bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Design of Integrated Blocks for a 6.25 GHz Spacefibre PLL
Authors: Mestice Marco , Neri Bruno , Ciarpi Gabriele , Saponara Sergio
Published: July 2020

The design of a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) to generate the clock reference for the new Spacefibre standard is presented in this paper. Spacefibre has been recently released by the European Space Agency (ESA) and supports up to 6.25 Gbps for on-board satellite communications. Taking as a starting point a rad-hard 6.25 GHz Voltage Controlled Oscillator in 65 nm technology, this work presents the design of the key blocks for an integrated PLL: a Triple Modular Redundancy Phase/Frequency Detector, a Charge Pump, and a passive Loop Filter. The modeling activities carried out in an Advanced Design System have proven that the proposed PLL can be completely integrated on-chip, with a Loop Filter area consumption of only 6000 µm2 (considering the 65 nm technology). The design of active circuits has been carried out at the transistor level in a Cadence Virtuoso environment, implementing both system and layout rad-hard techniques, and different solutions are discussed in this paper. As a result, a compact (0.09 mm2), low power (10.24 mW), dead zone free and rad-hard PLL is obtained with a Phase Noise below −80 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz. A preliminary block view and floor plan of the test chip is also proposed.
A New Cable-Less Seismograph with Functions of Real-Time Data Transmitting and High-Precision Differential Self-Positioning
Authors: Liu Kang , You Qingyu , Wang Juan , Xu Xiqiang , Shi Pengcheng , Dai Kaoshan , Huang Zhenhua , Wang Shiquan , Shi Yuanfeng , Ding Zhibin
Published: July 2020

This study developed a new cable-less seismograph system, which can transmit seismic data in real-time and automatically perform high-precision differential self-positioning. Combining the ZigBee technology with the high-precision differential positioning module, this new seismograph system utilized the wireless personal area network (WPAN) and real-time kinematic (RTK) technologies to improve its on-site performances and to make the field quality control (QC) and self-positioning possible. With the advantages of low-cost, good scalability, and good compatibility, the proposed new cable-less seismograph system can improve the field working efficiency and data processing capability. It has potential applications in noise seismology and mobile seismic monitoring.
Learning Soft Mask Based Feature Fusion with Channel and Spatial Attention for Robust Visual Object Tracking
Authors: Fiaz Mustansar , Mahmood Arif , Jung Soon Ki
Published: July 2020

We propose to improve the visual object tracking by introducing a soft mask based low-level feature fusion technique. The proposed technique is further strengthened by integrating channel and spatial attention mechanisms. The proposed approach is integrated within a Siamese framework to demonstrate its effectiveness for visual object tracking. The proposed soft mask is used to give more importance to the target regions as compared to the other regions to enable effective target feature representation and to increase discriminative power. The low-level feature fusion improves the tracker robustness against distractors. The channel attention is used to identify more discriminative channels for better target representation. The spatial attention complements the soft mask based approach to better localize the target objects in challenging tracking scenarios. We evaluated our proposed approach over five publicly available benchmark datasets and performed extensive comparisons with 39 state-of-the-art tracking algorithms. The proposed tracker demonstrates excellent performance compared to the existing state-of-the-art trackers.
Real-Time Traffic Light Detection with Frequency Patterns Using a High-Speed Camera
Authors: Yabuuchi Kento , Hirano Masahiro , Senoo Taku , Kishi Norimasa , Ishikawa Masatoshi
Published: July 2020

LEDs are widely employed as traffic lights. Because most LED traffic lights are driven by alternative power, they blink at high frequencies, even at twice their frequencies. We propose a method to detect a traffic light from images captured by a high-speed camera that can recognize a blinking traffic light. This technique is robust under various illuminations because it can detect traffic lights by extracting information from the blinking pixels at a specific frequency. The method is composed of six modules, which includes a band-pass filter and a Kalman filter. All the modules run simultaneously to achieve real-time processing and can run at 500 fps for images with a resolution of 800 × 600. This technique was verified on an original dataset captured by a high-speed camera under different illumination conditions such as a sunset or night scene. The recall and accuracy justify the generalization of the proposed detection system. In particular, it can detect traffic lights with a different appearance without tuning parameters and without datasets having to be learned.
Youth Agency in Civic Education: Contemporary Perspectives from Cabo Verde
Authors: Mendes Borges Aleida Cristina
Published: July 2020

Globally, young people have demonstrated a certain level of disenchantment with the way their societies are being governed. Whereas some argue that they have become apathetic and somehow passive bystanders, new trends highlight that the opposite is true in many parts of the world. This paper explores the dynamics of youth groups in Cabo Verde who are acting on their frustrations with the lack of state-led citizenship education and enacting new sites to empower other citizens, foster critical and active citizenship as well as develop capabilities to engage, both individually and collectively, in civic and political activities. Two youth-led initiatives, Djumbai Libertariu and Parlamentu di Guetto, which emerged recently in the capital city Praia, will be analysed as social movements contributing to the emergence of new civic spaces, led by youth, for citizenship education, with the aim of tackling the lack of civil society action and attempting to address issues of general concern through both individual and collective action.
Impact of Green Roofs on Energy Demand for Cooling in Egyptian Buildings
Authors: Ragab Ayman , Abdelrady Ahmed
Published: July 2020

Energy consumption for cooling purposes has increased significantly in recent years, mainly due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change consequences. The situation can be mitigated by passive climate solutions to reduce energy consumption in buildings. This study investigated the effectiveness of the green roof concept in reducing energy demand for cooling in different climatic regions. The impact of several types of green roofing of varying thermal conductivity and soil depth on energy consumption for cooling school buildings in Egypt was examined. In a co-simulation approach, the efficiency of the proposed green roof types was evaluated using the Design-Builder software, and a cost analysis was performed for the best options. The results showed that the proposed green roof types saved between 31.61 and 39.74% of energy, on average. A green roof featuring a roof soil depth of 0.1 m and 0.9 W/m-K thermal conductivity exhibited higher efficiency in reducing energy than the other options tested. The decrease in air temperature due to green roofs in hot arid areas, which exceeded an average of 4 °C, was greater than that in other regions that were not as hot. In conclusion, green roofs were shown to be efficient in reducing energy consumption as compared with traditional roofs, especially in hot arid climates.
Unlocking the Potential of Agribusiness in Africa through Youth Participation: An Impact Evaluation of N-Power Agro Empowerment Program in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunmodede Adewale M. , Ogunsanwo Mary O. , Manyong Victor
Published: July 2020

In a country of about 200 million people, the government has over the years constituted various initiatives to address the issue of unemployment, food security, and youth involvement in agriculture. However, the impact of these initiatives has been minimal due to the inconsistency in government policies, changes in government, inadequate implementation mechanism amongst others. This study, therefore, evaluated the impact of the N-power Agro Program on youth employment and income generation through agribusiness in Nigeria. Six hundred and forty-five respondents were randomly selected from the database of N-Power. Structured questionnaires were used in obtaining the data. The statistical analysis of collected data applied descriptive methods, logistic regression model, and regression discontinuity design. The value of ATE of the regression discontinuity design of the income of the participants of N-Power Agro is greater by N30,191.46 than for the nonparticipants. The result of the logistic regression model shows that age, level of education, years of agribusiness experience, and employment status significantly influenced the choice of creating employment through agribusiness and of participating in the N-Power Agro program. The impact of the N-Power Agro program for Nigeria’s young men and women on employment and income generation for participants was shown to be effective and positive with the RDD recording an increase in the beneficiaries’ income and a discontinuity in the design. Upscaling this program and wider implementation in other countries in collaborations with youth, rural communities and private sectors will ensure that the government can bridge the skills deficit in Africa’s youth, develop their capacities for entrepreneurship, and hence, increase jobs creation.
A Business Intelligence Framework for Analyzing Educational Data
Authors: Villegas-Ch William , Palacios-Pacheco Xavier , Luján-Mora Sergio
Published: July 2020

Currently, universities are being forced to change the paradigms of education, where knowledge is mainly based on the experience of the teacher. This change includes the development of quality education focused on students’ learning. These factors have forced universities to look for a solution that allows them to extract data from different information systems and convert them into the knowledge necessary to make decisions that improve learning outcomes. The information systems administered by the universities store a large volume of data on the socioeconomic and academic variables of the students. In the university field, these data are generally not used to generate knowledge about their students, unlike in the business field, where the data are intensively analyzed in business intelligence to gain a competitive advantage. These success stories in the business field can be replicated by universities through an analysis of educational data. This document presents a method that combines models and techniques of data mining within an architecture of business intelligence to make decisions about variables that can influence the development of learning. In order to test the proposed method, a case study is presented, in which students are identified and classified according to the data they generate in the different information systems of a university.
From NEDC to WLTP: Effect on the Energy Consumption, NEV Credits, and Subsidies Policies of PHEV in the Chinese Market
Authors: Liu Xinglong , Zhao Fuquan , Hao Han , Chen Kangda , Liu Zongwei , Babiker Hassan , Amer Amer Ahmad
Published: July 2020

The switching from new European driving cycle (NEDC) to worldwide harmonized light vehicles test procedure (WLTP) will affect the energy consumption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and then affect the new energy vehicle (NEV) credit regulation and subsidy policy for PHEVs. This paper reveals the impact on energy consumption, NEV credit regulation, and subsidy policy for PHEV in the Chinese market of the switching from NEDC to WLTP based on qualitative analysis and quantitative calculation. The results show that the WLTP procedure is stricter than NEDC in the determination of road load, test mass, driving resistance forces, and tire selection. Firstly, the electricity consumption (EC) of PHEV in charge-depleting mode (CD) under the WLTP procedure is 26% higher than NEDC on average, which makes the all-electric range (AER) significantly lower under WLTP. The weight EC tested in the WLTP procedure is higher than NEDC. Secondly, the fuel consumption (FC) of PHEV in CD mode is related to the adjustment of the engine management system (EMS) and the size of battery energy under the WLTP procedure. For the FC in the charge-sustaining (CS) mode of PHEV under the WLTP procedure is 20% higher than NEDC on average. However, the weight fuel consumption of PHEVs under WLTP with a long AER may be lower than that of NEDC due to the characteristics of utility factor in the WLTP procedure. Thirdly, most PHEVs fail to meet the requirements of 50 km AER due to the switching of the test procedures. However, the Chinese government reduced the technical specification of PHEV’s AER under the WLTP procedure to 43 km to support the development of PHEV technology. It ensures that the switching of test procedures does not change the treatment that they could obtain, the NEV credits, and subsidy as a NEV in China. However, the increasing of the EC in CD mode and the FC in CS mode under the WLTP procedure makes the PHEV obtain lower credit and subsidy multiple compared with NEDC procedure.
A Study of Hindrance-Caused Unscheduled Waiting Time in Railway Systems
Authors: Cao Nan , Tang Tao , Gao Chunhai
Published: July 2020

In real operation, railway traffic always deviates from schedule due to exogenous disturbances and disruptions, and these deviations may cause a domino effect over the whole network. Therefore, evaluating and predicting the influence of these disturbances is of significance in train operation and dispatching. Delay is a commonly used performance indicator to describe degree of these deviations, and it may propagate to other trains. The main cause of delay is the overtime occupation on exclusive blocks. However, hindrance, which evaluates the performance of railway operation from the perspective of infrastructure occupancy, is seldom studied. In this paper, a systematical description and calculation of hindrance in railway systems is introduced from the perspective of infrastructure occupancy based on blocking time theory. The railway network was modeled as several exclusive components with running directions. Based on the precedence order and length of occupancy on conflicting infrastructure components, a sequential hindrance propagation process was identified. The proposed methods were demonstrated through the case of a reference network based on railway simulations. A relationship between the overall influence of hindrance and the length of hindrance was investigated for each infrastructure component, using statistical techniques. The results proved a clear positive relationship between the overall influence of a hindrance and its length. In addition, this relationship is affected by the location of infrastructure and amount of traffic flow in the network.
The Sustainability Matrix: A Tool for Integrating and Assessing Sustainability in the Bachelor and Master Theses of Engineering Degrees
Authors: Sánchez-Carracedo Fermín , López David , Martín Carme , Vidal Eva , Cabré Jose , Climent Joan
Published: July 2020

It is vital that subjects such as the circular economy, sustainable design, green computing or environmental engineering be included in the engineering curriculum. Education for sustainable development will enable engineers to develop sustainable products and provide sustainable services, thereby leading to a beneficial result for society and making an indispensable contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals achievement. As the last stage for students in academia, Degree Theses (Bachelor’s and Master’s) provide a good tool for reviewing the sustainability competencies developed during the degree, as well as being an opportunity for applying these competencies in a holistic way. In their Degree Theses, students should be able to demonstrate that they are aware of the need to introduce and assess sustainability in their future engineering projects. This paper presents a guide aimed at helping engineering students to design and develop sustainable projects, and analyzes the first results of its use in two schools of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya—BarcelonaTech. The proposal is based on a tool referred to as “the Sustainability Matrix”, in which cells contain questions that engineering students should take into account when undertaking their Degree Theses. The questions are related to the project development, the project exploitation and the possible risks involved, three aspects in accordance with the sustainability dimensions (economic, environmental and social). The Sustainability Matrix helps students to develop sustainable projects when they graduate, and teachers to assess how sustainability is incorporated across the curriculum in the subjects they teach and in the students’ Degree Theses.
“That is Not What I Live For”: How Lower-Level Green Employees Cope with Identity Tensions at Work
Authors: Blazejewski Susanne , Dittmer Franziska , Buhl Anke , Barth Andrea Simone , Herbes Carsten
Published: July 2020

Research on green identity work has so far concentrated on sustainability managers and/or top-management actors. How lower-level green employees cope with identity tensions at work is, as yet, under-researched. The paper uses an identity work perspective and a qualitative empirical study to identify four strategies that lower-level employees use in negotiating and enacting their green identities at work. Contrary to expectations, lower-level green employees engage substantially in job crafting as a form of identity work despite their limited discretion. In addition, the study demonstrates that lower-level green employees make use of identity work strategies that uphold rather than diminish perceived misalignment between their green identities and their job context.
Using Product/Service-System Family Design for Efficient Customization with Lean Principles: Model, Method, and Tool
Authors: Sakao Tomohiko , Hara Tatsunori , Fukushima Ryo
Published: July 2020

Facing the need to address environmental issues of our society and individual customer needs and wants along with the trend of offering hybrids of services and products, the ability to efficiently design hybrid offerings is imperative to provide high levels of added value. This ability is much needed throughout the industry, while this type of design is highly challenging due to its high complexity. To date, however, there have been only a few proposals for methods that tackle this challenge at the conceptual design stage. This article proposes a model, a method, and a computerized tool that together support the conceptual design of families of product/service systems (PSSs). First, a PSS family model is presented and then implemented as an add-on to an existing computer-aided design (CAD) tool. Next, a method building upon the model and lean principles is developed as a design procedure. The software and the method are verified through an industrial example of designing a family of logistic services. The proposed model, method, and tool were found effective for describing different key elements of PSS family design. The power of the CAD tool was also demonstrated by taking advantage of a database of model building blocks and semi-automatic calculations.
Development of a Real-Time, Mobile Nitrate Monitoring Station for High-Frequency Data Collection
Authors: Luna Juncal Martin Jason , Skinner Timothy , Bertone Edoardo , Stewart Rodney A.
Published: July 2020

A mobile monitoring station was developed to measure nitrate and physicochemical water quality parameters remotely, in real-time, and at very high frequencies (thirty minutes). Several calibration experiments were performed to validate the outputs of a real-time nutrient sensor, which can be affected by optical interferences such as turbidity, pH, temperature and salinity. Whilst most of these proved to play a minor role, a data-driven compensation model was developed to account for turbidity interferences. The reliability of real-time optical sensors has been questioned previously; however, this study has shown that following compensation, the readings can be more accurate than traditional laboratory-based equipment. In addition, significant benefits are offered by monitoring waterways at high frequencies, due to rapid changes in analyte concentrations over short time periods. This, combined with the versatility of the mobile station, provides opportunities for several beneficial monitoring applications, such as of fertiliser runoff in agricultural areas in rural regions, aquaculture runoff, and waterways in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Great Barrier Reef.
A Novel Hybrid Approach for Maximizing the Extracted Photovoltaic Power under Complex Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Mahmod Mohammad Altwallbah Neda , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran , Azis Norhafiz , Shafie Suhaidi , Atiqi Mohd Zainuri Muhammad Ammirrul
Published: July 2020

The convenient design of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller is key to the success of photovoltaic (PV) system performance in order to maximize the extracted power, which is affected significantly by weather fluctuations, particularly partial shading condition (PSC). This paper proposes a novel hybrid MPPT approach based on a modified Perturb and Observe (P&O) assisted by the Extremum Seeking Control (ESC) strategy, combining the benefits of these simple algorithms and, meanwhile, eliminating their drawbacks. The proposed algorithm is able to track the maximum possible power under any level of weather fluctuation, with comprehensive enhancement on all aspects of high performance, boosting the PV array efficiency to 100%, reducing the convergence time to less than 100 ms, completely eradicating the oscillations around the achieved power, and maintaining the simplicity levels of both involved strategies. More importantly, this algorithm is applicable for any PV array configuration, which enhances the robustness and novelty of the algorithm. The performance is verified using MATLAB/Simulink. A boost converter is used for controlling DC to DC (direct current to direct current) power. The proposed algorithm’s performance is compared with the conventional P&O and incremental conductance (IC) algorithms under four different cases of weather conditions. The shortcomings of these algorithms are illustrated and the analysis confirms the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm accordingly.
Implementation of Floating Treatment Wetlands for Textile Wastewater Management: A Review
Authors: Wei Fan , Shahid Munazzam Jawad , Alnusairi Ghalia S. H. , Afzal Muhammad , Khan Aziz , El-Esawi Mohamed A. , Abbas Zohaib , Wei Kunhua , Zaheer Ihsan Elahi , Rizwan Muhammad , Ali Shafaqat
Published: July 2020

The textile industry is one of the most chemically intensive industries, and its wastewater is comprised of harmful dyes, pigments, dissolved/suspended solids, and heavy metals. The treatment of textile wastewater has become a necessary task before discharge into the environment. The textile effluent can be treated by conventional methods, however, the limitations of these techniques are high cost, incomplete removal, and production of concentrated sludge. This review illustrates recent knowledge about the application of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) for remediation of textile wastewater. The FTWs system is a potential alternative technology for textile wastewater treatment. FTWs efficiently removed the dyes, pigments, organic matter, nutrients, heavy metals, and other pollutants from the textile effluent. Plants and bacteria are essential components of FTWs, which contribute to the pollutant removal process through their physical effects and metabolic process. Plants species with extensive roots structure and large biomass are recommended for vegetation on floating mats. The pollutant removal efficiency can be enhanced by the right selection of plants, managing plant coverage, improving aeration, and inoculation by specific bacterial strains. The proper installation and maintenance practices can further enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetic value of the FTWs. Further research is suggested to develop guidelines for the selection of right plants and bacterial strains for the efficient remediation of textile effluent by FTWs at large scales.
Digital Transformation and Knowledge Management in the Public Sector
Authors: Alvarenga Ana , Matos Florinda , Godina Radu , C. O. Matias João
Published: July 2020

Digitizing public services is, at the moment, an essential necessity for numerous governments around the world. An improved government through digitization will not only have a growing effect on businesses, but it will also be able to intensify citizen engagement and push for economic growth. During the last 10 years more countries have progressively begun to provide digital services to their citizens. Therefore, in order to address this development, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the digital government literature in order to describe the aspects of digital transformation in the public sector and how it is related to knowledge management. In this study the methodology is quantitative and it is based on a review and a survey made with the main goal being the estimation from several collected data on how the digital transformation process in the Public Administration takes place and what its relationship is with knowledge management. The review study is based on articles found on Scopus database and it addresses the role that digital government research plays in the theory and practice of knowledge management. In the survey study, 54 employees working for the services of the two governmental areas of the Portuguese Ministry of the Environment were surveyed. The results show that the research on the theme is still at an exploratory stage due to the lack of studies relating digital government to knowledge management effectiveness in the public sector. The results also show that the success of digital government seems to be related with the quality of the organizations’ knowledge management, complementing each other for significant improvements in the public sector. In terms of originality, this study aims to contribute and stimulate data-driven discussions regarding the impacts of the digital transformation in the public sector and their relation with the implementation of knowledge management practices. The results offer insights into future research needs.
Decrypting the Origin and Pathogenesis in Pregnant Ewes of a New Ovine Pestivirus Closely Related to Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Sozzi Enrica , Bohórquez José Alejandro , Alberch Mònica , Pujols Joan , Cantero Guillermo , Gaffuri Alessandra , Lelli Davide , Rosell Rosa , Bensaid Albert , Domingo Mariano , Pérez Lester Josue , Moreno Ana , Ganges Llilianne
Published: July 2020

This study shows the origin and the pathogenic role of a novel ovine pestivirus (OVPV) isolated in 2017 in Italy, as a pathogenic agent causing severe abortions after infection in pregnant ewes and high capacity for virus trans-placental transmission as well as the birth of lambs suffering OVPV-persistent infection. The OVPV infection induced early antibody response detected by the specific ELISA against classical swine fever virus (CSFV), another important virus affecting swine. The neutralizing antibody response were similar against CSFV strains from genotype 2 and the OVPV. These viruses showed high identity in the B/C domain of the E2-glycoprotein. Close molecular diagnostics cross-reactivity between CSFV and OVPV was found and a new OVPV molecular assay was developed. The phylodynamic analysis showed that CSFV seems to have emerged as the result of an inter-species jump of Tunisian sheep virus (TSV) from sheep to pigs. The OVPV and the CSFV share the TSV as a common ancestor, emerging around 300 years ago. This suggests that the differentiation of TSV into two dangerous new viruses for animal health (CSFV and OVPV) was likely favored by human intervention for the close housing of multiple species for intensive livestock production.
Generation of a Peptide Vaccine Candidate against Falciparum Placental Malaria Based on a Discontinuous Epitope
Authors: Mitran Catherine J. , Higa Lauren M. , Good Michael F. , Yanow Stephanie K.
Published: July 2020

In pregnant women, Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells adhere to the placenta via the parasite protein VAR2CSA. Two vaccine candidates based on VAR2CSA are currently in clinical trials; however, these candidates failed to elicit strain-transcending antibody responses. We previously showed that a cross-reactive monoclonal antibody (3D10) raised against the P. vivax antigen PvDBP targets epitopes in VAR2CSA. We now aim to design a peptide vaccine against VAR2CSA based on the epitope that generated 3D10. We mapped the epitope to subdomain 1 (SD1) of PvDBP and identified a peptide that contained the minimal sequence. However, this peptide did not elicit cross-reactive VAR2CSA antibodies in mice. When tested against a broader, overlapping peptide array spanning SD1, 3D10 in fact recognized a discontinuous epitope consisting of three segments of SD1. These findings presented the challenge to generate this larger structural epitope as a synthetic peptide since it is stabilized by two pairs of disulfide bonds. We overcame this using a synthetic scaffold to conformationally constrain the SD1 peptide and coupled it to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The SD1-KLH conjugate elicited antibodies in mice that cross-reacted with VAR2CSA. This strategy successfully recapitulated a discontinuous epitope with a synthetic peptide and represents the first heterologous vaccine candidate against VAR2CSA.
Adjuvant Activity of Synthetic Lipid A of Alcaligenes, a Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue-Resident Commensal Bacterium, to Augment Antigen-Specific IgG and Th17 Responses in Systemic Vaccine
Authors: Wang Yunru , Hosomi Koji , Shimoyama Atsushi , Yoshii Ken , Yamaura Haruki , Nagatake Takahiro , Nishino Tomomi , Kiyono Hiroshi , Fukase Koichi , Kunisawa Jun
Published: July 2020

Alcaligenes spp. are identified as commensal bacteria and have been found to inhabit Peyer’s patches in the gut. We previously reported that Alcaligenes-derived lipopolysaccharides (LPS) exerted adjuvant activity in systemic vaccination, without excessive inflammation. Lipid A is one of the components responsible for the biological effect of LPS and has previously been applied as an adjuvant. Here, we examined the adjuvant activity and safety of chemically synthesized Alcaligenes lipid A. We found that levels of OVA-specific serum IgG antibodies increased in mice that were subcutaneously immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) plus Alcaligenes lipid A relative to those that were immunized with OVA alone. In addition, Alcaligenes lipid A promoted antigen-specific T helper 17 (Th17) responses in the spleen; upregulated the expression of MHC class II, CD40, CD80, and CD86 on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs); enhanced the production of Th17-inducing cytokines IL-6 and IL-23 from BMDCs. Stimulation with Alcaligenes lipid A also induced the production of IL-6 and IL-1β in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, Alcaligenes lipid A caused minor side effects, such as lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia. These findings suggest that Alcaligenes lipid A is a safe and effective Th17-type adjuvant by directly stimulating dendritic cells in systemic vaccination.
Dynamics of the prevalence of mental disorders in the Russian Federation in 1991–2018 (age aspect)
Authors: Demcheva Nadezhda , Yazdovskaya Alla , Kazakovtsev Boris
Published: July 2020

Comparative analysis of the prevalence of mental disorders in the Russian Federation in 1991–2018 has been carried out on the basis of the study of official statistics (information of reporting form № 10 introduced by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation since 1991) and calculation of indicators of general incidence of mental disorders. Age characteristics in the dynamics of general incidence of mental disorders have been identified: reduction in prevalence of non-psychotic psychopathology in groups of 0–17, 20–59 years old and growth of number of psychotic forms in groups of 0–17 and 18–19 years old in 2007–2018. The authors of the article conclude that decrease in the incidence of mental disorders, and especially non-psychotic forms of mental disorders, along with positive factors, indicates a decrease in referrals for psychiatric care by the population of the Russian Federation, which in turn is related to socio-economic problems, attitude of society to psychiatry, accessibility of psychiatric care.
Structural and clinical characteristics of neurotic disorders in medical and technical students
Authors: Bukhanovskaya Olga
Published: July 2020

The aim is structural-clinical analysis of neurotic disorders in students of medical and technical higher education in comparative aspect. Material and methods. 995 medical and 804 technical university students were surveyed using the original questionnaire developed by the author based on the international classification of mental disorders № 10. Clinical-epidemiological, clinical-psychopathological methods were used; Retrospective analysis method, statistical. Results. New data have been obtained on the prevalence, structure and clinical manifestations of neurotic disorders in students, depending on the training profile. In medical university, neurotic disorders are more common, characterized by a greater variety of clinical forms, greater expression of anxiety and depressive components, compared to similar disorders in technical university students. Conclusion. The reason for the detected differences is due to the specificity of education in medical universities, which requires daily communication with the sick, study of subjects related to severe pathology, is characterized by heavy loads on the memory of students, which leads to psychoemotional overvoltage and is itself a stress.
Psychopathological symptoms and indicators of cellular immunity in HIV-infected patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Polyanskiy Dmitry , Kalinin Vladimir
Published: July 2020

The correlation between psychopathological disorders and indicators related to the effector molecule in cell-mediated immunity in HIV-infected patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder has been studied using comparison of means and regression analysis. HIV infection affects individual indicators of the effector molecule in cellular immunity in patients with paranoid schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and its influence differs in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and in various forms of schizophrenia. The structure of psychopathological disorders in HIV-infected patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder correlates with the immunoregulatory index CD4+/CD8+, which reflects the involvement of the effector of cell-mediated immunity in the formation of a clinical picture of psychopathological disorders.
Role of L-carnitine in complex treatment for lesions of peripheral nerves of the extremities
Authors: Litvinenko Igor , Bulatov Albert
Published: July 2020

The article presents the results of complex treatment with L-carnitine in patients with peripheral nerve damage. The data of dynamic clinical, instrumental and laboratory examination of patients with traumatic neuropathies are presented. Attention is drawn to the possible influence of the content of insulin-like growth factor 1 in blood serum on the persistence of pain syndrome. A correlation between content of insulin-like factor 1 in the blood serum and severity of pain syndrome has been found. Pain has been estimated using different pain assessment scales (VAS, LANSS, NTSS-9, DN4). Data on the content of insulin-like growth factor 1 in blood serum in patients with traumatic neuropathies on the background of complex treatment with the use of L-carnitine are presented.
Correction of hypernatremia of central genesis in patients with neurocritical care
Authors: Komissarova G. , Bazhikaeva E. , Tauekelova T. , Moldagulova A. , Imanbaeva S.
Published: July 2020

One of the frequent violations of the salt balance in patients with a neurosurgical profile is hypernatremia, which is a consequence of brain edema. The purpose of this work was to compare the effectiveness of correction of hypernatremia of Central origin in patients with neuro-resuscitation profile by using hypotonic 0,45 % solutions of sodium chloride and sterofundin solution in the complex therapy of brain edema. 2 groups of patients were examined: the main group (n = 16), who received hypotonic solutions (0,45 %) of sodium chloride for the purpose of correcting hypernatremia as part of anti-edema therapy, and the control group (n = 13), which used a sterofundin solution for this purpose. After the analysis, the dynamics of blood CBS indicators in patients of both the first group and the second group did not undergo statistically significant differences in results at admission to the hospital (ICU) and during intensive decongestant therapy, which allowed us to conclude that the minimal effect of the solutions used for the correction of hypernatremia on the blood carbonate buffer system.
System-Wide Magnet Therapy in Depression Treatment
Authors: Bakhmutskiy Ivan , Kosenko Viktor , Shulkin Leonid , Guba Svetlana , Bakhmutskiy Nikolay
Published: July 2020

Study purpose. Study of the system-wide magnetic therapy efficacy in major depressive disorder treatment. Materials and methods. Depression patients were assigned to two groups: the control group and the main one. The control group underwent conventional antidepressant treatment while for the main group conventional treatment was combined with system-wide magnetic therapy. In the course of treatment, patients were exposed to a variable-amplitude rotating magnetic field with 2,2 MT induction and 100 Hz current frequency for 30 minutes. The treatment efficacy was evaluated on the Hamilton scale after 4 weeks of treatment. Results and Conclusion. The number of patients (responders) in remission,  7 points on the Hamilton scale, was significantly greater in the main group than it was in the control one: 18 and 28 in the control group and the main group, respectively (p < 0,01). Significant (by over 50 %) reduction in six symptoms was achieved in the main group: suicidal thoughts (80,65 %), critical attitude to the disease (75,0 %), late insomnia (72,5 %), early insomnia (70,91 %), agitation (53,16 %). Symptoms decreased by 35,84 % and 50,91 % in the control group and the main group, respectively (p < 0,05), by total scores on the Hamilton scale. The treatment efficacy under CNE was 0,643 and 0,491 in the control group and the main group, respectively, and as 0,491 < 0,643, we proved statistically that treatment in the main group is significantly more effective (p = 0,000021). With the procedure being well tolerated and causing no adverse effects during treatment, this depression treatment method can be recommended for clinical practice.
Analysis of effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy and introduction of new innovative projects for improving the quality of health care for patients with acute coronary syndrome in the Pavlodar regional ambulance station of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Akhmetzhanov K.
Published: July 2020

The article provides statistics on the volume of care for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at the prehospital stage in the Pavlodar region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A comparative analysis of the use of thrombolytic therapy (TLT) at the Pavlodar regional ambulance station and other countries was carried out. This article shows what the positive effect from TLT is. The article indicates all the new innovative technologies that have been introduced in the Pavlodar station over the past 5 years and how this has contributed to improving the quality of emergency care.
Coagulation potential of lyophilized plasma inactivated by the Intercept method
Authors: Krivov I. , Ragimov A. , Bayramalibeyli I. , Salimov E. , Bakhmetyev A. , Mardanly S.
Published: July 2020

Transfusion of blood plasma is one of the main methods of treatment of severe coagulopathy in case of massive blood loss. Material and technical support ensuring that the conditions of the cold chain are maintained is needed in order to fully supply clinics with plasma. This condition completely excludes possibility of using plasma in the field and in hard-to-reach area. Plasma lyophilization greatly simplifies solution of this task. Our study shows a change in the coagulation potential after lyophilization of the virus-inactivated by the Intercept method and quarantined freshly frozen plasma.
Some aspects of the development of blood donation in domestic health care
Authors: Sharavina M.
Published: July 2020

The first successful blood transfusions were aimed at saving lives of patients with acute blood loss, application of donated blood is much wider today. Expansion of informational work with donors, including development of understanding in a donor concerning importance of the donor program in patient’s life, as well as creation of the Blood Service, which is responsible for promotion, collection of blood and its components, their storage and transportation, contributes to the development of regular and ongoing donation. The author reviewed the regulatory framework for blood donation.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome
Authors: Kulikov A.
Published: July 2020

Presented material reveals main links in the pathogenesis of hemostatic disorder. In particular, attention is paid to the role of the lungs, liver and other organs in the development of this process. Role of vascular wall and blood cells in regulation of the physical state of blood is described in detail. The most frequent factors leading to hypercoagulation are indicated. Difference between hypercoagulation and thrombophilia is shown. The latter is found in clinical practice quite often, but at the same time, it is poorly diagnosed. Such a terrible complication of hemostatic disorder as disseminated intravascular coagulation is described. Its classification, stages of development, clinical manifestations are offered to the readers.
Correlation analysis of functional and X-ray morphological parameters from the results of Scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal
Authors: Khairutdinov Ruslan , Minasov Timur , Yakupova Ekaterina , Mukhametzyanova Elvina
Published: July 2020

Hallux valgus (deformity at the base of the big toe) is manifested by a sharp pain syndrome, difficulty in movement, a cosmetic defect on the medial surface of the big toe. This pathology reduces the quality of life of patients, and is also socially significant, since it often occurs in young and middle-aged women who belong to the able-bodied population. In this regard, metaphyseal and diaphyseal osteotomy for the treatment of Hallux valgus of varying degrees, such as surgery according to the Scarf method, is of great importance. Advantages of this surgery are associated with the ability to share the load across the entire osteotomy area, great stability and reliable compression in the fracture zone, which allows early postoperative loading. With increasing age of a patient, a greater correction of the HVA (Hallux Valgus Angle) after osteotomy is achieved. A clearly traced correlation between age and good functional results after Scarf osteotomy allows us to recommend Scarf surgery for elderly patients.
Obesity Problems and Enabling Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Irtuganov Nail
Published: July 2020

The aim of this work is to help fighting with obesity, especially for women who plan to solve the problem of infertility using assisted reproductive technologies. It summarizes modern ideas about the causes, consequences and treatment of obesity based on Russian regulatory documents and clinical recommendations. This is a roadmap for obese and infertile patients who as it have been shown use assisted reproductive technologies. It will also be interesting for doctors of related specialties (gynecologists, obstetricians, reproductologists, cardiologists, general practitioners). The material is presented and structured in a form understandable to a wide range of both doctors and patients. It is recommended to use the article as a handout in order to study the causes of overweight, to identify diseases associated with obesity and modern treatment methods.
X-ray endovascular treatment management in the hospital
Authors: Goloshchapov-Aksenov Roman , Semenov Vladimir , Kicha Dmitriy
Published: July 2020

Demand for X-ray endovascular treatment continues to grow in the medical services market. The use of X-ray endovascular technology for the treatment of acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, which are a significant medical, social and economic problem on a global scale, is scientifically justified. Opening of the interventional radiology department in a healthcare organization provides level 3 of health care, increases frequency of hospitalization of patients with cardiovascular diseases and, as practice shows, changes the economic balance of the organization in a positive direction. In the Russian Federation X-ray endovascular treatment for patients is provided mainly in the interventional radiology departments by interventional radiologists, who are not attending physicians of these patients. Separation of duties and legal responsibilities, a conflict of interest between specialists can contribute to reducing the quality of health care. Performing X-ray endovascular surgeries with expensive disposable instruments and their non-rational use can reduce the cost-effectiveness of treatment and lead to unfavourable economic balance of the healthcare organization and receivables. The article presents basics of X-ray endovascular care system management at the local level, based on the analysis of results of its organization in the Moscow Oblast, in order to increase the clinical and economic efficiency of treating patients with cardiovascular diseases and improve public health. The obtained results show that the head of a healthcare organization must possess not only the knowledge and experience in organization of health care, but also be a crisis manager for managing regional vascular center in the structure of the healthcare institution in order to increase the clinical and economic effectiveness of X-ray endovascular treatment.
Psychological factors in legal regulation of reproductive rights
Authors: Leukhina Tamara , Lazarev Evgeniy
Published: July 2020

After considering the controversial assessments of the legitimacy of assisted reproductive technologies, the current article highlights the need of studying the psychological factors in the legal regulation of reproductive rights in order to determine its boundaries and ways to increase its effectiveness.
Clinical outcome of innovative rehabilitation therapy for chronic periodontal diseases
Authors: Minenko Inessa , Vanchenko Nelli
Published: July 2020

A smile is an important part of the attractiveness and beauty of a modern person [1]. Today, more than ever, it’s important to be a well-groomed and healthy person, in whom “...everything should be fine...” as the classic said. The vast majority of patients tend to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes dental health as well [3]. Health of periodontal tissues directly depends not only on the proper oral hygiene carried out by patients at home, but also on an individually selected set of therapeutic measures performed by the dentist [4, 5]. Thus, dentists and related specialists should provide highly professional medical care in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissues to achieve maximum results, stop the inflammatory process and restore the periodontium as a whole [6, 7].
Registration of medical documentation
Authors: Vashchenko Irina
Published: July 2020

The article is devoted to the importance of registration of medical records in the modern legal framework. The author analyzes the rules for processing documents that will help avoid conflicts with patients, as well as the most common violations.