bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breakdown Properties of Cables with Different Inorganic, Insulating Nanomaterials
Authors: Cheng Yujia , Yu Guang , Duan Zhuohua
Published: December 2021

The insulation performance of cable insulating materials can be optimised via matrix modification. Typically, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used as the matrix, and a certain proportion of nanoparticles are added to this matrix. To explore the effects of nanoparticles with different forms on the structural interface and crystal morphology of the material, nano-MMT and nano-ZnO were added to LDPE, and comparative experiments were carried out. Based on microscopic test results, material insulation performance changes before and after optimisation were observed. Then, simulation cable models with different insulating materials were developed. Based on the simulated electrical measurements, the thermal breakdown performance of the different insulating materials was tested. According to infrared stereo vision detection results, anomalous temperature points in the cables can be located accurately. Finally, based on macroscopic test results, we verified whether the inorganic, insulating nanomaterials meet the requirements for high-voltage transmission.
Analysis of Some Essential Aspects Related to the Navigation Conditions on the Danube River
Authors: Marcu Turcanu Andra Luciana , Moga Liliana Mihaela , Rusu Eugen Victor Cristian
Published: December 2021

The European Union has emphasized the creation of an appropriate framework to optimize the internal market and inland transport waterways, and remove barriers to their wider use. Administrative barriers in the logistics of goods on the Danube waterway and its navigable tributaries constitute a significant obstacle to the efficient and sustainable use of the Danube as the region’s central transport hub. The approach proposed in this paper was designed to identify and analyze the relationship between the main variables leading to problematic inland waterway traffic, in this case, on the Danube, and the measures taken by the European Commission to improve it. In terms of the applied research method, “Quality Function Deployment” (QFD), we assign global (overall) and local priority degrees. The proposed framework for adapting QFD as a tool for improving quality and, therefore, performance, aims to identify and prioritize directions for this improvement. The House of Quality (HOQ) is the tool that links areas for improvement to technical requirements. The disclosure of these connections helps identify and prioritize the technical features that will generate the most significant improvements.
Impact of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor on Renal Function in Patient with Heart Failure
Authors: Imamura Teruhiko , Ueno Yohei , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: December 2021

Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor is a recently introduced oral agent to treat renal anemia, but its clinical implications on renal functioning in patients with heart failure remains unknown. We studied an 81-year-old man with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction, chronic kidney disease, and renal anemia. The seven-month HIF-PH inhibitor daprodustat treatment improved the hemoglobin level from 7.4 g/dL to 11.8 g/dL and estimated glomerular filtration ratio from 24 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 35 mL/min/1.73 m2 without any complications, including thromboembolic events. HIF-PH inhibitor might be a promising therapeutic tool to improve renal anemia and renal function in patients with heart failure, although large-scale studies are warranted to validate our findings.
Aortic Root Dimensions and Pulse Wave Velocity in Young Competitive Athletes
Authors: Engl Tobias , Müller Jan , Fisel Patrick , Oberhoffer-Fritz Renate
Published: December 2021

The assessment of aortic root dimensions is a cornerstone in cardiac pre-participation screening as dilation can result in severe cardiac events. Moreover, it can be a hint for an underlying connective tissue disease, which needs individualized sports counseling. This study examines the prevalence of aortic root dilatation in a cohort and its relationship to arterial stiffness as an early marker of cardiovascular risk due to vascular aging. From May 2012 to March 2018, we examined 281 young male athletes (14.7 ± 2.1 years) for their aortic root dimension. Moreover, we noninvasively assessed arterial stiffness parameter during pre-participation screening. Mean aortic diameter was 25.9 ± 3.1 mm and 18 of the 281 (6.4%) athletes had aortic root dilation without other clinical evidence of connective tissue disease. After adjusting for BSA, there was no association of aortic root diameter to pulse wave velocity (p = −0.054 r = 0.368) nor to central blood pressure (p = −0.029 r = 0.634). Thus, although a significant proportion of young athletes had aortic root dilatation, which certainly needs regular follow up, no correlation with arterial stiffness was found. It could be suggested that a dilated aortic root in young athletes does not alter pulse waveform and pulse reflection, and thus there is no increased cardiovascular risk in those subjects.
Management of Ankle Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Galhoum Ahmed ElSayed , Trivedi Vineet , Askar Mohamed , Tejero Sergio , Herrera-Pérez Mario , AlRashidi Yousef , Valderrabano Victor
Published: December 2021

Background: Charcot neuroarthropathy is a non-infective, destructive process occurring in patients rendered insensate by peripheral neuropathy, which is caused mainly by diabetes. Repetitive trauma from standing and walking provides a neuro-traumatic stimulus that leads to dislocation, or peri-articular fracture, or both, within the ankle. This review concentrates on the management protocols regarding the ankle only. Methods: A Pubmed search for clinical trials performed to manage ankle Charcot neuroarthropathy and a systematic review of these articles were undertaken. Results: Twenty papers met the inclusion criteria: four of them describe non-surgical management, while the rest show different surgical management options of ankle Charcot neuroarthropathy. Conclusions: Surgical algorithms for the treatment of CN of the ankle are based almost entirely on level four. There is inconclusive evidence concerning the timing of treatment and the use of different fixation methods. Instability and ulceration are the main precursors for surgical interventions. Prospective series and randomized studies, albeit difficult to perform, are necessary to support and strengthen current practice.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections: A Systematic Review
Authors: Teruzzi Giovanni , Santagostino Baldi Giulia , Gili Sebastiano , Guarnieri Gianluca , Montorsi Piero , Trabattoni Daniela
Published: December 2021

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease due to spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) accounts for 5–8% of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presentations. The demographic characteristics, risk factors, and management of patients with SCAD differ from those with atherosclerotic disease. The objective of this review is to provide a contemporary understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of SCAD.
Evaluation of the Use of Antibiofilmogram Technology in the Clinical Evolution of Foot Ulcers Infected by Staphylococcus aureus in Persons Living with Diabetes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sotto Albert , Laurent Frédéric , Schuldiner Sophie , Vouillarmet Julien , Corvec Stéphane , Bemer Pascale , Boutoille David , Dunyach-Rémy Catherine , Lavigne Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2021

Infected diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a serious threat to public health because of their frequency and the severity of their consequences. DFUs are frequently infected by bacteria in biofilms, obstructing antibiotic action. Antibiofilmogram was developed to assess the impact of antibiotics to inhibit biofilm formation. This pilot study aimed to determine the benefits of this technology in predicting antibiotic activity on the outcome of 28 patients with Grade 2 DFUs that were infected by a monomicrobial Staphylococcus aureus. Patients with diabetes were followed during the antibiotic treatment (day 14) and the follow-up period of the study (day 45). The contribution of Antibiofilmogram was compared between patients with non-concordant results (n = 13) between antibiogram and Antibiofilmogram versus concordant results (n = 15). The clinical improvement of wounds (80.0% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.0245) and the absence of exudates (0% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.0282) were observed in concordant vs. discordant groups. This pilot study provides promising results for the interest of Antibiofilmogram in the prescription of antibiotics to prevent biofilm formation in infected DFUs.
The Association between Bisphenol A, Steroid Hormones, and Selected MicroRNAs Levels in Seminal Plasma of Men with Infertility
Authors: Palak Ewelina , Lebiedzińska Weronika , Anisimowicz Sławomir , Sztachelska Maria , Pierzyński Piotr , Wiczkowski Wiesław , Żelazowska-Rutkowska Beata , Niklińska Gabriella Nicole , Ponikwicka-Tyszko Donata , Wołczyński Sławomir
Published: December 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA), the most common endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been associated with male reproductive dysfunctions. Recently, it has been shown that BPA may also affect miRNAs expression. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the association of BPA levels with steroid hormone concentration and circulating miRNAs levels to investigate the potential direct effect of BPA on homeostasis in the testis environment. The level of BPA in the seminal plasma of azoospermic men was significantly higher compared to the healthy control. The concentrations of estradiol (E2) and androstenedione (A) were significantly decreased in the seminal plasma of azoospermic men compared to the normospermic men. The levels of miR-let-7a, miR-let-7b, and miR-let-7c were significantly up-regulated, and the level of miR-518f was significantly down-regulated in the seminal plasma of the azoospermic men compared to the healthy control. The level of BPA correlated negatively with sperm concentration and normal semen morphology. A significant positive correlation was found between BPA levels and miR-let-7a and miR-let-7c levels, whereas BPA negatively correlated with miR-518f levels. Our results suggest that BPA may negatively affect sperm quality. Moreover, BPA correlated with the miR-let-7a, miR-let-7c, and miR-518f levels in seminal plasma, which suggests that BPA may act directly in seminal plasma, affecting the testicular environment.
How COVID-19 Has Affected Caregivers’ Burden of Patients with Dementia: An Exploratory Study Focusing on Coping Strategies and Quality of Life during the Lockdown
Authors: Maggio Maria Grazia , La Rosa Gianluca , Calatozzo Patrizia , Andaloro Adriana , Foti Cuzzola Marilena , Cannavò Antonino , Militi David , Manuli Alfredo , Oddo Valentina , Pioggia Giovanni , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 has caused a public and international health emergency, leading to isolation and social distancing. These restrictions have had a significant impact on the caregivers of people with dementia, increasing the burden of patient management. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stress perceived by caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) during the pandemic. We used a cross-sectional survey design to evaluate the caregivers’ psychological responses and coping strategies. Eighty-four caregivers of patients with a diagnosis of AD were involved in this study by completing an online questionnaire. They presented a high perception of stress (the Perceived Stress Scale mean ± DS: 33.5 ± 4.5), and their high burden in caring was mainly related to physical difficulties (Caregiver Burden Inventory–Physical Burden mean ± DS: 15.0 ± 2.1) and perception of loss of time (Caregiver Burden Inventory–Time-dependence Burden mean ± DS: 16.5 ± 1.4). Moreover, caregivers perceived their quality of life as very low (Short Form-12 Health Survey Physical mean ± DS: 13.5 ± 2.7; Short Form-12 Health Survey Mental Health mean ± DS: 16.4 ± 4.2). Finally, we found that participants mostly used dysfunctional coping strategies, such as avoidance strategies (Coping Orientation to Problem Experiences–Avoidance Strategies mean ± DS: 39.5 ± 7.1), but these strategies did not affect the stress level of caregivers. Given that caregivers present a high burden and stress, innovative tools could be a valuable solution to investigate and support their emotional and behavioral status during difficult periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
HDL in COVID-19 Patients: Evidence from an Italian Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Papotti Bianca , Macchi Chiara , Favero Chiara , Iodice Simona , Adorni Maria Pia , Zimetti Francesca , Corsini Alberto , Aliberti Stefano , Blasi Francesco , Carugo Stefano , Bollati Valentina , Vicenzi Marco , Ruscica Massimiliano
Published: December 2021

A number of studies have highlighted important alterations of the lipid profile in COVID-19 patients. Besides the well-known atheroprotective function, HDL displays anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-infectious properties. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the HDL anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features, by evaluation of HDL-associated Serum amyloid A (SAA) enrichment and HDL-paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity, in a cohort of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at the Cardiorespiratory COVID-19 Unit of Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan. COVID-19 patients reached very low levels of HDL-c (mean ± SD: 27.1 ± 9.7 mg/dL) with a marked rise in TG (mean ± SD: 165.9 ± 62.5 mg/dL). Compared to matched-controls, SAA levels were significantly raised in COVID-19 patients at admission. There were no significant differences in the SAA amount between 83 alive and 22 dead patients for all-cause in-hospital mortality. Similar findings were reached in the case of PON-1 activity, with no differences between alive and dead patients for all-cause in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, although not related to the prediction of in-hospital mortality, reduction in HDL-c and the enrichment of SAA in HDL are a mirror of SARS-CoV-2 positivity even at the very early stages of the infection.
Intracorporeal versus Extracorporeal Anastomosis for Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy: Short-Term Outcomes
Authors: Biondi Antonio , Di Mauro Gianluca , Morici Riccardo , Sangiorgio Giuseppe , Vacante Marco , Basile Francesco
Published: December 2021

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy represents an effective therapeutic approach for right colon cancer (RCC). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate bowel function recovery, length of hospital stay, operative time, and the number of general and anastomosis-related postoperative complications from intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) vs. extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA); the secondary outcome was the number of lymph nodes retrieved. This observational study was conducted on 108 patients who underwent right hemicolectomy for RCC; after surgical resection, 64 patients underwent ICA and 44 underwent ECA. The operative time was slightly longer in the ICA group than in the ECA group, even though the difference was not significant (199.31 ± 48.90 min vs. 183.64 ± 35.80 min; p = 0.109). The length of hospital stay (7.53 ± 1.91 days vs. 8.77 ± 3.66 days; p = 0.036) and bowel function recovery (2.21 ± 1.01 days vs. 3.45 ± 1.82 days; p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the ICA group. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications (12% in ICA group vs. 9% in ECA group), wound infection (6% in ICA group vs. 7% in ECA group), or anastomotic leakage (6% in ICA group vs. 9% in ECA group). We did not observe a significant difference between the two groups in the number of lymph nodes collected (19.46 ± 7.06 in ICA group vs. 22.68 ± 8.79 in ECA group; p = 0.086). ICA following laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, compared to ECA, could lead to a significant improvement in bowel function recovery and a reduction in the length of hospital stay in RCC patients.
Effect of Surface Polishing on Nano-Hardness and Elastic Modulus of Different Resin Composites after Immersion in Alcoholic Medium
Authors: Alqarni Dhaifallah , Alghamdi Ali , Saad Amr , Alzahrani Abdullah Ali H. , Hosaka Keiichi
Published: December 2021

There has been a great tendency toward using resin composite in dentistry and exploring nano-hardness, elastic modulus, and effect of polishing on its mechanical properties after its artificial ageing. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of surface polishing of four different resin composites on their nano-hardness and elastic modulus. This effect was tested right after light curing of composite resin and after its artificial ageing (immersion in alcoholic medium). Nanoindentation test preparations, surface roughness, surface hardness, and scanning electron microscope were conducted across the four different resin composites: Clearfil AP-X (APX), Estelite Sigma Quick (ESQ), Beautifil II (BE2), and FiltekTM Supreme Ultra Universal restorative (FSU). We found that difference in fillers load and particle size are amongst the factors influencing hardness and modulus of elasticity. The APX is the highest in term of hardness due to fillers load and size while the ESQ is the lowest because all fillers in nano size and distributed homogenously. The significance of surface polishing of the studied resin composite restorations was highlighted. Future research may focus on exploring survival rate of polished and non-polished composite surfaces with emphasis on measuring degree of conversion and impacts of polished and non-polished surfaces on the individuals’ oral health quality of life.
Seasonal Dietary Shifts of the Gammarid Amphipod Gondogeneia antarctica in a Rapidly Warming Fjord of the West Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Ahn In-Young , Elias-Piera Francyne , Ha Sun-Yong , Rossi Sergio , Kim Dong-U
Published: December 2021

The amphipod Gondogeneia antarctica is among the most abundant benthic organisms, and a key food web species along the rapidly warming West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). However, little is known about its trophic strategy for dealing with the extreme seasonality of Antarctic marine primary production. This study, using trophic markers, for the first time investigated seasonal dietary shifts of G. antarctica in a WAP fjord. We analyzed δ13C and δ15N in G. antarctica and its potential food sources. The isotopic signatures revealed a substantial contribution of red algae to the amphipod diet and also indicated a significant contribution of benthic diatoms. The isotope results were further supported by fatty acid (FA) analysis, which showed high similarities in FA composition (64% spring–summer, 58% fall–winter) between G. antarctica and the red algal species. G. antarctica δ13C showed a small shift seasonally (−18.9 to −21.4‰), suggesting that the main diets do not change much year-round. However, the relatively high δ15N values as for primary consumers indicated additional dietary sources such as animal parts. Interestingly, G. antarctica and its potential food sources were significantly enriched with δ15N during the fall–winter season, presumably through a degradation process, suggesting that G. antarctica consumes a substantial portion of its diets in the form of detritus. Overall, the results revealed that G. antarctica relies primarily on food sources derived from benthic primary producers throughout much of the year. Thus, G. antarctica is unlikely very affected by seasonal Antarctic primary production, and this strategy seems to have allowed them to adapt to shallow Antarctic nearshore waters.
A Power Demand Analytical Model of Self-Propelled Vessels
Authors: Zamora Javier
Published: December 2021

The article herein presents a closed-form mathematical equation by which it is possible to estimate the propulsion power demand of ships as a function of the propeller parameters and total Resistance. The validation of the derived model is conducted by use of the Series 60 Model data and of the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) Very Large Crude-oil Carrier 2 (KVLCC2) data. In all the cases tested, the derived model explained more than 99.9% of the data variability. Furthermore, the paper describes a practical method for quantifying changes in hull and propeller performance and provides an application example.
Relationship of Spatial Phytoplankton Variability during Spring with Eutrophic Inshore and Oligotrophic Offshore Waters in the East Sea, Including Dokdo, Korea
Authors: Lee Minji , Ro Hyejoo , Kim Yun-Bae , Park Chan-Hong , Baek Seung-Ho
Published: December 2021

The area near the subpolar front of the East Sea has high primary productivity during the spring season. We conducted two surveys, one in early spring and another in late spring, to assess environmental factors that influence phytoplankton community structure during these times. During early spring, vertical mixing supplied abundant nutrients to the surface. Due to the well-mixed water column, there were high nutrient levels, but total phytoplankton abundances and diversity were relatively low and were dominated by the diatom Chaetoceros spp. During late spring, the water column gradually stratified, with relatively high levels of nutrients in the surface layers near the coastal areas. Phytoplankton abundance and diversity at that time were higher, and there were diatoms (Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and Chaetoceros spp.), cryptophytes, and small flagellates. Pseudo-nitzschia spp. were especially abundant in re-sampled areas. The presence of a stratified and stable water mass and sufficient nitrate led to high phytoplankton growth, even in the open sea during late spring. These findings provide a better understanding of how phytoplankton population dynamics in the East Sea depend on water column stability during both early and late spring seasons.
Spatial Analysis of the Ship Gas Emission Inventory in the Port of Busan Using Bottom-Up Approach Based on AIS Data
Authors: Woo Donghan , Im Namkyun
Published: December 2021

Dense hub port-cities have been suffering from ship gas emissions causing atmospheric pollution and a threat to the health of coastal residents. To control ship gas emissions, many regulations have been established internationally. Analyses of ship gas emission inventories are essential to quantify mass and track emission changes over time in a given geographical area. Based on the gas emissions inventory, applicable regulations such as Emission Control Area (ECA) realization and Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) may be established. The ship gas emission inventory (CO2, CO, NOx, SOx and PM) from the Busan Port (BP), including the North Port (NP) and Gamcheon Dadae-po Port (GDP), which is the biggest port in the Republic of Korea and which is also surrounded by residential, commercial, and industrial areas, were spatially analyzed. To calculate geographical ship gas emissions in real-time, this study introduces a bottom-up methodology using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. According to the geographical density analysis of the gas emissions inventory, this study highlights that about 35% of the annual ship gas emissions of BP in 2019 were concentrated in the passageway to NP because of high ship speeds when leaving or arriving at the port. To protect the health of coastal residents, ship speed limit regulations along the passageway should be revised based on our spatial analysis results. The spatial analysis of the ship gas emission inventory in BP will be useful basic data for properly evaluating the local gas emission state on newly established or revised environmental regulations for BP.
A Fine Grid Tide-Wave-Ocean Circulation Coupled Model for the Yellow Sea: Comparison of Turbulence Closure Schemes in Reproducing Temperature Distributions
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Park Youngmin , Choi Minbum , Jung Kyung Tae , Kim Kyeong Ok
Published: December 2021

The performance of three turbulence closure schemes (TCSs), the generic length scale scheme (GLS), the Mellor–Yamada 2.5 scheme (MY2.5) and the K-profile parameterization scheme (KPP), embedded in the ocean model ROMS, was compared with attention to the reproduction of summertime temperature distribution in the Yellow Sea. The ROMS model has a horizontal resolution of 1/30° and 30 vertical sigma layers. For model validation, root mean square errors were checked, comparing model results with wave and temperature buoy data as well as tidal station data supplied by various organizations within the Republic of Korea. Computed temperature and vertical temperature diffusion coefficients were mainly compared along Lines A (36° N) and B (125° E) crossing the central Yellow Sea, Lines C (32° N) and E (34° N) passing over the Yangtze Bank and Line D off the Taean Peninsula. Calculations showed that GLS and MY2.5 produced vertical mixing stronger than KPP in both the surface and bottom layers, but the overall results were reasonably close to each other. The lack of observational data was a hindrance in comparing the detailed performance between the TCSs. However, it was noted that the simulation capability of cold patches in the tidal mixing front can be useful in identifying the better performing turbulence closure scheme. GLS and MY2.5 clearly produced the cold patch located near the western end of Line E (122° E–122.3° E), while KPP hardly produced its presence. Similar results were obtained along Line D but with a less pronounced tidal mixing front. Along Line C, GLS and MY2.5 produced a cold patch on the western slope of the Yellow Sea, the presence of which had never been reported. Additional measurements near 125° E–126° E of Line C and along the channel off the Taean Peninsula (Line D) are recommended to ensure the relative performance superiority between the TCSs.
Inactivation of mrpigH Gene in Monascus ruber M7 Results in Increased Monascus Pigments and Decreased Citrinin with mrpyrG Selection Marker
Authors: Li Li , Xu Na , Chen Fusheng
Published: December 2021

Monascus pigments (MPs) have been used as food colorants for several centuries in Asian countries and are currently used around the world via Asian catering. The MPs biosynthetic pathway has been well-illustrated; however, the functions of a few genes including mrpigH in the MPs gene cluster of M. ruber M7 are still unclear. In the current study, mrpigH was disrupted in Δmrlig4ΔmrpyrG, a highly efficient gene modification system, using mrpyrG as a selection marker, and ΔmrpigHΔmrlig4ΔmrpyrG::mrpyrG and ΔmrpigHΔmrlig4ΔmrpyrG have been obtained. Subsequently, their morphologies, biomasses, MPs and citrinin (CIT) production were analyzed, respectively. These results have revealed that the deletion of mrpigH has significant effects on the morphology and growth of M. ruber M7. Moreover, compared with M. ruber M7, the yields of MPs and CIT were drastically increased and decreased in mrpigH mutants, respectively.
Designing a Roadmap for Human Resource Management in the Banking 4.0
Authors: Kuchciak Iwa , Warwas Izabela
Published: December 2021

The banking sector has been going through a rapid transformation due to digitalization, regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and demographic trends. The purpose of this paper is to provide an advanced overview of the practical applications of human resource management (HRM) in Banking 4.0. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to present the results of good practice form inventory and a Delphi study. The results of a European study show that human resource management practices such as reskilling, upskilling, and redeployment are a solution to mitigate challenges in the Banking 4.0 era. The HRM roadmap for banks will be a major guide to ensure effective workforce management.
COVID-19 Disclosure: A Novel Measurement and Annual Report Uncertainty
Authors: Elmarzouky Mahmoud , Albitar Khaldoon , Karim Atm Enayet , Moussa Ahmed Saber
Published: December 2021

This paper provides a unique COVID-19 disclosure measurement and investigates the association between the level of COVID-19 disclosure and uncertainty within annual reports for UK FTSE-All share non-financial firms. We used automated textual analysis to score the sampled annual reports. The results show that the level of COVID-19 disclosure varies from industry to industry. Furthermore, there is a positive relationship between COVID-19 disclosure and uncertainty in annual reports. Firms with larger boards exhibit more significant uncertainty in annual reports with COVID-19 disclosure. However, the significance of uncertainty in annual reports with COVID-19 disclosure remains at the same level with different board independence percentages. The unique findings of this paper are extremely relevant to governments, shareholders, policymakers, suppliers, and creditors.
Sodium Dialysate Prescription in a New Dialysis Facility
Authors: Chazot Charles
Published: December 2021

As the Medical Director of this new dialysis facility, I recommend a fixed sodium dialysate (Nadial) concentration at 138 mEq/L. This relates to my former experience in the Tassin unit in France and the fear of sodium as a powerful uremic toxin. I realize that, according to the Na+ set-point theory, a fixed value of the Nadial may create a plasma–dialysate (P–D) gradient and may favor intradialytic plasma Na+ changes. In cases where this is associated with signs of negative Na+ balance (bad session tolerance/quality of life) or positive Na+ balance (high interdialytic weight gain or high blood pressure), individualization of the Nadial to reduce the P–D gradient and change in plasma Na+ concentration may be useful, even though evidence remains scarce. I look forward to the possibility of using new dialysis machines that allow for the evaluation of sodium balance and tailoring of the sodium diffusion process.
The Impact of China’s Grassland Ecological Compensation Policy on the Income Gap between Herder Households? A Case Study from a Typical Pilot Area
Authors: Li Zhidong , Rao Didi , Liu Moucheng
Published: December 2021

China’s policy of subsidies and rewards for grassland ecological protection (PSRGEP) aims to maintain the ecological function of grasslands and increase the income of herder households. Since 2011, the Chinese government has invested more than 150 billion yuan in this policy, making it currently the largest grassland ecological compensation project in China. Based on a survey of 203 herder households in Xin Barag Left Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, this study used the Lorenz curve and Gini index to describe the imbalance in the distribution of compensation funds. Then, the integrated livelihood capital scores before compensation were used as a baseline. The changes in ranking and standard deviation of the scores after receiving compensation funds were analysed to draw a conclusion about the impact on the income gap between herder households. Finally, we described the absolute income gap through a group comparison. The results show that the distribution of compensation funds is unbalanced (Gini index is 0.46). According to the order of compensation funds from high to low, the top 20% of sample herder households received 49% of the total funds. Given the unbalanced distribution, households with better family economic conditions received more compensation funds. After receiving the compensation funds, the change in the ranking of the household’s livelihood capital integrated score was small, but the standard deviation increased from 0.1697 to 0.1734, and the Gini index of the households’ capital integrated scores decreased from 0.35 to 0.34 (the coefficient of variation decreased from 0.66 to 0.63). The group with the highest integrated livelihood capital score received 3.6 times the compensation funds of the group with the lowest score. As a result, under the promotion of PSRGEP, the local absolute income gap has widened, but the relative income gap has reduced. This study evaluated the current distribution of compensation funds for PSRGEP, which could provide a scientific basis for managers to optimize the fund distribution in the future.
Advances in Research on Morphosyntax and Multicompetent Speakers of French and Spanish: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Gudmestad Aarnes
Published: December 2021

Historically, research on language acquisition among multicompetent speakers has devoted significant attention to the area of morphosyntax, compared to other domains of language (Ortega 2009, p [...]
It More than Adds Up: Interaction of Antibiotic Mixing and Temperature
Authors: Danner Marie-Claire , Azams Sharon Omonor , Robertson Anne , Perkins Daniel , Behrends Volker , Reiss Julia
Published: December 2021

Use of antibiotics for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections in humans, agri- and aquaculture as well as livestock rearing leads to antibiotic pollution of fresh water and these antibiotics have an impact on free-living bacteria. While we know which antibiotics are most common in natural environments such as rivers and streams, there is considerable uncertainty regarding antibiotics’ interactions with one another and the effect of abiotic factors such as temperature. Here, we used an experimental approach to explore the effects of antibiotic identity, concentration, mixing and water temperature on the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens, a common, ubiquitous bacterium. We exposed P. fluorescens to the four antibiotics most commonly found in surface waters (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole and sulfapyridine) and investigated antibiotic interactions for single and mixed treatments at different, field-realistic temperatures. We observed an overall dependence of antibiotic potency on temperature, as temperature increased efficacy of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin with their EC50 lowered by >75% with a 10 °C temperature increase. Further, we show that mixtures of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, despite both belonging to the fluoroquinolone class, exhibit low-temperature-dependent synergistic effects in inhibiting bacterial growth. These findings highlight the context dependency of antibiotic efficacy. They further suggest antibiotic-specific off-target effects that only affect the bacteria once they enter a certain temperature range. This has important implications as freshwater systems already contain multi-drug antibiotic cocktails and are changing temperature due to environmental warming. These factors will interact and affect aquatic food webs, and hence this creates an urgent need to adapt and improve laboratory testing conditions to closer reflect natural environments.
A Novel Reciprocating Tribometer for Friction and Wear Measurements with High Contact Pressure and Large Area Contact Configurations
Authors: Berglund Kim , Rodiouchkina Maria , Hardell Jens , Kalliorinne Kalle , Johansson Jens
Published: December 2021

There are many moving machine assemblies with conformal tribological contacts at very high contact pressures, e.g., sliding bearings, propeller shaft bearings and machine guideways. Furthermore, applications such as trunnion and guide vane bearing in Kaplan turbines have very low sliding speeds and oscillatory types of motion. Although there is a vast selection of tribology test rigs available, there is still a lack of test equipment to perform friction and wear tests under high contact pressure, reciprocatory sliding and large area contact. The aim of this work is thus to develop a novel reciprocating tribometer and test method that enables friction and wear tests under low-speed reciprocatory sliding with contact pressures up to 90 MPa in a flat-on-flat contact configuration. First, a thorough description of the test rig design is given. Secondly, the influence of contact pressure and stroke length on the tribological properties of a stainless steel and polymer composite material combination is studied. The significance of considering creep, friction during the stroke and contact temperature is specifically highlighted. The novel tribometer can be used to screen different bearing and shaft material combinations and to evaluate the friction and wear performance of self-lubricating bearings for the specific operating conditions found in Kaplan turbines.
Fuzzy Decision Tree Based Method in Decision-Making of COVID-19 Patients’ Treatment
Authors: Rabcan Jan , Zaitseva Elena , Levashenko Vitaly , Kvassay Miroslav , Surda Pavol , Macekova Denisa
Published: December 2021

A new method in decision-making of timing of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients is developed and discussed in this paper. Tracheostomy is performed in critically ill coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. The timing of tracheostomy is important for anticipated prolonged ventilatory wean when levels of respiratory support were favorable. The analysis of this timing has been implemented based on classification method. One of principal conditions for the developed classifiers in decision-making of timing of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients was a good interpretation of result. Therefore, the proposed classifiers have been developed as decision tree based because these classifiers have very good interpretability of result. The possible uncertainty of initial data has been considered by the application of fuzzy classifiers. Two fuzzy classifiers as Fuzzy Decision Tree (FDT) and Fuzzy Random Forest (FRF) have been developed for the decision-making in tracheostomy timing. The evaluation of proposed classifiers and their comparison with other show the efficiency of the proposed classifiers. FDT has best characteristics in comparison with other classifiers.
Analytic Matrix Method for Frequency Response Techniques Applied to Nonlinear Dynamical Systems I: Small and Medium Amplitude Oscillations
Authors: Hernandez Elena , Manero Octavio , Bautista Fernando , Garcia-Sandoval Juan Paulo
Published: December 2021

This is the first on a series of articles that deal with nonlinear dynamical systems under oscillatory input that may exhibit harmonic and non-harmonic frequencies and possibly complex behavior in the form of chaos. Frequency response techniques of nonlinear dynamical systems are usually analyzed with numerical methods because, most of the time, analytical solutions turn out to be difficult, if not impossible, since they are based on infinite series of trigonometric functions. The analytic matrix method reported here is a direct one that speeds up the solution processing compared to traditional series solution methods. In this method, we work with the invariant submanifold of the problem, and we propose a series solution that is equivalent to the harmonic balance series solution. However, the recursive relation obtained for the coefficients in our analytical method simplifies traditional approaches to obtain the solution with the harmonic balance series method. This method can be applied to nonlinear dynamic systems under oscillatory input to find the analog of a usual Bode plot where regions of small and medium amplitude oscillatory input are well described. We found that the identification of such regions requires both the amplitude as well as the frequency to be properly specified. In the second paper of the series, the method to solve problems in the field of large amplitudes will be addressed.
Magnetohydrodynamic Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Past an Exponentially Stretching Sheet with Slip Conditions
Authors: Khan Abdul Samad , Xu He-Yong , Khan Waris
Published: December 2021

This study presents the magnetized hybrid nanofluid flow with heat source/sink over an exponentially stretching/shrinking sheet. Slip conditions are implemented to analyze the hybrid nanofluid flow for both slip and no-slip conditions. Additionally, the hybrid nanofluid of alumina and copper (hybrid nanoparticles) with blood (base fluid) has been considered and discussed with both suction and injection parameters. The appropriate similarity variables are used to convert partial differential equations (PDEs) into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and solved analytically with the help of the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The impact of different embedded parameters has been shown in the form of graphs and tables. The numerical values of skin friction and Nusselt number are presented in the form of Tables for both slip and no-slip cases. It is summarized that the upsurge of the velocity slip parameter and magnetic parameter increases the skin friction, while the rising of the thermal slip parameter and heat generation parameter decreases the Nusselt number.
A Study of ψ-Hilfer Fractional Boundary Value Problem via Nonlinear Integral Conditions Describing Navier Model
Authors: Pleumpreedaporn Songkran , Sudsutad Weerawat , Thaiprayoon Chatthai , Nápoles Juan E. , Kongson Jutarat
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates existence, uniqueness, and Ulam’s stability results for a nonlinear implicit ψ-Hilfer FBVP describing Navier model with NIBCs. By Banach’s fixed point theorem, the unique property is established. Meanwhile, existence results are proved by using the fixed point theory of Leray-Schauder’s and Krasnoselskii’s types. In addition, Ulam’s stability results are analyzed. Furthermore, several instances are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the main results.
Hierarchical Quasi-Fractional Gradient Descent Method for Parameter Estimation of Nonlinear ARX Systems Using Key Term Separation Principle
Authors: Chaudhary Naveed Ishtiaq , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Khan Zeshan Aslam , Cheema Khalid Mehmood , Milyani Ahmad H.
Published: December 2021

Recently, a quasi-fractional order gradient descent (QFGD) algorithm was proposed and successfully applied to solve system identification problem. The QFGD suffers from the overparameterization problem and results in estimating the redundant parameters instead of identifying only the actual parameters of the system. This study develops a novel hierarchical QFDS (HQFGD) algorithm by introducing the concepts of hierarchical identification principle and key term separation idea. The proposed HQFGD is effectively applied to solve the parameter estimation problem of input nonlinear autoregressive with exogeneous noise (INARX) system. A detailed investigation about the performance of HQFGD is conducted under different disturbance conditions considering different fractional orders and learning rate variations. The simulation results validate the better performance of the HQFGD over the standard counterpart in terms of estimation accuracy, convergence speed and robustness.
Synthesis and Computer Study of Population Dynamics Controlled Models Using Methods of Numerical Optimization, Stochastization and Machine Learning
Authors: Demidova Anastasia V. , Druzhinina Olga V. , Masina Olga N. , Petrov Alexey A.
Published: December 2021

The problems of synthesis and analysis of multidimensional controlled models of population dynamics are of both theoretical and applied interest. The need to solve numerical optimization problems for such a class of models is associated with the expansion of ecosystem control requirements. The need to solve the problem of stochastization is associated with the emergence of new problems in the study of ecological systems properties under the influence of random factors. The aim of the work is to develop a new approach to studying the properties of population dynamics systems using methods of numerical optimization, stochastization and machine learning. The synthesis problems of nonlinear three-dimensional models of interconnected species number dynamics, taking into account trophic chains and competition in prey populations, are studied. Theorems on the asymptotic stability of equilibrium states are proved. A qualitative and numerical study of the models is carried out. Using computational experiments, the results of an analytical stability and permanent coexistence study are verified. The search for equilibrium states belonging to the stability and permanent coexistence region is made using the developed intelligent algorithm and evolutionary calculations. The transition is made from the model specified by the vector ordinary differential equation to the corresponding stochastic model. A comparative analysis of deterministic and stochastic models with competition and trophic chains is carried out. New effects are revealed that are characteristic of three-dimensional models, taking into account the competition in populations of prey. The formulation of the optimal control problem for a model with competition and trophic chains is proposed. To find optimal trajectories, new generalized algorithms for numerical optimization are developed. A methods for the synthesis of controllers based on the use of artificial neural networks and machine learning are developed. The results on the search for optimal trajectories and generation of control functions are presented.The obtained results can be used in modeling problems of ecological, demographic, socio-economic and chemical kinetics systems.
Linking Pensions to Life Expectancy: Tackling Conceptual Uncertainty through Bayesian Model Averaging
Authors: Bravo Jorge M. , Ayuso Mercedes
Published: December 2021

Linking pensions to longevity developments at retirement age has been one of the most common policy responses of pension schemes to aging populations. The introduction of automatic stabilizers is primarily motivated by cost containment objectives, but there are other dimensions of welfare restructuring in the politics of pension reforms, including recalibration, rationalization, and blame avoidance for unpopular policies that involve retrenchments. This paper examines the policy designs and implications of linking entry pensions to life expectancy developments through sustainability factors or life expectancy coefficients in Finland, Portugal, and Spain. To address conceptual and specification uncertainty in policymaking, we propose and apply a Bayesian model averaging approach to stochastic mortality modeling and life expectancy computation. The results show that: (i) sustainability factors will generate substantial pension entitlement reductions in the three countries analyzed; (ii) the magnitude of the pension losses depends on the factor design; (iii) to offset pension cuts and safeguard pension adequacy, individuals will have to prolong their working lives significantly; (iv) factor designs considering cohort longevity markers would have generated higher pension cuts in countries with increasing life expectancy gap.
On Characterizing a Three-Dimensional Sphere
Authors: Bin Turki Nasser , Deshmukh Sharief , Vîlcu Gabriel-Eduard
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we find a characterization of the 3-sphere using 3-dimensional compact and simply connected trans-Sasakian manifolds of type (α, β).
Analytical Solution of the Three-Dimensional Laplace Equation in Terms of Linear Combinations of Hypergeometric Functions
Authors: Lupica Antonella , Cesarano Clemente , Crisanti Flavio , Ishkhanyan Artur
Published: December 2021

We present some solutions of the three-dimensional Laplace equation in terms of linear combinations of generalized hyperogeometric functions in prolate elliptic geometry, which simulates the current tokamak shapes. Such solutions are valid for particular parameter values. The derived solutions are compared with the solutions obtained in the standard toroidal geometry.
Finite-Time Passivity Analysis of Neutral-Type Neural Networks with Mixed Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Khonchaiyaphum Issaraporn , Samorn Nayika , Botmart Thongchai , Mukdasai Kanit
Published: December 2021

This research study investigates the issue of finite-time passivity analysis of neutral-type neural networks with mixed time-varying delays. The time-varying delays are distributed, discrete and neutral in that the upper bounds for the delays are available. We are investigating the creation of sufficient conditions for finite boundness, finite-time stability and finite-time passivity, which has never been performed before. First, we create a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, Peng–Park’s integral inequality, descriptor model transformation and zero equation use, and then we use Wirtinger’s integral inequality technique. New finite-time stability necessary conditions are constructed in terms of linear matrix inequalities in order to guarantee finite-time stability for the system. Finally, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the result’s effectiveness. Moreover, our proposed criteria are less conservative than prior studies in terms of larger time-delay bounds.