bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AVALIAÇÃO ULTRASSONOGRÁFICA DO DI METRO DA BAINHA DO NERVO ÓPTICO EM PROSTATECTOMIAS: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Cardoso Therick , Andrino da Silva Wallace , Klênio Confessor de Sousa Raphael , Marinho de Araújo Elkanah , França Bezerra Isabelle , Pereira Barreto George
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Neuroimaging assessment and neuromonitoring are important in the treatment of patients at risk of severe acute brain injury. However, the neurological examination may be unreliable, either due to sedation or the patient's baseline status. Therefore, a non-invasive and easily accessible tool stands out, the measurement of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD), which is related to Intracranial Pressure (ICP). Objective: To review the literature, summarizing the evidence related to the measurement of ONSD in prostatectomies for the analysis of intraoperative ICP. Method: The paper's search was performed in Pubmed/Medline, Lilacs and Google Scholar databases, using the descriptors: intracranial pressure AND ultrasound AND optic nerve AND prostatectomy. Results: 30 articles were selected, 20 of which were excluded because they did not adequately discuss the proposed theme. Conclusion: ONSD is a very useful method for determining ICP increase, especially during Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP), which may be associated with inadequate emergence of anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine, administered during the course of surgery, attenuates the increase in ICP during pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position. Finally, propofol reduces ICP changes in patients undergoing robotic surgery in comparison to sevoflurane.
PREOPERATIVE HALP SCORE AS A PREDICTOR OF SURVIVAL IN LOCALLY ADVANCED COLON CANCER
Authors: Amado Andreia , Pimenta Joana , Queirós Tatiana , Leite Mariana , Tavares Amélia , Cardoso João , Gandra Lurdes , Oliveira Manuel
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Lower preoperative hemoglobin (H), albumin (A), lymphocyte (L) and platelet (P) score (HALP) has been identified as a predictive factor in LACC to categorize patients with higher risk of poor outcome. Therefore, it is important to identify biomarkers available in clinical practice that can predict survival and patient’s prognosis. Our aim is to evaluate preoperative HALP score and its prognostic value.
 
Materials and Methods: Our retrospective study included patients with LACC submitted to oncologic resection between January 2015 to December 2019 in our institution. LACC included stages II and III adenocarcinoma. HALP score was calculated as H (g/L) x A (g/L) x L (/L) / P (/L). A cutoff value was determined by ROC curve analysis and patients were divided accordingly into two groups (low and high HALP) to compare cancer-specific survival, through Kaplan-Meyer curve.
 
Results: In our study, 127 patients were included. The mean age was 70,7 ± 11,9 years and 67 (52,8%) were male. Stage II incorporated 65 patients (51,2%) and stage III 62 (48,8%). The median follow-up time was 37 months. The HALP cutoff value estimated was 22,5. Age ³ 65 years, right-sided tumor, surgical reintervention and cancer-specific survival were associated with a lower HALP scores (p=0,002; p=0,004; p=0,008 and p=0.001, respectively).  
 
Conclusion: Nutritional and systemic inflammation status are extremely important in colon cancer prognosis. Serum biomarkers, such as HALP score could easily identify patients with a higher risk of poor outcome. Thus, this prognostic index may be useful as a clinical predictor of survival for LACC patients.
Immunotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma: a long story ended in success
Authors: Bongiovanni Alberto , Frassoldati Antonio , Calabrò Luana
Published: October 2022

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive and rare disease, mainly due to asbestos exposure, characterized by a poor prognosis. For almost two decades, platinum-based chemotherapy has been the only approved therapeutic regimen for first-line MPM, with an overall survival of 12 months. In the last years, the therapeutic scenario of different tumor types, including MPM, has dramatically changed due to immune checkpoint inhibition. The promising results of this approach have promoted new efforts into clinical research, and many trials investigating novel therapeutic combinations are currently ongoing. The aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the most promising immunotherapeutic-based strategies currently under investigation for advanced MPM.
Improving oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: what novel tools do we have?
Authors: Dilme Roser Vives , Rivas Juan Gómez , Hernández Laura Fernández , Vázquez Laura Ibáñez , Cacciamani Giovanni E. , Puliatti Stefano , Taratkin Mark , Checcucci Enrico , Belenchón Inés Rivero , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Serrano Álvaro , Moreno-Sierra Jesús
Published: October 2022

The recent application of novel technologies to the robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedure has provided a new perspective and demonstrated potential usefulness in surgical planning, intraoperative navigation, and education of both patients and healthcare professionals, allowing for a patient-tailored prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. Integration of novel techniques into robotic surgery has improved the accuracy of surgery and has demonstrated a potential benefit in functional and oncological outcomes in patients with PCa. However, further randomized and prospective studies are needed to assess and validate the role of these technologies in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the new emerging techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) imaging and printing, augmented reality (AR), and confocal microscopy (CM), and their impact on RARP and its oncological outcomes.
Leveraging biomimetic synthesis strategy for next-generation dendritic cell nanovaccines
Authors: Xia Yutian , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: October 2022

The activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) plays the central role in cancer immunotherapy, which depends on the efficient recognition of peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) by the T cell receptor (TCR) for the first signal, and B7-CD28 co-stimulating for the second signal. To achieve the potent immune stimulatory effect, a genetically engineered cellular membrane nanovesicles platform that integrates antigen self-presentation and immunosuppression reversal (ASPIRE) for cancer immunotherapy was designed. In preclinical mouse models, ASPIRE could markedly improve antigen delivery to lymphoid organs and generate broad-spectrum T-cell responses that eliminate established tumors. This review highlights that the ASPIRE system represents a novel strategy for personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Genetic risk and its role in primary prevention of CAD
Authors: Roberts Robert , Chavira Judith , Venner Eric
Published: October 2022

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a pandemic disease and the number one cause of death in the world. Predisposition to CAD is about 50% acquired and 50% genetic. CAD prevention has been proven in randomized clinical trials with statin therapy. However, primary prevention is limited by the lack of biomarkers to detect asymptomatic young individuals at risk. Traditional risk factors (TRFs) such as hypertension or Type 2 Diabetes are age-dependent and often not present until the sixth or seventh decade. In contrast, genetic risk determined at conception is potentially a biomarker to detect young individuals at risk for CAD. The first genetic risk variant for CAD (9p21) was discovered in 2007, and subsequently, over 200 risk variants for CAD were discovered. A genetic risk score (GRS) based on the genetic risk variants for CAD was evaluated in over one million individuals. Retrospective analysis of clinical trials assessing the effect of statin therapy showed that individuals with the highest GRS had the highest risk for cardiac events and also the most benefit from lowering cholesterol. In a recent study of 55,685 individuals, those with the highest GRS (20%) had a 91% higher risk for cardiac events. Furthermore, those with high genetic risk on a favorable lifestyle had 46% fewer cardiac events than those with an unfavorable lifestyle. The GRS is superior and independent of TRFs. Incorporation into clinical practice will be a paradigm shift in preventing this pandemic.
I’m old enough and I’m young enough: Semi-retirement and career
Authors: Wise Cordelia
Published: October 2022

This article explores the nature of retirement in a career context by examining the experiences of people aged over 55 who define themselves as choosing to be ‘semi-retired’. It provides new insight into a life stage phase and the importance of choice, agency and divided emotions in defining career.
How can we do this? An investigation of power constraints and other barriers to career development practitioners’ innovation in higher education
Authors: McLoughlin Holly
Published: October 2022

This article investigates the factors influencing career development practitioners’ decisions in relation to innovation in a Higher Education context. Drawing on a dissertation research project, it presents an early substantive grounded theory of practitioners ‘Constructing Empowerment’ to overcome power constraints and other barriers to innovation. The article provides an argument that the sector is at a ‘critical juncture’ in which radical ideas can rapidly be implemented, and that a decision-making model to discern good, from bad or ambiguous ideas may be beneficial for maintaining quality standards and healthy professional boundaries.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s experiences of careers support: A UK-wide and youth-centred analysis
Authors: Orlando Cristiana
Published: October 2022

Young people have been among the hardest hit groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing disruptions to their education and facing challenging transitions to the labour market (Wilson & Papoutsaki, 2021). This paper analyses data from research conducted by the Institute of Employment Studies (IES) during the pandemic involving 1,345 young people aged 16-25, both in education, employment and not in education, training or employment across the UK, at different points in time (April-September 2021). The mixed-method research adopted a youth-centred approach to explore the impact of the pandemic on young people’s experience of careers support. The analysis gives young people a voice and highlights three key ways in which access to careers support can be improved. These findings have implications for leaders across government and education around the development young people’s careers support following the pandemic.
The emancipatory potential of community interaction in career education
Authors: Røise Petra
Published: October 2022

This article contributes to a further development of Bill Law’s Community Interaction Theory (1981, 2009), by highlighting its emancipatory potential. Through an action research project with teachers, career counsellors and the article’s author, collective knowledge was developed on career education in lower secondary schools in Norway, with particular focus on integrating career learning through work placement activities. Analysis show challenges in contributing to career education’s liberating potential without sufficient insight into how to facilitate a reflective career learning process. The paper concludes that, to strengthen a focus on emancipation, career education needs to build on Community Interaction Theory by emphasising the collective, contextual, complex, and critical dimensions of career learning.
GigLawyer and/or BigLawyer? A grounded theory study of lawyer career craft
Authors: Nair Nomita
Published: October 2022

This qualitative study explores the emergence of new gig working routes in the legal industry. Drawing on the nascent concept of ‘career crafting’, I crafted a constructivist grounded theory of ‘Craft My Own Way’ from the experiences of 15 lawyers. Participants’ experiences reflect agentic and emergent perspectives as part of inter-connected transition processes. A main finding of this study is that, whilst seeking change, participants experienced a paradoxically conflicting and synergistic relationship with their pasts. The findings offer a discussion framework for career professionals to help clients reconcile tensions by considering ‘craft’ as a theoretical lens to frame career transitions.
Osmanlı ve Avusturya-Macaristan İmparatorluğu İlişkilerinde Bazı Dâhilî Meseleler [1908-1914]
Authors: GÖNENÇ Senem
Published: October 2022

Avusturya-Macaristan İmparatorluğu; I. Dünya Savaşı’ndan hemen önceki yıllarda (1908-1914) izlediği dış politikayla Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’nun sonunu getirecek olayların vuku bulmasında doğrudan ve dolaylı rol oynarken, çeşitli düzeylerdeki temsilcileri de Osmanlı hükûmetini dâhilî meselelerle uğraşmak zorunda bırakmıştır. Bu çalışmada söz konusu dönemde Avusturya-Macaristan İmparatorluğu temsilcilerinin müdahil oldukları hangi dâhilî meseleler yaşandığına, bunlara karşı nasıl tedbirler alındığına ve engellemek için neler yapıldığına ilişkin örnekler sunulmuştur. Doküman incelemesine dayanan bu tarihsel araştırmanın ana kaynaklarını Osmanlı arşiv belgeleri oluşturmaktadır. Bununla birlikte arşiv belgelerine konu olan Avusturya gazetelerinin erişilebilen nüshalarına (Das Vaterland, Kikeriki, München Allgemeine Zeitung, Neues Wiener Journal, Neues Wiener Tagblatt, Reichspost, Wiener Montags Journal) da çalışmada yer verilmiştir. Bu yönüyle çalışma 1908-1914 yılları arasında Osmanlı topraklarında yaşanan ve Osmanlı arşiv evrakına yansıyan Avusturya kaynaklı dâhilî meselelere ışık tutması bakımından önem arz etmektedir.
Effect of earthquake on stability of subway station and ground motions of surrounding rock masses
Authors: Li Yayong , Jin Xiaoguang , Lv Zhitao , Luo Wei , Dong Jianghui
Published: October 2022

The effect of earthquakes on the stability of the subway station and ground motions of surrounding rock masses, plays a key role in the seismic design of the subway station to avoid severe damage to subway station itself and adjacent structures. Most of the reported cases in the literatures on the effect of earthquake on ground motions focused on the ground motions without considering underground structures. In this study, the effect of earthquakes on the stability of the subway station, and ground motions of surrounding rock masses were investigated by using the Flac3d. The ground acceleration and safety factor of tunnel lining were highlighted. The results of the numerical analysis indicated the presence of a subway station has a great influence on ground motions, especially for the vertical ground acceleration. The ground acceleration increases with the decrease of buried depth. The amplification factor of ground acceleration is about 1.42. It exists an amplification region above the subway station with the width of 15 m. The safety factor of tunnel lining in subway station has a significant decrease in the maximum decrease rate of 67 %. The safety factor of tunnel lining except for tunnel crown and bottom changes periodic. Ground acceleration will induce extrusion or detach between surrounding rock masses and tunnel lining, and the direction of ground acceleration has a great influence on distribution of safety factor. The side wall and arch feet of tunnel lining is the most unfavorable part. Special attention should be paid to the side wall and arch feet of the subway station during seismic design.
Numerical computation and optimization design of pantograph aerodynamic noise
Authors: Wang Ya-hui
Published: October 2022

Firstly, the aerodynamic resistance and lift of the pantograph are computed in this paper, which is compared with the experimental results. As shown from the result, the above proposed simulation method is very reliable. Secondly, the velocity field and vorticity distribution of the pantograph are computed under the effect of the fluid. It is presented from the result that the values of the pantograph head, push rod and base are relatively large, mainly because rather prominent structures and more parts in these areas have some interference on the flow field. Next, the sound source intensity and sound field distribution are computed based on the aerodynamic characteristics. There are the relatively large values in the pantograph head, push rod and base, which is consistent with the aerodynamic characteristics results of the pantograph. In addition, the sound source intensity and sound field of the pantographs are decreased gradually along with the increasing frequency. Finally, cylindrical rod in the pantograph head and push rod which affect the sound field quite largely are applied a layer of porous sound absorption material. In addition, base surface is also applied this material. Then, the corresponding sound source intensity and sound field are computed and compared with the original values. It is shown from the computational result that the pantograph aerodynamic noise can be effectively improved by applying a layer of porous sound absorption material.
Singularity detection of 2D signals using fractal dimension analysis of scale information
Authors: Bai Runbo , Xu Zongmei , Feng Jingjing
Published: October 2022

Fractal dimension (FD) analysis has been widely used in signal processing. The key issue in signal processing is the singularity detection. One of the main problems for FD analysis of signals is its susceptibility to measurement noise, likely obscuring the identification of singularities. To address this deficiency, a new physical quantity, named ‘the scale-window fractal dimension (SWFD)’, is proposed and a SWFD analysis method is formed to identify the singularities in the noisy 2D signal. With this method, the noisy 2D signal first is decomposed into sets of scale signals with the aid of 2D Gabor wavelet transforms; then SWFD estimates are calculated along every scale signals to form the FD surface. The singularities can be localized by the sudden changes in the spatial variation of the FD surface. As an application of the method, the identification of damage singularity for an experimental composite plate is performed with the mode shapes measured by a scanning laser vibrometer as the analyzed 2D signals. The results show that the SWFD analysis method has the prominent features of high accuracy of singularity localization and strong robustness to noise.
Nonlinear vibration of hypoid gear with backlash
Authors: Li Huibin , Gao Huichao , Zhang Yue , Jin Dequan
Published: October 2022

Due to the machining errors, alignment error, wear, tear and time varying stiffness of hypoid teeth, the vibration of hypoid gears is inevitably produced in the course of working, and its vibration and noise is the main sources of vibration and noise in the automobile transmission. Study on nonlinear vibration and noise of the hypoid gear pair, and investigating on reducing its vibration and noise are of great significance. Firstly, a simplified nonlinear vibration model of the hypoid gears of main reducer, with considering the time-varying teeth stiffness and teeth surface friction damping, was established. Then, a numerical simulation method was employed to simulate different gear backlash effects on the hypoid gear vibration behaviors caused by the gear worn, and effects on the gear non-linear vibration from different work speeds of gear and different loading torques were investigated. In order to help to explain the non-linear vibration phenomenon of the hypoid gears, the 2-D phase plane diagram and the 3-D trajectory were employed. Lastly, the bench test was carried out to verify the simulation results on vibration of hypoid gears with backlash.
Dynamic response analysis of concrete lining structure in high pressure diversion tunnel under seismic load
Authors: Deng Jian , Xiao Ming
Published: October 2022

Dynamic response of concrete lining structure in high pressure diversion tunnel under seismic load is of great importance for engineering design and safety assessment. In light of the basic idea of static damage constitutive in strain space, a dynamic damage and cracking model of concrete suitable for programming is established. Based on the explicit finite element method for analyzing the dynamic response of single-phase solid and fluid medium, combining with the boundary conditions at coupling interface, a dynamic explicit finite element solving format considering the coupling interaction of lining and inner water is presented. This method can directly integrate, solve without simultaneous equations, and greatly simplify the calculation process. Moreover, it can be easily used to analyze wave propagation problems with a variety of mediums. According to the damage evolution properties of concrete lining under seismic load, a calculation method of permeability coefficient considering the effect of damage and cracking is put forward, and the inner water exosmosis process with lining cracks is analyzed. The calculation results of engineering example can reasonably reflect the seismic response characteristics of concrete lining structure in high pressure diversion tunnel, and an effective analysis method is provided for the aseismic design of hydraulic tunnel.
Effect of temperature on the performance of a giant magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer
Authors: Cai Wanchong , Feng Pingfa , Zhang Jianfu , Wu Zhijun , Yu Dingwen
Published: October 2022

The effect of temperature on the performance of a giant magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer (GMUT) was investigated by measuring variations in the resonance frequency and mechanical quality factor of the GMUT at different temperatures. The equivalent circuit model of the GMUT was presented and the total electrical impedance equation was obtained. Curves of the impedance circle were obtained at different temperatures to determine the resonance frequency and mechanical quality factor. To verify the impedance-based results and obtain precise values of the resonance frequency and effective frequency bandwidth, the amplitude-frequency response within the same temperature range was examined experimentally. These results were consistent with those of the impedance analysis, which demonstrates the validity of the equivalent circuit model. Moreover, the resonance frequency and effective bandwidth of the GMUT were found to decrease with increasing temperature, which means that the vibration amplitude is more sensitive to variation in the resonance frequency at high temperature owing, for example, to static or dynamic system loading, changes in the material properties, or drive-signal variability. Accordingly, the temperature in the GMUT should be precisely controlled to improve the stability of vibration.
Analytical approaches to vibration analysis of circular, annular and sectorial plates subjected to classical and arbitrary boundary conditions – a literature survey
Authors: e Ahad Fazl , Shi Dongyan , Ur Rehman Anees
Published: October 2022

Plates are one of the most important structural components used in many industries like aerospace, marine and various other engineering fields and thus motivate designers and engineers to study the vibration characteristics of these structures. A lot of research work and studies have been done to study its vibration characteristics. This paper is a review of existing literature on vibration analysis of circular, annular and sector plates. The aim of this paper is to compile prominent studies related to circular, annular and sector plates subjected to classical and arbitrary boundary conditions under different supports and loadings. This review also identifies the analytical methods and approaches used to study the vibration characteristics of circular, annular and sector plates based on classical plate theories, Mindlin plate theory and higher order shear deformation theories. Few important citations related to functionally graded circular, annular and sector plates have also been included. Apart from helping researchers and engineers to identify relevant literature quickly and easily, this review will also help them to apply some of these analytical methods to study the vibration characteristics of other 2D and 3D built up and coupled structures.
The finite element analysis of the in plane and out of plane harmonic responses of piezoresponse force microscopy cantilever
Authors: Bo Huifeng , Hu Hongkui , Zhang Zhanxin , Chang Jincai
Published: October 2022

The harmonic response under the in plane and out of plane driving force separately and model analysis of the widely used SCM-PIT probe were carried out in the consideration of the typical piezoresponse force microscopy working condition by finite element method. It is shown that there are symmetric modes of the resonance at 68, 408, 1139, 2244 kHz, and antisymmetric modes at 646, 1020, and 3077 kHz in the first seven eigenmodes. The symmetric modes of the harmonic response are verified by the frequency sweep method from the piezoresponse phase signals experimentally. It is also revealed that different driving frequencies should be used in the resonance-enhanced PFM imaging in the consideration of the domain structures. The driving frequency of 68, 408, 1139, 2244 kHz should be preferred in the resonance-enhanced PFM imaging of the out of plane domains, while the driving frequency of 646, 1020 and 3077 kHz should be used for the imaging of in plane domains in order of achieved the best resonance-enhanced effect.
Optimization analysis of non-contact ultrasonic degradation system based on synchronous resonance of multiple modes
Authors: Qiao Longxue , Du Yaohua , Chen Feng , Wu Jinlong , Wu Taihu
Published: October 2022

To solve the defects of low degradation efficiency and high cross-contamination risk in the conventional ultrasonic processor, a non-contact ultrasonic degradation system was developed. Through finite-element modal analysis, the natural frequencies of the first ten modes of the diaphragm with dome-shaped structure were found to have a ladder-like distribution, which provides a possibility to utilize the synchronous resonance of multiple modes. The effects of curvature radius, thickness and preload force on the synchronous resonance of multiple modes are studied using the control variate method, and then the structural parameters and the preload force are optimized. Based on these results, the diaphragm was manufactured, the experimental platform of the non-contact ultrasonic degradation was established, and its degradation efficiency was evaluated. The experimental results proved that the non-contact ultrasonic degradation system was able to effectively degrade Bacillus atrophaeus.
Numerical models of railway tracks for obtaining frequency response Comparison with analytical results and experimental measurements
Authors: Zougari Ayoub , Martínez Jordi , Cardona Salvador
Published: October 2022

Many authors have focused their research on the vibrations caused by railway traffic, and have developed diverse models of railway tracks: from half-track analytical models up to complex numerical models. This paper presents numerical models, built using FEM software, for different types of railway tracks. These models describe in detail the superstructure vibratory response induced by vertical forces acting on the top of the rail head, and include aspects not reflected in the analytical models. The numerical results are compared with previously presented analytical ones, as well as with experimental measurements.
A study of particles looseness in screening process of a linear vibrating screen
Authors: Li Zhanfu , Tong Xin , Xia Huihuang , Yu Luojian
Published: October 2022

We investigated the movement of particles in screening process over the sieve plate of a linear vibrating screen using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The behavior of particles which is affected by a series of vibrational parameters including amplitude, frequency and vibration direction angle determining screening performance. This paper centers on particles looseness by analyzing the looseness coefficient and looseness rate. The relationships between the looseness coefficient, looseness rate and vibration parameters were profoundly discussed. Mathematical models relating looseness coefficient to time were established using the least squares method. An experimental platform which combines high-speed camera system with experimental prototype of vibrating screen was designed. The research made a more in-depth investigation of particles’ movements and analysis of particle looseness. Physical experiments were used to verify the reliability of simulation results. Finally, we would come into the following conclusions: high frequency and large amplitude make particles obtain more energy to be active and the average distances among particles get larger slowly. On the contrary, at low frequency and amplitude, the looseness coefficient and looseness rate were relatively low. When the amplitude approaches 2.7 mm, the frequency is about 34 Hz and the vibration angle is around 42 degrees, the looseness ratio produces better performance. The paper offered insights to the design and manufacturing of vibrating screen.
Self-sensing cavitation detection capability of horn geometries for high temperature application
Authors: Saalbach Kai-Alexander , Twiefel Jens , Wallaschek Jörg
Published: October 2022

Cavitation is utilized in a wide range of applications. As examples ultrasonic cleaning baths and emulsification in sonochemistry may be mentioned. For a high temperature ultrasonic assisted casting process, the authors’ aim is to detect cavitation in the ongoing process using cavitation noise spectra without additional sensors like hydrophones, which disturb the sound field. The authors’ aim is to detect cavitation from the ultrasonic transducers’ current signal. Two different horn geometries are tested for their cavitation detection capability. To investigate the frequency components in the transducers’ current signal without the influence of the horns’ individual transfer functions, the measured data are processed to obtain the uninfluenced signals. Different frequency components are found in the measurements, which can be used as indicators for cavitation.
A finite element model in a form of structural dynamic equation for the transient analysis of pressure in pipelines
Authors: Barauskas Rimantas , Kriščiūnas Andrius , Blažauskas Tomas
Published: October 2022

The finite element model of transient pressure pulse propagation in a pipeline is presented in the form of the standard structural dynamic equation, which combines steady flow analysis for obtaining the initial conditions of the flow in the form of pressures and flow rates and non-linear dynamic analysis by using explicit numerical integration techniques. Three options of simplification of governing equation set have been analyzed. At low values of steady flow speed many non-linear and convection terms could be omitted, while at the flow speeds comparable with the wave propagation speed the full equation system has been analyzed. The full equation system analysis involves the techniques ensuring corrections of the initial conditions and of the nodal flow rate balance. The investigated pipelines may contain large number of branches and loops. Parts of large pipelines are analyzed as separate sub-models by employing non-reflecting boundary conditions at the cut boundaries. Properties of pressure pulse front degradation as it propagates through branching points of the pipeline can be examined.
A new controller design of electro-hydraulic servo system based on empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Huang Jing , Li Changchun , Yan Hao , Yang Xuesong , Li Jing
Published: October 2022

The signal of electro-hydraulic servo system is non-stationary and time-varying due to the influence of vibration, noise and mechanical impact. The traditional digital filter always suffers delay in time domain and the delay increases along with the increasing of frequency. Considering the features of electro-hydraulic servo system, the Hilbert-Huang transform method is an effective method to decompose the original signal and obtain the noise components. Some improvements are made based on Hilbert Huang transform method and a new real time on-line filtering method is proposed in this paper. This improved filter is able to decompose out the noise components and other interference components from original signal, and remove them off in real time. Based on this new on-line filter, a new controller is also designed. Compared the filtering result with the traditional digital filter, this new controller’s control performance is much better.
Data-driven vibration signal filtering procedure based on the α-stable distribution
Authors: Żak Grzegorz , Wyłomańska Agnieszka , Zimroz Radosław
Published: October 2022

A novel procedure for data-driven enhancement of informative signal is presented in this paper. The introduced methodology covers decomposition of the signal via time-frequency spectrogram into set of narrowband sub-signals. Furthermore, each of the sub-signals is considered as a sample of independent identically distributed random variables and we model the distribution of the sample, in contrast to the classical methodology where the simple statistics, for example kurtosis, for each sub-signal was calculated. This approach provides a new perspective in the signal processing techniques for local damage detection. Using our methodology one can eliminate potential risk related to high sensitivity towards single outlier. In the proposed procedure we model each sub-signal in time-frequency representation by α-stable distribution. This distribution is a generalization of standard Gaussian one and allows us for modeling sub-signals related to both informative and non-informative frequencies. As a result, we obtain distribution of stability parameter vs. frequencies that is analogy to spectral kurtosis approach well known in the literature. Such characteristic is basis for filter design used for raw signal enhancement. To evaluate efficiency of our method we compare raw and filtered signal in time, time-frequency and frequency (envelope spectrum) domains. Moreover, we present comparison to the spectral kurtosis approach. The presented methodology we applied to simulated signal and real vibration signal from two stage heavy duty gearbox used in mining industry.
Multi-criteria approach to assess groundwater potential: a case study of Baringo County, Kenya
Authors: Ombasa Dolphine Teyo , Kosgei Job Rotich , Nyandwaro Gilbert , Munishi Eva Subira
Published: October 2022

In this study, the groundwater potential zones in Baringo County (Kenya) were identified using an integrated approach of Remote Sensing-Geographic Information System (RS-GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques, and thematic layers of rainfall, slope, lithology, soil type, land use, drainage density and lineament density. The data were validated using borehole yield and fluoride data obtained from boreholes in the area. Using RS-GIS-based methods to identify potential groundwater zones is more convenient and less expensive compared with the conventional methods. Rainfall, lithology, soils and land use/land cover were found to be the most significant factors influencing groundwater with weighted values of 31, 24, 18 and 10% respectively. The very good, good and poor potential zones covered 0.39, 65.33 and 34.27% area coverage of the study area respectively. Low yield boreholes were found in the poor groundwater potential zones and vice versa. Moderate yield boreholes were found in the good groundwater potential zone. The majority of the boreholes with acceptable fluoride concentration was found in the good groundwater potential zones, while those with high fluoride concentration levels were found in the poor groundwater potential zone. Generally, from this study, it can be concluded that remote sensing and GIS in conjunction with AHP are important tools in monitoring and evaluating groundwater resource potential areas.
Study of Xylose as Product Inhibitor in Xylanase from Aspergillus niger, Basillus subtilis, and Tricodherma reesei: Insilico and Experimental Review Approach
Authors:   Jurusan Teknik Kimia, Politeknik Negeri Malang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta No. 9, Malang, Indonesia, Hadiantoro Sigit , Ratna Wulan Dyah ,   Jurusan Teknik Kimia, Politeknik Negeri Malang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta No. 9, Malang, Indonesia, Maryanty Yanty ,   Jurusan Teknik Kimia, Politeknik Negeri Malang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta No. 9, Malang, Indonesia
Published: October 2022

Bioinformatics is helpful for solving molecular biology problems computationally with the advantage of being safe, free from chemical waste, secure, cost-effective, and can shorten research time. The issues that arise can be in the form of degradation of the xylanase enzyme using some microorganisms like Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, and Trichoderma reesei on lignocellulose bonds. To predict the optimum conditions for this enzymatic reaction has used bioinformatics applications through substrate enzymes obtained from protein data banks. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for obtaining xylanase enzymes from the microorganisms Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, and Trichoderma reesei by bioinformatics (in silico). This research was conducted in bioinformatics using a RCSB Protein Data Bank database and PubChem. The programs used to see the interaction between substrate enzymes are PyMol, PyRx, and LigPlot. The best conditions based on the results of bioinformatics simulations will form the basis for producing xylanases on a laboratory scale. In this study, the results of interaction data between Bacillus subtilis and D-xylose, Aspergillus niger with D-xylose, and Trichoderma reesei with D-xylose have a binding affinity value of -5.2 kcal/mol; -5.1 kcal/mol; and -4.3 kcal/mol respectively.
Secondary Metabolites of Nicotiana tabacum and Their Biological Activities: A Review
Authors:   Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Ngudia Husada Madura, Bangkalan, Indonesi, Anggraini Putri Devi , Solihah Riyadatus ,   Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Ngudia Husada Madura, Bangkalan, Indonesi, Oktavia Rianur ,   Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Ngudia Husada Madura, Bangkalan, Indonesi, Fatmawati Sri ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Data Analytics, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya, Indonesia
Published: October 2022

Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) is one of the most commercially farming products in the world. Indonesia is one of the top ten tobacco producing countries in the world since 1990’s. Based on literature studies, tobacco has the main secondary metabolites such as cembranoids and flavonoids. They have fine biological activities as antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiHIV, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-termite, and cytotoxicity effects. Therefore, N. tabacum is potential for further investigation on natural products research. This review aims to provide scientific evidences related to structure activity relationship between secondary metabolites and biological activities of N. tabacum.
3D Printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) Well Plates for Enzyme Inhibition Studies: The Case of Pancreatic Lipase
Authors: SKONTA ANASTASIA , GKANTZOU ELENA , SPYROU KONSTANTINOS , SPYROU STAMATIA , POLYDERA ANGELIKI , GOURNIS DIMITRIOS , STAMATIS HARALAMBOS
Published: October 2022

3D printed PLA has already been demonstrated for several biotechnological applications, including enzymes immobilization. The prerequisites for an efficient screening assay include using small volumes of reagents, low cost, and rapid screening of large numbers of compounds and extracts. Hence, assays based on microtiter plates are predominant. Thus, designing and fabricating scaffolds on a similar scale, which could serve as immobilization carriers, and their recruitment in inhibitors screening studies is of great significance, adding both enzyme stability and reuse potentiality of the biocatalytic system in assay merits. In this work, pancreatic lipase was immobilized on 3D-printed PLA microwells for enzyme inhibitor screening. XPS analysis demonstrated the successful modification of the PLA scaffolds. The immobilized enzyme displayed high levels of operational, thermal, and storage stability under the tested conditions. The IC50 values for PPL inhibition were calculated for Orlistat, a model lipase inhibitor, and olive leaf extract, a promising natural compound. This is the first study reporting the use of 3D-printed PLA wells with an immobilized enzyme for inhibitor screening assay.
The Epidemiological Characteristics of Noncommunicable Diseases and Malignant Tumors in Guiyang, China: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Zeng Qibing , Yang Jingyuan , Wang Ziyun , Liu Haiyan , Wang Junhua , Yang Tingting , Hu Jin , Guan Han , Lu Yun , Liu Huijuan , Hong Feng
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies that address the changing characteristics of diseases are of great importance for preventing and controlling the occurrence and development of diseases and for improving health. However, studies of the epidemiological characteristics of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and malignant tumors (MTs) of the residents in Guiyang, China, are lacking.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalences of NCDs and MTs in residents of Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, and analyze differences among ages, genders, and regions.

Methods

A multistage stratified cluster sampling method was used. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 81,517 individuals were selected for the study. Of these, 77,381 (94.9%) participants completed the study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on demographic characteristics, NCDs, and MTs. The chi-square test (with 95% confidence intervals) was used to analyze differences in disease prevalence among genders, ages, and geographical regions.

Results

The major chronic NCDs of Guiyang residents are obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. MTs in women are mostly breast cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer, whereas in men, MTs are mainly lung cancer, rectal cancer, and gastric cancer. The prevalences of hypertension and diabetes in women are higher than in men, but the prevalences of lung cancer and gastric cancer in men are higher than in women. The epidemiological characteristics of individuals in different life stages are dissimilar. In terms of regional distribution, the prevalences of the above diseases in the Baiyun and Yunyan districts of Guiyang are relatively high.

Conclusions

Several NCDs (obesity, hypertension, and diabetes) and MTs (women: breast cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer; men: lung cancer, rectal cancer, and gastric cancer) should be the focus for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in the future. In particular, the Baiyun and Yunyan districts of Guiyang are the important regions to emphasize.
The Practices and Processes of Foreign Aid to Africa: A Kenyan Case Study
Authors:   Grifith University, Ngendakurio John Bosco
Published: October 2022

Kenya is used as a case study in this study of foreign-aid practices and processes. The qualitative research methodology employed involved face-to-face interviews with Kenyan residents who have direct knowledge of foreign aid and were willing to share their perceptions of its effectiveness in alleviating poverty. The main barriers identified included corruption, bureaucracy, and donor fatigue.
Sympathetic ablation combined to dorsal ganglion modulation was cost-effective for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome-1
Authors: A. F. Trindade Carlos , S Oliveira Célia , S Serra Thiago , A. Defino Helton , R. Lauretti Gabriela
Published: October 2022

Sympathetic ablation combined to dorsal ganglion modulation was cost-effective for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome-1. Background: In Complex Regional Pain Syndrome-1 (CRPS), sympathetic ganglion block followed by radiofrequency (RF) is the treatment of choice. However, data suggest that dorsal ganglion (DG) is partly responsible for its central pain sensitization. The study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of central desensitization combined to either blocks or RF at the same levels. Methods: 36 patients with lower extremity CRPS-1 were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 Treatments (n=18). After effects of the first selected treatment receded, patients were crossed over to the second treatment. The treatments were : 1) test blocks followed by 4-weekly L3 sympathetic block + epidural sacral block or 2) test blocks followed by L3-L4-L5 sympathetic ablation + L3-L4-L5 DG modulation RF. Time of analgesia was defined as VAS>3cm. Patients acted as their own control related to analgesia, routine activities, sleep pattern and costs. Results: 24 patients completed the study. The analgesia time after the 4-weekly blocks were 5±1 months and the annual costs USA$5000. Analgesia time after RF was 15±2 months (p<0.001) and costs reduced by 23% in the first year and 32%-36% in the following years extrapolation. Quality of life and sleep pattern improved during the analgesia period (p> 0.05). Discussion: Sympathetic ganglion combined to DR RF at the same levels (L3-L4-L5) resulted in 15-month compared to 5-month analgesia after the classical 4-weekly blocks, and improved physical capacity and sleep pattern. It was cost-effective, and reduced rates by 23% during the first-year evaluation, followed by 32%-36% cost reduction in following years, by extrapolation.
Influence of Synthesizing Temperatures on the Crystallinity, Morphology and Band Gap of CdSe Thin Films
Authors: A. Vanderhyde Cephas , A. Raut Hemangi
Published: October 2022

CdSe thin films were deposited using Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) by maintaining the bath at 20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C temperatures. The thin films were deposited on ordinary glass substrates then characterized for their crystallinity, morphological and optical properties. From the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis; it was revealed that there was a significant difference in crystallinity and the UV-vis spectroscopy enhanced the study of the energy band gaps which showed a drastic shifting. The study performed on the surface morphologies of the CdSe thin films exhibited a double layer of deposition; but did not show considerable difference from each other for different temperatures. The EDS pattern helped in determining the stoichiometric ratio.
Acute transverse myelitis in puerperal women
Authors: Brito Patrícia Leite , Kimura Taiane Bentes , Bacellar Henrique
Published: October 2022

Transverse myelitis is a pathology, whose etiology is associated with autoimmune or infectious diseases, which directly affects the spinal cord, coursing with motor, sensory and acute or subacute dysfunction9. We report a case of a 32-year-old multiparous woman who, after the first postpartum day, reported pain and paresthesia in the lumbar and lower limbs with progressive worsening. Patient started clinical investigation, with orthopedic causes ruled out, together with the neurology and neurosurgery team. She underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine where infectious neuropathy was evidenced at L4-L5. Patient was transferred to a referral hospital where Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evidenced as the cause and, when performing a rapid test for SARS-CoV-2, it was positive.
Load Analysis for Rail-Wheel Impact Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: Sharan Preeta , V Chetan
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Railways has huge network of trains which carries passenger and goods from one place to another. With increase in population, demand of railway transport is increasing day by day. Real challenge comes in continuous monitoring of train parameters such as axle count, weight of wagon, speeds etc. In this work, FEA (finite element analysis) is implemented on the model of rail and wheel using the software known as ANSYS v15.0. Grating MOD is used to carry out the FBG (Fibre Bragg Grating) sensor simulation. The obtained analysis is used to design a Graphical User Interface with a display to calculate the load.