute and chronic (90 days) oral toxicity of Valeriana wallichii rhizome hydroethanolic extract in Swiss albino mice.Materials and Methods: Valeriana wallichii rhizome was subjected to extraction with Soxhlet apparatus, using ethanol (90%) + water (10%) mixture and dried withrotavapor. Phytochemical fingerprinting of the extract was done with LC/MS (Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry). Limit Test for acute oral toxicity at 2000 mg/kg body weight was conducted according to OECD guideline no 425. Chronic 90 day oral toxicity study with three different dose groups (200, 600, 1800 mg/kg/body weight/day) with selected in life parameters (physical, behavioural) and post mortem parameters (haematological, biochemical, gross necropsy and histopathological) as per WHO guidelines for testing safety of herbs was conducted.Results: Acute toxicity: no signs of abnormality, morbidity or mortality were observed during 14 days of observation. Chronic toxicity: Significant differences between the treated and control groups were observed in the following parameters: Loss of Auditory startle, Aggressiveness (Control > treated), Nasal discharge, Dyspnoea. At necropsy, tracheitis was observed in 3 cases. Results from Photoactometer test indicates dose dependent increase in sedative property.Conclusion: From this work it could be concluded that Valerianawallcihii rhizome hydroethanolic extract didn’t exhibit mortality, morbidity or any other neurologic, hematologic or biochemical adverse effects apart from sedation which is extension of their known pharmacological activity, after single oral dose of 2000mg/ kg bw (14 days of observation) or after once daily 200mg/kg, 600mg/kg 1800mg/kg oral treatment for 90days in healthy adult Swiss albino mice.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 49-54
Investigating the factors affecting the transition rates between states of neonatal hypothermia using markov model
Authors: Jambarsang Sara , Akbarzadeh Baghban Alireza , Nayeri Fatemeh , Tajalli Vahide
Published: November 2015

Background: At birth, the wet neonate is suddenly confronted with a cold and dry weather and reacts to this new situation by increasing heat production. Hypothermia is an important determinant of the survival of newborns, especially among low-birth-weight babies. Prolonged hypothermia leads to edema, general hemorrhage, jaundice and death.Aims and Objectives: the aim of this observational longitudinal study is to examine effective factors on passing the hypothermia state.Materials and Methods: In this study rectal temperature was measured immediately after birth and every half hour after that for 439 neonates, until they passed hypothermia stage. The rate of transition between states of neonatal hypothermia and effect of covariates, newborn baby birth weight, Apgar score and environmental temperature on it is estimated by multi state Markov model.Results: Newborn baby weight and environmental temperature were significant effect on transition rate from mild to normal hypothermia, too, but the Apgar score effect was not significant. Mean sojourn times in mild hypothermia state for three birth weight levels, very light, light and normal are 38, 29 and 22 min respectively. In addition, in the environmental temperature over 28 ºC, the average time in which the neonate remained in mild hypothermia state was shorter than that in the environmental temperature below 28 ºC (29 vs. 38 min).Conclusions: Since the birth weight is not under the control of the health personnel, keeping a suitable thermal environment for the newborns results in a faster change from hypothermia to a normal state. Therefore, training in this area is of enormous importance.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 34-38
Outcome of Type 1 tympanoplasty: An experience at Biratnagar eye hospital in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Thakur Sanjeev Kumar , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Afaque Anwar , Ghimire Nisha
Published: November 2015

Background: The history of tympanoplasty is well over a century. Type 1 tympanoplasty is an established procedure worldwide with a variation in the outcome.Aims and Objectives: To analyze the outcome of Type 1 tympanoplasty surgeries in terms of graft success and hearing improvement done at the Ear Department of Biratnagar eye hospital in eastern Nepal and discuss the various factors that might have influenced it.Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of records of the cases that underwent Type 1 tympanoplasty from August 2013 to January 2015 was done. The factors analysed were age, gender, the side of the affected ear and the perforation size. Appropriate Statistical test was applied and the results were discussed.Results: A total of 151 cases of type 1 Tympanoplasty were analysed were females had higher frequency than males, with higher incidence at younger age. The mean age of successful cases was 28.53. Females had a better success rate in terms of graft success compared to males. Moderate size perforations had the best outcome of graft success and least were of small size perforations. Of all cases analyzed, hearing improvement was observed in maximum cases.Conclusion: There was no significant influence of age or gender on the hearing outcome. The difference of hearing improvement according to size of perforation was also not significant.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 55-60
Impact of Water Level Rise on the Behaviors of Railway Track Structure and Substructure
Authors: Jiang Hongguang , Bian Xuecheng , Chen Yunmin , Han Jie
Published: November 2015

Extreme weather events, such as floods and heavy rainfall, have become increasingly severe worldwide. Railways can be exposed to high water levels, which may decrease their performance and jeopardize the safety of running trains. This paper evaluates the performance of high-speed railways under various water levels. A full-scale physical model of a ballastless railway was constructed in a test box measuring 15 m wide, 5 m long, and 6 m deep. Water levels in the physical model were raised and lowered with a water level control system. Stationary cyclic loading and train moving loading tests were carried out at four typical water levels: at the subsoil bottom, at the subsoil surface, at the subgrade surface, and falling back to the subsoil surface. Variations in the water level of the subsoil had a minor influence on the dynamic performance of the railway infrastructure. When the water level rose in the subgrade, the track modulus degraded significantly. Both displacement and tensile strain of the track structure increased rapidly with the submerged sub-grade. The transverse distribution of the contact pressure under the track structure changed significantly with variations in the water level. Fine particles were observed to migrate out from the subgrade; this condition became more serious when traffic loading was applied. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent water level rise in the subgrade.
Ballast Settlement Ramp to Mitigate Differential Settlement in a Bridge Transition Zone
Authors: Qian Yu , Tutumluer Erol , Hashash Youssef M. A. , Ghaboussi Jamshid , Davis David D.
Published: November 2015

Differential settlement in railroad track transitions, often associated with differences in track stiffness, may apply considerable impact load and may cause rapid deterioration of track geometry. Such differential settlement commonly seen in bridge approaches may lead to problems in ride comfort, track safety, and reliability. Ballast and subballast layers have been identified as a major cause of differential settlement related to the particulate nature of the aggregate deformation behavior causing degradation and breakdown associated with increased track usage. This paper describes an innovative field approach that successfully demonstrated the use of engineered ballast materials for reducing or mitigating the differential settlement problem in a bridge transition zone. Discrete element method (DEM) simulations were used to predict full-scale track deformations of four ballast materials having different gradations and aggregate shape properties. An imaging device was used to create accurate particle size distributions and shapes for measuring and quantifying by indexes the ballast aggregate shape properties, that is, particle flatness and elongation and angularity. On the basis of the results of the DEM modeling study, a bridge approach settlement ramp was constructed and tested at the Transportation Technology Center's Facility for Accelerated Service Testing. The results showed that the settlement ramp approach could be achieved by constructing ballasted track with proper selection of materials in each section of track transition zone. This study also demonstrated that the DEM simulation approach combined with image analysis could be used as a quantitative tool for predicting the ballast performance and providing help in design of track transitions.
Data-Driven Wheel Wear Modeling and Reprofiling Strategy Optimization for Metro Systems
Authors: Zhu Wei , Yang Di , Guo Zhongkai , Huang Jun , Huang Yong
Published: November 2015

With the rapid developments in metro systems worldwide, more research concerning optimization of maintenance actions is needed, because the availability and service state of a metro system directly influences the daily activity of a city and its people. In particular, the prediction of wear and maintenance optimization of wheels is significant. Maintenance costs for a rail track subsystem represent more than half the total maintenance costs for a metro line. A hard rail–soft wheel compromise extends the life of the rails and increases the wheel replacement frequency with economic benefits. An improved strategy for predicting and maintaining wheel wear will allow agencies to improve reliability, enhance safety, and maximize wheel life while minimizing relevant costs. In this study, historical data are used to analyze wheel wear curves, and the flange thickness and wheel diameter are identified as the most important profile parameters. A new data-driven model of wheel wear trends is given for variations in wheel diameter and flange thickness. An approach for optimizing the wheel reprofiling strategy is based on this model and determines the optimum reprofiling point that maximizes wheel life while minimizing relevant costs. An initial case study on the Shanghai, China, metro network shows that the proposed approach can provide a reasonable solution for optimization of the reprofiling strategy.
Macroscopic Models for Accident Prediction at Railroad Grade Crossings
Authors: Medina Juan C. , Benekohal Rahim F.
Published: November 2015

Accident prediction and ranking of high-accident locations at railroad grade crossings is often performed with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) accident prediction formula, as described in the FHWA Railroad–Highway Grade Crossing Handbook. However, the current version of the model was developed in the 1980s, and all model coefficients remain unchanged except for a normalizing constant that FRA updates every few years to reflect recent nationwide accident trends. This paper presents accident prediction models for the same warning device categories defined in the U.S. DOT model, but it uses a zero-inflated negative binomial form. Ten years of data from the state of Illinois were used to compare the accuracy of one of the models with the U.S. DOT accident prediction formula. Five years of data were used to create the model and estimate predictions, and the following 5 years were used to evaluate the predictions. Prediction accuracy is measured in terms of the cumulative accident frequency and the accuracy for ranking high-accident locations. Results highlight advantages of a model built with recent data to predict the overall accident trends and the absolute accident frequencies, as well as the benefits that the U.S. DOT prediction formula still may provide for ranking high-accident locations.