bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity among type 2 diabetes mellitus at Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Bizuayehu Temesgen , Menjetta Tadesse , Mohammed Metsihet
Published: April 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes is becoming highly prevalent worldwide and it is one of the leading causes of mortality. The cause of mortality among these patients is mostly related to the dominant presence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity. The aim of the current study is therefore to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Sidama region, Ethiopia.

Method

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was implemented to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factor among patients with type two diabetes at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Yirgalem General Hospital from October 16 2018 to December 21, 2018. A simple random sampling technique was implemented to select 314 study participants. After obtaining consent, different patients’ related data were collected using a questionnaire. Patients’ records were also reviewed. 4ml of the blood sample was collected from each study participant and analyzed for lipid profile test. Blood glucose level was done using COBAS INTEGRA 6000. A binary logistic regression was used to assess factors that have an association with obesity. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

The majority of the study participants (67.2%) were male and 61.8% of the study participants were aged >45years. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among the study participants was 36.3% and 18.8% respectively. About 41% of the study participants have a normal BMI. Females were more obese (28.2% Vs 14.2%) than males and BMI stratification by sex was statistically significant (P = 0.02). Sex (AOR = 3.0, CI = 1.6–5.7, P-Value = 0.001) and TG (AOR = 3.6, CI = 1.6–8.3, P-Value = 0.003) are factors that were independently associated with obesity among type 2 DM patients.

Conclusion

Overweight and obesity among type two diabetic patients were prevalent. In addition, obesity and overweight disorder are common among T2DM and gender and triglycerides levels were associated with obesity.
Relation between acquisition of lexical concept and joint attention in children with autism spectrum disorder without severe intellectual disability
Authors: Sano Masuhiko , Hirosawa Tetsu , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Hasegawa Chiaki , Tanaka Sanae , Yoshimura Yuko
Published: April 2022

In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), impairment of joint attention and language function are observed frequently from early childhood. Earlier reports have described these two phenomena as mutually related. For this study, developing past research, the relation between joint attention and the ability of conceptual inference is examined in 113 Japanese children (67.9 months mean age, 75% male) with ASD. We calculated Pearson’s correlation coefficients between their Joint attention abnormality evaluated by ADOS-2 and “Riddle” subscale in K-ABC, then they are negatively correlated: r (104) = -.285. A larger abnormality of joint attention is associated with a lower ability of conceptual inference. New findings were obtained indicating that, in children of this age group with ASD, the degree of joint attention impairment is correlated negatively with conceptual inference ability, but not with expressive and receptive language abilities. Consideration of the mechanism of this relation is presented in this report.
An exploration of the quality of life of people living with HIV in Greece: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Vrontaras Nikolaos , Myrvali Katerina , Kyrou Dimitrios , Metallidis Simeon , Tsachouridou Olga , Chini Maria , Meliou Maria , Psichogiou Mina , Basoulis Dimitrios , Antoniadou Anastasia , Protopapas Konstantinos , Panagopoulos Periklis , Petrakis Vasilis , Gogos Charalambos , Leonidou Lydia , Karamanidou Christina
Published: April 2022

Objective

Improving the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV (PLWH) has been proposed as a new priority in HIV care. The objective of this cross-sectional, qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of PLWH in Greece regarding their QoL.

Design

Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with PLWH receiving care across six HIV clinics in Greece. The thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews resulted in four themes and eleven subthemes.

Results

First, fear of repercussions (e.g., stigmatization) makes PLWH reluctant to disclose their diagnosis in public settings or disclose accounting for factors like the confidant’s discretion. Second, participants are challenged by HIV’s unique biopsychosocial facets (e.g., uncertainty about symptoms) and fear for the future (e.g., a confidant revealing their HIV status without consent). Third, support received by specialist services is satisfactory in contrast to non-HIV specialist services, where significant improvements are needed to reduce stigmatization. Finally, the experiences of PLWH include contrasting elements of post-traumatic growth and an inability to accept their seropositivity (e.g., avoiding social interactions).

Conclusions

Empowering PLWH in these QoL areas is greatly needed. Increasing the life expectancy of PLWH is only the initial step; their QoL needs to be secured as the next priority in HIV care.
Psychological health of pregnant and postpartum women before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kuipers Yvonne J. , Bleijenbergh Roxanne , Van den Branden Laura , van Gils Yannic , Rimaux Sophie , Brosens Charlotte , Claerbout Astrid , Mestdagh Eveline
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to influence psychological health of pregnant and postpartum women.

Methods

We conducted a non-concurrent cross-sectional study among 1145 women living in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, 541 pregnant and 604 postpartum women. We measured psychological health with the Whooley questions, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and compared the scores of pregnant and postpartum women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

No differences were observed in the Whooley, GAD-2 or EPDS scores among pregnant women. The postpartum total GAD-2 scores beforevsduring the pandemic showed significant differences. Controlling for confounders, we observed a small main positive effect of having an infant during time of COVID-19 (F(1.13) = 5.06,p.025,d.27). The effect was significantly larger for women with (a history of) perinatal psychological problems (F(1.12) = 51.44,p< .001,d.82). Emotional support was significantly related to GAD-2 scores of postpartum women during the pandemic (F(1.90) = 35.54,p< .001). Postpartum women reported significant higher effects of the pandemic on their behavior compared to pregnant women (p.034).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have a positive effect on postpartum women during the first year postpartum, in particular for women with (a history of) perinatal psychological problems and for those women who experienced emotional support. The findings suggest that less external stimuli caused by lockdown restrictions might have a positive effect on postpartum women’s emotional wellbeing. The sample consisted of white, educated women in a relationship and information regarding the extent of exposure to adverse COVID-19 consequences was lacking. We relied on self-selection and self-report. The postpartum pandemic sample was small.
Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in non-human primates in rural and urban areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Ambachew W. , Degarege Abraham , Petros Beyene , Costa Damien , Ayene Yonas Yimam , Villier Ven-ceslas , Mouhajir Abdelmounaim , Favennec Loic , Razakandrainibe Romy , Adamu Haileeysus
Published: April 2022

Non-Human Primates (NHPs) harbor Cryptosporidium genotypes that can infect humans and vice versa. NHPs Chlorocebus aethiops and Colobus guereza and humans have overlapping territories in some regions of Ethiopia, which may increase the risk of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium. This cross-sectional study examined the molecular prevalence and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. from 185 fecal samples of Chlorocebus aethiops and Colobus guereza in rural and urban areas in Ethiopia. Samples were tested for Cryptosporidium infection using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subtypes were determined by sequencing a fragment of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). Of the 185 samples, fifty-one (27.56%) tested positive for Cryptosporidium infection. The species detected were C. parvum (n = 34), C. hominis (n = 12), and C. cuniculus (n = 3). Mixed infection with C. parvum and C. hominis were detected in 2 samples. Four C. hominis family subtypes (Ia, Ib, Id, and Ie) and one C. parvum family subtype (IIa) were identified. C. hominis IaA20 (n = 7) and C. parvum IIaA17G1R1 (n = 6) were the most prevalent subtypes detected. These results confirm that Chlorocebus aethiops and Colobus guereza can be infected with diverse C. parvum and C. hominis subtypes that can also potentially infect humans. Additional studies could help to understand the role of NHPs in the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium in Ethiopia.
Differential COVID-19 testing, admissions, and mortality for Arab Americans in Southern California
Authors: Abuelezam Nadia N. , Greenwood Kristina L. , Galea Sandro , Al-Naser Raed
Published: April 2022

Background

Understanding of COVID-19 acquisition and severity risk in minoritized groups is limited by data collection on race and ethnicity; very little is known about COVID-19 risk among Arab Americans in the United States.

Purpose

To quantify whether Arab Americans in the El Cajon region of California experienced differential levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity and mortality when compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s electronic medical records. Patients were included in the study if they were: 18 years of age or older, tested for SARS-CoV-2, admitted for COVID-19 infection, or had COVID-19 listed as a cause of death between March 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021. The primary outcomes of interest were a positive COVID-19 test result, admission to the hospital due to COVID-19, and in hospital COVID-19 related mortality. Comparisons were made across racial/ethnic groups using chi-squared statistics and logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographics, comorbidities, and time from March 2020.

Results

Arab Americans had greater odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 than non-Hispanic White (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 3.83, 95% confidence interval, CI: 3.29, 4.46) and non-Hispanic Black (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.91, 2.88) patients but lower odds of admission (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.63) and in-hospital mortality (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.65) than Hispanic patients.

Conclusions

There were distinct patterns for COVID-19 infection, severity, and mortality for Arab Americans in Southern California. Without a dedicated ethnic identifier, COVID-19 disparities facing Arab Americans will continue to go undocumented.
Identification and discrimination of Theileria annulata by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
Authors: Selim Abdelfattah , Khater Hanem
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Theileria annulata infection is a tick-borne disease affecting ruminants in the tropical and subtropical regions causing severe economic losses. This study aimed to characterize circulating T. annulata isolates from four governorates (administrative districts) north and south of Egypt using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Materials and Methods: Fifty samples were collected from the four governorates of Egypt and were examined by a PCR assay based on the heat shock protein 70 gene. The amplified product was subsequently digested using two restriction enzymes, Taq I and Alu I, to determine which pattern of T. annulata strains was involved.

Results: The findings revealed that one distinct pattern was observed for T. annulata isolates in the northern governorates and another one in the southern governorates. The Taq I enzyme produced three fragments (100, 175, and 270 bp), and the Alu I enzyme produced four fragments (60, 90, 125, and 270 bp).

Conclusion: This study determined the presence of two distinct circulating genotypes of T. annulata among cattle in Egypt based on PCR-RFLP using the HSP 70 gene. More studies are needed in different parts of the country to investigate the virulence and strain variance of T. annulata in cattle.
First-Principle Studies of the Structural, Electronic, Mechanical, and Vibrational Properties of Double Carbonates with a Dolomite Structure
Authors: Zhuravlev Yu.N.
Published: April 2022

Density functional theory with a PBE gradient functional and a dispersion correction D3(BJ) in the basis of localized orbitals of the CRYSTAL17 package are used to calculate crystal structure parameters, electronic and vibrational spectra, elastic constants of rhombohedral double carbonates М1М2 (СО3)2 (М1, М2: Mg, Ca, Mn, Cd, Zn) with a dolomite-type structure. The paper demonstrates the possibility for establishing the linear dependences for lattice constants, interatomic distances, elastic constants and polycrystalline moduli, wave numbers of individual vibrational modes on the radii of cations. The same possibility is shown for the dependences of the parameters of chemical bonds and formation energies on their electronegativities. The lattice parameters increase along with the average cation radius, but the elastic constants and moduli demonstrate their decrease. The highest compressibility of carbonates is predicted in the direction of the c axis, which is consistent with the nature of the chemical bond, where stronger carbon — oxygen bonds are present in the ab plane, and weaker metal — oxygen bonds are in the direction of the c axis. The formation energy of binary carbonates CaMg(CO3)2 produced from solid oxides and gaseous CO2 is equal to -2.82 eV. It is equal to -2.71 eV for CaCd(CO3)2, and -0.054 eV, 0.023 eV for simple carbonates, respectively. The resulting formulas can be used to assess and predict the physical properties of solid solutions of carbonates of variable composition.
Numerical Study of the Influence of Residual Thermal Stresses on the Fracture of Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Zemlianov A.V. , Gatiyatullina D.D. , Balokhonov R.R.
Published: April 2022

A numerical study of the mechanical behavior of the «aluminum-boron carbide» composite material under different thermomechanical loading is performed. The complex structure of the composites is explicitly taken into account in the calculations. Isotropic elastoplastic and elastic-brittle constitutive models are used to describe the mechanical response of the aluminum matrix and ceramic particles, respectively. Huber type fracture criterion taking into account the local stress state: bulk tension, or compression, is chosen to study the origination and propagation of cracks in ceramic particles. The composite material microvolume with a single boron carbide particle embedded into the aluminum matrix is considered. The influence of the residual thermal stresses arising during cooling of the composite material from temperature close to the temperature of recrystallization of aluminum to the room temperature on the ceramic particle fracture is investigated. Dynamic boundary value problems are solved numerically by the finite element method in the ABAQUS / Explicit software package.
Local Solvability of the Flow Problem for the Equations of Motion of Two Interpene Crating Fluids
Authors: Akhmerova I.G.
Published: April 2022

The paper is dedicated to the one-dimensional problem of the nonisothermal flow of a two-phase mixture of viscous incompressible fluids with inhomogeneous boundary conditions. The mathematical model describing the two viscous fluids mixture flow is based on the equations of mass conservation, momentum conservation for each phase, and on the energy conservation equation, in the large. Local in time solvability of the initial boundary value problem in S.L.Sobolev and Helder spaces is proved. Section 1 sets the problem set up and provides the short literature review on the topic close papers and the main result formulation. Section 2 explains the transformation of the original system of equations. Sections 3, 4 prove the existence of the strong and classic solutions on a small time interval with constant true density using the Bubnov-Galerkin method. Notionally, the proof of the theorem is based on the similar result proof for viscous heatconducting gas (Antonsev S.N., Kazhihov A.V., Monahov V.N. Boundary value problems of heterogeneous fluid mechanic). The particularity of the considered problem is the presence of inhomogeneous boundary conditions.
On the Cerbo Conjecture on Lie Groups with the Left-Invariant Lorentzian Metric
Authors: Balashchenko V.V. , Klepikov P.N. , Rodionov E.D. , Khromova O.P.
Published: April 2022

Manifolds with constraints on tensor fields include Einstein manifolds, Einstein-like manifolds, conformally flat manifolds, and a number of other important classes of manifolds. The work of many mathematicians is devoted to the study of such manifolds, which is reflected in the monographs of A. Besse, M. Berger, M.-D. Cao, M. Wang.

Ricci solitons are one of the natural generalizations of Einstein's metrics. If a Riemannian manifold is a Lie group, one speaks of invariant Ricci solitons.

Invariant Ricci solitons were studied in most detail in the case of unimodular Lie groups with left-invariant Riemannian metrics and the case of low dimension. Thus, L. Cerbo proved that all invariant Ricci solitons are trivial on unimodular Lie groups with left-invariant Riemannian metric and Levi-Civita connection.A similar result up to dimension four was obtained by P.N. Klepikov and D.N. Oskorbin for the non-unimodular case.

We study invariant Ricci solitons on three-dimensional unimodular Lie groups with the Lorentzian metric.The study results show that unimodular Lie groups with left-invariant Lorentzian metric admit invariant Ricci solitons other than trivial ones. In this paper, a complete classification of invariant Ricci solitons on three-dimensional unimodular Lie groups with leftinvariant Lorentzian metric is obtained.
Application of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Technologies in Solving Problems of Automation of Processing and Recognition of Biological Objects
Authors: Panarin R.N. , Soloviev А.А. , Хворова Любовь Анатольевна
Published: April 2022

The article considers the application of artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies to solve the automation of processing and analysis of botanical micro and macro objects (images of fern spores). Also, there is a problem of developing software for a digital twin of an agrobot. The first problem is an interdisciplinary research aimed at solving applied and fundamental problems in botanical objects' biosystematics and studying microevolutionary processes using computer vision technologies, methods of intelligent image analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The article presents the developed software module FAST (Functional Automated System Tool) for solving the direct problem — performing measurements from images obtained by scanning electron microscopy, virtual herbaria image library, entomological collections, or images taken in a natural environment.

The second problem is software development for the digital twin of the agrorobot, designed for precise mechanical processing of plants and soil. The proposed solution includes several components: the control unit — NVIDIA Jetson NANO computing module; the actuator — 6-axis robotic arm; the machine vision unit based on an Intel RealSense camera; the chassis unit — tracked tracks and software drivers and components for their control. The digital twin of the robot considers the environmental conditions and the landscape of the operation area.

The use of ROS (Robot Operating System) allows minimal effort to transfer a digital model to a physical one (prototype and serial robot) without changing the source code. Furthermore, consideration of the environmental conditions during the programming stage provides opportunities for further development and testing of real-life mathematical models for device control.
Severe Hepatocellular Liver Injury After COVID-19 Vaccination Without Autoimmune Hepatitis Features: A Case Series
Authors: Hoo Chai-Zhen , Tan Kar-Choon , Abdullah Salmi , Sim Benedict Lim-Heng , Omar Haniza , Tan Soek-Siam
Published: April 2022

Various vaccines were developed and administered to end the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19). These vaccines caused rare side effects not known during clinical trials. We report 2 cases of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury where the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was administered. Both cases showed hepatocellular liver injury with negative autoimmune features on serology and histology and progressed to a protracted course of severe jaundice and pruritus before resolving without any immunosuppressants. We hope to raise awareness of possible rare side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine so that physicians can be vigilant.
Ultrasonographic characteristics of Hürthle cell neoplasms: prediction of malignancy
Authors: Kim Min Je , Shin Jung Hee , Hahn Soo Yeon , Oh Young Lyun , Kim Sun Wook , Kim Tae Hyuk , Lim Yaeji , Lee Sanghyuk
Published: April 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the ultrasound (US) features of malignancy in patients with Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCNs) of the thyroid gland.Methods: The present study included 139 HCNs that had undergone surgical excision at a single institution from 1996 to 2020 and had preoperative US images. The sonographic characteristics of HCNs were correlated with their pathological results. The US findings associated with malignancy were explored using logistic regression analysis, and the diagnostic performance and cutoff were assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results: The most common US findings of HCNs were a solid content (76.3%), oval to round shape (100%), hypoechogenicity (70.5%), a smooth margin (95.0%), the halo sign (90.6%), and no calcifications (93.5%). HCNs were commonly smaller in pathologic measurements than in US measurements (smaller, same, and greater than US measurements in 60.4%, 21.6%, and 18.0% of HCNs, respectively; P<0.001). On US, malignant nodules were significantly larger than benign nodules (3.4±1.6 cm vs. 2.2±1.2 cm, P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that the US tumor size was an independent predictor of malignancy (P=0.001; odds ratio, 1.730 for a 1-cm increase [95% confidence interval, 1.258 to 2.375]). The best cutoff US tumor size for predicting malignancy was 3.35 cm (sensitivity, 53.1%; specificity, 87.9%).Conclusion: The US tumor size was found to be an independent predictor of malignancy in HCNs, and a US tumor size >3.35 cm might be used as a criterion to suggest malignancy. The size of HCNs often showed discrepancies between US and pathologic measurements.
DEVELOPMENT OF MICROHYDROPOWER PLANTS FOR SMALL RIVERS IN THE CHELYABINSK REGION MINING ZONE
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Kozhevnikov Egor
Published: April 2022

Small hydroelectric power generation is attractive from both an environmental and economic point of view. Technological innovations and mitigation measures are making small hydroelectric power plants an inexpensive and viable source of renewable energy which can be generated independently. They contribute not only to environmental protection, but also reduce human dependence on fossil fuels. This study is dedicated to finding solutions based on renewable energy source technologies and innovations using the example of the Chelyabinsk region. The experimental model of a micro-hydroelectric power station water wheel presented in this article, and the studies carried out on the basis of this model were used to carry out preliminary calculations. As a result, we found that such micro-hydroelectric power plants are capable of generating about 9–13 kW∙h, about 170–266 kW∙h/day and from 63 to 99 MW∙h/year.
EXPERIENCE IN IMPLEMENTING ENERGY AND RESOURCE SAVING TECHNOLOGIES IN A ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS OF METALLURGICAL PRODUCTION
Authors:   Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, Magnitogorsk, Russian Federation, Kornilov Gennadiy , Shemetov Andrey , Shokhin Valeriy , Usatyy Dmitriy , Lygin Maksim
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The article considers a set of scientific approaches and technical measures aimed at improving the ef-ficiency of power supply to ferrous metallurgy enterprises, currently being designed by the scientific schools of the Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University together with PJSC “Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works”. The principles of the formation of mathematical models for energy consumption, the basics of their optimization, as well as practical issues of rationing and planning energy consumption and operational management of the energy economy are de-scribed herein. The study offers examples of the implementation of energy-saving measures at own factory power plants, as well as at such energy-intensive facilities as arc steelmaking furnaces and rolling mills. The experience of PJSC “Mag-nitogorsk Iron and Steel Works” with regard to the introduction of modern automation tools in the energy sector and pow-er supply systems within the framework of the promising development program “Industry 4.0” is presented.
THE EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT PARAMETERS CALCULATION OF INDUCTION MOTORS WITH RING WINDINGS
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin,  Ekaterinburg, Russia, Tikhonova Ol’ga , Malygin Igor’ , Plastun Anatoliy
Published: April 2022

Induction motors with ring windings (IMRW) are designed for the processing of nuclear waste. The sta-tor winding coils are covered with ceramic insulation to allow for long-term operation in conditions of increased radiation. The stator coils are ring shaped, in order to reduce the bend angle. The stator has a specific design consisting of tooth tips located around the axis of rotation and tooth cores placed over the tooth tips in a spiral. The first IMRW prototype was manufactured by UrFU together with “Uralelectromash”. It was designed to the same diameters as an induction motor of a classical design with a power P = 2.2 kW, with a synchronous rotation speed n = 1000 rpm. The fundamentally new ar-mature design involves the search for new solutions for determining machine parameters, such as inductances, electro-magnetic torques. The article discusses a method of equivalent circuit parameter calculation for IMRW using the “ANSYS Maxwell” in 3D mode. In order to determine stator winding leakage inductances, a static analysis of the model with the ro-tor removed was used. Mutual inductance is defined as the difference between stator winding phase impedance and leak-age inductance. The active resistance of the magnetizing circuit and the impedance of the motor can be determined using the IMRW no-load and short-circuit characteristics obtained in ANSYS Maxwell. The paper also provides an example of calculating the mechanical characteristics of a motor using the analytical method (AM).This involves the use of equivalent circuit parameters, and the finite element method (FEM). The use of FEM for calculating the mechanical characteristics implies the analysis of IMRW in a dynamic mode. This allows the electromagnetic torque to be determined at a user-specified rotor speed. In conclusion, a comparative analysis of the parameters of a classic engine and IMRW engine, of the same size, is given. Recommendations are given for further improvement of the design of IMRW engines.
DETERMINATION OF ASYNCHRONOUS MODE AND METHOD TO CONTROL THE EXCITATION OF A SYNCHRONOUS ELECTRIC MOTOR
Authors: Derkachev Sergey
Published: April 2022

The paper presents the results of research aimed at identifying the asynchronous mode of excited syn-chronous electric motors and their safety and stability. It is proposed to identify the asynchronous mode using a power polynomial from the ratio of the degrees of active and reactive power, determined from measured instantaneous values of currents and stator voltages of a synchronous electric motor. It is proposed to control the excitation system of a synchro-nous motor by cyclically switching the excitation winding to an additional resistance or an exciter based on a criterion rep-resenting the derivative of the power polynomial from the ratio of the active and reactive powers of the synchronous mo-tor. The proposed methods for detecting the asynchronous mode of excited synchronous motors and controlling the excitation system to ensure successful resynchronization of a synchronous motor without unloading the driven unit can be used in microprocessor-based protection devices for synchronous electric motors. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is confirmed through mathematical modeling.
Princecroft Primary School, Warminster, England
Authors: Harley Anita
Published: April 2022

Princecroft Primary School is a state primary school located in the
rural, historic market town of Warminster in the county of Wiltshire,
England. The school is one form entry and teaches children aged four to
eleven across seven classes. We currently have 175 children on roll with 40%
Free School Meals (FSM), 14% Special Educational Needs (SEN), 5% English as
an Additional Language (EAL). Languages spoken are Polish, Chinese Mandarin,
Bulgarian, Somali, and Bengali. The local deprivation factor is
-0.214.
Authorship practices in educational technology research
Authors: Thompson Kate , Corrin Linda , Lodge Jason M. , Hwang Gwo-Jen
Published: April 2022

Authoring documents and academic articles is a key means by which researchers share new knowledge and is closely tied to academic progression, prestige for individuals and institutions, and continued funding of research. In this editorial we continue our discussion around ensuring quality research and publication practices, with a focus on authorship. There are concerning trends emerging around practices in relation to authorship across the publishing landscape. In the field of educational technology research, projects can involve teams of people in a variety of roles. This can result in a particular risk, that important contributions of learning designers and technologists are overlooked, despite their involvement in the creation of the tools tested, or the infrastructure with which we collect data. In this editorial we will consider the importance of authorship, explore the common issues related to how authorship is determined and represented, and relate the debate currently in play across different disciplines around authorship to our context of educational technology research. We will conclude by introducing our revised guidelines for authorship at AJET.
Polityka migracyjna Republiki Federalnej Niemiec
Authors: Podraza Marek
Published: April 2022

Efektywne zarządzanie ruchami migracyjnymi jest celem każdego państwa mierzącego się z problematyką napływu cudzoziemców. Republika Federalna Niemiec budowę swojej polityki migracyjnej rozpoczęła po zakończeniu II wojny światowej. Początkowo nastawiona była ona na rekrutację obcokrajowców z państw trzecich, aby uzupełnić braki kadrowe w sektorach zdominowanych przez nisko wykwalifikowanych pracowników. W miarę upływu czasu przechodziła ona transformację, stawiając na tzw. specjalistów. W ciągu 70 lat Niemcy stały się jedną z najsilniejszych gospodarek na świecie, która zgodnie z raportem OECD jest drugim najpopularniejszym kierunkiem docelowym dzisiejszych migracji. Niewątpliwie prawdziwym sprawdzianem dla niemieckiej polityki migracyjnej był kryzys migracyjny, zapoczątkowany Arabską Wiosną. Tylko w 2015 r. do Niemiec dotarło 1,1 mln imigrantów, a blisko połowa z nich złożyła wniosek o przyznanie azylu. Początkowa otwartość w pewnym momencie przerosła możliwości RFN. Mając na uwadze coraz większe problemy demograficzne Niemiec, obecna sytuacja może pozytywnie wpłynąć na rozwój gospodarczy tego państwa, szczególnie gdy weźmiemy pod uwagę dotychczasową skuteczną politykę integracyjną. Czy tak się stanie, zależy przede wszystkim od dalszych decyzji niemieckich władz w tym zakresie.
Interes publiczny w przymusowej restrukturyzacji
Authors: Dorociak Michał
Published: April 2022

Procedura przymusowej restrukturyzacji została wprowadzona do polskiego porządku prawnego przez ustawę z 10 czerwca 2016 r. o Bankowym Funduszu Gwarancyjnym, systemie gwarantowania depozytów oraz przymusowej restrukturyzacji. Niemniej, dopiero trzy i pół roku po wejściu w życie tej ustawy doszło do pierwszego przypadku wszczęcia wyżej wskazanego postępowania wobec Podkarpackiego Banku Spółdzielczego w Sanoku. Trzy miesiące później postępowanie to zostało uruchomiono po raz drugi – wobec Banku Spółdzielczego w Przemkowie. Te pierwsze dwa przypadki zastosowania przymusowej restrukturyzacji przez Bankowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny pozwalają na dokonanie wstępnej analizy dopiero rozwijającej się praktyki decyzyjnej organu w tej materii. Spod analizy wyłączona zostanie decyzja BFG ws. przymusowej restrukturyzacji Idea Bank S.A., która ze względu na znacznie większe znaczenie tego banku dla polskiego systemu finansowego zasługuje na oddzielne omówienie. Artykuł skupia się w szczególności na zbadaniu podejścia BFG do przesłanki interesu publicznego, której spełnienie zgodnie z art. 101 ust. 7 pkt 3) uBFG jest warunkiem uruchomienia przymusowej restrukturyzacji. Przesłanka ta ma kluczowe znaczenie dla ochrony praw posiadaczy praw właścicielskich i wierzycieli podmiotu w restrukturyzacji, które ulegają poważnemu ograniczeniu w trakcie przymusowej restrukturyzacji mogącej prowadzić nawet do umorzenia instrumentów właścicielskich i części zobowiązań. Zapewnienie, że organ nie interpretuje tej przesłanki zbyt szeroko jest z perspektywy praw jednostki bardzo ważne. W artykule po krótce omówiona została procedura przymusowej restrukturyzacji. Następnie w sposób bardziej szczegółowy opisano przesłankę interesu publicznego. W części trzeciej przeanalizowane zostało podejście BFG do interesu publicznego w ww. dwóch postępowaniach ws. przymusowej restrukturyzacji.
Robust and budget-constrained encoding configurations for in-memory database systems
Authors: Boissier Martin
Published: April 2022

Data encoding has been applied to database systems for decades as it mitigates bandwidth bottlenecks and reduces storage requirements. But even in the presence of these advantages, most in-memory database systems use data encoding only conservatively as the negative impact on runtime performance can be severe. Real-world systems with large parts being infrequently accessed and cost efficiency constraints in cloud environments require solutions that automatically and efficiently select encoding techniques, including heavy-weight compression. In this paper, we introduce workload-driven approaches to automaticaly determine memory budget-constrained encoding configurations using greedy heuristics and linear programming. We show for TPC-H, TPC-DS, and the Join Order Benchmark that optimized encoding configurations can reduce the main memory footprint significantly without a loss in runtime performance over state-of-the-art dictionary encoding. To yield robust selections, we extend the linear programming-based approach to incorporate query runtime constraints and mitigate unexpected performance regressions.
New query optimization techniques in the Spark engine of Azure synapse
Authors: Modi Abhishek , Rajan Kaushik , Thimmaiah Srinivas , Jain Prakhar , Mann Swinky , Agarwal Ayushi , Shetty Ajith , I Shahid K , Gosalia Ashit , Sarthi Partho
Published: April 2022

The cost of big-data query execution is dominated by stateful operators. These include
sort
and
hash-aggregate
that typically materialize intermediate data in memory, and
exchange
that materializes data to disk and transfers data over the network. In this paper we focus on several query optimization techniques that reduce the cost of these operators. First, we introduce a novel exchange placement algorithm that improves the state-of-the-art and significantly reduces the amount of data exchanged. The algorithm simultaneously minimizes the number of exchanges required and maximizes computation reuse via multi-consumer exchanges. Second, we introduce three partial push-down optimizations that push down partial computation derived from existing operators (
group-bys
,
intersections
and
joins
) below these stateful operators. While these optimizations are generically applicable we find that two of these optimizations (
partial aggregate and partial semi-join push-down
) are only beneficial in the scale-out setting where
exchanges
are a bottleneck. We propose novel extensions to existing literature to perform more aggressive partial push-downs than the state-of-the-art and also specialize them to the big-data setting. Finally we propose peephole optimizations that specialize the implementation of stateful operators to their input parameters. All our optimizations are implemented in the spark engine that powers azure synapse. We evaluate their impact on TPCDS and demonstrate that they make our engine 1.8X faster than Apache Spark 3.0.1.
AutoCTS
Authors: Wu Xinle , Zhang Dalin , Guo Chenjuan , He Chaoyang , Yang Bin , Jensen Christian S.
Published: April 2022

Correlated time series (CTS) forecasting plays an essential role in many cyber-physical systems, where multiple sensors emit time series that capture interconnected processes. Solutions based on deep learning that deliver state-of-the-art CTS forecasting performance employ a variety of spatio-temporal (ST) blocks that are able to model temporal dependencies and spatial correlations among time series. However, two challenges remain. First, ST-blocks are designed manually, which is time consuming and costly. Second, existing forecasting models simply stack the same ST-blocks multiple times, which limits the model potential. To address these challenges, we proposeAutoCTSthat is able to automatically identify highly competitive ST-blocks as well as forecasting models with heterogeneous ST-blocks connected using diverse topologies, as opposed to the same ST-blocks connected using simple stacking. Specifically, we design both a micro and a macro search space to model possible architectures of ST-blocks and the connections among heterogeneous ST-blocks, and we provide a search strategy that is able to jointly explore the search spaces to identify optimal forecasting models. Extensive experiments on eight commonly used CTS forecasting benchmark datasets justify our design choices and demonstrate thatAutoCTSis capable of automatically discovering forecasting models that outperform state-of-the-art human-designed models.
Replicated layout for in-memory database systems
Authors: Sudhir Sivaprasad , Cafarella Michael , Madden Samuel
Published: April 2022

Scanning and filtering are the foundations of analytical database systems. Modern DBMSs employ a variety of techniques to partition and layout data to improve the performance of these operations. To accelerate query performance, systems tune data layout to reduce the cost of accessing and processing data. However, these layouts optimize for the average query, and with heterogeneous data access patterns in parts of the data, their performance degrades. To mitigate this, we present CopyRight, a layout-aware partial replication engine that replicates parts of the data differently and lays out each replica differently to maximize the overall query performance. Across a range of real-world query workloads, CopyRight is able to achieve 1.1X to 7.9X faster performance than the best non-replicated layout with 0.25X space overhead. When compared to full table replication with 100% overhead, CopyRight attains the same or up to 5.2X speedup with 25% space overhead.
Detection of subarachnoid haemorrhage with spectrophotometry of cerebrospinal fluid – a comparison of two methods
Authors: Clarin Marcus , Petersson Annika , Zetterberg Henrik , Ekblom Kim
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Spectrophotometric absorption curve analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for oxyhaemoglobin and bilirubin is necessary to accurately diagnose subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in patients with typical symptoms but with negative findings on X-ray examinations. In this study, we evaluated the performance of two methods for interpreting absorption curves; one method from the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UK-NEQAS) and the other from the national quality assurance programme in Sweden (Equalis).

Methods

Consecutive absorbance curves (n=336) were interpreted with two different methods, and their performance was compared to the diagnosis as stated in the patient records.

Results

The UK-NEQAS method displayed equal sensitivity to the Equalis method, but the specificity of the UK-NEQAS method was significantly higher than the Equalis method resulting in fewer false positive results. For UK-NEQAS, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 84.6% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.7% were observed, whereas the Equalis method had a PPV of 27.5% and an NPV of 99.7%.

Conclusions

The semi-automated method based on the guidelines from UK-NEQAS provides an efficient and correct interpretation of absorbance curves with short turn-around times. We propose using this method for the routine interpretation of CSF spectrophotometric curves.
A triple band pattern reconfigurable planar antenna for 5G applications
Authors: Saritha Vanka , Prasanna Pechetti Divya Naga Sai , Chandrasekhar Chakali , Jhansi Rani Areti , Venkateswararao Manikonda
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a triple-band planar antenna with diverse radiation patterns. The proposed planar antenna is a modified swastika shape with three fingers and the ground plane is a circle with rectangular slots etched on four sides radially. The slotted ground plane is loaded with Four PIN diodes to realign the surface current. Pattern reconfigurability is achieved at the triple bands by changing the states of the diode. The antenna operates in triple bands centered at 2.2, 2.9 and 3.5 GHz. The antenna is printed on FR4 Epoxy substrate. The simulated reflection coefficient is well below −10dB at resonant frequencies. The measured patterns and return loss are in very close agreement with the simulated results. This antenna can find potential applications in 5G systems.
The Early Neolithic Cultural Transformation in the Targowisko Settlement Region, SE Poland
Authors: Kadrow Sławomir , Forysiak Jacek , Okupny Daniel , Saile Thomas , Posselt Martin , Rauba-Bukowska Anna , Wąs Marcin , Twardy Juliusz , Golański Adam , Abramów Joanna
Published: April 2022

The aim of the article is to characterize the early Neolithic settlement region of Targowisko in SE Poland. It is located on the northern edge of the Western Carpathians, 30 km east of Krakow. It functioned during the development of the entire Linear Pottery culture (LBK) and the subsequent Malice culture (MC), in the period from 5300 to 4500 BC. The focus was on the cultural transformation at the turn of the 6th to the 5th millennium BC. Cases of decisive cultural change (e. g. forms and ornamentation of ceramics, dwellings construction, directions of the supply of stone materials, the organization of inhabited space) and cases of continuity (elements of ceramics technology and flint production, continuation of settlement processes and subsistence strategy) were recorded. Cultural change is best represented by the symbolic realm and continuity in the utilitarian realm. These processes were projected onto a reconstructed, dynamic picture of environmental changes recorded in the palynological and geochemical material. Impulses from various cultural environments contributed to the formation of the MC, which proves its heterogeneous character and the complicated course of its genesis.
Association Between Physical Functioning and Time Until a New Hospitalization in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Silva Anderson Martins , Pereira Daniele Sirineu , Torres Juliana Lustosa , de Souza Maria Geracina , de Carvalho Darlene Graciele , Kosour Carolina , Viana Joana Ude , da Silva Silvia Lanziotti Azevedo
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose:

Physical functioning refers to the ability to independently perform activities that require physical ability, and may be an important tool for predicting a higher risk of hospitalization. The objective of this study was to verify whether aspects of physical functioning are independently associated with the risk for new hospitalization in older adults seen in primary health care.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study consisted of 473 older adults 60 years and older who had not been hospitalized in the prior year. Hospitalization records were obtained with authorization from the hospital admission. Depending on physical functioning, the probability of a new hospital admission within the next 5 years was determined based on survival analysis and the Kaplan-Meier curve. Physical functioning was evaluated using 5 easy-to-administer tests: handgrip strength using a Jamar dynamometer, functional performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery, balance using the step test, mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed using the 4-m walk test. The association between poor physical functioning and new hospitalization was verified using a Cox regression model, adjusted for sex, age, number of comorbidities, number of medications, and BMI. Models were implemented separately for each physical functioning test.

Results:

In the sample, 32% had been hospitalized at least once in 5 years. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed a decrease in the probability of nonhospitalization within the next 5 years. Cox regression analysis showed an association between hospitalization within the next 5 years and mobility on the TUG test of more than 12.4 seconds in the crude (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.10-1.60) and adjusted models (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.02-1.56), and balance using the step test of more than 7.5 seconds in the crude (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.03-1.56) model.

Conclusions:

Physical functioning tests demonstrated that poor physical performance predicts new hospitalization, and reinforced the importance of their application in physical therapy practice in primary health care settings.
A Review on Melt Flow Index Characteristics of Polylactide (PLA) for Recycle Use in 3-D Printing
Authors: Wu M. Y. T. , Mak S. L. , Tang W. F. , Li C. H. , Chan T. W.
Published: April 2022

Plastic wastage is one of the major environmental pollution problems. The method for manipulating such wastage has become a challenging work in recent decades. This paper reviews the usages of plastic materials and possible recycling methods in the field of additive manufacturing. Recently, fused deposition modeling (FDM), which applies the thermoplastic filaments as the basic material for printing 3-D objects directly without using traditional molding techniques, has been widely adopted, especially in the education industries. The feasibility study of applying recycled polylactide or polylactic acid (PLA) as an alternative feedstock for FDM has been conducted. Melt flow index is one of the important factors that affects the setup of operation parameters of 3-D printers. The objective of this paper is to provide the foundation for possible further studies on the application of recycled polymeric material in 3-D printing. A review of injection characteristics of PLA studies that are related to the melt flow index has been addressed. Methods for improving the printing performance of using recycled PLA filament in 3-D printers are also proposed in this paper.