bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers having children less than two years of age in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis using recent Demographic and Health Surveys data
Authors: Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn
Published: March 2021

Background

Despite the significant advantages of timely initiation of breastfeeding (TIBF), many countries particularly low- and middle-income countries have failed to initiate breastfeeding on time for their newborns. Optimal breastfeeding is one of the key components of the SDG that may help to achieve reduction of under-five mortality to 25 deaths per 1000 live births.

Objective

To assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers having children less than two years of age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We used pooled data from the 35 sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). We used a total weighted sample of 101,815 women who ever breastfeed and who had living children under 2 years of age. We conducted the multilevel logistic regression and variables with p<0.05, in the multivariable analysis, were declared significantly associated with TIBF.

Results

The pooled prevalence of TIBF in SSA was 58.3% [95%CI; 58.0–58.6%] with huge variation between countries, ranging from 24% in Chad to 86% in Burundi. Both individual and community level variables were associated with TIBF. Among individual-level factors; being older-aged mothers, having primary education, being from wealthier households, exposure to mass media, being multiparous, intended pregnancy, delivery at a health facility, vaginal delivery, single birth, and average size of the child at birth were associated with higher odds of TIBF. Of community-level factors, rural place of residence, higher community level of ANC utilization, and health facility delivery were associated with higher odds of TIBF.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of TIBF in SSA was low. Both individual and community-level factors were associated with TIBF. The authors recommend interventions at both individual and community levels to increase ANC utilization as well as health facility delivery that are crucial for advertising optimal breastfeeding practices such as TIBF.
Community acceptability to antimalarial mass drug administrations in Magude district, Southern Mozambique: A mixed methods study
Authors: Galatas Beatriz , Nhantumbo Hoticha , Soares Rodolfo , Djive Helder , Murato Ilda , Simone Wilson , Macete Eusebio , Rabinovich N. Regina , Alonso Pedro , Candrinho Baltazar , Saúte Francisco , Aide Pedro , Munguambe Khátia
Published: March 2021

Background

This study aimed to capture the acceptability prior to, during and after the implementation of the first year of MDA rounds conducted under the Magude project, a malaria elimination project in southern Mozambique.

Methods

This was a mixed-methods study, consisting of focus group discussions (FGDs) prior to the implementation of MDA rounds (September 2015), non-participant observations (NPOs) conducted during the MDA rounds (November 2015 –beginning of February 2016), and semi-structured interviews (SSIs) after the second round (end of February 2016). Community leaders, women in reproductive age, general members of the community, traditional healers and health professionals were recruited to capture the opinions of all representing key members of the community. A generic outline of nodes and codes was designed to analyze FGDs and SSI separately. Qualitative and quantitative NPO information was analyzed following a content analysis approach.

Findings

222 participants took part in the FGDs (n = 154), and SSIs (n = 68); and 318 household visits during the MDA underwent NPOs. The community engagement campaign emerged throughout the study stages as a crucial factor for the acceptability of MDAs. Acceptability was also fostered by the community’s general will to cooperate in any government-led activity that would reduce malaria burden, the appropriate behavior and knowledge of field workers, or the fact that the intervention was available free of charge to all. Absenteeism of heads of households was identified as the main barrier for the success of the campaign. The most commonly reported factors that negatively affected acceptability were the fear of adverse events, rumors of deaths, being unable to drink alcohol while taking DHAp, or the fear to take DHAp while in anti-retroviral treatment. Pregnancy testing and malaria testing were generally well accepted by the community.

Conclusion

Magude’s community generally accepted the first and second antimalarial MDA rounds, and the procedures associated to the intervention. Future implementation of antimalarial MDAs in southern Mozambique should focus on locally adapted strategies that engage the community to minimize absenteeism and refusals to the intervention.
Anticancer activity of milk fat rich in conjugated linoleic acid against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in female Swiss albino mice
Authors: Abd El-Gawad Abdelrahman M. , Abo El-Hassan Diea G. , Aboul-Enein Ahmed M. , Abdelgayed Sherein S. , Aly Salwa A. , Esmat Gamal , Mostafa Amr A. , Bakr Mohamed H. , Ali Rida A. , Ayoub Mahmoud A.
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim: The major conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have anticancer effect, especially breast cancer cells, inhibits cell growth and induces cell death. Also, CLA has several health benefits in vivo, including antiatherogenesis, antiobesity, and modulation of immune function. The present study aimed to assess the safety and anticancer effects of milk fat CLA against in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in female Swiss albino mice. This was based on acute toxicity study, detection of the tumor growth, life span of EAC bearing hosts, and simultaneous alterations in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty adult female mice were equally divided into five groups. Groups (1-2) were normal controls, and Groups (3-5) were tumor transplanted mice (TTM) inoculated intraperitoneally with EAC cells (2×106/0.2 mL). Group (3) was (TTM positive control). Group (4) TTM fed orally on balanced diet supplemented with milk fat CLA (40 mg CLA/kg body weight). Group (5) TTM fed orally on balanced diet supplemented with the same level of CLA 28 days before tumor cells inoculation. Blood samples and specimens from liver and kidney were collected from each group. The effect of milk fat CLA on the growth of tumor, life span of TTM, and simultaneous alterations in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles were examined.

Results: For CLA treated TTM, significant decrease in tumor weight, ascetic volume, viable Ehrlich cells accompanied with increase in life span were observed. Hematological and biochemical profiles reverted to more or less normal levels and histopathology showed minimal effects.

Conclusion: The present study proved the safety and anticancer efficiency of milk fat CLA and provides a scientific basis for its medicinal use as anticancer attributable to the additive or synergistic effects of its isomers.
Synthesis and Characterization of 3-Substituted Indole Derivatives as Novel Mannich Bases
Authors: Erdag E.
Published: March 2021

In this study, ten 3-substituted indole derivatives at the 3rd position of indole nucleus were synthesized
via Mannich reaction with microwave assisted synthesis and the conventional reflux heating method.
Microwave assisted synthesis is more preferrable than reflux method since the microwave irradiation
lead to a higher product yields with better purity and improved energy efficiency with shortened
reaction time. The structures of 3-substituted indole derivatives were characterized by FT-IR, elemental
analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking and in vitro Evaluation of
N-(4-Ethoxyphenylsulfonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic Acid Analogues as
Antiangiogenic and Anticancer Agents on Multiple Myeloma
Authors: GHOSH A. , SAHA A. , SARKER K. , MISHRA S. , SEN S.
Published: March 2021

In present work, N-(4-ethoxyphenylsulfonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid analogs were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated
as an antiangiogenic and anticancer agent on multiple myeloma. Compounds 3i, 3k and 3m exhibited the cytotoxic action on human
multiple myeloma cell line RPMI8226 with IC50 (μM) value 3.72, 3.89 2.28, respectively. These compounds possessed the antiangiogenic
property and are selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells, as observed from the in vitro study of human umbilical vein endothelial cell
(HUVEC) and African green monkey epithelial cell (VERO), respectively. Antiproliferative assay of the compounds on HUVECs was
carried out using the dye exclusion method with trypan blue. Molecular docking study of compound 3m with vascular endothelial growth
factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) showed possible interaction with a binding energy -62.27 kcal/mol.
Crystal Structure and Infrared Spectroscopy of
trans-[Cr(NCS)2(Me2tn)2][Cr(NCS)4(Me2tn)] Moiety
Authors: Moon Dohyun , Choi Jong-Ha
Published: March 2021

A novel double complex, trans-[Cr(NCS)2(Me2tn)2][Cr(NCS)4(Me2tn)]·NaSCN·i-PrOH, (1) (Me2tn =
2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine, C5H14N2; i-PrOH = isopropyl alcohol), was prepared and its structure
was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 95 K. The complex 1 crystallized in the space
group P1 of the triclinic system with two nuclear formula units in a cell of dimensions a = 13.220(3),
b = 13.699(3), c = 15.087(3) Å and α = 116.193(3), β = 102.73(3) and γ = 104.48(3)°. X-ray structural
analysis revealed two crystallo-graphically independent Cr(III) complex cations in the complex 1.
The asymmetric unit contains two halves of trans-[Cr(NCS)2(Me2tn)2]+ cations (2 and 3), one
cis-[Cr(NCS)4(Me2tn)]− anion (4), one NaSCN salt and one isopropyl alcohol molecule. In two independent
complex cations, the chromium(III) ions are coordinated by four N atoms of two chelating Me2tn and
two NCS groups in a distorted octahedral geometry while the chromium(III) ion in
cis-[Cr(NCS)4(Me2tn)]- has a distorted octahedral coordination with two N atoms of one Me2tn and
four NCS groups. The two six-membered rings in trans-[Cr(NCS)2(Me2tn)2]+ cations adopt both anti
chair-chair conformations. The Cr–N(Me2tn) bond lengths range from 2.0624(18) to 2.0877(16) Å,
while the Cr–N(NCS) bond lengths range from 2.0718(16) to 2.0428 (16) Å. The crystal lattice is
stabilized by hydrogen bonding interactions among the NH groups of the Me2tn ligand, OH group of
i-PrOH and the S atoms of the NCS groups. The infrared spectral properties are also described.
Synthesis and Characterization of Pure and Nitrogen Doped Titanium Oxide
Nanocrystallites for Visible Light Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Girija R. , Mary S. Stella , Balakrishnan G.
Published: March 2021

The pure and nitrogen doped titanium oxide (TiO2) nanocrystallites were synthesized using sol-gel
technique. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized to examine the microstructural, optical
and photocatalytic properties. The XRD studies of pure and doped TiO2 showed the formation of
polycrystalline tetragonal structure with anatase phase. The crystallite sizes were calculated and found
to be 17 and 15 nm for the pure and N-doped TiO2, respectively. FTIR studies indicated that the
N-doped TiO2 bands are stronger compared with pure TiO2, indicating the more hydroxyl groups.
FESEM studies showed the uniform formation of TiO2 nanocrystallites and spherical in shape with
agglomeration. The photoluminescence spectra of the samples show emission peaks, indicating the
band to band shift having the energy gap of 2.9 eV. The photocatalytic performance of the nanocatalyst
was studied using methylene blue dye under visible light irradiation for 90 min. The photocatalytic
efficiency of 66.9% and 85.8% is obtained for the pure and N-doped TiO2, respectively.
An Efficient Suitable Synthesis for Pyrazole, Pyrimidine Derivatives and Biological Evaluation
Authors: SHAFI S. SYED , SUBASHINI P. , GAJALAKSHMI S. , KUMAR V. VIJAYA
Published: March 2021

Novel quinazoline derivatives were synthesized by reacting isatoic anhydride and 4-amino acetanilide to synthesize N-(4-(2,4-dioxo-1,2-
dihydroquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)phenyl)acetamide which in turn reacted with substituted aromatic aldehydes to synthesize novel chalcones.
The chalcones were allowed to react with hydrazine hydrochloride and guanidine to form pyrazoline and pyrimidine derivatives, respectively.
The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, NMR (1H, 13C), mass and elemental analysis. All the newly synthesized
derivatives were screened for in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities to evaluate their biological potency.
Review on Boosting up Body’s Natural Defence Mechanism and Suppression of Symptoms against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)
Authors: VAIDYANATHAN G.S. , AISHWARYA B. , AHMAD IBRAHEM , SELVAM S. PERIYAR , KUMAR M. MAHESH , SADIKU E. ROTIMI
Published: March 2021

The prevailing global health crisis, posed by the pandemic COVID-19, has threatened the livelihood of the public around the world. The dramatic coronavirus surge (2019-nCoV) is denoted as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Initially, this deadly ailment was identified to have originated from bats and thereafter, passed on to human beings, in December 2019 via unknown modes of biological transmission in Wuhan, China. One of the leading causes of COVID-19 mortality could be attributed to respiratory failure (hypoxemic or hypercapnic) due to acute respiratory distress. From an immunological perspective, the virus triggers secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which results in fulminant, followed by fatal hypercytokinaemia alongside multiple organ failure, which happens in adults, in most of the predominant cases. As several scientific communities and researchers, tirelessly strive to find a suitable cure since there is a need for finding a registered medication/vaccine against COVID-19, it becomes quite pertinent for boosting our immune system. As the immune system, supports the body’s ability, as a fortress, to defend against pathogenic microbes, comprising of viruses, fungi, bacteria and protozoan species, thereby restricting infection. This review emphasizes the utilization of naturally-derived or otherwise plant-based supplements/foods that facilitate in enhancing or boosting the immunity against COVID-19, irrespective of one’s age. For a healthy lifestyle, the use of micro and macronutrients, such as: magnesium, zinc, vitamin-rich foods, especially vitamins C, D and E, since health could be enhanced and an individual could be further aided to overcome the infection. This report, majorly investigates the significance of antioxidants and their roles as immune boosters, through determining the various vitamins C and D-rich compounds, alongside the various secondary metabolites-endowed foods from various sources, which could most likely facilitate in improving immunity and thereby, controlling COVID-19.
Degradation Studies of Tadalafil: Identification, Isolation and Structure Characterization of
Stress Degradation Product using LC-MS, Mass Mediated Prep-HPLC, NMR, HRMS
Authors: Chakravarthy Kotha S.S.K. , Doddipalla Raju , Gandham Himabindu , Rumalla Chidananda Swamy , Kaliyaperumal Muralidharan , Manchineni Srinivas
Published: March 2021

The degradation behaviour of tadalafil performed under different stress conditions according to
International Conference on Harmonization guidelines (ICH) was studied. A novel degradation product
(DP) of tadalafil was observed only in acidic condition. An isolated degradation product
[(R)-3-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carbonyl)-1-methylpiperazine-2,5-dione)]
was identified by UPLC-MS technique and its structure was confirmed by high resolution mass
spectrometry (HRMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. Acquity BEH C18 (50 mm ×
2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column was used in LC-MS, gradient run was performed with mobile phases 0.05%
formic acid in acetonitrile and 0.05% formic acid in water, flow rate was 0.6 mL/min. The sample was
diluted with acetonitrile and water.
Application of Morphological Analysis Methodology in Architectural Design
Authors: Prokopska A.
Published: March 2021

The theory of system and design methodology as the sphere of concepts being objective mode can be applied to a more precise description, analysis and improvement of the methods of the real architectural design process. Lull's art as the primary idea of morphological analysis, has been acknowledged as to an element corresponding with the specificity of architectural design. From the architect's point of view it is worth studying the rules and peculiarities of morphological analysis methodology. In engineering design thus it may be possible to apply the methodology in architectural design.
Influence of Different Drying Conditions on High Strength Concrete Compressive Strength
Authors: Safan M. , Kohoutková A.
Published: March 2021

The influence of different drying conditions on the compressive strength and strength development rates of high strength concrete up to an age of 28 days was evaluated. Two HSC mixes with and without silica fume addition were used to cast cubes of 10 cm size. The cubes were stored in different drying conditions until the age of testing at 3, 7, 28 days.
Non-linear Temperature Profiles
Authors: Ficker T. , Myslín J. , Podešvová Z.
Published: March 2021

Non-linear temperature profiles caused by temperature-dependent thermal conductivity l(T) of wall materials are discussed. Instead of conventional thermal resistance, modified effective resistance has been introduced.
Sampling by Fluidics and Microfluidics
Authors: Tesař V.
Published: March 2021

Selecting one from several available fluid samples is a procedure often performed especially in chemical engineering. It is usually done by an array of valves sequentially opened and closed. Not generally known is an advantageous alternative: fluidic sampling units without moving parts. In the absence of complete pipe closure, cross-contamination between samples cannot be ruled out. This is eliminated by arranging for small protective flows that clear the cavities and remove any contaminated fluid. Although this complicates the overall circuit layout, fluidic sampling units with these "guard" flows were successfully built and tested. Recent interest in microchemistry leads to additional problems due very low operating Reynolds numbers. This necessitated the design of microfluidic sampling units based on new operating principles.
Fluidic Control of Molten Metal Flow
Authors: Tesař V.
Published: March 2021

Fluidic devices built from suitable refractory materials can withstand the extreme conditions encountered in flows of molten metals - even those with a high melting point. This paper informs about the hydrodynamic aspects of a recent development of a fluidic controller keeping the metal gravity flow constant. The controller uses a narrow notch weir for generating the control signal and a fluidic vortex valve as the actuator. An unusual feature is the signal transfer between the two components performed also by a molten metal flow. It is even possible to amplify the signal using the liquid metal as the working medium in the amplifier.
Heat Transfer Analysis of a Diesel Engine Head
Authors: Diviš M. , Tichánek R. , Španiel M.
Published: March 2021

This paper documents the research carried out at the Josef Božek Research Center of Engine and Automotive Engineering dealing with extended numerical stress/deformation analyses of engines parts loaded by heat and mechanical forces. It contains a detailed description of a C/28 series diesel engine head FE model and a discussion of heat transfer analysis tunning and results. The head model consisting of several parts allows a description of contact interaction in both thermal and mechanical analysis.
Indoor Air Quality Assessment Based on Human Physiology - Part 1. New Criteria Proposal
Authors: Jokl M. V.
Published: March 2021

Human physiology research makes evident that the Weber-Fechner law applies not only to noise perception but also to the perception of other environmental components. Based on this fact, new decibel units for dor component representing indoor air quality in majority locations have been proposed: decicarbdiox dCd (for carbon dioxide CO2) and decitvoc dTv (for total volatile organic compound TVOC). Equations of these new units have been proved by application of a) experimental relationships between odor intensity (representing odor perception by the human body) and odor concentrations of CO2 and TVOC, b) individually  measured CO2 and TVOC levels (concentrations) – from these new decibel units can be calculated and their values compared with decibel units of noise measured in the same locations. The undoubted benefit of using the decibel scale is that it gives much better approximation to human perception of odor intensity compared to the CO2 and TVOC concentration scales.
Comparison of the Capacitance Method and the Microwave Impulse Method for Determination of Moisture Profiles in Building Materials
Authors: Tesárek P. , Pavlík J. , Černý R.
Published: March 2021

A comparison of the capacitance method and the microwave impulse method for the determination of moisture profiles in three typical porous building materials is presented in this paper. The basic principles of the measuring methods are given. The calibration process is described in detail. On the basis of the measured results, it can be concluded that the capacitance method provides better accuracy in the range of lower moisture content than to the microwave impulse method, which is more accurate for the highest values of moisture content.
Fixed-Point Arithmetic in FPGA
Authors: Bečvář M. , Štukjunger P.
Published: March 2021

Arithmetic operations are among the most frequently-used operations in contemporary digital integrated circuits. Various structures have been designed, utilizing different features of IC architectures. Nevertheless, there are very few studies that consider the design of arithmetic operations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), a re-programmable type of digital integrated circuit. This text compares the results achieved when implementation of basic fixed-point arithmetic units in FPGA.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Identification Using Polynomial Distribution based Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Nagarajan G. , Basha Dr.A. Mahabub , Poornima R.
Published: March 2021

One main psychiatric disorder found in humans is ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). The disease manifests in a mental disorder that restricts humans from communications, language, speech in terms of their individual abilities. Even though its cure is complex and literally impossible, its early detection is required for mitigating its intensity. ASD does not have a pre-defined age for affecting humans. A system for effectively predicting ASD based on MLTs (Machine Learning Techniques) is proposed in this work. Hybrid APMs (Autism Prediction Models) combining multiple techniques like RF (Random Forest), CART (Classification and Regression Trees), RF-ID3 (RF-Iterative Dichotomiser 3) perform well, but face issues in memory usage, execution times and inadequate feature selections. Taking these issues into account, this work overcomes these hurdles in this proposed work with a hybrid technique that combines MCSO (Modified Chicken Swarm Optimization) and PDCNN (Polynomial Distribution based Convolution Neural Network) algorithms for its objective. The proposed scheme’s experimental results prove its higher levels of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, FPRs (False Positive Rates) and lowered time complexity when compared to other methods.
Surface Hardness Modify and Improve Wear Properties of EP\ NanoZrO2
Authors: Farhan Fadhil K. , Hussein Aws Abbas , Tuama Ali Q.
Published: March 2021

The liquid and mechanical mixing method was used in addition to ultrasound technology to prepare samples according to standard conditions. The percentage of cementing with ceramic powder was adopted from 1% to 4% as a weight ratio, and by using mixing drivers, nanocomposites were prepared depending on the theoretical density of the components. The velvet density was measured using Archimedes' method, and the results showed a successive improvement and increase in density with the weight ratio of addition. The results of the particulate hardness test showed a significant improvement in the results of the prepared nanostructures compared to the base sample (pure epoxy). With regard to the properties of wear resistance (wear modulus) using the screw-on-disk method, the cemented samples showed a higher wear resistance compared to the base sample. The results were interpreted based on the values of density and hardness in addition to the properties possessed by the ceramic powder of high surface area and average granular size of 32 nanometers through scanning electron microscopy. In this work, nanostructures based on (a polymer) supported with nanoscale zirconium dioxide powder were developed.
Handlungsansätze in Modellprojekten des Bundesprogramms „Innovative Wege zur Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben – rehapro“
Authors: Brussig Martin , Karačić Anemari , Kraetsch Clemens , Zapfel Stefan
Published: March 2021

Das Bundesprogramm „Innovative Wege zur Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben – rehapro“ fördert Modellprojekte von Jobcentern und Trägern der gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung, um die Grundsätze „Prävention vor Rehabilitation“ und „Rehabilitation vor Rente“ zu stärken und die Erwerbsfähigkeit zu erhalten bzw. wiederherzustellen. Im Ergebnis des ersten Förderaufrufs sind 54 Modellprojekte gestartet. Der Beitrag stellt das Bundesprogramm vor und zeichnet nach, welche Handlungsansätze die geförderten Modellprojekte verfolgen. Es wird deutlich, dass die Jobcenter in den von ihnen koordinierten Modellprojekten stärker an der Zusammenarbeit zwischen unterschiedlichen Organisationen und an Verbesserungen innerhalb der Organisation arbeiten, während die Träger der Rentenversicherung sich stärker auf die Erbringung innovativer Leistungen für Rehabilitandinnen und Rehabilitanden bzw. Versicherte konzentrieren. Das Fallmanagement ist für beide Organisationstypen gleichermaßen Entwicklungsgegenstand. Diese Schwerpunkte entsprechen aktuellen und langfristigen Problemen in der Rehabilitation.
Adaptation and Loss Aversion in the Relationship Between GDP and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Hovi Matti , Laamanen Jani-Petri
Published: March 2021

We examine the roles of macro-level adaptation — including social comparison effects becoming more important over time — and macroeconomic loss aversion in the time-series relationship between national income and subjective well-being. Models allowing for these phenomena are applied to cross-country panel data. We find evidence for macroeconomic loss aversion that becomes more important over time: the effects of economic growth become small and statistically insignificant in the long run, whereas the effects of contractions are large and long-lasting. The results are consistent with the Easterlin paradox and point to it being explained by macro-level adaptation to economic growth. Our results highlight the importance of allowing for both dynamics to distinguish long-run from short-run effects and asymmetries to recognize the important effects of contractions. Failing to do the former leads to a misleading impression of the long-run relationship between economic growth and well-being.
When is Knowledge Acquisition Socially Beneficial in the Laffont–Tirole Regulatory Framework?
Authors: Zimper Alexander , Molefinyane Mpoifeng
Published: March 2021

The Laffont–Tirole regulator observes the accounting costs of a firm but she can neither observe its true cost-type nor its chosen effort level. This paper considers a Laffont–Tirole regulator who could employ an expert to obtain better, albeit not perfect, knowledge about the firm’s true cost type. Both the welfare gains through superior allocations from better knowledge but also the knowledge acquisition costs increase in the ‘marginal deadweight losses from taxes’ parameter λ ≥ 0. We derive a closed-form expression of the overall welfare benefits from knowledge acquisition as a function in λ. We characterize parameter conditions such that knowledge acquisition could improve social welfare in dependence on the value of λ. For this case we show that knowledge acquisition strictly increases social welfare if and only if λ falls into the interval (λ
*, ∞) whereby we present a sharp characterization of the critical threshold-value λ
* ≥ 0. In other words, information acquisition through a regulator only increases welfare for economies with comparatively high deadweight losses from taxation whereas welfare is decreased whenever these deadweight losses are low.
早期东南亚华语的几种数量表达形式及其发展
Authors: 权 李
Published: March 2021

现有的东南亚华语研究多从共时层面展开, 历时研究较少。文章以《叻报》为例, 对1919年前后东南亚华语的数量表达形式从时间、金额、其他形式三个方面进行考察与表述。前后相比, 东南亚华语表达同一意义的形式类型由多变少, 使用范围和频次由不同形式相对均衡向一方偏移, 呈现出统一和规范的趋势。
Fast interaction of Cu2+ with S2O3
2− in aqueous solution
Authors: Ungureşan Mihaela-Ligia , Mureşan Vlad
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a comparison between the experimental values for the kinetics of the fast redox reaction between Cu2+ and S2O3
2− and some possible variants of analogical modeling and numerical simulation for this pre-equilibrium reaction have been presented. One of them is based on a function with a periodical, strongly under-damped component. For a non-periodical fast damped evolution of reaction between Cu2+ and S2O3
2−, this paper proposes a variant of numerical modeling and simulation based on two exponential functions. For this complex reaction kinetics, the proposed approach based on application of neural networks is an efficient and accurate tool to solve modeling problems. The method ensures a good approximation of the experimental data, with a remarkable flexibility of analyses and synthesis as elaborated in the paper. The associated numerical simulation operates with an easy and flexible program, which allows the change in large limits of some structure parameters, for the adaptation of the numerical results with the experimental measurements.
Translation uniqueness of phase retrieval and magnitude retrieval of band-limited signals
Authors: Chen Lung-Hui
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we discuss how to partially determine the Fourier transform

F
⁢

(
z
)

=

∫

-
1

1

f
⁢

(
t
)

⁢

e

i
⁢
z
⁢
t

⁢

𝑑
t

,

z
∈
ℂ

,

F(z)=\int_{-1}^{1}f(t)e^{izt}\,dt,\quad z\in\mathbb{C},

given the data

|

F
⁢

(
z
)

|

{\lvert F(z)\rvert}

or

arg
⁡
F

⁢

(
z
)

{\arg F(z)}

for

z
∈
ℝ

{z\in\mathbb{R}}

. Initially, we assume

[

-
1

,
1
]

{[-1,1]}

to be the convex hull of the support of the signal f. We start with reviewing the computation of the indicator function and indicator diagram of a finite-typed complex-valued entire function, and then connect to the spectral invariant of

F
⁢

(
z
)

{F(z)}

. Then we focus to derive the unimodular part of the entire function up to certain non-uniqueness. We elaborate on the translation of the signal including the non-uniqueness associates of the Fourier transform. We show that the phase retrieval and magnitude retrieval are conjugate problems in the scattering theory of waves.
Terminalia arjuna supplementation ameliorates high fat diet-induced oxidative stress in nephrotoxic rats
Authors: Kanthe Pallavi S. , Patil Bheemshetty S. , Das Kusal K.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Dietary high fat possibly causes oxidative stress; also it makes deleterious effect on kidney functions and land up in lipotoxicity in renal tissue. Lipotoxicity is the pathological situation where lipid Peroxidation occurs and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overproduction of ROS than antioxidant present in tissues cause oxidative stress. Terminalia arjuna is found to be potential antioxidant that counteract oxidative stress and possibly maintain glomerular integrity.

Methods

Ethanolic extract of T. arjuna (ETO) was prepared and phytochemical analysis was done. Rats were divided into four groups, having six rats in each group as following; group 1-Control (20% fat); group 2 (ETO 100 mg/kg/b.wt); group 3 (30% fat) and group 4 (30% fat + ETO 100 mg/kg/b.wt). Dietary and ETO supplementation were continued for 21 days. Gravimetric, kidney functions (blood urea and serum creatinine) and oxidative stress markers like MDA, SOD and GSH were evaluated. Histopathological analysis was done on kidney along with measurement of glomerular integrity. Morphometrical analysis of glomerular integrity was evaluated by measuring glomerular length, width, glomerular area and Bowman’s capsule radius. One way ANOVA was done for analysis of data.

Results

Blood urea and serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in high fat fed rats indicating renal dysfunction. High fat diet showed significant increase in MDA, decrease in SOD and GSH in rats fed with high fat diet, which indicate generation of oxidative stress. Supplementation of ETO showed amelioratic effect against high fat diet induced renal dysfunction and oxidative stress. Histopathological findings were significantly corroborated with morphometrical analysis of glomerular integrity.

Conclusions

Ethanolic extracts of T. arjuna supplementation found to be beneficial against high fat induced renal alterations in terms of functions and architecture.
An Ontology for ‘The Universe of Being’
Authors: Frizzera Glauco
Published: March 2021

Attempting to provide an ontological framework for the notion of the non-personal Universe of Being proposed elsewhere, this paper – after some basic definitions – focuses on substances, one pillar of that notion. It recognizes only to individual substances a material (vs. formal) existence, viewed as the entire complex of the properties instantiated in each of them. It then examines features of the general essence of substances (in primis their independence). While such essence can be comprehended via abstract definitions, their individual essence (‘this-ness’) cannot, I argue, because it is not a concept but a reality, which I refer to as Being. This manifests powers, is inexhaustible growth and is one, although expressed differently in each individual. The possible connection of the human being with this reality is the second pillar of the notion of the non-personal Universe of Being, which I summarize and compare to other scenarios at the end.
Quasi-2D lead halide perovskite gain materials toward electrical pumping laser
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Qin Chuanjiang
Published: March 2021

Quasi two-dimensional (2D) lead halide perovskite materials have shown outstanding performance in various photoelectric devices, including perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and perovskite optical pumping lasers. Due to the structure diversity of bulky organic cation, the photoelectric property for quasi-2D perovskite materials is flexible to be tuned. The spontaneously formed quantum-well structures allow rapid and efficient energy funneling from low-n domains to high-n domains, contributing to high exciton utilization for perovskite LEDs and low threshold for amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and optical pumping perovskite lasers. Moreover, the hydrophobic bulky organic cations benefit to improve the environmental and operating stability owning to the better moisture tolerance and defects passivation ability. In this review, we will primarily introduce the quasi-2D lead halide perovskite materials from the structure to their optical and electrical properties. Then, we will focus on the advances of optical pumping lasers based on quasi-2D lead halide perovskite materials as gain mediums. Especially, more attention will be paid to perovskite lasers using distributed feedback (DFB) and distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) cavities. Furthermore, the key issues to realize quasi-2D perovskite-based electrical pumping lasers will be discussed.
Synthesis and crystal structure analyses of tri-substituted guanidine-based copper(II) complexes
Authors: Said Muhammad , Rehman Sadia , Ikram Muhammad , Khan Hizbullah , Schulzke Carola
Published: March 2021

Three guanidine-derived tri-substituted ligands viz. N-pivaloyl-N′,N″-bis-(2-methoxyphenyl)guanidine (L1), N-pivaloyl-N′-(2-methoxyphenyl)-N″-phenylguanidine (L2) and N-pivaloyl-N′-(2-methoxyphenyl)-N″-(2-tolyl)guanidine (L3) were reacted with Cu(II) acetate to produce the corresponding complexes. The significance of the substituent on N″ for the resulting molecular structures and their packing in the solid state has been studied with respect to the structural specifics of the corresponding Cu(II) complexes. The key characteristic of the guanidine-based metal complexation with Cu(II) is the formation of an essentially square planar core with an N2O2 donor set. As an exception, in the complex of L1, the substituent’s methoxy moiety also interacts with the Cu(II) center to generate a square-pyramidal geometry. The hydroxyl groups of the imidic acid tautomeric forms of L1–L3, in addition to N″, are also bonded to Cu(II) in all three complexes rather than the nitrogen donor of the guanidine motif.
Atmospheric mercury in the Latrobe Valley, Australia: Case study June 2013
Authors: Schofield Robyn , Utembe Steven , Gionfriddo Caitlin , Tate Michael , Krabbenhoft David , Adeloju Samuel , Keywood Melita , Dargaville Roger , Sandiford Mike
Published: March 2021

Gaseous elemental mercury observations were conducted at Churchill, Victoria, in Australia from April to July, 2013, using a Tekran 2537 analyzer. A strong diurnal variation with daytime average values of 1.2–1.3 ng m–3 and nighttime average values of 1.6–1.8 ng m–3 was observed. These values are significantly higher than the Southern Hemisphere average of 0.85–1.05 ng m–3. Churchill is in the Latrobe Valley, approximately 150 km East of Melbourne, where approximately 80% of Victoria’s electricity is generated from low-rank brown coal from four major power stations: Loy Yang A, Loy Yang B, Hazelwood, and Yallourn. These aging generators do not have any sulfur, nitrogen oxide, or mercury air pollution controls. Mercury emitted in the 2015–2016 year in the Latrobe Valley is estimated to have had an externalized health cost of $AUD88 million. Air pollution mercury simulations were conducted using the Weather Research and Forecast model with Chemistry at 3 × 3 km resolution. Electrical power generation emissions were added using mercury emissions created from the National Energy Market’s 5-min energy distribution data. The strong diurnal cycle in the observed mercury was well simulated (R2 = .49 and P value = 0.00) when soil mercury emissions arising from several years of wet and dry deposition in a radius around the power generators was included in the model, as has been observed around aging lignite coal power generators elsewhere. These results indicate that long-term air and soil sampling in power generation regions, even after the closure of coal fired power stations, will have important implications to understanding the airborne mercury emissions sources.
Mutilación genital femenina, entre la cultura y los derechos humanos
Authors: Blanco Blanco Jacqueline , Herrán Pinzón Omar Antonio
Published: March 2021

Este artículo analiza la relación cultura-derechos humanos, a partir de la práctica conocida como ablación femenina. Es necesario examinar si frente a la ablación existe correspondencia entre la cultura y los derechos humanos o si, por el contrario, los derechos humanos deben priorizarse para proteger los derechos a la vida y a la sexualidad de las mujeres a quienes se les realiza dicha práctica. La temática en referencia se abordó desde los métodos dialéctico y lógico, por cuanto permiten el estudio teórico y conceptual que lleva a la comprensión de la ablación desde lo cultural y desde lo jurídico. El análisis concluye que la ablación lesiona la vida y la intimidad de las mujeres; por lo tanto, de tratarse de una manifestación cultural, esta resultaría contraria a los derechos que les asisten a las mujeres a quienes se les somete de manera inconsulta.
El derecho a la verdad: eje fundamental de la Justicia Transicional en Colombia
Authors: Acosta Páez Estefanía
Published: March 2021

El presente artículo tiene como finalidad, realizar un estudio conceptual y normativo entorno al nacimiento, desarrollo, y aplicación del derecho a la verdad dentro del contexto de la Justicia Transicional, así como los mecanismos e instituciones que materializan el derecho de las víctimas, tanto en su aspecto subjetivo, como colectivo.
Recuperación de imágenes usando modelos auto-regresivos condicionales: CAR e IAR
Authors: Cruz Reyes Danna Lesley
Published: March 2021

Este artículo realiza la estimación Bayesiana de campos aleatorios gausianos de Markov. En particular, se propone realizar un análisis de dependencia espacial por medio de un grafo que caracteriza las intensidades observadas de una imagen con un modelo ampliamente utilizado en estadística espacial y geoestadística conocido como modelo autorregresivo condicional (CAR por sus siglas en inglés). Este modelo es útil para obtener distribuciones conjuntas multivariadas de un vector aleatorio basado en especificaciones condicionales univariadas. Estas especificaciones condicionales se basan en las propiedades de Markov, de modo que la distribución condicional de un componente del vector aleatorio depende solo de un conjunto de vecinos, definido por el grafo. Los modelos autorregresivos condicionales son casos particulares de campos aleatorios de Markov y se utilizan como distribuciones \textit{a priori}, que combinadas con la información contenida en los datos de la muestra (función de verosimilitud), inducen una distribución \textit{a posteriori} en las que se basa la estimación. El modelo CAR tiene un caso particular llamado IAR, en el cual, la distribución \textit{a priori} no es propia. En este artículo se aplica ambos modelos haciendo una comparación entre ellos. Todos los parámetros del modelo se estiman en un entorno completamente Bayesiano, utilizando el algoritmo Metropolis-Hastings. Los procedimientos completos de estimación posterior se ilustran y comparan utilizando varios ejemplos artificiales. Para estos experimentos, el modelo CAR y el modelo IAR se comporta muy favorablemente con imágenes homogéneas
Tamaño de muestras para funciones de tablas de contingencia vía algoritmos genéticos Pre-print (versión 1; artículo en revisión: en espera de revisión)
Authors: Bustos Polo Oveida Rosa
Published: March 2021

La metodología GSK propuesta por Grizzle, Starmer y Koch (1969), enmarca su metodología en el análisis de regresión y el método de mínimos cuadrados ponderados, para la estimación de parámetros de un modelo donde las variables respuestas son funciones generadas de una tabla de contingencia, y en particular para modelar variables respuestas que tienen una distribución multinomial.

El método de estimación por mínimos cuadrados ponderados, debido a la naturaleza asintótica de sus pruebas estadísticas, necesita un tamaño maestral mínimo para obtener resultados contables. Prácticamente cada procedimiento estadístico necesita su propio desarrollo para el cálculo del tamaño maestral requerido. En el análisis de tablas de contingencia, dependiendo del interés del investigador, se debe proceder a realizar cálculos específicos al problema de interés.

La metodología GSK permite desarrollar soluciones a muy diversos problemas en el caso de tablas de conteo y la determinación de tamaños muestrales en este caso es un problema complejo, ya que se involucran varias poblaciones multinomiales y funciones de los parámetros de estas poblaciones, que son el objetivo del investigador.
Development and research of a genetic method for the analysis and determination of the location of power grid objects
Authors:   National University ", I. Fedorchenko ,   Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic", A. Oliinyk ,   National University "Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic", S. Korniienko ,   National University "Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic", A. Kharchenko ,   National University "Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic''
Published: March 2021

The problem of combinatorial optimization is considered in relation to the choice of the location of the location of power supplies when solving the problem of the development of urban distribution networks of power supply. Two methods have been developed for placing power supplies and assigning consumers to them to solve this problem. The first developed method consists in placing power supplies of the same standard sizes, and the second - of different standard sizes. The fundamental difference between the created methods and the existing ones is that the proposed methods take into account all the material of the problem and have specialized methods for coding possible solutions, modified operators of crossing and selection. The proposed methods effectively solve the problem of low inheritance, topological unfeasibility of the found solutions, as a result of which the execution time is significantly reduced and the accuracy of calculations is increased. In the developed methods, the lack of taking into account the restrictions on the placement of new power supplies is realized, which made it possible to solve the problem of applying the methods for a narrow range of problems. A comparative analysis of the results obtained by placing power supplies of the same standard sizes and known methods was carried out, and it was found that the developed method works faster than the known methods. It is shown that the proposed approach ensures stable convergence of the search process by an acceptable number of steps without artificial limitation of the search space and the use of additional expert information on the feasibility of possible solutions. The results obtained allow us to propose effective methods to improve the quality of decisions made on the choice of the location of power supply facilities in the design of urban electrical.
Fine Particles in Wildfire Smoke and Pediatric Respiratory Health in California
Authors: Aguilera Rosana , Corringham Thomas , Gershunov Alexander , Leibel Sydney , Benmarhnia Tarik
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Exposure to airborne fine particles with diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) pollution is a well-established cause of respiratory diseases in children; whether wildfire-specific PM2.5 causes more damage, however, remains uncertain. We examine the associations between wildfire-specific PM2.5 and pediatric respiratory health during the period 2011–2017 in San Diego County, California, and compare these results with other sources of PM2.5.

METHODS:

Visits to emergency and urgent care facilities of Rady’s Children Hospital network in San Diego County, California, by individuals (aged ≤19 years) with ≥1 of the following respiratory conditions: difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, wheezing, asthma, or cough were regressed on daily, community-level exposure to wildfire-specific PM2.5 and PM2.5 from ambient sources (eg, traffic emissions).

RESULTS:

A 10-unit increase in PM2.5 (from nonsmoke sources) was estimated to increase the number of admissions by 3.7% (95% confidence interval: 1.2% to 6.1%). In contrast, the effect of PM2.5 attributable to wildfire was estimated to be a 30.0% (95% confidence interval: 26.6% to 33.4%) increase in visits.

CONCLUSIONS:

Wildfire-specific PM2.5 was found to be ∼10 times more harmful on children’s respiratory health than PM2.5 from other sources, particularly for children aged 0 to 5 years. Even relatively modest wildfires and associated PM2.5 resolved on our record produced major health impacts, particularly for younger children, in comparison with ambient PM2.5.