bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between lipoprotein(a) and risk of cardiovascular disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wang Shiyue , Zha Li , Chen Jian , Du Dongjie , Liu Danyang , Zhong Ming , Shang Rongfang , Sun Dongxue , Sun Chang , Jin Enze
Published: October 2022

Background

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is one of the residual risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the setting of optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The association between Lp(a) and CVD is still in the exploratory phase, with few studies indicating a causal connection between Lp(a) and various CVD.

Methods

Lp(a) (n = 377,590) was a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on European populations from Neale Lab. Large GWAS datasets for CVD, including aortic aneurysm(AA) (n = 209,366), atrial fibrillation(AF) (n = 1,030,836), coronary heart disease(CHD) (n = 361,194), secondary hypertension(HBP) (n = 164,147), heart failure(HF) (n = 208,178), ischemic stroke (IS) (n = 218,792), large artery atherosclerosis stroke(ISL) (n = 150, 765), small vessel stroke(ISS) (n = 198,048), lacunar stroke(LIS) (n = 225,419), and pulmonary embolism(PE) (n = 218,413) were also based on European populations. We performed separate univariate two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis for Lp(a) and CVD as described above. We evaluated this connection mainly using the random-effects inverse variance weighted technique(IVW1) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the odds ratio (OR). This was supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, maximum likelihood, penalized weighted median, and fixed-effects inverse variance weighted methods. MR-PRESSO offers another means of statistical detection.

Results

Our two-sample MR, which was predominately based on IVW1, revealed a causal relationship between Lp(a) and AA (OR = 1.005, 95%CI: 1.001–1.010, P = 0.009), CHD (OR = 1.003, 95%CI 1.001–1.004, P = 0.010), and ISL (OR = 1.003, 9 5%CI 1.002–1.004, P = 9.50E−11), in addition, there is no causal association with AF, HBP, HF, IS, ISS, LIS, or PE. Similar conclusions were reached by the MR-PRESSO method.

Conclusion

This MR study suggested a causal relationship between Lp(a) and CHD, AA, and ISL, but not associated with AF, HF, IS, LIS, ISS, HBP, or PE. Our work further verifies the association between Lp(a) and various CVD, resulting in improved Lp(a) management and a reduction in the prevalence of CVD.
Use of social networks, video games and violent behaviour in adolescence among secondary school students in the Basque Country
Authors: Moro Álvaro , Ruiz-Narezo Marta , Fonseca Janire
Published: October 2022

This article is aimed at exploring the relationship between abusive use of the internet and social media and involvement in violent behavior in adolescence. This analysis used a sample of 2549 participants of students enrolled in secondary education in the Basque Country, including lower secondary education, baccalaureate studies and vocational training courses. The results of this study show that the antisocial behaviour and bullying variables are associated with the different categories of use of information and communication technology. Gender differences appear to be irrelevant in this correlation as it is similar in both boys and girls. These data must be taken into consideration by the educational community, which has been shown to have a protective influence and by school guidance departments in particular, which are designed specifically to tackle these kinds of situations.
Seasonal and inter-annual  variation  in exposure to peregrines (Falco peregrinus) for southbound western sandpipers (Calidris mauri)
Authors: Ydenberg Ronald C.
Published: October 2022

Background

The western sandpiper (Calidris mauri) is an early southbound migrant species in North America. The ‘peregrine avoidance’ hypothesis proposes that this timing evolved to reduce exposure to their main predator, the peregrine (Falco peregrinus), along the Pacific flyway.

Methods

I evaluate this hypothesis based on 16 years of near-daily (June – October) measures of peregrine presence made on the Fraser River estuary, a major stopover in the Pacific northwest.

Results

Exposure to peregrines is lowest for the earliest southbound western sandpipers, and rises steeply as peregrines en route from northern breeding areas begin to arrive in late July or August. Peregrine arrival timing varies greatly between years, shifting in step with the onset of spring along coastal Alaska. Peregrine presence on the Fraser estuary on any date is higher in years with earlier spring onset. On the median adult sandpiper passage date (day-of-year 198) this increases 17-fold over the inter-annual range between the earliest and latest peregrine arrival dates.

Conclusion

The pattern of strong and predictable changes in the seasonal pattern of danger quantified here provides a further test of the hypothesis that danger affects migratory timing. Western sandpipers appear to anticipate the exposure level of southward migration, perhaps because they are able to observe spring onset on their Alaskan breeding grounds. They adjust the duration of parental care and length of the breeding season to keep the date of migratory departure from the Arctic relatively invariant in spite of large interannual variation in spring onset. While underway they also adjust aspects of migratory behavior. These observations support the ‘peregrine avoidance’ hypothesis, and suggest that western sandpipers are able to counter, at least partially, the higher migratory danger of early spring years.
Practices and challenges of cultural heritage conservation in historical and religious heritage sites: evidence from North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Habtamu , Bires Zemenu , Berhanu Kassegn
Published: October 2022

Cultural heritage treasures are precious communal assets that show the past human legacy. It depicts present and future way of life as well as cultural values of a society, and enhances solidarity and social integration of communities. This study is designed to investigate the practices and challenges of cultural heritage conservations in North Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia. The research employed a mixed research approach and cross-sectional descriptive and explanatory research design. The researchers applied multiple data gathering instruments including questionnaire survey, interview, focus group discussion and observation. Concerning sampling techniques, systematic random sampling technique was applied to select samples from local communities, and purposive sampling was designed to choose interviewees from government authorities, and culture and tourism office experts of North Shoa Zone and respective districts. The actual and valid sample size of the study is 236. The findings of the study revealed that the cultural heritage properties in North Shoa are not safeguarded from being damaged and found in a poor status of conservation. The major conclusion sketched from the study is that the principal factors affecting heritage conservation are lack of proper management, monitoring and evaluation, lack of funds and stakeholder involvement, urbanization, settlement programs and agricultural practice, poor government concern and professional commitment, poor attitude towards cultural heritage and low level of community concern, vandalism and illicit trafficking, low promotions of cultural heritage, and natural catastrophes such as invasive intervention, climate change (humidity and frost, excessive rainfall and flood, heat from the sun). The study implied that the sustainability of cultural heritage in the study area are endanger unless conservation practice is supported by conservation guidelines, heritage site management plans and research outputs, stakeholders’ integration, and community involvement. Most importantly, the study recommends the integration of heritage conservation and sustainable development, and the promotion of conservation is a way of achieving economic and social sustainability.
High-throughput iSpinach fluorescent aptamer-based real-time monitoring of in vitro transcription
Authors: Qin Weitong , Li Liang , Yang Fan , Wang Siyuan , Yang Guang-Yu
Published: October 2022

In vitro transcription (IVT) is an essential technique for RNA synthesis. Methods for the accurate and rapid screening of IVT conditions will facilitate RNA polymerase engineering, promoter optimization, and screening for new transcription inhibitor drugs. However, traditional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and high-performance liquid chromatography methods are labor intensive, time consuming and not compatible with real-time analysis. Here, we developed an inexpensive, high-throughput, and real-time detection method for the monitoring of in vitro RNA synthesis called iSpinach aptamer-based monitoring of Transcription Activity in Real-time (STAR). STAR has a detection speed at least 100 times faster than conventional PAGE method and provides comparable results in the analysis of in vitro RNA synthesis reactions. It also can be used as an easy and quantitative method to detect the catalytic activity of T7 RNA polymerase. To further demonstrate the utility of STAR, it was applied to optimize the initially transcribed region of the green fluorescent protein gene and the 3T4T variants demonstrated significantly enhanced transcription output, with at least 1.7-fold and 2.8-fold greater output than the wild-type DNA template and common transcription template, respectively. STAR may provide a valuable tool for many biotechnical applications related to the transcription process, which may pave the way for the development of better RNA-related enzymes and new drugs.

Graphical Abstract
Morphology and morphometry of the inner ear of the dromedary camel and their influence on the efficiency of hearing and equilibrium
Authors: Ali Safwat , Esmat Abdelraheem , Erasha Atef , Yasuda Masahiro , Alsafy Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Background

The inner ear morphology and size are linked to hearing and balance ability. The goal of this study was to determine the morphology and morphometrics of the dromedary camel's inner ear and how it influences hearing accommodation and equilibrium in the desert environment.

Materials and methods

Gross morphology, computed tomography images, and the endocast were used to show the inner ear morphology. A caliper and ImageJ software were used to take measurements on a plastic endocast.

Results

The presence of the subarcuate fossa, flat cochlea, radii curvature of the semicircular canals, particularly the lateral semicircular canal, orthogonality, and the union between the semicircular canals, along with slightly increased saccule and utricle size, maintains camel balance on sandy ground, even during heavy sandstorms. The cochlear basilar membrane length and cochlea radii ratio aided low-frequency hearing and perception over a wide octave range.

Conclusion

The camel's cochlear characteristics revealed a lengthy basilar membrane, a high radii ratio, 3.0 cochlear canal turns, and a very broad cochlea. The orthogonality of the semicircular canals, the high curvature of the lateral semicircular canal, the presence of the subarcuate fossa, and the confluence between the lateral and posterior semicircular canal were particular specifications that allowed the inner ear of the camel to adapt to desert living.
‘Smart’ copycat mutual funds: on the performance of partial imitation strategies
Authors: Stein Roberto
Published: October 2022

Using a novel measure of stock-level trade imitation, we uncover ‘smart’ copycats: fund managers that use their own information when beneficial, and otherwise imitate other managers’ better trades. Contrary to previous research, we find that these partial imitation strategies lead to outperformance. Our ‘Copycat Score’ combines the propensity to imitate and to lead trades. Funds at the high and low ends of the score outperform all others. The Copycat Score is persistent in time, related to other measures of skill, and a good predictor of fund performance. We conclude that smart copycatting is another skill of successful fund managers.
A new hybrid control technique for operation of DC microgrid under islanded operating mode
Authors: Mortezapour Vahid , Golshannavaz Sajjad , Pouresmaeil Edris , Yazdaninejadi Amin
Published: October 2022

This study proposes a novel combined primary and secondary control approach for direct current microgrids, specifically in islanded mode. In primary control, this approach establishes an appropriate load power sharing between the distributed energy resources based on their rated power. Simultaneously, it considers the load voltage deviation and provides satisfactory voltage regulation in the secondary control loop. The proposed primary control is based on an efficient droop mechanism that only deploys the local variable measurements, so as to overcome the side effects caused by communication delays. In the case of secondary control, two different methods are devised. In the first, low bandwidth communication links are used to establish the minimum required data transfer between the converters. The effect of communication delay is further explored. The second method excludes any communication link and only uses local variables. Accordingly, a self-sufficient control loop is devised without any communication requirement. The proposed control notions are investigated in MATLAB/Simulink platform to highlight system performance. The results demonstrate that both proposed approaches can effectively compensate for the voltage deviation due to the primary control task. Detailed comparisons of the two methods are also provided.
Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation mimicking skeletal metastasis: a possible differential diagnosis
Authors: Datta Deepanksha , Ravichandran T. , Kumar Rajesh , Sharma Rashim , Vedant Deepak
Published: October 2022

Tuberculosis is an endemic disease in India for decades, and its coexistence in the patients with malignancy cannot be ignored. The non-specific uptake of 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-d-glucose in active infection and malignancy can affect the diagnosis and management of patients. However, characteristic anatomical features of the lesion aid not only in its localization but also in diagnosis. We share an interesting case of necrotizing granulomatous inflammation of dorsal spine mimicking skeletal metastases in a treated case of carcinoma cervix.
Medicolegal aspect of loss of smell and olfactory event-related potentials
Authors: Çelik Cemil , Güler Hülya , Pehlivan Murat
Published: October 2022

Background

It is not straightforward to objectively evaluate the olfactory dysfunction that occurs following forensic incidents. The olfactory event-related potentials method, based on electrophysiological records, may provide objective data in the evaluation of posttraumatic anosmia cases from the medicolegal perspective. This study, where a quantitative evaluation of the cases with the complaints of olfactory sensation disorder was performed using the olfactory event-related potentials test, aims to identify the factors that should be considered in the evaluation of olfactory dysfunction from the medicolegal perspective.

Results

This study first evaluated the complaints of 98 patients admitted because of posttraumatic impaired smell and then administered electrophysiological odor tests on the patients. Because of this, the relationship between the EEG responses of the cases and the olfactory disorder was examined. Of the 98 cases that participated in the study, 68 (69.4%) were male and 30 (30.6%) were female. Of all cases, 53 (54.1%) had complaints of not being able to smell at all, 14 (14.3%) had complaints of reduced smell, whereas, in addition to the existing complaints of olfactory dysfunction, 44 (44.9%) of them had complaints of taste perception and 18 (18.3%) reported having vision disorders. 21 of 37 cases who reported being unable to smell during the test turned out to be anosmic. Furthermore, 16 cases stated that, though having had a response in the odor test, they had no sense of smell following the test.

Conclusions

Although it seems possible to prove that there is a relationship between the olfactory event-related potential test and the diagnosis of anosmia, there is still ongoing research on its use in clinical practice. Performing both subjective and electrophysiological tests together to detect olfactory dysfunctions that occur after a forensic incident enable provide more reliable results in diagnosis.
Secondary supermarket revolution: food sources and food security in Northern Namibia
Authors: Kazembe Lawrence , Crush Jonathan , Nickanor Ndeyapo
Published: October 2022

A central feature of the transformation of urban food systems in cities of the Global South is the growing presence of supermarkets and their supply chains, often termed supermarketization or a supermarket revolution. A key issue in the African context is whether supermarkets are a threat to other sources of food including informal sector vendors. Most research on the supermarket revolution and competition with other food retailers focuses on large urban conurbations with little attention paid to the role of supermarkets in smaller urban centres. This paper aims to rectify this situation through a case study of the role of supermarkets in three small urban centres in northern Namibia. The paper uses data from a representative household food security survey in 2018 which collected detailed information on household food consumption and food purchasing patterns. We show that supermarkets have established a dominant role in the local food system and are patronized by almost all households. However, the informal food sector displays considerable resilience and is patronized on a regular basis by low-income households. Future research on the impact of the secondary supermarket revolution should examine the experience and strategies of informal food vendors and whether the relationship with supermarkets is truly symbiotic or not.
Role of anti-Mullerian hormone in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bhattacharya Koushik , Saha Ishita , Sen Debanjana , Bose Chaitali , Chaudhuri Gargi Ray , Dutta Sulagna , Sengupta Pallav , Bhattacharya Soumita , Barman Sharit Shekhar , Syamal Alak Kumar
Published: October 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common gynecological endocrine disorders affecting up to 10% of all females in their reproductive age, and its cause of onset is still elusive. A spectrum of recent research reflected diverse associations between increased plasma level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and different clinical features of PCOS. Since AMH levels reflect the pool of growing follicles that potentially can ovulate, it can be stated that serum AMH levels can be used to assess the “functional ovarian reserve,” rather mentioning it as the “ovarian reserve.” AMH also appears to be a premier endocrine parameter for the assessment of atrophied ovarian follicular pool in response to age of individuals. AMH hinders the follicular development as well as the follicular recruitment and ultimately resulting in follicular arrest which is the key pathophysiologic condition for the onset of PCOS. Furthermore, FSH-induced aromatase activity remains inhibited by AMH that aids emergence of other associated clinical signs of PCOS, such as excess androgen, followed by insulin resistance among the PCOS individuals. Given the versatile association of AMH with PCOS and scarcity in literature explaining the underling mechanisms how AMH relates with PCOS, this review article will discuss the roles of AMH in the pathogenesis of PCOS which may introduce a new era in treatment approach of PCOS.
Optimization of PC micro-drilling using a continuous CO2 laser: an experimental and theoretical comparative study
Authors: Abdulwahab Ansam E. , Hubeatir Kadhim A. , Imhan Khalil I.
Published: October 2022

Laser drilling on polymers has many applications in various industries, such as sensors, aerospace, medical devices, and microelectronics. In this research, a CO2laser machine was employed for micro-drilling PC samples. Design–Expert analysis was applied to understand the laser drilling process better. Based on a Box–Behnken design (BBD) of the experimental software, 17 experiments were designed to examine the laser parameters’ influence on the micro-drilling process. The impact of parameters, such as power (P), exposure time (t), and focal plane position (FPP), on the depth, entry diameter, and heat-affected zone (HAZ) was investigated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Quadratic regression models were applied to model different hole factors throughout the process. The experiments were optimized using the developed objective model as a function to attain the best hole. The outcomes revealed that a full hole with a 351-μm diameter and 102-μm HAZ was obtained at 0 FPP, with a laser power of 4 W, and at 0.15 s. To conduct virtual tests alongside the experimental study, simulation of the drilling mechanism’s temperature distribution was achieved via the COMSOL Multiphysics program. The simulation’s refined accuracy was able to predict the hole’s geometry and presented outcomes that favorably corresponded with the experimental results. A numerical optimization technique was used to generate an ideal hole by minimizing or maximizing the objective function, achieving full holes of 350-μm diameter and 90-μm HAZ, obtained at 0 FPP, with 3.6 W, and at 0.1 s.
Employing systems of green walls to improve performance and rationalize energy in buildings
Authors: Mohammed Abdullah Badawy
Published: October 2022

In the context of energy crisis challenges, climatic changes, rising temperatures, and the disappearance of green areas, all these have led to emerging thermally uncomfortable indoor spaces because their envelopes did not prevent the harmful effects of the outdoor climate. Hence, the urgent need to adopt the most effective methods to treat thermal performance and rationalize energy consumption in buildings has emerged. Consequently, the research aims to improve the environmental and thermal performance of building envelopes affecting their indoor environments by employing the systems of green walls. Accordingly, their types, design considerations, characteristics, technical elements, and indicators of sustainability aspects related to them were collected and investigated to ensure their success. Also, these systems’ indoor and outdoor effects on buildings and two international experiments were analyzed for benefit when dealing with these systems. An analytical comparison was performed concerning their applications to guide understanding and utilization. The study devised a seven-stage framework to choose, design, evaluate, and attain the most appropriate green wall system according to the state and circumstances of the studied building. Finally, inspecting this framework was by the chi-square test, thus fostering the integration of the natural environment with the built environment, human comfort, and energy conservation.
Effects of nonlocal interactions in describing V centers of MgO
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Chuan Guo , Wang Xianlong , Zeng Zhi , Lin Hai Qing
Published: October 2022

The electronic structure and optical absorption spectrum of V
0 and

center in MgO are investigated based on the density functional theory. The V-type centers are well described when the local symmetry around Mg vacancy is destroyed by using the nonlocal hybrid functionals. It is demonstrated that the holes are trapped on one (or two) O atoms around Mg vacancy for

(or V
0) center. The defect states are separated from the valence bands due to the nonlocal exchange interactions involved in the hybrid functionals, which is the key to describing the optical properties correctly. At ambient condition, the absorption peaks ∼2.5 eV and ∼2.6 eV are assigned to V
0 and

center, respectively, and they exhibit blue shift with increasing pressure.
Romosozumab-aqqg in the Treatment of Osteoporosis in a Patient With Hypophosphatasia
Authors: Khanjee Naveed , Maalouf Naim M
Published: October 2022

Hypophosphatasia is a rare, inherited condition that causes osteomalacia and recurrent fractures. Therapeutic options for osteoporosis in patients with hypophosphatasia are limited because of concerns for a greater likelihood of atypical femoral fractures with antiresorptive agents. We report here the case of a patient with hypophosphatasia and osteoporosis who was treated with romosozumab-aqqg (Romo). An 81-year-old woman presented for management of osteoporosis with multiple fractures. She experienced a decline in bone mineral density over 20 years despite sequential osteoporosis treatment with oral bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, teriparatide, and denosumab. Hypophosphatasia was suspected because of low serum alkaline phosphatase levels and was confirmed by genetic testing. After diagnosing hypophosphatasia, bone mineral density continued to decline and a trial of Romo was begun. After 1 year of Romo therapy, bone mineral density improved by 21%, and 10% at the lumbar spine and total hip, respectively. These changes were substantially greater than what she had experienced with prior teriparatide therapy. Blood alkaline phosphatase remained low on Romo. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with hypophosphatasia and osteoporosis treated with Romo. In our patient, Romo did not significantly impact serum alkaline phosphatase, but improved bone mineral density significantly. In conclusion, Romo is a potential treatment option for osteoporosis in patients with hypophosphatasia for whom limited alternatives exist.
Gestational Diabetes and International Migration
Authors: Kragelund Nielsen Karoline , Davidsen Emma , Husted Henriksen Anne , Andersen Gregers S
Published: October 2022

In many countries, immigrant women constitute a substantial proportion of women giving birth. With gestational diabetes being one of the most common complications in pregnancy, understanding gestational diabetes in the context of international migration becomes increasingly relevant. Here, we examine the current evidence related to international migration and gestational diabetes, including short- and long-term adverse outcomes and the experiences of immigrant women with gestational diabetes care and long-term follow-up. Existing evidence focuses on immigrants in high-income countries, and has mainly examined differences in the risk of developing gestational diabetes, or on the experiences of immigrant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Studies suggest that the risk of gestational diabetes may be influenced by migration and that immigrant women likely experience particular barriers to care and follow-up. Current research on perinatal outcomes is inconclusive and studies on long-term outcomes are practically absent. Future research should include data on country of origin and examine the role of premigration and postmigration factors in developing gestational diabetes and its associated short- and long-term outcomes. Understanding these factors will provide useful insights into improving the health and health care needs of migrating populations and enable inclusion of culturally appropriate health care practices, thereby improving the health of our current and future generations.
Volatile Versus Total Intravenous Anesthesia on Postoperative Delirium in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valve Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Jiang Jia-Li , Zhang Lu , He Lei-Lei , Yu Hong , Li Xue-Fei , Dai Shun-Hui , Yu Hai
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

The effect of anesthesia regimens on postoperative delirium after on-pump cardiac valve surgery is yet undetermined. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of volatile anesthesia compared with propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on the occurrence of delirium after on-pump cardiac valve surgery.

METHODS:

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at a university academic hospital in China, from February 2019 to January 2021. Patients scheduled for on-pump cardiac valve surgery or combined valve with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgeries were randomly assigned to receive anesthesia maintenance with either a volatile anesthetic (sevoflurane or desflurane) or propofol-based TIVA. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium during the first 7 days after surgery, assessed using the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit (ICU). The secondary outcomes included duration of delirium, subtypes of delirium, 30-day mortality, pain score, major morbidity (including cerebral infarction, respiratory failure, and pneumonia), duration of mechanical ventilation, and lengths of ICU and hospital stay. The statistical analysis of the primary outcome variable was by Pearson’s χ2 test.

RESULTS:

Among the 684 patients analyzed (mean age, 53.8 years; 381 [55.7%] women), 676 were assessed for the primary outcome. Postoperative delirium occurred in 63 of 337 (18.7%) patients receiving volatile anesthesia versus 76 of 339 (22.4%) patients receiving propofol-based TIVA (relative risk, 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–1.16; P = .231). There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients undergoing on-pump cardiac valve surgery, anesthesia maintenance with a volatile agent did not result in significantly fewer occurrences of postoperative delirium than propofol-based TIVA.
Accountability and Grand Corruption
Authors: Martinelli Cesar
Published: October 2022

We propose a model of political careers and electoral accountability in an environment in which politicians may take bribes at different stages of their careers and in which politicians’ actions are only imperfectly observed by voters. We show that the expectation of promotion to higher office may motivate some politicians to behave worse at the latest stages of their careers, setting off a trade-off between providing incentives for good behavior at lower levels of office and selecting better politicians for higher office. Optimal rewards focus either on stamping out corruption at lower levels of office or on improving selection for higher office. (JEL D72, D73, K42)
Auction Mechanisms and Treasury Revenue: Evidence from the Chinese Experiment
Authors: Barbosa Klenio , De Silva Dakshina G. , Yang Liyu , Yoshimoto Hisayuki
Published: October 2022

This paper exploits a large-scale auction experiment conducted by two Chinese government treasury security issuers—the Chinese Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank—to investigate whether treasury securities should be sold through uniform price or discriminatory price auction mechanisms. Based on the outcomes of more than 300 treasury securities issued through an alternating auction-rule market experiment, we find that yield rates of the two auction formats are not statistically different. Further, these estimates indicate there is no significant economic difference in terms of revenue between the two auction mechanisms. This result is robust across different bond yield-rate measurements and participation behavior. (JEL D44, E63, G12, O16, P34)
License Complementarity and Package Bidding: US Spectrum Auctions
Authors: Xiao Mo , Yuan Zhe
Published: October 2022

US spectrum licenses cover geographically distinct areas and often complement each other. A bidder seeking to acquire multiple licenses is exposed to the risk of winning only isolated patches. Using Auction 73 data, we model the bidding process as an entry game with interdependent markets and evolving bidder beliefs. Bidders’ decisions on bidding provide bounds on licenses’ stand-alone values and complementarity between licenses. We show that the effects of package bidding on bidders’ exposure risks depend on package format and size. More importantly, package bidding increases auction revenue substantially at the cost of reducing bidder surplus and increasing license allocation concentration. (JEL D44, H82, L96)
Activity monitoring of stroke patients by physiotherapist and caregivers in a hospital setting
Authors: Shankaranarayana Apoorva M. , Pattan Yakub Sameerkhan , Hegde Nikhil , Natarajan Manikandan , Pai Aparna R. , Nayak Raghavendra , Solomon John M.
Published: October 2022

Background: Activity monitoring is a necessary technique to ensure stroke survivors’ activity levels in the hospital are within optimal levels as this is important for enhanced motor recovery. However, this could be time-consuming for healthcare professionals like physiotherapists. Activity monitoring by caregivers could be an alternate option. Therefore, our aim was to compare the activity monitoring of stroke survivors by caregivers and physiotherapists in a hospital setting.

Methods: An observation study was carried out in the neuroscience ward in a tertiary care hospital among 17 stroke survivors. Physiotherapist and caregivers were instructed to use an activity log chart that was developed during previous research conducted by the same authors for observing the activities performed by the patients every 15 minutes from 8 AM to 5 PM. Data collected were analysed using Stata 15. Kappa statistics were carried out to determine the agreement of the observations between the two raters.

Results: A total of 10 male and seven female caregivers of stroke survivors with a mean age of 40.11 ± 9.2 years participated in the study. A total of 272 observations of caregivers were in agreement with that of the physiotherapist. Inter-rater Kappa statistics showed 60% agreement between the physiotherapist and the caregivers, while the multi-rater Kappa for different time points did not show agreement (Kappa value <0.1).

Conclusions: There was moderate agreement between the physiotherapist and caregiver for activity monitoring of stroke survivors. This suggests behavioural mapping by caregivers may be a potential alternative solution in healthcare settings.
Impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on social disadvantage and physical activity data of postCOVID19 patients: A North-African pilot study
Authors: BENZARTI Wafa , TOULGUI Emna , GHRAM Amine , RAHMANI Chiraz , AISSA Sana , GHANNOUCHI Ines , GARGOURI Imene , SAYHI Amani , KNAZ Asma , OUANES Walid , JEMNI Sonia , BEN SAAD Helmi
Published: October 2022

Background

In addition to the cardiorespiratory, muscular, and neurological manifestations, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) alters patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), induces a large variety of psychiatric manifestations, and reduces mobility and motor activity. Several studies have raised the impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) on social disadvantage (e.g., HRQoL, anxiety, depression) and physical activity of COVID-19 patients, but very few have been performed in low-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a PRP on post-COVID-19 HRQoL, hospital anxiety and depression (HAD), and physical activity in Tunisian post-COVID19-patients.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study in an outpatient care setting. Patients with post-COVID-19 were included. They completed an interview (including three questionnaires) before and after a PRP (three sessions/week for four weeks, each session was 70 minutes in duration, PRP items: aerobic cycle endurance, strength training, and education). The VQ11 questionnaire assessed functional dimension, psychological dimension, relational dimension, and total score; HAD appraised depression and anxiety; and Voorrips physical activity assessed daily activity, physical activity, leisure activity, and total scores. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation in PRP change (PRP change=after-PRP values − before-PRP values).

Results

In total, 14 moderate to severe post-COVID-19 patients (61±4 years) were included. The PRP significantly improved the i) functional, psychological, and relational dimensions, and the VQ11 total score by 1.79±1.58 (p=0.0033), 2.00±2.15 (p=0.0108), 1.57±1.50 (p=0.0077), and 5.36±3.97 (p=0.0015), respectively; ii) HAD anxiety and depression scores by 2.07±2.40 (p=0.0076), and 2.57±3.08 (p=0.0058); and iii) physical activity and total scores by 1.75±2.44 (p=0.0251), and 1.78±2.65 (p=0.0341), respectively.

Conclusion

The PRP improved HRQoL, HAD, and physical activity of Tunisian post-COVID-19 patients.
CircSeqAlignTk: An R package for end-to-end analysis of RNA-seq data for circular genomes
Authors: Sun Jianqiang , Fu Xi , Cao Wei
Published: October 2022

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology has now become one of the standard tools for studying biological mechanisms at the transcriptome level. Advances in RNA-seq technology have led to the emergence of a large number of publicly available tools for RNA-seq data analysis. Most of them target linear genome sequences although it is necessary to study organisms with circular genome sequences. For example, by studying the infection mechanisms of viroids which comprise 246–401 nucleotides circular RNAs and target plants, tremendous economic and agricultural damage may be prevented. Unfortunately, using the available tools to construct workflows for the analysis of circular genome sequences is difficult, especially for non-bioinformaticians. To overcome this limitation, we present CircSeqAlignTk, an easy-to-use and richly documented R package. CircSeqAlignTk performs end-to-end RNA-seq data analysis, from alignment to the visualization of circular genome sequences, through a series of functions. Additionally, it implements a function to generate synthetic sequencing data that mimics real RNA-seq data obtained from biological experiments. CircSeqAlignTk not only provides an easy-to-use analysis interface for novice users but also allows developers to evaluate the performance of alignment tools and new workflows.
Ensuring the operational reliability of mechanical systems
Authors: Titenok Aleksandr , Sidoro V. , Kirichek A.V.
Published: October 2022

The textbook discusses the nomenclature, performance characteristics and quality indicators of fuels, lubricants and special liquids that affect the technical and economic performance of machines.
An analytical approach to the study of the development of a technical project is proposed.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of engineering specialties of all forms of education, students of the system of advanced training and vocational training, undergraduates and postgraduates, specialists in the field of various transport and technological processes and means of their implementation.
Control and revision
Authors: Gadzhiev Artur , Konovalenko Sergey , Kiseleva Ol'ga , Skripkina Ol'ga , Rabadanov Rabadan , Vladimir Ivanovich , Betal Aminovich
Published: October 2022

The textbook contains six chapters that reveal the theoretical, methodological, practical aspects of the discipline "Control and Revision". Their study will allow students to gain knowledge of the theoretical foundations, forms, types, methods and methodological techniques of financial and economic control, organizational, methodological, practical aspects and features of auditing in various industries and sectors of the economy, to master the methodology of internal control and auditing in business entities.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For cadets, students studying in higher educational institutions, including educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, specialty 38.05.01 "Economic security".
Introduction to Game Theory
Authors: Vlasov Dmitriy , Tihomirov Nikolay , Smirnov Evgeniy
Published: October 2022

The textbook discusses the basic concepts of classical game theory in a simple and accessible form and presents its applications in the practice of decision-making. Particular attention is paid to the logic of game-theoretic analysis of economic situations that require quantitative justification of decisions. The considered game models and methods of their research, including logical and mathematical apparatus, have distinct and understandable economic applications for undergraduate students.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is addressed to undergraduate students of economic and managerial fields who need to get acquainted with the basic concepts of game theory, but it can be useful to students of other fields of study, as well as to anyone who has a lack of competence in the field of decision-making techniques and methods.
Classics of Russian literature in children's reading
Authors: Pervova Galina , Kulichenko R.M. , Rudeleva O.A.
Published: October 2022

The textbook is a significant addition to G.M. Pervova's textbook "Children's Literature", published in INFRA-M in 2021.
The textbook analyzes the range of reading works by Russian classical writers for a children's audience. The author chooses for consideration the work of those writers who did not write specifically for children, so you will not find in the manual the famous surnames of K.I. Chukovsky, N.N. Nosov and many others. The manual raises the problem of expanding the circle of children's reading, emphasizes the importance of the creativity of Russian classics as carriers of the true art of the word. When analyzing texts, the author of the manual proceeds from the peculiarities of children's perception of literature and shows the methodological possibilities of promoting perception to an aesthetic level.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is addressed to students studying in the field of training 44.03.01 "Pedagogical education" (profiles "Primary education", "Preschool education").
Fundamentals of law. Workshop
Authors: Kornakova Svetlana , Koryagina Svetlana , Litvinceva Natal'ya , Osipova Marina , Poletaeva Ekaterina , Chigrina Elena , Yakimova Ekaterina , Vasil'eva Natal'ya
Published: October 2022

The workshop contains practical tasks on the discipline "Fundamentals of Law", the implementation of which will contribute to the active assimilation of theory and the acquisition of practical skills in the use of legal knowledge. An integral part of the workshop is a glossary — a dictionary of basic legal terms.
Developed taking into account the latest amendments in legislation, meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the last generation and the approximate program for this discipline.
The workshop is intended for both students and teachers who organize classes for students of secondary vocational education institutions of non-legal specialties, technical schools, business schools, etc.
Technologies in social work
Authors: Ipatov Andrey , Mishina I.V. , Shishigina T.R.
Published: October 2022

The textbook, based on extensive scientific material, reveals the technologies of social work with people from risk groups who find themselves in a difficult life situation. The novelty of the educational material is the consideration of categories of persons who find themselves in a difficult life situation that are not represented in textbooks on this topic.
Complies with the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for the preparation of undergraduate students studying in the group of directions 39.00.00 "Sociology and social work", social workers and humanitarian specialists.
Regional and national security
Authors: Logunov Aleksey
Published: October 2022

The textbook deals with the problems of modern regional and national security. The general theoretical foundations of these types of security are reflected, the normative, organizational and methodological foundations of the functioning of regional and international security systems are outlined.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for university students studying the problems of regional studies, may be of interest to graduate students and researchers.
GENERATING WOVEN TEXTILE MODELS WITH INDUCED FIBER ENTANGLEMENT FOR ACHIEVING REALISTIC TOW FIBER VOLUME FRACTION
Authors: BARLOW GEORGE , STAPLETON SCOTT
Published: October 2022

Meso-scale modeling can be an effective way to predict textile-reinforced composite performance when the geometry of the textile is known. Digital element fiber models can be used to obtain the textile reinforcement by allowing for the simulation of the manufacturing process of the textile to be replicated. While helpful, these textiles frequently become over compacted to a smaller than desired thickness due to the lower resistance an ideal unentangled fiber bundle provides to compaction. A bundle that contains entangled fibers as found in manufactured textiles provides greater resistance to compaction. A novel entanglement generation procedure was created to obtain textile geometry with higher resistance to compaction. To introduce fiber entanglement into a tow, select fibers are swapped with each other in the tow at a cross-section. This allows entanglement to be introduced after the basic textile structure is already made and prevents individual fibers from leaving the tow and getting entangled into neighboring tows. By combining artificial fiber entanglement with manufacturing process simulation, a method was developed to create fiber bundle models using entanglement to control the compaction behavior. This fiber entanglement process was controlled by three parameters, which dictate how many, how often, and how far away from each other fibers are swapped. The method was applied to a woven textile model, where it was found that increasing the amount of entanglement within the tows increased the compacted thickness of the textile under the same load. This method for artificial fiber entanglement and manufacturing process simulation shows the potential to control the compaction response of a textile by controlling the amount of entanglement introduced to the textile.
Adaptabilidad en los establecimientos penitenciarios y carcelarios de Colombia durante la pandemia del covid-19
Authors: Mendoza Molina Mónica , Bustos Benítez Paola , Paredes Álvarez Giovanny , Villamarín Mor Valentina
Published: October 2022

En el mundo, los sistemas de justicia usualmente utilizan la privación de la libertad por encima de otras decisiones punitivas, esto hace que los establecimientos penitenciarios y carcelarios tengan elevadas cifras de población privada de libertad, cuyas tasas suelen aumentar año a año, en muchos países manteniendo una sobrepoblación. En América Latina, las tasas de encarcelamiento son casi el doble de la media mundial, con una sobrepoblación muy alta y, por lo general, dichos establecimientos tienen deficiencia de recursos y difíciles condiciones de vida, lo cual lleva a que existan enormes dificultades para el acceso a derechos como educación, trabajo, agua potable, artículos de aseo personal y atención en salud, lo que constituye a las cárceles como lugares con una alta prevalencia de enfermedades infecciosas. Dado que la población carcelaria vive de manera permanente con afectaciones a la salud, resulta oportuno hacer un análisis a las medidas que los diferentes actores del sistema han adoptado durante la pandemia del covid-19, describiendo la gestión realizada por la institucionalidad, identificando las prácticas sociales implementadas y caracterizando la forma en que se configuraron las redes de apoyo. La emergencia sanitaria demandó esfuerzos en todos los países y en sus instituciones, que tomaron las medidas necesarias en medio de la situación atípica para mitigar los contagios y la expansión del virus, lo que, en ocasiones, se priorizó sobre la garantía de los derechos fundamentales de la población.