bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate Model for Temperature Dependence of Solar Cell Performance According to Phonon Energy Correction
Authors: Tiandho Y. , Sunanda W. , Afriani F. , Indriawati A. , Handayani T. P.
Published: December 2018

In many experiments, it has been reported that the performance of solar cells decreases with increasing temperature. This effect arises due to an increase in the intrinsic carrier concentration of material that directly affects the reverse saturation currents (J
0). As a result, the open circuit voltage which is inversely proportional to J
0 will decrease quite rapidly with increasing temperature. The intrinsic carrier concentration is determined by the bandgap energy of a material and its temperature. The Varshni relationship is a relation for the variation of the bandgap energy with temperature in semiconductors that has been used extensively in the model of a solar cell performance. But the problem is the Varshni relation just calculates the contribution of the vibrational part at the temperature, which is much greater than the Debye temperature. These works proposed a model of temperature dependence of solar cell performance that involves phonon energy correction and electron-phonon coupling interaction. This correction is applied because the electron-phonon coupling interaction is an intrinsic interaction of semiconductors. The existence of interaction cannot be avoided either experimentally or theoretically. The proposed model is compared with experimental data, which have fairly high accuracy.
Heat Cost Allocation in Multi-Apartment Buildings: A Literature Review
Authors: Laicāns M. , Puķīte I. , Geipele I. , Zeltins N. , Greķis A.
Published: December 2018

Literature review aims at examining various scientific articles on the accounting methods of individual heat consumption and heat cost allocation.

Nowadays, accounting methods of heat consumption and heat cost allocation in multi-apartment buildings are a topical issue. Heat and water supply is one of the key services provided to residential buildings and their residents. Residents appreciate solutions that allow them consume as much heat as they need and are able to pay, but on condition that the calculation methodology is understandable and easy to perceive.

Directive 2010/31/EU on the Energy Performance of Buildings adopted by the European Parliament and the Council (Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, 2010) stipulates that owners or te-nants of buildings shall be provided with the information on energy efficiency measures, their goals and objectives, cost effective ways to improve the energy performance of a particular building and, where appropriate, in the case of available financial instruments to improve the energy performance of a particular building.

The aim of the research is to perform literature analysis using topical articles on the accounting methods of individual heat consumption and heat cost allocation, which are published in the Web of Science and Scopus scientific databases, by analysing and comparing the published results.
Evaluation of Transition to Updated Regional Q-Geoid Model
Authors: Kaminskis J. , Vallis A. , Stamure I. , Reiniks M. , Geipele I. , Zeltins N.
Published: December 2018

During the last years, the European and the Nordic quasi-geoid models and existing national q-geoid models covered the territory of Latvia. There are many ways for comparison and tests of results achieved. Scientists and professionals can compare models directly at some special geodetic co-location stations or use GNSS/levelling sites. The results of this research can be used by scientists and specialists in the fundamental geodetic observations for independent monitoring of existing q-geoid models and evaluation of accuracy.

The research aims at evaluating the transition to the best updated regional q-geoid model. The research objectives are the following: 1) to investigate and analyse the development of q-geoid model LV14; 2) to conduct precision research; 3) to assess the challenges of the European Vertical Reference System; 4) to draw conclusions that allow for further research in this area for development and improvement.

Within the framework of the research, the authors have used a variety of research methods. Historical and logical approaches, comparative analysis and synthesis methods, as well as inductive – deductive data analysis methods have been selected for the research.

A conclusion for such kind of studies is to implement the most appropriate q-geoid solution and to develop new astrogeodetic methods for unification, monitoring and for reliability of a geodetic reference network.
Prediction Models for Thermal Conductivity of Cement-based Composites
Authors: Baghban Mohammad H. , Kioumarsi Mahdi , Grammatikos Sotirios
Published: December 2018

Cement-based materials are the most consumed materials in the construction industry. Low or high thermal conductive cement-based materials are of interest in applications such as embedded floor heating systems, building envelopes or structural elements. This paper describes prediction models for thermal conductivity of cementitious composites by considering different variables such as constituent materials, porosity and moisture content. The presented prediction models may be used for thermal conductivity based mix design of cementitious materials. Based on the desired accuracy, different solutions are proposed.
Traffic Safety of Main Roads in Poland
Authors: Jurecki Rafał , Poliak Miloš
Published: December 2018

The article presents an analysis of traffic safety on major communication routes in Poland. The total number of accidents in Poland has been compared and analysed in relation to the objectives in the context of the GAMBIT programs and the National Road Safety Program for the years 2013-2020. Analyses of the number of accidents in the years 2004-2017 have been presented in the article. A significant decrease in accidents has been demonstrated and annual changes determined, the value of which ranged from 12.15 to 6.74%. The statistics on fatalities have been also analysed. A midyear change in the number of fatalities has been determined, which constitute -4.4% in the analysed period. The data on the number of vehicles registered in Poland, which considerably affects traffic congestion, has been presented. In spite of this, there has been no increase in the number of accidents. The work compares changes in the length of the most important types of routes in Poland, as well as accidents and fatalities that occurred on them. With the decreasing overall number of accidents in Poland, there has been a noticeable drop in accidents per 100 km of road length also on these roads. The fatality rate per 100 accidents in Poland has been determined and the average value of this rate in 2017 was 8.64, while on the analysed roads it ranged from 12.3 to 14.6.
Analysis of the Reasons for Violation of the Standards on Working Time by Professional Drivers
Authors: Zuska Andrzej
Published: December 2018

The paper features a discussion on the legal conditions that regulate the aspects of working time, driving times, breaks and rest periods for professional drivers. The drivers’ knowledge of and compliance with the regulations were the subject of surveys conducted among thirty professional drivers. The study was conducted on a group of selected drivers (males) hired in a single transport company. The interviewees referred to their knowledge and its practical use in everyday work. The interviewees responded anonymously and voluntarily to the questions asked in the survey. These were persons of the age of 21 to 65 years old. 47% of all interviewees executed only national transports, whereas international transports were executed by 33% drivers. The interviewees included persons with basic, vocational, secondary and higher education. Most of them were persons with large occupational experience, working as a professional driver longer than 5 years, no persons with occupational experience between 11 to 19 years. The paper includes the specification of the survey methodology and analysis of the obtained results, with special attention paid to the reasons for the conscious and unconscious violation of regulations. The analysis results are presented in a graphical form.
Photobiological Safety of Incandescent Lamp Replacements
Authors: Pawlak Andrzej
Published: December 2018

The article, based on the records of the EN 62471:2008, presents guidelines for photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. There are allowed safe exposure times presented and emission limit values for each of four risk groups, defined by the standard. The paper presents criteria for lamps irradiance or radiance measurement. Discussed risks with association of ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation. For a detailed presentation of the potential risks associated with the blue light, there is made a comparison of spectra of selected light sources. On these basis, the blue light hazard assessment was presented for selected light sources.
Impact of Dock Tanks Pumping Plan on Structural Loads of a Dock and a Ship
Authors: Rajewski Przemysław
Published: December 2018

Positioning of a ship on a working platform above the waterline in order to repair and modernize the underwater hull parts requires changes from continuous support to point support. And as a result of such, the load of the ship structure is subject to changes as well. In extreme cases, the loads may exceed the allowable loads and cause damage to the hull structure. The paper presents the technical aspects of the ships docking process which may have an impact on safety. It also includes a discussion on procedures that reduce the risk of malfunction and failure.
An Algorithm for Diagnosing Injection Systems of Marine Engines
Authors: Bejger Artur , Drzewieniecki Jan
Published: December 2018

The article presents the developed methods for diagnosing and analysing signals from injection systems of marine engines. As a source signal, the authors use elastic waves of acoustic emission. The essential fact in the case here considered is that the high frequency of signal from working elements of the injection system comes from a close source directly related to the change of the working parameters of the element (system). Characteristically for elastic waves of acoustic emission, low frequencies (e.g. those from other sources, such as machines in the engine room) are in this case attenuated. Therefore, the proper selection of the method for the analysis allows us accurately diagnose the injection system of a working engine.
Energy Saving Energetic Systems for Coastal Fishing Cutters
Authors: Behrendt Cezary , Barta Dalibor
Published: December 2018

The maritime environment protection is increasingly reflected in legal regulations regarding, inter alia, the harmful exhaust gas components emitted by marine combustion engines. The provisions imposing the emission limits for SOx, NOx and CO2 are included in MARPOL 73/78 ANNEX VI adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). However, as of today, these provisions are not applicable to fishing cutters. One of the methods, both to decrease emissions’ volume and also to reduce the operating costs of ships, is to lower fuel consumption of marine energetic systems. The paper presents a proposition of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly energetic systems for coastal fishing cutters. It also demonstrates the importance of the said systems and includes the elaboration regarding the impact of fuel type, renewable energy sources and energy conversion methods on the hazards to the environment caused by the emission of harmful exhaust gas components. The presented solutions refer to fishing cutters of the length of 15-30 m and are categorized into two groups. The division criterion applied is an access to technologies currently available and future technologies enabling the use of alternative energy sources.
Research on the Concept of Using Calcium Carbide as a Source of Energy for Transport from the Seabed
Authors: Filipek Wiktor , Broda Krzysztof
Published: December 2018

The growing interest in the exploitation of marine deposits has resulted in the development of research on deposits and technologies for their exploitation. For several years, the authors have been dealing with one of the most important problems in the deep sea mining of mineral deposits, namely transport from great depths. This publication presents theoretical considerations regarding the use of calcium carbide as a source of energy for transport from the seabed. The authors proposed three lines of the course of the decomposition reaction of calcium carbide and then analyzed the possibility of their use. From the obtained results it can be concluded that the maximum depth of use of a simple CaC2 distribution is about 1 km, while using the method proposed by the authors based on the “balance of forces” (using an additional medium) it is possible to apply this method to any depth occurring on Earth.
The Concepts of Inland Passenger Transport in the Oder River Basin
Authors: Kaup Magdalena , Łozowicka Dorota
Published: December 2018

This article presents the concepts of inland passenger transport: tourist and cruise in the basin of the Oder river. The first part describes the operating and technical parameters of the Oder and the present trends and directions in the development of inland waterway passenger services. Another part of the article contains an analysis of the results of the surveys carried out among respondents living in agglomerations lying on the Oder River. These studies have enabled the creation of two passenger transport concepts that enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of inland waterway transport with respect to other modes of transport.
An Estimation of the Final Price of Container Ships Based on Main Ship Parameters with the Use of ndCurveMaster Curve Fitting Software
Authors: Cepowski Tomasz
Published: December 2018

The paper presents regression formulas that allow us to estimate the final price of new container ships, based on TEU and deadweight capacity, service speed, length between perpendiculars and gross tonnage of container ships built from 2005 to 2015. The formulas were developed using the author’s own method based on curve fitting techniques and regression methods. The study shows that utilising the author’s method to predict the final price could offer greater accuracy solutions than any standard methods presented in literature. This method was implemented properly with ndCurveMaster curve fitting software which was developed by the author and was applied to develop regression equations presented in the article. The formulas presented in the article have practical application for estimation of container ship final price needed in transport studies or preliminary parametric container ship design. These equations refer to the most up to date vessels and offer the chance to advance ship design theory.
Fretting Wear as an Example of Destruction of Railway Vehicles Wheelsets
Authors: Dębiński Marcin , Brezáni Miloš
Published: December 2018

The article refers to the importance of the aspect of durability and reliability of wheelsets. It contains a short analysis of railway accidents in which the causes were failures of wheelsets. The paper lists most common faults occurring in the course of the wheelsets operation. The major problem of the paper were laboratory analyses of fretting wear developing in interference joints. The research has been conducted using a wheelset comprising a shaft and a sleeve. Fatigue tests in conditions close to the wheelset operating environment have been conducted. The laboratory analyses included macroscopic observation that indicated fretting wear signs on both sides of the wheel seat in form of a 3.5 mm wide ring around the entire perimeter. The following procedures included microscopic observations in the wear signs area, that indicated numerous material accumulations exposed to plastic deformation and oxidation.
Alternative Propulsion Plants for Modern LNG Carriers
Authors: Grzesiak Szymon
Published: December 2018

This paper shows the latest evolution trends of propulsion plants of modern LNG tankers. Features of conventional and advanced steam plants were confronted with propulsion plants such as Dual Fuel – Diesel electric and plants equipped with slow speed two stroke diesel engines. Propulsion plants were compared in terms of plant efficiency, reliability and environmental. The shipyard’s order book and the active fleet of LNG carriers with a capacity above 65000 m3 were analyzed.
Energy Saving Systems of Hydrostatic Drives for Ship Deck Machines
Authors: Skorek Grzegorz
Published: December 2018

A control system with a proportional directional throttling control valve or a directional control servo valve, controlling a cylinder (linear hydraulic motor) is used in the ship steering gear drive, in the controllable pitch propeller control, in the variable capacity pump control system for hydraulic deck equipment motors or fixed pitch propellers in small ships (for example ferries). Energy savings in a constant capacity pump operation can be achieved by means of overflow valve controlled by the oil outlet pressure between the directional throttling control valve and the cylinder. Although structural volumetric losses cannot be eliminated in such a system, but it is possible to reduce considerably structural pressure losses, mechanical losses and volumetric losses in the pump, and mechanical losses in the cylinder too. The paper discusses these energy savings using an earlier developed by Paszota mathematical model of losses in elements, the energy efficiency of the system and the operating range of the cylinder. The paper also presents a comparison of the energy behavior of two widespread structures of hydrostatic systems: a standard individual systems with a throttling steering fed by a constant capacity pump. Both system solutions are described and equations of the total efficiency η of the system are presented. Diagrams of energy efficiency of two hydraulic systems working at the same parameters of a speed and a load of hydraulic linear motor, which were different due to structure and ability of energy saving, were presented and compared.
Application the Results of Energy Efficiency Audit Planning and Implementation of Fishing Vessels Modernisation
Authors: Szczepanek Marcin , Rajewski Przemysław , Barta Dalibor
Published: December 2018

The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) became mandatory for new ships as well as the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships due to the MEPC 62 (July 2011) along with the adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI by the Parties to the MARPOL Annex VI. This was the first legally binding climate change treaty to be adopted since the Kyoto Protocol. The Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), which has been obligatory since 2013, did not to cover fishing cutters but triggered the implementation of energy efficiency audits due to fishing limits, high fuel prices, and free freight market. A research team of the Maritime University of Szczecin conducted energy efficiency audits on several fishing vessels operated on the Baltic Sea and provided the results to the shipowners. On their grounds, the shipowners started seeking methods to reduce energy consumption. They began modernizing the vessels using the information collected in the reports on energy audits. Usually, the modernization process is performed in several stages. Apart from energy recovery installations, fishing vessels were furnished with the latest technologies aimed at the reduction of energy consumption and at making ships greener. The paper presents results of the said process at the selected fishing cutters operating on the Baltic Sea. The paper includes also the recommendations on the directions of the following stages of the audits.
Theoretical Research on the Gas Phase Density Change in Processes Occurring During Work of the Transport Module Intended for Transport From the Seabed
Authors: Filipek Wiktor , Broda Krzysztof
Published: December 2018

In recent years, we have observed a great interest in the exploitation of marine deposits by various methods of mining and transport to the surface. However, obtaining natural resources deposited at greater depths such as polymetallic nodules and seafloor massive sulphides – SMS creates a lot of challenges for both scientists and engineers. The solutions developed so far, unfortunately, have so far been characterized by high energy consumption.

For several years the authors have been conducting theoretical and experimental research on new concepts of seabed to surface transport. The results of them have been presented in previous publications. This publication presents the results of the continuation of research on the concept of construction and operation of an autonomous transport module (submitted for printing). It focuses on a theoretical analysis of the change in gas phase density in the processes occurring during operation of the transport module intended for transport from the seabed. For this purpose, a reduced form of the van der Waals equation was used in the form of a third-degree equation for parameters interested from the point of view of the transport module.
Technical Experimental Equipment for Making Porous Wire Samples
Authors: Jakubowski Andrzej , Dounar Stanislau
Published: December 2018

Original experimental technical equipment for making samples in the form of permeable tubes of porous material, i.e. coiled wire. The article describes the construction of the equipment, the processes of forming and pressing the wire semi-product and methods of fixing the ends of the wire product.
A Characteristic of Selected Properties of Vulcanised Rubber Elements Used on the “Izabel” Inland Vessel
Authors: Pawłowska Patrycja , Matuszak Zbigniew , Sosik Katarzyna , Chovancová Mária
Published: December 2018

Vulcanised rubber as a complex system is made from the basic component being virgin rubber and various components amounting to 10-15 per cent or even more. The material gains its most valuable properties in the final phase of processing i.e. vulcanisation. In mechanical as well as automotive engineering it is important for vulcanised rubber to be resistant to grease, oil and fuel in high operating temperatures. Being one of the very valuable isolation materials, vulcanised rubber is also characterised by dielectric and elastic properties as well as distinguished resistance to operating conditions (high/low temperature, weather conditions). All the above mentioned applications of vulcanised rubbers are also found in the shipyard industry. Their use is also very much predicated on the properties such as: ability to attenuate mechanical vibrations, high elasticity, considerable elastic deformability under static and dynamic loads, low permeability of water and gas, resistance to various chemicals, and other. The purpose of this article was to determine the hardness of vulcanised rubber samples obtained from various places on the “Izabel” inland barge. The scope of the study covered sampling and preparing the samples for testing (i.e. cleaning and degreasing the samples). Then, the hardness of the samples was measured using the Shore hardness test. The first part of the article presents the general concept of vulcanised rubber, its main components, properties, applications, and ageing. The second part focuses on the research scope and measuring the hardness of vulcanised rubber samples obtained from the “Izabel” inland barge.
Inter-parliamentary cooperation as a means for reinforcing joint scrutiny in the EU: upgrading existing mechanisms and creating new ones
Authors: Griglio Elena , Stavridis Stelios
Published: December 2018

This special issue develops a contextual analysis of EU inter-parliamentary cooperation in the post Lisbon Treaty framework. Indeed, it is possible to claim that there are several sources and causes for renewed EU inter-parliamentary cooperation: first, a voluntary one, i.e. the connection with the Lisbon Treaty’s intent to facilitate a wider democratisation objective; second, this time more a reaction than an initiative, the need to counterbalance the institutional outcomes of the economic and financial crisis that shook the world but particularly the eurozone; and, third, the call for an improvement in existing rules and mechanisms to develop even further democratic (read: parliamentary) input in common policies.

The special issue analyses whether current inter-parliamentary mechanisms are suited to react to these challenges. It specifically assesses the practical impact of interparliamentary cooperation on the numerous democratic gaps that still exist in the EU's multi-layered decision-making process. Its objective is to show, beyond the mere sharing of information and the comparison of best practices at a supranational and transnational level, whether existing inter-parliamentary practices contribute to joint parliamentary scrutiny by involving both the EP and the national parliaments of EU member states.
A comparison of existing forums for interparliamentary cooperation in the EU and some lessons for the future
Authors: Fromage Diane
Published: December 2018

Interparliamentary conferences and other permanent forums for interparliamentary cooperation are blossoming in the European Union. Following more or less lengthy negotiations between national and European parliamentarians, two new conferences and a new joint parliamentary scrutiny group for Europol have been created since 2012. Against this background, this article examines to what extent the Joint parliament scrutiny group is comparable to the previously existing interparliamentary conferences. Beyond that, it asks the question as to whether any better-defined guidelines or procedures could be adopted to rationalise the process of creation of new forums for interparliamentary cooperation. It makes some concrete proposals in that direction.
The Contribution of COSAC to Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny in the EU: A Practitioner’s View
Authors: Dias Pinheiro Bruno A.
Published: December 2018

COSAC has played an active role in fostering and developing interparliamentary he central question addressed here is to assess whether COSAC is currently structured to allow NPs to obtain more information and access to the policy and decision-making circuits at EU level and, therefore, if NPs are benefiting from COSAC or are they, on the contrary, lagging behind and lost amidst so many interparliamentary meetings?

It is argued that COSAC occupies a key role in the multipolarised system of with the “global picture” and therefore in a unique position to bring coherence to the overall system. This paper therefore aims at putting forward some ideas and approaches regarding the role of COSAC in the effectiveness of interparliamentary cooperation, covering not only its present proceedings and output, but also some thoughts for further reflection on the future strengthening of COSAC.
Transnational Parliamentarism and the Dynamics of the IPC CFSP/CSDP: Policy-making, Accountability and Cooperation
Authors: Raube Kolja , Fonck Daan
Published: December 2018

This contribution proposes a framework of transnational parliamentarism to study inter-parliamentary cooperation, and applies it to the interparliamentary conference on CFSP/CSDP. It asks to what extent the IPC’s functioning reflects its constitutive intergovernmental logic, or whether its behaviour in practice might be guided by a transnational logic, hence becoming something more than just the parliamentary mirror of an intergovernmental cooperation framework. To this end we outline three functions that are brought forward by transnational parliamentarism: policy-making, collective accountability and cooperation, and investigate to which extent these logics can be observed in the functioning of the IPC CFSP/CSDP. Applying the framework reveals a nuanced picture of an inter-parliamentary cooperation framework which to some extent goes beyond purely intergovernmental functions of domestic accountability and representation, and also includes the performance of policy-making and parliamentary cooperation functions.
Article 7 TEU: From a Dormant Provision to an Active Enforcement Tool?
Authors: Coli Martina
Published: December 2018

For a long time considered, improperly, a sort of ‘nuclear’ option, Article 7 TEU is the key EU Treaty provision in the field of values enforcement. In the context of the Union’s current rule of law crisis, such a provision deserves the greatest attention, especially after the European Commission’s proposal in December 2017 to trigger the procedure against Poland, under Article 7(1) TEU. This article contributes to understandings of the provision by reviewing its main features and contextualising its deployment in the general Polish rule of law crisis, with the aim of evaluating whether it can now be considered as an operational instrument for values enforcement. Although the Commission’s (late) decision to activate the Article 7(1) TEU procedure should be welcomed as a major effort in restoring the rule of law within the European Union, the (perceived and real) limits of Article 7 TEU and the inertia of the EU institutions cast a shadow over the procedure’s effective implementation.
Eosinophil count (EC) as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for infection in the internal medicine department setting
Authors: Karakonstantis Stamatis , Gryllou Niki , Papazoglou George , Lydakis Charalampos
Published: December 2018

Introduction
. Eosinopenia has been previously investigated as a marker to differentiate infectious from non-infectious diagnoses and as a prognostic marker. Most previous studies were conducted in intensive care unit patients. Our study focuses on the value of eosinopenia in patients admitted to the Internal Medicine department.

Methods
. We retrospectively analyzed 271 consecutive patients with infection and 31 patients presenting with fever or inflammatory syndrome and a non-infectious diagnosis. We evaluated and compared the following markers for differentiating infectious from non-infectious diagnoses: eosinophil count [EC], CRP, WBC and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio [NLCR]. We also evaluated the value of eosinopenia as a monitoring parameter in patients with infections.

Results
. Eosinopenia at admission was found in 71% of patients with infection compared to 32% in the non-infection group. EC and NLCR were moderate markers for discriminating infection from non-infection, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.789 and 0.718 respectively. Significant eosinopenia (≤ 10/µL) had a high specificity (90%) for diagnosing infections. High EC at admission (> 400/µL) was rare in the infection group (1.5%), but not uncommon in the non-infection group (25.8%). Persistent eosinopenia was noted in non-survivors, compared to the rapid normalization of EC in survivors.

Conclusions
. Among patients presenting with fever and/or high inflammatory markers a low EC is supportive of infection, while a high EC may suggest non-infectious diagnoses. The persistence/ resolution of eosinopenia may be a useful monitoring parameter to predict response to therapy.
Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematomas Requiring Reoperation: Could Small Trephination Be a Valid Alternative to Conventional Approaches?
Authors: Adam Danil , Iftimie Dragos , Moisescu Cristiana
Published: December 2018

Background: Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) are one of the most common intracranial lesions treated in a neurosurgical department. They associate significant morbidity and mortality that increase in the case of recurrences requiring reoperation. Despite extensive published literature, there is still significant debate regarding optimal management of CSDHs and their potential recurrence. Objective: Identify factors for recurrence requiring reoperation of CSDHs in order to adjust our management strategies. Methods: A retrospective review of 64 cases harbouring 71 CSDHs that were surgically treated in the Neurosurgery Department of “Saint Pantelimon” Clinical Emergency Hospital over a period of two years (January 2016 - December 2017). Two main surgical techniques were used: small trephine and large bone flap craniotomy, according to the operating surgeon’s preference. CT scans were performed at admission and 24 hours postoperatively. Postoperative management was similar in all cases. Results: Recurrence requiring reoperation (RrR) was encountered in 16 (25%) of the reviewed cases. Reoperation was found to be significantly more often encountered in particular preoperative CT characteristics: laminar type (RrR=38,10%, p=0.027) and maximal thickness above 22 mm (43,75%, p = 0,013). Surgical technique had a substantial impact on recurrence: in trephinated cases, reoperation was required in only 8 of 51 patients (RrR=15,69%, p = 0.007), while large bone flap craniotomy associated a RrR of 61,54% (p = 0.008), which increased when associated with inner membranectomy (RrR=87,5%, p = 0,007) or subdural drain placement (88,89%, p = 0.007). Reoperations not only doubled the neurosurgical hospital length of stay, but also associated higher perioperative mortality rates (18.75% versus 14,58%). Conclusions: In our series, surgical technique had a decisive impact on the rate of recurrence. CSDH surgery is another example of “in medio stat virtus”, where finding the right balance between the least and most aggressive technique has the potential of providing the best outcomes, and thus small trephination could be taken into consideration.
Unusual Posttraumatic Vascular and Cerebral Injuries in Young Patients
Authors: Marciuc Emilia , Barcan M. , Dobrovăţ B. , Popescu Roxana , Tudorache Cornelia , Haba Danisia
Published: December 2018

Blunt carotid artery injury is a relatively rare but potentially lethal injury that predominantly occurs in high-impact mechanisms such as motor-vehicle collision. Any simptoms or neurological deficits following a multiple trauma patient mandates a thorough evaluation and consideration of BCI. This is a case report on two young patients with neurologic simptoms developed after blunt trauma in the cervical region. Both patients had left internal carotid artery dissection diagnosed on a CT-angiography, followed by middle cerebral artery territory infarction. Although it can be a delayed onset with no signs of vascular demage, we believe that, by implementing a protocol with additional imaging for early detection, we can prevent a devastating outcome.
Techniques of Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A comparative study
Authors: Iacob Gabriel , Salam Abdul , Hawis Abdul Rahman
Published: December 2018

Aim: To compare between classic open surgeries and minimally invasive surgeries in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Methods: A comparative descriptive study, involved 117 patients suffering from lumbar canal stenosis, aged between 40-70 years; admitted to department of Neurosurgery from March 2011 till august 2016 in King Fahad Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Study groups are consisted of group A as patients managed with classical laminectomy, group B as patients managed with Endoscopic spinal procedures and group C as patients managed with Microscopic decompression facilitated by the Metrex Tubular System. SPSS was used in data entry and analysis, and ethical considerations taken into consideration and participants filled the required inform consents. Results: Age of particaoncet ranged from 45 - 63 Year, Mean +/- 50. The degenerative canal stenosis with acute disc single level (cauda equina syndrome) was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group A, the unilateral foraminal and lateral recess stenosis without disc prolapse was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group B, while The unilateral foraminal and lateral recess stenosis without disc prolapse was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group C. Classic laminectomy and disectomy used mostly in group A, endoscopic unilateral decompression lamino-foraminotomy without discectomy used mostly in group B and bilateral microscopic laminectomy without discectomy followed by unilateral microscopic lamino-foraminotomy without discectomy used mostly in group C. Mean of operation duration was the highest in both gender of group A, followed by group B, then group C. Unintended durotomy was the most common intra operative complications occurred in the whole study especially in group A. Mean of blood lost was the highest in both gender of group A, followed by group B, then group C. Postop complications in the patients of study Groups was the highest in group A (33.3 %) ,followed by group B (8.5 %) and then group C (2 %). Conclusion: Microscopic decompression facilitated by the Metrex Tubular System is the most effective techniques of Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and the least intraoperative and post-operative complications.
Is there a role for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in neurovascular compression syndrome?
Authors: Temkar Prasad , Kato Yoko , Yamada Yasuhiro , Ansari Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Introduction - CFD uses complex algorithms to predict flow of fluids through a tube & also predicts its impact on walls. It is increasingly being used for prediction of aneurysmal wall thickness, flow, wall shear stress and to decide clip strategy. This is an experimental study, which analyses use of CFD in neurovascular compression syndrome and probable future applications. We analysed CFD findings in 12 cases retrospectively to know fluid dynamics of vessels and its implications. Methodology - Twelve patients - 7 cases of trigeminal neuralgia and 5 of hemifacial spasm who were to be treated by MVD, were enrolled. CFD i.e. WSSv (wall shear stress vector), WSSm (magnitude), SL (stream line) and Pressure, was done in all prospectively. Results - CFD of superior cerebellar artery, anterior inferior cerebellar artery and vertebral artery was done in each case at the contact site and immediate pre + post contact location. Comparitively High WSSm correlated maximally at nerve vessel contact junction (NVCj) and also high SL at the NVCj comparing with nerve vessel contact proximal (NVCp), WSSv showed wide variations and pressure change was in-conclusive. Conclusion - At contact site, the high WSSm& SL might be a reliable indicator of a neurovascular conflict zone. To conclusively validate the findings we need large number of patients and control group.
Long term results of Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy using Side viewing Conical working tube
Authors: Kaif Mohammad , Yadav Kuldeep , Husain Mazhar
Published: December 2018

Object: Endoscopic discectomy is a common procure performed worldwide with various devices being used and studies have reported their long term results. In this study we present the long term results of the unique device with separate side viewing channel. Methods: 66 patients of lumbar disc herniation treated between March 2009 to April 2012 using the unique conical working tube with separate side viewing endoscopic channel. Their preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Macnab scores were used to evaluate the outcome after a minimum follow of 5 years with mean follow up of 76.18 months. Results: There were 46 males and 20 females with age ranging from19-72 (mean-38.4 years). The follow up ranged from 61 months to 95 months with mean of 76.18 months. The mean preoperative ODI score was 74.7 which decreased to a mean of 7.8 and the outcome evaluated by Macnab criteria was 69.69% excellent, 17 % good, 10% fair, 3.03% poor. 2 patients underwent second surgery. None of the patient had to change their occupation due to their lumbar disc disease. Complications occurred were dural tear in 2 patients, transient foot paresis in 1 patient and 1 discitis in 1 patient which improved on medical management. Conclusion: Endoscopic discectomy using thins Conical working tube is a safe and effective technique for lumbar disc prolapse. It has the advantage for early mobilization, short hospital stay and low cost. The long term results are comparable to the conventional techniques.
External ventricular drainage for intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Kumar V.A. Kiran , Kiran N.A. Sai , Kumar V. Anil , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Ghosh Amrita , Pal Ranabir , Bola Venkata Ramya , Agrawal Amit
Published: December 2018

Background: Intervention to reduce intracranial pressure using External Ventricular Drain (EVD) is a common life saving measure in a neurosurgery intensive care unit(ICU). Objective: The present study was undertaken to assess the outcome of patients who underwent external ventricular drainage for intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH). Methods: The available data of the patients who underwent placement of external ventricular drain from February 2012 to May 2016 for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) at Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Nellore, was retrieved from the hospital case records and analyzed. Results: Total of 69 patients were included in this study. Mean age was 53.7 ±11.6 years. Clinical presentation included altered sensorium in 66 patients (96%), hemiparesis in 62 patients (90%) , vomiting in 40 patients (58%) and seizures in 9 patients (13%). Fifty two patients (75%) were known hypertensives and 10 patients (15%) were diabetic. Past history of smoking was recorded in 16(23%) patients and alcohol intake in 17 patients (25%). GCS at the time of admission was 3-8 (low) in 39 patients (57%), 9-12 in 23 patients(33%) and 13-15 in 7 patients (10%). At the time of admission, 60 patients ( 87%) had diastolic blood pressure more than 90 mmHg, 63 patients (91%) had systolic blood pressure more than 140 mmHg. Major site of hemorrhage was basal ganglia in 24 (35%), thalamus in 13 (19%), cerebellum in 5 (7%), brain stem in 3, frontal/temporal in 2 patients. SAH with IVH was noted in 12 patients (17%) and only IVH was noted in 10 patients (14%). Mean duration of external ventricular drainage was 4.6+1.7 days (Range 1-9 days). Mean hospital stay was 11.3±7.5 days and mean ICU stay was 8+5.4 days. Thirty eight patients (55%) died during hospital stay. At the time of discharge, poor out come (Glagow out come score 1-3) was noted in 52 patients (75%) and good out come (Glagow out come score-4,5) was noted in 17 patients. Among various parameters analyzed , poor GCS (3-8) at admission, history of smoking and alcohol intake were found to correlate significantly with poor outcome. None of the other factors like old age, site of bleed, pupillary asymmetry at admission, high blood pressure at admission, past history of hypertension and diabetes were found to correlate with poor outcome. Conclusions: Majority of the patients with intracranial hematomas with intraventricular extension presented in poor neurological condition (GCS= 3-8). Poor neurological condition at the time of admission, past history of smoking and alcohol intake were associated with poor outcome.
A clinicoradiological scoring for management of acute subdural hematoma: a prospective study
Authors: Gautam Sachidanand , Sharma Anubhav , Dulara S.C.
Published: December 2018

Background: Acute subdural hematoma is the most common type of traumatic intra cranial hematoma accounting for 24% cases of severe head injuries and caries highest mortality. The aim of this study is to analyze the prognostic factors and to propose Neuro-clinical and radiological prognostic scoring system on the clinical spectrum and to evaluate the postoperative outcome and validate the same. Methods: This is a prospective Study which included 100 patients admitted in Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan from 01st Jan 2016 to 30 June 2017 with head injury and were diagnosed to have Traumatic Subdural Hemorrhage. A detailed clinical history, Physical examination, Computerized Tomography scan was performed in all patients and were divided into 2 groups; that is conservative or surgical interventional as per Neuro-clinical and radiological prognostic scoring system. Results: The maximum patients suffering from Subdural Hematoma were in the age group of 11-60 years with male predominance 72%. The most common mode of injury was RTA with 68 % of incidence. 36 out of 100 cases presented to hospital with GCS <8 while 44 patients showed improvement of GCS after resuscitation. Out of 100 cases, surgical approach was considered in 34 patients while remaining patients were managed conservatively. Pupillary reaction, Hypotension, CT scan findings that is, thickness of hematoma >10mm and midline shift of >5mm, delay in interval between the surgery had greatly affected on outcome of patients. Conclusions: According to the results, use of Neuro-clinical and radiological prognostic scoring system is very useful in determining early intervention and also avoids unnecessary surgical intervention.
Flow characteristics of intermittent rivers in Slovakia
Authors: Rutkowska Agnieszka , Kohnová Silvia , Banasik Kazimierz , Szolgay Jan
Published: December 2018

Flow characteristics of intermittent rivers in Slovakia. Intermittent rivers are rivers that cease to fl ow, i.e. temporary, ephemeral, seasonal, and episodic rivers. Analysis of hydrological regime of such rivers is pivotal in assessment of water resources because changes in fl ow characteristics of such rivers may affect neighboring catchments or the entire region through changes in water supply reservoirs such as lakes, wetlands and mosses. Recently, an increasing number of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) and an elongation of the zero- -fl ow events has been observed in Europe due to climatic changes and anthropogenic influence. Intermittent rives in Slovakia were studied in the paper using statistical methods. The characteristics of the zero-fl ow period, of duration of the longest annual zero-fl ow event and of timing of such events were derived. The circular statistics were helpful in recognition of the dates of occurrence of such events. The comparative analysis between catchments was performed. The variability in precipitation and evapotranspiration and the increasing temperature were identified as the possible drivers of the fl ow intermittence in these catchments. The research was performed within the COST Action SMIRES (Science and Management of Intermittent Rivers & Ephemeral Streams).
Mineral matter composition of drained floodplain soils in north-eastern Poland
Authors: Długosz Jacek , Kalisz Barbara , Łachacz Andrzej
Published: December 2018

Soils in two river valleys (Rozoga and Omulew) in north-eastern Poland were investigated. The valleys are located on a sandy outwash plain formed during the Vistulian (Weichelian) Glaciation. The soils are drained, used as meadows and classified as Fluvic Umbric Gleysol, Fluvic Mollic Gleysol, and Eutric Fluvic Histic Gleysol (IUSS Working Group WRB 2015). The aim of the study was to identify the composition of mineral matter and to determine the types of clay minerals and intermediate stages of clay minerals by means of the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The studied floodplain soils are rich in organic matter and contain considerable mineral alluvial admixtures. The content of clay fraction (< 2.0 μm) is low (0.02–5.61% of total mineral matter). Higher content of clay fraction was noted in soils with elevated content of organic matter, which can be evidence of simultaneous accumulation of both components. In deeper depressions occurring in river valleys (oxbow lakes), a specific deposit termed silty telmatic mud (16–24% TOC, 50–75% silt, 3.1–5.6% clay fraction content) was accumulated. On the other hand, in shallow depressions, a muddy deposit was accumulated (5.7–7.7% TOC, sandy texture). The main identified clay minerals were smectite, vermiculite, illite and kaolinite as well as variety of mixed-layer clays. Alluvial clay admixture in studied soil formations showed mineralogical similarity to typical floodplain mineral soils (Fluvisols). Mineral fraction of studied soils is mostly of allochthonous origin.