bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of diagnostic values of haematological and inflammatory parameters in predicting COPD exacerbation
Authors: Olaee Aseih Hatefi , Rezaeetalab Fariba , Lotfinejad Nasim 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objective: Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from acute exacerbation. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is currently known as the most important leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, recognising beneficial biomarkers in order to detect acute exacerbations promptly is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the role of haematological and inflammatory parameters in the diagnosis of AECOPD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 63 patients with AECOPD, during exacerbation and stable period, and on 62 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Haematological and inflammatory parameters were analysed, and other data were collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and mean platelet volume (MPV) in the diagnosis of patients with AECOPD.

Results: The predictive ability of NLR was higher than that of CRP and MPV. The cut-off value of NLR was 2.85, and the sensitivity and specificity for detecting AECOPD were 87% and 70%, respectively (AUC = 0.84, P < 0.001). NLR values positively correlated with the CRP level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and platelet (PLT) count (r = 0.44, P = 0.001; r = 0.31, P = 0.020; and r = 0.32, P = 0.010, respectively) and negatively correlated with the albumin level and MPV in patients with AECOPD (r = −0.31, P = 0.049 and r = −0.27, P = 0.040).

Conclusion: NLRs and CRP levels were both increased in patients with AECOPD, and they are both available and beneficial markers in the prompt detection of AECOPD. Further studies should be performed to underpin the diagnostic and prognostic values of haematological and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with COPD.
Shifting to the ambulatory patient-centered tuberculosis care model in Romania – preliminary results of the pilot project conducted in Marius Nasta Institute of Pneumology dispensaries, January–December 2020
Authors: Munteanu Ioana , Popa Cristian , Popa Cristina , Cazacu Cristina , Pleșită Andreea , Teoibas Carmen , Cioran Nicoleta , Nedelcu Ramona , Valceanu Daniela , Furtunescu Florentina , Serban Amalia , Mahler Beatrice 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Reversing the concept of the Romanian medical system in terms of approaching patients with tuberculosis (TB) and removing them from a hospital-centred system into a more friendly outpatient system, closer to their needs, is one of its challenges. Preliminary data of this project show that through minimal and consistent investments the diagnosis, treatment and monitorisation can be made exclusively in the outpatient department for these patients.
Beating the virus is not enough
Authors: Mihățan Florin , Constantin Ancuța 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The authors are presenting a case reflecting the evolution of an infected patient representing the source and, at the same time, one of the first severe cases of SARS-COV2 in Romania, burdened by a dragging and difficult evolution both by the nature of a newly identified infection, with real treatment deficiencies, and by deliberate omission of ethical aspects. There was a delay and were considerable difficulties in establishing the diagnosis, the evolution of the disease, along with some other consequences like an increase in the risk of transmitting the infection – a vicious cycle that otherwise could have been interrupted much earlier.
Virtual Control Object for Siemens Logic Controllers and Online PLC Education
Authors: Bilčík Michal , Strémy Maximilián , Janíková Dominika , Horváth Dušan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper deals with the possibility of creating virtual C # models connectable to a virtual PLC of Siemens. The models will lead to the improvement and simplification of the online PLC education. Hardware solutions cost a lot of money, while using a software version of PLC leads to cheaper simulations. Paper presents the design and implementation of the virtual models, including the ways of the interconnection with PLCSIM, visualization and finally demonstration for the selected virtual model.
Application of Industrial Computer Tomography to Determine Wood Porosity
Authors: Buranská Eva , Rantuch Peter , Buranský Ivan , Kucmanová Alexandra 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe main objective of this research was to analyse the limitations of iCT - industrial computer tomography for measuring the wood pores characteristics as a new non-destructive method which is primarily intended to measure and inspect complete components primarily made of plastics or light metal. The subject matter of this paper are wood samples of paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) before and after thermal treatment. Porosity, pore volume and distribution of pores on the wood samples before and after the heat treatment were measured by iCT Metrotom 1500. The total porosity of the samples before thermal treatment was 5.28 % (paulownia) and 14.90 % (ash), while after thermal treatment, porosity increased to 9.50 % (paulownia) and to 30.78 % (ash). Changes in the porosity of the samples before and after heat treatment show an increase in porosity of 3.87 % (paulownia) and 15.88 % (ash).
Reliability Assessment of the Systems with Simple Interconnections
Authors: Labašová Eva 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The paper deals with determining the final value of simple systems reliability. Simple systems, the systems with simple interconnections, can be divided into a sequence of series and/or parallel subsystems. The paper presents the basic functional relationships used to assess the reliability of simple systems, however, they are also essential for understanding more complex systems. The paper graphically shows and analyzes the final reliability of the systems depending on the arrangement of subsystems, and also those depending on the number of subsystems.
Production of Renewable Insulation Material – New Business Model of Bioeconomy for Clean Energy Transition
Authors: Luksta Ilze , Bohvalovs Girts , Bazbauers Gatis , Spalvins Kriss , Blumberga Andra , Blumberga Dagnija 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Mycelium composites is a new class of renewable materials which can be used for heat insulation of buildings. Use of the composites would help to reduce both operational energy consumption and embodied energy of building insulation materials. In addition, use of the renewable composites could also reduce embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the insulation materials. Local production and use of the composites could stimulate residential building insulation process via additional socio-economic benefits, such as positive impact on local economy, created workplaces and reduced import. The research question of this study is to determine a difference between embodied energy and GHG emissions of the mycelium insulation material and synthetic insulation alternatives. System dynamics model is used as the method for assessment of the dynamics of the total embodied energy and GHG emissions if equal amounts of the insulation materials is produced. Time horizon for the modeling is 2021–2050. Data used in the model were taken from scientific publications and laboratory experiments with growth process and properties of the mycelium composites. The model includes several feedback effects, e.g., effect of research and development on efficiency and productivity of the mycelium production process. The results show that embodied energy of the mycelium insulation material is higher than for the synthetic alternatives but the embodied GHG emissions are considerably lower than for the alternatives. The embodied GHG emissions are even lower if the absorption of CO2 of renewable materials used for the production of the mycelium composites is included.
Numerical Study of Laminar Forced Convection of Nanofluid in a New Microchannel Heat Sink
Authors: Bourhane Bouhabel , Yassine Kabar 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The heat transfer and pressure drop in a microchannel heat sink with 02 mixing chambers with inclined walls were numerically studied. The transport equations have been resolved by the finite volume method using ANSYS Fluent software. The operating fluids are water and Al2O3-water. The results obtained for Reynolds numbers ranging from 187 and 705 show that adding a micro-mixing chamber with a rectangular rib in the microchannel improves the heat transfer and increases the pressure drop compared to conventional microchannels. The new shape of the mixing chamber studied shows a net decrease in pressure drop, which improves the performance of the micro heat sink by 5.6%.
Exploration of Rotary Friction Welding Technique
Authors: Singh Chatha Jagjeet , Singh Kohli Prabhsharan , Amit Handa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Friction welding is a solid-state welding system which welds materials without authentic melting it. This study explores papers of different researchers on the friction welding method and it has been observed that the welding parameters like friction time; friction pressure, forge time and forge pressure highly affect properties of welded joints. The reason for this investigation is to exhort industry and the insightful world regarding advantages of revolving friction welding so the technique may be utilized in an ideal manner.
The Mechanical Properties and Fatigue Prediction of a New Generation of Osteosynthesis Devices
Authors: Veronika Drátovská , Radek Sedláček , Zdeněk Padovec , Pavel Růžička , Adam Kratochvíl 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study was to predict the fatigue life of metallic bone plates employing SIMULIA fe-safe software. Two materials commonly used for surgical implants were subjected to investigation: 1.4441 (ASTM F138) stainless steel for implants and Ti6Al4V ELI (ASTM F136) titanium alloy. The material parameters of the two materials were determined from experimental research. Four-point bending fatigue testing was conducted on two generations of bone plates in order to allow for the comparison of the prediction results with the measured data from the experiments.
Virtual Simulation of Overtaking Maneuver of Autonomous Vehicle
Authors: Ľuboš Magdolen , Ján Danko , Tomáš Milesich , Igor Kevický , Marek Galinský , Jozef Bucha , Robert Skyrčák 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The overtaking maneuver is an important maneuver for autonomous vehicles. It consists of overtaking another vehicle that is moving at a slower speed in the same lane. The article proposes an ahead maneuver on a straight road using software designed for PreScan simulations, while the obstacle is also a moving vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with technology-independent sensors (TIS) and camera.
The Mathematical Analysis of Demands for Railway Passenger Transport in Kosovo
Authors: Ramadan Mazrekaj , Ahmet Shala 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the railway transport of passengers in Kosovo, to determine its intensity and structure, to analyse which factors have the greatest impact on the demand for regular rail transport. Furthermore, the paper will examine which trend, which model fits best in moving this mode of transport based on data from 2011 to 2019, and then predict future trends in transport demand. The existence and strength of the dependence among the selected factors, which are assumed to have an impact on passenger rail transport will be examined by the mathematical method of regression analysis.
Fuzzy Prognosis System for Decision Making to Vibrations Monitoring in Gas Turbine
Authors: Boulanouar Saadat , Ahmed Hafaifa , Rachid Belhadef , Abdellah Kouzou 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a decision making approach based on the development of a fuzzy prognostic system to ensure the vibrations monitoring of a gas turbine based on real time information obtained from different installed sensors. In this approach the case of incomplete obtained data which may occur frequently is taken into account by using an approach of full data reconstitution form incomplete data. The proposed fuzzy prognostic system approach presented in this paper allows the analysis of the data obtained via the vibration indicators of a gas turbine system for the accurate identification of the faults to avoid the performance degradation of such systems. In order to prove the robustness of the proposed approach presented in this paper, several tested has been performed.
Bolted Joint Preload Distribution from Torque Tightening
Authors: Michael Welch 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of how bolt preloads are distributed within a joint as each bolt is tightened in turn by the use of a calibrated torque wrench. It discusses how the order that the joints nuts/bolts are tightened can affect the final bolt preload. It also investigates the effect on incrementally increasing the bolt preload through a series of applications of the controlled torque tightening sequence.
Classical analysis methods are used to develop a method of analysis that can be applied to most preloaded bolted joints. It is assumed that the static friction coefficient is approximately 15% less than the dynamic friction.
It is found that the bolt preload distribution across the joint can range from slightly above the target preload to significantly less than the target preload. The bolts with a preload greater than the target preload are found to be those tightened towards the end of the tightening sequence, usually located close to the outer edges of the joint’s bolt array. The bolts with a preload less than the target preload are those tightened early in the tightening sequence, located centrally within the joints bolt array.
The methods presented can be used to optimise bolted joint design and assembly procedures. Optimising the design of preloaded bolted joints leads to more efficient use of the joints.
Determination of Bearing Quality Using Frequency Vibration Analysis
Authors: Stanislav Žiaran , Ondrej Chlebo , Ľubomír Šooš 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The paper proposes two methods for determining the quality of industrially manufactured bearings, where the vibro-acoustic energy is expressed by measuring the vibration acceleration. The determined criteria were verified and 100 % agreement was reached in determining the required quality of the bearings. Unwanted bearing noise emissions and its faults can be monitored over the maximum acceleration value determined from the time history, the frequency distribution and the r.m.s. value of the determined frequency range.
Zmiana regulacji w kwestii możliwości udzielania sakramentów pokuty, Eucharystii i namaszczenia chorych chrześcijanom niekatolikom w świetle prawodawstwa Kościoła rzymskokatolickiego
Authors: Klimkiewicz Daniel 
Published: December 2021

Artykuł przedstawia zagadnienie zmiany regulacji dotyczącej możliwości udzielania sakramentów pokuty, Eucharystii i namaszczenia chorych chrześcijanom niekatolikom. Regulacja bowiem aktualnie obowiązująca –skodyfikowana w kan. 844 §§ 3-5 KPK – jest efektem modyfikacji jakie zachodziły w prawodawstwie Kościoła rzymskokatolickiego. Co ważne, normy zawarte w niniejszym kanonie stanowią „milowy krok” w dialogu ekumenicznym między Kościołem katolickim a Kościołami i Wspólnotami eklezjalnymi odłączonymi od rzymskiej Stolicy Apostolskiej.
Symptomatic thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: Report of a case and review
Authors: Rahimizadeh Abolfazl , Habibollahzadeh Parviz , Williamson Walter L. , Soufiani Housain , Amirzadeh Mahan , Rahimizadeh Shaghayegh 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Thoracic spinal cord compression due to both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is rare.

Case Description:
A 33-year-old male with AS presented with a paraparesis attributed to MR documented T9-T10 OLF/stenosis. He was successfully managed with a decompressive laminectomy; this resulted in marked improvement of his deficit.

Conclusion:
Thoracic OLF and AS rarely contribute T9-T10 spinal cord compression that may be readily relieved with a decompressive laminectomy.
Optimización de parámetros con enjambre de partículas en un molde de colada continua
Authors: González Rondón Yordy , Rengel Hernández José Eduardo , Martínez Rizales Johnny 
Published: December 2021

Con la finalidad de ajustar en el molde de colada continua los parámetros que influyen en la aparición de defectos en el acero, se ha desarrollado un algoritmo deoptimización por enjambre de partículas (PSO), haciendo uso de modelos de procesos. El estudio consideró múltiples objetivos con múltiples restricciones y los resultados fueron comparados con los reportados por un algoritmo de optimización basado en enseñanza-aprendizaje (TLBO). Se concluyó que el PSO tiene buena capacidad para determinar los parámetros del molde y, con él, es posible conseguir una solución óptima sin requerir grandes esfuerzos computacionales.
Biological Algorithms for Digital Manufacture
Authors:   , Wotton Louise 
Published: December 2021

<p>Computational simulations are generally built upon a form or design that is near or mostly complete. Agent-based simulations are ones where the rules and behaviours are designed, creating an unpredictable output. In this research, these rules are derived from the complex systems in nature, utilising cross-disciplinary principles between architecture and biology. The abstraction of data and rules from biological structures are used to inform computational rule-sets for modelling 3D printed structures. The simulations in this paper explore the concept of emergence: where systems have an irreducible complexity and adaptability - a series of smaller parts combined acting as a whole. The concept of agent-based simulations as a form of emergence is a tool used greatly within many areas of research as a speculative method to build form and space. Computation rule-sets define a design intent for each simulation, demonstrating the ability to use agent-based systems and a spatial design driver. Informing the agents with design intent, allows them to adapt to their environment and to the ability and limitations of a freeform 3D printer. The focus in this project is the design of emergent principles in nature and how they can be applied to optimize structures for use with digital fabrication methods, thus producing a new approach to designing fabricated forms. Using a design by research approach, this research demonstrates the potential of free-form 3D printing as a technique for an integrated fabrication system. It outlines computational design techniques including the simulation of emergent phenomena to define a digital workflow that supports the integration of both emergent structures and free-form printing.</p>
Self-Organizing Network (SON) Functionalities for Mobility Management in WiFi Networks
Authors:   , Hao Lina 
Published: December 2021

<p>WiFi networks based on the IEEE 802.11 standard are widely used indoors or outdoors as simple and cost-effective wireless technology. However, the data connection is significantly disrupted when mobile stations (STAs) switch between access points (APs). Furthermore, high packet loss occurs during the switching period. Therefore, mobility is a critical issue that needs to be solved in WiFi networks. In cellular networks, handover is used to keep ongoing data transfer when network clients switch between base stations. However, the handover algorithm is not supported in the 802.11 standard for WiFi networks. Self-Organizing Network (SON) functionality enables seamless handover in cellular networks, improving network performance. However, the SON functionality has not been fully researched in WiFi networks, especially for mobility management. Motivated by the SON functionalities, a SON approach is proposed to automatically optimize the handover algorithms for WiFi networks. This approach focuses on the SON functionalities including self-configuration, self-optimization and self-healing using machine learning techniques to develop new algorithms for WiFi mobility management. The overall goal of this thesis is to optimize handover performance as well as enhance the network’s capabilities.</p>
How does the public benefit from green space?
Authors:   , Gyde Elaine 
Published: December 2021

<p>Research shows that urban green spaces are a straightforward way for many people to interact with nature. This interaction provides physical and mental health benefits, provides us with a range of ecosystems services, and fosters a unique sense of place. In a central city park we experience shared public space where we navigate social and cultural norms and adjust our behaviour. This research uses third place as a framework for examining the benefits of shared public space. Ray Oldenburg developed third place to describe the importance of places where informal social interactions occur. Cafes, libraries and pubs all form key social hubs for local communities. This thesis examines the extent to which green spaces in Wellington’s central city area provide third place. This research conducted a survey of the public in three central city parks in Wellington and long interviews with key stakeholders from inside and outside the Wellington City Council (the Council). Results show how the public use and value green spaces and examines the Council’s role as the authority of these urban green spaces. As the urban population rises, the availability and quality of green space in the central city will become a challenge for the Council. These research findings can be used to address this challenge. Design solutions, community engagement, and activation, can reduce barriers to green space, like accessibility. Without these barriers, more people experience the benefits of green spaces and our public parks become places where people relax, socialise, and enjoy their time.</p>