bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Value of Admission Avoidance: Cost-Consequence Analysis of One-Year Activity in a Consolidated Service
Authors: Hernandez Carme , Herranz Carme , Baltaxe Erik , Seijas Nuria , González-Colom Rubèn , Asenjo Maria , Coloma Emmanuel , Fernandez Joaquim , Vela Emili , Carot-Sans Gerard , Cano Isaac , Roca Josep , Nicolas David
Published: January 2023

Background

Many advantages of hospital at home (HaH), as a modality of acute care, have been highlighted, but controversies exist regarding the cost-benefit trade-offs. The objective is to assess health outcomes and analytical costs of hospital avoidance (HaH-HA) in a consolidated service with over ten years of delivery of HaH in Barcelona (Spain).

Methods

A retrospective cost-consequence analysis of all first episodes of HaH-HA, directly admitted from the emergency room (ER) in 2017–2018, was carried out. HaH-HA was compared with a propensity-score-matched group of contemporary patients admitted to conventional hospitalization (Controls). Mortality, re-admissions, ER visits, and direct healthcare costs were evaluated.

Results

HaH-HA and Controls (n = 441 each) were comparable in terms of age (73 [SD16] vs 74 [16]), gender (male, 57% vs 59%), multimorbidity, healthcare expenditure during the previous year, case mix index of the acute episode, and main diagnosis at discharge. HaH-HA presented lower mortality during the episode (0 vs. 19 (4.3%); p < 0.001). At 30 days post-discharge, HaH-HA and Controls showed similar re-admission rates; however, ER visits were lower in HaH-HA than in Controls (28 (6.3%) vs 34 (8.1%); p = 0.044). Average costs per patient during the episode were lower in the HaH-HA group (€ 1,078) than in Controls (€ 2,171). Likewise, healthcare costs within the 30 days post-discharge were also lower in HaH-Ha than in Controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study showed higher performance and cost reductions of HaH-HA in a real-world setting. The identification of sources of savings facilitates scaling of hospital avoidance.
Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (26/04/2017; NCT03130283).
General mechanisms for stabilizing weakly compressible multiphase models and their applications
Authors: Lu Jinhua , Adams Nikolaus A.
Published: January 2023

The present paper analyzes three representative weakly compressible multiphase models. It is found that these models contain some identical numerical dissipation terms, pressure diffusion, and bulk viscosity terms. Numerical investigations show that these identical numerical dissipation terms interpret general mechanisms for stabilizing computations. The generality of mechanisms is reflected in (a) they are likely to present in many weakly compressible multiphase models and (b) they represent interpretable physical mechanisms. Based on those general mechanisms, many weakly compressible multiphase models can be incorporated into a general theoretical framework. And a general weakly compressible solver for multiphase flows (GWCS-MF) is proposed. It is derived from standard governing equations and can easily be applied to nonuniform meshes. Detailed numerical tests demonstrate that it can achieve good numerical stability and accuracy for challenging conditions (inviscid fluids, large density ratios, high Weber numbers, and high Reynolds numbers) and can simulate complex interface evolution well. These good performances exhibit the advantages of GWCS-MF and further validate those general mechanisms.
Impact of main idiosyncratic and exogenous factors on cost Efficiency: The case of MENA banking industries – SFA approach
Authors: Rizk Samar
Published: January 2023

This study explores the impact of main idiosyncratic endogenous (Capital ratio, Diversification, Liquidity, Return on equity (ROE), Banks assets’ size) and macroeconomic exogenous (Inflation rate, GDP growth rate and HHI concentration index) determinants of the banking firm that influence banks’ cost efficiency. Using the SFA (Stochastic Frontier Approach) we estimate cost efficiency of the MENA banking sectors through a two-stage model: i) Including idiosyncratic and macroeconomic factors at a first stage under SFAW (SFA With) and ii) excluding these factors under SFAWO (SFA without) at a second stage. By using this method, SFAW versus SFAWO, we compare between the efficiency frontiers and scores obtained and understand the effect of the integration of main determinants on efficiency of banks in the MENA region. Using a sample of 240 observations for MENA banks collected from 18 banking sectors, we analyze whether these criteria had impact on cost efficiency throughout 1999-2017. We find that SFAW scores of efficiency are higher than SFAWO. Furthermore, our results show clearly the impact of determinants selected on cost efficiency frontier. Finally, notwithstanding ongoing fundamental changes in MENA’s banking industries, the empirical results, show that these inefficiencies can be explained by the idiosyncratic factors (Assets ‘size, liquidity, profitability, etc.) which are under the control of bank managers and the macroeconomic environment (economic growth, inflation) which largely depends on the economic, monetary and financial policies adopted in each country of the MENA region.
Assessment of the impact of the usage of derivatives on the company’s value
Authors: Šimaitė Gabija , Keliuotytė-Staniulėnienė Greta
Published: January 2023

During periods of increased uncertainty, financial market participants are looking for ways to manage risk. The derivatives can be considered as one of the potential instruments for hedging risk. There is no consensus in the scientific literature on whether the application of derivatives has an impact on a value of a company. Thus, the main purpose of this paper is to quantitatively assess the impact of the application of derivatives on the value of a company. The research hypothesis is formulated as follows: the use of derivatives increases the company’s value, i.e. the application of derivatives has a statistically significant positive impact on the value of the company. Seeking to achieve the main purpose and test the hypothesis, besides the analysis of relevant academic literature, the method of panel data analysis (linear multiple regression) is used to quantitatively assess the effect the application of derivatives has made on the company’s value. 28 companies (constituents of EURO STOXX 50 ESG Index) are analyzed in the period of 2005-2020. The results of the research allow stating the effect of derivatives on the value of companies has proven to be statistically significant and positive.
Onions Selected for Reduced Symptom Expression of Iris Yellow Spot Have Higher Photosynthetic Rates
Authors: Wood Joseph B. , Cramer Christopher S. , Steiner Robert , Heerema Richard , Schutte Brian J. , Guzman Ivette
Published: January 2023

Bulb onion (Allium cepa L.) is an economically valuable vegetable crop in the United States. Onion production is threatened by onion thrips, which are the vector for Iris yellow spot virus, which is the causal agent of Iris yellow spot (IYS). New Mexico State University (NMSU) breeding lines 12-236, 12-238, 12-243, and 12-337 have exhibited fewer IYS disease symptoms in the field; however, little is known about the effects of the disease on the photosynthesis rate (Pn). We hypothesized that these NMSU breeding lines would have a higher Pn than IYS-susceptible cultivars Rumba and Stockton Early Yellow. To test this hypothesis, a field study was conducted for 3 years at NMSU, and Pn was measured five times throughout each season at 2-week intervals. During bulb development and maturation, which occurred at 10 and 12 weeks after transplanting, all NMSU breeding lines exhibited a higher Pn when compared with that of an IYS-susceptible cultivar. Pn was highest at the end of the vegetative growth stage and decreased as bulbs approached maturation for all cultivars. Additionally, a high Pn at 10 and 12 weeks after transplanting coincided with high bulb weight at harvest. NMSU breeding lines have increased Pn compared with that of IYS-susceptible cultivars and resulted in larger and more marketable bulbs. These results indicate that maintaining Pn may be related to reduced IYS symptom expression of onion.
Elevated Atmospheric Ethylene and High Temperature Independently Inhibit Fruit Set But Not Vegetative Growth in Tomato
Authors: Hudelson Timothy J. , Westmoreland F. Mitchell , Bugbee Bruce
Published: January 2023

Ethylene is an essential plant hormone at low concentrations. Concentrations in the field rarely exceed 5 nmol⋅mol−1 (0.005 ppm), but it can accumulate as a gas in closed, indoor environments. These elevated levels can reduce growth and yield. Temperature alters ethylene synthesis and has the potential to influence ethylene sensitivity of crop plants in sealed greenhouses and indoor environments. We studied ethylene sensitivity of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. MicroTina) using a unique, 12-chamber system. Ethylene levels of 0, 20, and 40 nmol⋅mol−1 (parts per billion) were maintained throughout the life cycle, at an air temperature of 22 or 28 °C. Yield of red fruit was three times higher at 22 than at 28 °C. There was a steady decrease in yield with increasing ethylene concentration, but vegetative growth was reduced less than 10% in any treatment. The highest ethylene concentration reduced yield to 11% of the control at 22 °C and to 4% of the control at 28 °C; the intermediate ethylene level reduced yield to 51% of the control at 22 °C and 37% at 28 °C. Regardless of temperature, filtering of ethylene in indoor environments to below 20 nmol⋅mol−1 is necessary to achieve normal fruit set and yield in tomato.
Clipping and Gibberellin Treatments Promote Germination in Dormant Grape Seeds
Authors: Bolt Bridget , Baloh Anna , Magnani Roberta , Nosarzewski Marta , López Carlos Rodriguez , Geneve Robert
Published: January 2023

‘Crimson Cabernet’ grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds showed physiological dormancy and germinated at ∼60% after 60 days of chilling stratification. Fresh seeds harvested after physiological maturity and sown without drying failed to germinate after 30 days when sown on agar. In agar-sown fresh seeds cut at the distal seed end or intact seeds treated with gibberellic acid (GA), the seeds germinated at ∼20% after 30 days. The highest germination percentages after 30 days were 63% to 83% in fresh, agar-sown seeds that were cut and treated with GA at 5000 mg⋅L–1 regardless of stratification time. Similar results were seen in seeds allowed to dry before sowing. Seeds cut and treated with GA at 5000 mg⋅L–1 germinated at 79% after 30 days. However, dry seeds sown on germination paper showed lower germination after cutting and GA treatment compared with agar-sown seeds. The highest germination percentages after 30 days in dry, cut seeds on germination paper treated with GA at 2000 and 5000 mg⋅L–1 were 33% and 55%, respectively, compared with agar-sown seeds, which germinated at 76% and 79%, with the same treatments. Results from this study provide a system that reduces the need for chilling stratification for grape seed germination by using partial seedcoat removal and GA treatment.
Conditions and parameters for a four-track vehicle to overcome obstacles
Authors:   OOO Ekaterinburg Plant of Specialized Vehicles Kontinent, Vasilii Leonov , Mark Khazin ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: January 2023

Research objective is to define the parameters and conditions for a four-track vehicle to overcome boulders and stone rivers. Methods of research include the methods of theoretical mechanics and mathematical analysis. Conditions of climbing and tipping are deduced from geometrical relationship, while the conditions of slipping is deduced from the statics. Results. Mining conditions are currently complicated due to the gradual shift of mining to remote northern regions. Road and natural climatic conditions of northern and arctic territories differ from other Russian territories in terms of the low road density and severe climate. Global warming and ice cover depletion have made numerous northern regions accessible and costeffective for surveying and further mining. Natural climatic and road conditions of northern and arctic regions differ significantly from other territories. Lake and marsh terrain as well as hill and ridged terrain predominate. Ravines and swampy hollows, as well as stone rivers impede vehicles movement during prospecting. For this reason, special technical requirements are imposed on prospecting equipment, namely high cross-country ability on weak soil (snow and swamp) and high transport and adhesion properties with maximum compliance with environmental standards, the ability to overcome stone rivers, etc. A four-track vehicle doesn’t cause as much environmental damage to the northern nature, and the tundra in particular, as a two-track vehicle. The research considers and determines necessary conditions for a fourtrack vehicle to overcome an obstacle. Conclusions. A mathematical model is proposed that describes the movement of a four-track vehicle across the rough terrain and makes it possible to determine the maximum height of the obstacle.
Predicting horizontal well flow rates under the geological conditions of Western Siberia fields
Authors:   Industrial University of Tuymen, Andrei Orochko
Published: January 2023

Research relevance. The determination of the expected well flow rate is a key problem in designing the development of oil fields with horizontal wells. In industrial practice, actual and real flow rates of horizontal wells usually differ significantly. Research objective. The algorithms for horizontal well potential flow rates determination have been studied extensively. However, the issues of choosing a methodology for determining the flow rate in relation to particular geological conditions remain unresolved. It is necessary to compare the actual and design rates of horizontal wells and identify the most representative methods for flow rates determination for the geological conditions of Western Siberia fields. Methods of research. A single horizontal well draining a semi-infinite reservoir is considered in the absence of hydrodynamically isolated and poorly drained zones within the radius of the well external boundary. The Giger, Joshi, Janar, and Renard–Dupuy methods were used to determine the expected flow rates of horizontal wells only under the following conditions: a homogeneous reservoir and a near-rectilinear horizontal section of the well in the reservoir interval. As an example, the calculation of the expected flow rate of a horizontal well with the following initial data is given: the horizontal section length is 700 m, the net oil thickness is 7.8 m; the permeability coefficient is 127 · 10–15 m2 , oil viscosity is 1.24 MPa ∙ s, the drawdown is 3 MPa, the external boundary radius is 1000 m, and the volume factor is 1.08. Results. Quite significant discrepancies between the actual and design data are recorded for wells with arbitrary numbers 4, 7, 8, 10, 15, 18 and 20. All the methods used for calculations provided comparable results. For all other wells, the calculation results have a high convergence with field data. Conclusions. The Giger, Joshi, Janar, and Renard–Dupuy methods may be recommended for horizontal wells expected flow rates determination only under the following conditions: a homogeneous reservoir and a near-rectilinear horizontal section of the well in the reservoir interval.
Nitrous oxide emission from a flooded tropical wetland across a vegetation and land use gradient
Authors: Were David , Hein Thomas , Kansiime Frank
Published: January 2023

This study investigated, using the closed chamber method, the impact of (1) vegetation community type (Typha latifolia, Cyperus papyrus and Phragmites mauritianus) in a natural tropical freshwater marsh wetland (marsh) and (2) conversion of a natural tropical freshwater marsh into a rice paddy wetland (rice paddy), on nitrous oxide (N2O) emission. Both the marsh and the rice paddy were continuously flooded, while the rice paddy was unfertilized. Average N2O emission from the marsh did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among the vegetation communities, ranging from 0.5 to 0.6 μg m−2 h−1. Similarly, these N2O emission rates were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from those recorded in the rice paddy (0.7 ± 2.8 [SE] μg m−2 h−1). There was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between environmental parameters and N2O emission. We concluded that vegetation community type does not affect N2O emission from natural tropical freshwater marshes under continuous flooding. Further, converting natural tropical freshwater marshes into continuously flooded and unfertilized rice paddies does not affect N2O emission but instead enhances carbon emission, as was depicted by the significantly lower (p > 0.05) soil organic carbon content in the rice paddy. In view of climate change mitigation, therefore, wetland management should give priority to the conservation/protection of natural wetlands.
Development process and height of the mining-induced water fractured zone over the longwall goaf
Authors: Fan Kaifang , Wang Qiqing , Li Wenping , Chen Yuanyi
Published: January 2023

Providing accurate prediction methods for mining-induced water fractured zones over the longwall goaf has become increasingly significant because of the grand economic and technological challenges of deeper extraction. Taking the No. 839 coalface in the Qingdong mining area as a case study, a comprehensive study of the water-flowing fractured zone (WFFZ) formation process and peak height were carried out by the radial basis function (RBF) neural network model, parallel electrical monitoring (PEM) technology, numerical simulation model and the empirical formula method. The results show that the destruction does not occur simply layer-by-layer from the bottom up. Rather, the fractured areas appear first in soft layers above the goaf. With the advance of footage, the destruction gradually extends from soft layers to hard layers, and the WFFZ is formed when the fractured areas fit closely together. Also, the change process of the WFFZ shape is closely related to rock mass heterogeneity. In addition, the results of the comparison suggest that the RBF neural network model had more accuracy in predicting the height of the WFFZ than the numerical simulation model and empirical formula method.
Investigation of functional performance of treatment systems for textile wastewater in selected textile industries in Tanzania
Authors: Oyetade Joshua Akinropo , Machunda Revocatus Lazaro , Hilonga Askwar
Published: January 2023

Textile industrialization is an integral part of the economic growth in Tanzania. However, the corresponding wastewater from textile treatment processes consists of dyes and auxiliaries associated with acute toxicological impacts. This necessitates an investigation of the functional performance of the industrial treatment systems used before effluent discharge. The study primarily accesses the catalog of industrial dyes and the functionality of the treatment system at Arusha, Morogoro and Dar es Salaam vis-à-vis the effluent physicochemical properties. The analytical study reveals disperse (42%), vat (34%) and reactive (26%) as the most used industrial dyes. The physicochemical properties of the quantified wastewater reveal a significant amount of and phosphorus which was consequent to the high turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) apart from the color at the different sampling points. Although the treatability of the wastewater was 90% efficient using an activated carbon system (237.33 ± 0.67 mg/L). Similarly, the use of aerated constructed wetlands shows efficiency in the remediation of the recalcitrant having a value of 12.13 ± 0.89b mg/L (90%) and 13.22 ± 0.15a mg/L (94%). Thereafter, needful recommendations were suggested based on the physicochemical properties of the textile wastewater and to improve the functionality of the treatment systems in the respective industries.
Third Generation Solar Cells - Promising Devices to Meet the Future Energy Needs
Authors: Sharma Ram Chhavi
Published: January 2023

 Energy is the basic input for the improvement of the social status of human
beings and the development of a nation. At present, we are observing a shift in the use
of energy from non-renewable to the renewable energy due to exhausting natural
resources of non-renewable energy and other environmental and climatic concerns.
Solar energy resource is an inexhaustible source of energy. The development of first
generation solar cells using silicon material in the middle of the nineteenth century
introduced a new era in the renewable energy transformation process when the first
solar cells were flown on the fourth satellite, the Vanguard-I in 1958. But despite
abundant material resources, high stability and good performance, this technology
could not fulfill the energy need except a fraction due to very long payback time. The
second generation solar cells are also not very encouraging due to the scarcity of
materials and their toxic nature. The third generation solar cells, due to extremely low
energy payback time and unlimited availability of material are promising devices to
contribute significantly in solar energy conversion, despite limitations of poor stability
and low efficiency. The present chapter critically analyses the third generation solar
cells, in regard to materials, production, fabrication process, energy payback time,
efficiency and applications.
A Simulative Study on Electro-Optic Characteristics of InAlGaAs/InP for Fiber Optic-based Communications under Nanoscale Well Thickness Layers
Authors: Lal Pyare , Alvi P. A.
Published: January 2023

The paramount goal of this fundamental explanatory book chapter has been
to investigate a simulative study on EO (Electro-Optic) characteristics of InAlGAs/InP
heterogeneous nanostructure for GFOCs (Graded Fiber Optic Cables) based SIL
(Shortwave Infrared Light) communication systems under several numbers of NWTLs
(Nanoscale Well Thickness Layers) in the photonic material based emerging
nanotechnological sciences. The energy values in eV of C-V (Conduction-Valence)
band offsets with SN (Step Normalized) width and the maximum value of quasi-Fermi
energies in eV with various NWTLs have been illustrated graphically under the
exploratory simulation in this chapter. Under this simulative investigation, the
computational performances of SIL gain amplification with photon’s wavelength and
values of carrier concentration per unit volume for several NWTLs have been properly
calculated. Next, other various critical parameters such as modal confinement SIL gain
amplification and A-G (Anti-Guiding) parameter with values of current per unit area of
the cross-section for various values of NWTLs have been calculated cumulatively.
Moreover, the performances of differential SIL gain amplification with carrier densities
per cubic cm for various NWTLs have been illustrated. It has been distinguished by
SIL gain spectra that the peaks of SIL gain spectra are enhanced with a decrease in the
value of NWTLs and have been shifted towards the low value of the wavelength of
lasing due to enhancement in energy separation values between quasi-Fermi energy
levels. In the exploratory investigation through the results, the crest values of SIL gain
amplification are ~ 6100/cm and ~ 5100/cm at the photon wavelengths ~ 1332 nm and
1553 nm respectively for 4 nm and 6 nm values of NWTLs. The SIL of maximum
intensity emitted by the proposed heterogeneous junction based nanostructure of
wavelengths ~ 1332 nm and 1553 nm has been largely utilized in the GFOCs-based
SIL communication systems through the process of TIRs (Total Internal Reflections)
with no attenuation loss of SIL signals in dB/km because of diminished net dispersions,
scattering and net absorptions in the photonic material.
Two-Dimensional Materials for Advancement of Fiber Laser Technologies
Authors: Thambiratnam Kavintheran , Yusoff Norazriena , Reduan Siti Aisyah , Zharif Samion Muhamad , Ing Ooi Shok , Ahmad Harith
Published: January 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, chalcogenides,
topological insulators, black phosphorus, and MXenes have of late become the focus of
intense research efforts due to the excellent and unique optoelectrical properties these
materials possess. This is due to the unique properties these materials possess, such as
tunable bandgaps, high mobility in the energy bandgap, third-order nonlinearity, and
nonlinear absorption that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of different optical
applications. These properties have allowed for the development of fiber optic-based
pulsed laser systems with better integration and flexibility capabilities as well as
improved performance as compared to their bulk counterparts. In this chapter, the
development of optical fiber pulsed lasers that incorporate selected 2D materials,
particularly 2D chalcogenides that encompass metal monochalcogenides (MMs), and
traditional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and MXenes is reviewed. This chapter will
cover the fundamental aspects of the aforementioned materials, the operating principles
of Q-switching and mode-locking, and the configuration of these 2D materials as
saturable absorbers (SAs). The main section of this chapter will focus on the current
status of the development of Q-switched and mode-locked optical fiber laser systems
using 2D material-based SAs. Finally, the chapter will explore the perspectives and
challenges on the future of the potential applications of these 2D materials in pulsed
optical systems.
Introduction to Nanomaterials
Authors: Singh N.B.
Published: January 2023

In the last few years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have become a very important branch of science and technology. 10-9 stands for nano and particles size less than 100 nm are said to be nanomaterial. Nanoscience connects chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, engineering sciences and others. Nanomaterials are synthesized in a number of ways, but the conventional methods are costly, time consuming and pollute the environment. However, green routes are becoming popular. Synthesized nanomaterials are characterized by using a number of techniques and they are useful in different sectors. A general introduction in brief is given in this chapter.
Nanomaterials for Self-Healing Hydrogels
Authors: Rumon M.M.H.
Published: January 2023

Materials with self-healing property are considered as the smart materials for various advanced technological applications. Previously only living substances such as tissues were thought to have self-healing properties that are required for their survival and adaptation to environmental changes. Recently, novel synthetic materials such as hydrogels have been prepared and developed which demonstrated self-healing performances. Exceptional self-healing has been observed in hydrogels introducing different kinds of nanoparticles. These hydrogels have exceptional functionality and mechanical properties. The techniques of the introduction, exploration, and measurement of the properties related to self-healing are challenging due to the wide variety of substances. In this chapter, efforts have been made to discuss the mechanism, types, and drawbacks of nanomaterial-modified self-healing hydrogels.
Emerging Nano-Enable Materials in the Sports Industry
Authors: Rahman K.T.
Published: January 2023

Within the last decade, there have been numerous innovations in integrating nanotechnology for various sports applications. Nanotechnology is a technology discipline that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, particularly manipulating single atoms and molecules. Nanotechnology has profoundly impacted sports competition like any other revolutionary innovation in materials science. The emergence of nanomaterials and nanotechnology has greatly improved athlete's performance. Sports equipment is becoming more humanized with the development of nanotechnology because it is more convenient, protective, and rational. Commercial nanotechnology-enable sports products, including ski goggle, ski wax, tennis racket, tennis ball, golf ball, bicycle, sportswear, shoe, and more, have offered several benefits to sports sectors in comparison to traditional sports equipment and clothes. These have enhanced the athletes' performance to multifunctional features of sportswear including water resistance, anti-microbial, anti-odor, anti-stain, anti-UV, heat, and cold resistance. This chapter has focused on minimizing the gap between understanding the scientific implications and applications of nanotechnology to sports equipment and clothing, and the characterization and impact of nanomaterials in the sports industry.
Nanocatalysts for the Photodegradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Pabel M.Y.
Published: January 2023

Industrial and other anthropogenic activities lead to increase in persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in natural water bodies. POPs are harmful to not only the aquatic ecosystem but also human health. Researchers around the globe have been working to develop efficient, cost-effective, environmentally-friendly methods for the treatment of contaminated waters. The chapter basically focuses on the removal of POPs by catalytic advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) using nontoxic metal oxides of d-block elements such as TiO2, ZnO, MnO2 and iron oxides nanomaterials and composites with different counterparts. An insight into the fundamentals of photocatalysis is highlighted. This chapter would bestow an opportunity to evaluate the underlying prospects of the methods involving AOPs used for the degradation of POPs dissolved in water.
Hard Ferrites for High Frequency Antenna Applications
Authors: Kumari A.
Published: January 2023

Advances in wireless communication place an increasing number of demands on antenna performance, necessitating the presence of various capabilities in a single device. Reconfigurable antennas are frequently utilized to meet these various application demands within a restricted area. The purpose of this book chapter is to summarize general introduction about hard ferrites, different synthesis methods of ferrite for antenna application and altering functioning of antenna by reconfiguring them by ferrites. Along with this we have also focused on miniaturization and reconfiguration of antennas which is becoming a very important aspect of wireless communication devices. Miniaturization and reconfiguration of antennas involves a deliberate alteration in the form and/or electrical behaviour of the antenna, leading in a change in the antenna's functioning.
Economía de la Educación: Un Desafío para la Calidad Educativa Universitaria
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Americana, Ospina González Jesús Enrique , Montenegro Mendoza Leonilde ,   Universidad Simón BolívaR, Pulido Marianne ,   Dr. Rafael Belloso Chacín
Published: January 2023

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo central analizar las implicaciones de la economía de la educación en la gestión de los procesos universitarios, basándose en autores como Fernández y Carbonell (2017), Ricaurte y Pozo (2018), León González et al. (2017), Vitale et al. (2020), Yagual et al. (2019), entre otros. La investigación corresponde a un artículo de revisión; pues se integró la información esencial sobre un tema en específico. Los resultados arrojaron que la economía posee implicaciones en el funcionamiento del sistema educativo, ya que conforma desde la dimensión económica un medio de conocimiento dirigido a la optimización de las políticas educativas con el fin de asegurar una gestión efectiva. Se concluye que urge repensar la educación, la cual se encuentra inmersa en un ámbito interdisciplinar, pues existe una relación estrecha entre economía-educación y por ello los gobiernos deben dirigir sus políticas a la financiación de la educación, pues cada vez se reconoce que el factor humano es pieza clave para el desarrollo económico
Vascular access in Senegalese patients starting chronic haemodialysis
Authors: Faye Moustapha , Raqui Ismail , Faye Maria , Ba Bacary , Lemrabott Ahmed Tall , Seck Sidy Mohamed , Niang Abdou , Ka Elhadji Fary
Published: January 2023

Introduction: It is recommended that patients should start chronic haemodialysis using an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We aimed to determine the proportion of Senegalese patients who used an AVF at the start of haemodialysis and examined the factors associated with its use.
Ranking the Bronsted Acid Strength of Protonic Zeolites with VTIR Spectroscopy --- An Overview of Current Research
Authors: Otero Arean C  , Rodriguez Delgado M
Published: January 2023

Many industrial applications of protonic zeolites as solid-acid heterogeneous catalysts rely on the strength or their Br nsted acidity, which (together with zeolite topology) affects both, catalytic activity and selectivity. Therefore, the convenience to have an accurate (and simple) experimental technique for measuring Br nsted acid strength. The enthalpy change, Delta H0, corresponding to the hydrogen bonding interaction of a weak base (such as CO or dinitrogen) with their Br nsted acid [Si(OH)Al] hydroxyl groups should directly correlate with the zeolite acid strength. Nevertheless, because of simplicity, the bathochromic shift of the O-H stretching frequency, Deltaν(OH), is usually measured by IR spectroscopy at a low temperature, and correlated with acid strength, for ranking zeolite acidity. Herein the use of variable-temperature IR (VTIR) spectroscopy to determine simultaneously Delta H0 and Deltaν(OH) is demonstrated; followed by an abridged overview showing that direct correlation between Deltaν(OH) and Br.nsted acid strength can be misleading when ranking zeolite acidity. Keywords: VTIR spectroscopy, br nsted acidity, H-zeolites
Luminescence photomodulation of nanospheres with CdSe/ZnS quantum dots in polymer films
Authors: Karpach P. V.  , Vasilyuk G. T.  , Venidiktova O. V.  , Barachevsky V. A.  , Tuktarov A. R.  , Maskevich S. A.  , Artemiev M. V.
Published: January 2023

The results of studies of the spectral-kinetic (absorption and fluorescent) characteristics of the polymer nanospheres created by us (containing luminescent inorganic CdSe/ZnS quantum dots and photochromic diarylethene molecules) incorporated into a polymer film are presented. A reversible modulation of the fluorescence intensity of quantum dots, caused by the photoisomerization of diarylethene molecules, was found. It is shown that nanospheres in polymer matrices exhibit higher efficiencies of both photoinduced modulation of QD radiation and Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from QDs to the cyclic isomer of DAE as compared to solutions. The results can be used, for example, to create luminescent photocontrolled panels based on films containing fluorescent nanoparticles. Keywords: photochromism, fluorescence, quantum dot, Forster resonance energy transfer, polymer nanospheres, polymer films
Analyzing User-Generated Web-Based Posts of Adolescents’ Emotional, Behavioral, and Symptom Responses to Beliefs About Depression: Qualitative Thematic Analysis
Authors: Dysthe Kim Kristoffer , Røssberg Jan Ivar , Brandtzaeg Petter Bae , Skjuve Marita , Haavet Ole Rikard , Følstad Asbjørn , Klovning Atle
Published: January 2023

Background

Depression is common during adolescence. Early intervention can prevent it from developing into more progressive mental disorders. Combining information technology and clinical psychoeducation is a promising way to intervene at an earlier stage. However, data-driven research on the cognitive response to health information targeting adolescents with symptoms of depression is lacking.

Objective

This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap through a new understanding of adolescents’ cognitive response to health information about depression. This knowledge can help to develop population-specific information technology, such as chatbots, in addition to clinical therapeutic tools for use in general practice.

Methods

The data set consists of 1870 depression-related questions posted by adolescents on a public web-based information service. Most of the posts contain descriptions of events that lead to depression. On a sample of 100 posts, we conducted a qualitative thematic analysis based on cognitive behavioral theory investigating behavioral, emotional, and symptom responses to beliefs associated with depression.

Results

Results were organized into four themes. (1) Hopelessness, appearing as a set of negative beliefs about the future, possibly results from erroneous beliefs about the causal link between risk factors and the course of depression. We found beliefs about establishing a sturdy therapy alliance as a responsibility resting on the patient. (2) Therapy hesitancy seemed to be associated with negative beliefs about therapy prognosis and doubts about confidentiality. (3) Social shame appeared as a consequence of impaired daily function when the cause is not acknowledged. (4) Failing to attain social interaction appeared to be associated with a negative symptom response. In contrast, actively obtaining social support reduces symptoms and suicidal thoughts.

Conclusions

These results could be used to meet the clinical aims stated by earlier psychoeducation development, such as instilling hope through direct reattribution of beliefs about the future; challenging causal attributions, thereby lowering therapy hesitancy; reducing shame through the mechanisms of externalization by providing a tentative diagnosis despite the risk of stigmatizing; and providing initial symptom relief by giving advice on how to open up and reveal themselves to friends and family and balance the message of self-management to fit coping capabilities. An active counseling style advises the patient to approach the social environment, demonstrating an attitude toward self-action.
Understanding Drivers of Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults in Jiangsu Province, China: Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Ji Lili , Wang Qiang , Yang Guoping , Xiu Shixin , Cui Tingting , Shi Naiyang , Zhu Lin , Xu Xuepeng , Jin Hui , Zhen Shiqi
Published: January 2023

Background

Older adults are particularly at risk from infectious diseases, including serve complications, hospitalization, and death.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the drivers of vaccine hesitancy among older adults based on the “3Cs” (confidence, complacency, and convenience) framework, where socioeconomic status and vaccination history played the role of moderators.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in Jiangsu Province, China, between June 1 and July 20, 2021. Older adults (aged ≥60 years) were recruited using a stratified sampling method. Vaccine hesitancy was influenced by the 3Cs in the model. Socioeconomic status and vaccination history processed through the item parceling method were used to moderate associations between the 3Cs and hesitancy. Hierarchical regression analyses and structural equation modeling were used to test the validity of the new framework. We performed 5000 trials of bootstrapping to calculate the 95% CI of the pathway’s coefficients.

Results

A total of 1341 older adults participated. The mean age was 71.3 (SD 5.4) years, and 44.7% (599/1341) of participants were men. Confidence (b=0.967; 95% CI 0.759-1.201; P=.002), convenience (b=0.458; 95% CI 0.333-0.590; P=.002), and less complacency (b=0.301; 95% CI 0.187-0.408; P=.002) were positively associated with less vaccine hesitancy. Socioeconomic status weakened the positive effect of low complacency (b=–0.065; P=.03) on low vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccination history negatively moderated the positive association between confidence (b=–0.071; P=.02) and lower vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions

Our study identified that confidence was the more influential dimension in reducing vaccine hesitancy among older adults. COVID-19 vaccination history, as well as confidence, had a positive association with less vaccine hesitancy and could weaken the role of confidence in vaccine hesitancy. Socioeconomic status had a substitution relationship with less complacency, which suggested a competitive positive association between them on less vaccine hesitancy.
Real-time Assessment of the Bidirectional Relationship Between Affective States and Glucose: Protocol for a 14-Day Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Rethorst Chad D , Githinji Phrashiah , Seguin-Fowler Rebecca A , MacMillan Uribe Alexandra L , Szeszulski Jacob , Liao Yue
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Glucose variability increases cardiometabolic disease risk. While many factors can influence glucose levels, postprandial glucose response is the primary driver of glucose variability. Furthermore, affect may directly and indirectly impact glucose variability through its effect on eating behavior. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) facilitate the real-time evaluation of blood glucose, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) can be used to assess affect in real time. Together, data collected from these sources provide the opportunity to further understand the role of affect in glucose levels.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to (1) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using CGMs along with EMA in nondiabetic populations and (2) examine the bidirectional relationship between affect and glucose in nondiabetic adults with overweight or obesity using a CGM and EMA.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria for the study include participants (1) aged 18 to 65 years old, (2) with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2, (3) who are able to read and write in English, and (4) who own a smartphone. Individuals will be excluded if they (1) have type 1 or 2 diabetes or have any other condition that requires glucose monitoring, (2) are pregnant, (3) use any medications that have the potential to alter blood glucose levels or interfere with the glucose sensing process, or (4) have a diagnosed gastrointestinal condition or eating disorder. In a 14-day observational study, participants will wear a FreeStyle Libre Pro CGM sensor (Abbott) and will receive mobile phone–based EMA prompts 6 times per day (randomly within six 2-hour windows between 8 AM and 8 PM) to assess positive and negative affect. Participants will also wear a Fitbit Inspire 2 (Fitbit) to continuously monitor physical activity and sleep, which will be included as covariates in the analysis. Multilevel linear regression models will be used to evaluate the acute relationship between glucose level and affect.

RESULTS

Recruitment started in October 2022 and is expected to be completed in March 2023. We will aim to recruit 100 participants. As of December 12, 2022, a total of 39 participants have been enrolled.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study will further elucidate the role of affect in glucose variability. By identifying affective states that may lead to glucose excursions, our findings could inform just-in-time behavioral interventions by indicating opportunities for intervention delivery.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/45104
Тувинская традиция передачи старых детских вещей эргинди
Authors:   Tuvan State University (9/B, Mongush Sat St., 667000 Kyzyl, Russian Federation), Mainy Shenne B. , Lamazhaa Chimiza K.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. The article discusses an essential upcycling practice to have existed in various local cultures of the past — and still observable in different forms. Goals. The study aims at describing and analyzing a contemporary form of the children’s clothing sharing tradition of Tuvans, indigenous population of the Tyva Republic. The former is viewed as a local traditional variant of upcycling. The tradition proper has no special name in Tuvan culture but there are several Tuvan terms to denote old things. The most common one is ergindi — ‘old stuff’. The paper draws examples to introduce present-day patterns of the tradition and outlines it, since the latter has been totally uninvestigated. Materials and methods. The study comprises autoethnographic observations, employs anthropological methods and data from related academic disciplines, including philology, linguoculturology, and history. Results and conclusions. Tuvan folklore and ethnic literary narratives, 19th and 20th century ethnographic publications do mention the practice, the latter to be confirmed by stories of Tuvan elders about their childhood, family customs. The tradition was not only to save money or instruct people to handle things carefully but also illustrated special attitudes of Tuvans towards children, and furthermore acted as a kinship maintenance mechanism. Similar characteristics are inherent to contemporary patterns. Nevertheless, the paper also lists some innovations, e.g., expanded categories of things involved (children’s clothes proper be added to with clothes for pregnant women, children’s implements, toys, books), sharing not only with relatives, use of national costumes once owned by relatives, etc.
Половозрастная структура населения катакомбной культуры Сарпинской низменности (по материалам археологических раскопок на территории Республики Калмыкия)
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., 358000 Elista, Russian Federation), Bembeeva Lyubov A. , Lidzhikova Tatiana V.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. The article introduces anthropological materials instrumental in tracing processes inherent to Middle Bronze Age Kalmykia’s population referred to as Catacomb culture. Goals. The work attempts an analysis of the age-sex structure in the Catacomb population to have inhabited the Sarpa Lowland. Materials and methods. The age-sex characteristics of the buried individuals have been identified via a comprehensive anthropological program involving traditional anthropology research techniques, documentation of stress markers revealed and physiological properties of skeletons, injuries and traumas. The study examines human skeletal remains from Catacomb burials nowadays primarily stored at the Osteological Materials Repository of Kalmyk Scientific Center (RAS). Data on missing anthropological materials have been reconstructed with the aid of photographs contained in corresponding field reports. Results. The undertaken research efforts aim at characterizing the archaeological sites to have yielded the anthropological materials; outlining age-sex properties of the buried individuals; identifying and describing some pathologies, physiological stress markers and traumas; comparing the paleopopulation to that of Middle Bronze Age Dagestan (neighboring region) for similarities and differences on certain demographic parameters. The insights into the newly introduced materials make it possible to trace processes of population formation across the Volga-Manych steppe in the Middle Bronze Age. The study is the first to use anthropological materials from Kalmykia’s excavations stored at Kalmyk Scientific Center (RAS) as object of paleodemographic research, and introduces new data into scientific discourse.