bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Heuristic Integrated Scheduling Algorithm via Processing Characteristics of Various Machines
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhou Pengwei , Zheng Ying , Xie Zhiqiang
Published: October 2022

Complex products with a tree-like structure usually have an asymmetric structure. Therefore, in order to avoid the separation of equipment and operation correlation during the scheduling, the structural attributes of products and the use of equipment resources should be fully considered. However, this feature is ignored in the current research works on the scheduling of multi-variety and small batch products. This leads to increased idle time for equipment and an extended makespan for products. To avoid this situation, a heuristic integrated scheduling algorithm via processing characteristics of various machines (HIS-PCVM) is proposed. In the integrated scheduling, the algorithm first divides the equipment into two categories: the special equipment and the general equipment according to the resources of the production scheduling system. Then, different scheduling methods are designed according to the equipment categories. The makespan of the product is further optimized through various combination methods. Moreover, the constraint audit strategy to guarantee the constraint relationship between the operations is optimized. The earliest scheduling time strategy is proposed to improve the parallelism and serial tightness of the operations. These strategies reduce the idle time of equipment effectively. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a better application effect in reducing the makespan of complex products, both with asymmetric structures and symmetric structures. This also shows that the algorithm is effective in improving the utilization rate of equipment.
A Study of the Higgs Mass with the Effective Potential and Higgs Decays in the U(1)XSSM
Authors: Zhao Shu-Min , Wang Xi , Dong Xing-Xing , Zhang Hai-Bin , Feng Tai-Fu
Published: October 2022

As the U(1) extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model, the U(1)XSSM has new superfields, such as right-handed neutrinos, and three Higgs singlets. In the U(1)XSSM, the lightest CP-even Higgs mass mh0 is studied by using the Higgs effective potential with one-loop corrections. We also calculate the Higgs decays h0→γγ, h0→VV(V=W,Z), h0→ll¯Z, and h0→νν¯Z. The obtained results are reasonable, and they are in favor of the study of the Higgs characteristic and the phenomenology of the U(1)XSSM.
Flow of a Viscous Incompressible Fluid from a Moving Point Source
Authors: Ershkov Sergey V. , Prosviryakov Evgeniy Yu. , Leshchenko Dmytro D.
Published: October 2022

The flow of a viscous incompressible fluid outflowing from a uniformly moving point source is considered. An exact solution to the problem is found in the way that the velocity decreases inversely with the radial coordinate. It is shown that a spherical volume of fluid is carried away by the source, the radius of which is inversely proportional with respect to the velocity of motion. In this case, a cylindrical discontinuity arises in the region of forming a wake behind the body, the dimensions of which are determined by the magnitude of the external pressure and do not depend on the velocity of the source. The obtained solutions are governed by hydrodynamical fields of flows which can be recognized as special invariants at symmetry reduction.
Power Function Method for Finding the Spectral Radius of Weakly Irreducible Nonnegative Tensors
Authors: Liu Panpan , Liu Guimin , Lv Hongbin
Published: October 2022

Since the eigenvalue problem of real supersymmetric tensors was proposed, there have been many results regarding the numerical algorithms for computing the spectral radius of nonnegative tensors, among which the NQZ method is the most studied. However, the NQZ method is only suitable for calculating the spectral radius of a special weakly primitive tensor, or a weakly irreducible primitive tensor that satisfies certain conditions. In this paper, by means of diagonal similarrity transformation of tensors, we construct a numerical algorithm for computing the spectral radius of nonnegative tensors with the aid of power functions. This algorithm is suitable for the calculation of the spectral radius of all weakly irreducible nonnegative tensors. Furthermore, it is efficient and can be widely applied.
Membrane Effect of Geogrid Reinforcement for Low Highway Piled Embankment under Moving Vehicle Loads
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Hu Shunlei , Song Xiangwei , Zhang Haoru , Chen Wang
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the membrane effect of geogrid reinforcement was investigated based on numerical simulation to understand the serviceability and deformation of highway piled embankments under moving vehicle loads. The membrane effect of geogrid reinforcement in low embankments (i.e., the ratio of embankment height to pile spacing is less than 1.5) was clearly emphasized. It has been found that the maximum settlement of geogrid occurs in the central area between the piles, and the maximum tension was concentrated at the corner of the pile cap. Due to the attenuation of the soil arching effect under moving dynamic loads and the punching mechanism, the settlement and tension of the geogrid increased considerably by approximately 35% and 23% compared to those under static loads. A parametric study was also achieved, and the results presented that the geogrid reinforcement tension increased by increasing the pile spacing, embankment height and geogrid stiffness, vehicle wheel load and vehicle velocity. It was also found that the reinforcement tension was most sensitive to the pile spacing among all the parameters considered in this paper, whose magnitude increased by approximately 104% as the pile spacing increased from 2.0 m to 2.5 m under dynamic loads.
Comparing Instrument Spectral Sensitivity of Dissimilar Electromagnetic Haloscopes to Axion Dark Matter and High Frequency Gravitational Waves
Authors: Tobar Michael E. , Thomson Catriona A. , Campbell William M. , Quiskamp Aaron , Bourhill Jeremy F. , McAllister Benjamin T. , Ivanov Eugene N. , Goryachev Maxim
Published: October 2022

It is known that haloscopes that search for dark matter axions via the axion-photon anomaly are also sensitive to gravitational radiation through the inverse Gertsenshtein effect. Recently this way of searching for high frequency gravitational waves has gained momentum as it has been shown that the strain sensitivity of such detectors, are of the same order of sensitivity to the axion-photon theta angle. Thus, after calculating the sensitivity of a haloscope to an axion signal, we also have calculated the order of magnitude sensitivity to a gravitational wave signal of the same spectral and temporal form. However, it is unlikely that a gravitational wave and an axion signal will be of the same form, since physically the way the signals are generated are completely different. For gravitational wave detection, the spectral strain sensitivity is in units strain per square root Hz, is the natural way to compare the sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors due to its independence on the gravitational wave signal. In this work, we introduce a systematic way to calculate the spectral sensitivity of an axion haloscope, so instrument comparison may be achieved independent of signal assumptions and only depends on the axion to signal transduction sensitivity and noise in the instrument. Thus, the calculation of the spectral sensitivity not only allows the comparison of dissimilar axion detectors independent of signal, but also allows us to compare the order of magnitude gravitational wave sensitivity in terms of spectral strain sensitivity, allowing comparisons to standard gravitational wave detectors based on optical interferometers and resonant-mass technology.
Multiplicative Brownian Motion Stabilizes the Exact Stochastic Solutions of the Davey–Stewartson Equations
Authors: Al-Askar Farah M. , Cesarano Clemente , Mohammed Wael W.
Published: October 2022

In this article, the stochastic Davey–Stewartson equations (SDSEs) forced by multiplicative noise are addressed. We use the mapping method to find new rational, elliptic, hyperbolic and trigonometric functions. In addition, we generalize some previously obtained results. Due to the significance of the Davey–Stewartson equations in plasma physics, nonlinear optics, hydrodynamics and other fields, the discovered solutions are useful in explaining a number of intriguing physical phenomena. By using MATLAB tools to simulate our results and display some of 3D graphs, we show how the multiplicative Brownian motion impacts the analytical solutions of the SDSEs. Finally, we demonstrate the effect of multiplicative Brownian motion on the stability and the symmetry of the achieved solutions of the SDSEs.
The Efficacy of Additives for the Mitigation of Aflatoxins in Animal Feed: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kolawole Oluwatobi , Siri-Anusornsak Wipada , Petchkongkaw Awanwee , Meneely Julie , Elliott Christopher
Published: October 2022

The contamination of animal feed with aflatoxins is an ongoing and growing serious issue, particularly for livestock farmers in tropical and subtropical regions. Exposure of animals to an aflatoxin-contaminated diet impairs feed efficiency and increases susceptibility to diseases, resulting in mortality, feed waste, and increased production costs. They can also be excreted in milk and thus pose a significant human health risk. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aim to compare and identify the most effective intervention to alleviate the negative impact of aflatoxins on the important livestock sector, poultry production. Eligible studies on the efficacy of feed additives to mitigate the toxic effect of aflatoxins in poultry were retrieved from different databases. Additives were classified into three categories based on their mode of action and composition: organic binder, inorganic binder, and antioxidant. Moreover, alanine transaminase (ALT), a liver enzyme, was the primary indicator. Supplementing aflatoxin-contaminated feeds with different categories of additives significantly reduces serum ALT levels (p < 0.001) compared with birds fed only a contaminated diet. Inorganic binder (P-score 0.8615) was ranked to be the most efficient in terms of counteracting the toxic effect of aflatoxins, followed by antioxidant (P-score 0.6159) and organic binder (P-score 0.5018). These findings will have significant importance for farmers, veterinarians, and animal nutrition companies when deciding which type of additives to use for mitigating exposure to aflatoxins, thus improving food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in developing countries.
Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Directly Affects Sebocytes and Modulates Oleic Acid-Induced Lipogenesis
Authors: Brami-Cherrier Karen , Chernavsky Alex , You Hui , Grando Sergei A. , Brideau-Andersen Amy , Sondergaard Birgitte
Published: October 2022

Excess sebum (seborrhea) results in oily skin and is associated with large pore size and acne. Studies in healthy, seborrheic volunteers have reported that intradermal injection of commercial preparations of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) (onabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA, and incobotulinumtoxinA) reduced sebum production, and thus, skin oiliness and pore size. The mechanism for these effects has not been fully elucidated; however, several theories involving direct or indirect effects of BoNT/A on neuronal and/or dermal cells (e.g., sebocytes) have been proposed. In the present study, we evaluated the direct effect of native research grade BoNT/A complex, a commercial preparation of BoNT/A (onabotA), and BoNT/A variants on sebocyte lipogenesis using an in vitro sebocyte cell model. We show that picomolar concentrations of BoNT/A (BoNT/A complex: half maximal effective concentration [EC50] = 24 pM; BoNT/A 150 kDa: EC50 = 34 pM) modulate sebocyte lipogenesis and reduce oleic acid-induced sebocyte differentiation, lipogenesis, and holocrine-like secretion. Comparative studies with the binding domain of BoNT/A, which lacks enzymatic activity, show that this effect is independent of the enzymatic activity of BoNT/A and likely occurs via sebocyte cell surface receptors (e.g., fibroblast growth factor receptors). Overall, these results shed light on the potential mechanism of action and rationale for use of BoNT/A for treatment of sebum-related conditions.
The Over-40-Years-Epidemic of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus in China
Authors: Zhang Wenying , Wang Xiaomei , Gao Yulong , Qi Xiaole
Published: October 2022

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute, highly contagious, immunosuppressive disease of chickens caused by the virus (IBDV), which critically threatens the development of the global chicken industry and causes huge economic losses. As a large country in the poultry industry, the epidemic history of IBDV in China for more than 40 years has been briefly discussed and summarized for the first time in this report. The first classic strain of IBDV appeared in China in the late 1970s. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) rapidly swept across the entirety of China, threatening the healthy development of the poultry industry for more than 30 years. Variants of IBDV, after long-term latent circulation with the accumulation of mutations since the early 1990s, suddenly reappeared as novel variant strains (nVarIBDV) in China in the mid-2010s. Currently, there is a coexistence of various IBDV genotypes; the newly emerging nVarIBDV of A2dB1 and persistently circulating vvIBDV of A3B3 are the two predominant epidemic strains endangering the poultry industry. Continuous epidemiological testing and the development of new prevention and control agents are important and require more attention. This report is of great significance to scientific cognition and the comprehensive prevention and control of the IBDV epidemic.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates and Incentives in Europe
Authors: Kuznetsova Lidia , Diago-Navarro Elizabeth , Mathu Rachel , Trilla Antoni
Published: October 2022

During 2021–2022 many countries in the European region of the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted mandatory and incentive-based vaccination measures to stimulate immunization against COVID-19. The measures ranged from positive incentive-based programs (i.e., cash incentives, meal discounts, and lotteries) to introducing COVID-19 certificates and enforcing the universal mandatory vaccination with fines. We assessed the effect of such interventions on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the population of eight countries within the region. An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was performed using an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) approach to account for autocorrelation and seasonality. The results showed the immediate positive impact of vaccination incentives on vaccine uptake in most cases, with the highest impact being cash incentives for the population (1197 per million population per day). Discount incentives did not show any significant impact. The introduction of COVID-19 certificates was associated with a significant immediate or gradual increase in daily administered vaccine doses in all the countries included in the study, up to 117,617 doses gained per million per month. The effect of mandatory vaccination for all or some groups of the population varied from a continuous decrease in daily administered doses (332 per million capita per day), no significant effect, or a delayed or temporary increase (1489 per million capita per day).
Factors Associated with Willingness to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine in Adult Polish Population—A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ulaszewska Katarzyna , Jodczyk Alicja Monika , Długołęcki Piotr , Emerla Sara , Stańska Wiktoria , Kasiak Przemysław Seweryn , Gąsior Jakub S. , Parol Damian , Mamcarz Artur , Śliż Daniel
Published: October 2022

Vaccinations are proven to be the most efficient in preventing COVID-19 disease. Nonetheless, some people are skeptical and hesitant. The study aimed to determine factors associated with willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the Polish adult population. An online survey consisting of questions regarding (1) demographic information and (2) health issues (the status of vaccination, comorbidities, receiving the flu vaccine and usage of health monitoring apps) was distributed between 13 January and 14 February 2022. Of the 7018 participants who met the study conditions, 76.89% (n = 5396) were females, 22.44% (n = 1575) were males and 0.67% (n = 47) did not specify gender. The median age was 31 years. Among them, 81.82% (n = 5742) were vaccinated and 18.18% (n = 1276) were not. 46.87% (n = 3289) had no chronic co-morbidities. Factors associated with lower odds to receive the vaccine were: being men (p = 0.02; OR = 0.83), having lower education status (p = 0.001, OR = 0.56–0.77), living in a smaller residence area (p < 0.001, OR = 0.47–0.73.), not receiving flu vaccination (p < 0.001, OR = 24.51) and not using health monitoring applications (p < 0.001, OR = 1.56). Health education and communication strategies are needed to achieve large-scale vaccine acceptability and finally herd immunity.
Developing a Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Subtype B Vaccine Prototype Using a Recombinant MVA Vector
Authors: Andrade Luis A. F. , Versiani Alice F. , Barbosa-Stancioli Edel F. , dos Reis Jenner K. P. , dos Reis Jordana Grazziela A. C. , da Fonseca Flavio G.
Published: October 2022

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus with global impact and distribution, affecting both domestic and wild cats. This virus can cause severe and progressive immunosuppression culminating in the death of felids. Since the discovery of FIV, only one vaccine has been commercially available. This vaccine has proven efficiency against FIV subtypes A and D, whereas subtype B (FIV-B), found in multiple continents, is not currently preventable by vaccination. We, therefore, developed and evaluated a vaccine prototype against FIV-B using the recombinant viral vector modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing the variable region V1–V3 of the FIV-B envelope protein. We conducted preclinical tests in immunized mice (C57BL/6) using a prime-boost protocol with a 21 day interval and evaluated cellular and humoral responses as well the vaccine viability after lyophilization and storage. The animals immunized with the recombinant MVA/FIV virus developed specific splenocyte proliferation when stimulated with designed peptides. We also detected cellular and humoral immunity activation with IFN-y and antibody production. The data obtained in this study support further development of this immunogen and testing in cats.
Advances in Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunoprevention and Immunotherapy: A Review
Authors: Koyande Navami Prabhakar , Srivastava Rupali , Padmakumar Ananya , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: October 2022

One of the most effective cancer therapies, cancer immunotherapy has produced outstanding outcomes in the field of cancer treatment. However, the cost is excessive, which limits its applicability. A smart way to address this issue would be to apply the knowledge gained through immunotherapy to develop strategies for the immunoprevention of cancer. The use of cancer vaccines is one of the most popular methods of immunoprevention. This paper reviews the technologies and processes that support the advantages of cancer immunoprevention over traditional cancer immunotherapies. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems and nanoparticle-based nano-vaccines have been employed in the past for cancer immunotherapy. This paper outlines numerous immunoprevention strategies and how nanotechnology can be applied in immunoprevention. To comprehend the non-clinical and clinical evaluation of these cancer vaccines through clinical studies is essential for acceptance of the vaccines.
Antibody Response after SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Delta and Omicron Variant
Authors: Błaszczuk Agata , Michalski Aleksander , Sikora Dominika , Malm Maria , Drop Bartłomiej , Polz-Dacewicz Małgorzata
Published: October 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. So far, 6,120,834 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 116,773 deaths have been reported in Poland. According to WHO, a total of 54,662,485 vaccine doses have been administered. New variants emerge that become dominant. The aim of this study was a comparison of antibody level after infection caused by Delta and Omicron variants. The study included 203 persons who underwent mild COVID-19 despite two doses of vaccine. The obtained results indicate that a significantly lower titer was observed in patients with the Omicron variant infection. Therefore, these patients may be at risk of reinfection with new strains of the Omicron variant. Due to the possibility of reinfection, booster vaccinations are necessary. Further epidemiological and clinical studies are necessary to develop new prevention strategies.
Priority Pollutants Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems Evaluated through Ecotoxicity, Impact, and Risk Assessments
Authors: Zait Roxana , Fighir Daniela , Sluser Brindusa , Plavan Oana , Teodosiu Carmen
Published: October 2022

As water management is still a problem of international concern, scientists and practitioners are collaborating to develop new tools and methods to improve and help in the decision-making process. When addressing the priority pollutant monitoring and impact assessment, the ecotoxicity effects, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic, should be considered together with the exposure factor and health hazards. The main goals of this study were to assess the ecological and health hazards and to apply integrated impact and risk assessment based on the ecotoxicity and exposure factors of each priority pollutant present in the aquatic ecosystem. This study used as a database the measured concentrations of 5 inorganic and 14 organic priority pollutants from the Siret river basin from NE Romania, from 18 river sections monitored in the period 2015–2020. The USEtox methodology and a new integrated index for environmental impact and risk assessment were developed and applied to evaluate the ecological and health hazards and environmental impacts and risks within the river basin. The total impact scores for heavy metals ranged from 2 × 103 to 2.25 × 109, and those for organic pollutants ranged from 2.72 × 10−1 to 2.95 × 106. The environmental risk in the case of inorganic priority pollutants ranged between 5.56 and 3136.35, and that in the case of organic pollutants was between 4.69 and 4059.17. The results revealed that there is a major to catastrophic environmental impact in almost all monitored river sections (10 out of 18), and the overall risk exposure was found to be at a significant to a major level. This study proved the harmful effects that the priority pollutants may have, even in very small concentrations, on non-target organisms and suggests that greater control over the pollution sources and mitigation of environmental impacts and risks should be applied.
Assessment of Activating Reservoir Emergency Storage in Climate-Change-Fueled Extreme Drought
Authors: Chae Heechan , Ji Jungwon , Lee Eunkyung , Lee Seonmi , Choi Youngje , Yi Sooyeon , Yi Jaeeung
Published: October 2022

With exacerbating climate change, the current reservoir storage capacity in South Korea is insufficient to meet the future scheduled water demand. No study has yet evaluated the effects of applying the water supply adjustment standard (Standard) and activating the reservoir emergency storage in response to extreme drought. The main objective is to assess the effects of applying Standard and activating emergency storage in meeting the water demand under extreme drought at six multipurpose reservoirs (Andong, Gimcheon-Buhang, Gunwi, Hapcheon, Imha, and Milyang) in the Nakdong River Basin, South Korea. We built a reservoir simulation model (HEC-ResSim), determined the extreme drought scenarios, and emergency storage capacity. We evaluated three reservoir operation cases (general operation, regular Standard, and revised Standard) from 2011 to 2100. The results show that applying the Standard and activating the emergency storage are effective in meeting the future water demand during extreme drought. In conclusion, we need to secure 110 million cubic meters (MCM) (Hapcheon reservoir) and 8 MCM (Gunwi reservoir) of water to reduce the number of days in the emergency stage. This research serves as a fundamental study that can help establish Standard and emergency storage activation criteria for other multipurpose reservoirs in preparation for extreme drought.
Analysis of the Mechanism of Acid Mine Drainage Neutralization Using Fly Ash as an Alternative Material: A Case Study of the Extremely Acidic Lake Robule in Eastern Serbia
Authors: Petronijević Nela , Radovanović Dragana , Štulović Marija , Sokić Miroslav , Jovanović Gvozden , Kamberović Željko , Stanković Srđan , Stopic Srecko , Onjia Antonije
Published: October 2022

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a waste from mining sites, usually acidic, with high concentrations of sulfates and heavy metal ions. This study investigates the AMD neutralization process using fly ash (FA) as an alternative material. Samples of FA from coal-fired power plants in Serbia (“Nikola Tesla” (EF) and “Kostolac” (KOST)) were analyzed and used. The results were compared with the treatment efficiency of commercial neutralization agent (NaOH). The alkaline nature of FA was the basis for use in the treatment process of the extremely acid Lake Robule (pH 2.46), located in the mining areas of eastern Serbia. The optimal S/L ratio for the AMD neutralization process determined for EF was 25 wt.%, and for KOST it was 20 wt.%. The mechanism of the neutralization process was analyzed using the ANC test and PHREEQC program. The element concentrations and pH values in solutions indicated that FA samples could neutralize Lake Robule with more than 99% of Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, and more than 89% of Pb precipitated. Formation of insoluble (oxy)hydroxide forms (Fe3+ and Al3+ ions) creates favorable conditions for co-precipitation of other trace metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd) from AMD, which is further enhanced by cation adsorption on FA particles. FA proved to be a more effective neutralization agent than NaOH due to its adsorption effect, while among the FA samples, KOST was more effective due to the aging process through the carbonization reaction. Using FA as an alternative material is a promising and sustainable method for treating AMD, with economic and environmental benefits.
Computer-Assisted Bioidentification Using Freshwater Macroinvertebrates: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cruz Lilian Dayana , Lopez Diego Mauricio , Vargas-Canas Rubiel , Figueroa Apolinar , Corrales Juan Carlos
Published: October 2022

Background: Evaluation and prediction of the freshwater status based on freshwater macroinvertebrates (FwM) has become valuable in bioindication because they provide a more general and accurate picture of the ecological status of water bodies over time. Recent research on bioindication through FwM has increased the use of computational technologies, mainly in the classification and data analysis stages of water quality assessment and prediction. Objective: This scoping review aims to provide an overview of different approaches in computer-assisted bioindication with FwM. Particularly, the objective is to identify the techniques and strategies employed for FwM automatic classification or data treatment, characterize their use in recent years, and discuss gaps and challenges to broaden the scope of bioindication as a tool for understanding real conditions in a water body. Design: The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews (ScR). Scopus and Web of Science databases were used to identify articles published between 1999 and 2022. We selected 81 publications that used computational technology for automatic FwM classification or data analysis to predict water quality using biological indices. Results and conclusions: We identified two areas of applying computational technologies in bioindication studies with FwM. Firstly, computer-assisted technologies are used to evaluate water quality through samples already classified by human experts which correspond to 57% of the documents analyzed. The second application area is the automatic classification of FwM. In addition, we determined the main critical factors affecting strategy selection in each of the studies, such as taxonomic resolution, sample size and quality, image quality, data size, and complexity. Finally, we established the relationship between the strategies and algorithms employed in a timeline for automatic classification according to available FwM image databases. The research will allow taxonomic and related experts to better understand the role of computational technologies in FwM studies and thus increase confidence in these techniques to extend their use in bioassessment tasks.
Study on the Instability Activation Mechanism and Deformation Law of Surrounding Rock Affected by Water Immersion in Goafs
Authors: Yi Sihai , Zhang Yu , Yi Haiyang , Li Xueliang , Wang Xu , Wang Yun , Chu Tingxiang
Published: October 2022

Large-scale goafs are left after coal seam mining. Due to the low-lying terrain, the goaf will be filled and soaked by groundwater, which may lead to instability of the remaining coal pillars in the goaf and cause uneven settlement of the overlying rock. Consequently, there may be overlying rock movement and surface subsidence, which endangers the safety of the building (structure) above the goaf. Considering the strip goaf of Dai Zhuang coal pillar as an example, this study investigated the evolution of instability and deformation of surrounding rocks affected by water immersion using the similar material simulation test method. The results of the study reveal that under the effect of prolonged water immersion in the goaf, the damage to the coal pillar in the strip underwent a stagewise evolution process of several instances of creep damage at the edge of coal pillar followed by overall destabilization damage, and the overburden movement revealed stage characteristics of small step subsidence several times followed by sudden large subsidence. Furthermore, based on Wilson’s coal pillar instability theory, the instability mechanism of the strip coal pillar under the action of water immersion was found to be triggered by the reduced strength of the coal pillar from the effect of water immersion, the continuous creep damage to the strip coal pillar from outside to inside, and the continuous shortening of the elastic zone of the coal pillar until its bearing capacity was lower than the load it was carrying. The research results are expected to serve as theoretical guidance for the study of coal pillar stability and the development and utilization of surface construction above goafs.
Risk Mapping of Water Supply and Sanitary Sewage Systems in a City in the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region Using GIS-MCDA
Authors: Silva Marcelo Carlos de Oliveira , Vasconcelos Rochele Sheila , Cirilo José Almir
Published: October 2022

It is essential to visualize water scarcity as a result of an inappropriate process of appropriation and the use of natural resources. This understanding has been gaining more and more prominence in studies in Brazil and also in the world. In this context, this research aims to map the risk of water shortages and sewage insufficiency in a Brazilian semi-arid city using GIS-MCDA. The secondary data used in this research were collected from IBGE, Compesa, and the City Hall of Caruaru and were processed using the QGIS 3.12 Bucareşti software. The Pernambuco Tridimensional database and the Analytical Hierarchy Process method were used in the process to generate the maps. After collecting and analyzing the data, it was seen that, according to the water shortage risk map, seven neighborhoods had a “Very high” risk, in which the criteria with the greatest weight were the distance from distribution reservoirs, the main supply network and altimetry. The map of the degree of sanitary sewage insufficiency showed that four neighborhoods have a “Very high” degree; these neighborhoods are far from the main sewage network and from sewage treatment stations and have the lowest rates of households served by the system. Such characteristics need to be highlighted in the planning and implementation of water and sewage services. Thus, it is concluded that the use of high-resolution spatial databases for the planning of urban services, as carried out in the present work, provides a greater level of confidence for solutions that can be implemented in the expansion of service networks to the population.
Capacity of River Valleys to Retain Nutrients from Surface Runoff in Urban and Rural Areas (Southern Poland)
Authors: Halecki Wiktor , Stachura Tomasz , Fudała Wioletta
Published: October 2022

Studies on water quality are necessary, as catchments of small watercourses are exposed to anthropogenic influences associated with agricultural activities, settlement, transport and other undertakings, leading to water pollution. There has been insufficient research performed on the valley’s ability to retain nutrients during floods, contributing to water accumulation. The main object of the study was to identify the retention capacity of river valleys under various aspects of human urbanization. To represent soil water retention, the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method was used. Spatiotemporal autoregressive models were exploited to investigate the relationship between pollutants in precipitation and surface water in rivers. In contrast, multivariate analysis was used to identify and reveal patterns of land use for specific chemical compounds in the headwaters. The canonical-correlation analysis (CCA) showed that Mg+2 and Ca+2 cations in rainwater and surface waters play the main roles in the geochemical cycle in urban and rural areas. In the urban catchment area, the strongest relations were found for NO3−, K+ and Na+. The average NO3− concentration in urban headwater was 8.3 mg·dm−3, the highest in the study area. The relationship between NO3− concentration in headwater and rainwater was found for all study catchments using spatial autoregression (SAR). High concentrations of SO42− in surface water have been identified in urban areas. Severe water erosion raises the risk of nutrient leaching in soils prone to surface runoff. As a consequence of low soil permeability and urbanization, retention capacity is significantly reduced in areas with low soil permeability. Land development plans should take spatial retention capacity into consideration. To ensure that large reservoirs can retain water in the face of climate change, riparian buffer zones (protective zones in valleys for small water bodies as well as Nature-based Solution) are important.
Efficacy of Low-Protein Rice for Dietary Protein Restriction in CKD Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Hosojima Michihiro , Kabasawa Hideyuki , Kaseda Ryohei , Ishikawa-Tanaka Tomomi , Obi Yoshitsugu , Murayama Toshiko , Kuwahara Shoji , Suzuki Yoshiki , Narita Ichiei , Saito Akihiko
Published: October 2022

Key Points

Low-protein rice (LPR) is a feasible tool for efficiently reducing dietary protein intake in patients with CKD.

Long-term studies are needed to investigate the ability of an LPR-based diet to suppress CKD progression.

Background

The benefits of dietary protein restriction in CKD remain unclear, largely due to inadequate adherence in most clinical trials. We examined whether low-protein rice (LPR) previously developed to reduce the protein content of rice, a major staple food, would help improve adherence to dietary protein restriction.

Methods

This open-label, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of LPR use for reducing dietary protein intake (DPI) in patients with CKD stages G3aA2–G4. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an LPR or control group and were followed up for 24 weeks. Both groups received regular counseling by dietitians to help achieve a target DPI of 0.7 g/kg ideal body weight (IBW) per day. The amount of protein in LPR is about 4% of that in ordinary rice, and the participants in the LPR group were instructed to consume LPR with at least two meals per day. The primary outcome was estimated dietary protein intake (eDPI) determined using the Maroni formula. The secondary outcomes included creatinine clearance (CCr) and urinary protein on the basis of 24-hour urine collection.

Results

In total, 51 patients were randomized to either the LPR group or the control group. At baseline, mean age was 62.5 years, 70% were men, mean CCr was 52.0 ml/min, and mean eDPI was 0.99 g/kg IBW per day. At 24 weeks, mean eDPI decreased to 0.80 g/kg IBW per day in the LPR group and to 0.91 g/kg IBW per day in the control group, giving a between-group difference of 0.11 g/kg IBW per day (95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 0.19 g/kg IBW per day; P=0.006). There was no significant between-group difference in CCr, but urinary protein was lower at 24 weeks in the LPR group than in the control group.

Conclusions

LPR is a feasible tool for efficiently reducing DPI in patients with CKD.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:

Randomized, Multicenter, Controlled Study for the Efficacy of Low-Protein Rice Diet in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease, UMIN000015630
Ratio Profile: Physiologic Approach to Estimating Appropriate Intravenous Fluid Rate to Manage Hyponatremia in the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis
Authors: Chen Sheldon , Shey Jason , Chiaramonte Robert
Published: October 2022

A hyponatremic patient with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) gets normal saline (NS), and the plasma sodium decreases, paradoxically. To explain, desalination is often invoked: if urine is more concentrated than NS, the fluid’s salts are excreted while some water is reabsorbed, exacerbating hyponatremia. But comparing concentrations can be deceiving. They should be converted to quantities because mass balance is key to unlocking the paradox. The [sodium] equation can legitimately be used to track all of the sodium, potassium, and water entering and leaving the body. Each input or output “module” can be counterbalanced by a chosen iv fluid so that the plasma sodium stays stable. This equipoise is expressed in terms of the iv fluid’s infusion rate, an easy calculation called the ratio profile. Knowing the infusion rate that maintains steady state, we can prescribe the iv fluid at a faster rate in order to raise the plasma sodium. Rates less than the ratio profile may risk a paradox, which essentially is caused by an iv fluid underdosing. Selecting an iv fluid that is more concentrated than urine is not enough to prevent paradoxes; even 3% saline can be underdosed. Drinking water adds to the ratio profile and is underestimated in its ability to provoke a paradox. In conclusion, the quantitative approach demystifies the paradoxical worsening of hyponatremia in SIAD and offers a prescriptive guide to keep the paradox from happening. The ratio profile method is objective and quickly deployable on rounds, where it may change patient management for the better.
ПУБЛІЧНІ МЕХАНІЗМИ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЙ У ФОРМУВАННІ КАДРОВОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ ГАЛУЗІ ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ’Я
Authors: Havrychenko Dmytro
Published: October 2022

У статті обґрунтовано, що ефективне формування кадрового потенціалу та управління ним має вирішальне значення для  досягнення кращих результатів і доступу до медичної допомоги в усьому світі. Метою статті є визначення стратегічних пріоритетів формування кадрового потенціалу системи охорони здоров’я для підвищення ефективності вітчизняної медичної галузі та досягнення сталого розвитку країни. Методичною базою для дослідження є прикладні дослідження ВООЗ, ОЕСР, Міжнародного економічного форуму, Міністерства охорони здоров’я. Визначено головні індикатори розвитку охорони здоров’я (громадське здоров’я, доступ до лікарських засобів, надання послуг в охороні здоров’я та фінансування, кадрові ресурси системи охорони здоров’я) та ключові проблеми громадського здоров’я. На основі оцінки показників розподілу дефіциту медичних кадрів за регіонами (лікарів, медсестер), співвідношення медичного персоналу, щільності лікарів в міських та сільських районах, міграційних процесів доведено, що формування та розвиток кадрового потенціалу галузі проводиться відповідно до особливостей та показників наукового, соціального, економічного і культурного розвитку кожного суспільства і на підставі нагальних потреб. Узагальнено публічні важелі, які використовуються для впливу на вибір місця практики лікарів. Досліджено проведені трансформації публічних механізмів країн світу в сфері забезпечення кадровими ресурсами системи охорони здоров’я. На основі аналізу світового та вітчизняного кадрового забезпечення медичної галузі визначено стратегічні напрямки вирішення глобальної нестачі медичних працівників: запровадження «Глобальний кодекс практики ВООЗ щодо міжнародного набору медичного персоналу», зміцнення міжнародне співробітництва; збільшення можливості підготовки кадрів у країнах, щоб зменшити внутрішній дефіцит та неправильний розподіл за географічними районами чи спеціальностями, щоб уникнути залежності від міжнародного найму; забезпечення медичним працівникам-мігрантам рівних умов праці; упорядкування процедури визнання іноземних кваліфікацій; посилення міжнародного співробітництва.
КОРУПЦІЯ ЯК ОДНА З ПЕРЕШКОД У ФОРМУВАННІ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ ПУБЛІЧНИХ СЛУЖБОВЦІВ
Authors: Zhovnirchyk Yaroslav , Tymofieiev Serhii
Published: October 2022

Статтю присвячено складному та багатогранному процесу формування професійної культури публічних службовців, що супроводжується низкою проблем соціально-економічного, політичного та культурного характеру, однією з яких є широка розповсюдженість корупції. На основі проведеного аналізу встановлено, що довіра виступає основним критерієм ефективності функціонування всієї системи публічного управління, що вказує на спроможність публічних службовців виконувати роль медіаторів між публічною владою та представниками суспільства. Визначено, що серед основних причин доволі низького рівня професіоналізму окремих представників публічних службовців значна кількість громадян вважає недоліки у роботі з добору кадрів на публічну службу, процес працевлаштування «за знайомством», а також прийняття на керівні посади працівників не за їх професійними якостями, а за особистим відношенням, що є безпосереднім проявом корупції в системі публічної служби України. Відмічається постійна зацікавленість у підвищенні кваліфікації публічних службовців за тематикою запобігання корупції, що обумовлено як високим рівнем корупції, так і частими змінами нормативно-правової бази. Доведено, що формування у публічного службовця відповідного рівня правової ідеології тісно пов’язане з реалізацією принципу законності, спрямованого на запобігання бюрократизму та правовому нігілізму, що, зрештою, сприяє гуманізації публічного управління. Виокремлено низку перешкод у формуванні професійної культури публічних службовців, серед яких: по-перше, суспільство сприймає чиновників як осіб, що служать своїм власним інтересам, по-друге, забюрократизованість владного апарату, по-третє, відсутність у громадян зацікавленості в участі у вдосконаленні діючої системи публічного управління, по-четверте, небажання значної частки публічних службовців щось змінювати. Безумовною проблемою формування професійної культури публічних службовців є те, що абсолютне подолання корупції не можливе, а отже єдиною метою протидії корупції може стати зниження її рівня до того, що не перешкоджатиме розвитку країни, суспільства, економіки, політики, публічного управління.
ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЯ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ІНСТИТУТІВ В УМОВАХ КРИЗ
Authors: Kurnosenko Larysa
Published: October 2022

У статті синтезуються думки науковців щодо розуміння кризи, як явища, розглянуто підходи до трансформації соціальних інститутів в умовах криз та вплив індивідуальних та колективних дій, інтегрованих в діяльність соціальних інститутів, на їх трансформацію. Акцентовано увагу на тому, що процес трансформації відбувається в результаті розширення та зміцнення зав’язків між соціальними інститутами, колективними та індивідуальними діями, як внутрішніми та зовнішніми провідниками змін в кризових ситуаціях. На підставі структурно-інтеграційної моделі ілюструється як в умовах криз дані зв’язки допомагають провідникам змін спрямовувати свої дії не лише на досягнення стабільності, а й на подальший розвиток та трансформацію соціальних інститутів. Підкреслюється, що трансформація соціальних інститутів означає глибоку зміну не тільки зовнішнього, по відношенню до людини, середовища, вона передбачає також і зміну її цінностей, сприйняття, установок, яка відбувається, як показує значна кількість соціологічних досліджень, не лише під впливом екзогенних чинників, а є наслідком внутрішніх зрушень, які в свою чергу, є реакцією на кризу. Розглядаються окремі аспекти взаємодій між внутрішніми і зовнішніми провідниками змін, що призводять до трансформації соціальних інститутів, яка відбувається внаслідок пошуку шляхів подолання кризи на індивідуальному та системному рівнях. Відповідно створювані моделі розв’язання криз повинні враховувати характер взаємодій між внутрішніми і зовнішніми провідниками змін.
РЕФОРМУВАННЯ ПЕНСІЙНОЇ СИСТЕМИ УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ЗМІН
Authors: Parfonov Yaroslav
Published: October 2022

Необхідність реформування системи пенсійного забезпечення обумовлена низкою факторів: економічних, демографічних, соціально-політичних. Ця проблема нині актуальна в багатьох країнах світу, незалежно від рівня економічного розвитку, що обумовлено як демографічними факторами (старіння населення, зміна його вікової структури), так і економічними, пов’язаними з глобальною кризою. Однак розв’язувати її потрібно, ретельно зважуючи всі фактори та можливості як держави, так і її громадян, враховуючи при цьому національні традиції та особливості менталітету. На сучасному етапі розвитку національної економіки в державі все більшої актуальності набуває проблема пенсійного забезпечення населення. Як відомо, пенсійне забезпечення є одним із видів соціального забезпечення непрацездатних громадян в Україні.
Пенсійна система України – сукупність створених в державі правових, економічних, організаційних інститутів і норм, метою яких є надання громадянам матеріального забезпечення у вигляді пенсії. Законодавча база дозволяє з 2004 року реалізувати реформу системи пенсійного страхування, яка особливо обговорювалася громадськістю та експертами в довоєнний період. Після завершення війни питання  реформування пенсійної системи набуте своєї актуальності. Влада планує нарешті запустити другу, накопичувальну ланку пенсійної системи, аби працівники не лише «скидалися» на виплати теперішнім пенсіонерам, а й відкладали гроші собі.
На початку квітня 2021 року прем'єр-міністр Денис Шмигаль пообіцяв запровадити таку систему до кінця 2021 року. Хоча ще в травні 2020 року він запевняв українців про реалістичність запуску накопичувальної ланки з 1 січня 2021 року. Історія свідчить, що майже кожен уряд обіцяв провести пенсійну реформу, але жоден цього не зробив. Так триває вже 18 років – саме стільки діє закон, який передбачає існування накопичувального рівня пенсійного забезпечення.
В статті автор розмірковує над причинами, що заважають владі провести реформу, завдяки якій кожен українець у старості отримуватиме гідну пенсію.