bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An active control system for reducing crowd induced vibrations in a grandstand
Authors: Hernández Diego Fernando , Gómez Pizano Daniel , Thomson Peter
Published: January 2024

The occupancy of structures by crowds often causes vibrations that in turn generate discomfort and, in some occasions, can cause damage to the structure. Football stadia are one type of structures that are especially vulnerable to such excitation and more so when they are used for other events such as concerts. As an experimental platform for investigating human-structure interaction, a grandstand was designed and built with dynamic parameters similar to the south grandstand of the Olympic Football Stadium in Cali Colombia. In the work described in this paper, an electro-magnetic actuator with a 13.2 kg active mass was used with an active control scheme to reduce human-induced vibrations in the grandstand. The structure and controller were modeled, identified and then validated experimentally. Performance of the control system was analyzed through simulations and then verified experimentally as a group of people, with a total mass of up to 232 kg, jumped on the grandstand. The control system reduced the structural response of the grandstand up to 50% of that without the control system.
Predictors of whole body vibration exposure in motorcycle riders
Authors: Moreno Ricardo , Cardona Juan , Pintado Publio , Chicharro José
Published: January 2024

Some occupations like police officers, paramedics, delivery and courier services, require professional motorcycle riders that may ride for many hours each day. In these cases, the employers, the riders themselves, and the occupational health physicians would benefit from the knowledge of the vibration transmitted to riders and the exposure time limits recommended for their activities. This paper presents an experimental design (24 Factorial Design) to determine the main effects caused on whole body vibration exposure limits by the following factors: motorcycle age, engine size, road type and rider weight. The results show that newer motorcycles allow 36.3% more riding time than older motorcycles before the Exposure Action time Value (EAV) is reached. Motorcycles with larger engine size (125 cc) allow 22.5% more riding time than motorcycles with small engine size. It is possible to ride 44% more time using fast roads than slow roads. The vibration measurements were performed according to ISO-2631 and, as a novel contribution, an artificial neural network was derived for estimating the vibration exposure time using the predictors as input variables. Neural Networks presented better correlation than multiple regressions.
Unknown objects drawing using image retrieval
Authors: Perez Daniel Karina Ruby , Escamilla Hernandez Enrique , Nagai Takayuki , Nakano Miyatake Mariko
Published: January 2024

In this paper an unknown objects drawing model is proposed. Here we describe a technique that let us build a visual model of a word through images retrieved from Internet, enabling to learn any object at any time. This process is done without any prior knowledge of the objects appearance. However this information must be filtered in order to get the most meaningful image according to the keyword and allowing making the visual relation between words and images as much unsupervised as it could be possible like humans understanding. For this purpose Pyramid of Histogram of Oriented Gradients (PHOG) feature extraction, K-means clustering and color segmentation is done, and then the final image is drawn as an application of the learning process. The proposed model is implemented in a robot platform and some experiments are carried out to evaluate the accuracy of this algorithm.
Method to construct a taxonomy: basic structure to risks in software outsourcing
Authors: Gasca Hurtado Gloria Piedad , Manrique Losada Bell
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a risk taxonomy that focuses on software acquisition environment. According to this, the goal of this approach is to define an ordered risk classification structure related with to software acquisition. The proposal of a risk taxonomy of software acquisition is motivated by the importance that risks identification activity has and the contribution that a risk taxonomy gives to this activity, because it is known as a technique for effective risks identification, which it’s possible to develop a better risk management starting from a better identification of them. This paper includes both the method to construct the taxonomy (called MECT) and the proposed risk taxonomy of software acquisition that was developed.
Tactical planning of domestic supply chains
Authors: García-Cáceres Rafael Guillermo , Palacios-Gómez Fernando , Martínez-Avella Mario Ernesto
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a single-period mathematical programming model NLMIP of a 5-stage supply chain with multiple possibilities of organizational ownership that allows several distribution channel links. The objective of the model is to optimize profit after tax, taking into account transfer prices, economies of scale, agreements between agents, demand and inventory issues, among other relevant aspects, specially in an idealised domestic environments. Finally, a solution procedure is presented for the problem associated with the NLMIP mathematical programming model proposed, that gives an optimal solution in satisfactory computational time. The model was validated using an experiment based on computational simulations.
measure in the rough set theory to decision systems with continuo features
Authors: Filiberto Yaima , Bello Rafael , Caballero Yailé , Larrua Rafael
Published: January 2024

The Rough set theory provides several measures and techniques to data analysis, especially in the case of problems in which the decision feature has a discrete domain. In this paper a measure and methods are proposed which allow extending this theory to the case of problems in which the features have a continuo domain, especially the decision feature. The experimental studies show their affectivity.
A ripple-mitigating pre-amplifier based on interleaved DC-DC boost converters for efficiency improvement
Authors: Arango Eliana , Ramos-Paja Carlos , Carrejo Carlos , Giral Roberto , Saavedra-Montes Andres
Published: January 2024

An efficient pre-amplifier based on interleaved DC-DC boost switching converters to mitigate high-frequency harmonics injection to power sources is proposed. The main features of the pre-amplifier are mitigate the ripple of power converters input-current and improving the efficiency of the whole power conversion chain. The pre-amplifier optimal operating conditions are calculated, and the circuit is modeled and controlled to operate in such conditions. The pre-amplifier interacting with a classical single boost is analyzed, obtaining a strong reduction in the current ripple injected to the source, and also improving the efficiency of the initial conversion system. Finally, the theoretical analyses are confirmed by means of circuital PSIM simulations and experimental results.
Decoupled control for internal combustion engines research test beds
Authors: López José David , Espinosa Jairo José , Agudelo John
Published: January 2024

This article presents a solid and robust automation model which has been developed and implemented in two different research engine test beds which were instrumented, one for diesel and the other one for spark ignition engines. The model, programmed in Matlab, is based on transfer functions with a decoupled (two single input single output systems) independent proportional and integral action controller that allows setting the desired engine speed and torque under stationary operation conditions. It was implemented in a Freescale HC08 family microcontroller external to the PC in order to avoid the risk of losing control during undesirable communication delays on the computer. The model has been validated in a wide range of engine operating modes, from low to high speeds and loads showing a good response. The first order transfer functions with delay have proven to be a good approximation even during the nonlinearities caused by turbocharger and electronic control unit incorporated in the engines. This low cost automation system has been tested for the last three years in a university engine laboratory showing a good performance.
Far field from near field measurements. An approach to solve the inverse problem of electromagnetic radiation via genetic algorithms
Authors: Rangel Merino Arturo , Linares y Miranda Roberto , López Bonilla José Luis
Published: January 2024

In this paper the application of the Genetic Algorithms (GA) as a search method of a geometric configuration of elementary dipoles that solve the inverse problem of electromagnetic radiation are reported. The inverse problem of electromagnetic radiation appears as a new application in the electromagnetic compatibility area that allows estimating the far field radiation from near field measurements.
Study of two neural feed-forward structures for digital image compression
Authors: Gaona Barrera Andrés Eduardo , Lugo Currea Néstor Andrés , Roldán Hernández Álvaro Fernando
Published: January 2024

This document shows and explains the process for compressing images, in grayscale and in color, using two neural topologies: image function and funnel. For the analysis of neuronal schemes, the number of neurons and layers, type of image, size and number of blocks during training are considered; in order to give experimental support to neural architectures. Quality criteria of the image obtained are also analyzed, such as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and compression rate. The importance of the selection of parameters evaluated in quality and compression time is evident. The experimentation process shows that the funnel-type architecture allows to achieve values ​​higher than 35dB in terms of PSNR and 2 bits per pixel in gray images or 3 bpp in color images, with times less than 3 seconds for images smaller than 1 mega pixel. Finally, some recommendations are made based on the methodology used when it is desired to understand images with feed-through networks around the selection of architecture parameters, the pre-processing of the image and the training of the network.
Tools for the implementation of proactive maintenance in urban sewer systems by the use of flooding reliability and entropy of information concepts
Authors: Sandoval Santiago , Torres Andrés , Obregón Nelson
Published: January 2024

The existing urban sewer databases in cities of developing countries present deficiencies in the records of the physical characteristics of the pipes, which limits their use as support for the implementation of management tools for said infrastructure. The objective of this work consisted in proposing and using in 13 sub-basins belonging to the El Salitre basin of Bogotá, comprising an area of ​​4515 Ha, with a total of 12,842 pluvial and combined pipes, decision trees and information entropy to identify pipes with demands for network maintenance activities such as cleaning, rehabilitation, replacement, etc., based on estimated flood reliability (for 2337 pipes whose physical characteristics were accurately recorded). The classificatory model presented an average predictive capacity of 62%. The pipes were classified using 28 rules, according to the reliability values, identifying 3383 pipes (26% of the total) with a high prioritization of proactive maintenance.
Editorial
Authors: Montes de Correa Consuelo
Published: January 2024

Dear Colleagues:
The quality of a journal depends on several factors involving 3 groups of people with their independent but relevant roles: the authors, the reviewers and the editors. Peer review and editing is the key factor to improve the quality of publications. The reviewer is required to address detailed aspects of the paper under review and to resend his or her opinion on the paper. The editorial management is a crucial part of the publishing process. The editorial board begins action with the receipt of the manuscript, directs the various steps of evaluation, correction and re-submission, until a decision is made to accept or reject the paper.
Algunos galicismos léxicos en documentación chilena del primer tercio del siglo XIX
Authors: Almau Almau Sonia
Published: January 2024

En este artículo se analizan algunos galicismos hallados en documentación chilena impresa y manuscrita del primer tercio del siglo xix, un período clave para entender el influjo que tuvo la Revolución Francesa y las ideas de la Ilustración en la independencia de las incipientes naciones hispanoamericanas. En el estudio se puede ver cómo en los siglos xviii y xix el francés aportó al español de esa época una amplia terminología relacionada con la política y la guerra, la administración y la sociedad en general.
Microbial Prevalence and Outcome of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Patient’s Candidates for Minor Surgical Interventions
Authors: Rafiq Sangar , Barawi Omer , Jaff Hamid , Hawez Dahat
Published: January 2024

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease with chronic complications such as diabetic foot infection, a significant difficulty that inevitably leads to gangrene and amputations.

 

Objective: This study aims to determine microbial prevalence in diabetic foot infections, identify the significance of aggressive surgical therapy and minor amputations in limb salvage and the prevention of more proximal amputations, and identify predicting factors affecting the outcome of these surgical processes.

 

Methods: In this cohort study, microbiological samples were collected from 62 patients with diabetic foot lesions who underwent debridement or minor amputations to determine the prevalence of microorganisms in diabetic foot infections. Then, they were followed up to determine the rate of saved limbs and the factors that affect the outcomes and rate of complications.

 

Results: infections were mainly caused by aerobic Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) 53.5%, and aerobic Gram-negative bacteria of enterobacter species 40.4%. Regarding the outcome of surgical intervention, we found an 80.65% success rate of saving the limb with a 30.6% complication rate. Risk factors such as high levels of inflammatory markers and parameters of the severity of peripheral arterial disease showed significant association with the rate of complications and poor outcomes.

 

Conclusions: Debridement and minor surgical amputations effectively prevent more proximal amputations in diabetic foot infections with a high chance of good results. At the same time, the common microorganism in our local population was S. aureus, followed by P. mirabilis, E. coli, and Klebsiella species in diabetic foot infections.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Authors: Baban Rozhan , Süer Kaya , Dyary Hiewa
Published: January 2024

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii and is generally asymptomatic, affecting almost all organs. Serological techniques are applicable for diagnosing T. gondii since it is challenging to demonstrate under the microscope or culture in the laboratory. This study aimed to determine Toxoplasma seroprevalence in pregnant women at Near East University Hospital in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) between 2016 and 2018. Antibodies of Toxoplasma Immunoglobulin M (Toxo IgM) and Toxoplasma Immunoglobulin G (Toxo IgG) were analyzed in pregnant women retrospectively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Toxo IgG avidity was tested by ELISA in pregnant women to differentiate between acute and chronic infections. The pregnant women were between 17 and 51 years. Of the 1348 participants, 572 (42.43%) were from the TRNC, 746 (55.34%) were from Turkey, and 30 (2.23%) were from other countries. In this study, the prevalence rates were 1.4% and 12.7% for IgM and IgG among pregnant women. High Toxo IgG avidities were observed in 75% of the IgM seropositive women. The study demonstrated that Toxo IgG prevalence rates were low compared to many countries.
Circulating prolactin levels in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients
Authors: Sabah Hawar , Mohammed Dereen
Published: January 2024

Objective: the main aim of this study was to assess the role of prolactin in prostate cancer using modern immunoassay methods. Prolactin assays in the past were subject to pitfalls from hook effect and macroprolactinemia; only few previous studies accounted for these pitfalls, therefore and to obtain accurate results, we thought to measure prolactin with modified modern methods. This study also investigated the association of serum prolactin levels with prostate specific antigen and selected steroid and pituitary hormones in prostate cancer patients.
 
Subjects and Methods: serum was withdrawn from newly pretreated 50 prostate cancer patients and 30 controls. The following parameters were studied using Roche-immunoassay analyzers: prolactin, total (PSA), total testosterone, free testosterone, (SHBG), (DHEA), (E2), progesterone, (FSH), (LH) and albumin; to account for macroprolactinemia, serum samples were pretreated with poly ethylene glycol 6000. SPSS statistical software used to perform students’ t test and Pearson’s correlation for association studies. P value of < 0.05 was considered significant throughout the study.
 
Results: 64% of prostate cancer patients had normal prolactin levels (10.04 ±0.039ng/ml), 22% had raised serum prolactin and had 14% low prolactin levels, the difference in prolactin levels between prostate cancer and control group was not significant. Mean PSA levels were ((234.087 ± 522.695ng/ml) in prostate cancer patients, which was significantly higher in the prostate cancer group when compared to the control group (1.25 ± 1.39ng/ml), P ≤ 0.01. Prolactin was not associated with PSA levels or with any of the sex and pituitary hormones studied.
 
Conclusions: although the majority of prostate cancer patients had normal serum prolactin levels, 22% of the study participants had hyperprolactinemia, patients with higher serum prolactin levels had high Gleason score of 9 or higher and were at stage four, indicating a possible role of higher circulating prolactin at advanced cancer stages.
Parametric Study of an Elliptical Microstrip Patch Antenna for X-band Applications
Authors: Hasan Sattar
Published: January 2024

In this article, the design of a single element elliptical microstrip patch antenna (EMSPA) operating at the X-band frequencies is proposed using the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) simulator. The inset-fed technique is employed in the design to feed the patch. Also, various patch eccentricity with different substrate materials of various thickness have been investigated in order to obtain the optimum realized gain and bandwidth (BW) of the antenna. The simulated results have shown that an elliptical patch having a size of 48.71 mm2 provides a gain of 3.94 dBi and a BW of 389 MHz at the center frequency 9.8 GHz. Moreover, the efficiency of more than 71.6% is predicted when the Taconic_RF-60A substrates of thickness h=1.0 mm and patch eccentricity values of e=0.5 are utilized. Additionally, the gain and the BW of the EMSPA can be further enhanced when a Rogers_RT5880 substrate of thickness h=1.4 mm and patch eccentricity values of e=0.7 are utilized. Comparing the simulated antenna response to the available theoretical and practical results obtained by other researchers previously, a very good agreement is observed. The proposed EMSPA is low profile and very efficient which could be of interest in some radar applications.
Práticas Avançadas de Enfermagem na Atenção Primária à Saúde: Um Protocolo de Revisão Sistemática
Authors: Cordeiro Jéssica Kelly Ramos , Nóbrega Waleska Fernanda Souto , Oliveira Milena Edite Casé de , Neto Manoel Vieira de Miranda , Bonfim Daiana , Reis Keila Gisele Lima , Barreto Carla Pereira , Martiniano Cláudia Santos
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Sumarizar as evidências existentes acerca das ações de Prática Avançada em Enfermagem no âmbito da Atenção Primária à Saúde à nível mundial através de uma revisão sistemática. Método: Trata-se de um protocolo desenvolvido com base nas diretrizes do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). O protocolo foi registrado no International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) sob o ID: CRD42022301785. Para condução da revisão, a busca sistemática será realizada nas bases de dados ScienceDirect, Scopus, Medical Literature Analyses and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase) e Cumulated Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), sendo utilizada a seguinte expressão de busca: ((“Advanced Practice Nursing” OR Nursing OR “Nursing specialities”) AND “Primary Health Care” AND “Public Health”). Os critérios de inclusão todos os estudos transversais pulicados em inglês até outubro de 2022 que respondam à questão de pesquisa. Destes, serão excluídos: (i) estudos em animais; (ii) cartas, editoriais, revisões de literatura, revisões sistemáticas e metanálises.
Assistência da prática avançada de enfermagem nas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis: Uma scoping review
Authors: Melo Marjorie Dantas Medeiros , Freitas Luana Souza , O’ Lorena Brito do , Mesquita Simone Karine da Costa , Silva Isabelle Pereira da , Araújo Rhayssa de Oliveira e , Sonenberg Andrea , Costa Isabelle Katherinne Fernandes
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Mapear na literatura como ocorre a assistência da prática avançada de enfermagem às pessoas com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis no contexto da atenção primária à saúde. Método: Scoping review, realizada em bases de dados e fontes de literatura cinzenta pelo cruzamento dos descritores “Prática Avançada de Enfermagem”; “Atenção Primária à Saúde"; “Resultados, efeitos, impactos, consequências” em inglês. Resultados: a amostra foi de 24 artigos, 10 (41,60%) enfocam a assistência de enfermagem de prática avançada em pacientes com diabetes; seis (25,00%) no campo dos pacientes com doença cardiovascular; três (12,50%) no campo dos pacientes com câncer; três (12,50%) abordam o papel da prática avançada em mais de uma doença crônica não transmissível e dois (8,30%) abordam o desempenho em pacientes com doenças respiratórias. Conclusão: identificou-se a assistência da prática avançada de enfermagem às pessoas com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e observou-se resultados positivos na atenção das quatro doenças crônicas estudadas.
An Inchoate Crime in Criminal Law: Prospects of a Constructionist Approach
Authors: Shikhanov V. N.
Published: January 2024

The paper considers the possibilities of solving some problems of crime qualification using the juridicalconstructionist approach. The focus of the legal analysis is on the structural features of a specific normative prescription of the criminal law with the peculiarities of the connections between its elements. First, the author shows how the application of different legal structures to similar facts of the case changes the legal assessment of what has been done from a completed crime through an attempt to commit it and to conclusions about the absence of a criminally punishable act. Second, the author discusses the issue of determining not only the moment of the legal completion of the crime, but also the moment of the legal beginning of the crime to find the boundaries between the preparation for the commission of a crime and the attempt to commit it. The author provides his understanding of the legal structure in criminal law, as well as its content. Using the example of judicial normative interpretation and law enforcement practice, the author proves that legal structures can change, despite the fact that the disposition of an article of a Special part of the Criminal Law may remain unchanged. According to the author, the main work on the description and modification of legal structures is carried out by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, including its Plenum. The paper demonstrates positive aspects of the constructionist approach in the legal analysis of an unfinished crime, as well as the difficulties that may be caused by it. For clarity, using the analysis of legal structures, the author elucidates approaches to the qualification of attacks on the life of two or more persons, when one victim was killed, and one or more other victims were not killed due to circumstances independent of the will of the perpetrator. In the process of this analysis, the author demonstrates the distinction between attempted murder of two or more persons and preparations for such a crime, and provides his considerations concerning decisions of the courts of appeal of general jurisdiction.
Implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement in the Legal Systems of the EAEU Member States
Authors: Lifshits I. M. , Smbatyan A. S. , Salia M. R.
Published: January 2024

The Paris Climate Agreement provides for the acceptance by the participating States of obligations, which this treaty enshrines as «nationally determined contributions» (NDC). The goal of these commitments is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep global temperature increases well below 2°C compared to preindustrial levels. This mechanism has a number of legal features: first, each state establishes NDC independently, reports them to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), acting as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement, and registers them with the Secretariat. From this moment, a new international legal obligation of the state to implement the NDC arises. Secondly, it can be changed only in the direction of greater «ambition», that is, by increasing targets for limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Thirdly, the Paris Agreement does not require the coordination of national measures with the rest of the parties to the treaty. Each participant in the Paris Agreement represents an NDC, which determines the scope of its own obligations without the participation of other states, unlike the mechanism provided for in the GATT and GATS, where WTO member states are required to coordinate their national measures with the rest of the participants (Goods schedule / Services schedule). Fourthly, the monitoring mechanism provides for the first stage of summing up in 2023, when an assessment of the progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement will be given.

A comparative analysis of the NDC of the EAEU member states, all of which are parties to the Paris Agreement, allows us to generalize. The Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation announced the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2060, the rest of the states — by 2050. Some states (the Republic of Belarus, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan) have set two targets for the implementation of NDC: conditional (achievement of the indicator with international financial support and access to modern technologies) and unconditional (achievement of the indicator at own expense). The level of development of the legal framework for the implementation of the NDC of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus and the Kyrgyz Republic is inferior to the level of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan in terms of limiting greenhouse gas emissions, turnover of carbon units and taxation of carbon emissions (introduction of a carbon tax). At the EAEU level, the member states have adopted a roadmap on the climate agenda, and much work remains to be done to develop a regulatory framework.
Magnetic imaging of corrosion under insulation using quantum well Hall-effect sensors
Authors: Lindley Alexander , Sexton James , Murshudov Ruslan , Missous Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) is one of the most pressing issues facing industries that make use of cladded steel pipes, costing companies trillions of dollars every year to maintain them. Currently while there are few devices capable of detecting corrosion under insulation, they
remain expensive, bulky, and difficult to utilise over kilometres of cladded steel pipe [1]. This research presents a prototype device using novel Quantum Well Hall Effect (QWHE) sensors. These sensors are physically small (70-micron square), made on Gallium Arsenide substrates, capable of
measuring magnetic fields in the tens of nanotesla, and have a linear response ideally suited to imaging applications [2], [3]. This prototype is capable of scanning insulated or cladded steel pipes. It can detect manufactured wall thickness loss of 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm, in a 10mm thick pipe,
which represent 10%, 20%, and 30% loss respectively as far as 95mm from the surface with micron level resolution. The research presented here focuses on demonstrating the accuracy of the QWHE sensor-based prototype system by comparing the measured magnetic data to a scan
of the same machined pipe acquired with a high precision laser. Together these two different scans demonstrate the possibility of using a QWHE sensor in future designs aimed at tackling the pressing issue of CUI.
A novel method for reducing the lift-off effect in coercivity measurement through auxiliary inductance data
Authors: Lyu Ruilin , Shao Yuchun , Zhang Zili , Meng Tian , Avila Jorge Ricardo Salas , Yin Wuliang
Published: January 2024

Coercivity is the strength of the reverse magnetic field required to demagnetize a material after saturation, and it is an indication of the hardness of the magnetic materials. Airgaps causes errors in coercivity measurement referred to as the lift-off effect. This paper proposes a
new method to address this issue by incorporating additional inductance measurements and formulating a calibration method. The calibration principle is based on the fact that both the coercivity and the inductances measurements change with the variation of airgaps. This paper starts from finding
how the coercivity changes with airgaps between the sensor and the sample, then derives the coefficients for coercivity-inductance relationship for different samples. A correction method is then proposed to predict the base coercivity (i.e., the coercivity when airgap = 0) using the
inductance and coercivity measurement results at an unknown lift-off. The measurement system was implemented and experimental results suggest the error caused by airgaps can be reduced from 40% to less than 10%.
Machine learning for plane wave imaging
Authors: Koskinen Tuomas , Tyystjärvi Topias , Jessen-Juhler Oskari , Virkkunen Iikka
Published: January 2024

Phased array ultrasonics have enabled the recording of an ever-increasing amount of data from the inspection targets. With the latest advancements in total-focusing method with plane wave imaging the amount of data has increased exponentially when compared to conventional ultrasonic
methods. As more data allows more reliable evaluation, the cost of evaluation also increases. Since there is more data for the inspector to evaluate, the inspector’s job becomes more difficult and laborious with the modern technology. Moreover, as phased array techniques evolve to even
more sophisticated approaches such as total focusing method and the latest form, plane wave imaging total focusing method (PWI-TFM), reading raw ultrasonic data is too convoluted for human inspectors. As the raw data is pre-calculated for more understandable image, the data can be reconstructed
in multiple ways for optimal detection. However, the more presentations are reconstructed from the data, the more time consuming it is for the inspector to evaluate the images. Machine learning powered inspection enables the full use of all the data, while allowing the best possible presentation
for the inspector. In this paper we demonstrate PWI-TFM inspection powered by machine learning model. The ML model is used to present the flaw indications to the inspector. Moreover, PWI-TFM image reconstruction is studied from ML performance aspect.
Real-time capacitance imaging: a revolutionary NDT technique
Authors: Diamond G. , Kubasiak P. , Metodiev M.
Published: January 2024

Real Time, High-Resolution NDT Imaging Via Capacitance. A Revolutionary NDT technique We report on recent developments and field trials of a completely novel method of NDT: Capacitive Imaging. This novel method is entirely non-ionising and is capable of detection and imaging of internal
features, objects and defects which are extremely difficult ‐ if not impossible ‐ to detect with existing NDT technologies such as x-rays, ultrasound, and millimetre waves (MMW). One of the first applications of thistechnology was its use by the Royal Canadian Navy to detect
corrosion under paint and other coatings.However, this technology is also highly suited for a broad range of other NDT detection and imaging applications across many industrial sectors. We also report on further usage developments in other commercial environments: ‐

Corrosion under paint and other coatings such as thermal insulation.

Imaging of voids in walls and under floor tiles as an inexpensive alternative to ground penetrating radar (GPR).

Security screening of mail for contraband such as drugs,
biohazard powders, explosives, and non-metallic weapons.

Inline inspection of glass-fibre composites for delamination, cracks and water ingress.

Inline food and pharmaceutical quality inspection.
  One major advantage of the
CI system over widely used existing technologies such as thermography, ultrasound, back-scattered-x-ray etc. is that it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and therefore avoids the large capex barrier to deployment that most of the commercially available state of the art suffers from.
It requires no heavy power source or shielding and is completely non-radiological/ non-ionising, presenting no hazard to human health. This last, is an important factor when considering the public location of some deployments and cumulative effects on the user. It also offers great comparative
advantages in speed of scanning and enhanced ability to discriminate between differing types of materials as compared to techniques such as x-rays.Some examples of the other advantages of this technology over commercially available state of the art are : ‐
It
can readily image items which would either be very difficult or completely impossible to detect with x-rays/radiography.

Articles such as powders and plastics etc. are just as easily imaged as those made of metal and no pre-sorting of light and dense objects is necessary.

Contraband Items such as ceramic knives which would not trigger a metal detection, are very easily imaged with the Capacitance Imager.

Unlike ultrasound, the Capacitance Imager technology does not require intimate contact and/or couplant with the scanned
object.

Much higher scanning/imaging speeds than most other continuous inline industrial techniques: typically, 300 lines per second on a 45 cm wide belt moving at 30 metres per minute can be scanned, which is equivalent to an area of 800m2 per hour to a
spatial resolution of 2 mm.
 
Non-invasive characterisation of gas using acoustic resonance
Authors: Surujon Zeev , Ashkenazy Joseph , Mor Etai , Charutz David , Eldad Nissan
Published: January 2024

We present a novel technique for characterising gas inside vessels such as containers and pipes without requiring any physical access to the interior, by measuring the speed of sound in the gas using acoustic resonance. Our method involves tapping on the vessel and recording the response
using an accelerometer attached to the outer surface. Despite a strong background signal due to vibrations of the vessel, we show that resonance peaks of the gas are detectable in the spectrum. Their frequencies depend only on the shape of the enclosure and the speed of sound in the gas. Hence,
the latter may be obtained from the detected resonance frequencies as long as the geometry is known. The accuracy of this method is typically of the order of a few permilles and is dominated by uncertainties in the geometry and the spectral resolution. The dependence of the speed of sound
in gases on the molecular mass and temperature renders our method useful for distinguishing different gases and detecting impurities, as well as for measuring the gas temperature.
Thermodynamic analysis of a solar-driven vapor compression refrigeration system using R1234ze for cooling applications in Ghardaïa region (Southern Algeria)
Authors: SELLOUM Ahmed , TRIKI Zakaria , CHIBA Younes
Published: January 2024

This study presents a thermodynamic analysis of a solar-driven vapor compression refrigera-tion (VCR) system designed for use in the region of Ghardaïa (Southern Algeria) which is lo-cated in a desert with a semi-arid climate where the demand for cooling is high, and the solar radiation is abundant. Two working fluids are tested and compared, the HFC high GWP going to phased out, R134a and the low GWP, HFO refrigerant recently introduced R1234ze. The performance of the solar VCR system was evaluated using a numerical model developed in MATLAB software, based on thermodynamic properties of R1234ze and R134a refrigerants. The results showed that coefficient of performance (COP) and thermodynamic efficiency of the solar VCR system increased with decreasing ambient temperature due to the increase in the compressor power consumption. The COP during the 21st day of July month is obtained in the range of 4.37–5.77 for R1234ze refrigerant which are close and more than 90% of the maximum COP value, while it is in the range of 2.56–3.17 for R134a fluid. The lowest COP values are found around noon hours during 12:00 AM and 15:00 PM. In addition, the greatest amount of the PV power production for R134a and R1234ze refrigerants occurs in the middle of the day (12:00 PM) as 2.8 and 1.6 kWh, respectively.
Study of pulmonary functions in male current smokers and never smokers
Authors: Joshi Ashutosh , Vagadiya Asha , Patel Vaishali , Muley Arti , Ladumor Paresh , Shahi Anshuman
Published: January 2024

Background: Cigarettes smoking is the principal cause of preventable disease, disability, and premature death in the world. Tobacco smoking affects multiple organ systems resulting in numerous tobacco-related diseases. The study aimed to investigate interrelationship of pulmonary functions between current smokers and never smokers.
Methods: Asymptomatic, 50 males current tobacco smokers and 50 healthy never smokers aged between 25 to 50 years were selected as cases and controls. Detailed description of the subject’s selection, data collection and methods used for performing the test.
Results: Maximum incidence was seen in >31 yrs of age with mean of 38.681±4.5. The study found that never smokers had significantly higher pulmonary functions as compared to current smokers:- FVC in liters (3.43±0.55 Vs 2.44±0.58; p<0.05); FEV1 in liters (2.86±0.57 Vs 1.76±0.32; p<0.05); FEV1/FVC in percentage (82.72±8.67 Vs 73.72±11.40; p<0.05); FEF 25-75 ratio in percentage (3.18±0.91 Vs 1.60±0.45; p<0.05); PEFR in liters per second (6.63±2.00 Vs 3.16±1.26; p<0.05); breath holding time in seconds (25.54±2.14 Vs 21.36±2.10; p<0.05); 40mm endurance test in seconds (22.36±1.58 Vs 17.70±2.01; p<0.05); MEP in mmHg (83.48±5.28 Vs 64.38±5.31; p<0.05) were found significant.
Conclusions: The strong relationship between cigarette smoking and respiratory disease has been seen independent of the other risk factors in a number of well-designated epidemiologic studies. Spirometry is an excellent screening test to detect chronic airflow obstruction, but may be useful in detecting restrictive disorders as well to study the effect of tobacco smoking on pulmonary functions.
A retrospective study of percutaneous cholecystostomy outcomes in a community hospital
Authors: Meija Jonathan , Meghpara Melissa , Wain Omar , Liguori Tyler , Nithisoontorn Sutasinee , Solomon Robert , Louis Martine A. , Mandava Nageswara
Published: January 2024

Background: The gold standard of treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC) typically involves operative intervention, specifically cholecystectomy. However, initial nonoperative management rather than immediate cholecystectomy has been recommended for critically ill patients. Non-operative interventions, such as percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCT), may represent viable alternatives. The current study examines risk factors associated with worse outcomes of AC among critically ill patients with AC treated conservatively.  
Methods: This retrospective study examined data from 121 patients with AC presenting to a NYC-area community hospital. Differences in demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics were examined in relation to post-operative outcomes, including mortality.
Results: The sample tended to be older, with 31% of patients identifying as non-Hispanic white. One-third of the sample were admitted to the ICU. The median time between admission placement and PCT was 2 days, the median time PCT was left in place was 42 days. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 21% and 33% among ICU patients. Patients identifying as non-Hispanic white and those with more severe clinical presentation were at higher risk for mortality within 90 days. Admission to intensive care units (ICU) was significantly associated with 90-day mortality.
Conclusions: The results of the current study provide a snapshot into the profiles of patients at-risk for negative outcomes following PCT placement. Sociodemographic risk factors and clinical severity were associated with increased risk of mortality among patients seen at a diverse, community hospital. These findings support the use of risk-stratified decision making regarding non-operative treatments of AC.
A study of third and fourth ventricular sizes in Bangladeshi adults using computed tomography scan
Authors: Mustafiz Mehreen , Sidney Nabil Zunayed , Shahnewaz Shaila Sharmin
Published: January 2024

Background: The assessment of normal measurements of cerebral ventricles in living humans holds significant importance for diagnosing and monitoring various pathologies. Current digital computed tomography (CT) scan machines enable the direct visualization of ventricles in cross-sectional images, allowing real-time measurement of different ventricular dimensions, thereby aiding in comprehending their anatomy. This research aims to create baseline reference values for the sizes of the third and fourth ventricles in normal Bangladeshi adults using CT scans.
Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in the department of radiology and imaging, Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical college hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2023 to December 2023. A total of 408 adult patients with clinical symptoms or history suggestive of neurological ailment were analyzed. CT scans of the brain of all the patients were performed in Supria 128 Fujifilm multi-slice CT scanner and the studies were analyzed retrospectively on Synapse 3D workstation. Measurements were taken with inbuilt linear calipers. The greatest width of the third ventricle (3V) and fourth ventricle (4V) on axial images using a linear approach were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 22.0.
Result: The study found that the mean measurements of the 3V were 4.27±1.22 mm in males and 3.73±1.03 mm in females, with an overall mean of 3.92±1.13 mm. For the 4V, the mean measurements were 11.73±1.27 mm in males and 10.67±1.07 mm in females, resulting in an overall mean of 11.03±1.25 mm. The largest dimensions in both ventricles were consistently observed in individuals aged 60 years and above, regardless of gender. Additionally, on average, the measurements of both ventricles were higher in males compared to females. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the sizes of both ventricles between male and female subjects.
Conclusions: This study concludes normal third and fourth ventricular sizes in Bangladeshi adults using CT scans.  These can serve as baseline reference values in our hospital in routine practice.
Study of facial reconstruction in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shah Kesha Chetan , Srivastava Sunil
Published: January 2024

Head and neck reconstruction presents unique challenges as the defects of this region are often difficult to conceal and the demands on the surgeon’s reconstructive skills are greater than they are elsewhere in the body where cosmesis may be less vital and function less specialized. Reconstruction depends on the size as well as the location of the defect. Smaller defects created after excision can be covered by local flaps, however larger defects require a combination of flaps such as rotation, transposition, and cheek advancement. Defects located over and beyond the hairline can be covered by skin grafting as well. We have taken 10 such cases of basal cell carcinoma and explained the various surgical procedures performed on the patients. In 4 of the patients, defect was covered via grafting and in the remaining 6 patients, a combination of forehead flap and cheek advancement flap was done. All the cases have shown excellent functional as well as cosmetic result.
Laparoscopic Heller’s cardiomyotomy for achalasia cardia-a case series with review of literature
Authors: Agrawal Prachi Praveen , Joshi Abhijit S.
Published: January 2024

Laparoscopic Heller’s cardio myotomy has almost completely replaced the open procedure performed for achalasia cardia. Several studies have suggested that long-term results with surgery for achalasia cardia are better than a medical line of management. In this retrospective study, we outline our experience with laparoscopic cardio myotomy over 15 years. Also, we compare our results with those of other interventional modalities which are known therapeutic options for achalasia cardia. We identified 10 patients (4 females and 6 males) operated upon by a single surgeon from 2008 to 2023, at our institution. The age range was 16-48 years. All patients had undergone oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD scopy), upper gastro-intestinal (UGI) manometry and contrast enhanced computerised tomography (CECT) of the lower chest and upper abdomen. The patients were analysed for age, sex, symptoms, pre-operative evaluation, the exact procedure performed (Heller’s+Toupet’s vs Heller’s+Dorr’s), morbidity/mortality and functional outcomes. They were also reviewed to examine the length of stay, length of procedure, complications and recurrent symptoms on follow-up.
Congenital mesenteric cysts: rare but important entities in abdominal surgery
Authors: Mookherjee Aparajita , Rayudu Durga K. , K. Vidyavathi , Kundhan Hirshitha
Published: January 2024

Mesenteric cysts are rare, benign, intra-abdominal tumors with an incidence of 1 case per 2,50,000 hospital admission. They present with non-specific clinical symptoms and signs which mostly lead to misdiagnosis. In many conditions mesenteric cysts are discovered either accidentally during radiological examination or during laparotomy for management of complications. Mesenteric cysts are usually non-cancerous and can be lined by different kinds of tissues. The exact cause of mesenteric cysts is not known, but there are various theories regarding it. In children they are considered as congenital i.e., due to abnormalities in development of embryonic mesentery and in adults it might be due to lymphatic malformation, occult trauma or infection. Treatment of mesenteric cyst includes enucleation or surgical excision depending on type of cyst. Since the case is very rare, pre-operative diagnosis and treatment is a challenge. We report a case of five-year-old female child with enterogenous mesenteric cyst in the small intestine. The differentials of ultrasound showed para ovarian cyst or mesenteric cyst. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an attached cystic mass at mesentery measuring 96×28×17 mm (CC×AP×AR). The child underwent exploratory laparotomy with cyst excision and intestinal resection with end-to-end anastomosis of small intestine. The knowledge about these cysts is important because many times they go undiagnosed and cause serious complications like rupture, torsion or intestinal obstruction.