bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Neglect to Protection: Attitudes towards Whistleblowers in the European Institutions (1957–2002)
Authors: Gijsenbergh Joris
Published: March 2021

This article analyses how transparency became a buzzword in the European Union (EU) and its predecessors. In order to do so, it examines how the European Parliament (EP), the European Commission, the Court of Justice, and earlier European institutions responded to whistleblowing, between 1957 and 2002. In 2019, the EP agreed to encourage and protect whistleblowers. However, whistleblowing is far from a recent phenomenon. Historical examples include Louis Worms (1957), Stanley Adams (1973), and Paul van Buitenen (1998). Based on policy documents and parliamentary debates, this article studies the attitudes and reactions within European institutions towards whistleblowing. Their responses to unauthorized disclosures show how their views on openness developed from the beginning of European integration. Such cases sparked debate on whether whistleblowers deserved praise for revealing misconduct, or criticism for breaching corporate and political secrecy. In addition, whistleblowing cases urged politicians and officials to discuss how valuable transparency was, and whether the public deserved to be informed. This article adds a historical perspective to the multidisciplinary literature on whistleblowing. Both its focus on the European Coal and Steel Community, European Economic Community, and EU and its focus on changing attitudes towards transparency provide an important contribution to this multidisciplinary field.
Pendugaan Umur Simpan Tiwul Instan yang Dikemas dalam Aluminium Foil dan Polietilen dengan Metode Akselerasi Berdasarkan Pendekatan Kadar Air Kritis
Authors: Agustia Friska Citra , Rukmini Herastuti Sri , Naufalin Rifda , Ritonga Abdul Mukhlis
Published: March 2021

Penelitian bertujuan untuk menentukan umur simpan tiwul instan tinggi protein yang dibuat dari tepung ubi kayu dengan perlakuan modifikasi mikrobiawi dan kimiawi yang dikemas dalam kemasan aluminium foil dan plastik polietilen yang dihitung menggunakan metode akselerasi berdasarkan pendekatan kadar air kritis. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode eksperimental. Modifikasi mikrobiawi dilakukan dengan memfermentasi ubi kayu dengan ragi tape 4% dan diinkubasi selama 6 jam, sedangkan perlakuan kimiawi adalah dengan cara merendam ubi kayu dalam larutan soda kue selama 15 menit. Tiwul instan selanjutnya dibungkus dalam kemasan aluminium foil dan kemasan plastik polietilen. Kadar air tiwul dan tekstur dianalisis selama penyimpanan. Pembuatan pola kurva isotherm sorpsi air dan penghitungan masa simpan produk juga dilakukan pada penelitian ini. Hasilnya, tiwul instan perlakuan modifikasi kimiawi pada ubi kayu mempunyai masa simpan sekitar dua kali lipat dari perlakuan modifikasi mikrobiawi, yaitu masing-masing selama 4,88 tahun dan 2,13 tahun (yang disimpan dalam polietilen) serta 8,55 dan 3,89 tahun (yang disimpan dalam aluminium foil). Kesimpulannya, pendekatan titik air kritis dapat dilakukan untuk mendeteksi masa simpan tiwul instan, baik yang dikemas dalam aluminium foil maupun kemasan polietilen yang dapat menghasilkan masa simpan tiwul instan.“High Protein Instant Tiwul” Shelf Life Packed with Aluminum Foil and Polyethylene Using Critical Moisture Content ApproachAbstractThe research aims to determine the shelf life of high protein instant tiwul made from cassava flour with chemical and microbial modification packed in aluminum foil and polyethylene plastic packaging using the acceleration method with the critical moisture content approach. Fermented cassava (at 4% concentration for 6 hours incubation) was used as microbial modification treatment while cassava immersed in baking soda solution for 15 minutes was also applied as chemical modification. Instant tiwul was then packaged using aluminum foil and polyethylene. Moisture content of instant tiwul was determined during storage while water sorption isotherm curve patterns was also generated. Instant tiwul of cassava with chemical modified treatment had twice in shelf life, longer than those of microbial modification treatment, resulting 4.88 and 2.13 years (using polyethylene package) while 8.55 and 3.89 years (using aluminum foil), respectively. As conclusion, critical moisture approach could be used in the detection of shelf life in instant tiwul with polyethylene and aluminum foil packaging.
Preparedness of Working Population to Adhere to Legal Constraints and Prohibitions during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Koropets O.A. , Сhudinovskikh M.V.
Published: March 2021

In the pandemic times the majority of countries of the world resorted to introduction of prohibitions and constraints. The efficiency of these steps, the public well-being and safety largely depend on the willingness of people to observe them. The article presents the results of the research conducted throughout the territory of the Russian Federation during the first week of the lockdown (announced starting March 30 2020). 269 economically active (employed) respondents (186 women and 83 men aged 18-70) participated in an online survey. The study aimed at establishing the factors affecting the preparedness of the working population to observe the legal restrictions and prohibitions imposed during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors put forward and confirmed a hypothesis that the preparedness of the working population to comply with the prohibitions and limitations introduced in the pandemic is influenced by the perceived severity of the risk of getting infected during the performance of their professional duties and by the risk of loss of income. The study revealed the correlation between one's individual preparedness to respect the prohibitions and constraints on the one side and the rightful behavior of employers on the other.
Comparison of the effectiveness of supplementary prescribing the chonodoprotector Mucosat in the oral and parenteral dosage forms during the acute exacerbation of osteoarthritis
Authors: Peshekhonova Lyudmila K. , Peshekhonov Dmitry V. , Pyatibrat Alexander O. , Vengerovich Nikolai
Published: March 2021

The study aims to compare the methods of Mucosat drug use and administration for achieving the desired therapeutic effect in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Despite extensive evidence base, improving complex therapy schemes for the use of successive and complementary dosage forms with the appropriate drug administration and use in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect is still a valid aim.
In the course of the study, 50 knee osteoarthritis patients were examined and treated during the period from November, 2019 to April, 2020.
A clinical trial was carried out to assess Mucosat oral and parental administration effectiveness in the patients comparing their physical activity, functional ability and quality of life. The number of undesired side effects identified the degree of therapeutic tolerance against the comorbid diseases identified. A comparison of the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of Musocat intramuscular and capsule administration, patient compliance, the need to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was drawn.
Statistica 12 and Excel 2016 were used to carry out the statistical analysis of the data obtained. The study was generally marked by diagnostic accuracy with the use of modern methods, group homogeneity, prospective observational design.
By the time of pharmacotherapy completion, physical activity has become optimal in the study groups. However, parental therapy had significantly higher effectiveness than the oral one on all the subscales. As a result, articular syndrome severity has been reduced and the functional state of the joints expanded.
The study has shown that Mucosat demonstrates high efficacy both in injectable solution and capsule dosage forms as a basic chondroprotective drug. Mucosat pharmacotherapy course has contributed to permanent discontinuation of NSAIDs before completion of the therapy. The superiority of Mucosat parenteral administration over the oral one has been proven.
Transcriptome Analysis to Elucidate the Enhanced Cold Resistance of Phoebe zhennan Pretreated with Exogenous Calcium
Authors: Deng, Bo
Published: March 2021

Phoebe zhennan is a high-quality timber tree species, and cold stress is one of the most remarkable abiotic factors limiting its growth and development. In this study, effects of exogenous CaCl2 on cold resistance of P. Zhennan were surveyed. CaCl2-pretreatment increased the levels of abscisic acid, peroxidase, catalase, proline, and soluble sugar, while decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and relative electrical conductivity. In addition, RNA-sequencing was used to investigate global transcriptome responses to cold stress. A total of 4245 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 477 up-regulated and 3768 down-regulated. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were associated to the plant-pathogen interaction pathway, in which calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) play key role for improving the cold resistance of P. zhennan. Our results can be useful to understand the Ca2+-mediated cold resistance mechanism for improving cold stress tolerance in P. Zhennan seedlings. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
O elemento árabe en galego (II)
Authors: Frías Conde Xavier
Published: March 2021

A influencia do árabe sobre o galego é unha das cuestións pendentes da lingüística galega actual. Tense pensado a miúdo que o árabe non tivo influencia ningunha sobre o galego, mais isto é falso. Ducias de topónimos árabes están presentes por todo o dominio galego. Doutra banda, o galego posúe os seus proprios empréstimos árabes, diferentes dos que se achan nas linguas veciñas. Porén, debe entenderse que a presenza destes arabismos en galego é debida a un complexo proceso onde os mozárabes desempeñaron un papel fundamental.
Recensión: Rui Vasques, Crónica de Santa Maria de Iria. Estudo e edizón de José Antonio Souto Cabo
Authors: González Lousada Francisco
Published: March 2021

Recensión: Rui Vasques, Crónica de Santa Maria de Iria. Estudo e edizón de José Antonio Souto Cabo, Santiago de Compostela, Ediciós do Castro (Cabido da S.A.M.I. Catedral / Seminario de Estudos Galegos), 2001, 284 pp.
Gramática e teorização linguística em Portugal: a Gramática Filosófica de Jerónimo Soares Barbosa
Authors: Amor Couto Manuel
Published: March 2021

A Gramática filosófica da língua portuguesa (1822) de Jerónimo Soares Barbosa é um dos textos fundamentais da tradição gramatical portuguesa. Em todo o seu texto e particularmente na Introdução podem-se encontrar observações de interesse sobre temas centrais da teorização lingüística da época: a necessidade de uma gramática científica elaborada a partir de princípios rigorosos, as conexões das regras da linguagem com as regras lógicas, a divisão e conteúdo das partes da gramática e a urgência da reforma do ensino gramatical.
Recensión: César Candelas Colodrón, O Cronicón de Hidacio, bispo de Chaves / José Antonio López Silva, A Crónica de Idacio da Limia, bispo de Chaves
Authors: Ferraces Arsenio
Published: March 2021

Recensión: César Candelas Colodrón, O Cronicón de Hidacio, bispo de Chaves, Noia, Toxosoutos, 2004 (Serie Trivium 13). / José Antonio López Silva, A Crónica de Idacio da Limia, bispo de Chaves, Deputación Provincial de Ourense, 2004.
Recensión: Marcos Bagno, A Língua de Eulália. Novela Sociolingüística / Marcos Bagno, Preconceito lingüístico. O que é, como se faz
Authors: Sanmartín Rei Goretti
Published: March 2021

Recensión: Marcos Bagno (1997), A Língua de Eulália. Novela Sociolingüística, São Paulo, Editora Contexto. / Marcos Bagno (1999), Preconceito lingüístico. O que é, como se faz, São Paulo, Loyola.
Review of Scaffolded Minds: Integration and Disintegration by Somogy Varga
Authors: Zisk Alyssa Hillary
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
Review of Deaf Identities: Exploring New Frontiers edited by Irene W. Leigh and Catherine A. O'Brien
Authors: Haynes Leah Sink
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Activities of New 2-(4-methylphenylsulphonyl)-5-Aryl-1,3,4-Oxadiazole Compounds
Authors: GÜMRÜKÇÜOĞLU Nurhan , BİLGİN SÖKMEN Bahar
Published: March 2021

Bu çalışmada, antioksidan aktiviteye sahip bazı yeni heterosiklik oksadiazol türevlerinin sentezlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. 1,3,4-oksadiazoller, 4-metilfenilsülfonilhidrazidin farklı aromatik asitlerle POCl3 varlığında kondenzasyon reaksiyonu sonucu elde edilmiştir. Sentezlenen bileşiklerin yapıları 1H NMR ve 13C NMR spektroskopisi kullanılarak desteklenmiş ayrıca ince tabaka kromotografisi kullanılarak saflıkları kontrol edilmiştir. Elementel analizleri Carlo Erba 1106 elementel analiz cihazında yapılmıştır. 2,5-disübstitüye-1,3,4-oksadiazol türevlerinin (1-5) antioksidan aktiviteleri, ABTS (2,2′-Azino-bis(3-etilbenzenotiyazolin-6-sülfonik asid), DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-pikrilhidrazil) radikal giderme aktiviteleri ve demir indirgeme gücü antioksidan kapasitesine göre incelenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, sentezlenen bileşiklerin (1-5) etkili antioksidan aktiviteye sahip olduğunu göstermiştir.
Multi-Scale Aircraft Detection from Satellite Images
Authors: MOHAMMED Hussein Mahmood Abdo , POLAT Merve , ALI TAHLIL Abdullatif , ÖZBEK İbrahim Yücel
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Satellite image analysis is a research area in which many research studies are carried out for civil and military applications in the field of image processing. Satellite imagery has many applications including recognition, detection and classification of regions, buildings, roads, aircraft and other man-made objects. Among these, especially aircraft detection is strategically important for military applications, and forms the basis of this study. In the first phase of the study, a new dataset of aircrafts is created from Google Earth images to compensate the shortage of data set in this area. In the second stage, the detection of air vehicles was carried out using algorithms based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Region-based Fully Convolutional Network (R-FCN), Single Shot Multi Box Detector (SSD) and Faster R-CNN methods are used for this process. The obtained accuracy rate for R-FCN, SSD and Faster R-CNN are 98.01%, 69.71% and 96.56%, respectively.
Production of Kanthal-D Nanoparticles Using Exploding Wire Method
Authors: SOSLU Betül , ÖZBEK Yücel
Published: March 2021

This work examines the production of nanoparticles using exploding wire method (EWM). It is applied by the sudden discharge of a high voltage energy, stored on a power source, through a thin wire. The required high voltage energy was obtained with the use a voltage multiplier circuit which was first designed in the simulation environment. Then the circuit realized by the circuit elements’ parameters obtained through the simulation. Kanthal-D (FeCrAl alloy) wire was chosen as the thin metal, and all wire exploding experiments were carried out in air environment. The obtained nanoparticles were examined by SEM, and point analysis was applied to a target area on the SEM image. It is observed that the dimensions of obtained Kanthal-D nanoparticles in this study vary between 0-250 nm. In addition, EDS chemical microanalysis was performed to reveal obtained nanoparticles’ composition. Fe (71-7-74-7%), Al (4.8%) and Cr (20.5-23.5%) atoms were detected in the exploded nanoparticles. With this study, it has been shown for the first time in the literature that the stored energy obtained by a voltage multiplier circuit can be used in the EWM to produce nanoparticles in appropriate sizes
A comparative study of topical fixed dose combination of brimonidine (0.2%) plus brinzolamide (1%) versus brimonidine (0.2%) plus timolol (0.5%) in patients of primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Rastogi P S , Jain Kanupriya , Chander Ashish , Ansari Munavvar
Published: March 2021

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), fundamentally results from impaired or suboptimal drainage of aqueous humor from the eye through the trabecular meshwork and/or uveoscleral pathways.

: the purpose of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Brimonidine 0.2% plus Brinzolamide 1% versus Brimonidine 0.2% plus Timolol 0.5% in patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

A total of 81 subjects including 84 eyes in group I (brimonidine plus timolol) and 78 eyes in group II (brimonidine plus brinzolamide) with open angle glaucoma were enrolled. The detailed glaucoma examination was done. IOP measurements at 9 am, 12 pm and 3 pm, during week 2, 4, 8 and 12 were used to assess efficacy. Adverse events were recorded. The statistical test used were Chi-square test, Unpaired t-test and Paired t-test.

Majority of patients in group I obtained an IOP reduction of >30% at 9.00 am 92.3%), 12.00 pm (91.3%) and 3.00 pm (86.2%) after 12 weeks of therapy. Majority of patients in group II obtained an IOP reduction of >30% at 9.00 am (86.8%), 12.00 pm (87.7%) and 3.00 pm (71.9%) after 12 weeks of therapy.

Both drugs can thus be useful as second line therapy in the management of patients with POAG uncontrolled on monotherapy. Moreover, each drug has provided significant mean IOP reduction after three month of therapy at all visits and at all times.
Proportion of various ophthalmic ailments and causes among the participants on their first visit to a tertiary care ophthalmic OPD- A cross sectional survey from south central Kerala
Authors: Lukose Sumi , Koshy Shaji P , Thomas Pramod
Published: March 2021

Blindness, loss of eyesight, could be temporary or permanent. Damage to any portion of the eye, optic nerve or the brain that is responsible for this function results in visual impairment. The commonest causes for blindness are cataract, refractive errors, glaucoma, corneal opacities.

Assess major causes of visual impairment among new patients visiting ophthalmology OPD.

: Study conducted using a cross sectional survey design. Data collected from ophthalmology OPD of a tertiary care hospital.

The proportion of ocular diseases, degree of blindness and causative factors were assessed and recorded. Patient’s visual impairment status was classified as mild, moderate, severe and blind according to WHO classification for visual impairment and blindness (Oct. 2019). Visual acuity, auto refraction, colour vision, intra ocular pressure measurement, slit lamp and fundus examinations were carried out. Data Entry: MS Excel. Statistics: chi square, proportions.

There were 303 participants, 42.2% males and 57.8% females and 0.3% were blind, 1% severely visually impaired, 3.3% moderately impaired, 4% mildly impaired. Among the 106 diabetic patients, 30 diabetic retinopathy cases were observed. There were 1.02% participants with impaired colour vision, refractive errors 54.8%, cataract 35.4%, diabetic retinopathy 9.9%, glaucoma 9.2%.

Refractive error and cataract were most frequent. Color blindness was less common. Cataract and glaucoma was not observed before 40 years of age.

Visual impairment across regions are similar, refractive error and cataract were leading causes of visual impairment.
Capacidades institucionales en políticas de innovación orientadas por misiones en México: Estudios de caso sobre elección, diseño y evaluación de las políticas
Authors: Dutrénit Gabriela , Natera José Miguel , Vera-Cruz Alexandre O. , Penna Caetano , Radaelli Vanderleia
Published: March 2021

En esta nota, describimos cómo los gobiernos y el sector privado pueden organizarse para responder a retos, como el cambio climático, el envejecimiento y las epidemias, que exigen cambios institucionales sistémicos mediante políticas orientadas por misión (POM) donde un enfoque global anclado en la misión sirve para responder a estos retos excepcionales. Las POM promueven el desarrollo de tecnologías específicas para mejorar las herramientas disponibles, incorporando y sintetizando las perspectivas multisectoriales (pública y privada) respecto a las distintas dimensiones del problema (el lado de demanda), y también de las soluciones posibles (el lado de la oferta). El Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) dirigió una investigación que evaluó el nivel de capacidad institucional para implementar POM en Chile, Colombia y México. Este documento analiza dos casos de México: una estrategia nacional en el ámbito de la salud y una estrategia a nivel subnacional sobre clústeres estratégicos. Estos dos casos permiten extraer lecciones aprendidas para las POM. (1) La existencia en el sector privado de capacidades científico-tecnológicas y productivas no es suficiente para solucionar los grandes retos, se requieren que el Estado también tenga capacidades técnico administrativas y de mercado y (2) una verdadera POM que facilita el diseño e implementación de estrategias nacionales de largo plazo y que logra involucrar a muchos actores del gobierno, el sector privado y la sociedad civil, sí puede catalizar soluciones a problemas sociales sumamente complejos y graves.
Vieja infraestructura financia nueva infraestructura: Un modelo de crecimiento de generaciones traslapadas para reciclaje de activos públicos
Authors: Muñoz Roberto , Hinojosa Sergio , Mansilla Patricio , Gómez Reino Juan Luis , Reyes-Tagle Gerardo
Published: March 2021

En el presente trabajo se modela la existencia de los llamados “activos reciclables” de infraestructura y se muestra cómo este tipo de activos contribuye al crecimiento económico. Entendemos los activos reciclables como aquellos que generan un flujo de ingresos por pago por uso, a través de la delegación contractual de dichos activos al sector privado para su operación y mantenimiento. El modelo propone: a) que la administración privada de los activos permite extender su vida útil, y b) que el reciclaje de activos puede contribuir a relajar la restricción de financiamiento del Estado, permitiendo monetizar flujos cuya existencia no era evidente, y ampliando así las posibilidades de financiamiento de nueva infraestructura. El modelo concluye que el reciclaje de activos contribuye a incrementar el crecimiento económico.
The Benefits in Coupling Exergy Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment in the Context of Sustainable Manufacturing for Industry 4.0: A Real Industrial Case
Authors: Selicati Valeria , Cardinale Nicola
Published: March 2021

The continuously rising cost of energy and its impact on environmental policy are the primary boost for industry to stay global competitive in terms of maximizing productivity and raising operational costs. The prevailing goal in the height of industry 4.0 is to inspect and optimize manufacturing processes. The challenge is to consider thermodynamics as simulation and modelling solution that enables improve energy production and help efforts to shift towards a smart factory. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that using thermodynamic models as Exergy and Life Cycle thinking provides major benefits since it allows evaluation results more reliable and aims to develop a retrofitting approach that enhances the process to avoid system failures efficiently. Any practitioner may pick suitable sensing networks in line with Industry 4.0, in order to develop a monitoring and control infrastructure and improve any manufacturing system, getting it smarter. In this article, an explanatory case study on the production process of an Italian SME will be presented and discussed.
Analysis and Optimization of the Performances of the Centrifugal Compressor Using the CFD
Authors: Mostefa Brihmat , Kaddour Refassi , Embarek Douroum , Amar Kouadri
Published: March 2021

Centrifugal compressors have been used in many areas of the machinery. The centrifugal compressor design is very complex, and a unique design system needs to be developed. A centrifugal compressor design system should be easy to use in interface and also flexible for inputs and outputs. The design tool also needs to be able to predicate the compressor performance in a fairly accurate level. In this study, we have developed a general analyses and optimization approach in the design and performance analysis of centrifugal turbomachines. This approach is based on different methods starting from a 1D approach up to the 3D study of the internal flow. It presents itself as a robust procedure for predicting and understanding the phenomena associated with the operation of turbomachines, but also for predicting performance. Current design system includes initial parameter studies, throughflow calculation, impeller design. The main improvements of the design system are adding the interface to allow users easy to use, adding the input and output capabilities and modifying few correlations. Current design system can predict the blade loading and compressor performance better compared with original design system. To check the aerodynamic appearance of the centrifugal compressor impeller blades, we must change the impeller dimensions and focus on changing axial length, but when changing the blade numbers, the model that improved efficiency and power at the same time introduced a design with a 0.274% and 10.735% improvement in each respectively in comparison to the initial impeller at the design point.
Stability and Thermo-Physical Properties of Ethylene Glycol Based Nanofluids for Solar Thermal Applications
Authors: Surakasi Raviteja , Sagari Jaikumar , Vinjamuri Krishna Bharath , Sanduru Bhanuteja , Vadapalli Srinivas
Published: March 2021

This article summarizes research involving the evaluation of the thermo-physical properties of ethylene- glycol-based solar thermic fluids oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Nanofluids were prepared with Ethylene glycol and water as base fluids in 100:0, 90:10 and 80:20 ratios. Base fluids of three categories were dispersed with surfactant-assisted multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and oxidized MWCNTs in the weight fractions of 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 percentages to check the influence of surface modification technique on the thermophysical properties. The variation in zeta potential is studied to examine the dispersion stability during 2 months. Thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity were measured by hot disk method and Anton paar viscometer, respectively. Significant enhancement of thermal conductivity by 15 to 24 % was observed when the base fluids are dispersed with oxidized MWCNTs. In the case of nanofluids dispersed with surfactant-assisted MWCNTs, the improvement is significantly less compared to oxidized MWCNTs. Nanofluids' dynamic viscosity is found to be higher compared to base fluids in the temperature range of 50 to 70 oC. A comprehensive mathematical equation suitable for all weight fraction of MWCNTs and volume percentages of Ethylene glycol was developed, which can forecast the temperature range. The correlation could fit well with the experimental data in reasonable limits.
Measurement of Relative Permeability Curves of Cores with Different Permeability and Lengths under Unsteady-State
Authors: Hu Haixia , Luo Wei , Wang Qinghua , Yang Junzheng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Zhonghao , Zhang Xuanhao
Published: March 2021

The oil-water and gas-water relative permeability curves are important reference data for the dynamic analysis and numerical simulation of oil and gas reservoir exploitation. Although the petroleum industry of China and other countries have formulated reference standards for the measuring methods of relative permeability of cores, they haven’t given the definite reference values of the core length, therefore we cannot know for sure whether different core length values are required in the measurement and whether the core length has an impact on the measurement results. In view of this gap, this paper conducted a research on the relative permeability of cores with different lengths. The core samples are artificial core with similar properties as the outcrop cores of the Halfaya Oilfield (Iraq), in our experiment, the oil-water and gas-water relative permeability curves of the sample cores were measured and the results suggest that, for the oil-water relative permeability curves, as the core length grows, the iso-permeability points move to the right, and they basically stabilize when the core length is greater than 20cm; as for gas-water relative permeability curves, in case of low-permeability cores, under constant injection pressure, as the core length grows, the iso-permeability points and the two-phase co-permeation areas present an obvious tendency of moving to the left, but when the core length is greater than 20cm, such tendency is not obvious, and the high-permeability cores do not have such characteristics. These results indicate that, the unsteady-state two-phase relative permeability measurement experiments obtained accurate results at a core length of about 20cm, which provided a reference for similar experiments in subsequent research.
Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow Features of Mechanical Mixer with Automatic Variable Frequency Control
Authors: Yang Bing
Published: March 2021

For many engineering fields, it is of practical significance to construct and reasonably simplify the solid-liquid two-phase flow model in the cylinder of mechanical mixer. However, the existing studies have not considered how the control technology affects the fluid features in the mixer. From the angle of automatic variable frequency control, this paper carries out a numerical simulation of the fluid flow features in mechanical mixer. Firstly, the authors constructed the system structure for the mixer with automatic variable frequency control, and summarized the basic devices and the number of input/output points of the system. Then, the relationship between the force energy and control frequency of the mixing cylinder was detailed. Afterwards, the Euler-Euler two fluid model was introduced to numerically simulate the solid-liquid two-phase flow in the cylinder of the mixer, which contains both solid particles and liquid, followed by the establishment of control equation, the drag model, and the turbulence model. The proposed model was proved effective through experiments. The research findings provide a reference for the relevant research and the optimal design of the drive module of mixers.
Analysis of Geriatric Infections and a Guide to Empirical Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: A Mayanka , K Vasanthan , K Vengadakrishnan , R.B Sudagar Singh , N Senthil
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Elderly people have increased susceptibility to infection and are at significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to various common infections. Urinary tract and respiratory tract infections predominate in elderly people. Gram negative pathogens especially E. coli are commonly observed pathogens. In gram positive infections, staphylococcus is usually isolated from skin and soft tissue infections. METHODS Data was collected prospectively between the months of March 2015 and August 2016. Patient demographics and clinical data were recorded from oral questionnaires and hospital records. 219 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. All patients were subjected to basic investigations with blood and urine cultures at the time of admission. Other cultures like respiratory or pus cultures were collected as and when needed. Specific investigations such as ultrasound abdomen, computed tomography kidneys, ureters and bladder (CT KUB), CT thorax, echocardiography, neuroimaging and procalcitonin were done in certain patients when required. RESULTS Of the 219 patients included in this study, 127 (58 %) were males and 92 (42 %) were females. Mean age of the study population was 72.40. The most common source of bacteraemia was urinary in 33 % and was unknown in 25 %. The most common organism isolated in blood culture was Staphylococcus aureus followed by E. coli. Respiratory infections had unidentified pathogens in 81 % of patients. The most common organism isolated from respiratory secretions was klebsiella followed by acinetobacter and pseudomonas. 11 % of patients developed multi organ dysfunction syndrome of which urinary and respiratory systems were the most common primary sources of infection. CONCLUSIONS A significant incidence of unidentified source of infection was observed. Staphylococcus bacteraemia was a significant observation as E. coli is reported to be common. Urinary tract and respiratory infections were seen to be associated with increased incidence of multiorgan dysfunction. KEYWORDS Elderly, Febrile Illness, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Multiorgan Dysfunction
Changes in Blood Pressure Levels in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: K.V. Aneesh
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstructions during sleep. Recent studies suggest that OSA is independently associated with hypertension. So, the current study was done to analyse the relationship between OSA and blood pressure changes and to determine as to what extent OSA is independently contributing to those changes. This was to highlight the importance of the need for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of patients with OSA. METHODS 97 patients with symptoms of OSA were selected. Following polysomnography, patients were grouped into two: OSA patients with Apnoea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) ≥ 5 and controls (AHI < 5). Linear regression analysis was done to find out the independent effect of exposure variables (age, body mass index (BMI), AHI etc.) on the outcome the variable (blood pressure) RESULTS Systolic BP was significantly high in OSA patients (154.84 ± 15.89) compared to control group (132.00 ± 11.45). Diastolic BP was significantly high in OSA patients (90.63 ± 7.87) compared to control group (85.13 ± 5.95). Linear regression analysis showed that for each unit change in AHI, systolic blood pressure changed by 0.406 independent of other factors and for each unit change in desaturation index, diastolic blood pressure changed by 0.111 independent of other factors. CONCLUSIONS The blood pressure levels both systolic and diastolic were significantly elevated in patients with OSA. Increase in AHI was independently associated with increase in systolic blood pressure and the increase in desaturation index was independently associated with increase in diastolic blood pressure. Since OSA is a highly prevalent and highly underdiagnosed condition, the current study emphasises the importance of screening for OSA, so that with early diagnosis and prompt treatment the development and progression of cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension can be reduced. KEYWORDS OSA, Sleep Apnoea, Hypertension, Blood Pressure, Sleep Fragmentation
Finite Element Analysis of Cell Killing Probability in Electroporation with Single Bipolar Electrode
Authors: Khorasani Amir
Published: March 2021

Purpose: In the electroporation we can use different electrode types such as needle and plate electrode with different arrangements. One of the new electrode types is single bipolar electrode that the anode and cathode components are in the same needle for decreasing the invasiveness of electroporation procedure.
Materials and Methods: For treatment planning purposes we can use different cell killing probability models such as Peleg-Fermi model. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of geometric electrode parameters such as conductive pole length, insulated pole length and pulse voltage in bipolar electrode on the cell killing probability distribution in electroporation by COMSOL Multiphysics.
Results: The target tissue volume with cell killing probability of >80% was increased with conductive pole length, and voltage and decreased with insulated pole length.
Conclusion: This paper has highlighted the importance of conductive and insulated pole length and voltage in bipolar electrode on the cell killing probability distribution and electroporated volume in the EP.
Clinical Usage of Tissue Electrical Conductivity during the Electroporation: An Essential and Useful Factor
Authors: Khaorasani Amir
Published: March 2021

Electric field intensity at each point is responsible for pore creation in the cell membrane during the electroporation process. These pores can increase the tissue electrical conductivity in the electroporation. Changes in electrical conductivity through the electroporation is a useful factor for imaging and tracking of electroporation inside the body. Electrical conductivity is set to become a vital factor for accurate estimation of the electric field and cell kill probability distribution in the course of electroporation for treatment planning purposes. Therefore, for more accurate treatment, tissue electrical conductivity changes due to electroporation should be considered in the treatment planning system. This paper describes the advantages of tissue electrical conductivity as a useful factor in the clinic.
Cortical Activation Changes Associated with Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): Initial Case Report
Authors: Seifzadeh Sahar , Moghimi Ebrahim , Torkamani Fatemeh , Ahsant Negar
Published: March 2021

The Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a unique phenomenon to provoke a sense of relaxation that has been proposed for a few years. This phenomenon suggests acoustic-visual stimuli  for cultivating a peaceful environment for the mind as well as a tingling sensation. Some studies suggest that this phenomenon is comparable with mindfulness; surprisingly, published articles in this regard are growing increasingly to examine how it happens scientifically. Some studies have been done on neuroimaging techniques, including functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), biological methods such as heart rate and skin conductance, and questionnaires to assess the impact of ASMR videos. In this paper, we intend to determine the effect of ASMR videos on EEG signals. The FFT absolute power analysis (Pre versus Post ASMR) revealed a declined delta band power generally. On the other hand, there are no significant changes in theta band power. The central region demonstrated a rise in alpha band power as well as a slight decrease in the occipital region. Moreover, such an increase was evident in post-ASMR in the beta1 (Sensorimotor wave (12-15 Hz)) band frequency, generally, especially in the frontal region. Besides, Gamma 1 has been increased in the central region, and Gamma 2 has also be increased in frontoparietal regions in both hemispheres. These results indicate the cognitive process as well as sensorimotor, tingling sensations features of ASMR.
Safety and Effectiveness of Favipiravir for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Rapid Review of Available Evidence
Authors: Mobinizadeh Mohammadreza , Arab-Zozani Morteza
Published: March 2021

Context: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appeared for the first time in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Due to the lack of unified and integrated evidence for Favipiravir, this study was conducted to rapidly review the existing evidence to help evidence-based decision-making on the therapeutic potential of this drug in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Evidence Acquisition: This study is a rapid Health Technology Assessment (HTA). By searching pertinent databases, the research team collected relevant articles and tried to create a policy guide through a thematic approach. This rapid review was done in four steps: (1) Searching for evidence through databases; (2) screening the evidence considering eligibility criteria; (3) data extraction; and (4) analyzing the data through thematic analysis.
Results: After applying the inclusion criteria, four studies were finally found, including three review studies and a clinical trial that was temporarily removed by its publisher from the journal’s website. After searching the sources mentioned in the articles, two ongoing clinical trials were found in China. Also, by searching the clinical trial website, www.clinicaltrials.gov, five clinical trials were found in the search. The result of the search in the clinical trial registration system in Iran showed a study that is in the process of patient recruitment. A limited number of other articles were found, mostly in the form of reflections from physicians or researchers and letters to editors who have predicted the drug’s performance on SARS-CoV-2, which needs further clinical study to be approved.
Conclusions: With the available evidence, it is not possible to make a definite conclusion about the safety and efficacy of Favipiravir in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
The Diagnostic Value of CT scans in the Process of Diagnosing COVID-19 in medical Centers
Authors: Ostovar Afshin , Ehsani-Chimeh Elham , Fakoorfard Zeinab
Published: March 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread around the world since the beginning of 2020. The definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 is the RT-PCR laboratory test. However, because of low sensitivity, the chest CT scan has become important for the rapid diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
Objectives: This study aims to define CT scan’ diagnostic value in diagnosing COVID-19 in medical centers.
Methods: This study is a rapid health technology assessment (HTA) and had two major phases. In phase 1, a rapid review was done for defining the sensitivity and specificity rate of CT. During this phase, studies related to the diagnostic and technical data on the use of CT in the diagnosis of COVID-19 were reviewed, and the sensitivity and specificity of CT in these studies were extracted. In phase 2, sequential testing was run to evaluate the diagnostic value of chest CT to diagnose COVID-19 according to two scenarios before and after adding RT-PCR test results.
Results: CT scan has a high sensitivity for diagnosing cases of COVID-19. Due to its low specificity, relying on CT scans to diagnose COVID-19 alone in medical centers can lead to a significant proportion of false-positive cases. This study showed that if the probability of COVID-19 before the CT scan were about 50%, with a positive CT scan, this probability would be between 60 and 70% depending on the CT specificity.
Conclusions: With the available evidence, the use of a CT scan alone is not sufficient for diagnosis. The RT-PCR test is also necessary to improve the diagnosis and continue the treatment and isolation of patients.
The potentiality of arterial spins labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance perfusion technique for the diagnosis of glioblastoma residual tissue
Authors: Bunak M. S. , Stepanova E. A. , Stashuk G. A.
Published: March 2021

Background: Growing glioblastoma is associated with an impairment of the blood brain barrier and increased hemodynamic parameters (CBV, CBF), which is related to advanced tumor angiogenesis. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion, an additional study to the routine intravenous contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be a technique for assessment of hemodynamics and identification of the residual tumor tissue.Aim: To study the potential of native ASL to assess hemodynamic parameters and detect residual tumor tissue in the patients who had undergone surgical resection of glioblastoma.Materials and methods: At 2 to 4  weeks after surgery for glioblastoma grade IV, brain MRI with native ASL perfusion and subsequent intravenous contrast enhancement was performed in 63  patients. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) values were measured in three areas of interest: in the presumptive tumor tissue (PTT) with maximal perfusion, in the postoperative scar tissue (PST) and in the deep white matter (DWM) of the contralateral hemisphere.Results: According to their CBF values, all patients were categorized into two groups. Group 1 included 43  patients (68.3%) with mean CBF in PTT of 135.4±41.3  ml/100  Gr/min (min 73.9, max 255.9). These values were 5 to 6-fold higher than the CBF values in the PST and 6 to 8-fold higher than those in DWM. Group  2 included 20  patients (31.7%) without any areas of abnormal CBF increase in PST, with its mean value of 22.1±5.6  ml/100  Gr/min (min 13.9, max 37.1), which was close to the CBF level in DWM (19.8±4.6  ml/100  Gr/min, p=0.06). There were no between-group differences for the CBF values in PST (p=0.6), and DWM (p=0.7).Conclusion: ASL MR perfusion technique has good potential for the identification of residual tumor tissue after surgical resection of glioblastoma and can be an alternative to contrast enhancement during long-term follow up.
ИДЕОЛОГИЯ СУРРОГАТНОГО ПОСТАПОКАЛИПСИСА: БИОПОЛИТИКА КИБЕРПРОСТРАНСТВА В ГОЛЛИВУДСКОМ ФИЛЬМЕ УЖАСОВ
Authors: Некита Андрей Григорьевич , Маленко Сергей Анатольевич , Широкова Ольга Владимировна
Published: March 2021

Актуальность. Экспансия научно-технических изобретений в официальные и повседневные среды создает новое предметное поле для социогуманитарной рефлексии. Доступность и сравнительная простота в эксплуатации электронных инструментов создают опасную иллюзию неактуальности классических антропологических и социокультурных проблем, с которыми сталкивались практически все поколения людей. Это обуславливает постепенную деградацию общепринятых форм социальной коммуникации с одновременной эскалацией архаических форм социальной жизни. Цель: проанализировать диалектику человека и машины в голливудских антиутопических проектах. Методы: семиотические и психоаналитические подходы, позволяющие проанализировать художественный опыт визуализации острейших антропологических и социальных противоречий, связанных с современными ожиданиями будущего, представленными в американских фильмах ужасов.  Результаты: противоречия между человеком и машиной являются краеугольным камнем преломления ведущих трендов современного общества. Степень драматизма этой проблемы как раз и визуализируется растущей катастрофичностью и безысходностью сюжетов американских фильмов ужасов, в которых конфликт природы, человека и машины оборачивается индивидуальными и вселенскими катастрофами. Ситуация оказывается еще более опасной, поскольку создается повсеместная иллюзия, что посредством внедрения искусственного интеллекта можно добиться качественного прогресса не только в производстве, но и в сфере социального управления, и в повседневности людей. Выводы: идеология антиутопических голливудских проектов выступает полноценным, серьезным предостережением ученым и политикам относительно опасных последствий необдуманного внедрения систем искусственного интеллекта в систему социальной коммуникации без полноценной социогуманитарной экспертизы, позволяющей оценить возможные антропологические риски.
Effect of Direct Sowing and Stratification on Germination and Growth of Peach under Sub-tropical Climate of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Srivastava K.K. , Barman P. , Kumar D.
Published: March 2021

Background: Availability of quality planting materials is the major impediment in extension of cultivation of low chilling peach in northern plans. Plum suckers are mostly used as rootstocks for raising peach; however nematode infestation is a major problem. Seeds of all peach cultivars do not germinate under subtropical climate of plains of Northern India. Hence, an experiment was carried out at ICAR-CISH, Lucknow on seed germination and subsequent growth of seedlings of low chilling peaches. Methods: Fully mature seeds of peach cv. Florda Prince, Pant Peach 1 and Sharbati were collected during June. Some of the seeds were sown direct in-situ during 1st week of December and remaining seeds were sown in the field after 2 months of stratification in the refrigerator at 7-8°C. Result: Stratification had significant effect on seed germination and late matured peach cv. ‘Sharbati’ exhibited higher seed germination. Good linear seedling growth and maximum percentage of buddable seedlings was found in stratified sown seeds of ‘Sharbati’ peach. Thus the study indicated that harvesting of ‘Sharbati’ and ‘Pant Peach-1’ seeds can be done during June and pre-sown stratification is necessary for better germination and growth of seedlings under subtropical climate of Lucknow.